Optical reader having multiple scanning assemblies with simultaneously decoded outputs
First Claim
1. In an optical reader for reading data optically encoded in a target symbol, said optical reader being of the type which has a read cycle that includes a scanning phase and a decoding phase, in combination:
- a first, imaging scanning assembly for imaging said target symbol and generating a first set of image data;
a second, laser scanning assembly for scanning said target symbol and generating a second set of image data;
image storage means for storing image data generated by said first and second scanning assemblies;
decoding means for decoding image data stored in said image storage means; and
control means for controlling the operation of said first and second scanning assemblies, said image storage means and said decoding means, said control means including a stored program that causes both of said scanning assemblies to scan said target symbol during the scanning phase of said read cycle, and that causes said decoding means to attempt to decode said first and second sets of image data, substantially simultaneously, during the decoding phase of said read cycle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for reading optically encoded symbols which are of types which are not known in advance and which have significantly different illumination and imaging requirements. The apparatus and method use at least two optical scanning assemblies which have different illumination systems, different spatial resolutions and at least partially overlapping depth of field. These optical scanning systems are so located with respect to one another that a target symbol may be read by both scanning assemblies without the apparatus being manually reconfigured or moved during the reading process.
333 Citations
10 Claims
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1. In an optical reader for reading data optically encoded in a target symbol, said optical reader being of the type which has a read cycle that includes a scanning phase and a decoding phase, in combination:
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a first, imaging scanning assembly for imaging said target symbol and generating a first set of image data; a second, laser scanning assembly for scanning said target symbol and generating a second set of image data; image storage means for storing image data generated by said first and second scanning assemblies; decoding means for decoding image data stored in said image storage means; and control means for controlling the operation of said first and second scanning assemblies, said image storage means and said decoding means, said control means including a stored program that causes both of said scanning assemblies to scan said target symbol during the scanning phase of said read cycle, and that causes said decoding means to attempt to decode said first and second sets of image data, substantially simultaneously, during the decoding phase of said read cycle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification