Image-based graphical code reader device with multi-functional optical element and converging laser targeting

• US 6,619,547 B2
• Filed: 04/30/2002
• Issued: 09/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The Code Corporation (Brady Corporation)
• Original Assignee: The Code Corporation (Brady Corporation)
• Inventors: Powell, George, Hyde, Ryan, Lewis, Collin, Crowther, Blake
• Primary Examiner(s): Pitts, Harold I.
• Application Number:
  US10/135,198
• Publication Number:
  US 20020170965A1
• Time in Patent Office: 504 Days
• Field of Search: 235/454, 235/472.01
• US Class Current: 235/454
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 constructional details of hand-held scanners

Abstract

A graphical code reader is disclosed. The graphical code reader includes control circuitry for the graphical code reader and a multi-functional optical element in electronic communication with the control circuitry. The multi-functional optical element includes a support structure and a monolithic imaging lens and target generating mechanism operably connected to the support structure. The imaging lens and target generating mechanism includes a lens and targeting structures for generating converging offset beams to feedback proper target distance. Laser diodes are positioned by the support structure such that laser light from the diodes is directed through the targeting structures to generate the converging offset beams. An imaging board is connected to the support structure. An imager is mounted to the imaging board and positioned to obtain an image from the lens.

Claims

1. A multi-functional optical element for use in a graphical code reader, the multi-functional optical element comprising:

a support structure;

a monolithic imaging lens and target generating mechanism operably connected to the support structure, wherein the imaging lens and target generating mechanism includes a lens and targeting structures for generating converging offset beams to feedback proper target distance;

targeting light sources positioned by the support structure such that light from the targeting light sources is directed through the targeting structures to generate the converging offset beams;

an imaging board connected to the support structure; and

an imager mounted to the imaging board and positioned to obtain an image from the lens.

2. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 further comprising a lens retainer adjacent the monolithic imaging lens and target generating mechanism, wherein the lens retainer includes a plurality of apertures operably positioned to facilitate operation of the monolithic imaging lens and target generating mechanism.

3. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 2 wherein the support structure further comprises a post for connecting the monolithic imaging lens and target generating mechanism and the lens retainer to the support structure.

4. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 wherein the support structure further comprises a plurality of posts for connecting the imaging board to the support structure to align the imager with the optical element.

5. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 wherein the imager is a CMOS device.

6. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises a channel between the imager and the lens.

7. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 wherein the lens focuses the image of a target scanning area on the imager.

8. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 wherein each of the targeting structures comprises a prism.

9. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 wherein each of the targeting structures comprises a collimating lens.

10. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 wherein each of the targeting structures comprises an image generating surface for generating a predetermined targeting image.

11. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 10 wherein the image generating surface comprises a diffractive element.

12. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 wherein each of the targeting structures comprises an image generating surface for generating a predetermined aiming pattern.

13. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 12 wherein the image generating surface comprises a diffractive element.

14. The multi-functional optical element as defined in claim 1 wherein each of the targeting light sources comprises a laser diode.