US5468950A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Chromatic ranging method and apparatus for reading optically readable information over a substantial range of distances
Assignee: Intermec IP Corp
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Filing: 1994-07-28
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Granted: 1995-11-21
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Expires: 2014-07-28
Abstract
Abstract An improved method and apparatus for reading optical information over a substantial range of distances provides an optical string, disposed in a housing, for refracting images of optical information of varying wavelengths to different focal points along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined reading position. Adjacent the housing, and directed along the longitudinal axis of a housing opening and the optical string, is an illumination source for illuminating optical information with light. Also included is a reading sensor having a light receiving plane disposed at a predetermined reading position behind the optical string for converting an image of optical information into an electrical signal. A control system is also provided for determining and decoding the reflected light image formed by that wavelength of light received from the illumination source which produces the best focus on the light receiving plane of the reading sensor. Finally, an apparatus is also provided for producing a digital information set corresponding to the image of optical information focused by the optical string onto the receiving plane of the reading sensor.
Inventors
- 👤 George E. Hanson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 21:44
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/12; H01Q1/22; B; B60; B60R; B60R11/00; B60R11/02; B60R11/0241; G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1626; G06F1/1632; G06F1/26; G06F1/28; G06K; G06K17/00; G06K17/0022; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10554; G06K7/10564; G06K7/10574; G06K7/10584; G06K7/10594; G06K7/10683; G06K7/10702; G06K7/10712; G06K7/10722; G06K7/10732; G06K7/10792; G06K7/10801; G06K7/10811; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10841; G06K7/10851; G06K7/10881; G06K7/12; H04; H04B; H04B1/00; H04B1/38; H04B2001/3894; H04W; H04W4/00; H04W4/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of focusing an image of optical information over a substantial range of distances, comprising: (a) sequentially reflecting light of varying wavelengths from optically readable information such that sequentially different wavelength images of said optically readable information are produced; (b) refracting each sequentially different wavelength image of optically readable information produced by said varying wavelengths of light such that refracted light images are incident on the light receiving plane of a photosensitive array; (c) producing a digital information set corresponding to each of said refracted light images of said optically readable information; and (d) decoding said digital information set corresponding to said refracted light image having the sharpest focus.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of focusing an image of optical information over a substantial range of distances, comprising: (a) sequentially reflecting light of varying wavelengths from optically readable information such that sequentially different wavelength images of said optically readable information are produced; (b) refracting each sequentially different wavelength image of optically readable information produced by said varying wavelengths of light such that refracted light images are incident on the light receiving plane of a photosensitive array; (c) producing a digital information set corresponding to each of said refracted light images of said optically readable information; and (d) decoding said digital information set corresponding to said refracted light image having the sharpest focus.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for focusing an image of optical information over a substantial range of distances, comprising: (a) a housing having an opening for facing optical information; (b) optical means, disposed in said housing, for refracting images of optical information of varying wavelengths to different focal points along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined reading position; (c) reading sensor means, disposed at said predetermined reading position and having a light receiving plane, for converting an image of optical information into an electrical signal; (d) control means for determining and decoding the reflected light image formed by that wavelength of light from said optical means which produces the best focus; and (e) means for producing a digital information set corresponding to the image of said optical information.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for focusing an image of optical information over a substantial range of distances, comprising: (a) a housing having an opening for facing optical information; (b) optical means, disposed in said housing, for refracting images of optical information of varying wavelengths to different focal points along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined reading position; (c) reading sensor means, disposed at said predetermined reading position and having a light receiving plane, for converting an image of optical information into an electrical signal; (d) control means for determining and decoding the reflected light image formed by that wavelength of light from said optical means which produces the best focus; and (e) means for producing a digital information set corresponding to the image of said optical information.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of focusing an image of optical information over a substantial range of distances, comprising: (a) splitting the reflected light image of optically readable information into component wavelength refracted images; (b) producing a digital information set corresponding to each of said refracted light images of said optically readable information; and (c) decoding said digital information set corresponding to said refracted light image having the sharpest focus.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of focusing an image of optical information over a substantial range of distances, comprising: (a) splitting the reflected light image of optically readable information into component wavelength refracted images; (b) producing a digital information set corresponding to each of said refracted light images of said optically readable information; and (c) decoding said digital information set corresponding to said refracted light image having the sharpest focus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-11-20 | 1999-05-22 | 1999-11-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-11-20 | 2003-05-22 | 2003-11-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-11-20 | 2007-05-22 | 2007-11-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |