Bar code scanner utilizing time-multiplexed scan lines
First Claim
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1. A bar code reader, comprising:
- a) a scanning light beam generator for producing two scan patterns to successively impinge on a bar code symbol to be read;
b) a controller for successively activating the generator to produce the scan patterns at different times;
c) a photodetector for generating an electrical signal responsive to light reflected from the symbol by each of the scan patterns at each of said times;
d) a decoder for decoding the electrical signal from at least one of the scan patterns into data corresponding to the symbol being read; and
e) a switching circuit for alternately switching to the decoder each electrical signal generated by the photodetector in response to light reflected from the symbol by the scan patterns.
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Abstract
A bar code reader and method of reading a bar code symbol successively generates scan patterns at different times on the symbol. Preferably, two light sources are alternately energized to alternately produce two scan lines across the symbol. Each scan line reflects light from the symbol. The reflected light is detected by a photodetector which, in turn, generates an electrical signal. This signal is decoded into data corresponding to the symbol.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A bar code reader, comprising:
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a) a scanning light beam generator for producing two scan patterns to successively impinge on a bar code symbol to be read; b) a controller for successively activating the generator to produce the scan patterns at different times; c) a photodetector for generating an electrical signal responsive to light reflected from the symbol by each of the scan patterns at each of said times; d) a decoder for decoding the electrical signal from at least one of the scan patterns into data corresponding to the symbol being read; and e) a switching circuit for alternately switching to the decoder each electrical signal generated by the photodetector in response to light reflected from the symbol by the scan patterns. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A bar code reader, comprising:
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a) a scanning light beam generator for producing two scan patterns to successively impinge on a bar code symbol to be read; b) a controller for successively activating the generator to multiplex the scan patterns at different times; c) a photodetector for generating electrical signals responsive to light reflected from the symbol by the time-multiplexed scan patterns at said times; and d) a decoder including a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the electrical signals to recover a separate electrical signal for each scan pattern, and operative for decoding the recovered electrical signal from at least one of the scan patterns into data corresponding to the symbol being read. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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13. A method of reading a bar code symbol, comprising the steps of:
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a) producing two scan patterns to successively impinge on the symbol to be read; b) successively generating the scan patterns at different times by time-multiplexing the scan patterns; c) generating electrical signals responsive to light reflected from the symbol by time-multiplexed scan patterns at said times; and d) demultiplexing the electrical signals to recover a separate electrical signal for each scan pattern, and decoding the recovered electrical signal from at least one of the scan patterns into data corresponding to the symbol being read.
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Specification