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US 5,019,714 AGranted
Scanning system with array of laser scanner modules to produce complex scan pattern
AssigneeMetrologic Instruments, Inc.
InventorCarl H. Knowles
Life of this patent
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AssigneeMetrologic Instruments, Inc.
InventorCarl H. Knowles
Estimating the term…
A laser scanner system for producing and projecting a multi-line scanning pattern into a space in which a bar code is to be brought. The system includes plural modular laser scanners, each producing a line scan pattern, but mounted with respect to one another so that the pattern of each scanner is projected into the space to conjoin to form the multi-line pattern. Each module is arranged to receive light reflected off the object to convert that light into electrical output signals indicative of the bars and spaces of the code. The system also include means for decoding the output signals and for providing the decoded signals to some peripheral device, e.g., an electronic cash register or computer. In one embodiment the scanner is located adjacent a conveyor carrying bar coded items to form an automated check-out counter.
A scanning system for reading a bar code on an object, said system comprising plural laser scanner modules and support means therefor, said system producing a complex scan pattern and projecting it into a predetermined space, said pattern being formed of plural scan lines, each of said lines being produced by a respective one of said laser scanner modules, said modules being mounted by said support means at various angles to one another to project their respective scan lines into a predetermined space, whereupon said complex scan pattern is created within said space, each of said modules comprising a housing having a window, first means for producing a laser beam and sweeping said beam from a predetermined point within said housing through a predetermined angle to produce a line scan pattern which is projected out of said window, and second means receiving light reflected off of a bar code as it is traversed by said pattern within said predetermined space and for converting said reflected light into an electrical output signal indicative of said bar code.
The scanning system of claim 7 wherein said counter includes conveyor means for carrying said object into said predetermined space.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.