System and process for simultaneously reading multiple forms
First Claim
1. An optical reader for processing an image from at least two different chambers, the optical reader comprising:
- a first chamber for receiving a first document or bulk item;
at least a second chamber for receiving a second document or bulk item;
a baffle disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber;
at least one a light source assembly for illuminating the first and the at least second chambers;
an optical reader assembly having a photo-sensitive surface constructed to sense an image from the reflected light from each chamber, wherein a first portion of the photo-sensitive light surface is associated with light reflected from the first chamber and a second portion of the photo-sensitive surface is associated with light reflected from the second chamber;
electronics for generating the image from the photo-sensitive surface; and
software for decoding information from the image.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An optical reader with a single optical assembly that receives images from at least two different environments. For example, one environment may be constructed in a first chamber into which a document or bulk item with a bar code may be placed. The other environment may be constructed in a second chamber with an active drive mechanism that transports a document with optical readable markings to a reading location. The environments may be separated by a baffle that prevents light from leaking between the environments, and the electronics and software are constructed to read and decode information that is found in the images from both environments either sequentially or simultaneously.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An optical reader for processing an image from at least two different chambers, the optical reader comprising:
-
a first chamber for receiving a first document or bulk item; at least a second chamber for receiving a second document or bulk item; a baffle disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber; at least one a light source assembly for illuminating the first and the at least second chambers; an optical reader assembly having a photo-sensitive surface constructed to sense an image from the reflected light from each chamber, wherein a first portion of the photo-sensitive light surface is associated with light reflected from the first chamber and a second portion of the photo-sensitive surface is associated with light reflected from the second chamber; electronics for generating the image from the photo-sensitive surface; and software for decoding information from the image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A process for reading an image from at least two chambers, the process comprising the steps of:
-
illuminating a first chamber; illuminating a second chamber that is at least partly separated from the first chamber by a baffle; simultaneously reflecting light from both chambers onto a photo-sensitive surface of an optical imager; creating an image from the light reflected from both chambers with the optical imager, wherein the reflected light from the first chamber illuminates a first portion of the photo-sensitive surface and the reflected light from the second chamber illuminates a second portion of the photo-sensitive surface; and reading coded information in the image. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification