Spectral scanner employing light paths of multiple wavelengths for scanning objects, such as bar code symbols, and associated method
US6345765B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/10623
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical system, such as a bar code scanner, illuminates an image with a multi-wavelength device. Under a first embodiment, a tunable laser is optically coupled with a prism or other wavelength separation device. As the laser beam wavelength varies, the transmission path through the prism changes, resulting in a scanning of the beam across an image. A photodetector captures light reflected from the image and sends it to a microprocessor for decoding. Under another embodiment, a broad band light source transmits light through a prism, thus shining a “rainbow” on the image. A spectrometer measures reflected light as a function of wavelength and sends the resultant signal to a microprocessor for decoding. Neither embodiment relies on moving parts to scan the image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.