Abstract: An optical scanning system for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity has an optical scan module which is adapted to be mounted on a finger of a user. A first peripheral module, preferably in the form of a wrist watch, has a receiver which detects the reflected light. A second peripheral module, mounted on the other arm of the user, communicates with the first module by radio frequency transmission. According to other aspects of the invention, the light detector may be mounted in a housing which is separate and part from the optical scan module. According to another aspect, a laser pointer or scanner is mounted to a ring which is arranged to be worn on a single finger of the user.

Abstract: A radiant energy source, e.g., solar energy, is employed to power an electro-optical reader, preferably by charging an on-board battery. A solar light collector is mounted on the reader in a location exposed to ambient light.

Abstract: A miniature high speed bar code scanning element is detachably mounted within an industry standard PCMCIA card for implementation in personal computing devices.

Abstract: A scanner module for directing a light beam to scan an optically encoded symbol includes a scanner component and a permanent magnet mounted for joint oscillatory motion on a support to scan the light beam by a flexible, resilient member having one end connected to the support, and an opposite end connected to a frame. This oscillatory motion is induced by the interacting magnetic fields established by the permanent magnet and an electromagnetic coil driven by an AC current. Bidirectional light beam scanning is achieved by an additional electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: To reduce the size and weight of an optical scanner, the present invention provides a mirrorless beam scanning unit. A flexible support structure, such as one or more strips of mylar, movably mounts the light emitter in response to a motive force, for example as might be applied by a combination of a permanent magnet coupled to the light emitter and a fixedly mounted electromagnet driven by an alternating current signal. Reciprocation of the light emitter during emission of light by the light emitter causes the light to scan a surface, such as a surface beating a bar code label.

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: 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 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 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.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in single or multi-axis scan patterns.

Abstract: A system for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity, includes a light emitter and optical detector supported by a ring to be worn on a finger of a user. The light emitter generates a scanning light beam which scans the indicia and produces reflected light of variable intensity reflected from the indicia. The optical detector detects the reflected light and produces an electrical signal indicative of the reflected light intensity. The ring is worn in a position such that a light beam emitted by the light emitter is directed away from the user.

Abstract: A system for scanning a symbol that has a plurality of modes including a learning mode and an adaptive mode. When the scanner is in a learning mode, a plurality of scans are generated using a plurality of sets of operating parameters. A decoder decodes the plurality of scans generated by the scanner. A data collector collects readability data indicating whether the generated scan decodes successfully or unsuccessfully for each of the sets of operating parameters. A processor determines whether the readability data is acceptable for each of the sets of operating parameters. An optimal set of operating parameters is selected from the acceptable sets of operating parameters. The optimal set of operating parameters is stored along with data identifying the symbol so that the optimal set of operating parameters may be recalled for use in scanning symbols of a similar type or in a similar environment.

Abstract: A bar code scanning system including an optical scanner for scanning a target symbol, such as a bar code, and generating a corresponding electrical signal. The scanner housing may be mounted to a single finger ring support, which can be cylindrical in shape. The scanner housing may include a scanner activation switch, which may be of the voice recognition type. A transmitter for transmitting the analog or digitized electrical signal, either by wire or RF signal, to a receiver on the user's person is also included in the scanner housing. A decoder is preferably included within the receiver housing. The receiver housing may also have a display for displaying decoded data and a keyboard for inputting entry data. Signal processing circuitry for digitizing the electrical signals generated by the scanner may be included either in the scanner or receiver housing. The receiver housing also may include an RF transmitter for transmitting the decoded data and any entry data to a separate computer unit.

Abstract: An optical reading system for reading optically encoded information represented by a symbol on a target includes a rotational shaft, a light emitter for producing a beam of light to scan a path through a scan field, and a light detector for detecting light reflected from the symbol to read the optically encoded information. A means for oscillating the light emitter and light detector about a longitudinal axis of the rotational shaft is also provided. At least one electrical conductor is connected to each of the light emitter and light detector for providing electrical energy thereto. Each electrical conductor is affixed between distal ends thereof at a point coincident with a point on the longitudinal axis of the rotational shaft.

Abstract: Optical scanning of bar code symbols in which light reflected from the scanned symbol is collected with stationary light collection optics and swept across an array of individual light detection elements (e.g., photodetectors). Detection circuitry determines which of the detection elements is receiving the incoming light beam at a given time, and produces an output signal based preferably only on the outputs of those detection elements. The selection of detection elements to be used in forming the output signal may be made by synchronizing the sampling of the detection elements with the scanning movement of the outgoing light beam. Alternatively, the selection may be based on the output level of the detection elements (e.g., by only using outputs that exceed a predetermined threshold).

Abstract: The laser diode of an optical scanning system is located in a separate unit and light therefrom carried to a remote scan head via an optical fiber. This reduces the size and weight of the scan head and reduces the temperature sensitivity of the scan head. The scan head may include an optical sensor for detecting light reflected from scanned symbols. Alternatively, the separate unit may house the sensor, and the same fiber or an additional fiber will collect the reflected light and transmit that light back to the sensor. The invention also encompasses a number of electromagnetic and piezoelectric systems for producing a scanning motion of the beam emitted by the scan head.

Abstract: A portable computer and/or scanner system includes a keyboard, another data input device such as an optical scanner, a data processor module and a display. All of these components are arranged on a glove to be worn by a system operator. The system is configured in two housings, the first mounted on a finger brace and the second on a wrist brace, both braces being attached to the glove. The two housings are interconnected by electrical or optical cables. The first housing contains the electro-optical scanner and the second contains a processor module, keyboard and display. The second housing may also contain a transceiver for communication with a host computer, and is positioned on the wrist so that the display is at the top or back of the wrist for easy visualization. The keypad is positioned on the side of the wrist adjacent the thumb so that the operator can use the keypad while watching the display. A push button switch on the finger brace is operated by the thumb to control the scanner.

Abstract: An optical scanner module for directing a light beam to scan an optically encoded symbol includes an optical element mounted for oscillatory motion to scan the light beam in one direction by a flex element capable of torsional flexure. This oscillatory motion is induced by the interacting magnetic fields established by a permanent magnet mounted to the flex element and an electromagnetic coil driven by an AC current. Bidirectional light beam scanning is achieved by mounting an assembly of the flex element, optical element and permanent magnet to one or more additional flex elements for oscillatory motion to scan the light beam in a second direction. This oscillatory motion is induced by the inclusion of an additional permanent magnet and/or electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A symbol scanning system which adaptively changes scanning system parameters including light beam pattern and focus to improve barcode readability. The scanning system including; a scanner, responsive to coordinate control signals, for directing a light beam in a pattern at a symbol at a predetermined location, detecting a reflected portion of the light beam, and generating a feedback signal corresponding to the detected portion of the reflected light beam, a microprocessor, responsive to the feedback signal, for generating pattern control signals, and a pattern generator for generating the coordinate control signals in responsive to the pattern control signals and for determining the light beam pattern.

Abstract: A miniature high speed bar code scanning element is housed within an industry standard PCMCIA card for implementation in personal computing devices. In one embodiment, the scan element is mounted on the exterior of the card for pivotal movement about vertical and horizontal axes.