Apparatus and method for reading indicia using charge coupled device and scanning laser beam technology
US5672858A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K2207/1018
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A scanning device for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity, including bar code or matrix array symbols, has a single light emitter, such as a laser or light emitting diode, for generating a scanning light beam to visually illuminate sequential portions of the indicia. A sensor, such as a charge coupled or other solid state imaging device, simultaneously detects light reflected from portions of the indicia and generates an electrical signal representative of the spacial intensity variations the portions of the indicia. The scanning device may also include an ambient light sensor, and a second light emitter for use only in aiming or orienting the scanning device. A photodetector may also be provided to separately detect one symbol virtually simultaneous with the detection of another symbol by the sensor or to provide dual modalities. A method for reading indicia is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.