US5484990A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple depth of field laser optical scanner
Assignee: NCR Voyix Corp
•
Filing: 1993-12-15
•
Granted: 1996-01-16
•
Expires: 2013-12-15
Abstract
Abstract A multiple depth of field optical scanner which produces a plurality of scan beams having different focal distances. The optical scanner includes a laser beam having a centerline, a mirrored spinner having a plurality of facets with different curvatures, a detector, and a microcontroller. The optical scanner may additionally include a deflector mirror for changing the direction of the laser beam, collecting optics for equalizing the optical coupling of the reflected light across the field of view of the facets, a distance selection circuit for instructing the microcontroller within the scanner to decode bar code information from a predetermined range of focal distances and an amplification circuit for amplifying the electrical signals from the detector enough to produce other electrical signals having substantially equal amplitudes. The microcontroller may also include the feature of reducing laser power when the scan beams focus more than a predetermined distance from the centerline of the laser beam.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph M. Lindacher
- 👤 Stephen J. Ames
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 01:23
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10792; G06K7/10801; G06K7/10811; G06K2207/00; G06K2207/1013
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam within a field of view; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label within a range of distances along a centerline of the scanner, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point on the centerline and wherein the curvature and centerline focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and centerline focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into first electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; an amplifier circuit for amplifying the first electrical signals enough to produce second electrical signals having substantially equal amplitudes; a microcontroller coupled to the amplifier circuit for decoding bar code information from the second electrical signals; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only said second electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam within a field of view; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label within a range of distances along a centerline of the scanner, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point on the centerline and wherein the curvature and centerline focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and centerline focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into first electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; an amplifier circuit for amplifying the first electrical signals enough to produce second electrical signals having substantially equal amplitudes; a microcontroller coupled to the amplifier circuit for decoding bar code information from the second electrical signals; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only said second electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
142 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; a microcontroller coupled to the detector for decoding bar code information from the electrical signals; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
142 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; a microcontroller coupled to the detector for decoding bar code information from the electrical signals; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, wherein the facets include concave facets.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, wherein the facets include convex facets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, wherein the mirrored spinner comprises a single injection-molded mirrored spinner.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, wherein the mirrored spinner comprises four facets.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, wherein the mirrored spinner comprises six facets.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, wherein the distance selection circuit comprises: an angle sensor for sensing the orientation of the mirrored spinner and for generating a signal containing the orientation information for use by the microcontroller; a trigger engaged by a user; and a trigger switch actuated by engagement of the trigger; wherein distance selection is determined by the number of times the user engages the trigger.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
54 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 8, further comprising: an amplifier circuit for amplifying the electrical signals enough to produce other electrical signals having substantially equal amplitudes, the microcontroller decoding the other electrical signals; the microcontroller using the orientation information from the angle sensor to control the amplifier circuit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, wherein the laser has a beam centerline and wherein the microcontroller reduces current to the laser when the scan beams focus on points more than a predetermined distance from the centerline.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, further comprising: a deflector mirror for reflecting the laser beam towards the mirrored spinner, the angle between the incident laser beam and the reflected laser beam being no more than about 3 degrees.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, further comprising: collecting optics in front of the detector for equalizing the optical coupling of the reflected light across the field of view.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 2, wherein the collecting optics comprises a Fresnel lens.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
184 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam having a centerline; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label within a range of distances along a centerline of the scanner, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point on the centerline and wherein the curvature and centerline focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and centerline focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; a microcontroller coupled to the detector circuit for decoding bar code information from the electrical signals and for reducing current to the laser when the scan beams focus on points more than a predetermined distance from the centerline; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
184 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam having a centerline; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label within a range of distances along a centerline of the scanner, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point on the centerline and wherein the curvature and centerline focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and centerline focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; a microcontroller coupled to the detector circuit for decoding bar code information from the electrical signals and for reducing current to the laser when the scan beams focus on points more than a predetermined distance from the centerline; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
179 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam within a field of view; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into first electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; an amplifier circuit for amplifying the first electrical signals enough to produce second electrical signals having substantially equal amplitudes, including an angle sensor for sensing the orientation of the mirrored spinner and for generating a signal containing the orientation information for use by the microcontroller in controlling the amplifier circuit; and a microcontroller coupled to the amplifier circuit for decoding bar code information from the second electrical signals.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
179 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam within a field of view; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into first electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; an amplifier circuit for amplifying the first electrical signals enough to produce second electrical signals having substantially equal amplitudes, including an angle sensor for sensing the orientation of the mirrored spinner and for generating a signal containing the orientation information for use by the microcontroller in controlling the amplifier circuit; and a microcontroller coupled to the amplifier circuit for decoding bar code information from the second electrical signals.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 15, wherein the facets include concave facets.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 15, wherein the facets include convex facets.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 15, wherein the mirrored spinner comprises a single injection-molded mirrored spinner.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 15, wherein the mirrored spinner comprises four facets.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 15, wherein the mirrored spinner comprises six facets.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
43 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 15, wherein the scanner has a beam centerline and wherein the microcontroller reduces current to the laser when the scan beams focus on points more than a predetermined distance from the centerline.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
45 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 15, further comprising: a deflector mirror for reflecting the laser beam towards the mirrored spinner, the angle between the incident laser beam and the reflected laser beam being no more than about 3 degrees.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 15, further comprising: a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only said second electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 15, further comprising: collecting optics in front of the detector for equalizing the optical coupling of the reflected light across the field of view.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 24, wherein the collecting optics comprises a Fresnel lens.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
171 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam within a field of view; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into first electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; an amplifier circuit for amplifying the first electrical signals enough to produce second electrical signals having substantially equal amplitudes; a microcontroller coupled to the amplifier circuit for decoding bar code information from the second electrical signals; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only said second electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
171 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam within a field of view; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into first electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; an amplifier circuit for amplifying the first electrical signals enough to produce second electrical signals having substantially equal amplitudes; a microcontroller coupled to the amplifier circuit for decoding bar code information from the second electrical signals; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only said second electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 26, wherein the facets include concave facets.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 26, wherein the facets include convex facets.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 26, wherein the mirrored spinner comprises a single injection-molded mirrored spinner.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 26, wherein the mirrored spinner comprises four facets.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 26, wherein the mirrored spinner comprises six facets.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
47 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 26, wherein the amplifier circuit comprises: an angle sensor for sensing the orientation of the mirrored spinner and for generating a signal containing the orientation information for use by the microcontroller in controlling the amplifier circuit.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
43 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 32, wherein the scanner has a beam centerline and wherein the microcontroller reduces current to the laser when the scan beams focus on points more than a predetermined distance from the centerline.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
45 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 26, further comprising: a deflector mirror for reflecting the laser beam towards the mirrored spinner, the angle between the incident laser beam and the reflected laser beam being no more than about 3 degrees.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
35 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 26, further comprising: collecting optics in front of the detector for equalizing the optical coupling of the reflected light across the field of view.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multiple depth of field optical scanner as recited in claim 35, wherein the collecting optics comprises a Fresnel lens.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
168 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam having a centerline; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; a microcontroller coupled to the detector circuit for decoding bar code information from the electrical signals and for reducing current to the laser when the scan beams focus on points more than a predetermined distance from the centerline; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
168 words
A multiple depth of field optical scanner comprising: a laser for producing a laser beam having a centerline; a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam to produce scan beams for illuminating an item having a bar code label, the mirrored spinner including a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; a detector for converting light reflected from the bar code label into electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light; a microcontroller coupled to the detector circuit for decoding bar code information from the electrical signals and for reducing current to the laser when the scan beams focus on points more than a predetermined distance from the centerline; and a distance selection circuit for signaling the microcontroller to decode only electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for scanning a bar code label comprising the steps of: producing a laser beam by a laser; reflecting the laser beam off a mirrored spinner towards the bar code label, the mirrored spinner having a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; converting light reflected from the bar code label into electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light by a detector; signaling a microcontroller to decode only electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances; and decoding bar code information from the second electrical signals by the microcontroller.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for scanning a bar code label comprising the steps of: producing a laser beam by a laser; reflecting the laser beam off a mirrored spinner towards the bar code label, the mirrored spinner having a plurality of facets wherein each facet has a predetermined curvature and generates a scan beam having a predetermined focal point and wherein the curvature and focal point of each facet are different than the curvature and focal point of any other facet; converting light reflected from the bar code label into electrical signals based upon the intensity of the reflected light by a detector; signaling a microcontroller to decode only electrical signals corresponding to a predetermined range of focal distances; and decoding bar code information from the second electrical signals by the microcontroller.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4560862A
Cited
US4591242A
Cited
US4841129A
Cited
US4748316A
Cited
US4820911A
Cited
JPH0341585A
Cited
US5179271A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-01-15 | 1999-07-17 | 2000-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-07-17 | 2004-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-01-15 | 2007-07-17 | 2008-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |