Integrated bar code reader and RF transceiver

Details Integrated bar code reader and RF transceiver Integrated bar code reader and RF transceiver

1998-04-24

2001-10-23

Frech, Karl D. (Department: 2876)

Registers

Coded record sensors

Particular sensor structure

C235S462460

Reexamination Certificate

active

06305607

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to scanners, and specifically, to integrated radio and barcode scanners. Barcodes store information about an associated object and can be read by scanners. As barcode scanners have become smaller, the number of uses have increased. Today, barcode scanners are used to price store items, control warehouse inventory, and even route overnight packages.
In reading a barcode, a barcode scanner scans a laser beam across the barcode and detects the reflected light from the barcode. Typically, barcode scanners, including handheld scanners, have been constructed using discrete components. These discrete components, such as laser diodes and rotatable scanning mirrors, are separately manufactured and carefully aligned in the scanner to obtain the proper scanning function. Barcode scanners may include other discrete components, such as a radio/frequency (RF) transmitter and its associated components. A barcode scanner with an associated RF transmitter provides bidirectional communication between the barcode scanner and a remote site.
However, the use of discrete components limits further miniaturization of the barcode scanner, thus restricting additional uses for the barcode scanner. Further, improper alignment of the discrete components that perform the scanning function can render the scanner inoperative. Thus, the discrete components must be carefully aligned during assembly, making the scanner complex and costly to construct.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved barcode scanner with increased flexibility. It is also desirable to provide a miniaturized barcode scanner. It is also desirable to provide a barcode scanner that is simpler to construct. It is also desirable to decrease the cost of constructing a barcode scanner.
Additional desires fulfilled by the invention will be set forth in the description which follow, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the amended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve the foregoing desires, an integrated device includes a barcode reader and a radio frequency (RF) transceiver integrated on a semiconductor substrate. More particularly, an integrated bar code reader and RF transceiver consistent with the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate, a barcode reader, integrated on the substrate, for scanning a barcode symbol and producing an electrical signal representative of light reflected from the barcode symbol, and an RF transceiver, integrated on the substrate, for modulating an RF carrier in response to the electrical signal and transmitting the modulated RF carrier by wireless transmission.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3981566 (1976-09-01), Frank et al.
patent: 4733067 (1988-03-01), Oinoue et al.
patent: 5065003 (1991-11-01), Wakatsuki et al.
patent: 5151684 (1992-09-01), Johnsen
patent: 5218188 (1993-06-01), Hanson
patent: 5418684 (1995-05-01), Koenck et al.
patent: 5567925 (1996-10-01), Koenck et al.
patent: 5880452 (1999-03-01), Plesko
patent: 6014240 (2000-01-01), Floyd et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Integrated bar code reader and RF transceiver does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Integrated bar code reader and RF transceiver, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Integrated bar code reader and RF transceiver will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2595250