Optical scanning apparatus
US6216950A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/10693
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical scanning apparatus which reduces operator workload at a checkout counter and configured to be inexpensive to manufacture. In particular this optical scanning apparatus is designed so that an operator can scan merchandise without tilting these commodities. Therefore, to use this optical scanning apparatus the operator spots the bar code and slides the merchandise along the checkout counter. The optical scanning apparatus emits laser scanning patterns from the side of the counter and parallel to its surface as well as from above. Therefore whether the bar code is located on the side or top of the merchandise the apparatus is able to read it without tilting the merchandise. This is particular useful when dealing with liquid products, such as beverages or soups, and delicate products, such as cakes. In the case of liquid products, tilting them would run the risk of spilling them on the counter. In the case of delicate products, tilting them runs the risk of disturbing their appearance. The optical scanning apparatus is also designed to have a low profile and thus not act as an obstruction to operator's vision or movement of merchandise to be scanned.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.