Abstract: In an optical reader a lens system is located between a source of light designed to illuminate an object to be read and the object. The lens system is designed to refract and diffuse the light produced by the light source to reduce the deleterious effect of specular light reflected from the illuminated object into the optical reader and an image sensor designed to convert reflected photo signals into electric analog signals. In one embodiment of the invention the optical reader includes an array of LEDs and a lens having prisms located in front of each LED for refracting or bending the light output of each LED to reduce the generation of specular light being reflected. In another embodiment the optical reader includes a lens with a light shield strip to prevent the generation of specular light.

Abstract: Systems embodying the invention include an arm having a polished mirror-like surface located on the arm. The arm includes means for mounting the arm on a shaft (or spindle) to allow the arm to rotate freely in the lateral direction (perpendicular to the length of arm). The arm is intended for use in a system which includes means for directing a beam of light onto the mirror-like surface whereby when the mirror-like surface is rotated (e.g., by Beta degrees) the beam of light reflected from the mirror-like surface is swept through a proportionate number of (e.g., 2 Beta) degrees. An electrically controllable system is coupled to the arm causing the arm to move in one direction and then in the opposite direction whereby the arm is caused to vibrate (oscillate) back and forth.

Abstract: An automatic electronically triggered scanner includes photo sensing apparatus for reading bar code data and for decoding the bar code data and then ascertaining whether the bar code data is valid. Following the reading and decoding of a valid bar code, the further decoding of bar code data by the scanner is inhibited until a predetermined condition is met to ensure that the bar code just read (which provided valid data) is not re-read. For the predetermined condition to be met the scanner must sense the absence of potentially valid bar code data for a preset interval following the decoding of each set of valid data. Subseqent to the preset interval during which only invalid data is present the scanner is placed in a condition to process valid data.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating a bar code at a relatively shallow (i.e., acute) angle, and for sensing the light reflected from the surface at the shallow angle. In one embodiment the apparatus is used to illuminate the data bars at an acute angle along their length. Viewing the illuminated area at an acute angle, equal to the acute angle of incidence, increases the area being viewed and tends to spatially integrate the non-uniformity of the data bars. Apparatus embodying the invention is particularly useful for reading bar codes formed on a highly reflective surface. The shallow angle of illumination increases the contrast between the surrounding surface and the "data bars" of the bar code as it increases the effective area being viewed and enables the bar code to be read more accurately. In some embodiments a laser light spot is swept at an acute angle across a bar code and the light reflected from the bar code is viewed at the acute angle.

Abstract: A bar code scanner suitable for use with a variety of different host terminals includes a microcontroller whose frequency of operation is changed as a function of the host terminal to which the scanner is connected. Where a particular host terminal is operable at a lower rate the microcontroller may be operated at a lower frequency to reduce the power consumption of the scanner.

Abstract: A method for scanning and decoding the symbols of a bar code label using a CCD image sensor viewing the bar code, and coupled to a signal processor and memory, wherein initially a start of scan (SOS) first level signal is sent from the processor to the CCD image sensor, a digital data signal representative of the bar code is read from the CCD sensor, and the representative data signal read from the CCD sensor is stored in memory. When the SOS signal is at a second signal level, the stored data is validated and decoded to determine if the representative data is valid or invalid. The SOS first level signal is immediately restarted in response to an invalid bar code data signal to recollect bar code data signals from the CCD sensor viewing the bar code so that the scanning steps are repeated, or the SOS first level signal is immediately restarted to re-scan the bar code symbols immediately after the data signal is found valid. Thus, the CCD data collecting scan rate is maximized.

Abstract: A bar code reader is provided with an LED array containing at least one LED which when energized directs light upon a bar code. A linear CCD array receives a portion of the light directed by the LED array onto the bar code and thereafter reflected from the bar code onto the CCD array. The CCD array receives such reflected light and absorbs the energy therein. This energy has a value at which the CCD array will accumulate a sufficiency of electrical charge during a first period, the CCD array delivering said charge to a shift register during an immediately following second period. A circuit energizes the LED array to emit at least one pulse of light during a small fraction of said first period. The energy contained in the pulse is sufficient to enable the CCD array to properly accumulate the charge.

Abstract: A scanning device for reading bar codes symbols comprising at least two moveable, preferably rotatably driven, reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, which direct a light source, preferably from a laser, in a scanning pattern towards the object to be scanned. At least one of said reflective surfaces having an associated lens means to modify the light beam associated with its reflective surface, and means adapted to move each of said reflective surfaces and the associated lens into a path adapted to intersect with said beam of light. Means are provided to direct the beam of light outside the scanning device as a sweep beam onto the bar code symbol to be read and optical means and sensing means are provided to collect the light reflected from the bar code symbol and generate data therefrom.