Abstract: A laser bar code symbol scanner employing a narrow band-pass optical filtering system of novel construction is disclosed. A first optical filtering element is installed in the light transmission aperture of a bar code scanner housing. A second optical filtering element is installed inside the scanner housing near the light detecting element. The first and second optical filtering elements have wavelength selective properties such that taken together they cooperate to form a narrow wavelength band-pass optical filtering system which allows only transmission of light at and around a certain predetermined wavelength into the photodetector element. The present invention also hides aesthetically unappealing electro-optical components mounted in the scanner housing from plain view and the optical filtering elements of the system can be easily and inexpensively manufactured without compromising the performance of the scanner.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically reading bar code symbols. 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 object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy 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 portable data collection device for selectably receiving and collecting bar code symbol character data from the data-output communication port of a hand-holdable bar code symbol reader, and transmitting the collected bar code symbol character data through the data-input communication port of a data-receiving host device. The portable data collection device comprises a data storage memory, a data input communication unit, a data output communication unit, a programmed microprocessor, a battery-powered storage unit and hand-holdable housing for housing these components in a portable unit. The data storage memory stores data, including bar code symbol character data, received from the hand-holdable bar code symbol reader. The data output communication unit is operably associated with the data storage memory, and receives bar code symbol character data from the hand-held bar code reader and storing the received bar code symbol data in the data storage memory.

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 object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy 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 laser bar code symbol scanner embodying a narrow band-pass optical filtering system of novel construction. A first optical filter element is installed over the light transmission aperture of the scanner housing, and has wavelength selective properties which transmit only light having wavelengths from slightly below a predetermined wavelength in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., greater than slightly below 670 nanometers). A second optical filter element is installed within the housing, along the focused laser return light path between the light focusing element and the light detecting element, and transmits only light having wavelengths from slightly above the predetermined wavelength (e.g., less than slightly above 670 nanometers). Collectively, the first and second optical filter elements cooperate to form a narrow wavelength band-pass filtering system centered about the predetermined wavelength, providing improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading bar code symbols using a substrate 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 object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy 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 laser bar code symbol scanner embodying a narrow band-pass optical filtering system of novel construction. A first optical filter element is installed over the light transmission aperture of the scanner housing, and has wavelength selective properties which transmit only light having wavelengths from slightly below a predetermined wavelength in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., greater than slightly below 670 nanometers). A second optical filter element is installed within the housing, along the focused laser return light path between the light focusing element and the light detecting element, and transmits only light having wavelengths from slightly above the predetermined wavelength (e.g., less than slightly above 670 nanometers). Collectively, the first and second optical filter elements cooperate to form a narrow wavelength band-pass filtering system centered about the predetermined wavelength, providing improved signal-to-noise ratio.

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 object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy 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: 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 object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy 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: 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.