Aiming beam system for optical data reading device
First Claim
1. An aiming system for an optical data reading device, comprising:
- a light source generating an optical beam along an outgoing optical path toward an object to be scanned;
a detector for detecting light reflected off the object;
a scan mirror in the outgoing optical path directing light toward the object along a scan plane; and
a diffractive optical module positioned in the outgoing optical path adjacent the scan mirror, the diffractive optical module comprising;
a pair of diffractive optical elements separated by an aperture, the diffractive optical elements positioned on either side of the aperture along the scan plane, each diffractive optical element de-scanning the portion of the optical beam passing therethrough to form an aiming light beam.
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Abstract
An optical scanning system including an aiming system which is particularly suitable for handheld scanners where the outgoing light is scanned over a desired angle in a scan plane. The aiming system includes a light source generating an optical beam along an outgoing optical path toward an object to be scanned; a detector for detecting light reflected off the object; an oscillating scan mirror in the outgoing optical path directing light toward the object along a scan plane; and a diffractive optical module positioned in the outgoing optical path adjacent the scan mirror, the diffractive optical module having a pair of diffractive optical elements separated by an aperture, the diffractive optical elements positioned on either side of an aperture along the scan plane, each diffractive optical element de-scanning the portion of the optical beam passing therethrough to form an aiming light beam.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An aiming system for an optical data reading device, comprising:
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a light source generating an optical beam along an outgoing optical path toward an object to be scanned; a detector for detecting light reflected off the object; a scan mirror in the outgoing optical path directing light toward the object along a scan plane; and a diffractive optical module positioned in the outgoing optical path adjacent the scan mirror, the diffractive optical module comprising; a pair of diffractive optical elements separated by an aperture, the diffractive optical elements positioned on either side of the aperture along the scan plane, each diffractive optical element de-scanning the portion of the optical beam passing therethrough to form an aiming light beam. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of aiming a scanning system for optically reading data on a target object, comprising the steps of:
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(a) generating an optical beam along an outgoing optical path; (b) creating a scanning optical beam along a scan plane; and (c) aiming the scanning optical beam by the steps of; (i) passing only a portion of the scanning optical beam through at least one diffractive optical element positioned along the scan plane, (ii) de-scanning the portion of the scanning optical beam passing therethrough to form an aiming light beam travelling generally parallel to the outgoing optical path, and (iii) forming an aiming spot on the target object with the aiming light beam; and (d) detecting light reflected or scattered off the target object. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for data reading comprising the steps of:
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(a) generating an optical beam along an outgoing optical path toward an object to be read; (b) scanning the optical beam over a scan angle; (c) de-scanning a first portion of the scanning optical beam to form a first aiming beam; (d) using the first aiming beam as a guide to direct the scanning optical beam on the object. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification