Patent US5331176A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5331176A
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Hand held two dimensional symbol reader with a symbol illumination window
Assignee: VCODE HOLDINGS Inc
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Filing: 1992-04-10
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Granted: 1994-07-19
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Expires: 2012-04-10
Abstract
Abstract A symbol reader which projects an illumination window or field that is the same size as a field of view of a sensor used to read a symbol. The illumination window is aligned with the field of view of the sensor. The window or field can provide an area of relatively constant illumination or edges of the window or field can be at a higher illumination creating an outline or capture border. The outline alone can be projected when the ambient light level is sufficient for capture of the symbol. The window or field can be created by projecting light from various light sources.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Sant' Anselmo
- 👤 Carl Sant' Anselmo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:28
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10881; G06K2207/00; G06K2207/1013
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
A symbol illuminator and capture system, comprising: a two dimensional sensor for viewing a two dimensional symbol, having a viewing window and capturing an entire symbol image; and projection means, associated with said sensor, for projecting two dimensional illumination window for illuminating the entire symbol, the illumination window being equal to or larger in size than and aligned with the viewing window.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
62 words
A symbol illuminator and capture system, comprising: a two dimensional sensor for viewing a two dimensional symbol, having a viewing window and capturing an entire symbol image; and projection means, associated with said sensor, for projecting two dimensional illumination window for illuminating the entire symbol, the illumination window being equal to or larger in size than and aligned with the viewing window.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said projection means produces the illumination window with an area of substantially constant area illumination.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as recited in claim 2, wherein said projection means projects a border surrounding the area, the border having a border illumination higher than the area illumination.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said projection means produces the illumination window with a border of substantially constant illumination.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said projection means comprises: a light source projecting light; and an aperture restricting the light projected by the light source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as recited in claim 5, wherein said light source comprises light emitting diodes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as recited in claim 6, wherein said projection means further comprises a tube through which said sensor views the symbol and around which said diodes are mounted.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as recited in claim 5, further comprising a mirror reflecting the projected light through said aperture.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as recited in claim 5, wherein said sensor is positioned between said light source and said aperture and said sensor blocks a portion of the projected light.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said projection means comprises means for scanning a beam creating the illumination window via raster scanning.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said projection means comprises: a light source projecting light; and a mask blocking the light creating the window.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: means for automatically focusing the symbol image on the sensor; and means for enlarging the symbol image to maximize the area of the sensor covered by the image.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as recited in claim 12, wherein said means for enlarging uses an image of a border of the symbol to control image magnification.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensor and projection means comprise a hand held symbol reader.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-18 | 1998-01-17 | 1998-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-18 | 2002-01-17 | 2002-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-18 | 2006-01-17 | 2006-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |