SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY READING MULTIPLE FORMS
First Claim
1. An optical reader for processing images from at least two different environments, the optical reader comprising:
- a first environment for receiving a first document or bulk item;
at least a second environment for receiving a second document or bulk itema light source assembly for illuminating the first and the at least second environments;
an optical reader assembly having at least one photo-sensitive surface (imager), constructed to receive an image from the reflected light from each environment, the image from the first environment on a first portion of the photo-sensitive light surface, and the image from the at least second environment on a second portion of the photo-sensitive surface; and
electronics for scanning the photo-sensitive surface and software for decoding information from each image.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An optical reader with a single optical assembly that receives images from at least two different environments. For example, one environment may be constructed in a first chamber into which a document or bulk item with a bar code may be placed. The other environment may be constructed in a second chamber with an active drive mechanism that transports a document with optical readable markings to a reading location. The environments may be separated by a baffle that prevents light from leaking between the environments, and the electronics and software are constructed to read and decode information that is found in the images from both environments either sequentially or simultaneously.
69 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An optical reader for processing images from at least two different environments, the optical reader comprising:
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a first environment for receiving a first document or bulk item; at least a second environment for receiving a second document or bulk item a light source assembly for illuminating the first and the at least second environments; an optical reader assembly having at least one photo-sensitive surface (imager), constructed to receive an image from the reflected light from each environment, the image from the first environment on a first portion of the photo-sensitive light surface, and the image from the at least second environment on a second portion of the photo-sensitive surface; and electronics for scanning the photo-sensitive surface and software for decoding information from each image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A process for reading images from at least two environments, the process comprising the steps of:
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illuminating a first environment; illuminating a second environment; simultaneously reflecting light from both environments onto an optical imager having at least one photo-sensitive surface; and scanning the optical imager and determining the information in the images in the reflected light from both environments. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification