Optical reader with ultraviolet wavelength capability
First Claim
1. An optical reader for reading a bar code having ultraviolet-wavelength-responsive properties, the reader comprising:
- an ultraviolet light source for generating ultraviolet light having a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays for illuminating a target region;
a photodetector for generating output electrical signals indicative of light incident thereon having a wavelength within a predetermined range of wavelengths;
an optical system having a projection portion for directing the ultraviolet light along a projection path extending from the ultraviolet light source to the target region, a collection portion for collecting light at a first wavelength received from a bar code when the bar code occupies the target region and for delivering light having a second wavelength along a collection path extending from the target region to the photodetector; and
a decoder receiving the output electrical signals of the photodetector and producing in response thereto electrical signals indicative of information encoded in the bar code.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An optical reader is provided for reading a bar code having ultraviolet-wavelength-responsive properties. The optical reader includes an ultraviolet light source, a photodetector, an optical system and a decoder. The ultraviolet light source generates ultraviolet light having a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays for illuminating a target region. The photodetector generates output electrical signals indicative of light incident thereon having a wavelength within a predetermined range of wavelengths. The optical system includes a projection portion and a collection portion. The projection portion directs the ultraviolet light along a projection path extending from the ultraviolet light source to the target region. The collection portion collects the light from a bar code when the bar code occupies the target region and directs the collected light along a collection path extending from the target region to the photodetector. The decoder receives the output electrical signals of the photodetector and produces, in response thereto, electrical signals indicative of information encoded in the bar code.
241 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An optical reader for reading a bar code having ultraviolet-wavelength-responsive properties, the reader comprising:
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an ultraviolet light source for generating ultraviolet light having a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays for illuminating a target region;
a photodetector for generating output electrical signals indicative of light incident thereon having a wavelength within a predetermined range of wavelengths;
an optical system having a projection portion for directing the ultraviolet light along a projection path extending from the ultraviolet light source to the target region, a collection portion for collecting light at a first wavelength received from a bar code when the bar code occupies the target region and for delivering light having a second wavelength along a collection path extending from the target region to the photodetector; and
a decoder receiving the output electrical signals of the photodetector and producing in response thereto electrical signals indicative of information encoded in the bar code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
a modulator receiving the electrical signals indicative of information encoded in the bar code from the decoder and producing a modulated output signal indicative of the information encoded in the bar code; and
a transmitter for transmitting the modulated output signal from the optical reader.
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16. An optical reader in accordance with claim 15, wherein the transmitter transmits output signals having radio frequency (RF) wavelengths.
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17. An optical reader in accordance with claim 15, wherein the transmitter transmits output signals having infrared (IR) wavelengths.
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18. A method of scanning a bar code having ultraviolet-wavelength-responsive properties, comprising the steps of:
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illuminating the bar code with ultraviolet light having a wavelength-shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays, thereby causing a light-producing response of the bar code;
collecting the light reflected at a first wavelength resulting from the light-producing response of the bar code when the bar code occupies a target region;
delivering light having a second wavelength to a photodetector in response to the step of collecting;
generating output electrical signals indicative of the delivered light having a second wavelength incident on the photodetector;
directing the output electrical signals of the photodetector to a decoder; and
decoding the output electrical signals of the photodetector to produce electrical signals indicative of information encoded in the bar code. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification