Split optics focusing apparatus for CCD-based bar code scanner
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A bar code scanner comprising:
- a) a focusing energy source for generating a focusing energy beam of a given configuration;
b) a radiant energy source for generating a radiant energy for illuminating a bar code to be scanned,c) a detector for generating output electrical signals indicative of said radiant energy incident thereon;
d) an optical system having1) a focus portion for transmitting segments of said focusing energy beam in separate optical paths extending from said scanner to said bar code and2) a scan portion for collecting said radiant energy incident on said bar code and applying said collected radiant energy to said detector; and
e) a decoder for decoding said output electrical signals of said detector to provide indication of information contained in said bar code.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bar code scanner comprises a radiant energy source for generating a radiant energy beam of a given configuration, a detector for generating output electrical signals indicative of radiant energy incident thereon, an optical system having a focus portion for transmitting segments of the radiant energy beam in separate optical paths extending from the scanner to a bar code to be scanned and a scan portion for collecting radiant energy transmitted by the focus portion as modified by the bar code and applying the same to the detector and a decoder for decoding the output electrical signals of the detector to provide indication of information contained in the bar code.
56 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A bar code scanner comprising:
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a) a focusing energy source for generating a focusing energy beam of a given configuration; b) a radiant energy source for generating a radiant energy for illuminating a bar code to be scanned, c) a detector for generating output electrical signals indicative of said radiant energy incident thereon; d) an optical system having 1) a focus portion for transmitting segments of said focusing energy beam in separate optical paths extending from said scanner to said bar code and 2) a scan portion for collecting said radiant energy incident on said bar code and applying said collected radiant energy to said detector; and e) a decoder for decoding said output electrical signals of said detector to provide indication of information contained in said bar code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for use in bar code scanning comprising said steps of:
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a) generating a focusing energy beam with a given geometric configuration; b) segmenting said generated focusing energy beam into segments; c) projecting said segments of said generated focusing energy beam onto said bar code; d) moving a scanner housing, in which said generating and segmenting steps are practiced, relative to said bar code; and e) discontinuing moving said scanner housing when it is moved into a position wherein said segments form, on said bar code, said generated focusing energy beam in its given geometric configuration. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A bar code scanner comprising:
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a) a focusing energy source for generating a focusing beam of a circular configuration; b) a radiant energy source for generating a radiant energy for illuminating a bar code to be scanned; c) a detector for generating output electrical signals indicative of said radiant energy incident thereon; d) an optical system having 1) a focus portion for transmitting different half-circles of said focusing beam in separate optical paths extending from said scanner to said bar code, said focus portion comprising first and second focusing energy reflection means respectively disposed to reflect said different half-circles of said focusing beam into first parts of said separate optical paths and 2) a scan portion for collecting said radiant energy incident on said bar code and applying said collected radiant energy to said detector; and e) a decoder for decoding said output electrical signals of said detector to provide indication of information contained in said bar code.
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31. A bar code scanner comprising:
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a) a focusing source for generating a focusing beam of a rectangular configuration; b) a radiant energy source for generating a radiant energy for illuminating a bar code to be scanned; c) a detector for generating output electrical signals indicative of said radiant energy incident thereon; d) an optical system having 1) a focus portion for transmitting different half-rectangles of said focusing beam in separate optical paths extending from said scanner to said bar code, said focus portion comprising first and second focusing energy reflection means respectively disposed to reflect said different half-rectangles of said focusing beam into first parts of said separate optical paths and 2) a scan portion for collecting radiant energy incident on said bar code and applying said collected radiant energy to said detector; and e) a decoder for decoding said output electrical signals of said detector to provide indication of information contained in said bar code.
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32. A bar code scanner comprising:
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a) a focusing source for generating a focusing beam of a circular configuration; b) a radiant energy source for generating a radiant energy for illuminating a bar code to be scanned; c) a detector for generating output electrical signals indicative of said radiant energy incident thereon; d) an optical system having 1) a lens means for converting said circular configuration radiant energy beam into rectangular configuration; 2) a focus portion for transmitting different half-rectangles of said focusing beam in separate optical paths extending from said scanner to said bar code, said focus portion comprising first and second focusing energy reflection means respectively disposed to reflect said different half-rectangles of said focusing beam into first parts of said separate optical paths and 3) a scan portion for collecting radiant energy incident on said bar code and applying said collected radiant energy to said detector; and e) a decoder for decoding said output electrical signals of said detector to provide indication of information contained in said bar code.
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33. A bar code scanner for reading a bar code, said bar code scanner having a split beam focusing mechanism, said bar code scanner comprising:
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a) a single focusing energy source for generating a focusing beam of a known geometrical shape; b) a segmenting optical system for splitting the geometrical shape of said focusing beam into at least two beam segments; and c) a transmitting optical system for recomposing said beam segments at a predetermined distance away from the scanner. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35)
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Specification