US6045045A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Offset barcode scanner
Assignee: NCR Voyix Corp
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Filing: 1998-07-14
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Granted: 2000-04-04
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Expires: 2018-07-14
Abstract
Abstract A barcode scanner includes a laser for projecting a laser beam in an outbound path at a barcode, and effecting back scattered light therefrom in an opposite inbound path. A focusing lens is optically aligned with the laser in both the outbound and inbound paths, and has an optical axis laterally offset from the laser. A detector is laterally offset from the laser and optically aligned with the lens for receiving the scattered light therefrom.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul O. Detwiler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:14
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10554; G06K7/10594; G06K7/10683; G06K7/10702
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A scanner for scanning a barcode comprising: a laser for projecting a laser beam in an outbound path at said barcode, and effecting back scattered light therefrom in an opposite inbound path; a collection lens optically aligned with said laser in both said outbound and inbound paths, and having an optical axis laterally offset from said laser; and a detector laterally offset from said laser, and optically aligned with said lens for receiving said scattered light therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
A scanner for scanning a barcode comprising: a laser for projecting a laser beam in an outbound path at said barcode, and effecting back scattered light therefrom in an opposite inbound path; a collection lens optically aligned with said laser in both said outbound and inbound paths, and having an optical axis laterally offset from said laser; and a detector laterally offset from said laser, and optically aligned with said lens for receiving said scattered light therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A scanner according to claim 1 wherein: said lens includes a bypass hole extending therethrough and laterally offset from said optical axis; and said bypass hole is optically aligned with said laser in both said outbound and inbound paths to pass said laser beam outbound without obstruction, with said lens being effective for focusing said scattered light inbound onto said detector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A scanner according to claim 2 wherein said outbound and inbound paths between said lens and barcode are coextensive.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A scanner according to claim 3 wherein said outbound and inbound paths comprise: a rotary spinner having a plurality of mirrored facets optically aligned with said laser; and a pattern mirror optically aligned with said spinner for reflecting said laser beam and scattered light between said spinner and said barcode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A scanner according to claim 4 wherein: said laser and detector are mounted on a common support laterally offset from each other; and said lens is laterally offset from said laser toward said detector.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A scanner according to claim 5 wherein said lens optical axis is parallel with said laser.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A scanner according to claim 6 wherein said detector is disposed in part inboard of said lens optical axis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A scanner according to claim 6 wherein said lens is a fresnel lens.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A scanner according to claim 8 wherein said fresnel lens includes a plurality of concentric prismatic grooves disposed coaxially with said optical axis, and said bypass hole is spaced radially outwardly therefrom.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A scanner according to claim 6 wherein said lens is a biconvex lens, and said bypass hole is spaced radially outwardly from said optical axis.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
48 words
A method for scanning a barcode 12 comprising: projecting a laser beam in an outbound path at said barcode to back scatter light therefrom in an opposite inbound path; focusing said scattered light laterally offset from said laser beam for separation therefrom; and detecting said offset scattered light.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
48 words
A method for scanning a barcode 12 comprising: projecting a laser beam in an outbound path at said barcode to back scatter light therefrom in an opposite inbound path; focusing said scattered light laterally offset from said laser beam for separation therefrom; and detecting said offset scattered light.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 11 wherein said outbound and inbound paths are coextensive at least in part.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 12 further comprising: periodically reflecting said laser beam along a spinner outbound path; and additionally reflecting said reflected laser beam to effect a scan line pattern.
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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) | 2003-04-04 | 2003-10-04 | 2004-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-04 | 2007-10-04 | 2008-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-04 | 2011-10-04 | 2012-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |