United States Patent [19J
`Ackley
`
`I lllll llllllll Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006003775A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`6,003,775
`Dec. 21, 1999
`
`[54] GENERIC HANDHELD SYMBOLOGY
`SCANNER WITH A MODULAR OPTICAL
`SENSOR
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor: H. Sprague Ackley, Seattle, Wash.
`
`[73] Assignee: Intermec IP Corp., Woodland Hills,
`Calif.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/872,949
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Jun. 11, 1997
`
`[51]
`[52]
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`Int. Cl.6
`....................................................... G06K 7/10
`U.S. Cl. ................................. 235/472.01; 235/462.47
`Field of Search ..................................... 235/462, 472,
`235/463, 467, 469, 470, 462.01, 462.02,
`472.02, 472.01, 462.47, 462.16
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,169,186
`3,671,720
`3,780,265
`3,919,528
`3,936,662
`3,990,044
`4,029,945
`4,621,189
`5,155,659
`5,288,984
`5,331,580
`5,349,497
`
`2/1965 Howard .
`6/1972 White et al. .
`12/1973 Lind .
`11/1975 Cooper et al. .
`2/1976 Rausing .
`11/1976 Fahey et al. .
`6/1977 Yamada et al. .
`11/1986 Kumar et al. ........................... 235/472
`10/1992 Kunert .................................... 361/380
`2/1994 Ito et al.
`................................. 235/472
`7 /1994 Miller et al. ... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... 364/708.1
`9/1994 Hanson ................................... 361/683
`
`5,414,250
`5,477,042
`5,479,001
`5,536,924
`5,850,078
`
`5/1995 Swartz et al. .
`12/1995 Wang .
`12/1995 Kumar .................................... 235/472
`7/1996 Ackley .
`12/1998 Giordano et al. ....................... 235/462
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2 683 062
`2-212993
`
`4/1993 France .
`8/1990
`Japan .
`
`Primary Examiner-Thien Minh Le
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Graham & James LLP
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A scanning apparatus comprises a scanner body portion
`having an internal receptacle within a scan head portion
`thereof. A scanning control unit is disposed within the body
`portion separate from the receptacle and has an electrical
`connection that extends through the body portion to the
`receptacle. A removable optical module is adapted to engage
`the receptacle and be connected electrically to the scanning
`control unit through the electrical connection. The module
`includes an optical sensor adapted to receive light reflected
`from the bar code symbology through an opening through
`the body portion and convert the light into data representa(cid:173)
`tive of the symbology. The data is thereby provided to the
`scanning control unit. The optical sensor may comprise
`either a one-dimensional charge-coupled device, a two(cid:173)
`dimensional charge-coupled device, an articulated laser, or a
`light emitting diode.
`
`18 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
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`7
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`56 54
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`62
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`56
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`7
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`67
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`15
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`v
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`66
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 21, 1999
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`Sheet 1 of 3
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`6,003,775
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`FIG. I
`
`FIG. 2
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`.....__ _ ______. s'o
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`12
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 21, 1999
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`Sheet 2 of 3
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`6,003,775
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`FIG. 3
`22
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`26
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`FIG. 4
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`38
`20
`36
`32
`r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ______ .!!_ __________ -----------,
`
`I
`
`A/D CONVERTER
`34
`
`L-------------------------------------- ------ - -~ 22
`
`17
`10
`r-------------- ------ - _____________ _r! ___ l
`
`FIG. 5
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`DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR
`
`MEMORY
`
`I : __ __.__ .............
`
`15
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`48
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`46
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`I
`I
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`I
`L------------------------------------------J
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`I/O
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`U.S. Patent
`FIG. 6
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`Dec. 21, 1999
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`Sheet 3 of 3
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`6,003,775
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`7
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`56 54
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`62
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`56
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`7
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`14
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`FIG. 7
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`56
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`15
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`FIG. 8
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`6,003,775
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`1
`GENERIC HANDHELD SYMBOLOGY
`SCANNER WITH A MODULAR OPTICAL
`SENSOR
`
`RELATED APPLICATION
`
`The present invention relates to application Ser. No.
`08/546,778, filed Oct. 23, 1995 now abandoned, for FIXED
`MOUNT !MAGER USING OPTICAL MODULE.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`2
`pies a uniform amount of space having a generally
`rectangular or square shape. Instead of bars and spaces,
`round or square dots disposed at particular rows and col(cid:173)
`umns of the matrix correspond to the characters being
`5 conveyed. As a result, a matrix symbology can compress
`significantly more data into a given volume of space than a
`conventional one-dimensional bar code. Examples of com(cid:173)
`mercially available two-dimensional symbologies include
`Code One, Data Matrix, and PDF417.
`Though some two-dimensional symbologies may be read
`using the conventional scanners described above, another
`approach is to convert the two-dimensional symbol into
`pixel information that is deciphered into the alphanumeric
`information represented by the symbology data. Such two-
`15 dimensional scanners may utilize two-dimensional CCD
`devices to obtain an optical image of the symbol and convert
`it into an electrical signal. These two-dimensional CCD
`scanners are not orientation dependent like the one-
`dimensional CCD or laser scanners, since the electrical
`signal may be processed to determine the rotational orien(cid:173)
`tation of the symbol, remove any extraneous information,
`and thereby recover the alphanumeric information of the
`symbol. Thus, these two-dimensional scanners provide
`greater flexibility to the operator by permitting a symbol to
`25 be effectively read from a wide assortment of angles and
`orientations. An additional advantage of these two(cid:173)
`dimensional scanners is that they can also be utilized to read
`one-dimensional symbology data, such as a conventional bar
`code symbol.
`A drawback of each of the types of one and two(cid:173)
`dimensional scanners described above is that they are not
`interchangeable and thus cannot be converted from one type
`to another. Each scanner type is optimized to use only one
`of the aforementioned optical sensors (e.g., LED, laser,
`CCD, etc.), which is mechanically and electrically inte(cid:173)
`grated into the scanner in a permanent and non-removable
`manner. Since each scanner type has certain symbol reading
`applications for which it is most proficient and best suited,
`a user would select a scanner that is optimized for each
`40 particular application. Even if a user only utilizes scanners
`of the two-dimensional CCD type, there are differences in
`optical characteristics between individual scanners. For
`example, one type of CCD scanner may include focusing
`systems (i.e., lenses) optimized for scanning distances of
`45 less than one foot, while another type of CCD scanner may
`be optimized for distances of three to five feet. While a user
`can be ready for any scanning application by maintaining a
`supply of various types of scanners, it can be appreciated
`that this greatly increases the cost and complexity of oper-
`50 ating an automatic data identification and collection system.
`Accordingly, a critical need exists for an interchangeable
`scanner that can be optimized for various different applica(cid:173)
`tions. Moreover, such an interchangeable scanner should be
`able to operate with any type of optical sensor, and have a
`wide assortment of focusing characteristics.
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to electro-optical systems
`for reading a one or two-dimensional bar code symbology,
`and more particularly, to a generic handheld symbology
`scanner that can be adapted for various uses by selection of
`a removable modular optical unit.
`2. Description of Related Art
`Within the automatic data identification and collection 20
`industry, electro-optical systems are commonly used to
`decipher data symbols printed on objects in order to identify
`information regarding the objects. A conventional bar code
`symbol represents a one-dimensional form of symbology,
`and comprises a pattern of vertical bars of various widths
`separated by spaces of various widths. Since the bar and
`space elements have different light reflecting characteristics,
`a reader can convert the symbology into an electrical signal
`by analyzing the light reflected from the symbol. The
`electrical signal can then be decoded to provide an alpha- 30
`numeric representation of the symbol which identifies the
`object. Bar code symbols of this nature are now in common
`usage in various types of applications, such as inventory
`management and control, point of purchase identification,
`logistical tracking systems, or time and attendance record 35
`keeping.
`A bar code scanner typically uses a light source that is
`drawn, or scanned, across the bar code field. Since the bar
`code symbol is often disposed on the object to be identified,
`it is desirable for the scanner to be included in a handheld or
`portable device so that the scanner can be brought to the
`object. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are often utilized to
`provide the light source due to their light weight and low
`power requirements. The operator can physically move the
`LED across the bar code field, such as by use of a light pen.
`Though advantageous for some applications, these LED
`scanners have a rather limited scanning range. Greater
`scanning range can be achieved by a bar code scanner that
`includes movable mirrors to automatically articulate a light
`beam from a laser emitting source back and forth at a high
`rate to scan the light beam across the bar code field. Another
`scanning approach is to utilize a one-dimensional charge(cid:173)
`coupled device (CCD) having a single one-dimensional row
`of imaging elements. The CCD device converts the printed
`information of the bar code symbol into an electrical signal 55
`representation. A one-dimensional CCD scanner can read an
`entire bar code symbol at once without requiring movement
`of the light source, as is necessary with the LED or laser
`emitting systems described above. As with the articulated
`laser scanners, however, one-dimensional CCD scanners are 60
`orientation dependent and must be aligned with the bar code
`symbol to accurately collect the information.
`Since the conventional one-dimensional symbology
`requires a relatively large amount of space to convey a
`correspondingly small amount of data, so-called two- 65
`dimensional symbologies have been developed. A two(cid:173)
`dimensional symbology may comprise a matrix that occu-
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`An apparatus for scanning a one or two-dimensional bar
`code symbol is provided with an interchangeable optical
`sensor that can optimize the scanning apparatus for various
`different applications.
`In a first embodiment of the invention, the scanning
`apparatus comprises a scanner body portion having a cover
`that may be opened to expose a receptacle. A scanning
`control unit is disposed within the body portion separate
`from the receptacle and has an electrical connection that
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`6,003,775
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`3
`extends through the body portion to the receptacle. A remov(cid:173)
`able optical module is adapted to engage the receptacle and
`connect electrically to the scanning control unit through the
`electrical connection. The module includes an optical sensor
`adapted to receive light reflected from the bar code symbol 5
`through an opening of the body portion and convert the light
`into data representative of the symbology. The data is
`thereby provided to the scanning control unit. The optical
`sensor may comprise either a one or two-dimensional
`charge-coupled device, or an articulated laser.
`In a second embodiment of the invention, the cover for the
`scanner body comprises an internal slot that extends from
`the opening provided in the cover. The optical module is
`adapted to slidable engage the slot, and a locking mechanism
`secures the optical module within the slot upon reaching a
`maximum extent thereof. An electrical connector provided
`in the receptacle is adapted to engage a corresponding
`electrical connector of the optical module upon operation of
`the locking mechanism. The optical module may thereafter
`be selectively removed from the slot by disengagement of
`the locking mechanism.
`A more complete understanding of the generic handheld
`symbology scanner with a modular optical sensor will be
`afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of
`additional advantages and objects thereof, by a consider- 25
`ation of the following detailed description of the preferred
`embodiment. Reference will be made to the appended sheets
`of drawings which will first be described briefly.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld symbology
`scanner;
`FIG. 2 is a side view of the scanner of FIG. 1, with the
`cover opened to expose a modular optical sensor of the 35
`present invention;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the scanner with the cover
`omitted showing a top portion of the modular optical sensor;
`FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the modular optical sensor
`coupled to the scanner;
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the functional
`elements of the modular optical sensor and the scanner;
`FIG. 6 is a partial side sectional view of an alternative
`embodiment of the handheld scanner illustrating a modular 45
`optical sensor extracted outwardly of the scanner;
`FIG. 7 is a top sectional view of the alternative embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the handheld scanner taken through the section 7-7
`of FIG. 6; and
`FIG. 8 is a partial side sectional view of the alternative 50
`embodiment of the handheld scanner with the modular
`optical sensor inserted into the scanner.
`
`4
`having an opening 13 provided therein to permit light
`reflected from the object to be projected therethrough onto
`the operative elements inside the scan head which will be
`described below. The cover 16 may be opened or detached
`from the scan head 14, as will also be described below. The
`scanner 10 may further have a keypad (not shown) to enable
`the entry of operator defined data pertaining to a particular
`scanning operation.
`As known in the art, the scanner 10 can be oriented
`10 selectively by an operator to position a bar code symbol to
`be scanned within a field of view of the scanning apparatus.
`The bar code symbol may be disposed on a document or
`other such object, and may comprise a one or two(cid:173)
`dimensional bar code symbol. To operate the scanner 10, the
`15 operator orients the scanner so that the opening 13 is
`directed generally toward the bar code symbol within the
`limited field of view of the scanner. The operator pulls back
`on the trigger 15, which causes the bar code symbol to
`become momentarily illuminated by a light source disposed
`20 within the scan head 14. Light reflected off of the bar code
`symbol passes back through the opening 13 onto an imaging
`element within the scan head 14. The imaging element then
`converts the reflected light into data which represents the bar
`code symbol.
`The scanner 10 is adapted to communicate with a central
`processor (not shown) over a radio frequency (RF) or
`hard-wired communication link. To enable RF
`communication, the scanner 10 may include an antenna 18
`for communicating RF signals. Alternatively, a cable (not
`30 shown) may be provided in place of the antenna 26 to enable
`hard-wired communication. The central processor may
`include a computer or a network of computers configured to
`communicate with one or more of such scanners 10 that are
`operating within a common environment, such as a factory,
`warehouse, or retail establishment.
`Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the scanner 10 is shown with
`the cover 16 pivoted upward to an open position. The cover
`16 may be attached to the scan head 14 by a hinge 25
`disposed at a back end of the scan head, and may further
`40 include flexible hook members 27 that are adapted to couple
`with corresponding openings in the scan head 14 to form a
`snap-fit engagement. Alternatively, the cover may simply be
`attached to the scan head 14 using screws or the like, and
`may be entirely removable from the scan head.
`With the cover 16 opened, an optical sensor module 20 of
`the present invention is visible. The sensor module 20
`comprises a generally rectangular housing that fits snugly
`within a corresponding receptacle 19. As shown in FIGS. 3
`and 4, a pair of screws 26 extend through a bore provided in
`a portion of the housing to secure the sensor module 20 to
`the scan head 14. Alternatively, the sensor module 20 may
`form a snap fit engagement with the receptacle 19 to avoid
`the need for screws. An electrical connector 17 coupled to
`the scan head 14 is adapted to engage a corresponding
`55 connector 22 of the sensor module 20 to provide an electrical
`connection between the sensor module 20 and the other
`elements of the scanner 10, as will be further described
`below. Respective ones of the connectors 17, 22 may be
`provided with male and female elements as is well known in
`the art. The sensor module 20 further includes a window 28
`which allows light to enter and exit the sensor module
`through the opening 13 provided in the cover 16. In addition,
`flash elements 24 are mounted to the front surface of the
`sensor module 20 adjacent to the window 28. It is antici(cid:173)
`pated that the sensor module 20 be an entirely sealed unit
`that communicates with the scanner 10 only through the
`connectors 17, 22.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`The present invention satisfies the critical need for an
`interchangeable scanner that can be optimized for various
`different applications. In the detailed description that
`follows, like element numerals are used to describe like 60
`elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.
`Referring first to FIG. 1, a handheld scanner 10 is illus(cid:173)
`trated. The scanner 10 comprises a hand-held device having
`a handle 12 with a trigger 15, and a scan head 14. The handle
`12 has a shape that is intended to conform to an operator's 65
`hand, with the trigger 15 positioned in relation to the
`operator's index finger. The scan head 14 includes a cover 16
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`5
`A block diagram of the functional elements of the bar
`code scanner 10 and sensor module 20 is shown in FIG. 5.
`The functional elements of the scanner 10 are disposed in a
`space provided with the handle 12. The bar code scanner 10
`includes a digital signal processor 42, a memory 48, and an 5
`input/output (110) device 46. The digital signal processor 42
`controls the sensor module 20 and is coupled to the memory
`48 and the 1/0 device 46. The digital signal processor 42
`may further include an internal memory space or read only
`memory (ROM) that contains a set of instructions or pro-
`gram to be executed by the digital signal processor. The
`memory 48 may comprise a conventional semiconductor
`random access memory (RAM) device. The 1/0 device 46
`controls communications between the scanner 10 and the
`central processor. Particularly, the 1/0 device 46 is coupled
`to the hard-wired communication link described above or
`may include an RF modulator that permits digital sig~als
`from the scanner 10 to be communicated to the central
`processor over the RF communication link described above.
`It should be apparent that the 1/0 device 46 may be config-
`ured to communicate digital signals by use of other known
`forms of wireless media, such as infrared communication.
`The scanner 10 may additionally include a power source to
`enable remote operation, such as a battery.
`The sensor module 20 includes a sensor 36 that converts 25
`an optical image into electrical signals, such as a charge
`coupled device (CCD). A CCD comprises a one or two(cid:173)
`dimensional array of photodiodes that respectively emit an
`electrical signal that varies with the intensity of light pro(cid:173)
`jected onto the surface of the CCD. The sensor module 20 30
`may further include imaging optics 32 having fixed or
`variable focusing to control the focal length within the
`limited field of view of the sensor module 20. The flash
`element 24 provides illumination onto the bar code symbol
`of interest, and may be provided by a xenon tube. The 35
`intensity and time duration of the light provided by the flash
`element 24 may be variable. A control logic unit 34 provides
`control signals to each of the scanning sensor 36 and the
`flash element 24, and receives an input signal from the
`digital signal processor 42 to activate a scanning sequence. 40
`The scanning sensor 36 provides an output signal that is
`converted from analog to digital by an analog-to-digital
`(AID) converter 38 and then transferred to the digital signal
`processor 42. Particularly, the electrical signal generated by
`each photodiode of the scanning sensor 36 is converted into 45
`a binary number that represents a gray scale value of a
`corresponding area of the illuminated object. The digital
`signal processor 42 directs the control logic unit 34 and
`processes the data from the AID converter into information
`representative of the bar code symbol, which is then stored 50
`in the memory 48. Each of these signals between the sensor
`module 20 and the digital signal processor 42 pass through
`the connectors 17, 22. Electrical power may also be pro(cid:173)
`vided to the sensor module 20 through the connectors 17, 22.
`Referring now to FIGS. 6--8, an alternative embodiment 55
`of the scanner 10' is illustrated. As in the previous
`embodiment, the scanner 10' comprises a hand-held device
`having a handle 12 with a trigger 15, and a scan head 14. The
`scan head 14 includes a cover 56 having an opening 13
`provided therein to permit light reflected from the object to 60
`be projected therethrough onto the operative elements inside
`the scan head which will be described below. Unlike the
`previous embodiment, however, the cover 56 remains rig(cid:173)
`idly coupled to the scan head 14, and a sensor module 50 is
`inserted into the cover 56 through the opening 13.
`More particularly, a slot is formed within the cover 56
`which is defined by an upper surface 62 and a lower surface
`
`65
`
`6
`66. A connector 67 is disposed at an end of the slot opposite
`from the opening 13, and provides electrical connection to
`the elements of the scanner 10' in the same manner as the
`connector 17 of the previous embodiment. A rectangular slit
`64 is provided at opposite side surfaces of the cover 56, such
`that the slits extend parallel with the slot provided within the
`cover. The sensor module 50 is generally rectangular and is
`dimensioned to slidably engage the slot between the upper
`and lower surfaces 62, 66. The sensor module 50 further
`comprises a connector 52 provided at an end thereof in
`substantial alignment with the connector 67. A latching
`mechanism is provided on the sides of the sensor module 50,
`which includes a flexible arm member 54 with a catch 56
`provided at an end thereof.
`When the sensor module 50 is inserted into the slot the
`catch 56 and flexible arm member 54 are deflected in~ard
`until the catch is coincident with the forward end of the slit
`64, whereupon the catch snaps into the slit to secure the
`sensor module in place within the slot. The connectors 52,
`67 become engaged to electrically connect the sensor mod(cid:173)
`ule 50 with the scanner 10' upon the sensor module being
`fully inserted into the slot. To remove the sensor module 50
`from the scanner 10', the catch 56 is pressed inwardly by an
`operator which causes the sensor module to become dis(cid:173)
`lodged and eject outwardly from the slot.
`By providing sensor modules with a standard size and
`electrical connection, the sensor module may be easily
`detached from the scanner 10 and replaced with another
`sensor module having different optical or performance char(cid:173)
`acteristics. For example, a plurality of sensor modules could
`be provided that each have different focusing characteristics,
`or which use a one-dimensional CCD array rather than a
`two-dimensional array. Alternatively, the sensor module 20
`could be provided with an entirely different type of optical
`sensor, such as one that utilizes an articulating laser. An
`operator can select a sensor module having characteristics
`that suit a particular purpose. As new scanning technologies
`are developed in the future, sensor modules can be manu(cid:173)
`factured using the new technologies to update existing
`scanners in the field. Lastly, the detachable sensor module
`permits an operator to replace a module that has become
`inoperable, allowing the scanner 10 to remain in use. It can
`be appreciated that the detachable sensor module of the
`present invention would substantially enhance the interop(cid:173)
`erability and flexibility of the scanner.
`Having thus described a preferred embodiment of a
`generic handheld symbology scanner, it should be apparent
`to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the
`described system have been achieved. It should also be
`appreciated that various modifications adaptations and
`alternative embodiments thereof may b~ made within the
`scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention is
`further defined by the following claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An apparatus for scanning a one or two-dimensional bar
`code symbol, comprising:
`a scanner housing having a scan head, said scan head
`including a receptacle disposed therein;
`a scanning control unit disposed within said housing
`separate from said receptacle and electrically con(cid:173)
`nected to a first connector provided in said receptacle;
`and
`an optical module adapted to removeably engage said
`receptacle, said optical module comprising a second
`connector adapted to mate with said first connector
`upon engagement of said optical module with said
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`receptacle, said optical module further comprising an
`optical sensor adapted to receive light reflected from
`said bar code symbol through an opening of said scan
`head and convert said light into data representative of
`said symbol, said data being thereby provided to said 5
`scanning control unit.
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said optical sensor
`further comprises a one-dimensional charge-coupled device.
`3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said optical sensor
`further comprises a two-dimensional charge-coupled device. 10
`4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said optical sensor
`further comprises an articulated laser.
`5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said optical module
`further comprises a light source adapted to illuminate said
`bar code symbol.
`6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said scanner housing
`further comprises a hand gripping portion with a trigger for
`initiation of a desired scanning operation.
`7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said scan head
`further comprises a hingedly attached cover, said receptacle 20
`being accessible for removal or engagement of said optical
`module upon selective movement of said cover to an open
`position.
`8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said receptacle
`further comprises an internal slot of said scan head extend- 25
`ing from said opening, said optical module being adapted to
`slidably engage said slot.
`9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said optical module
`further comprises a locking mechanism adapted to secure
`said optical module within said internal slot upon slidable 30
`engagement of said optical module to a maximum extent
`therein.
`10. An apparatus for scanning a one or two-dimensional
`bar code symbol, comprising:
`a scanner housing having an internal receptacle;
`a scanning control unit disposed within said housing
`separate from said receptacle and electrically con(cid:173)
`nected with a connector provided in said receptacle;
`and
`optical means partially enclosed within said housing and
`removably engageable with said receptacle and said
`connector, for receiving light reflected from said bar
`code symbol and converting said light into data repre(cid:173)
`sentative of said symbol, said data being thereby pro(cid:173)
`vided to said scanning control unit.
`11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said optical means
`further comprises a one-dimensional charge-coupled device.
`
`15
`
`8
`12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said optical means
`further comprises a two-dimensional charge-coupled device.
`13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said optical means
`further comprises an articulated laser.
`14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said optical means
`further comprises a light source adapted to illuminate said
`bar code symbol.
`15. An apparatus for scanning a one or two-dimensional
`bar code symbol, comprising:
`a scanner housing having an internal receptacle;
`a scanning control unit disposed within said housing
`separate from said receptacle and electrically con(cid:173)
`nected with a connector provided in said receptacle;
`and
`optical means, removably engageable with said receptacle
`and said connector, for receiving light reflected from
`said bar code symbol and converting said light into data
`representative of said symbol, said data being thereby
`provided to said scanning control unit, wherein said
`scanner housing further comprises a hingedly attached
`cover, said receptacle being accessible for removal or
`engagement of said optical means upon selective move(cid:173)
`ment of said cover to an open position.
`16. An apparatus for scanning a one or two-dimensional
`bar code symbol, comprising:
`a scanner housing having an internal receptacle;
`a scanning control unit disposed within said housing
`separate from said receptacle and electrically con(cid:173)
`nected with a connector provided in said receptacle;
`and
`optical means, removably engageable with said receptacle
`and said connector, for receiving light reflected from
`said bar code symbol and converting said light into data
`representative of said symbol, said data being thereby
`provided to said scanning control unit, wherein said
`receptacle further comprises an internal slot extending
`from an opening in said scanner housing, said optical
`means being adapted to slidably engage said slot.
`17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said optical means
`further comprises means for locking said optical means
`within said internal slot upon slidable engagement of said
`optical means to a maximum extent therein.
`18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said housing
`45 further comprises means for removably locking said optical
`means to said housing.
`
`35
`
`40
`
`* * * * *
`
`THERMO FISHER EX. 1034