US5641958A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical system for data reading having wide range of focus
Assignee: Datalogic Scanning Inc
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Filing: 1995-06-07
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Granted: 1997-06-24
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Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
Abstract An optical system and method for data reading in which a light source generates an optical beam directed toward an object to be read and a variable aperture mechanism positioned in the outgoing light path establishes at least two separate focal planes. The variable aperture device may comprise a variable aperture system in which the size of the aperture is selectively varied about a range within the diffractive limit of the light beam. A preferred aperture mechanism is a liquid crystal aperture with one or more aperture regions which are selectively or consecutively activated. The optical system therefore establishes two or more separate waist locations from a single light source resulting in greater depth of field or multiple depths of field.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W. Rudeen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 02:04
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/10; G02B26/105; G02B5/00; G02B5/005; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10554; G06K7/10594; G06K7/10683; G06K7/10702; G06K7/10792; G06K7/10801; G06K7/10811; G06K2207/00; G06K2207/1013
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for data reading comprising the steps of projecting a beam of light along an outgoing optical path; passing the optical beam through a diffractive module having a first outer aperture and a second inner aperture, the second inner aperture being formed by at least one panel which is partially light transmissive.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for data reading comprising the steps of projecting a beam of light along an outgoing optical path; passing the optical beam through a diffractive module having a first outer aperture and a second inner aperture, the second inner aperture being formed by at least one panel which is partially light transmissive.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method for data reading according to claim 1 further comprising forming the beam of light from a laser diode and positioning the diffractive module on a side of the focusing system opposite to the laser diode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method for data reading according to claim 1 further comprising forming the beam of light from a laser diode; focusing the beam with a focusing system; and positioning the diffractive module downstream of the focusing system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method for data reading according to claim 1 further comprising forming the beam of light from a laser diode; focusing the beam with a focusing system; scanning the beam that has been focused with a scanning mechanism; and positioning the diffractive module between the focusing system and the scanning mechanism.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method for data reading according to claim 1 further comprising forming the beam of light from a laser diode; focusing the beam with a focusing system; and positioning the diffractive module upstream of the focusing system and adjacent thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method for data reading according to claim 1 further comprising forming the beam of light from a laser diode; focusing the beam with a focusing system; and positioning the diffractive module downstream from the laser diode beyond a point one system focal length upstream of the focusing system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method for data reading according to claim 1 further comprising concentrically positioning the second inner aperture in the outgoing optical path.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
A laser scanner for bar code reading, comprising: a discrete light source generating a laser beam along an outgoing optical path; a focusing lens positioned in the outgoing optical path for focusing the laser beam to a waist at a given location; a diffractive aperture device positioned in the outgoing optical path, the diffractive aperture device having a first outer aperture and a second inner aperture, the second inner aperture being formed by at least one panel, the panel being comprised of a material which allows for partial light transmission therethrough.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
91 words
A laser scanner for bar code reading, comprising: a discrete light source generating a laser beam along an outgoing optical path; a focusing lens positioned in the outgoing optical path for focusing the laser beam to a waist at a given location; a diffractive aperture device positioned in the outgoing optical path, the diffractive aperture device having a first outer aperture and a second inner aperture, the second inner aperture being formed by at least one panel, the panel being comprised of a material which allows for partial light transmission therethrough.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A laser scanner according to claim 8 wherein the diffractive aperture device is positioned in the outgoing optical path at a position downstream from one focal length upstream of the focusing lens.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
A laser scanner according to claim 8 further comprising a scanning mechanism positioned downstream of the focusing lens for scanning the outgoing optical beam, wherein the diffractive aperture device is positioned between the focusing lens and the scanning mechanism.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A laser scanner according to claim 8 wherein the second inner aperture is rectangular.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A laser scanner according to claim 8 wherein the second inner aperture is circular.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
A laser scanner according to claim 8 wherein the at least one panel comprises a single panel forming a circular second inner aperture.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
A laser scanner according to claim 8 wherein the second inner aperture is fully transmissive.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A laser scanner according to claim 8 wherein the second inner aperture is concentrically positioned in the outgoing optical path.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
78 words
A data reading device, comprising: a light source generating a laser beam along an outgoing optical path; a focusing lens positioned in the outgoing optical path for focusing the laser beam to a waist at a given location; a diffractive aperture device positioned in the outgoing optical path, the diffractive aperture device having an outer aperture and an inner aperture, the inner aperture being formed by at least a first panel, the first panel being partially light transmissive.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
78 words
A data reading device, comprising: a light source generating a laser beam along an outgoing optical path; a focusing lens positioned in the outgoing optical path for focusing the laser beam to a waist at a given location; a diffractive aperture device positioned in the outgoing optical path, the diffractive aperture device having an outer aperture and an inner aperture, the inner aperture being formed by at least a first panel, the first panel being partially light transmissive.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A data reading device according to claim 16 wherein both the first and second panels are partially light transmissive.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
A data reading device according to claim 16 further comprising a second panel, wherein the inner aperture is formed between the first and second panels.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
A data reading device according to claim 18 wherein the inner aperture is rectangular.
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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) | 2000-06-23 | 2000-12-23 | 2001-06-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-06-23 | 2004-12-23 | 2005-06-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-06-23 | 2008-12-23 | 2009-06-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |