Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading data in the form of indicia on a surface of a target, the indicia having a preferred reading direction, including a light source for illuminating a portion of the surface to be read with a laser beam in a scanning pattern at a predetermined scanning angle so as to scan spatially adjacent portions of the surface. A detector and a processor is provided that is operative for detecting at least a portion of the light reflected from the indicia and storing representations thereof, and further determining the angular difference between the preferred reading direction and the scanning angle. An optical component disposed adjacent the light source is provided for optically directing the laser beam along a path toward the surface and is capable of controlling and setting the predetermined scanning angle. Furthermore, the optical component may be automatically rotated so as to align the direction of scan with the preferred reading direction of the indicia.

Abstract: Optical scanning of one- and two-dimensional barcode symbols is carried out first in an aim mode wherein the symbol is scanned using a first scan pattern that is relatively small and dense so as to be visible to the user and thereafter using a second, larger and more robust scan pattern for decoding. During aiming, the symbol is partially decoded to determine type and orientation, and this information is applied to control the angle of the scan pattern produced, the rate at which the scan pattern is increased for optimum decoding, and the ultimate pattern size. Preferred scan patterns, as well as unique scan mechanisms, are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a two-dimensional bar code symbol using a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, charge-modulation device (CMD) camera, or other bar code reading device such as a hand-held reader, light pen or wand, scan mouse, or stationary laser scanner. The CCD/CMD camera or reading device optically images the bar code symbol to obtain digital image data, which is stored in a memory.

Abstract: Bar code reading in which light reflected from a scanned symbol is optically collected by a multi-channel light detector comprising an array of more than one individual light detection elements (e.g., photodetectors) each having an output capable of providing an output signal representative of light impinging thereon, amplifiers respectively coupled to each of the light detection elements, and a summing unit coupled to the outputs of each of the amplifiers for providing a signal representative of the sum of the amplified output signals of all of the light detection elements.

Abstract: An optical scanner for reading optically encoded indicia such as a bar code is contained within the same housing as a mouse-type position sensing device. The position sensing portion comprises a track ball extending through a lower opening in the housing and associated movement detection electronics. As the housing is moved by the user across a flat surface, the track ball engages the surface and the associated electronics detect the extent of the movement of the device across the surface. Conveniently located keys allow the user to activate a switch by clicking, and this data along with positional data detected by the track ball electronics is provided as input to an associated computer. The device comprises an optical scanner in the form of a laser beam source, means for oscillating the laser beam so as to produce a scanning beam directed outwardly through a window, and a photodetector for sensing light reflected from a target indicia such as a bar code.

Abstract: A scanner with an extended depth of focus for electro-optically reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity, comprises a collection optical system for collecting radiation reflected from objects in the field of view along plural different optical axes and an optical detector for detecting radiation collected by the collection optical system along each of the plural different optical axes and for generating electrical output signals indicative thereof. The scanner further includes processing circuitry for processing the output signals of the optical detector by comparing the output signals of the optical detector with one another, a memory for storing the detector output signals and further processing circuitry receiving the stored output signals of the optical detector from the memory and selectively outputting one of the received signals to a decoder.

Abstract: An integrated laser scanning device including: a substrate of semiconductor and/or electro-optical material, a laser light source disposed on the substrate; and a scanner disposed on the substrate in the path of the laser beam for repetitively and cyclically moving the laser beam so as to form a scanning beam for repetitively scanning a target for reflection therefrom. In particular, the scanner comprises a layer of reflective material disposed on a moveable structure on the substrate, the plane of such layer being disposed at an acute angle with respect to the laser beam so that the beam is directed along an optical path toward indicia located in the vicinity of a reference plane lying in the optical path so as to scan spatially adjacent portions of the reference plane along a relatively elongated scanning line.

Abstract: A scanning arrangement for use in an optical scanner, for example a bar code scanner, comprises an optical element which is mounted for oscillation in two directions to produce a two dimensional scanning pattern. The optical element is preferably relatively light, and is mounted for oscillatory motion in an x direction by the flexing of a spring of relatively high modulus of elasticity. The spring is secured to a mounting bracket which itself is mounted to a stationary frame by a further spring which is arranged to flex and cause oscillation in the y direction. The mounting bracket is relatively heavy in comparison with the mirror, and the second spring has a relatively low modulus of elasticity, thereby producing a y oscillation which is slower than the x oscillation.

Abstract: A plurality of the areas of different light reflectivity of a bar code symbol, or the like, are simultaneously illuminated, using, e.g., a beam of laser light that has an elongated cross-section. The laser light beam is swept over the symbol in a direction transverse to the elongated dimension of the illuminated region so that a two-dimensional area of the symbol is illuminated over time, until the symbol is read. The light that reflects from the illuminated region of the symbol is imaged on a linear sensor array, which is then scanned or read out to produce signals representative of spatial intensity variations of the imaged light along a linear path in the field of view.

Abstract: A system for digitizing an analog electric signal generated from the photoelectronic conversion of reflected light when scanning indicia having spatially-separated, light-reflective portions, the system including a differentiator circuit for generating a first derivative signal representing a first derivative of the analog signal. An analog ground comparison circuit compares the first derivative signal and an analog ground comparison signal to generate an output signal indicating a change in the intensity of the reflected light. An output circuit generates a digital output signal corresponding to the digital signal.

Abstract: An optical scanner module, for use in a bar code reader, has an electromagnetic coil across which is disposed a thin flexible strip. Mounted to the center of the strip is an optical element, such as a lightweight mirror, and a magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet. When an AC signal is applied to the electromagnetic coil, a varying magnetic field is produced which interacts with the fixed magnetic field of the magnet causing the magnet and mirror assembly to flex the flexible strip (e.g., in a twisting motion), thereby changing the spatial orientation of the mirror. By suitably driving the electromagnetic coil, the mirror can be made to oscillate, thereby converting a laser beam directed onto the mirror into a scanning laser beam. The entire module is compact, inexpensive to manufacture, and robust.

Abstract: An optical scanner for reading indicia such as barcode symbols is usable in a first, hand-held mode and in a second, hands-free mode in which the scanner is mounted to a fixed stand. Switching means are provided so that when the scanner is lifted from the stand, for hand-held use, it automatically switches to a first working range, and when it is replaced onto the stand it automatically switches to a second, closer, working range. In the first working range, the software is optimised to read barcode symbols at a relatively long distance from the scanner; in the second working range the software is optimised to read barcode symbols which are relatively close to the scanner. The switching means may comprise any type of contact or non-contact switch such as a reed switch or a Hall effect switch.

Abstract: A multiple sensitivity-mode digitizer circuit for a bar code reader has circuits that perform two thresholding techniques. The bar code reader includes a first derivative circuit for receiving an analog signal from a scan of the bar code symbol and for generating a first derivative signal of the analog signal. The digitizer circuit includes a first thresholding circuit for generating a first digitized signal in response to a comparison between the first derivative signal and a first threshold representing a first detection sensitivity. A second thresholding circuit generates a second digitized signal in response to a comparison between the first derivative signal and a second threshold representing a second detection sensitivity. A mode selector selects as the output digitized signal one of the first digitized signal and a third digitized signal, the third digitized signal representing the first digitized signal modified by the second digitized signal.

Abstract: An optical scanning system for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity has an optical scan module including a light emitter for emitting light onto the indicia and a light detector for detecting the reflection of light from the indicia. The scan module is adapted to be mounted on at least one finger of a user. A first peripheral module has a receiver for receiving a first signal corresponding to the detected reflection of light from the optical scan module. The first peripheral module is adapted to be mounted on an arm or wrist of the user. A second peripheral module includes a receiver for receiving a second signal corresponding to the first signal from the first peripheral module by radio frequency transmission. According to other aspects of the invention, the light detector is located in a housing separate and apart from the optical scan module.

Abstract: A portable device such as a bar-code reader employing a dual battery control system whereby an auxiliary battery powers the portable device until a primary battery is automatically connected to continue powering the portable device is disclosed. The portable device employs an electrical interface means which operatively connects with an interface means of a holster in which the portable device is placed. The holster comprises some or all of the circuitry necessary to properly control first and second switch means which connect or disconnect the primary and auxiliary batteries from the electronic load of the portable device.

Abstract: A portable optical scanning system incorporates a ring mounted optical scanner module which is arranged to transmit data either via radio or cable to a wrist mount unit. The wrist mount unit may either receive and store the information, or it may include a radio transmitter for onward transmission of the data. A variety of different rings, ring mounted scanner modules, wrist mounts and wrist mount units may be provided for various applications, the user simply picking those which are required in any individual case. The scanner module is mounted to the ring by a breakaway element allowing the module easily to break off the mounting to prevent damage and/or injury.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing bar code data obtained from a bar code label including large and small bars. A light source such as a laser beam scans across the symbol on a bar code label. Light reflected from the bar code label is collected as the light source scans across the label. The collected light varies in intensity as the light source scans across the label. An electrical signal is generated which is indicative of the amplitude of the light collected in the collecting step. The electrical signal is sampled at a predetermined data rate to produce a sequence of samples representative of the electrical signal. A sequence of samples is stored in a memory. These stored samples include label space values (LSA's). The samples also include label bar values (LBA's) which include large bar values and small bar values. The sequence of samples is decoded.

Abstract: A self-adjusting adaptive scanning system includes a scanner, responsive to coordinate control signals, for directing a light beam in a pattern at a bar code symbol, for detecting a reflected portion of the light beam, and for generating feedback signals reflecting successful decodes. A microprocessor, responsive to the feedback signals, generates pattern control signals. A pattern generator generates the coordinate control signals in response to the pattern control signals to select a desirable light beam pattern.

Abstract: A scan-aware custom control for use in designing a graphical user interface is capable of being provided with both scanned input from a bar code reading device as well as standard keyboard input when desired by the operator. The scan-aware custom control is implemented by an applications developer in a similar fashion to standard text controls, and has custom properties to allow data entry parameters to be set at the time the interface is designed. The scan-aware custom control reads the custom property values from a preloaded properties file in order to configure the scanner interface in accordance with the desired symbologies to be decoded. The scan-aware custom control is implemented on a graphical user interface resident on a data entry terminal in order to facilitate data entry in both automatic and manual modes of entry.

Abstract: A system for reading indicia such as bar code symbols having a scanner for generating a scanning light beam directed toward a symbol to be read; a first actuator manually displaceable from a first position to a second position for producing a first light beam for aiming or positioning the reader, and a second actuator manually displaceable from a first position to a second position for initiating a scanning beam pattern for reading the symbol. The actuators are independently operative of each other. A detector receives the reflected light from the symbol and produces electrical signals corresponding to data represented by the symbol. A graphical user interface simplifies system control functions.