초록 ▼

A high speed non-contact beam scanning device sized and shaped to provide the ergonomic benefits of a pen or wand, yet can scan a wide angle moving beam across an information-bearing target in one or two dimensional scan patterns such as lines, rasters or other patterns in order to read information

A high speed non-contact beam scanning device sized and shaped to provide the ergonomic benefits of a pen or wand, yet can scan a wide angle moving beam across an information-bearing target in one or two dimensional scan patterns such as lines, rasters or other patterns in order to read information therefrom. The device is well suited for reading one or two dimensional bar-code or other printed matter. In order to achieve the high density optical packaging necessary for its high performance to size benefits the device employs a novel in-line or "axial" gyrating, or "axial" scan element. The axial scan element can accept an input light beam at one end and cause it to emerge from its opposite end as a scanned beam, propagating in the same general forward direction it had upon entering the element. Reflected light, which carries information contained on the target, is collected by an internal non-imaging light collector and is processed by signal processing electronics. All components are integrated into a thin low mass module small enough to fit in a pen. Communication from the device is achievable by a cable or by wireless means.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A light beam scanner producing a light beam and directing said light beam along an optical path toward a target comprising a light source producing a source light beam and a scan element receiving said source light beam and redirecting said source light beam to provide a scanning light beam direc

1. A light beam scanner producing a light beam and directing said light beam along an optical path toward a target comprising a light source producing a source light beam and a scan element receiving said source light beam and redirecting said source light beam to provide a scanning light beam directed toward a target, said scan element including:a generally planar flexible uni-member; an optical element secured to said flexible member; a support coupled to and supporting said flexible member, so that said optical element is disposed in said optical path, said support being coupled to said flexible member at a plurality of locations so as to permit flexing of said flexible member between said locations; and means for flexing said flexible member, whereby flexing of said flexible member moves said optical element, thereby redirecting said optical path to provide a scanning light beam.