Bar code scanner with asterisk scan pattern
US4939356A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/10693
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A bar code scanner which preferably generates an asterisk-like scan pattern has a scanner head at the end of a flexible mount enabling operator personnel to orient the scanner head in virtually any position and direction. The scan pattern generator is compact in size, utilizing a laser diode as a source, so that the scan head is easily manipulated to the desired position. In preferred embodiments the scanning mechanism generates the asterisk scan pattern with a rotating mirror or mirrors and a series of peripheral mirrors or lenses, one for each scan line, in an efficient and compact arrangement. The entire asterisk scan pattern may be constantly rotated at a relatively slow rate, so that bar code labels are more likely to be read without deliberate orientation by the operator, particularly in the case of bar codes of high aspect ratio.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.