US5581071A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Barcode scanner with adjustable light source intensity
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1994-12-06
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Granted: 1996-12-03
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Expires: 2014-12-06
Abstract
Abstract A barcode scanner, which is particularly suitable for reading barcode information from surfaces having various reflective properties, includes a light intensity control for the light source of the barcode scanner. The light intensity control preferably comprises a means for ramping voltage and a summing circuit which allows the current flowing through the light source to be controlled. In addition, the light intensity control utilizes a clocking means which controls the rate of voltage ramping.
Inventors
- 👤 Chin-Long Chen
- 👤 Mu-Yue Hsiao
- 👤 Surasak K. O'Trakoun
- 👤 Charles F. Pells
- 👤 William W. Shen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:00
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10851; G06K2207/00; G06K2207/1018
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A barcode scanner system for reading barcodes, said system comprising: a housing having an opening at one end thereof; a charge coupled device disposed within said housing; a lens positioned in front of said charge coupled device, said lens being disposed so as to be accessible to light entering said opening to focus said light onto said charge coupled device; a light source, disposed exterior to said housing to illuminate said barcodes; decoder means for receiving signals from said charge coupled device; and a light intensity control means for varying the intensity of light produced by said light source until said decoder indicates that a scanned barcode has been detected.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A barcode scanner system for reading barcodes, said system comprising: a housing having an opening at one end thereof; a charge coupled device disposed within said housing; a lens positioned in front of said charge coupled device, said lens being disposed so as to be accessible to light entering said opening to focus said light onto said charge coupled device; a light source, disposed exterior to said housing to illuminate said barcodes; decoder means for receiving signals from said charge coupled device; and a light intensity control means for varying the intensity of light produced by said light source until said decoder indicates that a scanned barcode has been detected.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The scanner of claim 1 in which said light intensity control means includes a ramp generator and a summing circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The scanner of claim 2 wherein the speed of said voltage ramping is controlled by a clocking means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The scanner of claim 3 wherein said clocking means is manually controllable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The scanner of claim 3 wherein said clocking means is controllable by a computer in response to decoding determination.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The scanner of claim 3 wherein said clocking means is controlled by a scan signal from said charge coupled device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The scanner of claim 1 wherein said light source comprises at least one incandescent lamp.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The scanner of claim 1 wherein said light intensity control means is disposed within said housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
111 words
A barcode scanner system for reading barcodes, said system comprising: a housing having an opening at one end thereof; a charge coupled device disposed within said housing; a lens positioned in front of said charge coupled device, said lens being disposed so as to be accessible to light entering said opening to focus said light onto said charge coupled device; a light source, disposed exterior to said housing to illuminate said barcodes; decoder means for receiving signals from said charge coupled device; and a light intensity control means for continuously varying the intensity of light produced by said light source until said decoder indicates that a scanned barcode has been detected.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
111 words
A barcode scanner system for reading barcodes, said system comprising: a housing having an opening at one end thereof; a charge coupled device disposed within said housing; a lens positioned in front of said charge coupled device, said lens being disposed so as to be accessible to light entering said opening to focus said light onto said charge coupled device; a light source, disposed exterior to said housing to illuminate said barcodes; decoder means for receiving signals from said charge coupled device; and a light intensity control means for continuously varying the intensity of light produced by said light source until said decoder indicates that a scanned barcode has been detected.
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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) | 1999-12-03 | 2000-06-03 | 2000-12-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-12-03 | 2004-06-03 | 2004-12-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-12-03 | 2008-06-03 | 2008-12-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |