Scan pattern generators for bar code symbol readers
First Claim
Patent Images
1. In a scanner for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, an arrangement for scanning the indicia, comprising:
- (a) a scanner component;
(b) holder means for mounting the component for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and
(c) a read-start means for simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia, whereinthe holder means includes first and second vibratory means positioned to vibrate in two orthogonal planes and to cooperate for angular oscillating movement of the component in first and second orthogonal scan directions;
the read-start means includes an electrically-operated actuator operative, when actuated, for simultaneously vibrating the first and second vibratory means to angularly oscillate the component in the first and second orthogonal scan directions; and
the actuator includes an electromagnetic coil having a passage, and a magnet mounted on one of the vibratory means and movable into and out of the passage during actuation of the coil.
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Abstract
A scan pattern generator for use in a bar code reader which uses a single drive (one coil and one magnet) to produce movement of a reflective surface so as to produce an oscillating movement of the surface in two directions, thereby forming a raster-type scanning pattern when a light beam is reflected off the surface.
72 Citations
39 Claims
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1. In a scanner for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, an arrangement for scanning the indicia, comprising:
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(a) a scanner component; (b) holder means for mounting the component for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and (c) a read-start means for simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia, wherein the holder means includes first and second vibratory means positioned to vibrate in two orthogonal planes and to cooperate for angular oscillating movement of the component in first and second orthogonal scan directions; the read-start means includes an electrically-operated actuator operative, when actuated, for simultaneously vibrating the first and second vibratory means to angularly oscillate the component in the first and second orthogonal scan directions; and the actuator includes an electromagnetic coil having a passage, and a magnet mounted on one of the vibratory means and movable into and out of the passage during actuation of the coil. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. In a scanner for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, an arrangement for scanning the indicia, comprising:
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(a) a scanner component; (b) holder means for mounting the component for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and (c) a read-start means for simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia, wherein the holder means includes first and second vibratory means positioned to vibrate in two orthogonal planes and to cooperate for angular oscillating movement of the component in first and second orthogonal scan directions; the read-start means includes an electrically-operated actuator operative, when actuated, for simultaneously vibrating the first and second vibratory means to angularly oscillate the component in the first and second orthogonal scan directions; and said first and second vibrating means are positioned to vibrate at a frequency ratio to effect a Lissajous scan pattern over the indicia. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, comprising the steps of:
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(a) mounting a scanner component on a holder means for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and (b) simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia;
whereinthe step of moving the component includes vibrating the component in the first scan direction at a high range of frequencies and vibrating the component in the second direction at a low range of frequencies to thereby effect a raster-type scan pattern over the indicia in response to a driving signal applied to a coil connected to the component comprising a superposition of a first signal having a frequency within said high range and a second signal having a frequency within said low range.
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15. An apparatus for scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia and collecting reflected light returning from said indicia, comprising:
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a scanner component; a holder for supporting the scanner component while enabling said component to oscillate in first and second planes; wherein said holder includes at least first and second spring elements having (1) a common end interconnected and lying in a common plane and (2) opposite free ends lying in respective non-parallel planes, said scanner component being mounted to the free end of one of said spring elements; and means for imparting movement to said scanner component to effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. An apparatus for scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia and collecting reflected light returning from said indicia, comprising:
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a scanner component; a holder for supporting the scanner component while enabling said component to oscillate in first and second planes; wherein said holder includes at least first and second arcuate leaf spring elements having an interconnected end and opposite free ends, said scanner component being mounted to the free end of only one of said spring elements; and means for imparting movement to said scanner component to effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification