Multiple focusable fields of view, such as a universal bar code symbol scanner
First Claim
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1. A universal symbol scanner, the scanner comprising:
- multiple lenses configured to image light reflected from a symbol to be read,wherein a subset of the multiple lenses is movable to provide at least two different fields of view, andwherein the multiple lenses do not form a continuous zoom lens arrangement;
a sensor configured to capture an image of the symbol;
a processor configured to decode the captured image and control a translation device; and
,the translation device coupled to the subset of the multiple lenses and responsive to the processor to move the subset of the multiple lenses along an optical axis of the multiple lenses;
wherein the multiple lenses comprise a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens, wherein the first lens has a positive power and is positioned between the second lens having a negative power and the third lens having a negative power, and further wherein the translation device is configured to move the first lens or both the second lens and the third lens responsive to the processor.
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Abstract
A device permitting multiple focusable fields of view, such as a universal bar code scanner that can read bar code symbols at both near and far distances for a range of X-dimensions, is described. The scanner uses an adjustable optical imaging system that has at least two different focused fields of view. In one embodiment, the optimal field of view for a target object can be automatically selected with the use of a range finder.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A universal symbol scanner, the scanner comprising:
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multiple lenses configured to image light reflected from a symbol to be read, wherein a subset of the multiple lenses is movable to provide at least two different fields of view, and wherein the multiple lenses do not form a continuous zoom lens arrangement; a sensor configured to capture an image of the symbol; a processor configured to decode the captured image and control a translation device; and
,the translation device coupled to the subset of the multiple lenses and responsive to the processor to move the subset of the multiple lenses along an optical axis of the multiple lenses; wherein the multiple lenses comprise a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens, wherein the first lens has a positive power and is positioned between the second lens having a negative power and the third lens having a negative power, and further wherein the translation device is configured to move the first lens or both the second lens and the third lens responsive to the processor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of operating a universal symbol scanner, the method comprising:
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imaging illumination reflected from a symbol using a partial zoom lens positioned to provide a first field of view, wherein one or more of multiple lenses comprising the partial zoom lens is movable to provide at least two different fields of view; moving the one or more of the multiple lenses along an optical axis of the multiple lenses to an optimum focus position for the first field of view; decoding the symbol; if the decoding is unsuccessful, moving the one or more of the multiple lenses along the optical axis to provide a focused second field of view and decoding the symbol; wherein the partial zoom lens comprises a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens, wherein the first lens has a positive power and is positioned between the second lens having a negative power and the third lens having a negative power, and further wherein moving the one or more of the multiple lenses comprises moving the first lens or both the second lens and the third lens as a unit. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A method of operating a universal bar code scanner with user feedback, the method comprising:
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imaging illumination reflected from a bar code using multiple lenses, wherein at least one of the multiple lenses is movable to provide multiple fields of view; shifting the at least one of the multiple lenses along an optical axis of the multiple lenses to provide a first field of view; capturing an image of the bar code with a sensor; providing to the user information regarding the captured image; receiving feedback from the user following the providing of the information regarding the captured image; shifting the at least one of the multiple lenses along the optical axis to provide a second field of view, wherein the first field of view is a narrowest of the multiple fields of view and the second field of view is a wider field of view than the first field of view, or wherein the first field of view is the widest of the multiple fields of view and the second field of view is a narrower field of view than the first field of view; and wherein the multiple lenses comprise a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens, wherein the first lens has a positive power and is positioned between the second lens having a negative power and the third lens having a negative power, and further wherein the translation device is configured to move the first lens or both the second lens and the third lens responsive to the processor. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A universal symbol scanner, the scanner comprising:
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means for imaging light reflected from a symbol to provide a first field of view, wherein the means for imaging includes a plurality of lenses, and one or more of the plurality of lenses is movable to provide a plurality of fields of view; means for re-positioning the one or more of the plurality of lenses along an optical axis of the plurality of lenses to an optimum focus position for the first field of view; means for reading the symbol; if the means for reading is unsuccessful reading the symbol, controlling the means for re-positioning the one or more of the plurality of lenses along the optical axis to provide a focused second field of view; wherein the plurality of lenses comprise a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens, wherein the first lens has a positive power and is positioned between the second lens having a negative power and the third lens having a negative power, and further wherein the translation device is configured to move the first lens or both the second lens and the third lens responsive to the processor. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification