Registers – Coded record sensors – Particular sensor structure
Patent
1996-07-17
1998-12-22
Hajec, Donald T.
Registers
Coded record sensors
Particular sensor structure
235462, G06K 710
Patent
active
058522883
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bar code scanning apparatus in which the image of a bar code to be read is formed on an image sensor through a lens system.
2. Description of the Related Art
A bar code scanning apparatus is arranged such that light from an illuminating light source is irradiated onto a sheet having a bar code formed thereon and that the bar code is read by an image sensor.
Generally, a bar code scanning apparatus is of the portable type or of the scanner integral type incorporated in a handy terminal (portable-type information collection device), and is used in direct contact with a sheet or separated by a predetermined distance therefrom (See Japanese Unexamined Patent Publications Nos. 64-12384 (1989) and 1-196680 (1989)).
The bar code width in the scanning direction (See FIG. 14) is determined based on a bar code system to be used (JAN Code, NW-7, Code 39, ITF Code etc.) and the number of code digits, but the average code width is about 40 to 50 mm. For product management at a factory or warehouse, however, there is used a bar code having 20 to 30 digits. Further, as a bar code printed on corrugated cardboard, there is used a bar code having bar elements each having a width not less than 1 mm. This results in a bar code having a width of 80 mm or more.
To read such a wide bar code, there is needed a bar code scanning apparatus opening. As a matter of fact, there is produced a bar code scanning apparatus having a wide opening capable of reading a bar code having a width of 100 mm.
Further, to read a wide bar code, there is also produced a bar code scanning apparatus arranged to read a bar code separated therefrom through a space.
To read a bar code in contact with the apparatus as mentioned earlier, the bar code scanning apparatus becomes wide in its opening and is therefore increased increased in length. This disadvantageously increases the size of the apparatus in its entirety. This becomes a serious problem particularly when the bar code scanning apparatus is incorporated in a handy terminal.
In a bar code scanning apparatus arranged to read a bar code separated therefrom, it is required to accurately take aim with the apparatus at a bar code when the apparatus is held in the hand. This disadvantageously lowers the maneuverability of the apparatus in maneuverability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact and readily operable bar code scanning apparatus capable of reading a wide bar code.
To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a bar code scanning apparatus arranged such that the visual field of the lens system is extended outwardly to exceed the width of an opening of a case body in which the bar code scanning apparatus is housed, such that a bar code wider than the width of the opening can be scanned.
According to the arrangement above-mentioned, the visual field of the lens system is extended as outwardly exceeding the width of the opening of the case body in which the bar code scanning apparatus is housed. Therefore, a bar code wider than the width of the opening can be scanned with the opening coming in contact with the bar code. Thus, even a wide bar code can be scanned without the bar code scanning apparatus being increased in width and length.
More specifically, a slit which communicates with the opening is provided in each of the lateral sides of the case body, the opening is spread in the form of a fan or the case body is formed with a portion projecting from the opening such that a predetermined distance is provided between the opening and a read surface when the apparatus is applied to the read surface.
Preferably, the projecting portion projects from one side of the case body in which the bar code scanning apparatus is housed, and the light sources are disposed at the side opposite to the one side. According to this arrangement, the projecting portion intercepts external irregular light.
Preferably, the tip of the projecting portion is made in th
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patent: 5369262 (1994-11-01), Dvorkis et al.
patent: 5430285 (1995-07-01), Karpen et al.
Nakazawa Atsushi
Nishikawa Mitsuru
Hajec Donald T.
Le Thien Minh
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.
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