Variable focus optical system
US6066857A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/10811
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A focusable imaging system particularly suitable for use in acquiring digital images for subsequent processing such as in a hand held, omnidirectional symbology or bar code reader by which linear and two dimensional (matrix, maxi-code) bar codes may be imaged over relatively long working distances. The imaging system includes an focusing objective taking lens and a two-dimensional photodetector that operate to form an image of an object such as a bar code in X and Y directions simultaneously and generate an electrical signal representative of the object or code for subsequent downstream processing by which information embedded in the object or bar code may be extracted. Focusing is achieved via a rotating disk that carries a plurality of optical shims or other light controlling surfaces to provide for different focus zones. A through-the-lens (TTL) targeting system is provided to visually assist the user in positioning the reader for a variety of code modalities to assure that a bar code or the like will be captured within the field of view and be sharply imaged on the photodetector when the lens is focused. Two different forms of artificial illumination are provided to accommodate…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.