Compact scanner module mountable to pointing instrument
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A data reading system comprisinga pointing instrument constructed in a shape of a handheld writing utensil which may be held in a hand of an operator;
- a scanner module mounted external to the pointing instrument, the scanner module comprisinga housing having a support bracket with a clip to be securely and removably attachable to the pointing instrument,a scanning mechanism including a beam source for producing a beam, a focusing lens for focusing the beam to a desired waist location, and a scanning mirror for scanning the focused beam along at least one axis to produce a scanning beam of at least one scan line,wherein the pointing instrument effects aiming of the scanning beam toward an object to be scanned by pointing the pointing instrument at the object,a scanner module mounted to the pointing instrument, the scanner module comprisinga housing having a support bracket with a clip to be securely and removably attachable to the pointing instrument,a scanning mechanism including a beam source for producing a beam, a focusing lens for focusing the beam to a desired waist location, and a scanning mirror for scanning the focused beam along at least one axis to produce a scanning beam of at least one scan line,wherein the pointing instrument effects aiming of the scanning beam toward an object to be scanned by pointing the pointing instrument at the object.
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for scanning items with a compact scanner which is mountable onto and/or integral with a pointing instrument. The scanner module may be equipped with an aiming beam for additional help in directing the scan line toward the object to be read. The pointing instrument may be a pen or pencil or alternately a pen-based computer stylus for use with an integrated data terminal module operably connected to the scanner module. Security for preventing separation of the module may be provided by a wireless link.
126 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A data reading system comprising
a pointing instrument constructed in a shape of a handheld writing utensil which may be held in a hand of an operator; -
a scanner module mounted external to the pointing instrument, the scanner module comprising a housing having a support bracket with a clip to be securely and removably attachable to the pointing instrument, a scanning mechanism including a beam source for producing a beam, a focusing lens for focusing the beam to a desired waist location, and a scanning mirror for scanning the focused beam along at least one axis to produce a scanning beam of at least one scan line, wherein the pointing instrument effects aiming of the scanning beam toward an object to be scanned by pointing the pointing instrument at the object, a scanner module mounted to the pointing instrument, the scanner module comprising a housing having a support bracket with a clip to be securely and removably attachable to the pointing instrument, a scanning mechanism including a beam source for producing a beam, a focusing lens for focusing the beam to a desired waist location, and a scanning mirror for scanning the focused beam along at least one axis to produce a scanning beam of at least one scan line, wherein the pointing instrument effects aiming of the scanning beam toward an object to be scanned by pointing the pointing instrument at the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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10. A data reading system comprising
a pointing instrument which may be held in a hand of an operator; -
a scanner module mounted to the pointing instrument, the scanner module comprising a beam source, a focusing lens for focusing the beam to a desired waist location, a scanning mirror for scanning the focused beam along at least one axis to produce a scanning beam of at least one scan line, and a detector for detecting light reflected and/or scattered off the object being scanned, wherein the pointing instrument effects aiming of the scanning beam toward an object to be scanned by pointing the pointing instrument at the object, wherein the scanning mechanism comprises a fixed member, a frame member pivotally mounted to the fixed member, a scanning mirror mounted on the frame member, the frame member being pivotally mounted on bearings to allow the frame member to pivot about a pivoting axis a few degrees in at least two opposite directions, first and second permanent magnets positioned on the frame member on opposite sides of the pivoting axis, a first electromagnet mounted to the fixed member proximate the first permanent magnet and a second electro-magnet mounted to the fixed member proximate the second permanent magnet, wherein the first permanent magnet is respectively attracted or repelled to the respective first electro-magnets as a flow of current applied to the electro-magnet is allowed to alternate at a desired frequency.
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Specification