Reading method and reader for an optical code

A reader for reading an optical code by manually scanning said reader across said optical code, comprising:

• a photoemitter operable to emit radiation out of said reader;
• a photoreceiver for detecting instantaneous radiation received by said reader;
• a comparator operable to receive an input signal corresponding to an intensity of said instantaneous radiation detected by said photoreceiver;
• and
• a processor cooperating with said comparator to (i) command emission of radiation by said photoemitter in a first operating mode of said reader whenever said input signal is less than at least one predetermined and fixed reference value, and (ii) command emission of radiation to read said optical code by said photoemitter in a second operating mode of said reader whenever said input signal is greater than said at least one predetermined and fixed reference value,
• wherein after said first operating mode is deactivated, said processor is operable to switch on said photoemitter;
• switch off said photoemitter prior to reading said optical code;
• switch on said photoemitter in order to supply radiation for reading said optical code;
• and read said optical code.

A method for reading an optical code using a reader which comprises a photoemitter, a photoreceiver, a processor, said method comprising:

• emitting radiation from said photoemitter out of said reader;
• monitoring at least one operating condition of said reader;
• activating a first operating mode of said reader when said operating condition is not detected, said radiation being emitted from said photoemitter in a discontinuous manner in said first operating mode;
• and
• activating a second operating mode of said reader when said operating condition is detected, wherein in said second operating mode, said photoemitter is activated to emit said radiation in a continuous manner, said photoemitter is then deactivated prior to any reading attempt of said optical code, and said photoemitter is then activated to emit said radiation in a continuous manner and to read said optical code.

A reader for an optical code, comprising:

• a photoemitter operable to emit radiation onto said optical code;
• a photoreceiver for detecting at least part of said radiation diffused by said optical code;
• an amplifier having automatic gain control and operable to receive an electrical signal from said photoreceiver;
• and
• a processor having a detector operable to receive said electrical signal from said amplifier and to detect a presence of at least one operating condition of said reader based thereon, said processor (i) activating a first operating mode of said reader when said operating condition is not detected, said automatic gain control being disabled in said first operating mode;
• (ii) activating a second operating mode of said reader when said operating condition is detected, said automatic gain control being enabled in said second operating mode;
• (iii) activating said photoemitter for a time that is sufficient to permit any overshoot of said amplifier to end;
• (iv) subsequently deactivating said photoemitter;
• and (v) subsequently activating said photoemitter in order to carry out illumination and reading of said optical code.

A reader for an optical code, compromising:

• a photoemitter operable to emit radiation onto said optical code;
• a photoreceiver for detecting at least part of said radiation diffused by said optical code;
• an amplifier having automatic gain control and operable to receive an electrical signal from said photoreceiver;
• and
• a processor having a detector operable to receive said electrical signal from said amplifier and to detect a presence of at least one operating condition of said reader based thereon, said processor (i) activating a first operating mode of said reader when said operating condition is not detected, said automatic gain control being disabled in said first operating mode;
• (ii) activating a second operating mode of said reader when said operating condition is detected, said automatic gain control being enabled in said second operating mode, wherein said amplifier comprises:
• a first signal amplifier connected at an input to said photoreceiver;
• a resistive divider for receiving at least part of an output signal of said first signal amplifier and including a resistor having a variable resistance controlled by a command signal, said command signal being correlated to a level present at an output of said amplifier;
• second signal amplifier means for receiving an intermediate signal that includes at least part of a signal present on said resistor, said intermediate signal being variable based on said command signal whenever said second operating mode is activated.