US 6,745,942 B1 · Magnetic symbology reader

Abstract

A magnetic symbology reader has a housing containing a polarized light source which directs light through a magneto-optic sensor onto a reflector which reflects light back through the magneto-optic sensor and then through at least one analyzer and into at least one camera. A view finder allows the user to monitor the image on the magneto-optic sensor as seen by a viewfinder camera while a processor is coupled to possibly a second camera so that when an image is detected, the image from the camera may be processed by the processor to output information associated with the symbol to an external source. The analyzer and polarized light source provide contrast in the images detected by the sensor. A bias/erase coil located about the magneto-optic sensor can enhance or erase images on the sensor.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A magnetic symbol reader comprising:

a housing;
a polarized light source located within the housing transmitting polarized light;
a reflector receiving the polarized light from the polarized light source;
a magneto-optic sensor intermediate the reflector and the polarized light source, wherein the polarized light passes through the magneto-optic sensor as the polarized light travels to and from the reflector;
a first camera directed at the magneto-optic sensor configured to receive an image;
a fist analyzer intermediate the first camera and the magneto-optic sensor;
and
a processor in communication with the first camera wherein the image is provided from the first camera to the processor wherein the processor evaluates the image relative to data previously associated with at least one stored image at the processor, said data further comprising at least one representation of a number and a letter.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Magnetic symbology reader

Life of this patent

Magnetic symbology reader

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20