US5691528A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Scanning system for either hand-held or stationary operation for reading 1-D or 2-D barcodes
Assignee: Symbol Technologies LLC
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Filing: 1995-01-25
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Granted: 1997-11-25
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Expires: 2015-01-25
Abstract
Abstract Optical scanning of one and two-dimensional barcode symbols is carried out using a variety of ergonomic scanner embodiments which can each be used either in a hand-held mode or in a fixed-mode. In certain embodiments, hand-held scanners are described which can if required be easily positioned in a number of desired orientations on a work surface. Other embodiments disclose point-of-sale arrangements incorporating removable barcode scanners that can, where necessary, be removed from the point-of-sale unit and used by the checkout operator to scan a large or bulky item in a "point-and-shoot" mode.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Wyatt
- 👤 Raj Bridgelall
- 👤 Joseph Katz
- 👤 David Goren
- 👤 Philip Swift
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:59
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10861; G06K7/10871; G06K7/10554; G06K7/10564; G06K7/10584; G06K7/10594; G06K7/10603; G06K7/10633; G06K7/10643; G06K7/10653; G06K7/10673; G06K7/10683; G06K7/10693; G06K7/10792; G06K7/10801; G06K7/10811; G06K7/10851; G06K7/10881; G06K7/10891; G06K7/109; G06K7/1098; G06K7/14; G06K7/1404; G06K7/146; G06K7/1478; G06K2207/00; G06K2207/1016
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A point-of-sale unit, comprising: a fixed base unit; an optical scanner for reading indicia with a scan pattern, the scanner being arranged in a first mode for attachment to the base unit for hands-free operation, and in a second mode for removal from the base unit for portable operation unattached to the base unit; means for detecting which of the modes the scanner is in; and means for changing the scan pattern to an optimized pattern for the detected mode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
A point-of-sale unit, comprising: a fixed base unit; an optical scanner for reading indicia with a scan pattern, the scanner being arranged in a first mode for attachment to the base unit for hands-free operation, and in a second mode for removal from the base unit for portable operation unattached to the base unit; means for detecting which of the modes the scanner is in; and means for changing the scan pattern to an optimized pattern for the detected mode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 1; wherein the base unit includes a generally flat body having a lower surface for positioning onto a work surface, and an upper surface having a window therein, the scanner being arranged in use to be positioned beneath the window.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base unit has an end surface with an aperture therein through which the scanner is inserted and removed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upper surface is curved in one plane only.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base unit includes a vertical flange for positioning the base unit with respect to an edge of a work surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The point-of-sale trait as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base trait includes key means for control of the scanner when operating in the first mode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base unit includes display means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed base unit includes an elongated support post to which is secured a scanner support, the scanner being held by the scanner support during the first mode of operation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the scanner support is cantilevered from the support post.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the scanner support is adjustable in position lengthwise along the support post.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the scanner support is adjustable in angle with respect to the support post.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 8, including a check writing counter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the check writing counter is at the top of the support post.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 1, including a check writing counter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 14, wherein the check writing counter includes a check writing surface and customer display means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 15, wherein the customer display means includes a point-of-sale advertisement.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 15, wherein the customer display means includes a display support having a mounting thereon for receipt of one of a plurality of selectable customer display panels.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 14, wherein the customer display means includes a display which displays details of the current transaction.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scanner includes a keypad for use in the second mode of operation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scanner includes a transmitter/responder for wireless communication with a central control station in the second mode of operation.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
35 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scanner is responsive to said detecting means for controlling a light beam to traverse the indicia with a scan pattern optimized for the detected mode.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
41 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 21, wherein the scanner is further responsive to information content of said indicia being read for controlling the light beam to traverse the indicia with a scan pattern also optimized for reading the indicia.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The point-of-sale scanner as claimed in claim 22, wherein the scanner produces a self-aligning raster pattern when the scanner is operating in the first mode and the indicia comprise a two-dimensional barcode.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The point-of-sale scanner as claimed in claim 23, wherein the scanner produces an omnidirectional pattern when the scanner is operating in the second mode and the indicia comprise a one-dimensional barcode.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
32 words
The point-of-sale unit as claimed in claim 23, wherein the scanner produces a stationary raster pattern when the scanner is operating in the second mode and the indicia comprise a two-dimensional barcode.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The point-of-sale scanner as claimed in claim 22, wherein the scanner produces a Lissajous raster pattern when the scanner is operating in the first mode and the indicia comprise a one-dimensional barcode.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
The point-of-sale scanner as claimed in claim 22, wherein the scanner produces a single line pattern when the scanner is operating in the second mode and the indicia comprise a one-dimensional barcode.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
63 words
A scanner for electro-optically reading indicia with a scan pattern of light in a hand-held portable mode of operation, or in a fixed mode of operation in which the scanner is mounted on a stationary support, comprising: means for detecting which of the modes the scanner is in; and means for changing the scan pattern to an optimized pattern for the detected mode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
63 words
A scanner for electro-optically reading indicia with a scan pattern of light in a hand-held portable mode of operation, or in a fixed mode of operation in which the scanner is mounted on a stationary support, comprising: means for detecting which of the modes the scanner is in; and means for changing the scan pattern to an optimized pattern for the detected mode.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
48 words
The scanner as claimed in claim 28, and further comprising means for distinguishing among types of indicia after the detected mode has been determined; and wherein the changing means selects the optimized pattern based on the detected mode and on the indicia type determined by the distinguishing means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The scanner as claimed in claim 29, wherein the types of indicia are one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcode symbols.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
31 words
The scanner as claimed in claim 30, wherein the scanner produces a self-aligning raster pattern when the scanner is operating in the fixed mode and the indicia is a two-dimensional symbol.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
The scanner as claimed in claim 31, wherein the scanner produces a stationary raster pattern when the scanner is operating in the portable mode and the indicia is a two-dimensional symbol.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The scanner as claimed in claim 30, wherein the scanner produces a Lissajous raster pattern when the scanner is operating in the fixed mode and the indicia is a one-dimensional symbol.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
31 words
The scanner as claimed in claim 30, wherein the scanner produces a single line pattern when the scanner is operating in the portable mode and the indicia is a one-dimensional symbol.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
The scanner as claimed in claim 34, wherein the scanner produces an omnidirectional pattern when the scanner is operating in the portable mode and the indicia is a one-dimensional symbol.
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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) | 2000-11-24 | 2001-05-26 | 2001-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-11-24 | 2005-05-26 | 2005-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-11-24 | 2009-05-26 | 2009-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |