CN1073278A - Optical scanner - Google Patents
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- CN1073278A CN1073278A CN 91111539 CN91111539A CN1073278A CN 1073278 A CN1073278 A CN 1073278A CN 91111539 CN91111539 CN 91111539 CN 91111539 A CN91111539 A CN 91111539A CN 1073278 A CN1073278 A CN 1073278A
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Abstract
This device is used for the mark with different reflective character parts is scanned with optical means, in order to retouch accurate mark with the hand-hold scanning head, be provided with the laser instrument that produces incident beam in the scanner head, also be provided with the optical elements such as convex lens that make incoming laser beam directive first light path.For the ease of mark is scanned, the scanning reflection mirror that can make reciprocally swinging repeatedly is installed on the scanner head, sensor that produces electric analoging signal and the signal processing apparatus of handling electric signal also are installed.
Description
The present invention relates to a kind of optical scanner, it scans with optical means the mark with different light reflective properties parts as bar-code marks; More particularly, this invention relates to multimode, the portable optical scanner that a kind of user could hand and retouch accurate mark to be read, and it has first duty and is used to retouch standard or reads, and second duty is used to read respective token.
Up to the present, developed all optical pickups and light scanning apparatus, be used for reading mark as bar-code marks with optical means, bar-code marks is in order to determine object with optical reading method and to design.Bar-code marks itself is the coding pattern that is formed by the interval of the different in width that leaves between the bar of a series of different in width and the bar, and its bar has different light reflective properties with the interval.This reader and light scanning apparatus to numeralization pattern be decoded as the English-numeral of object with electro-optical method.This scanister has been disclosed in the instructions of No. 4251798,4360798,4369361,4387297,4409470,4460120,4835374, United States Patent (USP) that the applicant applied for etc.As disclosed in the above instructions, in the most preferred embodiment of these scanister, launch laser beam from the portable light laser scanning head that the user carries, make scanner head, strictly speaking, make laser beam retouch accurate mark to be read, laser beam is carried out transversal scanning to mark, detection is deciphered detected reflected light by the scan light of mark reflection.Usually, use is about the ruddiness of 6328A by the wavelength of He-Ne gas laser emission, so the user with the naked eye can discern, thus can be without difficulty with the scanner head thing that arbitrarily aims at the mark, the red laser of launching is remained on the position of horizontal irradiation mark.
But, disclosed in the instructions as No. 4387397,4409470,4460120, United States Patent (USP), under the situation of using semiconductor laser diode emitted laser bundle, when laser that laser diode emission user with the naked eye can't discern, it is difficult that mark is retouched standard.Some diode emitted laser is on the discernible edge of naked eyes extremely near infrared light, and wavelength is about 7800A.Even use to produce the laser diode of visible light, the light that laser diode also arranged by around the light trend of flooding.And for example for mark is carried out transversal scanning during mobile laser diode light beam, especially repeatedly, when scanning with the laser diode light beam, be connected in and also be not easy to discern laser diode light in the darkroom as per second 40 times high-speed with per second.Thereby because ambient light intensity, sweep velocity and other or two above factors of optical maser wavelength, laser intensity, laser operation environment make laser diode light be difficult for being discerned by naked eyes.
Like this,, therefore retouch accurate mark and be not easy, must do suitable travail with laser diode light because the user can not see laser diode light easily.Like this, the user is because operating difficulties, must seek object back and forth, if wishing the light of laser diode finally falls on the position of horizontal irradiation mark, and it is decoded exactly, only by the information that reads scanister, make pilot lamp light or sound and just can accomplish when notifying by acoustic generator.So, for read the method efficient that mark looks for back and forth low, need spended time, this in every day, per hour need to read under the situation of a lot of marks especially outstanding.
In order to allow the user easily the light of laser diode be retouched accurate mark, even proposed to have used the light that also can with the naked eye make scanner head retouch accurate mark under the situation of the laser that naked eyes are not easy to discern to retouch standard apparatus in No. 4835374 instructionss of United States Patent (USP).This light is retouched standard apparatus and has been utilized visible light source, for example separates with LASER Light Source and other one or more light emitting diode of phase region.Used a manually operated trigger, started this light in first duty of this trigger and retouch the zone that standard apparatus shines mark visibly.This visibility region is used for retouching standard, and at once in second duty of trigger, LASER Light Source is started, and begins to read mark then.
Use independently light to retouch standard apparatus, the user can guarantee to retouch accurate mark with scanner head, becomes big, becomes heavy, reduces shortcoming such as energy efficiency but mainly contain scanner head here.Use independent LED to make scanner head become heavy, the interior space of busy scan head, also need independently power supply and control circuit simultaneously, and consume electric power, so people wish to make scanner head small and light as far as possible and the efficient height.
Fundamental purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned shortcoming that exists in the existing laser scanning device.
Another object of the present invention is to remove the independent quasi-optical equipment of retouching.
The 3rd purpose of the present invention be make the user before scanning and can be easily in the scanning process with the outgoing laser beam alignment mark of semiconductor laser diode.
The 4th purpose of the present invention is with the semiconductor laser diode light beam certain mark to be retouched on time, under the situation of long especially operating distance, also can not produce operating mistake, the mode that adopts examination to explore.
The 5th purpose of the present invention is to improve and utilize the semiconductor laser diode light beam to read the efficient of mark with optical means, and reduce thus and read the needed time of mark.
The 6th purpose of the present invention is mark to be positioned on the correct position with respect to the semiconductor laser diode scanner, and in scanning, with this semiconductor laser diode scanner, can to accomplish correctly to follow the tracks of this mark.
The 7th purpose of the present invention be, makes to retouch accurate and read and all use same light source.
The 8th purpose of the present invention be, for control is retouched accurate and read the trigger that a multiposition is provided, has manually pushed.
The 9th purpose of the present invention be, in order to control reading of the mark that is positioned on the scanner head different distance, provides the multiposition trigger.
The of the present invention ten purpose is, very light, streamlined, portable, processing ease are provided and do not make the scanner head and/or the device of wrist fatigue when using, particularly not only be suitable for reading the black and white mark, and be suitable for reading general upc bar code mark, can operate scanner head and/or device by the laser diode that the user grasps fully.
In order to reach these purposes and other purpose as described below, the present invention has been proposed.
The invention provides a kind of optical scanner, be used to read the mark that each several part has different reflective characters, comprising:
(a) housing, this housing is provided with exit portal;
(b) light source is contained in the above-mentioned housing, in order to produce light beam;
(c) but operating control device also be contained in the above-mentioned housing, with so that above-mentioned light beam penetrate from above-mentioned exit portal, and can determine the direction of above-mentioned light beam, to illuminate the 1st zone of above-mentioned mark in first duty, in second duty, illuminate the 2nd zone of above-mentioned mark.
(d) starter gear is used to start above-mentioned control device and is in above-mentioned duty.
Have the handle for hand-held on the described housing, described starter gear be provided in a side of on the described housing, can manually operated starter gear.
Described starter gear comprises and described control device interlock mutually, so that select the multiposition trigger of duty.
Described first area is that static state is retouched accurate zone, described second area be extended to whole mark dynamically read the range of linearity.
Described first area is that of extending in the part of mark dynamically retouches the almost zone, and second area then is to be extended to of whole mark dynamically to read the range of linearity.
Described two zones be positioned at described exit portal different distance on the described housing dynamically read the range of linearity.
Above-mentioned light source is the laser instrument that produces laser beam, and the direction of described control device decision laser beam makes it in described first and second zones of shining respectively under the relevant work state on the described mark.
Described control device comprises that one has and makes the scanister of described light beam in the movable scan component of a described inswept described mark of duty.
Described scanister is a catoptron, and this catoptron is mounted to and makes it with respect to an axis, threshes to-and-fro movement round about along circular arc.
Described starter gear makes described scanning element keep stationary state in described first duty, and in described second duty, the circular arc of angle that decide on the edge threshes to-and-fro movement.
Described starter gear moves back and forth described scanning element circular arc along the predetermined angle scope in described first duty repeatedly, and in described second duty along circular arc greater than the predetermined angular range of above-mentioned predetermined angle scope, thresh to-and-fro movement.
Described starter gear makes described scanning element in described first, second two duties, and the circular arc along predetermined angular range threshes to-and-fro movement.
The present invention also provides the read method of marks such as a kind of bar code, and this method comprises:
(1) produce laser beam,
(2) form first scanning patter with described light beam,, determine its direction so that the user retouches accurate desired location with described light beam,
(3) select second chosen position, so that form second scanning patter of all marks that continue of scanning,
(4) receive the light that reflects by mark, produce the corresponding electric signal of data with this mark of expression.
In the said method laser beam source is installed in the housing with hand-held handle, scanister and pick-up unit are installed in the described housing, being installed on the described housing by manually operated gearing, so that carry out described choice of location.
Described gearing has the multiposition trigger that described scanning patter is selected.
The generation step of described laser beam comprises, in housing, install and be used to make the movable scan component of light beam mark scanning, make described scanning element thresh to-and-fro movement at the circular arc of the first chosen position upper edge, one predetermined angle scope, and on second chosen position along circular arc greater than the predetermined angle scope of described predetermined angle scope, thresh to-and-fro movement.
Characteristics of the present invention are in order to read the mark of being retouched standard with scanner head, to have taked to take the structure that scanner head scans with hand in laser aid.As common way, several component parts are installed on the scanner head.The device that produces incident beam (preferably laser beam) for example is set, as semiconductor laser diode or gas laser or non-laser light source in scanner head.The optical devices that improve incoming laser beam are set in scanner head, these optical devices make incoming laser beam along the first light path directive be positioned at outside the scanner head and with the reference surface of the direction of propagation approximate vertical of incoming laser beam and near this reference surface, be positioned at the mark of operating distance scope, this device such as convex lens, concavees lens, catoptron or other optical element all are located in the scanner head.For simplicity, later on the mark between reference surface and scanner head is defined as the low coverage mark, and the mark that is positioned at the reference surface opposite side away from scanner head is defined as the long distance mark.
Laser is reflected by mark, is that the part returned is along being advanced to second light path of scanner head direction by mark at least in this reflected light.For mark is scanned, preferably repeatedly mark is carried out transversal scanning repeatedly p.s., scanning motor is installed on scanner head, this scanning motor has an output shaft, sweep unit can be installed on this for example regard the reflecting surface of scanning mirror, and it is swung back and forth.
Under the situation of bar-code marks, constitute the bar of mark and have different reflective characters at interval, because above-mentioned different reflective character, light intensity is to become variation to catoptrical returning part on the direction of mark sweeping away.
On scanner head, also be provided with sensor device, as one or more photodiode so that on whole visual field the intensity variation of detection of reflected light returning part, and produce the electric analoging signal of this intensity variation of indication.Signal processing apparatus also is installed on the scanner head, so that handle above-mentioned analog electrical signal, normally this analog signal processing becomes digital electric signal, and this digital electric signal can be decoded into the numeral of institute's sweep signal and describe.Scanister be with so that the visual field of incoming laser beam itself or sensor device or above-mentioned both mark is scanned.
In some cases, with decoding/control circuit or be contained in the scanner head on some positions or be contained on the position of leaving scanner head.Decoding/control circuit carries out work, and digitized signal is decoded into above-mentioned data, and judges whether the decoding of this mark is carried out smoothly, and finishes to read when this decoding has been carried out smoothly being judged to be.Can be located on the scanner head by manually operated trigger, and effectively be connected,, just begin to read according to the action of this trigger so that start each part mentioned above with laser-beam generating apparatus, scanister, sensor device, signal processing apparatus and decoding/control device.Trigger is moving once to each mark action once.In the most preferred embodiment, caused the action of decoding/control device by trigger action, the action of this decoding/control device is corresponding to cause laser-beam generating apparatus, scanister, sensor and signal processing apparatus work.
When routine is used, the user portable scanner head retouch accurate each mark to be read, as long as mark is put well, the user just starts trigger and reads.Decoding/control device can accomplish that mark gives a warning once being read to the user, makes the user note next mark, carries out the fetch program repeatedly.
There are some problems when as mentioned above, being not easy with the naked eye to discern incoming laser beam or reflection lasering beam owing to factors such as the brightness of optical maser wavelength, laser brightness, ambient light, sweep velocity and other factors.Because such " invisibility ", the user can not see laser beam, just is not easy to know whether laser beam is positioned on the mark or whether scanning laser beam is scanning whole mark to be scanned.In order to address this problem, prior art had once proposed to use the independent scheme of retouching quasi-optical device.
Yet, what the present invention proposed is not a plurality of schemes of retouching mutatis mutandis optical devices of gaining in weight, amplify, increasing energy consumption, but proposed to utilize the scheme of light source itself, promptly with the light of same light source before reading mark, help the user with the scanner head location and aim at each mark.
Light source (preferably laser diode) links to each other with trigger with scanister, and start by trigger, light beam is guided from the described reference surface of light source directive and each mark of directive successively, illuminates a part or the first area of each mark at least visibly, and the user can find out the position of mark like this.The user accomplishes correctly to aim at each mark to be read with scanner head easily thus.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, device illuminates light point area that is roughly circle on the mark to each mark of light beam directive, (being preferably near the center of mark) in the visual field.Preferably this light point area keeps transfixion between meeting the deadline retouching, so that long distance mark and low coverage mark can be seen by the user before scanning and locate.
Among another embodiment, device makes light beam directive scanning reflection mirror, and this mirror reciprocally swinging makes this light beam transversal scan the part of each mark, and in this case, above-mentioned first area is a range of linearity that is shorter in length than mark length.This dynamically retouching accurate retouched the easier identification low coverage of standard mark, easier decision position and scanned than static state.
Among another embodiment, above-mentioned first area is that its length is the range of linearity that equates (ideal situation is longer) at least with mark length.This standard of dynamically retouching is to the easiest tracking of scanning.Scanning is to whole mark scanning, so can use same light beam to read.
Preferably, device has the light beam directive scanning reflection mirror of stationary state and at least one swing state.At first, this light beam by static or move in specularly reflected after luminous point or the range of linearity (the preferably center of symbol) in each mark of directive, scanning mark front irradiation visual field, to determine character position.At this moment scanning reflection mirror is done reciprocally swinging, makes beam reflection to mark, and whole mark is scanned, and irradiation is extended to a range of linearity of whole mark, to read mark.
In order to implement such retouch standard and read, above-mentioned trigger is the multiposition form preferably, and by decoding/control device, is connected with light source and the scanning reflection mirror that can swing directly or indirectly.In the primary importance of trigger, promptly in off-state, preferably make whole members of scanner head be in halted state.In the second place promptly in first duty, fixing time inner light beam shine be in the scanning reflection mirror on the fixed rest position (for example center), thereby a round dot zone that light beam is guided penetrate scanner head and shine the mark center of continuing.In the 3rd position, promptly in second duty, all members of scanner head comprise scanning mirror is all started toward the relevant parts of physical pendulum, begin thus to carry out reading of mark, and make light beam shine the range of linearity on the mark.
In another embodiment, scanning mirror swings back and forth in above-mentioned first duty (as 1-5 degree) in a limited angle, the range of linearity of a finite length on the irradiation mark.Then, in second duty, this scanning mirror swings back and forth with bigger angle (for example 20-40 degree), shines a longer range of linearity that is extended to whole mark.
Also have a kind of implementing method, scanning mirror all swings back and forth on above-mentioned bigger angle in above-mentioned two kinds of duties, and like this, two duties can be used for finishing simultaneously retouches standard and read.This also is particularly suitable for reading high density symbol and low-density symbol with same scanner head to reading the low coverage mark with same scanner head and the long distance mark is suitable especially.
The feature that embodies novelty of the present invention is documented in claims.Yet, just can understand the design and the How It Works of invention better by to the explanation of appending purpose and advantage, see embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings again.
Description of drawings:
Fig. 1 is the front elevation of portable scanner head among the present invention.
Fig. 2 is the amplification profile at 2-2 place among Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is the sectional view at 3-3 place among Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is the sectional view at 4-4 place among Fig. 2.
Fig. 5 represents the enlarged detail of the trigger assembly in first duty.
Fig. 6 represents the enlarged detail of the trigger assembly in second duty.
Fig. 7 is an enlarged drawing of implementing state, mark of its expression and its irradiated part in retouching accurate process.
Fig. 8 is another enlarged drawing of implementing state, mark of its expression and its irradiated part in retouching accurate process.
Wherein, (10)-laser scanning head, (12)-handle portion,
(14)-body, (16), (18)-upper and lower antetheca,
(20)-and projection (24), (26)-roof, diapire,
(28), (30)-sidewall
(32)-and trigger, (36)-neck,
(38)-and the collar, (40)-upper flange part,
(42)-and semiconductor laser diode, (46)-cable,
(48)-and printed circuit board (PCB), (50)-cylindric optics tube,
(52)-and cylindric chamber, (54)-lens drum,
(56)-and aperture, (58)-shelves wall part,
(60)-and the cylindrical lateral wall part, (62)-lens,
(64)-and coil spring, (66)-scanning mirror,
(68)-and the laser-transmitting window, (70)-high-velocity scanning motor,
(72)-and output rotating shaft, (74)-bolster,
(80)-optical sensor,
(100)-and mark, (104)-optical axis,
(128)-and principal computer, (150)-spot area,
(172), (174)-shock prevention element.
Fig. 1-Fig. 6 represents laser scanning head (10), this laser scanning head has gently (less than 1 pound), volume is little, the front portion is little, streamlined, portable, safe portability, use advantages such as it is simple to operate, wrist does not feel tired, be applicable in the scanning mechanism that reads, scans and/or analyze that carries out mark, and before reading and in reading, can retouch standard to each mark successively under two kinds of situations." mark " this speech of Shi Yonging refers to that the institute that is made up of the part that has different reflective characters on used light source (as laser) wavelength is underlined in this manual.This mark can be aforesaid black and white industry mark (for example code 39 codabar, Interleared 2 of 5 etc.), also can be the upc bar code mark of using always.This mark also can be any letter and/or numeral etc.And " mark " this speech comprises certain mark that is arranged in the background area, and the reflective character of at least a portion in this mark or this mark is different with the reflective character of this background area.Under the definition in back, " reading " of mark in fields such as robot and object identification, has special benefit.
With reference to Fig. 1-Fig. 3, scanner head 10 has the housing that roughly is rifle shape, and this housing has its section and is roughly rectangular along the handle portion 12 of Handle axis cardinal principle vertical direction elongation and the slender body 14 that extends toward horizontal direction substantially.The section configuration of handle portion 12 and the size of the whole body user that will suit is hand-held, and operation easily.Body 14 and handle 12 can be with light, flexible, resistance to impact and the materials that can the oneself supports, and for example synthetic plastics material is done.The most handy injection molding forming of housing made of plastic, but also can use vacuum forming, blow molding etc.This housing is the hollow and thin-walled housing.The inner space volume is below 50 cubic inches, is 25 cubic inches or littler sometimes.These numerical value are not to use as limited numerical value, but use as the general value of scanner head 10 full-sizes and volume.
As shown in Figure 1-Figure 3, body 14 has protuberance in its place ahead, and there are last antetheca 16 and following antetheca 18 in this zone.Last antetheca 16 and following antetheca 18 be extension forward all, combines being positioned at scanner head 10 projection 20 foremost.And body 14 has Background Region, and this zone has the rear wall 22 that places antetheca 16,18 rears.Body 14 also has the diapire 26 of roof 24, roof 24 belows and parallel relative pair of sidewalls 28,30 between roof 24 and diapire 26.
At the position that the forward handle part 12 and the body 14 of scanner head 10 combines, and the position of the normal contact of forefinger during the person's of being to use handle, manually operated trigger is housed, preferably can press trigger squeeze 32, this trigger can rotate around pivot 34.Diapire 26 has tubular neck portions part 36, and this neck part 36 extends to a section and is roughly till the rectangular collar portion that radially extends internally 38 along Handle axis toward the below.Neck 36 and collar portion 38 have the groove of opening forwards, and trigger 32 also can be pulled by this groove is outstanding outward.
Handle portion 12 has the upper flange part 40 that its section is roughly rectangle, outside extension radially, and this upper flange part 40 also has the groove of opening forwards, and trigger 32 also can be pulled by this groove is outstanding outward.Upper flange part 40 is flexible, and can be out of shape to the inner sides of radius direction.This upper flange part 40 is inserted into neck part 36, and then upper flange part 40 is joined with collar portion 38, and upper flange part 40 is to the radial direction inside bend.Because its elasticity, upper flange part 40 was returned to the state before initial set when upper flange part 40 was passed collar portion 38, with snap-fastener mode interlocking in the rear of the collar 38.For from body 14 removal handle parts 12, make the top of handle portion 12 fully crooked toward the inboard, make upper flange part 40 again by collar portion 38, can make handle portion 12 leave neck 36 like this.By this way, handle portion 12 promptly can removably snap onto on the body part 14, also can pull down from it.If be necessary, also other interchangeable handle can be contained on the body, different laser scanning system parts are housed in these handles, like this can be so that scanner head 10 can satisfy user's different requirements.
No matter a plurality of parts are installed on the scanner head, will illustrate as following, be directly or indirectly, wherein at least a portion is started by trigger 32 through a control microprocessor.One of parts of scanner head are light source (with reference to Fig. 4), and for example semiconductor laser diode 42, when trigger 32 makes its work, can produce and penetrate incoming laser beam.The light user of this incoming laser beam is not easy to see or cannot see when work.This diode can be continuous light emitting-type, also impulse type.What diode 42 needed is low-voltage (as the DC voltage below the 12V), this low-voltage by be located in the scanner head battery (DC) or by the rechargeable battery box that is removably mounted on the scanner head, or provide by connecting the interior power lead of scanner head and the cable (46) of external power source (for example DC power supply).As shown in Figure 4, laser diode 42 is installed on the printed circuit board (PCB) 48.Optical module is installed on the scanner head, and with respect to diode 42 adjustable grounds location, so that adjust incoming laser beam with optical instrument, makes it to point to the reference surface direction by first light path.This reference surface is positioned at outside the scanner head, in the place ahead of projection 20, and the long axis direction that it is propagated perpendicular to incoming laser beam substantially.Note symbol to be read is placed on reference surface both sides, a side or the opposite side adjacent with reference surface, that is to say the focal length that is placed on the controlled incoming laser beam of optical instrument be in the visual field Anywhere.This focal length or visual field regarded as again can read operating distance.Incoming laser beam is reflected to a lot of directions by mark, and reflector laser is intrafascicular, along second light path away from mark, the part of propagating in scanner head is regarded returning part here as, this part also is not easy to see for the user certainly.
As shown in Figure 4, optical module comprises an optics tube 50 elongated, cylindraceous, and there is a cylindric chamber 52 these cylindric optics tube 50 1 ends, and the circular casing portion of diode 42 closely pacifies and is connected in it, so that diode 42 is remained on the fixed position.And lens drum 54 is installed at the other end of optics tube 50, make it and can on long axis direction, move.Lens drum 54 have aperture 56 and round with edge wall part 58 that limits this aperture 56 and the cylindrical lateral wall part 60 that forms the inner space.
Optical module comprises that also the laser beam that makes in the space that is arranged in the sidewall sections 60 focuses on condenser lens 62 on the reference surface on first light path, as flat convex lens.Aperture 56 can be arranged at the either side of lens 62, but preferably in its rear one side.One bias unit or coil spring 64 are set in the optics tube, and the one end heads on the shell portion of diode, and the other end heads on plane one side of lens 62.Spring 64 is pressed to retaining wall part 58 with lens 62, thus lens 62 is located regularly with respect to aperture 56.When lens drum 54 when long axis direction moves, lens 62 and aperture 56 one move.The internal perisporium of sidewall sections 60 and optics tube 50, join with threaded engagement or the form of being slidingly matched earlier, thus, when the space of the long axis direction that obtains 42 of desired lens 62 and 56 of apertures and lens 62 and diodes, sidewall sections 60 is fixed on the inwall of optics tube as bonding agent or the fastening way of securing member.Moving mutually along long axis direction between sidewall sections 60 and the optics tube 50, promptly constituted a device, and relative diode positioning lens and aperture have promptly constituted a device at distance diode predetermined space internal fixation ground positioning lens and aperture with lens 62 and aperture 56 scalable location.
The transversal section of aperture 56 is less than the incoming laser beam transversal section at these aperture 56 places, thereby makes a part of having only incoming laser beam can pass through aperture 56, arrives along first light path on the mark of back.Retaining wall part 58 is blocked the other parts of incoming laser beam, makes these other parts can not pass through aperture 56.Aperture preferably is processed into its transversal section for circular, so that processing easily.Also can be processed into rectangle or ellipse, in this case, the major axis dimension of rectangle or oval cross-section, with being complementary of incoming laser beam than the Vernonia parishii Hook angle so that more energy is sent on the mark.
According to the law of diffraction optics, required incident beam depends on the long axis direction distance between size, incident beam wavelength, lens 62 and the reference surface of aperture especially in the transversal section size on the reference surface.If hypothesis above-mentioned wavelength and major axis distance is constant, then can easily control light beam transversal section size on the reference surface here, with the method for control aperture cross-sectional dimension.Aperture is positioned over rear rather than the place ahead of lens 62, then when the transversal section of decision light beam on reference surface, does not need to consider the tolerance of lens.
In the most preferred embodiment, the distance that the emitter of laser diode 42 and aperture are 56 is in the scope of 9.7-9.9 millimeter, and the focal length of lens 62 is the scope of 9.5-9.7 millimeter.When being circular as aperture 56, its diameter is about 1.2 millimeters so.When being rectangle as aperture 56, size is about 1 millimeter * 2 millimeters.As light beam basal area before the aperture 56 is 3.0 millimeters * 9.3 millimeters.Distance that these exemplify and size can make laser diode light beam light beam section in the about 6-12 mil of formation (mil) on the reference surface of leading edge portion 20 about 3-4 inches after the optical module adjustment focuses on.Operating distance should make low coverage mark as defined above can be positioned on leading edge portion (20) about 1 inch place and any position between the reference surface, can make the long distance mark as defined above can be at reference surface with on any position between the about 20 inches part of this reference surface.
Incoming laser beam by aperture 56 shines along the optical axis 102 in the scanner head, by optical module backward, arrives and is roughly the reflection on plane with on the scanning mirror.This scanning mirror 66 forwards reflects the laser beam of incident, makes reflected light along another optical axis 104, by being contained in the laser-transmitting window 68 forward on the antetheca 16, arrives on the mark.As shown in Figure 7, be one and be positioned near the representative mark of reference surface that under the bar code situation, this mark is made up of the vertical bar of a series of spaces along the longitudinal.Reference number 150 expressions extend to the circular visible point of light on the mark.Laser spot 150 expression among Fig. 7 be static position or moment dynamic position situation.Because after scanning mirror 66 is started by trigger 32, as described below, keep static or teeter repeatedly, incoming laser beam is scanned several or all bars of mark in the longitudinal direction.
Refer again to Fig. 2.The reflector laser returning part has the light intensity of variation, and this causes because the different piece of the mark 100 in the composition scanning has different reflection characteristics.The laser returning part that is reflected, all by optically focused, form the wide cut taper light beam in the taper optically focused zone that is determined by as shown in Figure 2 upper and lower part edge line 108,110 and by as shown in Figure 3 both sides of the edge line 112,114 by spherical concave surface condenser mirror 76.Condenser 76 the taper converging light along optical axis 116 to the scanner head internal reflection, along on the second optical axis directive sensor such as the optical sensor 80.See Fig. 2 by upper and lower part edge line 118,120() and both sides of the edge line 122,124(see Fig. 3) form the boundary line of the taper laser beam of assembling to this optical sensor 80.Optical sensor 80(preferably uses photodiode) detect variation light intensity at the convergent laser bundle in the visual field of (preferably exceeding) above-mentioned linear sweep, and produce analog electrical signal, this electric signal can be represented the variation of detected light intensity.
Again referring to Fig. 7.On the reference number 126 expression marks 100 one moment the light harvesting district, moment laser spot 150 promptly reflect from it.Change a kind of saying, when laser spot 150 shone on the mark, optical sensor i.e. " seeing " light harvesting district 126.Condenser mirror 76 is installed on the bolster 74, and when scanning mirror 70 was started by trigger 32, condenser mirror 76 carried out horizontal reciprocally swinging repeatedly, makes the inswept along its length mark in the visual field of photodiode, and mark is carried out linear sweep.
Two (or more) printed circuit board (PCB)s 84,86 also are housed on the scanner head, on this substrate 84,86, various circuit are installed.The signal processing apparatus of forming by element 81,83,85 on printed circuit board (PCB) 84 for example, it is used for handling the analog electrical signal that is produced by sensor 80, produce digitizing then vision signal.Can obtain the data representation of mark from this vision signal.The signal processing apparatus that is adapted to this purpose is documented in No. 4251798, the United States Patent (USP).Constitute the driving circuit of scanning by the element on the circuit board 86 87,89 with motor 70.The motor drive circuit that is adapted to this purpose is documented in No. 4387297, the United States Patent (USP).Element 91 on the circuit board 86 constitutes gauge tap, and its effect below will be described.Circuit board 48 is provided with diode 42 and sensor 80, and the element 93 on the circuit board 48 is electric pressure converters, and it is converted to input voltage the voltage that is suitable for for laser diode 42.As reference, the full content of used United States Patent (USP) in this instructions No. 4251798 and No. 4387297.
Digitizing vision signal be sent in the electric shaft device, this device is made of the plug 90 that is located at the socket 88 on the body 14 and be provided with in couples on handle portion 12.As long as handle partly installs on the body, plug 90 just with on socket 88 is from the circuit to the structure automatically links to each other.A pair of circuit board 92 and 94(also are installed referring to Fig. 1 in the handle).Various elements are installed on this circuit board.Decoding/the control device that constitutes by element 95,97 and other element for example, in order to digitizing vision signal be translated into the digitizing decoded signal, by the algorithm in the software control procedure, from above-mentioned decoded signal, obtain the data representation of required mark then.Decoding/control device comprises the PROM of storage control program, RAM, the control PROM of temporal data and the control microprocessor of RAM.This decoding/control device can be judged the decoding of when successfully finishing a mark, thereby stops reading of this mark.By just beginning to read by trigger squeeze 32.Decoding/control device also comprises control circuit, when beginning to read by the trigger startup, but the activation member in the scanner head of this control circuit control starts, equally, this control circuit also may command is notified the user to read to finish automatically, for example control signal is delivered to pilot lamp 96,, the user can be known automatically be through with and read according to lighting of this pilot lamp.
In one embodiment, decoded signal is sent in the principal computer 128 at a distance along the signal conductor in the cable 46.This principal computer 128 is being stored the signal after deciphering mainly as big database, under some situation, provides and decipher the relevant information of back signal.For example, principal computer can provide the determined article retail price of some decoded mark information.
In another embodiment, the field data memory storage is installed on scanner head, for example element 95, a plurality of decoded signals that storage is read in.Thus, this stored decoded signal is transferred in the principal computer at a distance again.Owing to be provided with the field data memory storage, making can be without cable 46 in mark reads, and it is in demand that this point is tried one's best flexible for the operation that makes scanner head.
Power lead in the cable 46, giving needs the power supply of each of power supply element in laser diode 42 and the scanner head.And used a transducer, as element 93, input voltage is converted to required magnitude of voltage.
According to the present invention, do not use the independent quasi-optical device of retouching, laser diode 42 itself just is used for retouching standard.As shown in Figure 2, trigger 32 is in off-state, bootable element in the scanner head at this moment, even not every, also at least some are idle.A pair of electric switch 158,160(are referring to Fig. 5) be contained in the back side of circuit board 84.Switch 158,160 has armature or the button 162,164 with the spring off normal separately, stretches from switch when this button is in off-state, pushes down an end of control lever 166.Control lever 166 is articulated in centring point 168 places on the trigger 32 rear enlarged portion 170.
As shown in Figure 5, when trigger 32 is pressed against first initial position earlier, 166 roof pressure buttons 162 of control lever, even the switch that is depressed 158 whole devices are in first duty, in this first duty, diode 42 is started by trigger 32 and works, and the light beam of this diode is directive scanning mirror 66 backward, and then therefrom to front-reflection.Also can be, diode 42 be in work, and the trigger action just is used for making light beam directive scanning mirror.In above-mentioned first duty, trigger makes to be swept mirror 66 and places on the predetermined fixed position.This scanning constant mirror 66 makes light beam directive mark, before scanning, on mark, illuminate a spot area 150 visibly, so that help the user before mark reads, to seek mark, make the output rotating shaft of motor 70 and scanning mirror 66 fixed thereon rotate to a center reference point by the dc coil energising of giving scanning motor 70, can finish scanning mirror 66 and be positioned the said fixing position as the angle.DC voltage is pulled on the motor coil by switch 91.Under the fixing situation of scanning motor, can reduce electric power to laser diode with conserve energy.
Except making scanning mirror maintain steady state (SS), also available trigger starts diode 42 and/or is used for the control circuit 87,89 of scanning motor 70, make scanning mirror 66 on limited radian, swing on the arc length as 1 ° of-5 ° of magnitude, illuminate limited linear zone 152(on the mark visibly) referring to Fig. 8.The length of this range of linearity in-less-than symbol.In order to obtain this limited action, gauge tap 91 is switched to the AC driving electric current of a pre-sizing on the coil of scanning motor.
As shown in Figure 6, when trigger 32 further was pressed into second state, control lever 166 is roof pressure button 162 and 164 simultaneously, makes device be in second duty.In second duty, but trigger 32 starts all the remaining starting elements in the scanner head, as laser diode 42, make control circuit, photodiode 80, the signal processing circuit of scanning mirror 66 reciprocating scanning motors 70, and other element of scanner head inside, the reading of start symbol.Scanning mirror 66 to-and-fro movements, so that the inswept whole mark of light beam shines a range of linearity on the mark visibly, this zone is same with the range of linearity 156 of stretching along the visual field.Therefore, in scanning, can help the user when reading mark, to follow the tracks of mark.This mark is followed the tracks of for the low coverage mark, is highly-visible, but promptly reduces for long distance mark observability.
When first area and second area are in discernible wire scanning, and these area extension are during to whole mark, in order to read mark with different densities or to be positioned at mark on the diverse location with respect to scanner head, can use same scanner head.
Also can carry out the continuous startup of element in the above-mentioned scanner head with single two utmost point switches with continuous contact.
As shown in Figure 2, by being installed on the anterior shock prevention element 172 and the shock prevention element 174 at rear portion, relax the vibrations of the multiple element in the scanner head.Circuit board 48 and on all elements be supported on the above-mentioned anterior shock prevention element 172, and the support plate 176 that scanning motor 70 is installed is supported on the shock prevention element 174 at rear portion.Light trap plate 178 separates the inside of body, and the veiling glare around preventing arrives on the optical sensor 80.
Laser scanning head shown in Figure 2 is the reflex reflection type, and wherein, the outside incident light and the visual field of sensor device are all scanned.Be readily appreciated that, other distortion of the present invention also belongs to scope of the present invention, can be as outside incoming laser beam by a window directive on the scanner head and inswept mark, and the visual field is not scanned, the laser that returns is collected by another window on the scanner head.Also can be, outside incident beam directive mark, but it is not scanned, and the visual field is scanned.
Consider shockproof intensity that the selection of attractive in appearance, environment, size, machinery and electrical equipment and configuration, housing are inside and outside etc., can adopt different shell type and shape to replace the housing shown in the figure.
Scanner head of the present invention is not necessarily non-to be portable type, also can make Table top type, can independently found the worktable of living.Mark preferably passes through the window portion of outside outgoing laser beam on it by worktable.Though itself fixes worktable, in the scanning of mark, mark can move the incident light record that is also penetrated with respect to worktable at least.
According to the present invention, laser scanning head can read high density, middle density and low-density bar-code marks, and its operating distance is respectively 1 inch-6 inches, 1 inch-12 inches and 1 inch-20 inches (1 " 6 ", 1 " 12 " and 1 " 20 ").Defined here high density, middle density and low density bar codes mark, itself and/or minimum widith at interval are respectively the magnitude of 7.5 mils (mil), 15-20 mil and 30-40 mil.In preferred embodiment,, be optimized with respect to the maximum operation distance of this mark for the reference plane position of the mark of known density.
In another aspect of this invention, require sometimes above-mentioned to retouch quasi-optical point or light and dark ground, the range of linearity is glittering, so that irradiation area is in sight easily or reduce the average energy that laser diode consumes.This glittering purpose of irradiated region that makes can reach by electricity and/or mechanical method.
In the embodiment of the invention described above, disclosed the multiposition trigger of using for portable laser diode scanner head, but the present invention is not limited to this, also can adopt the shape and the structure of various derivations.
Claims (20)
1, a kind of optical scanner is used to read the mark that each several part has different reflective characters, comprising:
(a) housing, this housing is provided with exit portal;
(b) light source is contained in the above-mentioned housing, in order to produce light beam;
(c) but operating control device also be contained in the above-mentioned housing, with so that above-mentioned light beam penetrate from above-mentioned exit portal, and can determine the direction of above-mentioned light beam, to illuminate the 1st zone of above-mentioned mark in first duty, in second duty, illuminate the 2nd zone of above-mentioned mark.
(d) starter gear is used to start above-mentioned control device and is in above-mentioned duty.
2, optical scanner as claimed in claim 1 wherein, has the handle for hand-held on the described housing, described starter gear be provided in a side of on the described housing, can manually operated starter gear.
3, optical scanner as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described starter gear comprises and described control device interlock mutually, so that select the multiposition trigger of duty.
4, optical scanner as claimed in claim 3, wherein, described first area is that static state is retouched accurate zone, described second area be extended to whole mark dynamically read the range of linearity.
5, optical scanner as claimed in claim 3, wherein, described first area is that of extending in the part of mark dynamically retouches the almost zone, second area then is to be extended to of whole mark dynamically to read the range of linearity.
6, optical scanner as claimed in claim 3, wherein, described two zones be positioned at described exit portal different distance on the described housing dynamically read the range of linearity.
7, optical scanner as claimed in claim 1, wherein, above-mentioned light source is the laser instrument that produces laser beam, the direction of described control device decision laser beam makes it in described first and second zones of shining respectively under the relevant work state on the described mark.
8, optical scanner as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described control device comprises that one has and makes the scanister of described light beam in the movable scan component of a described inswept described mark of duty.
9, optical scanner as claimed in claim 8, wherein, described scanister is a catoptron, this catoptron is mounted to and makes it with respect to an axis, threshes to-and-fro movement round about along circular arc.
10, optical scanner as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described starter gear makes described scanning element keep stationary state in described first duty, and in described second duty, the circular arc of angle that decide on the edge threshes to-and-fro movement.
11, optical scanner as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described starter gear moves back and forth described scanning element circular arc along the predetermined angle scope in described first duty repeatedly, and in described second duty along circular arc greater than the predetermined angular range of above-mentioned predetermined angle scope, thresh to-and-fro movement.
12, optical scanner as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described starter gear makes described scanning element in described first, second two duties, and the circular arc along predetermined angular range threshes to-and-fro movement.
13, the reading device of mark such as a kind of bar code is characterized in that it is made of scanister, control device and pick-up unit; Described scanister produces the laser beam of directive object; Described control device, first scanning patter takes place on first chosen position, so that the user can determine its direction with the laser targeting desired location, second scanning patter of all marks to be read of scanning takes place on second chosen position, described pick-up unit produces the electric signal of the above-mentioned mark of expression in order to receive the reflected light of mark.
14, as claim 13, described reading device is characterized in that, described housing has hand-held, operating grip is provided with described scanister and described pick-up unit in the described housing, described control device is provided in a side of also can manually operated gearing on the described housing.
15, reading device as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, described gearing comprises in order to select described chosen position, is connected in the multiposition trigger of described control device.
16, reading device as claimed in claim 13, it is characterized in that, described scanister has on one of described chosen position, movable scan component along described mark swing laser beam, described control device makes described scanning element on described first chosen position, and the circular arc along spreading all over a predetermined angle scope threshes to-and-fro movement, on second chosen position,, thresh to-and-fro movement along the circular arc that spreads all over greater than this predetermined angle scope.
17, the read method of mark such as a kind of bar code is characterized in that this method comprises:
(1) produce laser beam,
(2) form first scanning patter with described light beam,, determine its direction so that the user retouches accurate desired location with described light beam,
(3) select second chosen position, so that form second scanning patter of all marks that continue of scanning,
(4) receive the light that reflects by mark, produce the corresponding electric signal of data with this mark of expression.
18, read method as claimed in claim 17, it is characterized in that, laser beam source is installed in the housing with hand-held handle, scanister and pick-up unit are installed in the described housing, being installed on the described housing by manually operated gearing, so that carry out described choice of location.
19, read method as claimed in claim 18 is characterized in that, described gearing has the multiposition trigger that described scanning patter is selected.
20, read method as claimed in claim 17, it is characterized in that, the generation step of described laser beam comprises, in housing, install and be used to make the movable scan component of light beam mark scanning, make described scanning element thresh to-and-fro movement at the circular arc of the first chosen position upper edge, one predetermined angle scope, and on second chosen position along circular arc greater than the predetermined angle scope of described predetermined angle scope, thresh to-and-fro movement.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN91111539A CN1051623C (en) | 1991-12-14 | 1991-12-14 | Optical scanner |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN91111539A CN1051623C (en) | 1991-12-14 | 1991-12-14 | Optical scanner |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1073278A true CN1073278A (en) | 1993-06-16 |
| CN1051623C CN1051623C (en) | 2000-04-19 |
Family
ID=4910696
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN91111539A Expired - Fee Related CN1051623C (en) | 1991-12-14 | 1991-12-14 | Optical scanner |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN1051623C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101874251A (en) * | 2007-09-26 | 2010-10-27 | 梅伊有限公司 | Document validator subassembly |
| CN102231189A (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2011-11-02 | 北京天地融科技有限公司 | Image collecting device |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5015833A (en) * | 1988-10-31 | 1991-05-14 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Scan board module for laser scanners |
-
1991
- 1991-12-14 CN CN91111539A patent/CN1051623C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101874251A (en) * | 2007-09-26 | 2010-10-27 | 梅伊有限公司 | Document validator subassembly |
| CN102231189A (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2011-11-02 | 北京天地融科技有限公司 | Image collecting device |
| CN102231189B (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2016-04-13 | 天地融科技股份有限公司 | A kind of image collecting device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1051623C (en) | 2000-04-19 |
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