System and method for converting multiple beam optical scanner
AssigneePSC Scanning, Inc.
InventorsJorge L. Acosta, Robert W. Rudeen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for and a method of optical scanning which provide for converting between a multiple beam and a single beam optical scanner. In a preferred configuration, the scanner can be adapted to operate as either a single beam scanning system or a multiple beam scanning system. Light sources, mirrors, detectors, collection lenses, and other scanner components are added, removed, and/or replaced, thereby allowing the user to avoid having to purchase a new scanner when the user's performance requirements and/or cost restrictions vary.
Claims25
In a multiple beam scanning system having a scanning mechanism which scans a first beam and a second beam, a method of converting the system comprising the steps of
- converting the scanning mechanism from a first configuration suitable for scanning multiple beams into a second configuration suitable for scanning a single beam;
- removing components associated with scanning the second beam;
- adjusting system decoding for processing data associated with a single beam system;
- adjusting laser power output suitable for a single beam system.
In a single beam scanning system having a housing body enclosing a scanning mechanism which scans a first beam, a method of converting the system comprising the steps of
- converting the scanning mechanism from a first configuration suitable for scanning a single beam into a second configuration suitable for scanning multiple beams;
- adding components to the housing body associated with scanning a second beam;
- adjusting system decoding for processing data associated with a multiple beam system;
- adjusting laser power output suitable for a multiple beam system.
A laser bar code scanning system which scans at least one beam comprising
- a housing body enclosing, at least partially, an interior;
- a window positioned at one end of the housing body;
- a first scanning mechanism releasably affixed to the interior of the housing body, the first scanning mechanism comprising a first configuration suitable for scanning multiple beams;
- a second scanning mechanism which is readily interchangeable with the first scanning mechanism, the second scanning mechanism comprising a second configuration suitable for scanning a single beam;
- a first set of scanning components affixed to the interior of the housing body, the first set of scanning components associated with scanning a first beam;
- a second set of scanning components releasably affixed to the interior of the housing body, the second set of scanning components associated with scanning a second beam.
A laser bar code scanning system which scans at least one beam comprising
- a housing body enclosing, at least partially, an interior;
- a window positioned at one end of the housing body;
- a scanning mechanism affixed to the interior of the housing body, the scanning mechanism having a top section and a bottom section, the top section releasably affixed to the bottom section, the bottom section suitable for scanning a first beam, the top section suitable for scanning a second beam;
- a first set of scanning components affixed to the interior of the housing body, the first set of scanning components associated with scanning the first beam;
- a second set of scanning components releasably affixed to the interior of the housing body, the second set of scanning components associated with scanning the second beam.
A method of scanning an item in a scan volume with a laser bar code scanner comprising the steps of
- generating at least one light beam from one of a single beam source and a multiple beam source along an outgoing beam path;
- locating one of a first scanning mechanism and a second scanning mechanism in the outgoing beam path, the first scanning mechanism comprising a first configuration suitable for scanning a single light beam, the second scanning mechanism comprising a second configuration suitable for scanning multiple light beams, the first scanning mechanism and the second scanning mechanism readily interchangeable with one another;
- scanning the at least one light beam with one of the first and second scanning mechanisms toward a target;
- collecting return light from the target onto at least one detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.