Optical scanner and light source module

Abstract

A point of sale (POS) device, such as an optical scanner, the beam diameters of two light beam components having been emitted from a common light source and split by an optical beam splitter may be reduced, which includes a light source for emitting a light beam, a light beam splitter for splitting the emitted light beam, a polygon mirror for reflecting the split light beam components into mutually different directions, and groups of mirrors. The groups of mirrors are provided for each reading window, allowing the light beam components to be emitted therefrom. The emitted light beam components can then incidence on an object, whereupon the optical scanner detects by detectors and reads a bar code located on the object.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to optical scanners, and more particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for reducing the beam diameters of two separate beam components emanating from the same light source for use in optical scanners. Background technique [0002] Point-of-sale (POS) systems, such as optical scanners, which detect and read light reflected from barcodes attached to merchandise, are widely used. For example, optical scanners, also known as barcode readers, are used at "cash" counters in grocery stores to scan barcodes attached to merchandise such as food. By moving and manipulating merchandise, these optical scanners help operators, such as cashiers, reduce the time required to "scan" information about merchandise, thereby reducing operator burden and increasing operator productivity. [0003] In recent years, optical scanners have been developed with two readout windows, for example, arranged at the bo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] However, due to the complexity of the optics in prior art optical scanners, it is difficult to make these two distances equal to the light source, with the result that the focal point of the first beam component X may be arranged in the center of the optimum readout zone , while the focus of the second beam component Y deviates from the center of the optimum readout area

In this case, the barcode cannot be read using the second scanning light

Therefore, achieving optimal first and second focus is prevented, and when the two laser beam components pass through the "optimal read zone", one of them cannot read or scan the barcode

Images