Optical image reader having a replaceable optical array panel
First Claim
1. In an image reader having a housing enclosing an image sensor, an adjustable objective lens assembly for focusing an image of a target onto the image sensor and a light source for illuminating and/or targeting the target, an optical element panel adapted to be fixed to the housing, the optical element panel comprising:
- a light shaping optical element array of optical elements fixed on the panel as an integral unit for shaping and directing light onto the target; and
a securing element including;
a first aperture on the panel for receiving the objective lens assembly, the housing including a second aperture associated with the first aperture; and
a plurality of first fingers integrated into the panel and extending from the first aperture, the plurality of first fingers releasably engaged with a plurality of second fingers extending from the second aperture of the housing by a snap engagement for securing the position of the objective lens assembly in the housing when the optical element panel is fixed to the housing, wherein the position of the objective lens assembly in the housing may be changed when the plurality of first fingers are not engaged with the plurality of second fingers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The optical image reader is versatile since it can be assembled for use in a variety of reader applications, such as an ultra high definition reader, a high definition reader, a standard reader and an ultra long range reader. In addition to a housing enclosing an image sensor, an adjustable objective lens assembly for focusing an image of a target on the image sensor and a light source for illuminating and/or targeting the target, the reader includes a light shaping optical element array comprising optical elements assembled together as an integral unit and adapted to be fixed to the housing for shaping and directing light on the target. The optical elements are mounted on a panel, which is adapted to be fixed to the reader housing either permanently, or releasably to permit replacement of the panel on the housing. The method of assembling the image reader comprises the steps of selecting a light shaping optical element array from the variety of optical element arrays for the specific application, adjusting the objective lens assembly for optimum focal length for the specific application, and fixing the light shaping optical element array panel to the image reader housing. The present invention is further directed to a kit for an imaging system. The kit for an imaging system comprises an image reader mounted in a housing and one or more light shaping optical element array panels, each adapted to be releasably attached to the image reader housing.
9 Citations
33 Claims
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1. In an image reader having a housing enclosing an image sensor, an adjustable objective lens assembly for focusing an image of a target onto the image sensor and a light source for illuminating and/or targeting the target, an optical element panel adapted to be fixed to the housing, the optical element panel comprising:
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a light shaping optical element array of optical elements fixed on the panel as an integral unit for shaping and directing light onto the target; and a securing element including; a first aperture on the panel for receiving the objective lens assembly, the housing including a second aperture associated with the first aperture; and a plurality of first fingers integrated into the panel and extending from the first aperture, the plurality of first fingers releasably engaged with a plurality of second fingers extending from the second aperture of the housing by a snap engagement for securing the position of the objective lens assembly in the housing when the optical element panel is fixed to the housing, wherein the position of the objective lens assembly in the housing may be changed when the plurality of first fingers are not engaged with the plurality of second fingers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. In an image reader having a housing enclosing an image sensor, an adjustable objective lens assembly for focusing an image of a target onto the image sensor, a light source for illuminating and/or targeting the target and an optical element panel adapted to be fixed to the housing, the optical element panel comprising a light shaping optical element array of optical elements fixed on the panel as an integral unit for shaping and directing light onto the target, a method of assembling the image reader comprising the steps of:
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selecting an optical element panel comprising a securing element including a first aperture on the optical element panel for receiving the objective lens assembly and a plurality of first fingers integrated into the panel and extending from the first aperture for securing the objective lens assembly in the housing when the optical element panel is fixed to the housing; adjusting the objective lens assembly for optimum focal length for the specific reader; and releasably fixing the optical element panel to the image reader housing, including; sliding the plurality of first fingers over a connector of the housing, the connector of the housing including a second aperture and a plurality of second fingers extending from the second aperture; and engaging the plurality of the first fingers with the plurality of second fingers by a snap movement so that the plurality of first fingers compresses the plurality of second fingers, thereby securing the objective lens assembly in the housing.
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11. A kit for an imaging system comprising:
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an image reader mounted in a housing for imaging a target; and a plurality of optical element panels, each of the optical element panels including; a securing element having; a first aperture on the optical element panel for receiving an objective lens assembly, and a plurality of first fingers integrated into the panel and extending from the first aperture, the plurality of first fingers being releasably engaged with a plurality of second fingers extending from a second aperture of the housing by a snap engagement for securing the objective lens assembly in the housing when the optical element panel is fixed to the housing; and a light shaping optical element array of optical elements fixed to the panel as an integral unit for shaping and directing light onto the target, each optical element panel being adapted to be releasably attached to the image reader housing. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An optical element panel for an image reader comprising:
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a light shaping optical element array of optical elements for shaping and directing sources of light; and a fixing element for assembling an objective lens assembly with the optical element array as an integral unit; the fixing element including; a first aperture on the panel for receiving the objective lens assembly; and a plurality of first fingers integrated into the panel and extending from the first aperture, the plurality of first fingers being releasably engaged with a plurality of second fingers extending from a second aperture of a housing for the image reader by a snap engagement for fixing the optical element panel to the housing thereby securing the objective lens assembly at a predetermined position in the housing. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A housing for an image reader comprising:
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a first aperture to accommodate a barrel of an objective lens assembly; and a connector surrounding the first aperture for cooperating with an optical element panel, the optical element panel including a second aperture for receiving the barrel of the object lens assembly, the connector including; a plurality of first fingers extending from the first aperture, the plurality of first fingers being releasably engaged with a plurality of second fingers extending from the second aperture of the optical element panel by a snap engagement to releasably secure the position of the objective lens assembly within the housing when the optical element panel is fixed to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification