System and method for data reading using raster scanning

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems of and methods for reading optical codes located on multiple sides of an item (10) that is being moved through a read volume. In one method, optical symbols are read using a high speed raster laser beam and non-retrodirective collection optics (160) including the steps of moving an item containing an optical code along an item direction past a window (102, 154) disposed in a surface (152) of a scanner housing or platter; via a first scan mechanism, repeatedly scanning through the window at a first slant and / or tilt angle (104, 106, 108, 110) to the surface in a first direction and along a single line to acquire scanned data over two dimensions of one or more sides of the item; via a second scan mechanism, repeatedly scanning through the window at a second slant and / or tilt angle (104, 106, 108, 110) to the surface in a second direction and along a single line to acquire scanned data over two dimensions of one or more other sides of the item; andprocessing the scanned data acquired. The window may be formed in the shape of a slot (102, 124, 128), the slot being oriented generally transverse to the item direction. A preferred construction is a completely solid state implementation using either a linear imager or an area (2-D) imager in the Scheimpflug condition to image a plane with a depth of field.

Description

technical field [0001] [0001] The field of the disclosure relates to optical readers and methods of data reading, and more particularly to methods and systems for producing raster images of optical codes using a small number of high-speed scan lines. Background technique [0002] [0002] Conventional stationary scanners use a motor / facet wheel to scan a laser beam across multiple pattern mirrors to produce an omnidirectional scan pattern. figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conventional stationary scanner 10 is illustrated. Scanner 10 includes a laser diode 15 that generates a laser beam 17 that is directed to flat wheel 20 . The flat wheel 20 is rotationally driven by a motor 21 at a relatively high rate, typically several thousand revolutions per minute. Plane wheel 20 scans the beam across a plurality of pattern mirrors 22 (only one pattern mirror shown), where the scanned beam reflects off one or more pattern mirrors to form scan lines that are projected through window 24...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Such windows are costly and are thus a considerable cost factor in the product

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