Optical pattern reading apparatus
US6234396A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/10653
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical reading apparatus includes means for moving a mirror in a back and forth motion such that the mirror scans the light reflected from an optical pattern and sequentially projects narrow segments of the reflected image onto a linear image sensor. The means for moving the mirror include a cantilever-like arm or plate having one end held stationary and the other end free to move. The mirror is connected to the end of the arm which is free to move. Selectively enabled driving means coupled to the arm causes it to vibrate and the mirror to sweep or scan across the reflected image of an optical pattern. As the mirror sweeps across the reflected image of the optical pattern it sequentially projects different segments of the optical pattern onto the linear image sensor until the entire optical pattern is projected onto the linear image sensor. The linear image sensor is operable at a high rate of speed and is sufficiently sensitive that it can sense numerous (e.g., 50, or more) segments of the reflected image during one sweep of the mirror. The image sensor may be a solid state device having a large number of photosensitive elements formed along a row.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.