Abstract: There is described a compact laser module (1) for reading optical codes, comprising: a scanning illumination section having at least one source (8) for generating a laser beam, and a scanner (9, 10) for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section (20-24) for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a laser source emitting a laser scanning beam, a movable scanning mirror reflecting the laser scanning beam towards an on object to be scanned, a mirror moving element moving the movable scanning mirror and a controller receiving an input corresponding to a range estimate from the scanning device to the object and adjusting a setting of the scanning device based on the range estimate.

Abstract: A blocking portion is provided at an end of the mirror to prevent a light beam emitted from an input port from being transmitted to or reflected by first and second output ports. The mirror is inserted to a position where the end of the blocking portion of the mirror reaches a boundary P2? on the insertion side of an area to be blocked to obtain a permissible crosstalk value of the light beam. The mirror is removed to a position where the rear end of the blocking portion of the mirror reaches a boundary P2 on the removal side of the area to be blocked. The mirror is movably driven between the removal position and the insertion position in the optical path of a first light beam by a drive. Thus it is possible to reduce the length of the driving stroke of the mirror.

Abstract: A device and a process for acquiring symbols by interleaving data samples in a plurality of data sets gathered during sampling of returns from a plurality of scanning passes. In one embodiment, the sampling frequency is proportional to the scanning frequency by a quotient of twice the number of samples in a representation and an integer such that the quotient is an irreducible fraction.

Abstract: A MEMS-based reader has an extended range of working distances for reading bar code symbols. A digitizer resolves the edges of bar code symbols when located at far-away distances from the reader within the working range. The digitizer includes a differentiator for differentiating the analog signal to generate a first derivative signal, a peak detector for detecting voltage peaks in the first derivative signal, and a comparator for comparing voltage drops after the voltage peaks with a predetermined voltage value, and for determining the presence of each edge when each voltage drop at least equals, and preferably exceeds, the predetermined voltage value.

Abstract: A taut, torsional flexure is used in a compact drive for scanning light and is of beneficial use in a lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, the module being operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in color.

Abstract: A MEMS-based reader has an extended range of working distances for reading bar code symbols. A digitizer resolves the edges of bar code symbols when located at far-away distances from the reader within the working range. The digitizer includes a differentiator for differentiating the analog signal to generate a first derivative signal, a peak detector for detecting voltage peaks in the first derivative signal, and a comparator for comparing voltage drops after the voltage peaks with a predetermined voltage value, and for determining the presence of each edge when each voltage drop at least equals, and preferably exceeds, the predetermined voltage value.

Abstract: A bioptical holographic laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a holographic scanning disc having scanning facets with high and low elevation angle characteristics, as well as positive, negative and zero skew angle characteristics which strategically cooperate with groups of beam folding mirrors having optimized surface geometry characteristics. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generate a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of pairs of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, which include a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.

Abstract: A barcode scanner with configurable video modes which enhances readability of a wide range of barcode types. The barcode scanner includes a video circuit, and a configuration circuit for altering operating characteristics of the video circuit during a scanning operation for reading a plurality of different types of barcodes.

Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.

Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system at a point of sale (POS) station, that generates and projects a first plurality of laser scanning planes through a horizontal-scanning window, and a second plurality of laser scanning planes through a vertical-scanning window. The first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between the horizontal-scanning and vertical-scanning windows, and generate a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within the 3-D scanning volume.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism comprising a body (10) mounted so as to be rotatble about an axis; means (3) for rotating said body about said axis; first cam means (9, 10) for displacing said body along said axis away from an axial rest position during rotation of said body in a first direction; biassing means (11) for restoring the body to its axial rest position on completion of a rotation or a predetermined portion thereof of the body; means (8a) for detecting the axial movement of the body when it is being restored to its axial rest position; and second cam means (2, 9) permitting said body to be rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An optical scanner having a balanced mirrored spinner. The optical scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for directing the laser beam to produce scanning light beams, and an apparatus for rotating the mirrored spinner including a motor having a shaft which rotates about a first axis of rotation, a spinner mount coupled to the shaft and having an axle coupled to the mirrored spinner for rotating the mirrored spinner about a second axis of rotation, a drive mechanism for rotating the mirrored spinner about the axle, and a balance for counteracting precession of the mirrored spinner as it rotates.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for stitching together partial bar code segments to construct and decode information for a complete bar code. As a scanner operates to generate a scan pattern, information is maintained that can be used to identify a scan line being generated when an event of interest occurs. When a scan signal indicates that a terminal delimiter of a bar code is included in a bar code segment that has been transected by a scan line, information is noted that can identify the scan line. Subsequent transections of the bar code by the same scan line are noted, and information for overlapping bar code segments is stored. When a segment is detected that includes a delimiter opposite the delimiter appearing in the original segment, the stored information is retrieved and used to assemble the complete bar code.

Abstract: A barcode scanning system is provided, which comprises an amplitude compensation circuit to change the amplitude of signals corresponding to each location on the barcode such that all the signals have the same amplitude. The changing of the amplitude may be determined according to an angular position or an oscillating velocity of an mirror. Preferably, the cutoff frequency of a low pass circuit in the barcode scanning system is variable according to the oscillating velocity or the angular position of the mirror too.

Abstract: Contamination in a feedback signal is eliminated in a laser scanning arrangement having a drive coil driven by a drive signal formed as a periodic train of drive pulses to oscillate a scan mirror and a light beam reflected from the scan mirror. A feedback coil generates a feedback signal during oscillation of the scan mirror, the feedback coil being in proximity with the drive coil and being subject to corruption by cross-coupling between the coils. The drive coil is not driven with at least one drive pulse during a quiet time period. Cross-coupling is eliminated by generating the feedback signal only during the quiet time period, and by monitoring a position of the scan mirror by processing the feedback signal which was generated only during the quiet time period.

Abstract: A light scanning arrangement includes a frame or a base plate directly moved by an inertial drive in order to oscillate a scan element supported by a hinge on the frame at high scan rates and with minimal electrical power consumption.

Abstract: A scanner with a compact scan engine having a light source for generating a light beam is provided, optionally with a polygon scan mirror as well. A seat with the compact scan engine attached thereto is utilized, and the scan engine is significantly smaller than the scanner housing.

Abstract: A optical scanner control method and a optical scanner capable of positioning a mirror at a high speed independently of a rocking angle, and a laser machining apparatus for irradiating a printed circuit board with a laser beam by use of the optical scanner to thereby perforate the printed circuit board. In order to operate an actuator for rocking the mirror based on a deviation of a current position from an commanded value, a change in gain of the actuator is measured in accordance with each rocking angle in advance, and the manipulated variable of the actuator is corrected to cancel the change in gain. Thus, the influence of the alteration of a torque constant in accordance with the rocking angle can be suppressed so that the response characteristic becomes uniform all over a scanning region, and the positioning speed can be improved.

Abstract: In an apparatus for optically reading a target based on light reflected from the target, an imaging lens with a first optical axis is provided so that the reflected light enters into the imaging lens. A photodetector having an active area and a second optical axis different from the first optical axis is provided. The imaging lens focuses the reflected light on the active area of the photodetector. A fold mechanism is arranged between the imaging lens and the photodetector. The fold mechanism folds an optical path of the reflected light between the imaging lens and the photodetector to adjust a length of the optical path while keeping each of the first and second optical axes constant.

Abstract: Apparatus for deflecting a light beam, comprising: a scanning element having a base portion, a light beam deflecting portion, and a gap region disposed therebetween. The base portion is anchored with respect to an optical bench to permit the light beam deflecting portion to pivot about a fixed pivot point defined between the base portion and the gap region. The light beam deflecting portion has a natural resonant frequency of oscillation about the fixed pivot point and is mechanically-damped at the gap region. A permanent magnet and right beam deflating portion are mounted on the light beam deflecting portion. A magnetic-field producing coil produces a force field that interacts with the permanent magnet and forces the light beam deflecting portion to oscillate about the fixed pivot point at a controlled frequency of oscillation that is substantially different from the natural resonant frequency of oscillation of the light beam deflecting portion.

Abstract: A portable electo-optical scanner for reading a target bar code having a plurality of bar code elements. The portable scanner includes: a housing supporting a scanning module and an exit window. The scanning module scans the target bar code with a scanning beam and collecting reflected light returning from the bar code. The scanning module includes: a beam source emitting a scanning beam; photodetector circuitry; and a retro-reflective oscillating mirror including a light collection mirror and an integral scanning or beam directing mirror. The scanning mirror is positioned to intersect the scanning beam and direct the scanning beam through the exit window. Oscillation of the oscillating mirror causes the scanning beam to be repetitively scanned along a scanning direction across the target bar code. The light collection mirror has a field of view that follows the scanning beam.

Abstract: A light scanning arrangement includes a frame directly moved by an inertial drive in order to oscillate a scan element supported by a hinge on the frame at high scan rates and with minimal electrical power consumption.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: Barcode scanner including a multitasking pattern mirror which allows the size of a scanner to be reduced without decreasing performance. The bar code scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam, and a plurality of pattern mirrors for directing the laser beam from the mirrored spinner to produce a scan pattern. The multitasking pattern mirror additionally directs the laser beam from the laser to the mirrored spinner.

Abstract: A compact laser module (1) for reading optical codes including a scanning illumination section having at least one source (8) for generating a laser beam and a scanner (9, 10) for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section (20–24) for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct.

Abstract: A device for optical scanning of markings, such as barcodes, has at least two transmitters (10, 20) that send light beams (12, 22) at different angles toward a rotating polygonal mirror (30), which deflects the light beams onto the markings being scanned. The light reflected by the markings is deflected by the polygonal mirrors (30) to separate receiver systems, so that the device has and simultaneously uses at least two separate transmitter/receiver channels.

Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system is disclosed comprising a hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device which embodies an electronically-controlled bar code symbol reading engine for producing a raster-type laser scanning pattern in either a hands-free or hands-on mode of operation for scanning 1-D and 2D bar code symbols. The electronically-controlled bar code symbol reading engine has (i) a high-speed/high-resolution raster scanning mode of operation, during which a high-speed, high-resolution raster-type scanning pattern is precisely generated under electronic control, and (ii) a high-speed/low-resolution raster scanning mode of operation during which a high-speed, low-resolution raster-type scanning pattern is precisely generated under electronic control.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar light illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar light illumination beam is produced from a planar light illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar light illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible light emitting diode (LED), a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar light illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar light illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The image is formed by pulsing a laser at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: A barcode scanner with a dual-surface polygon which increases total scan line length. The polygon includes generally planar walls arranged in a ring having first mirrored facets facing generally towards a center of the ring and second mirrored facets facing generally away from the center of the ring. The first and second mirrored facets direct a laser beam to produce a scan pattern.

Abstract: A device for scanning and/or recognizing one or more barcodes includes a laser light source for transmitting laser light; a rotatable polygonal mirror for reflecting the transmitted laser light; a number of fixedly disposed flat mirrors for reflecting laser light; a pick-up element for picking up laser light scattered by a barcode; a compact housing in which the laser light source, the polygonal mirror, the flat mirrors and the pick-up element are arranged, which compact housing is constructed from a substantially flat bottom side, a top side and standing walls arranged therebetween and wherein the distance between the standing walls ranges between 1.2–5.5 inches (3–14 cm).

Abstract: An electronic device (100) and a method for use thereof having an integral camera (102) for taking pictures from multiple sides of the electronic device. The electronic device (100) has a case (101) and a moveable assembly (108) for allowing the camera (102) to capture images from multiple angles with respect to the case depending on the position of the moveable assembly (108). A lens (122) may be used to correct or adjust the image. The camera (102) or electronic device electronics may be used to reverse an image when an odd number of mirrors (206), (208) are used to direct light to the camera (102).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a MEMS structure includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a mobile element. The first electrode is coupled to a first voltage source. The second electrode is coupled to a second voltage source. The mobile element includes a third electrode coupled to a third voltage source. A steady voltage difference between the first electrode and the third electrode is used to tune the natural frequency of the structure to a scanning frequency of an application. An oscillating voltage difference between the second electrode and the third electrode at the scanning frequency of the application is used to oscillate the mobile element. In one embodiment, the mobile unit is a mirror.

Abstract: An image reader adopting an off-axial optical system, an adjustable imaging mirror and a CCD fixed to a highly rigid structure. Since the relative position between reflecting and imaging mirrors can be set highly accurately, adjusting only the CCD-mounting position allows a required specification of the read image to be met. The imaging mirror can easily be adjusted without distorting the reflecting surface. The reflecting and imaging mirrors, and the CCD-mounting-position adjuster are positioned directly to reflecting-mirror supporting sections, imaging-mirror supporting sections, and CCD supporting sections, which are integrated with a carriage casing, and fixed to them. The CCD is fixed to the carriage casing with the CCD-mounting-position adjuster. An imaging mirror close to a diaphragm and adjacent to the image is supported by a mirror adjusting plate, which can be displaced to adjust the position of the imaging mirror.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system component is deformed to control a shape and size and orientation of a laser beam spot that is scanned across a symbol to be read by an electro-optical reader.

Abstract: A bar code reading apparatus comprises: a laser module (1) having a light-emitting device (13) and a light-receiving device (14) arranged in a substantially orthogonal state; a moving mirror having a mirror mounted on a stand, swing shafts provided on both sides of the stand, a magnet mounted on a lower side of the stand, a supporting pole arranged below the magnet, and an air-core driving coil in which the supporting pole is inserted; and a light-emitting lens for condensing a light beam from the light-emitting device (13) and reflecting the light beam to the mirror; the laser module, the moving mirror and the light-emitting lens being housed in a housing. Thus, miniaturization of the reading apparatus is realized, and the bar code reading apparatus is provided in which the light-receiving accuracy is improved while the swing of the mirror is secured.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical apparatus comprising an optical gain correction filter having a multilayer film structure formed by stacking a plurality of thin films with different diffractive indexes on a light transmitting board, wherein when the light with the wavelength ? enters at the incident angle ?, the transmissivity is assumed to be T1 (?, ?) (0?T1 (?, ?)?1), and the thickness and stacking state of each thin film of the optical gain correction filter are adjusted to increase the transmissivity T1 (?0, ?) when the incident angle ? increases close to the predetermined maximum incident angle ?max with respect to the incident light with the wavelength ?0. The optical apparatus is applied to a bar code reader.

Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, a laser beam is directed into an inline beam dithering mechanism which dithers the beam over an angle parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating facet wheel. The combination of the dithering mechanism and the scanning motion of the rotating facet wheel creates a dense scan pattern. Return light is retrodirectively collected and by a collection element such as a collection lens onto a detector. A beam redirector such as a cone-shaped device having openings on both ends and a reflecting internal surface is disposed between the collection lens and the detector to redirect off-axis spot onto the detector. The system and method is applicable to both single and multiple beam systems and single and multiple window scanners.

Abstract: A barcode scanner includes at least a laser emitter, a collimator, a light condensing lens and a linear light receiver. When the scanning light beams from the laser emitter are projected onto a barcode through the collimator, a barcode signal is produced from the reflected image thereof focused onto the linear light receiver through the light condensing lens. The characteristics thereof are that at least one beam splitter and reflector are disposed at the projecting path of the scanning light beams from the laser emitter and the collimator to barcode, so as to enable the scanner to act as a multiple light sources structure, thereby distributing the scanning light beams more evenly with lower production cost and material.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading. The preferred system is directed to a scanner which includes a laser diode and a beam splitter for generating first optical beam and a second optical beam, the first optical beam being directed toward one side of a scanning optical element such as a rotating polygon mirror and to a first mirror array, the second optical beam is being simultaneously directed toward a second optical element such as another side of the rotating polygon mirror and then to a second and a third mirror array. The first mirror array is configured to generate a scan pattern through a vertical window and the second and third mirror arrays are configured to generate scan patterns passing through a horizontal window. In combination, the three mirror arrays generate three sets of scan lines so as to scan the bottom and all lateral sides of an object being passed through the scan volume.

Abstract: A dynamic omni-directional scan pattern is generated in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by oscillating a mirror located between a light source and a rotating mirrored component. Light from the mirror is reflected off the rotating component and swept across a plurality of stationary mirrors for reflection therefrom through a window of the reader.

Abstract: An identification device, especially one for detecting unidimensional and/or two-dimensional codes, which has a position-resolving photoreceiver arranged in a housing and a reception optics coordinated with it and also installed in the housing. The entire reception optics and the position-resolving photoreceiver are immovably mounted in a housing of the identification device. For focusing at different object distances, an effective optical back focal distance is changed with only an adjustable deflection mirror that is positioned between the photoreceiver and the reception optics.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus scans a surface to be scanned in a main scanning direction by simultaneously using a plurality of optical spots formed of a plurality of optical beans emitted from an illuminant, comprising: a light path deflecting part deflecting a light path of at least one of the optical beams, wherein the light path deflecting part is provided in light paths of the optical beams wherein the light path deflecting part may use a liquid crystal deflecting element formed of a liquid crystal element being controllable by an electronic signal to deflect the light path of the one of the optical beams.

Abstract: Vibration is minimized in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by oscillating a counterweight and a scan component to move simultaneously toward each other, and to move simultaneously away from each other. A magnet is mounted for joint movement with the counterweight and the scan component. An electromagnetic coil magnetically interacts with each magnet to cause the counterweight and the scan component to move with oppositely directed moments that counterbalance each other.

Abstract: A bioptics bar code reader has first and second windows disposed at an angle to each other, a first imager for the first window and a second imager for the second window and first and second optics for directing light from a bar code in a reading area between the windows to the first and second imagers. The two imagers each obtain an image of the bar code in the reading area.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based system having a linear image formation and detection module disposed in a system housing, and having image formation optics with a field of view projectable through an aperture in the housing and onto an object moving relative thereto during object illumination and imaging operations. A pair of planar laser illumination arrays (PLIAs) are disposed on the system housing. Each planar laser array (PLIA) includes a plurality of laser diodes arranged together in a linear manner. The planar laser illumination arrays are arranged in relation to the linear image formation and detection module, and produce a pair of planar laser illumination beams (PLIBs). The pair of stationary planar laser illumination beams are projected through light transmission apertures in the system housing and oriented such that the plane of the planar laser illumination beams is coplanar with the field of view of the linear image formation and detection module.

Abstract: A bar code scanner has a housing including a surface having a transparent scanning window. The housing contains optical components including a spinner and pattern mirrors arranged to produce sets of densely packed scan lines. The housing further contains a single output mirror which can be arranged in a first position in which the scan lines are optimized for horizontal scanning and a second position in which the scan lines are optimized for vertical scanning.

Abstract: An optical scanner having enhanced item side coverage which scans all six sides of an item and an intermediate side. The optical scanner includes a scanner housing, a first optics assembly within the scanner housing including a horizontal aperture, and a second optics assembly including a second housing within the scanner housing including a substantially vertical aperture. The first and second optics assemblies are capable of scanning six sides of an item. At least one of the first and second optics assemblies additionally generates third scan lines for scanning an intermediate side of the item.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scanning device for reading bar code symbols, wherein the scanning device comprises a housing having a substantially horizontal surface and a substantially vertical surface. A motor rotates a polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a light source and redirects it toward a mirror array and out a window in the substantially horizontal window. Another motor rotates another polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a second light source and redirects it toward a second mirror array and out a window in the substantially vertical surface. A plurality of sensors detects light reflected back from a bar code and generates a plurality of electrical signals proportional to the intensity of the reflected light.