Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device. The system has a number of operative states including, an object detection state, bar code presence detection state and a bar code symbol decoding state. During bar code symbol presence detection state, the visible laser scanning beam produced from the hand-supportable device flickers at a rate which improves the visual conspicuousness of the laser scanning beam in the scan field. The flicker characteristics of the laser scanning beam makes it substantially easier for the user to visually align the laser scanning beam with the bar code symbol on the detected object. Consequently, reading bar code symbols is made substantially easier using the automatic laser bar code symbol reading device of the present invention.

Abstract: A laser beam experimentation kit, including an accessory device for modulating the intensity of the visible laser beam produced as output from a laser pointer. The accessory device comprises a printed circuit(PC) board of physically thin construction, which is adapted for slidable insertion between the conductive tip portion and the conductive housing portion of a pen-clip actuatable laser pointer. A pair of conductive pads are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the PC board. An input signal jack is mounted on PC board for the purpose of receiving a mated plug connector that is connected to a flexible cable carrying an electrical input signal. An electronic circuit and a battery power source are also mounted on the upper surface of the PC board. The function of the electronic circuit is to respond to a predetermined signal characteristic (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is 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. In the illustrative embodiment, 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 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: 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: 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: An ultra-compact laser scanner comprising a self-contained housing including a handle portion configured to be readily held within the hand of a person and a short length body portion projecting outward from the handle portion. A subassembly including a laser tube and associated power supply is mounted on a circuit board within the handle and can be readily removed therefrom. A signal processing subassembly is located within the body portion above the handle. A motor and optic system subassembly is also mounted within the body portion and is arranged to direct a beam of laser light from the laser tube through an arc out through a window in the front of the body portion of the housing to sweep across a bar code symbol at which the device is aimed. A beam width adjusting/beam blocking moveable curtain is mounted over the window.

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 portable, hand-held laser scanner system located within a compact housing. The housing includes a laser tube power supply means therefor and computer means. The laser is operative when triggered by the user to produce a laser beam which exits the housing to scan a target, such as a bar code symbol, located adjacent thereto and to receive light directed from the target. The computer is arranged for decoding the reflected signal. Communication means are provided within said housing to provide data output signals. The computer is arranged to control and override the operation of the laser when the amount of laser light produced within a predetermined period of time reaches a predetermined threshold value and for enabling the laser to operate when the amount of laser energy produced is less than the predetermined threshold value within the predetermined period of time.