Data reading system and method with low profile arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a data reader, such as an optical code reader 100, 500 comprising one or more imagers 210, 235, having a generally horizontal central part 150, 520 which 150, 520 has an upwardly extending portion 110, 510 on a first end 122, 522 and a recessed portion 140, 540 on a second end 124, 524 opposite the upwardly extending portion 110, 510, the recessed portion 140, 540 being The configuration is such that a position below the surface of the horizontal central part 120 , 520 provides a better viewing angle from the second end 124 , 524 for viewing the object 20 in the apparent volume above the central part 120 , 520 . In one configuration, images from the apparent volume along and above the recess 140 are directed by one or more fold mirrors 200 and focused by a lens system 205 onto an imager or sensor array 210, which optical The components are disposed below the surface of the central part 120, 520 together with the windows 135, 535 through which they are viewed. Preferably, where the horizontal central part 120, 520 is a weighing pan for a scanner-balance, the optics of the data reader such as folding mirror(s), lens system and imager are not supported by the weighing pan , and is therefore out of balance.

Description

technical field [0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for data reading and / or image capture, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to the reading of optical codes, such as barcodes. Background technique [0002] Data reading devices are used to read optical codes, acquire data, and capture various images. One common data reading device is an optical code reader. Optical codes typically include a pattern of dark elements and light spaces. Various types of optical codes exist, including linear or 1-D (one-dimensional) codes such as UPC and EAN / JAN barcodes, 2-D (two-dimensional codes) such as MaxiCode codes, or stacked codes such as PDF 417 codes. For convenience, some embodiments may be described herein with reference to the capture of 1-D barcodes, but these embodiments may also be useful for other optical codes and symbols, as well as other images such as fingerprint capture. [0003] One type of data reader is known as a flyin...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the inventors have recognized that for seated operators, significant protrusions above the horizontal surface in areas where they move their hands and arms may interfere with the ergonomic movement of the item across the data reader

Repeated collisions of objects or the operator's hands and arms with raised housing parts during shift changes can cost the operator significantly and potentially cause injury

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