Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system comprising components for carrying out object detection, scanning, photoreceiving, A/D conversion, bar code presence detection, symbol decoding, data format conversion, data storage and data transmission functions. In general, the bar code symbol reading device includes a control system having a plurality of control centers that control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers are responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities which facilitates execution of intelligent operations and power consumption, during bar code symbol reading.

Abstract: A multi-port digital signal decoder capable of decoding digital signals produced from various types of scanning devices including, for example, high-speed counter top scanners, low-speed hand-held scanners, wand scanners, light pen scanners, and magnetic card scanners. The digital signal decoder of the present invention includes a plurality of data input ports for receiving digital input signals produced from the various scanning devices. The digital signal decoder also includes common digital signal and data processing circuitry for processing the digital input signals and digital data so as to produce, as output, decoded symbol data. In addition, the digital signal decoder further includes an output data port for providing the decoded symbol data to a host device operably connected to the digital signal decoder. In the illustrative embodiment, the digital signal decoder is realized using VLSI circuit and microprocessor technology.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically reading bar code symbols is disclosed. One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of reading bar code symbols using an automatic hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an energy reflects off the object source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.

Abstract: A fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device which can be used in either an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. The system includes a scanner support frame for supporting the hand-supportable device in a user-selected mounting position, and permits complete gripping of its handle portion prior to its use in the hands-on mode of operation. In general, the hand-supportable bar code reading device has long-range and short-range modes of object detection, bar code presence detection and bar code symbol reading. The long-range mode is automatically selected when the hand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scanner support stand during the automatic hands-free mode of operation.

Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system comprising components for carrying out object detection, scanning, photoreceiving, A/D conversion, bar code presence detection, symbol decoding, data format conversion, data storage and data transmission functions. In general, the bar code symbol reading device includes a control system having a plurality of control centers that control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers are responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities which facilitate execution of intelligent operations and power conservation, during bar code symbol reading.

Abstract: A bar code scanner for stationary disposition at a counter to projecting a scanning pattern comprising first, second, third, fourth and fifth groups of parallel scan lines within a relatively narrow, yet diverging, volume, e.g., pyramid, cone, etc., centered about a projection axis. The scanner includes a compact housing mounted on an adjustible base. The housing includes a window, five stationary mirrors, a laser diode, a rotating reflective polygon for sweeping the laser beam from the diode across the mirrors and out a window so that the projection axis is substantially but not precisely perpendicular to the window. The scanner also includes a fixed curved collecting mirror and a concentrating lens to focus light which is reflected off of a bar code to a photodetector. One mirror extends along an axis parallel to the transverse axis to produce the first group of scan lines.

Abstract: A laser scanner system for producing and projecting a multi-line scanning pattern into a space in which a bar code is to be brought. The system includes plural modular laser scanners, each producing a line scan pattern, but mounted with respect to one another so that the pattern of each scanner is projected into the space to conjoin to form the multi-line pattern. Each module is arranged to receive light reflected off the object to convert that light into electrical output signals indicative of the bars and spaces of the code. The system also include means for decoding the output signals and for providing the decoded signals to some peripheral device, e.g., an electronic cash register or computer. In one embodiment the scanner is located adjacent a conveyor carrying bar coded items to form an automated check-out counter.

Abstract: A data acquisition laser scanner system. The system includes a laser scanner module and a data acquisition terminal. The data acquisition terminal comprises a housing, manual input means to input data therein, display means, and means for storing electrical signals. The module comprises a housing having a window, a source of laser light, a mechanism for sweeping the laser beam within the housing to produce a scan pattern comprising at least one line, a reflective beam folding system for projecting the pattern out of the window and onto an object, such as a bar code, and a system for receiving light reflected off the object to convert the reflected light into electrical output signals indicative thereof. The module also includes a connector for releasable securement to a mating connector forming a portion of the data acquisition terminal for mounting the module thereon and carrying the electrical output signals thereto.

Abstract: A scanner module for use in a laser scanning system. The module is self contained within a housing having a window, and comprises a source of laser light, a mechanism for sweeping the laser beam within the housing to produce a scan pattern comprising at least one line, a reflective beam folding system for projecting the pattern out of the window and onto an object, such as a bar code, and a system for receiving light reflected off the object to convert the reflectd light into an electrical signal indicative thereof. The beam sweeping mechanism comprises an oscillating reflective member. The reflective beam folding system comprises at least two mirrors disposed generally opposite each other to receive the beam of light from the beam sweeping mechanism and to fold its path by reflecting it back and forth within the housing. The module may be connected to a handle or some other member, e.g.

Abstract: A compact laser scanner for use at a counter, such as a checkout counter, to produce a scanning pattern thereabove and into which a bar code can be inserted to enable the reading of the code. A scanner is of compact height and preferably comprises a housing of a height no greater than approximately six inches and taking up an area of no greater than 150 square inches. The housing includes a top having a window through which the scanning pattern is projected and indicia for directing the location of the bar code within the scanning pattern. The scanning pattern consists of three scan lines which intersect one another in a common area to produce a star-burst pattern when projected on a plane at approximately 45.degree. to the plane of the window, while intersecting in approximately a triangular configuration when projected on a plane approximately perpendicular to the window.

Abstract: Beam sweeping apparatus for use in a scanning device. The apparatus comprises a mirror mounted on a pivot arm and arranged to be oscillated about an axis in an arc for sweeping a beam of light in a predetermined path. A pair of resilient are located adjacent the pivot arm to establish the limits of the excursion of the arm and mirror. A reversible electromagnetic motor is provided when energized for causing the pivot arm to move in alternate rotational directions until a portion of it engages a respective one of the bumpers, whereupon that bumper prevents further excursion of the arm in that direction and bounces the arm back in the opposite rotational direction. The energization of the electromagnetic motor is coordinated with the engagement of the bumpers by the pivot arm.

Abstract: A hand held laser scanner including a housing comprising a hand-grip portion and a body portion. The body portion is hollow and includes a self-contained laser scanner module releasable secured therein. The module is housed within a enclosure having a window, and comprises a source of laser light, a mechanism for sweeping the laser beam within the enclosure to produce a scan pattern comprising at least one line, a reflective beam folding system for projecting the pattern out of the window and onto an object, such as a bar code, and a system for receiving light reflected off the object to convert the reflected light into an electrical signal indicative thereof. The beam sweeping mechanism comprises an oscillating reflective member. The reflective beam folding system comprises at least two mirrors disposed generally opposite each other to receive the beam of light from the beam sweeping mechanism and to fold its path by reflecting it back and forth within the enclosure.

Abstract: A laser scanner device arranged to be mounted at a counter for producing a laser beam in a scanning pattern to read a bar code brought into the pattern. The device includes a box-like housing having at least first, second and third planar walls. A window is provided in the first wall and through which the scanning pattern emanates. The housing is arranged to be mounted on the counter so that the window is either horizontal or vertical. A connector mounting plate is releasably secured to the housing. The plate includes two wall portions. One wall portion includes a power cord projecting therefrom and at least one electrical plug mounted thereon. The electrical plug is adapted to be secured, via a cable, to equipment associated with the scanner device, such as a cash register.

Abstract: A compact laser scanner for use at a counter, such as a checkout counter, to produce a scanning pattern thereabove and into which a bar code can be inserted to enable the reading of the code. A scanner is of compact height and preferably comprises a housing of a height no greater than approximately six inches and taking up an area of no greater than 150 square inches. The housing includes a top having a horizontally disposed window through which the scanning pattern is projected and indicia for directing the location of the bar code within the scanning pattern. The scanning pattern consists of first, second and third groups of plural scan lines which intersect one another in a common area to produce a star-burst pattern when projected on a plane at approximately 45.degree. to the plane of the window, while intersecting in approximately a triangular configuration when projected on a plane approximately perpendicular to the window.

Abstract: A laser tube is rigidly mounted within a cylindrical metallic housing, and end rings are attached thereto. Each end ring has an opening for passage of the beam, and a plurality of radially disposed openings. Inside the housing, a smaller adjustment ring is provided, and outside the end rings are reference rings adapted to receive lenses, filters, or the like. Screws engage and penetrate the outer ring, pass freely through the end ring, and engage the inner ring. The outer and inner rings are movably adjustable relative to the housing axis and the laser beam, whereby optical apparatus attached to the outer ring may be positioned precisely relative to the laser beam.

Abstract: Laser light scattered from a UPC symbol on a moving web is detected by a photomultiplier, and detection threshold levels and print contrast signals are developed on a time varying analog basis. Since the reflected light includes an ambient component, the "white" and "dark" logical thresholds are developed based on the voltage levels of peak above zero, white to dark as a time variant function, and respective maximum values thereof. When a valid UPC signal is detected, present signal parameters develop print contrast (i.e., white minus dark/white) and produce a gate pulse having a duration proportional to that ratio.

Abstract: Glass compatible metal matrices are mounted in a glass forming boat and slugs of glass are applied to each. Heat is provided such that openings in the matrix are glassed, whereupon the entire sheet may be ground, polished, or otherwise processed as desired. Alternatively, open ended metallic portions may be utilized to control the amount of sag to which heated glass is subjected, thereby providing glass components of a desired radius of curvature. When metal framed optical components are secured in lasers by weldment, controlled crimping and deflection of the metallic laser jacket portion is utilized for precise alignment of the instrument.