Laser power control arrangements in electro-optical readers
First Claim
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1. A laser power control arrangement in a reader for electro-optically reading indicia, comprising:
- a) an energizable laser for emitting a laser beam to the indicia for reflection therefrom;
b) a photodetector for detecting light reflected by the indicia during a reading mode, and for generating an electrical signal having a reading amplitude indicative of the light detected by the photodetector;
c) a microcontroller for comparing the reading amplitude with a maximum amplitude, and for generating a control signal when the reading amplitude differs from the maximum amplitude by a predetermined amount; and
d) a circuit for deenergizing the laser upon generation of the control signal.
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Abstract
Laser power control arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of an over-power condition not conforming to preestablished standards to meet prevalent safety standards.
73 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A laser power control arrangement in a reader for electro-optically reading indicia, comprising:
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a) an energizable laser for emitting a laser beam to the indicia for reflection therefrom; b) a photodetector for detecting light reflected by the indicia during a reading mode, and for generating an electrical signal having a reading amplitude indicative of the light detected by the photodetector; c) a microcontroller for comparing the reading amplitude with a maximum amplitude, and for generating a control signal when the reading amplitude differs from the maximum amplitude by a predetermined amount; and d) a circuit for deenergizing the laser upon generation of the control signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A laser power control method, comprising the steps of:
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a) energizing a laser to emit a laser beam to a light-reflecting source for reflection therefrom during a calibration mode; b) detecting light reflected by the source during the calibration mode, and generating an electrical signal having a maximum amplitude indicative of the light detected during the calibration mode; c) energizing the laser to emit the laser beam to indicia to be electro-optically read for reflection therefrom during a reading mode; d) detecting light reflected by the indicia during the reading mode, and generating an electrical signal having a reading amplitude indicative of the light detected during the reading mode; e) comparing the reading amplitude with the maximum amplitude, and generating a control signal when the reading amplitude differs from the maximum amplitude by a predetermined amount; and f) deenergizing the laser upon generation of the control signal. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification