CN1078320A

CN1078320A - Hands-free bar code scanner

Info

Publication number: CN1078320A
Application number: CN93103568A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约瑟夫·森德
Original assignee: Olympus Optical Co Ltd
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 1992-04-03
Filing date: 1993-04-03
Publication date: 1993-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2013-04-03
Also published as: TW218926B; CN1033937C; KR930022235A; JPH0612511A

Abstract

A kind of hands-free bar code scanner unit, the operator starts this bar code scanner selectively by moving the position of one or more fingers.This bar code scanner provides the function that scans and read the ability of bar code but do not reduce operator's hand and arm, it comprises that one is fixed on operator's the hand or the shell of wrist back, the optical detection device that move the position of a kind of predetermined way of the one or more fingers that are used for detecting operation person is housed in this shell, and a bar code scanner that is used to scan, the pick-up unit that this scanner moves the position of detecting finger responds and starts this bar code scanner.

Description

Hands-free bar code scanner

Present patent application is the part continuation application of 699, No. 417 applications that are called " having the movably no-mirror scanner of laser, optics and sensor element " of submission on May 13rd, 1991.

The present invention relates generally to a kind of hands-free bar code scanner, relate more specifically to band at operator's hand or wrist back, thereby liberation operator's arm is engaged in a kind of bar code scanner of normal manual work.This bar code scanner is to be started selectively by the position of moving one or more fingers by the operator, and this moving preferably pointed to the bar code figure that will scan with forefinger.Hands-free bar code scanner provides scanning not reduce the function of operator's arm with the ability of reading bar code.The operator who has a hands-free bar code scanner that the present invention instructs there is no need to hold by phased manner and aims at a hand-held bar code scanner, and then decontrol it and it is put aside (as putting into the cover that hangs on the belt), and in scan operation next time, repeat the above-mentioned steps sequence again.

Before this, developed multiple optical reader and optical scanning system, be used for reading and appear on the label or the lip-deep bar code symbol of commodity.Bar code symbol itself is a kind of coded graphics of mark, and it comprises the bar of a sequence different in width, and they are separated mutually to define the interval of different in width, and bar has different reflective characters with the interval.Reader and scanning system with pictorial symbolization photoelectricity convert electric signal to, then these signal decodings are become to be used for illustrating the alphanumeric character of these commodity or its some characteristic.Usually these characters are represented with digital form, and are used as the input to the data disposal system, are used for the occasion of point of sale processing, stock control and so on.The scanning system of this common version is in United States Patent (USP) 4,251,798; 4,369,361; 4,387,297; 4,409,470; Disclosed in 4,760,248 and 4,896,026 grade, all these patents have all transferred the application's same assignee.

As disclosed in above-mentioned some patent, an embodiment of this scanning system is a kind of portable laser scanner, and its person of being to use holds with hand-held and be the target bar symbol that is designed so that the user can will read this scanner (light beam of more specifically saying so and sending from scanner) aiming.

The existing problem of this handhold portable scanner is: the operator is a workman normally, such as a warehouse or storesman or a cash cashing machine operator, he carries out other manual work with hand, such as driving a lift truck, handle commodity, select the warehouse part or moving back and forth and handling the article of adjusting with payment before cashing machine.In once typically operating, the operator holds hand-scanner by phased manner and comes bar code on the scan articles, then scanner is put aside or put into the cover that hangs on the belt and go to carry out other manual work with hand again, just like above-mentioned, and then other article that will scan are repeated this series of operations.

In the bar code scanner of prior art, the light source of laser scanner is generally a gas laser or semiconductor laser.In scanning system, use such as the such semiconductor devices of laser diode especially desirable as light source because their volumes are little, cost is low and power requirement is also low.Laser beam usually with lens in addition the optics correction with beam spots of formation on target range with a certain size.Minimum widith between the big or small best and zone with different light reflectivities of the beam spots on the target range (that is, the bar of symbol and interval) about equally.

Bar code symbol is to be made of bar or primitive at the various different possibility width that are generally rectangle in shape.The particular arrangement of each several part is according to used code or " symbolic rule " defined one group rule or define represented character.Bar is determined by employed type of coding that with relative size at interval bar also is the same with actual size at interval.Number of characters in the represented per inch of bar code symbol is called the density of this symbol.When the desired sequence of characters of coding, a group element arranged link together to constitute this complete bar code symbol, wherein each character of information is by separately corresponding primitive group representation.In some symbolic rule, " initial " of a uniqueness and the initial and end position that " termination " character indicates bar code have been used.Exist some kinds of different bar code symbol rules.Comprise UPC/EAN, Code 39(code 39 in these symbolic rules), Code 128(code 128), Codabar and Interleaved 2 of 5.

For the ease of discussing, the character of being discerned and being defined by a kind of symbolic rule will be called legal character, this symbolic rule the character that can not discern and define then be called unallowable instruction digit.Thereby, a kind of given symbolic rule a kind of primitive that can not decode arrange (or a plurality of) unallowable instruction digit corresponding to this symbolic rule.

In order to be increased in institute's energy data quantity stored in the given surface area, some kinds of new bar code symbol rules have been developed recently.One of code standard that these are new Code 49(code 49), having introduced a kind of " two dimension " notion vertically gathers into folds character row rather than only bar shaped is flatly extended.That is, exist several rows bar and interval figure, rather than have only delegation.The structure of Code 49 is at United States Patent (USP) 4,794, and explanation in 239 here is incorporated herein by reference.

When reading these two-dimensional bars, the one dimension single file scanning that hand held readers provides usually has some shortcoming: promptly, reader must aim at line by line.Equally, many scan lines reader produces angled some scan lines mutually, so they are not suitable for the Code 49 of identification two-dimensional symensional symbol type.

In prior art in the known scanning system, light beam by lens or similarly optics be directed on the target that comprises a bar code symbol in its surface along an optical path.Scanning is worked by light beam is repeatedly scanned on delegation of crossing this symbol or number row.Sweep unit or with inswept this symbol of beam spots and follow the tracks of a sweep trace and cross and exceed this symbol perhaps scans the visual field of this scanner, perhaps both dual-purposes.

Scanning system also comprises a sensor or photodetector, is used to detect the light from symbol reflected.So, photodetector be place scanner or be placed on the optical path, it has the visual field of crossing and slightly exceeding symbol there.Be detected and be converted into an electric signal by a part of reflected light that this symbol reflected, electronic circuit or software are decoded into this electric signal a kind of numeral of the represented data of the symbol that is scanned then.For example, be convertible into the digital signal of a pulse-length modulation usually from the analog electrical signal of photodetector, its width is corresponding to bar and physical width at interval.According to specific symbolic rule this signal decoding is become a kind of binary representation of data encoded in the symbol then, and be converted to by its represented alphabetic characters.

Decode procedure in the known scanning system is worked usually in the following manner.Demoder is accepted the digital signal of pulse-length modulation from scanner, and a kind of algorithm of realizing in software is attempted scanning is decoded.If initial and final character in the scanning and the character between them successfully with intactly obtain decoding, then decode procedure end and send once the indication (but such as a green light and an audible beep) of successful reading to the user.Otherwise demoder receives scanning next time, in this scanning, carry out another time decoding and attempt, or the like, till reaching once the intactly scanning of decoding or again can not get other scanning.

Then, this signal decoding is become a kind of binary representation of data encoded in the symbol, be decoded into their represented alphanumeric characters again according to specific symbolic rule.

Laser scanner and the not exclusive optical instrument that can read bar code symbol.Another kind of bar code reader comprises the detecting device based on the charge-coupled device (CCD) technology.In this reader, the size of detecting device greater than or equate with the symbol that will read basically.According to full light from reader, each CCD unit is then sequentially read to determine existing of a bar or an interval on the whole symbol.This reader is in light weight and be easy to use, but requires it is directly contacted or be placed on the symbol with symbol basically correctly to read this symbol.It is a kind of comparatively desirable mode in some applications that this reader contacts with the physics of symbol, perhaps can be described as a kind of user's personal preference.

Thereby fundamental purpose of the present invention provides a kind of hands-free bar code scanner.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of band at operator's the hand or the hands-free bar code scanner of wrist back, operator's arm is liberated be engaged in normal manual work.The operator starts this bar code scanner selectively by the position of moving one or more fingers, and This move preferably points to the bar code figure that will scan with forefinger.This hands-free bar code scanner provides scanning not reduce the function of operator's arm with the ability of reading bar code.With going up such bar code scanner that starts with indication, the operator need not to hold by phased manner and aim at a hand-held bar code scanner and then to decontrol it and it is placed on one side (as putting in the cover) and uses for next scan operation.

The invention provides a kind of band at operator's hand or the hands-free bar code scanner on the wrist, operator's hand is liberated be engaged in normal manual work.This hands-free bar code scanner makes on wrist the operator with it be engaged in other manual work by enough hands, such as driving lift truck, handle commodity, selecting warehouse part or operation and adjust on cashier and the article of paying the bill with handling.

According to the instruction here, the invention provides a kind of band in operator's hand or hands-free bar code scanner unit and the method for operating thereof on the wrist.Make in this way, when scanner was aimed at the bar code symbol that will detect, a kind of preposition of operator by its one or more fingers moved and starts bar code scanner.This unit comprises a shell that is fixed on operator's hand or wrist back.Photodetector is housed in shell, and the preposition that is used for one or more fingers of detecting operation person moves.A bar code scanner also is housed in shell, and it is in the enterprising line scanning of the direction of its aligning, and the preposition of the detected one or more fingers of photodetector moved to react starts bar code scanner.

More specifically, photodetector detects the position of forefinger indication, is installed in the direction that the bar code scanner in the shell is then aimed at the position of forefinger indication.Photodetector also detects a non-indication position of loosening of middle finger, more specifically, in operation, at first detect the non-indication position of loosening of forefinger and middle finger when the output indication of photodetector, detect one of forefinger immediately when giving directions non-indication position of loosening of position and middle finger, a logical circuit that is coupled on the photodetector just starts bar code scanner.The configuration of logical circuit provides this unit has been placed on any nimble property on hand in operator's the right hand or the left hand.When the forefinger that has the left hand of scanner or a right hand the operator of logical circuit is given directions and the middle finger that has the left hand of this scanner or a right hand do not loosen simultaneously when giving directions and can both make bar code scanner work.

On the profile of shell, have groove so that be adjacent to operator's forefinger and the finger tip of middle finger, and in each groove of operator's forefinger and middle finger, all be provided with a photodetector.Each photodetector comprises an active optical detector components, it comprises an emissive source that is used to produce an emission light beam, this light beam can be interdicted by a mobile finger, also comprise one and be used to detect from non-indication finger that loosens and reflected, perhaps by a photodetector of giving directions the light of the emission light beam that finger blocked.

Hands-free bar code scanner unit comprises that one is fixed on operator's wrist or the support on the forearm with cell enclosure.The rear portion of this support is on operator's wrist or forearm, and the front portion of support is fixed on the supporting frame below the shell.The rear portion of support also comprises a strap, and it is looped around on operator's the wrist or forearm, and preferably comprises a Velcro button.In addition, an elastic belt is housed also, is enclosed within on operator's the middle finger and forefinger.

Above-mentioned purpose of the present invention and advantage for a kind of hands-free bar code scanner, the personnel that are familiar with this technology can obtain clearer understanding in the detailed description to its some preferred embodiments below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in all views in the accompanying drawings, identical parts are with identical reference number appointment, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the skeleton view of an exemplary embodiment of a kind of hands-free bar code scanner unit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, it is to be with on the back of the hand of operator, and is to point to the bar code figure that will scan by the operator by the forefinger with him to operate selectively;

Fig. 2 is the skeleton view of the unit among Fig. 1 when the operator is engaged in the manual work of writing, and shows the unobstructive character of the bar code scanner that this is hands-free;

Fig. 3 illustrates the lateral plan of the hands-free bar code scanner unit of Fig. 1 and 2, and one of the operator reciprocation between the photodetector of giving directions the existence that finger and a non-indication finger and this indication of detection point is shown;

Fig. 4 illustrates the plan view from above of the hands-free bar code scanner unit of Fig. 1-3;

Fig. 5 is the face upwarding view of the hands-free bar code scanner unit of Fig. 1-4;

Fig. 6 illustrates the left planar view of the hands-free bar code scanner unit of Fig. 1-5;

Fig. 7 illustrates the decomposition assembling figure of a design implementation example of shell and bar code scanner unit;

Fig. 8 for the output that is used to handle two detector modules on forefinger and the middle finger so that this bar code scanner unit right-hand man to be provided all exercisable example logic circuit; And

The embodiment that a height that Fig. 9 shows a kind of bar code reader of prior art has been simplified is shown in it and its critical piece has been described.

Fig. 1,2 and 3 shows optimum operation mode of the present invention.Fig. 1 is the skeleton view according to an exemplary embodiment of a kind of hands-free bar code scanner unit 10 of instruction of the present invention, its is with the back at operator's hand 12, and by the operator his forefinger 14 is referred to start selectively at a bar code figure that will scan 16.The simple form of this unit comprises a bar code scanner 18(Fig. 7), a finger position moving detecting assembly 20 is used to start this bar code scanner, and a support 21, is used for this unit is fixed on operator's hand or wrist.

For this device is become for the product of a practicality, the startup method of the bar code scanner unit that this is hands-free is critical.For various reasons (for example, the data of mistake input, consume the power of battery excessively, the operator is confused etc.) by mistake start scanner and be harmful to.Otherwise, can be desirable with bar code of choosing of its scanning light beam scanning as far as possible apace with making it after this unit aiming, accurate data input rate, users to trust and minimum battery power consumption because it can provide fast.A kind of desirable startup method comprises that detecting a simple and scrupulous position that aiming is provided moves and start this bar code scanner reliably.

A kind of preferable enable position moves to giving directions (in once typical indication was moved, forefinger 14 stretched out, then withdrawal of middle finger 22).The particular combinations that move this position is detected by the sensing component 20 that starts scanner.A preferable indication starts action aiming correctly and gives directions scanner, and also is the operation that starts scanner in the mode of minimum unconscious startup.

Yet, in certain embodiments, a kind of startup action that also can utilize action complete and the aiming scanner to separate.For example, scanner can aim at perpendicular on direction 24 longitudinally of operator's hand and wrist (Fig. 4), and enable position move can be forefinger to the swing of having a rest property, in this case, aiming operation is to separate with starting to move fully.

Fig. 2 is the skeleton view of the unit of Fig. 1 when the operator is being engaged in the manual work of writing, and shows the harmless impenetrability matter of this hands-free bar code scanner.Fig. 3 shows the side perspective view of the hands-free bar code scanner of Fig. 1 of having support and 2, and shows of operator with Fig. 5 and give directions 14 and non-indications finger 14' of finger and detect indication and point reciprocation between the photodetection assembly 20 that whether occurs.Fig. 4,5 and 6 illustrates plan view from above, face upwarding view and the left planar view of hands-free bar code scanner 10 respectively.Hands-free scanning element 10 usefulness supports 21 bands are at the back of operator's hand 12, and support 21 comprises a wrist or a belt on the forearm 26 around the operator.Be provided with two supporting frame 28(Fig. 5 and 7), one on one side is fixed on support on the shell 30 of unit below shell 30, and support then is looped around on operator's the wrist and/or forearm.

Hands-free scanning element shell 30 is made suitable size so that be with on the back of the hand of operator.Shell 30 comprises forefinger and the middle finger that first and second

bottom retraction part

32,34 is used to hold the operator.Each retraction partly has a photodetection assembly 20 associated therewith, and it points on the direction 39 of a finger that stretches out, as shown in Figure 2.

Detect the preferred approach that the position of a finger moves and be to use an active detection components 20, it comprises that a luminescent device 38(is such as an infrared ray (IR) light emitting diode (LED)) and a light-detecting device 40(such as an IR photo-detector).Detection components 20 band that comprise a pair of luminous and light-detecting device and suitably alignment function person forefinger above, another detection components 20 then is positioned at the middle finger top.

Detection components 20 is aimings like this, and the light that makes luminescent device 38 be sent is pointed along direction 39 triangularities configuration directive, as shown in Fig. 1 and 2.In this triangular arrangement, the center line 39 of the light beam of luminescent device 38 points to the center line 41 of light detecting device 40, and the center line of light-detecting device 40 is the center lines 39 that point to luminescent device 38, and

device

38 and 40 39,41 of center lines intersect at apart from device 38 and the 40 about 1/8 inch points.When a finger be one loosen with non-indication position on the time (as the finger 14' among Fig. 3), then the light in the light beam is pointed reflected light detector 40 with the state of light, otherwise when a finger is (as the finger among Fig. 3 14) on the extended position of an indication time, then the finger shelves are lived and truncated beam, thereby photo-detector 40 is in dark state.Thereby, when operator's finger loosens when not giving directions (from the detection components withdrawal, shown in finger 14' among Fig. 3) just set up a bright state.And lift when running into detection components and truncated beam with stretching out (as the indication among Fig. 3 finger 14) when finger, just set up a dark state.

Be provided with such logical circuit, only two detections to once all after bright state, having only two detect centerings a pair of when entering dark state, just start scanner.Two fingers all lift or two fingers then do not start scanner when all putting down.When two fingers all put down subsequently a finger and lift a finger and put down, it just started.The position mobile sequence of this regulation derives from the indication action of nature, and the finger that has prevented the operator moves about when being engaged in other operate as normal and the puppet that causes starts.A kind of detection as shown in Figure 8/enable logic circuit is analyzed the order output of two optical detector components 20, has comprised also that simultaneously time delay and pulse transmission are to optimize performance and to reduce worker's consumption.

In another embodiment, optical detector components can be passive and include only a photodetector that is used to detect ambient lighting degree in the room.In the operation of this embodiment, when operator's forefinger and another finger are stretched the bar code symbol that sensing will scan, the finger that stretches out blocks photodetector near the ambient lighting degree in the room, and the minimizing of the light that is detected is measured and start the operation of bar code scanner.In this embodiment, the output of photodetector can be conducted through a high frequency filter, make the slow variation of ambient lighting degree in the room can not start the operation of bar code scanner, the quick variation of illumination level (as giving directions stretching out of finger to be caused by) then will start the operation of scanner.

Bar code scanner 18 known in prior art is installed in the shell 30, and the direction of directional arrow 42 indications, makes it to aim at the direction of the forefinger 14 of indication.

Preferably a kind of laser scanning device of bar code scanner, it can be a kind of design of ready-made technology, or the design of a kind of volume that can reduce this device newly developed, weight and/or cost, especially be the bar code scanner of disclosed the sort of compactness in 669,417 as the number of patent application of submitting on May 13rd, 1991.

Support 21 becomes to make operator's inboard of arm, wrist and hand and the obstruction that the bottom side is not subjected to these parts with the functional part device of hands-free scanner.The preferably a kind of aforesaid right-hand man's GU Generic Unit that can both operate in right-hand man's dual mode can be with on one of operator's a left side or the right hand/wrist, thereby does not need unique a left side or right hand model.Support disposes and the fixed scanners assembly in the mode of the complete and normal function that weakens the operator not obviously, and the hand that does not promptly weaken the operator is engaged in such as grasping and holding the object of all size or be engaged in such as operating machine or work that signature etc. the is dexterousr function of some typical manual work like this.It also provides operator's arm not to be used for working significantly as lifting and transport chest with having obstruction.

Support comprises the wrist that is looped around the operator and a section 44 on the forearm, and a section 46 of stretching out forward, and this section stretches out forward and slip into and be fixed on supporting frame 28 on the shell 30.Brace

sections

44 and 46 is to be designed to be able to comfortable area well on wrist, and be well with usually buy easily and be widely used for application that skin contacts in material make, such as the spongy material (as the foam neoprene latex) that is overrided to form with various fabric waddings (as nylon, polyester, fleece lined goods etc.).Sponge shape material provides the liner that cosily uses, lining then provide durability and with user's adaptability.

Support can easily be connected on the functional part or above them and unload, and does not need special guidance or tool using.In a preferred embodiment, support 21 also comprises an elastic belt 48 that is looped around on forefinger and the middle finger.The main part of support is buckled with Velcro with the belt of an integral body or other similar coupling arrangement 51 is fixed on operator's the wrist or on the forearm.Support covers the back of the hand and preferably extends on a part of forearm so that stability to be provided, and as the pedestal that scanner is installed and provide scanner and operator's hand and the liner between the arm.

Fig. 7 illustrates the decomposing assembly figure of embodiment of a kind of design of shell and bar code scanner.Shell 30 comprises a top casing part 50, near its front end position the window 52 of an inclination is arranged, and makes a scanning light beam and can therefrom pass through from the reflected light of bar code symbol.A bottom enclosure part 54 is being fixed two thereon and is being had the supporting frame 28 that buckle is installed, and they embed the fore-end 46 of support.Encircling operation person's forefinger and the elastic belt of middle finger 48 are to be connected as Fig. 1,2,3 and 5 illustrate jointly that bottom enclosure partly goes up and to extend downwards therefrom.Bar code scanner module 18 be positioned at top casing part 50 below, and comprise a light source, the scanning reflection mirror 60 that light beam 58 a directives one side is driven by a scan module 62.A circuit board 64 is positioned at the below of scanner module 56 and comprises a logical circuit that starts scan operation in the above, and other electronic circuit that is used for this unit.All these parts are carried out in the above described manner and are started and the bar code scanning operation, everything all with present technique in known identical.

Hands-free bar code scanner unit 10 of the present invention can be connected to the small-size computer unit of band on operator's waistband, and this computer unit is then with the RF(radio frequency) principal computer of communication link and a vicinity communicates.

The embodiment that a height that Fig. 9 shows a kind of prior art bar code reader has been simplified also shows its critical piece.Reader 100 is depicted as and is installed in the handheld scanner, but also can use in other configuration.In a preferred embodiment, this configuration is installed in the shell 155, and shell comprises an outlet 156, and the laser beam 151 that penetrates by it is directed on the symbol 170 that is positioned at housing exterior, meets with it and inswept this symbol.

Portable equipment among Fig. 9 has the United States Patent (USP) 4 that is presented to people such as Swartz usually, 760, disclosed form in 248, perhaps transfer Symbol Technologies, Inc, the United States Patent (USP) 4,896 of (Symbol Technologies, Inc.), disclosed form in 026, and be the configuration of the bar code reader of LS8100 or LS2000 similar in appearance to the production number that can buy from Symbol Technologies, Inc. also.In addition, the United States Patent (USP) 4,409 that is presented to people's such as Swartz United States Patent (USP) 4,387,297 or is presented to people such as Shepard, these two patents of 470(have all transferred Symbol Technologies, Inc.) in characteristic also can be used for the bar code reader unit of structural map 9.These patents 4,760,248,4,896,026 and 4,409,470 here are incorporated herein by reference, and the general design of these equipment then will be illustrated for your guidance briefly.

In more detail referring to Fig. 9, in reader 100, generate an emission light beam 151 with laser diode and so on usually, and it is directed to and drops on the bar code symbol that is indicated on the target at number formulary inch place before this reader unit.Emission light beam 151 scans with a kind of scan mode, and the user locatees handheld unit makes this scan mode cross the symbol that will read.Reflection and scattered light 152 from this symbol are detected by a light detecting device in the reader unit 158, and generate serial electric signal for handling and decoding, and the represented data of this bar code are used to regenerate.As hereinafter used, " reflected light " vocabulary shows reflection and scattered light.

In a preferred embodiment, reader unit 100 is a rifle type equipment, it have a pistol grip shape 153.When the user referred to this equipment on the symbol that will read, he can use mobilizable trigger 154 to start light beam 151 and detector circuit.Lasing light emitter 146, detecting device 158, optical device 157,147,159 are housed in the lightweight plastic casing 155 and comprise a CPU140 and the signal processing circuit of power supply or battery 162.Allow that at an optical transmission window 156 of the front end of shell 155 emission light beam 151 is gone out and reflected light 152 enters.Reader 100 is to be designed so that the user leaves bar code symbol of aiming on the position of symbol at this reader 100, that is, do not contact symbol or move through symbol.Usually, this hand-held bar code reader is to be defined as in several inches scope to operate.

Reader 100 also can be used as a portable computers, and comprises a keyboard 148 and a display 149, such as the United States Patent (USP) of mentioning in front 4,409, described in 470.

As further describing among Fig. 9, suitable lens 157(or poly-lens system) can be used for scanning light beam is focused on the bar code symbol on the suitable reference plane.Become such as such light source 146 devices of semiconductor laser diode a light beam is directed on the axis of lens 157, this light beam also passes through catoptron 147 and other the essential lens or the beam-shaping structure of a local silver-plating, together with the catoptron 159 of one side swing, this catoptron is on the scan module 160 that obtains driving when being connected a cocking 154.If the only invisible light that light source 146 generates then can add aiming light in optical system.Aiming light (when needed) generates a visible light spot, and this hot spot can be fixed, and also can resemble to scan the laser beam; The user can utilize this visible light that reader unit is aimed at symbol before cocking 154.

Though the present invention is described for reading one dimension or two-dimensional bar, it is not limited to these embodiment, and is equally applicable to the scanning application of more complicated mark.Can believe that the present invention will find the prospect of use in various machine vision or optical character identification application, in these are used, information is to draw on the mark such as other types such as characters, or from the surface characteristics of the article that are being scanned, draw.

In all various embodiment, the parts of scanner can be assembled into a very compact device, thereby make scanner can make single printed circuit board (PCB) of a slice or integration module.Such module can be used as the laser scanning component of the data acquisition system (DAS) of number of different types interchangeably.For example, this module can alternately be used in the hand-scanner or be used on the arm that is connected an activity or extend on the support of desktop top or be connected in the desk top scanning with hand device on support desktop under, perhaps as the subassembly or the sub-component use of a dexterousr data acquisition system (DAS).

This module will advantageously comprise one and be installed in a laser/light device sub-component on the bearing, and one such as rotating or the such sweep unit of reciprocating catoptron, and an optical detector components.Control that is associated with these parts or data line can be connected on the electric connector that is installed on module edge or the outside surface, and module can electrically be connected on the connector of a pairing that is associated with other parts of data acquisition system (DAS).

One independently module can have associated specific scanning or decoding characteristics, for example, the operability on particular job distance is perhaps to a kind of specific sign flag or the operability of printing density.This specific character also can define with the gauge tap that this module is associated by manual setting.The user also can make this data acquisition system (DAS) be adapted to the article of scan different types by using the module on the simple electric connector interchange of data acquisition system, perhaps makes this system adapt to different application.

Above-mentioned scan module can also be installed in one and comprise in one or more independently data acquisition system (DAS)s such as the such ingredient of keyboard, display, printer, data-carrier store, application software and database.A system so also may comprise a communication interface, make this data acquisition system (DAS) can pass through a modulator-demodular unit or ISDN(GB standard data networks) interface, perhaps, communicate with the miscellaneous part of a LAN or with telephone-switching network by the low-power radio broadcasting of portable terminal to static receiver.

Though described in detail here is the several embodiment and the remodeling of hands-free bar code scanner of the present invention, will be understood that of the present inventionly openly will make person skilled in the art person expect many alternative designs with instruction.

Claims

1, a kind of band is in operator's hand or the hands-free bar code scanner unit on the wrist, when aiming at this scanner on a bar code symbol that will detect, move by the position of a kind of predetermined way of one or more fingers of operator and to start, comprising:

A, a band are at operator's the back of the hand or the shell of wrist back;

B, an optical detector device are installed in the described shell, and move a kind of position of predetermined way that is used for one or more fingers of detecting operation person;

C, a bar code scanner, be installed in the described shell so that in the enterprising line scanning of the direction that this scanner aimed at, and the described optical detector device that the position of a kind of predetermined way of detecting one or more fingers is moved responds to start this bar code scanner.

2, a kind of hands-free bar code scanner unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said optical detector device detects the position of forefinger indication, and bar code scanner wherein is mounted in the described shell of aiming on the direction of the position of forefinger indication.

3, a kind of hands-free bar code scanner unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein said optical detector device also detect a non-indication position of loosening of middle finger.

4, a kind of hands-free bar code scanner unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein said optical detector device at first detects the non-indication position of loosening of forefinger and middle finger, and a non-indication position of loosening giving directions position and middle finger of forefinger subsequently.

5, a kind of method of a kind of hands-free bar code scanner unit of operation, this scanner unit comprise band at a shell of operator's the back of the hand or wrist back, be installed in an optical detector device in this shell and be installed in a bar code scanner that is used for the enterprising line scanning of direction that aims at scanner in this shell, this method comprises:

A, with the aiming of this bar code scanner on a bar code symbol that will detect;

B, move with the position of a kind of predetermined way of one or more fingers of an optical detector device detecting operation person; And

C, the optical detector device that the position of a kind of predetermined way of one or more fingers of detecting operation person is moved respond and start this bar code scanner.