Abstract: An optical scanner for scanning various optical indicia uses one or more tunable optical components for noise reduction purposes. The scanner may include a narrow band-pass tunable optical filter for passing selected wavelengths of incoming light. The scanner may also have a tunable light source, such as a tunable laser source, whereby the wavelength of the generated laser light is sensed and controlled by the scanner's electronic sub-system.

Abstract: A clip mounted bar code reader worn by a user initiates scanning of a field of view when the reader detects or senses that objects are proximity to the reader.

Abstract: An information processing system adapted to be worn on the body of a user, the system a module for processing data capable of being worn by a user; and a band secured to the module and adapted to be secured around a part of the user's body so as to support the module and to allow the user to utilize the module, the band incorporating a battery for powering the module.

Abstract: Holographic optical elements are configured and deployed in optical imagers and scanners to produce optical modification of output laser beams and light received and detected by the system. In some preferred embodiments electrically switchable holographic optical elements (ESHOEs) are employed for beam tilting, for varying spot size and shape for modifying system focal distance and field of view, for changing laser aiming patterns and/or for color imaging.

Abstract: An improved optical system for scanning optical codes is disclosed. A laser beam produced thereby is a diverging, nearly diffraction free beam and may be used to produce an elongated scanning spot. A laser assembly which may be used to produce such beams and spots, combines various optical functions in structures which are relatively insensitive to temperature change.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for preventing condensation from forming on the internal components of an optical scanner, allowing the scanner to be moved between hot and cold environments without sacrificing scanning performance or damaging the scanner. The optical scanner can be a laser scanner or a solid state imager. One method of preventing moisture from condensing on the inside of a scanner is to control the internal temperature of the scanner. This is accomplished by installing a thermostatically controlled heater module on the inside of the scanner and warming up the scanner's internal air when the air temperature falls below a predetermined point. Another method of preventing moisture from condensing on the inside of the scanner is to hermetically seal the scanning enclosure and fill with inert gas.

Abstract: An optical collector collects relatively more of the off-axis light directed to a detector, and collects relatively less of the on-axis light directed to the detector, in order to decrease the variation in the amplitude of the electrical signal generated by the detector over a scan of target such as a bar code symbol in order to improve the performance of a bar code symbol reader.

Abstract: An optical scanner for scanning various optical indicia uses one or more tunable optical components for noise reduction purposes. The scanner may include a narrow band-pass tunable optical filter for passing selected wavelengths of incoming light. The scanner may also have a tunable light source, such as a tunable laser source, whereby the wavelength of the generated laser light is sensed and controlled by the scanner's electronic sub-system.

Abstract: A retroreflective optical scan module, for example for in a bar code reader including a light source mounted on the base of the module and at least one fold mirror for reflecting and redirecting the scanning light beam along an optical path which is parallel to the base and over at least a portion of the top side surface of the module, so that the scanning beam is longer than the length of the side of the module which the scanning beam passes over enroute to the target.

Abstract: A miniature imager for reading target images. The optical and electrical systems of the miniature imager are optimized to reduce one or more dimensions or the volume of the imager. In accordance with one embodiment the pixel pitch and focal length are decreased from that of a larger imager to maintain a comparable field of view for each pixel. The decreased pixel pitch allows the area of the aperture and the instantaneous field of view of the pixel to remain constant while decreasing the overall size of the imager. In other embodiments apparatus and techniques are provided which reduce and/or eliminate the need for illumination of a target by the imager thereby reducing the overall power consumed by the imager and/or its overall size. An imager with an increased working range is provided, as is a light emitting diode which produces a light with reduced line thickness.

Abstract: A scanning device incorporates a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The laser diode may be mounted directly on an Si substrate which is adapted for movement to produce a scan pattern. A collimating lens may be directly mounted on the emitting surface of the laser. A plurality of lasers may be mounted on the substrate and operated in sequence without movement of the substrate to produce the effect of a scan. A single, variable-focal length lens is employed to focus each beam of the VCSEL at a different distance. The scanning device emits visible or invisible light towards a target such as a bar code and a detector (mounted on the same or an adjacent substrate) senses the light reflected by the target to produce data which is decoded for further processing. A VCSEL uses low current and emits light from a relatively large area so that a relatively large amount of light is emitted for relatively small heat generation.

Abstract: An improved optical system for scanning optical codes is disclosed. A laser beam produced thereby is a diverging, nearly diffraction free beam and may be used to produce an elongated scanning spot. An aperture may be employed such that variation in size of the aperture in one orthogonal dimension varies the size of the scanning spot in another orthogonal dimension.

Abstract: A plastic lens includes refractive and diffractive optical apparatus configured to produce optothermal changes substantially canceling each other over a predetermined working temperature range to render the plastic lens substantially athermalized over the range.

Abstract: An optical scanner for scanning various optical indicia uses one or more tunable optical components for noise reduction purposes. The scanner may include a narrow band-pass tunable optical filter for passing selected wavelengths of incoming light. The scanner may also have a tunable light source, such as a tunable laser source, whereby the wavelength of the generated laser light is sensed and controlled by the scanner's electronic sub-system.

Abstract: A writing instrument, such as a pen, mechanical pencil, felt marker, or touch-screen stylus, which incorporates a (a) laser pointer, for highlighting a target, and/or (b) a laser bar code reader, which is operable either (i) by manual scanning by the user of the laser beam over the symbol, or (ii) by automatic self-scanning or motion of the beam over a path by means of a motor drive. A manually operable switch is disposed from one mode of use to the other, and also functions to move an appropriate focusing optical element in and out of the beam path.

Abstract: An optical reader, for example a field of view reader or a flying spot scanner for reading a printed indicia such as a bar code symbol includes a light source and a light detector, and at least two channels associated with the detector for carrying signals corresponding to light detected by the detector at different resolution levels, thus simplifying the decoupling of signals allowing a single reader to be used regardless of the resolution level of the indicia to be read.

Abstract: Holographic optical elements are configured and deployed in optical imagers and scanners to produce optical modification of output laser beams and light received and detected by the system. In some preferred embodiments electrically switchable holographic optical elements (ESHOEs) are employed for beam tilting, for varying spot size and shape for modifying system focal distance and field of view, for changing laser aiming patterns and/or for color imaging.

Abstract: A unitary body of optical material and associated methods for reading indicia such as bar codes is provided. The unitary body can focus light from a light source into a beam, redirect light reflected from a target to a photodetector, and provide mechanical support for a light source, printed circuit board, or other indicia reader components. In comparison to conventional apparatus, the unitary body requires a reduced number of components and is therefore easier and less expensive to manufacture and assemble. The unitary design increases reliability and performance consistency while decreasing sensitivity to thermal and mechanical loading. Moreover, the unitary body reduces the overall tolerance budget of a reader and therefore facilitates mass production of optical apparatus and readers. The unitary body and associated methods may be implemented in a compact reader with the aforementioned advantages in the form of a pen, or can be integrated into an antenna of a wireless device, such as a cell phone or a PDA.

Abstract: A scanning device for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity, including bar code symbols, has two parallel arrays of light emitters, such as lasers or light emitting diodes, for generating a scanning light beam to visually illuminate sequential portions of the indicia. Two parallel arrays of sensors, such as charge coupled or other solid state imaging devices, detect light reflected from portions of the indicia and generate an electrical signal representative of the spatial intensity variations of portions of the indicia. Each array is arranged transversely of the direction along which the symbol is scanned.

Abstract: A mountable bar code reader initiates scanning of indicia, such as bar code symbols, when the reader detects or senses objects bearing the indicia in proximity to the reader. The reader can be mounted on an operator or on a stationary installation.