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Digitally controlled system for scanning and reading bar codes

  • US 5,200,597 A
  • Filed: 02/07/1991
  • Issued: 04/06/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/07/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A portable scanner unit for scanning an optical beam across a symbol when pointed toward the symbol for reading data represented by the symbol in response to light returned to said unit which comprises optical assembly means including a light source for producing the optical beam and means for scanning the beam across the symbol, means including a photodetector illuminated by said return light and circuitry for translating the returned light into electrical signals with variable sensitivity of translation, means for varying the sensitivity of said translating means which corresponds to the relationship of the amplitude of said electrical signal to the intensity of said return light illuminating said photodetector, manually actuable means for providing an output upon actuation which is manually variable in magnitude and for operating said light source when said unit is pointed towards said symbol, and control means including a computer for generating a plurality of digital control signals corresponding respectively to a predetermined optical intensity of said beam, the intensity of said returned light, and the magnitude of variable output of said manually actuable means and applying said digital control signals to said optical assembly means and said means for varying the sensitivity of translation of said translating means for controlling with said digital control signals the intensity of the light produced by said lights source, the sensitivity of said translating means to said returned light and the distance over which said scanning means scans the beam across said symbol.

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