Chromatic ranging method and apparatus for reading optically readable information over a substantial range of distances
First Claim
1. An apparatus for focusing an image of optical information over a substantial range of distances, comprising:
- (a) a housing having an opening for facing optical information;
(b) optical means, disposed in said housing, for refracting images of optical information of varying wavelengths to different focal points along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined reading position;
(c) illumination means for sequentially illuminating optical information with light of different wavelengths;
(d) reading sensor means, disposed at said predetermined reading position and having a light receiving plane, for converting an image of optical information into an electrical signal;
(e) control means for determining and decoding the reflected light image formed by that wavelength of light from said illumination means which produces the best focus; and
(f) means for producing a digital information set corresponding to the image of said optical information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus for reading optical information over a substantial range of distances provides an optical string, disposed in a housing, for refracting images of optical information of varying wavelengths to different focal points along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined reading position. Adjacent the housing, and directed along the longitudinal axis of a housing opening and the optical string, is an illumination source for illuminating optical information with light. Also included is a reading sensor having a light receiving plane disposed at a predetermined reading position behind the optical string for converting an image of optical information into an electrical signal. A control system is also provided for determining and decoding the reflected light image formed by that wavelength of light received from the illumination source which produces the best focus on the light receiving plane of the reading sensor. Finally, an apparatus is also provided for producing a digital information set corresponding to the image of optical information focused by the optical string onto the receiving plane of the reading sensor.
175 Citations
9 Claims
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1. An apparatus for focusing an image of optical information over a substantial range of distances, comprising:
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(a) a housing having an opening for facing optical information; (b) optical means, disposed in said housing, for refracting images of optical information of varying wavelengths to different focal points along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined reading position; (c) illumination means for sequentially illuminating optical information with light of different wavelengths; (d) reading sensor means, disposed at said predetermined reading position and having a light receiving plane, for converting an image of optical information into an electrical signal; (e) control means for determining and decoding the reflected light image formed by that wavelength of light from said illumination means which produces the best focus; and (f) means for producing a digital information set corresponding to the image of said optical information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification