Untitled record

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY In the present invention, an automatic laser scanning bar in which a laser scanning operation and a barcode symbol reading operation are automatically started in response to an automatic detection of an object and / or a barcode symbol existing on the object. Regarding improvements in code / symbol reading systems.

Barcode symbols have become widely used in many environments, such as point-of-sale (POS) stations in retail stores and supermarkets, warehouse management document tracking, and a variety of data control applications. To meet the growing demands of this innovation, various types of barcodes for transmitting barcode symbols and for generating symbol character data for use as input in automated data processing systems. -A symbol reader has been developed.

In general, prior art handheld barcode symbol readers that use laser scanning mechanisms can be divided into two main categories.

The first category of handheld laser-based bar code symbol readers have a manually activated trigger mechanism to initiate laser scanning and bar code symbol reading operations. Includes a lightweight handheld laser scanner. The user places a handheld laser scanner at a predetermined distance from an object with a barcode symbol, manually activates the scanner to start reading, and then the barcode to be read. Move the scanner onto other objects marked with. Prior art bar code symbol readers that exemplify this first category are U.S. Pat. No. 4575625, U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,349, U.S. Pat. No. 4825057, U.S. Pat. US Pat. No. 5080456, US Pat. No. 5047617, US Pat. No. 4387297, US Pat. No. 4806742, US Pat. No. 5021641, US Pat. No. 5468949, US Pat. No. 5180904, US Pat. 4593186, US Pat. No. 5247162, US Pat. No. 4897532, US Pat. No. 5250792, US Pat. No. 5047617, US Pat. No. 4835374, US Pat. No. 5017765, US Pat. No. 5600121, US Pat. , And US Pat. No. 4,409,470.

The second category of handheld laser-based bar code symbol readers has an automatically activated (ie, untriggered) mechanism for initiating laser scanning and bar code symbol reading operations. Includes a lightweight handheld laser scanner with. The user places a handheld laser scanner at a predetermined distance from the object with the barcode symbol, and the presence of the object is automatically detected using an infrared (IR) or low power laser beam. , The presence of a barcode symbol on an object is detected using a visible laser beam, after which the detected barcode symbol is automatically scanned, decoded (ie read) and read. Symbol character data representing the resulting barcode symbol is generated. Prior art that exemplifies this second category of laser-based barcode symbol reading systems is disclosed in the following patents. That is, Patent No. 4639606, Patent No. 4933538, Patent No. 5828048, Patent No. 5828049, Patent No. 5825012, Patent No. 5808285, Patent No. 5769091, Patent No. 5789730, Patent No. 5789731, Patent No. 5777315. No., Patent No. 5767501, Patent No. 5736982, Patent No. 5742043, Patent No. 5528024, Patent No. 5525789, Patent No. D-385265, Patent No. 5489992, Patent No. 5661292, Patent No. 5637852, Patent No. 5468951, Patent 5627359, Patent 5424525, Patent 5616908, Patent 5591953, Patent 5340971, Patent 5340973, Patent 5557093, Patent 5260553, and European Patent Application 0871138. Published in the issue.

The automatically activated laser scanning barcode symbol reader of the type disclosed in the US patents cited above bar without the defects and drawbacks of manually activated handheld barcode symbol readers. Allows reading of code symbols. However, automatically activated barcode symbol readers sometimes have a particular barcode from a list of barcode symbols printed in close proximity on, for example, a barcode menu or similar structure. It may aggressively read barcode symbols that are not desired to be read by the user, such as when attempting to read. This is caused by the laser scan lines in the scanning field scanning over two or more barcode symbols at the same time, which means that the barcode scanner is located far away from the object and of the scanner. It is likely to occur when the laser scanning line becomes large due to the scanning shape. Often, accidental barcode symbol reading errors must be corrected when they occur, wasting valuable time and resources for the user.

In particular, the use of the short-range CCD emulation mode taught in US Pat. No. 5,580,24 provides a solution to the problem of unwanted accidental reading of bar code symbols printed in close proximity on the bar code menu. To do. However, even when using this short-range CCD emulation mode, an automatically generated laser scan is performed when the operator moves the head portion of the handheld reader to a position on the barcode symbol to be read. The pattern can accidentally read an unwanted barcode from the barcode menu. This is due to the width of the laser scanning plane that intersects the plane of the object with the barcode symbol to be read. It is theoretically possible to operate an IR-based object detector in short-range mode of operation, but cost issues make this difficult to achieve in practice.

Also, to enjoy the benefits of the short-range CCD embroidery mode, the laser scanning barcode symbol reader can read presigned (functional programming) barcode symbols, or the scanner housing. You must be guided to enter this mode of operation by manually moving the switch on the outer surface of the. Then, after reading the barcode symbol from the menu while the device is in short-range CCD emulation mode, the user is required to reconfigure the scanner to return it to long-range operating mode. Allows the scanner to be used to read barcodes within a large depth range of the reader. Users are forced to read bar code symbols in CCD emulation mode until the step of reconfiguring the bar code symbol reader to long-range operating mode is taken, which is for many types of scanning applications. It is inconvenient in the above and reduces the productivity of the operator.

When using the system described above to read a barcode symbol on a product that is placed inside a previously "scanned" product at a checkout, the previously scanned product is accidentally read again. , It is very likely to cause an error in the settlement work. In particular, the structure of this problem is very similar to the bar code menu reading problem described above.

In wireless portable barcode symbol readers, the problems mentioned above are exacerbated by the need for consumer battery power. Thus, in the art, improved systems and methods that read barcode symbols using an automatically activated laser scanning mechanism while overcoming the aforementioned shortcomings and shortcomings of prior art systems and methods. There is a great need for.

<p> Therefore, it is possible to provide an improved system and method for reading barcode symbols using a wireless, automatically activated laser scanning mechanism, while overcoming the aforementioned shortcomings and shortcomings of prior art devices and technologies. , A main object of the present invention.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is a bar that is automatically initiated to read a barcode symbol printed on various types of objects, including, but not limited to, a printed barcode symbol menu. To provide a wireless, automatically activated laser scanning barcode symbol reading system that gives the user greater control over the configuration of the code symbol reading process.</p><p> Another object of the invention is wireless, including a barcode symbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housing with a manually activable data transmission control (activation) switch. To provide an automatically activated code symbol reading system, the bar code symbol reading mechanism is for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle. It automatically generates a visible laser scan pattern and automatically generates a new symbol character data string in response to each barcode symbol read by it.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to allow the user to view a visible laser scanning pattern with a particular barcode symbol on an object (eg, product, document, barcode menu, etc.) during a barcode symbol reading cycle. It is to provide an automatically activated code symbol reading system that is consistent and allows barcode symbols to be cyclically scanned, detected, and decoded.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to actively drive a hand-supportable indicator light on a housing each time a scanned bar code symbol is successfully read during a bar code symbol reading cycle. When a new barcode symbol character string is generated and the data transmission control switch is activated during the barcode symbol reading cycle, a data transmission control activation signal is generated and then It is to provide an automatically activated code symbol reading system that allows the generated symbol character data string to be automatically selected and sent to the host system.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to spatially coincide with or spatially include at least a portion of a barcode symbol detection field and a barcode symbol reading field during an object detection state of system operation. An automatically activated barcode symbol that performs object detection using infrared (IR) signal transmission / reception technology or low-power invisible laser beam signal technology that automatically generates an object detection field. It is to provide a reading system.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is for a visible laser scanning beam to be scanned along a one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or omnidirectional scanning pattern within a system's bar code detection field and bar code reading field. To provide a wireless, automatically activated barcode / symbol reading system.</p><p> A further object of the present invention is to use a radio data packet transmission and reception scheme to transmit symbol character data to a base station that interfaces with a host system, an automatically activated bar code on the radio. It is to provide a symbol reading system.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless, hand-supportable barcode symbol reading system with automatic range-dependent data transmission control. Another object of the present invention is to use a bidirectional RF-based data communication link between a base station providing a cradle and a wireless hand-supportable code symbol reading device, by hand. Use a manually operated data transmission activation switch that is controlled by automatically detecting whether a supportable wireless device is within the RF communication range of an RF-based data communication link. , To provide a wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which range-dependent conditions are detected by detecting the strength of a "heartbeat" signal that is automatically transmitted from a base station to a wirelessly hand-supportable device. It is to be.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is during the next requested data transmission to the host computer system when a hand-supportable scanning device is located outside a predetermined bidirectional communication range. The packaged symbol character data is automatically buffered into the device's memory storage until an audible and / or visible indicator is generated and the device moves into range at a later point in time. It is to provide a system that is designed to be ringed.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to provide a point-of-sale environment, a system designed for use in lightweight warehousing applications, and the like. This system design provides the operator with convenience and freedom of movement.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to require the wireless reader to press the data transmission activation button again to transmit a barcode immediately after establishing a new communication link with the base station. To provide a programmed wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system. This feature allows the user to rescan different codes and overwrite the data before it is sent over the base station to the host system.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to allow the system control process to store multiple readings after depressing the data transmission activation switch and before data transmission is performed to the base station. To provide a programmed wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to ensure that all three LEDs are lit to indicate that the wireless reader is out of range, and that stored data awaiting transmission to the base station. It is to provide a wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system with all three LEDs lit to indicate that it is in a data packet group buffer.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to allow the stored data to be cleared by holding down the data transmission activation switch for a programmed time (ie, 3 seconds). Is to provide a wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system programmed with.</p><p> Another object of the invention is that the control system can be programmed to test the radio data communication link before sending the data packets buffered in memory to the base station. To provide a wireless laser scanning barcode / symbol reading system. Using this feature, the system can avoid bar code loss due to the reader being not connected to the base station.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical vibrator in a hand-supportable housing of the wireless device so that the reader automatically vibrates when data transmission from the reader to the base station is successful. To provide a wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system. In a noisy environment, this feature should provide the operator with a clear signal that the transmission status was successful.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is (i) to automatically monitor the battery voltage, and (ii) to razz / vibrate the reader when the battery voltage is low, a laser diode in the device. Provides a wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system with a low battery protection circuit in a wireless hand-supportable reader to turn off and allow the system to enter sleep mode. That is. This circuit can protect the battery from over-discharging and data errors. This is because the current supplied by the battery is much higher if the voltage is too low.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is an RF transceiver chipset and a set of related baseband microcontrollers mounted on a radio reader and a base station to provide a data communication link between the radio reader and the base station. Is to provide a wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system that is automatically driven into low power mode when is disconnected or terminated. When the wireless reader is awakened, their microcontrollers are awakened at the same time, the RF transceiver is automatically activated and the communication link is reestablished.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system in which the system power switch is located at the rear of the housing of the reader and is accessible through a small pinhole. This feature allows the operator to disconnect and disconnect the battery using the power switch at the rear of the reader. This feature provides an easy way to save power and protects the battery onboard the wireless reader. In addition, the switch can also act as a hardware reset button if something goes wrong with the reader.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is a wireless laser scanning barcode in which the cradle portion of the base station is provided with a retractable / retractable support hook for supporting the handheld reader in both vertical and horizontal directions. It is to provide a symbol reading system.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to use a bidirectional RF-based data communication link between a base station providing a cradle and a wireless hand-supportable code symbol reading device, by hand. This book has a manually operated data transmission activation switch that is controlled by automatically detecting whether a supportable wireless device is within the RF communication range of an RF-based data communication link. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system. An audible and / or visible indicator during the next requested data transmission to the host computer system if the hand-supportable scanning device is located outside the defined bidirectional RF coverage. Is generated and the packaged symbol character data is automatically buffered into the device's memory storage until the device moves into range at a later point. This wireless handheld scanning system is designed for use in point-of-sale environments or lightweight warehousing applications. This system design provides the operator with convenience and freedom of movement.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system in which the firmware of the wireless barcode reader is updated by the host computer.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system capable of reading 2D barcode symbols such as PDF417. Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable, fully automatic barcode symbol reading system that is small, easy to use, and versatile.</p><p> A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of reading a barcode symbol using the automatically activated barcode symbol reading system of the present invention. A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatically activated radio hand-supportable laser scanning barcode symbol reading system with a data transmission activation switch and automatic range-dependent control. Is.</p><p> A further object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system that uses a low battery protection circuit, a vibration alarm, and a sleep mode of operation.</p><p> A further object of the present invention is that an RF-based transceiver chipset in a wirelessly hand-supportable unit and in the base station of that unit automatically enters power-saving sleep mode when the system enters power-saving sleep mode. Wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading that was stopped and the RF data communication link between them was terminated and reactivated and reestablished when re-entering a mode of operation. To provide a system.</p><p> A further object of the present invention is a hand-supportable unit that can automatically collect and store symbol character data when a hand-supportable unit is operated outside the RF data communication range. Is to provide a wireless bar code symbol reading system capable of automatically transmitting stored symbol character data when operated within the RF data communication range.</p><p> A further object of the present invention is to provide a laser scanning 2D barcode symbol reading system that is automatically activated. A further object of the present invention is to use a linear laser scanning pattern generator, an automatic barcode symbol data detector, an audible data capture feedback generator, and a manually activated data transmission activation switch. It is to provide a hand-supported 2D barcode symbol reading system that is automatically activated.</p><p> A further object of the present invention is to be able to automatically transmit stored symbol character data when a hand-supportable unit is operated within the RF data communication range and is hand-supportable. Provides an automatically activated wireless laser scanning 2D barcode symbol reading system that can automatically collect and store symbol character data when the unit is operated outside the RF data range. That is.</p><p> A further object of the present invention is to provide a radio bar code symbol reading system that uses a base station with a cradle with hinged support hooks to allow vertical and horizontal mounting. That is.</p><p> The above and further objectives of the present invention will become apparent within the scope of the following statements and claims. For a more complete understanding of the objects of the invention, a detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention should be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.</p>

The best form of the wireless automatically activated laser scanning barcode symbol reading system of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings, but similar elements will have similar reference numerals. It is shown using.

Prior to detailing various exemplary embodiments of the invention, it may be helpful to first provide a brief overview of the systems and methods of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 1A1 and 1A2, the radio auto-launch (wireless auto-launch) bar code symbol reading system 1000 of the present invention is hand-supportable with a manually activating data transmission switch 1008. A hand-supportable bar code symbol reader 1001 with a bar code symbol reader and a Bluetooth® RF-based transceiver chipset 803, contained within a (hand-supportable) enclosure 1002. Generally includes base station 1010, which also has a Bluetooth® RF-based transceiver chipset 804 that is contained within the base station enclosure and is interfaced with the host system to which the base station is connected.

As shown in FIGS. 1A1 and 1A2, the wireless hand-supportable barcode symbol reading system of the present invention is programmed for two mainly different modes of operation. That is, (1) when a wireless hand-supportable barcode / symbol reader is located within a predetermined RF communication range, it is automatically detected and A.₅= 1, When it is detected, the data transmission activation control signal A is manually operated by the data transmission switch 1008, as shown by the direction arrow 1006B.₄To automatically allow the generated symbol character data string (currently or later) to be selected and sent to the base station substantially at the same time that = 1 is generated. Mode, and (2) wireless hand-supportable bar code symbol readers automatically detect when they are out of the specified RF communication range and A₅= 0, when detected, the wireless hand-supportable barcode symbol reader is located outside the specified RF communication range, that is, A₅Data transmission control activation signal A while = 0₄A mode for automatically collecting and storing (on the device) the generated symbol character data strings substantially at the same time that = 1 is generated. Further, in the wireless automatic activation bar code / symbol reading system of the present invention, the wireless bar code / symbol reading device has returned to a predetermined RF-based communication range.₅It is also programmed to automatically send the collected symbol character data when = 1 is automatically detected.

Due to this highly range-dependent data transmission control method, the wireless barcode symbol reading system of the present invention determines whether or not the device is within the communication range during the barcode symbol reading operation and the data collection operation. It can be used in a more flexible way without being restricted by, while providing barcode menus, consumer products located in crowded POS environments, and automatic identification and / or information access and processing. It provides the ability to accurately read various types of barcode symbols on other objects in an unprecedented way.

2A-5J show many different embodiments of the automatically activated (automatically activated) barcode symbol reading system of the present invention. These different embodiments are based on three different types of generalization, each based on a general mode in which the underlying laser scanning mechanism is automatically activated and controlled during the barcode symbol reading process of the present invention. It can be classified into the system design. Three of these different system designs are shown in Figures 1B, 1C and 1D. In each of those generalized system designs, activation of bar code symbol detection and bar code symbol reading operations is incorporated herein by reference, eg, US Pat. No. 5,828,408, US Pat. No. 5828049, US Patent 5825012, US Patent 5808285, US Patent 5796091, US Patent 5789730, US Patent 5789731, US Patent 5777315, US Patent 5767501, US Patent 5736482 , U.S. Patent No. 5661292, U.S. Patent No. 5627359, U.S. Patent No. 5616908, U.S. Pat. Use manually activated triggers and similar mechanisms disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5468951, US Pat. No. 5425525, US Pat. No. 5240971, US Pat. No. 5,340,973, and US Pat. No. 5,260,553. Without, it runs in a fully automatic fashion. Prior to detailing each of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, it may be helpful at this time to briefly describe each of the three generalized system designs of the invention.

<u style="single">The first generalized system design for the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of the present invention with automatic range-dependent data transmission control.</u> The first generalized system design for the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of the present invention is shown in Figure 1B. Any of the ten different exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-5J can be adapted to implement this first generalized system design. In each such exemplary embodiment of the invention, a hand-supportable, body-worn, or desktop-supportable barcode symbol reading device (hereinafter, "hand-supportable barcode symbol reading"). A device (referred to as a device) is built into the device's housing and includes an auto-launch barcode symbol scanning engine. Regarding the barcode / symbol reading device of the present invention, a handheld housing, a finger-supported housing, a desktop-supported housing, and a body-worn housing are disclosed below. The term "hand-supportable housing" as used in the claims is considered to include all such housing designs, as well as numerous various variants of the form factor of such housing designs. I want to be. In general, any of the auto-start laser scanning barcode / symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 6A, 7A to 8A can be implemented within the scanner housing of the barcode / symbol reading device. In exemplary embodiments, for illustration purposes, a particular laser scanning engine design is incorporated into the scanner housing of the barcode symbol reading device. However, it is understood that other laser scanning engine designs can also be incorporated into the scanner housing of such barcode symbol reading devices.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the self-starting barcode symbol reading device of the first general system design 1 includes several subsystems. That is, the IR-based object detection subsystem 2, laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 3, as taught herein in US Pat. No. 5,260,553 and US Pat. No. 5,809,285, which are incorporated herein by reference. Laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem 4, data transmission subsystem 5, status indication subsystem 6, data transmission activation switch or control device 7A, partially or entirely embedded in the scanner enclosure, scanner enclosure A mode selection sensor 7B, which is partially or wholly incorporated into the system, and a system control subsystem 8 which is connected to the other subsystems described above. In general, system 1 has several pre-programmed operating states. That is, an object detection state, a barcode / symbol detection state, a barcode / symbol reading state, and a data transmission state.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1B, the IR-based object detection subsystem 2 performs the following key functions during the object detection state: That is, (i) automatically and synchronize the transmission and reception of pulsed infrared (IR) signals within the IR-based object detection field 9 defined in relation to the hand-supportable scanner housing (not shown). (Ii) Automatically detect an object in at least a portion of the IR-based object detection field 9 by analyzing the received IR pulse signal, and (iii) Detect an object. A first control activation signal A indicating such automatic detection of an object in the object detection field in response to₁Is to be generated automatically. As shown in FIG. 1A, the first control activation signal A₁= 1 is given to system control subsystem 8 for detection, analysis, and programmed response.

As shown in the figure, the object detection field 9, the barcode detection field 10, and the barcode reading field 11 each show only the overall geometric boundary. For clarity, the geometric properties of those fields are not shown. However, it should be noted that such properties can be identified in various references relating to such properties, which are expressly and incorporated herein by reference.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1B, the laser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem 3 performs the following key functions during the bar code symbol detection state: That is, (i) within the laser-based barcode (symbol) detection field 10, a visible laser scanning pattern with predetermined characteristics defined in relation to the scanner housing (not shown) is automatically generated. Allows scanning of barcode symbols on detected objects, (ii) Automatically processes the scanning data collected from the barcode symbol detection field 10 and the barcode symbols on it. Automatically detect the presence of, and (iii) a control activation signal A indicating the detection in response to the automatic detection of the barcode symbol.₂= 1 is automatically generated. Second control activation signal A, as shown in Figure 1B₂Is given to system control subsystem 8 for detection, analysis, and programmed response.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1B, the laser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 4 performs the following functions during the bar code symbol reading state: That is, (i) a visible laser scanning pattern having a predetermined characteristic is automatically generated in the laser-based barcode (symbol) reading field 11 defined in relation to the scanner housing, and the visible laser scanning pattern is automatically generated in the field 11. Enables scanning of detected barcode symbols, (ii) Automatically decodes the scanning data collected from the barcode symbol reading field 11 to detect barcode symbols on objects. (Iii) A third control activation signal A indicating the success of the decoding operation.₃= 1 is automatically generated, and the decoded symbol character data representing the detected and read barcode symbol is automatically generated. As shown in Figure 1B, the third control activation signal A₃Is given to system control subsystem 8 for detection, analysis, and programmed response.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1B, during the data transmission state, the data transmission subsystem 5 was generated only if the system control subsystem 36 detected at least the following conditions: Automatically send the data string to the base station. The conditions are as follows: (1) A third control activation signal A within a predetermined time period indicating that the barcode symbol has been read.₃Generation of = 1, (ii) Data transmission control activation signal A within a predetermined time frame indicating that the user desires the generated barcode symbol character data to be transmitted to the base station.₄= 1 (eg, generated from switch 7A that can be manually activated), and (iii) a given indicating that the barcode symbol reader is within a given RF-based communication range of the system. In-range indicator signal A during the time frame₅= 1 is generated. Also, during the data transmission state, the data transmission subsystem 5 collects and stores the generated symbol character data string (device) only if the system control subsystem 8 detects at least the following conditions: Do (above) automatically. The conditions are (1) a third control activation signal A within a predetermined period indicating that the barcode symbol has been read.₃Generation of = 1, (ii) Data transmission control activation within a given time frame, indicating that the user wants the generated barcode symbol character data string to be transmitted to the base station. Signal A₄= 1 (eg, generated from switch 7A that can be manually activated), and (iii) a given indicating that the barcode symbol reader is located outside the given RF-based communication range of the system. Out-of-range directive A during the time frame₅It is the generation of = 0.

In relation to the system design shown in FIG. 1B, the state selection sensor 7B has two main functions. That is, (i) whenever the scanner housing is placed in a support stand, or wherever it is designed to be placed on a counter or similar surface. , 4th control activation signal A₄Automatically generate = 1 so that the system is automatically guided to an automatic hands-free mode of operation, and (ii) when the scanner housing is removed from the support stand or on the counter. A fourth control activation signal A whenever lifted from such a location where it is designed to be lifted from a surface similar to or similar.₄It is to automatically generate = 0 so that the system is automatically directed to the automatic hands-on mode of operation. In the automatic hands-free operation mode, the mode selection sensor 7B effectively overrides the data transmission switch 7B. In the automatic hands-on operating mode, the data transmission switch 7A effectively overrides the mode selection sensor 7B.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1B, the system control subsystem 8 performs the following main functions: That is, (i) control activation signal A₁, A₂, A₃, And A₄(Ii) Enable signal E₁, E₂, E₃, E₄, E₅, E₆, And E₇And (iii) automatically control the operation of other subsystems according to the system control program executed by the system control subsystem 8 during system operation in various modes. ..

In general, the geometric and optical properties of the laser scanning patterns produced by the laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 3 and the laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem 4 are the barcodes of the invention. It depends on each particular embodiment of the symbol reading system. In most applications, the laser scan patterns generated in the bar code detection field and in the reading field are substantially the same, and if they are not, then the bar code symbol reading field 11 is the bar code symbol detection. Arranged so as to spatially overlap field 10, it improves the scanning efficiency of the system. The IR-based object detection field 9 also spatially includes the barcode detection field 10 along the effective scanning range of the system as defined by the geometric properties of the system barcode reading field 11. Placed for 10.

In general, the energy reflected and detected from an object during object detection can be optical radiant energy or sound energy that the user can or cannot perceive, and can also be generated from an automatic bar code reading device in the external environment. It can also be generated from the source. However, such energy supply is preferably achieved by transmitting a wide range of pulsed infrared (IR) rays from the transmissive aperture of the scanner, as taught herein. In a preferred embodiment, the object detection field 9 where such reflected energy is collected so that it has a pencil-like shape with a narrow spread of three-dimensional volume that spatially matches at least a portion of the transmitted infrared beam. Designed. This feature of the present invention ensures that the object present in the object detection field 9 is illuminated by the infrared beam and that the infrared rays reflected from the object are generally directed to the transmission opening of the housing. Infrared rays can be automatically detected in the housing to indicate the presence of an object in the object detection field 9.

First, the system control subsystem 8 sends an enable signal E to the IR-based object detection subsystem 2.₁Give = 1. When an object is in the IR-based object detection field 9, the object is automatically detected by the IR-based object detection subsystem 2. In response to the detection, the IR-based object detection system receives control activation signal A.₁= 1 is automatically generated. Control activation signal A₁If = 1 is detected by system control subsystem 8, this subsystem will receive enable signal E.₂Automatically activates the laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 3 by generating. This causes the laser-based barcode detection subsystem 3 to generate a laser scanning pattern of predetermined characteristics within the laser-based barcode detection field 10. When the laser scan pattern scans the bar code symbol on the detected object, a scan data signal is generated, collected, detected and processed from the bar code symbol in the bar code symbol detection field 10. Is determined to have been scanned. If a scanned bar code symbol is detected, system control subsystem 8 sends enable signal E.₃And E₄Is automatically generated to start the barcode / symbol reading subsystem 4. In response, the laser-based barcode reading subsystem 4 automatically generates a laser scanning pattern within the laser-based barcode reading field 11 and the detected bar located within the field 11. It scans a code symbol, collects scanning data from it, decodes the detected barcode symbol, generates symbol character data representing the decoded barcode symbol, and generates that symbol character. -Batch data to memory.

The detected barcode symbol is read within a predetermined time period, and the manually operated data transmission switch 7A is pushed down within the specified time frame established by the system control subsystem 8 and Bluetooth®. ) The RF transceiver chipset 803 has the barcode symbol reader located within the specified RF data communication range of the system (A).₅If = 1) is detected, the system control subsystem 8 automatically activates the data transmission subsystem 5 to generate a buffered symbol substantially at the same time as the manual activation of the data transmission switch. -Send the character data string to the base station. In an exemplary embodiment, this range-dependent condition is detected by detecting the strength of the "heartbeat" signal transmitted from the base station to a radio hand-supportable device.

However, the detected barcode symbol is read within a predetermined time period, and the manually operated data transmission switch 7A is pushed down within the specified time frame established by the system control subsystem 8 and Bluetooth (registered). The RF Transceiver Chipset 803 (trademark) has a barcode symbol reader located outside the specified RF data communication range of the system (A).₅If = 0) is detected, system control subsystem 8 automatically activates data transmission subsystem 33 to generate audible and / or visual indicators (indicators) and packaged symbols. Send the character data string to a data storage buffer on a barcode symbol reader (or a portable data acquisition device connected to the reader).

Buffering is then performed when the barcode symbol reader is moved within a given RF-based communication range of the system and the Bluetooth® RF-based transceiver chipset automatically detects this condition. / Packaged symbol character data is automatically transmitted to the base station via the system's RF-based data communication link. This wireless handheld scanning system design provides operators with the convenience and freedom of movement ideal for use in point-of-sale (POS) environments and / or lightweight warehouse management applications.

This new system control architecture allows users to read barcode symbols in a very intuitive way, with object detection, barcode detection, and barcode symbol reading performed in an automatic fashion. The decoded symbol character data, which was generated and generated substantially at the same time that the switch was manually activated, is (i) bar code symbol readers that communicate with the system as specified. It is automatically sent to the base station only if it is within range, and (ii) automatically within the barcode / symbol reader only if the device is within the specified data communication range of the system. Is collected and stored in.

The structure and function of the first general system design of FIG. 1B described above is shown in more detail in the system embodiments of FIGS. 10A1-15. As described in more detail below, this system embodiment requires a complex control subsystem architecture, but provides significant improvements in power consumption, which is very important in portable and mobile data acquisition applications. Can be important to.

<u style="single">A second generalized system design for the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of the present invention with automatic range-dependent data transmission control.</u> A second generalized system design of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention is shown in Figure 1C. Any of the 10 different exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-5J can be adapted to implement this second generalized system design. In each such exemplary embodiment of the invention, a hand-supportable, body-worn, or desktop-supportable barcode symbol reading device is an auto-launch incorporated within the scanner housing. Includes barcode / symbol scanning engine. In general, any of the auto-start laser scanning barcode symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 6E, 7E, and 8B can be implemented within the scanner housing of the barcode symbol reading device.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the self-starting barcode symbol scanning engine 15 of the second general system design includes several subsystems. That is, a laser-based object detection subsystem 16, a laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 17, as taught in US Pat. No. 4,933,538 for Heiman et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference. , Laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem 18, data transmission subsystem 19, status indication subsystem 20, and data transmission activation switch or control device 21A, part or all incorporated in the scanner enclosure, part Alternatively, the mode selection sensor 21B, which is entirely built into the scanner housing, and the system control subsystem 22, which is operably connected to the other subsystems described above. In general, the system 15 has several pre-programmed operating states. That is, an object detection state, a barcode / symbol detection state, a barcode / symbol reading state, and a data transmission state.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1C, the laser-based object detection subsystem 16 performs the following main functions: That is, (i) within the laser-based object detection field 23 defined in relation to a hand-supportable scanner housing (not shown) that automatically generates a low-power pulsed (invisible) laser scanning beam. In response to scanning on an object, (ii) automatically detecting an object in at least a portion of the laser-based object detection field by analyzing the collected scanning data, and (iii) detecting it. The first control activation signal A indicating the automatic detection of the object in the object detection field 23.₁Is to be generated automatically. First control activation signal A, as shown in Figure 1C₁Is given to the system control subsystem 22 for detection, analysis, and programmed response.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1C, the laser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem 17 performs the following key functions during the bar code symbol detection state: That is, (i) a laser scanning pattern having a predetermined characteristic defined in relation to the scanner housing is automatically generated in the laser-based barcode (symbol) detection field 24 on the detected object. To enable scanning of barcode symbols, (ii) automatically process the scanning data collected from the barcode symbol detection field 24 to detect the presence of barcode symbols on it. , And (iii) Control activation signal A indicating the automatic detection of the barcode symbol in response to the automatic detection.₂Is to be generated automatically. Second control activation signal A, as shown in Figure 1C₂Is given to the system control subsystem 22 for detection, analysis, and programmed response.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1C, the laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem 18 performs the following functions during the barcode symbol state: That is, (i) a visible laser scanning pattern having a predetermined characteristic is automatically generated in the laser-based barcode (symbol) reading field 25 defined in relation to the scanner housing, and detection in the field 25 is performed. Allowing scanning of the barcoded symbol, (ii) Automatically decoding the scanning data collected from the barcode symbol reading field 25 and processing the barcoded symbol on the detected object. (Iii) A third control activation signal that automatically indicates the success of the decoding operation.₃= 1 is generated to generate decoded symbol character data representing the detected and read barcode symbol. Third activation signal A, as shown in Figure 1C₃Is given to the system control subsystem 22 for detection, analysis, and programmed response.

As shown, the object detection field 23, the barcode detection field 24, and the barcode reading field 25, respectively, are outlined only with respect to the overall geometric boundaries. For clarity, the geometric properties of those fields are not shown. However, it should be noted that such properties can be identified from the various references associated with such properties, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1C, the data transmission subsystem 19 generated symbol character data only if the system control subsystem 22 detected at least the following conditions during the data transmission state: Automatically send the string to the base station. The conditions are (1) a third control activation signal A within a predetermined period indicating that the barcode symbol has been read.₃Generation of = 1, (ii) Data transmission control activation within a predetermined time frame, indicating that the user wants the generated barcode symbol character data string to be transmitted to the base station. Signal A₄Generation of = 1 (eg, generated from switch 21A that can be manually activated), and (iii) a given time frame indicating that the barcode symbol reader is within a given RF-based communication range of the system. In-range instruction signal A₅= 1 is generated. Also, during the data transmission state, the data transmission subsystem 19 collects and stores / buffers the generated symbol character data string only if the system control subsystem 22 detects at least the following conditions: Do it automatically (on the memory storage in the device). The conditions are as follows: (1) A third control activation signal A within a predetermined time period indicating that the barcode symbol has been read.₃Generation of = 1, (ii) Data transmission control activation within a predetermined time frame, indicating that the user wants the generated barcode symbol character data string to be transmitted to the base station. Signal A₄Generation of = 1 (eg, generated from switch 21A that can be manually activated), and (iii) a given time frame indicating that the barcode symbol reader is located outside the given RF-based communication range of the system. Inside, out-of-range instruction A₅It is the generation of = 0.

In relation to the system design shown in FIG. 1, the state selection sensor 21B has two main functions. That is, (i) whenever the scanner enclosure is placed in a support stand, or in such a location where it is designed to be placed on a counter or similar surface. Fourth control activation signal A₄Automatically generate = 1 so that the system is automatically directed to an automatic hands-free mode of operation, and (ii) when the scanner enclosure is removed from the support stand or on the counter. Or a fourth control activation signal A whenever lifted from such a location where it is designed to be lifted from a similar surface.₄It is to automatically generate = 0 so that the system is automatically directed to the automatic hands-on mode of operation. In the automatic hands-free operation mode, the mode selection sensor 21B effectively overrides the data transmission switch 21A. In the automatic hands-on mode of operation, the data transmission switch 21A effectively overrides the mode selection sensor 21B.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1C, the system control subsystem 22 performs the following main functions: That is, (i) control activation signal A₁, A₂, A₃, And A₄(Ii) Enable signal E₁, E₂, E₃, E₄, E₅, E₆, And E₇And (iii) automatically control the operation of other subsystems according to the system control program executed by the system control subsystem 22 during system operation in various modes. ..

In general, the geometric and optical properties of the laser scanning patterns produced by the laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 17 and the laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem 18 are the barcodes of the invention. It depends on each particular embodiment of the symbol reading system. In most applications, the laser scan patterns generated within the bar code detection field and within the bar code reading field are substantially matched, and if they are not, then the bar code symbol reading field is the bar code symbol. Arranged so that it spatially overlaps the detection field, it improves the scanning efficiency of the system. The laser-based object detection field also spatially covers the barcode detection field along the effective scanning range of the system as defined by the geometric properties of the system's barcode reading field. Placed against the field.

First, the system control subsystem 22 sends an enable signal E to the laser-based object detection subsystem 16.₁Give = 1. When an object is in the laser-based object detection field 23, the object is automatically detected by the laser-based object detection subsystem 16. In response to that detection, the laser-based object detection system 16 sends the control activation signal A.₁= 1 is automatically generated. Control activation signal A₁When = 1 is detected by the control system subsystem 22, the system control subsystem receives the enable signal E.₂Automatically activates the laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 17 by providing. This causes the laser-based barcode detection subsystem 17 to generate a visible laser scan pattern of predetermined characteristics within the laser-based barcode detection field 24. When the laser scanning pattern scans the barcode symbol on the detected object, the scanning data signal is generated from the barcode symbol, collected, detected, processed and within the barcode symbol detection field 24. Determines if the barcode symbol has been scanned. If a scanned bar code symbol is detected, system control subsystem 22 sends enable signal E.₃And E₄Is automatically generated to activate the barcode symbol reading subsystem 18. In response, the laser-based barcode reading subsystem 18 automatically generates a visible laser scanning pattern within the laser-based barcode reading field 25, and the detected barcodes placed therein. -Scans symbols, collects scan data from barcode symbols, decodes detected barcode symbols, generates symbol character data representing the decoded barcode symbols, and symbolizes. Buffer character data in memory.

The detected barcode symbol is read within a predetermined time period and the manually operated data transmission switch 21A is pushed down within the specified time frame established by the system control subsystem 22 and Bluetooth®. The RF Transceiver Chipset 803 detects that the barcode symbol reader is within the specified RF data communication range of the system (A).₅If = 1), the system control subsystem 22 automatically activates the data transmission subsystem 19 and buffered symbol character data generated substantially at the same time as the manual activation of the data transmission switch. -Send the string to the base station. In an exemplary embodiment, this range-dependent condition is detected by detecting the strength of the "heartbeat" signal transmitted from the base station to a radio hand-supportable device.

However, the detected barcode symbol is read within a predetermined time period, and the manually operated data transmission switch 21A is pushed down within the specified time frame established by the system control subsystem 22 and Bluetooth (registered). The RF Transceiver Chipset 803 detects that the barcode symbol reader is outside the specified RF data range of the system (A).₅If = 0), system control subsystem 22 automatically activates data transmission subsystem 19 to generate audible and / or visual indicators and packaged symbol character data strings. Sends to a data storage buffer (or a portable data acquisition device connected to the reader) on the barcode symbol reader.

The barcode symbol reader is then moved into the system's predetermined RF-based communication range (A).₅= 1), If the Bluetooth® RF-based transceiver chipset automatically detects this condition, the buffered / packaged symbol character data will be transferred through the system's RF-based data communication link. It is automatically sent to the base station. This wireless handheld scanning system design provides operators with the ideal convenience and freedom of movement for use in point-of-sale (POS) environments and / or lightweight warehouse management applications.

In the second general system design of Figure 1C, a low power laser-based object detection subsystem is provided for automatic detection of objects within the system's object detection field. Similarly, a laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 17 is achieved by assembling various electro-optical and electromechanical components together to detect within the system's laser-based barcode detection field. Allows automatic detection of barcode symbols on objects that have been lasered. A laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem was also realized by assembling various electro-optical and electromechanical components together and was detected within the system's laser-based barcode reading field. Allows automatic reading of barcode symbols. As described in more detail below, this system design does not require a less complex control subsystem architecture, but does not enjoy the power saving benefits of system design using IR-based object detection technology.

<u style="single">A third generalized system design for the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of the present invention.</u> A third generalized system design of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of the present invention is shown in Figure 1D. Any of the ten different exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-5J can be adapted to implement this first generalized system design. In each such exemplary embodiment of the invention, a hand-supportable, body-worn, or desktop-supportable barcode symbol reading device is an auto-launch incorporated within the scanner housing. Includes barcode / symbol scanning engine. In general, any of the auto-start laser scanning barcode symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 6F, 7F, and 8C can be implemented within the scanner housing of the barcode symbol reading device.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the self-starting barcode symbol scanning engine 30 of the third general system design includes several subsystems. That is, a laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 31, a laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem 32, a data transmission subsystem 33, a status indicating subsystem 34, a portion or the whole of the scanner housing (shown). A data transmission activation switch or control device 35A built into the system, a mode selection sensor 35B partially or wholly built into the scanner enclosure, and system controls operably connected to the other subsystems mentioned above. Subsystem 36. In general, the system 30 has several pre-programmed operating states. They are the bar code symbol detection state, the bar code symbol reading state, and the data transmission state.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1D, the laser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem 31 performs the following key functions during the bar code symbol detection state: They are (i) within the laser-based bar code (symbol) detection field 37, automatically generating and detecting pulsed visible laser scanning patterns with predetermined characteristics defined in relation to the scanner housing. Allowing scanning of barcode symbols on objects, (ii) automatically processing the scanning data collected from the barcode symbol detection field 37 and detecting the presence of barcode symbols on it. Control activation signal A indicating detection and (iii) automatic detection of a barcode symbol in response to its automatic detection.₂= 1 is automatically generated. Second control activation signal A, as shown in Figure 1D₂Is given to the system control subsystem 36 for detection, analysis, and programmed response.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1D, the laser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 32 performs the following functions during the bar code symbol reading state: They were detected by automatically generating visible laser scanning patterns of predetermined characteristics within the laser-based barcode (symbol) reading field 38 defined in relation to (i) the scanner housing. Enables scanning of barcode symbols, (ii) Automatically decodes the scanning data collected from the barcode symbol reading field 38 to detect barcode symbols on detected objects. (Iii) A third control activation signal that automatically indicates the success of the decoding operation.₃= 1 is generated to generate decoded symbol character data representing the detected and read barcode symbol. Third control activation signal A, as shown in Figure 1D₃Is given to the system control subsystem 36 for detection, analysis, and programmed response.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1D, during the data transmission state, the data transmission subsystem 33 will only generate the symbol character data if the system control subsystem 36 detects at least the following conditions: Automatically send to the base station. The conditions are as follows: (1) A third control activation signal A within a predetermined time period indicating that the barcode symbol has been read.₃Generation of = 1, (ii) Data transmission control activation within a predetermined time frame, indicating that the user wants the generated barcode symbol character data string to be transmitted to the base station. Signal A₄A given time frame indicating that = 1 (eg, generated from a switch 35A that can be manually activated) is generated, and (iii) the barcode symbol reader is within a given RF-based communication range of the system. In-range instruction signal A₅= 1 is generated. Also, during the data transmission state, the data transmission subsystem 33 automatically generates audible / visible instructions only if the system control subsystem detects at least the following conditions, and the generated symbols. Collects and stores character data strings (on the device). These conditions are as follows: (1) A third control activation signal A within a predetermined time period indicating that the barcode symbol has been read.₃Generation of = 1, (ii) Data transmission control activation within a predetermined time frame, indicating that the user wants the generated barcode symbol character data string to be transmitted to the base station. Signal A₄A given time frame indicating that = 1 (eg, generated from a manually activating switch 35A) and (iii) the barcode symbol reader is located outside the given RF-based communication range of the system. Inside, out-of-range instruction A₅It is the generation of = 0.

In relation to the system design shown in Figure 1D, the state selection sensor 35B has two main functions. That is, (i) whenever the scanner housing is placed in a support stand, or in such a location where it is designed to be placed on a counter or similar surface. Fourth control activation signal A₄Automatically generate = 1 so that the system is automatically directed to an automatic hands-free mode of operation, and (ii) when the scanner enclosure is removed from the support stand or on the counter. Or a fourth control activation signal A whenever lifted from such a location where it is designed to be lifted from above a similar surface.₄It is to automatically generate = 0 so that the system is automatically directed to the automatic hands-on mode of operation. In automatic hands-free operation mode, the mode selection sensor 35B effectively overrides the data transmission switch 35A. In automatic hands-on operating mode, the data transmission switch 35A effectively overrides the mode selection sensor 35B.

In the context of the system design shown in Figure 1D, the system control subsystem 36 performs the following main functions: That is, (i) control activation signal A₁, A₂, A₃, And A₄(Ii) Enable signal E₂, E₃, E₄, E₅, E₆, And E₇And (iii) automatically control the operation of other subsystems according to the system control program executed by the system control subsystem 36 during system operation in various modes.

In general, the geometric and optical properties of laser scanning patterns produced by the laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 31 and the laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem 32 are the barcodes of the invention. It depends on each particular embodiment of the symbol reading system. In most applications, the laser scan patterns generated within the bar code detection field and within the bar code reading field are substantially matched, and if they are not, then the bar code symbol reading field is the bar code symbol. Arranged so that it spatially overlaps the detection field, it improves the scanning efficiency of the system. Initially, the system control subsystem 36 sends an enable signal E to the laser-based barcode detection subsystem 31.₂Give = 1. This causes the laser-based barcode detection subsystem 31 to generate a pulsed laser scanning pattern of predetermined characteristics within the laser-based barcode detection field 37. As shown in FIG. 26, the pulse on time of the laser signal is about 50% and the pulse off time is also about 50%. When the laser scanning pattern scans the barcode symbol on the detected object, a scanning data signal is generated from the barcode symbol, collected, detected, processed, and within the barcode symbol detection field 37. Determines if a barcode symbol has been detected. If a scanned bar code symbol is detected, the system control subsystem 36 receives the enable signal E.₄= 1 is automatically generated to start the barcode symbol reading subsystem 432. In response, the laser-based barcode reading subsystem 32 automatically generated a visible laser scanning pattern within the laser-based barcode reading field 38 and was detected located therein. The barcode symbol is scanned, the scanned data is collected from it, the detected barcode symbol is decoded, and the symbol character data representing the decoded barcode symbol is generated, and the symbol character data is generated. Buffer data in memory.

The detected barcode symbol is read within a predetermined time period and the manually operated data transmission switch 35A is pushed down within the specified time frame established by the system control subsystem 36 and Bluetooth®. ) RF transceiver chipset 803 detects that the barcode symbol reader is within the specified RF data communication range of the system (A)₅If = 1), the system control subsystem 36 automatically activates the data transmission subsystem 33, and the buffered symbol character generated substantially at the same time as the manual activation of the data transmission switch. Send the data string to the base station. In an exemplary embodiment, this range-dependent condition is detected by detecting the strength of the "heartbeat" signal transmitted from the base station to a radio hand-supportable device.

However, the detected barcode symbol is read within a predetermined time period, and the manually operated data transmission switch 35A is pushed down within the specified time frame established by the system control subsystem 36, and Bluetooth ( The registered trademark RF transceiver chipset 803 detects that the barcode symbol reader is outside the specified RF data communication range of the system (A).₅If = 0), system control subsystem 36 automatically activates data transmission subsystem 33 to generate audible and / or visual indicators and packaged symbol character data strings. Send to the data storage buffer (or connected portable data acquisition device) on the bar code symbol reader.

Buffering is then performed when the barcode symbol reader is moved into the system's predetermined RF-based communication range and the Bluetooth® RF-based transceiver chipset automatically detects this condition. / Packaged symbol character data is automatically transmitted to the base station via the system's RF-based data communication link. This wireless handheld scanning system design provides operators with the convenience and freedom of movement ideal for use in point-of-sale (POS) environments and / or lightweight warehouse management applications.

In the third general system design in Figure 1D, there is no mechanism for automatic object detection in the system, just continuously for the automatic detection of barcodes in the scanning field of the system. A working barcode symbol presence detection subsystem is provided. The laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 31 is realized by assembling various electro-optical and electromechanical components together to detect objects within the system's laser-based barcode detection field. Automatic detection of the above barcode symbol, transmission of symbol character data to the base station when the barcode reader is within the specified data communication range, and barcode symbol reader Storage of generated symbolic character data when is out of range (and automatic automation of buffered data when the barcode symbol reading device returns within the data communication range of the system. Make transmission) possible. A laser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem was also realized by assembling various electro-optical and electromechanical components together and was detected within the system's laser-based bar code reading field. Allows automatic reading of bar code symbols. As described in more detail below, this system design requires a control subsystem architecture that is even simpler than a system design that uses automatic object detection. However, this system design requires that a low power (invisible) laser beam be generated continuously or periodically within the barcode symbol detection field during system operation, thus consuming power. This can be important in portable and mobile scanning applications where battery power is used.

Each of the three generalized barcode symbol reading systems described above uses lines wrapped in a flexible code-like structure to provide a base unit, host computer, data processor, and data storage. A device, or similar device, can be connected, but in many embodiments, the barcode / symbol reading system of the present invention is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, U.S. Pat. No. 4,460,120, U.S.A. Wired or wireless data that supports a variety of different types of data communication interfaces disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5321246, US Patent No. 5142550, and International Publication No. WO 03/224190 published March 27, 2003. It is preferred to use a communication link to connect to a host computer, data processor, or data storage device, or similar device, via a base unit.

<u style="single">A First Illustrative Embodiment of the Automatically Activated Bar Code Symbol Reading System of the Present Invention</u> As shown in FIGS. 2A-2H, the radio bar code symbol reading system 40 of the first exemplary embodiment of the present specification is an auto-launch associated operationally with a base unit 42 having a scanner support stand 43. Includes a portable barcode symbol reading device 41. The bar code symbol reading device 41 is attached to the base unit 42 via a one-way or two-way electromagnetic link established between the bar code symbol reading device 41 and its paired base unit 42. Connected to work. If symbol character data (representing the read barcode symbol) is generated and activated in a timely manner after each successful barcode symbol reading by the barcode symbol reading device 41. Subsequently generates symbol character data collected from the same read barcode symbol, which data is automatically transmitted to base station 42 according to the wireless RF-based data communication method of the present invention. Finally, it is transmitted to the host system 45 to which the base station is interfaced. The wireless RF-based data communication method of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 13A1 and 13A2. In an exemplary embodiment, the operational interconnection between the base unit 42 and the host system 45 (eg, electronic cache register system, data acquisition device, etc.) extends from the base unit to the host computer. It can be reached using a flexible multi-wire communication cable 46 that is plugged directly into the data input communication port of system 45.

In an exemplary embodiment, power from a low voltage direct current (DC) power source (not shown) is supplied to the base unit via a flexible power cable 47. In particular, this DC power source can be implemented within the host computer system 45 or as a separate DC power adapter that can be plugged into a conventional 3-pin electrical socket. As described in more detail below, the bar code symbol reading device 41 includes a rechargeable battery power supply 55 for powering the electrical and electro-optical components within the device.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the scanner support stand 43 is specifically adapted and fixed to receive and support the portable barcode symbol reading device 41 at a position selected without user support. Provides an automatic hands-free operation mode. Generally, the portable bar code reading device 41 includes an ultra-lightweight hand-supportable housing 49 having a curved head portion 49A and a handle portion 49B. As described in more detail below, the head portion 49A contains a group of electro-optic components, which generate a visible laser beam and project it through the light transmitting window 50 of the housing head portion 49A, and are hand-supportable. It is used to repeatedly scan the laser beam projected on the barcode detection scanning field 10 and the barcode reading field 11 defined on the outside of the housing.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the scanner support stand portion 43 includes an indicator frame that includes a base portion 51A, a head portion support structure 51B, a handle portion support structure 51C, and a recess 51D into which a finger enters. As shown, the base portion 51A extends longitudinally and is adapted for selective placement on support surfaces such as counter surfaces, counter wall surfaces, and the like. An aperture 51A1 is formed in the base portion 51A, allowing the piezoelectric transducer 559 to generate an acoustic acceptance signal through the aperture upon successful data transmission to the base unit. The head portion support structure 51B is connected to the base portion 51A to receive and support the head portion of the barcode symbol reading device 41. Similarly, the handle portion support structure 51C is connected to the base portion 51A to receive and support the handle portion of the code symbol reading device. The recess 51D, into which the finger enters, allows the user's hand to fully grasp the handle portion of the hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device (ie, before removing the device from the scanner support stand and pulling it away). It is arranged between the head partial support structure 51B and the handle partial support structure 51C and the base portion 51A of the support frame. In this way, the recess 51D into which the finger enters allows the finger to be inserted from the side, so that the head portion 49A and the handle portion 49B are received and supported in the head portion support structure 51B and the handle portion support structure 51C, respectively. When so, the fingers of the user's hand can be easily inserted into the recess 51D into which the fingers enter, allowing a complete grip on the handle portion of the hand-supportable device.

As shown in FIG. 2E, the bar code symbol reading device 41 includes a mode selector sensor 800 (eg, an electronic circuit of an electrical / mechanical sensor) located at the end of a hand-supportable housing. When the housing is placed on the stand, the mode selection sensor 800 automatically senses the stand (or counter surface) and data transmission control that overrides the data transmission activation switch 44 on the housing during hands-free operation mode. Activation signal A₄When the bar code symbol reading device is lifted from the housing by generating = 1, the mode selection sensor 800 is overridden by the data transmission activation switch 44 in hands-on operating mode.₄Generate = 0.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the head portion of the housing 49A has a light transmissive opening 50 formed above the front panel 52A, and the visible laser beam is in the housing as described in more detail below. Allows you to enter and exit. The lower part of the front panel 52B is optically opaque, as is all other surfaces of the hand-supportable housing.

As best shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, the auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol reading engine 53 is securely mounted within the head portion of the hand-supportable housing 49A, while the printing circuit. The (PC) board 54 and the rechargeable battery power supply 55 are mounted within the handle portion of the hand-supportable housing 49B. The data packet transmission circuit 56 is realized on the PC board 54 in the housing 49B, and is connected to the barcode symbol reading engine 53 contained in the housing 49B by the first flexible wire harness 57. To. Power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 55 to the data packet transmission circuit 56 and the barcode symbol reading engine 53 by the second flexible wire harness 58. As shown, the transmit antenna 59 is connected to a data packet transmission circuit 56 on the PC board 54 to transmit a data packet modulated RF carrier signal to the base unit associated with the wireless automatic bar code symbol reading system. It is mounted within the hand-supportable housing portion 49B.

In general, none of the barcode symbol reading engines disclosed in FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 8A has the radio bar code symbols shown in FIGS. 2A-2H with little or no modification to the shape elements. It can be incorporated into a hand-supportable housing of the reading system 40. As shown, when incorporated into a hand-supportable housing 49, each of those laser scanning engines, indicated by reference numeral 53 in FIGS. 2A-2H, allows for the automatic generation of: That is, an IR-based object detection field 9 projected along the longitudinal scanning axis 60 of the device housing in response to engine startup, and automatic detection of objects within the IR-based object detection field 9. In response to the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10, the bar code symbol in the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10 that matches the structure and function shown in the schematic of FIG. 1B. A laser-based barcode symbol reading field 11 in response to automatic detection. During system operation, the system state is visually indicated by a state indicator light strip 61 mounted on the outer surface of the scanner housing, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2H. As described in more detail below, the laser scanning barcode symbol reading engine 53 has a similar system architecture outlined in FIGS. 10A1 to 10O. The system control process underlying this generalized system design is shown in the flow diagrams presented in FIGS. 14A1 to 14C4. The operating state of this generalized system design is shown in the state transition diagram of FIG.

<u style="single">A second exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention.</u> In Figure 2I, a second exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system 40'is a hand-supportable auto-launch bar code symbol reading device 41'and a base that communicates with the device 41'. Shown as including the unit 42, communication is reached using a one-way or two-way data communication link 63. As shown, this auto-launched barcode symbol reading system 40'is similar to the barcode symbol reading system 40 shown in FIGS. 2A-2H, with only a few differences. In particular, the barcode symbol reading device of FIG. 2I, in a hand-supportable housing 49, is mostly a form element of any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 6E, 7E, and 8E. Or it can be incorporated without any changes. When incorporated into a hand-supportable housing 49, as shown in FIG. 2I, each of those laser scanning engines, designated by reference numeral 53', allows for the automatic generation of: What is generated is a low power laser-based object detection field 23 in response to the start of the laser scanning engine and an automatic object detection within the laser-based object detection field 23. For automatic bar code symbol detection within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24 and the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24 that matches the structure and function shown in the schematic of FIG. 1B. A laser-based barcode symbol reading field 25 generated in response. Each of these laser scanning barcode symbol reading engines has the general system architecture described in WO 00/33239, published June 8, 2000, the main difference being the laser source. It relates to the realization of a laser-based object detection field, as well as a barcode symbol detection field and a barcode symbol reading field.

<u style="single">A third exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention.</u> In FIG. 2J, a third exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system 40 "is a hand-supportable auto-launch bar code symbol reading device 41" and a base that communicates with the device 41 ". Shown as including with the unit, communication is reached using a bidirectional RF-based data communication link 63 using Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset technology. As shown, this auto-launch. The barcode symbol reading system 40 is similar to the barcode symbol reading system 40 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2H in International Publication No. WO00 / 33239, but differs in a few points. In particular, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 6F, 7F, and 8F can be incorporated into the barcode symbol reading device of FIG. 2J with little or no modification to the shape elements. .. Each of these laser scanning barcode symbol reading engines has the general system architecture described in WO 00/33239, the main difference being the barcode symbol detection field using a laser source and It relates to the fact that while a barcode / symbol reading field is realized, no object detection field of any kind is provided.

When incorporated into a hand-supportable housing 49, each of those laser scanning engines shown by 53 "in Figure 2J enables the automatic generation of: that is, what is produced is shown in the figure. Laser-based barcode symbol detection field 37 and laser-based barcode symbol detection field 37 in response to laser scanning engine startup, consistent with the structure and function shown in the schematic of 1C. Laser-based bar code symbol reading fields 38 in response to automatic bar code symbol detection within. Of those laser scanning bar code symbol reading engines, as described in more detail below. Each has the same general system architecture as outlined in Figures 25A-26 in WO 00/33239. The system control process underlying this generalized system design is published internationally. It is shown in the flow diagram presented in FIGS. 27A-27C of WO 00/33239. The operational state of this generalized system design is shown in the state transition diagram of FIG. 28 in WO 00/33239.

<u style="single">A fourth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention.</u> In FIGS. 3A-3C, a fourth exemplary embodiment of the wireless barcode symbol reading system 130 is shown in the form of a handheld integrated barcode symbol scanning terminal device (integrated scanning terminal device) 131. This device implements any one or more of the generalized Internet access methods described in US Pat. Nos. 6,067,733, 5,927,52 and 5905248, respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference. To do. As shown in FIG. 6A, the integrated scanning terminal device 131 is connected to the ISP 132 using a radio-based station 133 and radio links 134 and 135. The handheld internet scanning terminal device 131 has an integrated GUI-based web browser program, a display panel 136, a touch screen type keyboard 137, and a programmed automatic laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine 53. The function of the barcode symbol reading engine 53 is to read the 1D or 2D barcode symbol 138 in which the information of the specified data type is encoded. Such information can be (i) the URL of a web page accessed by terminal device 131, (ii) the ID of a product or object, or (iii) a process to identify an object on or within an information network. It can represent any type of information that is useful for specifying or for specifying the location of an object.

In an exemplary embodiment, the internet scanning terminal device 131 is a Palm from Palm, Inc. Implemented as a portable computer, such as a Pilot® portable data terminal device, or similar device. In an exemplary embodiment, the Internet scanning terminal device comprises Internet access software that supports TCP / IP networking protocols and HTTP within the operating system. The terminal device 131 also includes a PCMCIA-based modem card 138 with a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset, described in more detail below, and a base with a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset. Establish a bidirectional RF-based wireless digital communication link with station 133 (shown in Figures 13A1 and 13A2). It is understood that in some examples it may be desirable to connect a pen device or wand device to the serial port of terminal device 131 to provide bar code symbol reading capability, but an automatic laser scanning engine. It is preferred that 53 be interfaced with the serial communication port of terminal device 131 to implement an internet-based transaction enable system of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the entire terminal unit 131, the bar code symbol reading engine 53 (or other scanning engine), and the auxiliary battery power supply have been enhanced to provide a single hand-supportable device. It is completely housed in a rubber-coated impact-resistant housing 141. When an object (eg, transaction card) 142 is detected by the object detection field 9, a laser beam is automatically projected into the barcode symbol detection field 10 and the barcode symbol 138 present in the field 10. When scanned and detected, the laser beam automatically scans the barcode symbol reading field 11 to collect scanning data, decodes the scanning data, and represents a symbol character representing the scanned barcode symbol. -Generate data. The Internet scanning terminal device 131 then automatically generates a bar code symbol read instruction signal (eg, in the form of a graphic icon or message 144 on the LCD panel 136) for the user to recognize. When the user manually activates the data transmission activation stitch 145, which is mounted on the side of the rubber housing 141 or emulated on the display surface of the LCD panel 136 in the form of the graphic icon 145', in a timely manner. The Internet scanning terminal device 131 sends the later generated symbol character data for the same bar code symbol to the destination host system (eg, located at an IP address on Internet 139), or Internet scanning. It is automatically transmitted to the onboard data storage memory located in the terminal device or to another storage device that communicates with the terminal device 131.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the barcode symbol reading engine shown in FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 8A is, for example, within the head portion of the barcode symbol reading device 130 without any modification. It can be installed easily. When incorporated into a hand-supportable housing 141 as shown, each of those laser scanning engines, indicated by reference numeral 53 in FIG. 3A, allows for the automatic generation of: That is, what is generated is in the RF-based object detection field 9 for automatically detecting the appearing object and in the IR-based object detection field 9, which matches the structure and function shown in the schematic of FIG. 1A. In response to the automatic detection of the laser-based barcode symbol detection field 10 in response to the automatic detection of the object and the automatic detection of the barcode symbol in the laser-based barcode symbol detection field 10. Laser-based barcode symbol reading field 11 and. As described in more detail below, each of these laser scanning barcode symbol reading engines has the same general system architecture as outlined in FIGS. 10A1-12. The system control process underlying this generalized system design is shown in the flow diagrams shown in FIGS. 14A1 to 14C4. The operating state of this generalized system design is shown in the state transition diagram of FIG.

<u style="single">A fifth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention.</u> In FIG. 3B, a fifth exemplary embodiment of a wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system 130'is adapted to be supported in the user's hands with a hand-supportable laser scanning bar code symbol. Shown to include a reading device 140'and base station 133, which is hand-held using the bidirectional RF-based data communication link 134 of the present invention (shown in FIGS. 13A1 and 13A2). It communicates data with the supportable barcode / symbol reading device 140'and also communicates with the Internet information server maintained by the ISP 132 using the bidirectional data communication link 135. As shown, this auto-launched barcode symbol reading system 130'is similar to the barcode symbol reading system 130 shown in FIG. 3A, with only a few differences. The bar code symbol reading device of FIG. 3B has little or no element of shape in any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 6E, 7E, and 8C within a hand-supportable housing 141'. Can be incorporated without modification.

<u style="single">A sixth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention.</u> In Figure 3C, a hand-supportable laser scanning barcode symbol reading device adapted so that the sixth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol 130 "is supported in the user's hands. Shown as including 140 and Base Station 133, Base Station 133 is the type of bidirectional data communication disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,460,120 and 5321246, which are incorporated herein by reference. The link 134 is used to communicate data with the hand-supportable barcode / symbol reading device 140 and the bidirectional RF-based data communication link 135 is used to communicate with the Internet information server maintained by the ISP 132. As shown, this auto-launched bar code symbol reading system is similar to and slightly different from the bar code symbol reading system 130 shown in Figure 3A. The bar code symbol reading device in Figure 3C Any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 6F, 7F, and 8C can be incorporated into a hand-supportable housing with little or no modification to the shape elements.

<u style="single">Seventh exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention</u> In FIG. 4A, a seventh exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch omnidirectional barcode symbol reading system 150 relates operably to a base unit 152 having a scanner support stand 153 mounted swivelly. Shown as including an auto-launch portable bar code symbol reading device 151, this base unit is an auto-bar at any position on the counter surface at a point-of-sale (POS) station. Detachable support for the code / symbol reading device 151. In a preferred embodiment, the bar code symbol reading device 151 connects to the base station unit 152 via a one-way electromagnetic link 154 between the bar code symbol reading device 151 and its paired base unit 152. Connected to work. Later generated symbol character data (from the same bar code symbol) after each bar code symbol was successfully read by the bar code symbol reading device and the data transmission activation switch 155 was activated in a timely manner. Is transmitted to the base station unit via a bidirectional RF link (154) and then extends from the base unit 152 and plugs directly into the data input communication port of the host computer system 156. It is transmitted to a host system (eg, an electronic cache register system, a data acquisition device, etc.) via a flexible multi-wire communication cable 157.

In an exemplary embodiment, power from a low voltage direct current (DC) power source (not shown) is supplied to the base unit via a flexible power cable 159. In particular, this DC power supply can be implemented within the host computer system 156 or as a separate DC power adapter that can be plugged into a conventional 3-pin electrical socket. In another embodiment of the invention, cables 157 and 158 are integrated to provide a single flexible multiwire cable for transmitting power to the base unit and transmitting data to the host system. be able to. As described in more detail below, a rechargeable battery power supply 160 is included within the barcode symbol reading device 151, primarily to power electrical and electro-optical components within the device.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the scanner support stand 153 is specifically adapted to receive and support the portable barcode symbol reading device 151 without user support, providing a fixed, automatic hands-free mode of operation. provide. Generally, the portable bar code symbol reading device 151 includes an ultra-lightweight hand-supportable housing 161 having a head portion 161A and a curved handle portion 161B. As described in more detail below, the head portion 161A contains a laser scanning barcode symbol reading engine 53, which is a narrowly limited scan (ie, 3D) at a point of sale (POS) station. Field) Highly collimated through a light-transmitting window 168 to scan barcode symbols on objects within volume 164 and prevent unintended scanning of barcode symbols on objects located outside volume 164. The scanning pattern 162 can be generated.

Preferably, the stand portion 153 of the base unit 152 is supported to swivel relative to the base portion 162 by means of a pivot pin mounted within the base portion 162. A removable stand locking mechanism is provided within the base portion to hold the stand portion of the base unit detachably with respect to the base portion at any of the numerous provided scanning positions. .. Preferably, the pivot is used to connect the upper section 166 and the lower section 167 so that they rotate together to facilitate the rotation of the base unit with respect to the support surface.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the head portion 161A of the hand-supportable housing has a light transmitting window 168 mounted on the light transmitting opening 163. The rubber bumper 169 protects the edges of the housing if dropped or placed. In addition, a set of color-classified status indicator lights 170 are mounted on the head portion of the device housing 161A to visually display the specific state in which the system is located at any given time. .. In particular, the color coding scheme shown in Figure 2C can be used. In general, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 8A is the hand of the barcode symbol reading system shown in FIG. 4A with little or no modification to the shape elements. It can be incorporated into a supportable housing.

<u style="single">Eighth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention</u> In FIG. 4B, a hand-supportable laser scanning barcode in which an eighth exemplary embodiment of a wireless auto-launch omnidirectional barcode symbol reading system 150'is adapted to be supported in the user's hands. Assuming that it includes a symbol reading device 151'and a base station 152 that communicates data with a hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device 151'using the bidirectional RF-based data communication link 154 shown in FIGS. 13A1 and 13A2. It is shown. As shown, this auto-launched barcode symbol reading system 150'is similar to the barcode symbol reading system 150 shown in FIG. 3A, with only a few differences. In general, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 6E, 7E, and 8B is the head portion of the barcode symbol reading device shown in FIG. 4B with little or no modification to the shape elements. It can be installed directly inside.

<u style="single">A ninth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention.</u> In Figure 4C, a ninth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch omnidirectional barcode symbol reading system 150 is adapted to be supported in the user's hands with a hand-supportable laser scanning barcode. A base station 152 that communicates data with a hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device 151 "using the symbol reading device 151" and the bidirectional data communication link 154 "shown in FIGS. 13A1 and 13A2 described in more detail below. Is shown to include. As shown, this auto-launched barcode symbol reading system 790 is similar to the barcode symbol reading system 150 shown in FIG. 4A, with only a few differences. In general, the bar code symbol reading device of FIG. 4C, in a hand-supportable housing 161A, has almost or any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 6F, 7F, and 8C in the element of shape. It can be incorporated without any changes.

<u style="single">A tenth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention.</u> In FIGS. 5A-5D, a tenth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading system 790 is a hand-supportable laser scanning barcode adapted to be supported in the user's hands. A symbol reading device 791 and a base station 792 that communicates data with a bar code symbol reading device 791 that can be hand-supported using the bidirectional data communication link of the invention shown in FIGS. 13A1 and 13A2 and described in more detail below. Is shown as containing. In both this exemplary embodiment of the invention and other embodiments, the operation of the data transmission activation switch 330 is such that the hand-supportable wireless device has a predetermined RF communication range of an RF-based data communication link (ie, system). It is controlled (ie, conditioned) by the automatic detection of physical location within, which can be hand-supported by radio from the base station as shown in Figures 13A1 and 13A2. It involves detecting the strength of the "heartbeat" signal sent to a wireless device.

Generally, the hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device 790 shown in FIGS. 5A-5D is disclosed in FIGS. 6A, 6E, 7A, 7E, 8A, and 8B in a hand-supportable housing. Any of the 1D and 2D laser scanning engines, and any of the omnidirectional laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 6F, 7F, and 8C, in certain embodiments, elements of shape depending on location. Can be incorporated with slight changes.

As shown in Figures 5E and 5F, retractable / retractable support hooks 793 are incorporated within base station 792, which provides the cradle for two common types of installation. The two installations are: (i) Automatic hand support when the retractable / retractable hinged port hook 793 is placed in the retracted configuration shown in Figures 5E1 and 5F. Possible laser scanning barcode symbol reading device 790 can be supported in a vertical position Vertical installation, and (ii) retractable / retractable hinged support hook 793, Figure 5G and A horizontal installation in which the automatic hand-supportable laser scanning barcode symbol reading device 790 can be supported in a horizontal position when placed in the retracted configuration shown in Figure 5H. The pulled out configuration. This feature allows the cradle / base station to be easily mounted on a desk or wall surface. FIG. 5I shows a side view of base station 792 supporting the cradle used in the systems of FIGS. 5A-5D, with the support hook 793 located in a retracted configuration. FIG. 5J shows a side view of the base station 792 supporting the cradle used in the systems of FIGS. 5A-5D, to which the support hook 793 is arranged. In particular, the wireless bidirectional RF-based data communication methods of the present invention can function substantially the same in each of these base station installations.

As shown, the power switch of the wireless bar code symbol reader is located at the rear of the reader housing and is accessible through a small pinhole 2000. This feature allows the operator to disconnect the battery using the power switch at the rear of the reader. This switching mechanism provides an easy way to save power and protects the battery onboard the wireless barcode symbol reader. In addition, the switch can also act as a hardware reset button in the event of something wrong with the reader. Since various exemplary embodiments of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading system of the present invention have been described in detail above, at this point the following are the above-mentioned features of the wireless bar code symbol reading system of the present invention. It is appropriate to describe in more detail each of the nine exemplary embodiments of the auto-launched laser scanning engine herein that can be easily incorporated into embodiments.

<u style="single">Auto-launch laser scanning engine for generating IR-based object detection fields, one-dimensional laser-based barcode symbol detection fields, and one-dimensional laser-based barcode symbol reading fields</u> As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, the first exemplary embodiment of the auto-start bar code symbol reading engine 200 is the lower housing (ie, base) portion 202A and the upper housing (ie, cover). A small engine housing 201 that has a portion 202B and is realized as small as horn sugar using techniques that enable currently available implementations, and a scanning field (ie, bar code symbol detection field and bar) that produces a laser beam. Realized on a laser scanning module 203 for scanning across a code symbol reading field) and an optical detector 226 coupled to an analog and digital signal processing circuit and a PC board as taught in US Pat. No. 5,808,285. To support the electronic circuits used to implement the subsystems and subsystem subsystems shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10O, including the infrared transmitter 206A and the infrared receiver 206B coupled to the object detection subsystem. Includes a PC board 204 and a scanning window 227 to cover the transmission opening 228 of the engine housing and to provide the optical functions taught in US Pat. No. 5,789,731, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the light transmission opening 228 is formed on the side surface of the lower housing portion 202A of the engine housing to allow the laser beam generated in the housing to exit the housing. To do. Another aperture 212 matching the photodetector 205 is formed on the lower surface of the anterior portion of the housing portion 202A, allowing the return laser beam to be detected by the photodetector 226. In an exemplary embodiment, the light transmission aperture 228 allows IR light to enter and exit the lower housing portion 202A, as shown. Input / output openings (not shown) in the rear panel of the lower housing portion 202A to allow the flexible wire harness to connect to the circuits on the PC board 204 via a conventional connector 210. ) Is formed. When the PC board 204 is installed in the lower housing portion 202A, the upper housing portion 202B is snapped onto the lower housing portion 202A using a set of machine screws (not shown). It is fixed to the lower housing part 202A.

In particular, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 6A realizes the system architecture shown in FIGS. 10A1-12 and executes the control process shown in FIGS. 14A1-14C4 and described by the state transition diagram of FIG. To do. Also, the output generated from this barcode symbol reading engine 200 is an RF carrier signal modulated by a serial data packet stream in response to some of the following events: These events include (i) generating symbol character data strings from the automatic barcode symbol reading engine 200, (ii) manually operating a data transmission switch mounted on the outer surface of the scanner housing, and (iii) In-range indicator signal A from a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset 803 mounted within a hand-supportable barcode symbol reader with an engine.₅= 1 is generated.

<u style="single">Auto-launch laser scanning engine for generating laser-based object detection fields, one-dimensional laser-based barcode detection fields, and one-dimensional laser-based barcode symbol reading fields</u> In FIG. 6E, a second exemplary embodiment of the auto-start bar code symbol reading engine 200'has a lower housing (ie, base) portion 202A and an upper housing (ie, cover) portion 202B. Small engine housing 201, realized as small as horn sugar using techniques that enable currently available implementations, and 1998 incorporated herein by reference for generating laser beams and scanning across scanning fields. Laser scanning module 203 disclosed in co-pending application No. 09/071512 filed on May 1, and analog signal processing circuit and digital signal processing realized on PC board 204 as taught in US Pat. No. 5,808285. PC board 204 to support the electronic circuits used to implement the subsystems shown in FIGS. 22A1 to 22C of WO 00/33239, including a photodetector 226 coupled to the circuit (FIG. 9B). (Similar to the PC board shown in) and a scanning window 227 to cover the transmission opening 228 of the engine housing and to provide the optical functions taught in US Pat. No. 5,789,731 incorporated herein by reference. including. The barcode symbol reading engine 200'is similar to the barcode symbol reading engine 200 in Figure 6A, except for a few points, but the engine 200'shown in Figure 6E is IR-based object detection. It differs in generating a laser-based object detection field (23) instead of field 9. The output generated from this barcode symbol reading engine is an RF carrier signal modulated by a serial data packet stream in response to several events: Some events are (i) generating symbol character data strings from the automatic barcode symbol reading engine 200, (ii) manually operating a data transmission switch mounted on the outer surface of the scanner housing, And (iii) Bluetoot implemented in a hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device with a built-in engine₅= 1 is generated.

In particular, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 6E implements the system architecture shown in FIGS. 22A1 to 22C of International Publication No. WO00 / 33239, and the state transition diagram of FIGS. 23A1 to 23E. Performs the control process combined by. As described in more detail below, the laser-based object detection field 23 can be generated by driving a conventional VLD and is as taught in US Pat. No. 4,933538, which is incorporated herein by reference. To generate a low power invisible (or imperceptible) pulsed laser beam during the object detection operation mode. In this mode of operation, the same photodetector 226, which is used to detect the reflected laser beam during the laser-based barcode symbol and read mode of operation, returns the invisible laser during the object detection mode of operation. It can be used to detect signals. In this exemplary embodiment, the invisible pulsed laser signal reflected from an object residing within the laser-based object detection field 23 and detected by photodetector 226 is processed and the object located within that field. Control activation signal A that detects the presence of and indicates such automatic object detection₁Make = 1 automatically generated. In all other respects, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 6E is substantially the same as the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 6A.

<u style="single">Auto-launched laser scanning engine to generate one-dimensional laser-based barcode detection fields and one-dimensional laser-based barcode symbol readings without object detection fields</u> FIG. 6F shows a third exemplary embodiment of the auto-start laser scanning engine 200 ", which includes the lower housing (ie, base) portion 202A and the upper housing (ie, cover) portion 202B. Small engine enclosures 201, realized as small as horn sugar using techniques that have and enable currently available implementations, and incorporated herein by reference for generating laser beams and scanning across scanning fields. Realized on PC board 204, as taught in US Pat. No. 5,808285, and Laser Scanning Module 203, disclosed in Simultaneous Pending Application No. 09/071512, which was filed on May 1, 1998 but is now abandoned. An electronic circuit used to implement the subsystems shown in FIGS. 25A-26 of WO 00/33239, including a photodetector 226 coupled to an analog signal processing circuit and a digital signal processing circuit. Optics taught in US Pat. No. 5,789,731 to cover the transmission opening 228 of the engine housing and to cover the PC board 204 for support (similar to the PC board shown in Figure 9B) and incorporated herein by reference. It is provided with a scanning window 227 for providing functions.

In particular, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 6F implements the system architecture shown in FIGS. 25A to 26 of International Publication No. WO00 / 33239, which is shown in FIGS. 27A to 27C, and the state transition of FIG. 28. Perform the control process combined by the diagram. The bar code symbol reading engine 200 in Figure 6F is similar to the bar code symbol reading engine in Figures 6A and 6E, except for a few points, but the bar code symbol reading engine in Figure 6F The difference is that it does not generate any kind of object detection field. The output generated from this barcode symbol reading engine is by a serial data packet stream in response to some of the following events: It is a modulated RF carrier signal. Some events are (i) generating symbol character data strings from the automatic barcode symbol reading engine 200, (ii) mounting on the outer surface of the scanner housing. Manual operation of a data transmission switch and (iii) within-range indication signal from a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset 803 mounted within a hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device with an built-in engine.₅= 1 is generated.

<u style="single">Auto-launch laser scanning engine for generating IR-based object detection fields, 2D laser-based barcode detection fields, and 2D laser-based barcode detection fields</u> 7A-7D show a fourth exemplary embodiment of the auto-start laser scanning engine 230, which is the lower housing (ie, base) portion 231A and the upper housing (ie, cover) portion. A small engine housing 231 that has 231B and is realized as small as horn sugar using technologies that enable implementation currently available, and housing cover portion 231B for generating laser beams and scanning over the scanning field. Introduced in the xy laser scanning module 232 disclosed in WO 99/57579, published November 11, 1999, provided herein and incorporated herein by reference, and in US Pat. No. 5,808,285. , analog signal processing on the PC board 233 infrared transmitters and infrared coupled to sense circuit and digital signal processing circuitry coupled to photodetector 234, and IR-based object detection circuit of the engine realized on PC board 233 Covers the PC233 to support the electronic circuits used to implement the subsystems and subsystems of the subsystems shown in FIGS. 15A1-16, including the receiver 236, and the transmission opening 228 of the engine housing. Also included is a scanning window 227 to provide the optical functions taught in US Pat. No. 5,789,731, which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 7A implements the system architecture shown in FIGS. 10A1-10O and executes the control process coupled by the state transition diagrams shown in FIGS. 14A1-14C4. ..

As shown in FIG. 7D, the lower surface of the upper housing portion 213B serves as an optical bench (ie, platform) to which most of the optical and electro-optical components of the xy laser scanning mechanism are strategically mounted. As shown in FIG. 7D, the lower housing portion 231A supports the PC board 233, and on the PC board 233, the circuits of FIGS. 10A1 to 10O are surface mount components and similar techniques well known in the art. Is realized using. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7D, the output laser beam 251 is scanned in the xy direction of the 2D laser scanning field, which acts as a barcode symbol detection field during the barcode symbol detection operation mode and is a bar. It functions as a barcode / symbol reading field during the code / symbol reading operation mode. As an option, the data transmission subsystem can be implemented on the PC board 233, and the transmitting antenna 240 connected to the PC board 233 is mounted on the outer surface of the engine housing.

The output generated from this embodiment of the bar code symbol reading engine is an RF carrier signal modulated by a serial data stream in response to the occurrence of the next event. The events are (i) generation of symbol character data strings from the automatic barcode symbol reading engine 200, (ii) manual operation of a data transmission switch mounted on the outer surface of the scanner housing, and ( iii) In-range indicator signal A from a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset 803 mounted within a hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device with an engine built-in.₅= 1 is generated.

<u style="single">An auto-launched laser scanning engine for generating laser-based object detection fields, 2D laser-based barcode detection fields, and 2D laser-based barcode detection fields.</u> FIG. 7E shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of the auto-start laser scanning engine 230'. In almost all respects except a few points, the bar code symbol reading engine of Figure 7E is substantially similar to the bar code symbol reading engine of Figure 7A, but the engine of Figure 7E is, in principle, the figure. It differs in generating a laser-based detection field similar to that produced by the 6E engine. In particular, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 7E implements the system architecture shown in FIGS. 21A1 to 22C of International Publication No. WO00 / 33239, and the state transition diagram of FIGS. 23A1 to 23E. Performs the control process combined by. The output generated from this barcode symbol reading engine is an RF carrier signal modulated by a serial data packet stream in response to several events: Some events are (i) generating symbol character data strings from the automatic barcode symbol reading engine 200, (ii) manually operating a data transmission switch mounted on the outer surface of the scanner housing, And (iii) In-range indicator signal A from a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset 803 mounted within a hand-supportable barcode reading device that incorporates the engine.₅= 1 is generated.

Advantageously, by using a raster type (2D) laser scan pattern during these modes of operation, more aggressive bar code symbol detection and 2D (eg PDF417) type bar code symbol reading And become possible.

<u style="single">Auto-launched laser scanning engine for generating 2D laser-based barcode detection fields and 2D laser-based barcode detection fields without object detection fields</u> FIG. 7F shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of the auto-start laser scanning engine 230 . In almost all respects except a few points, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 7F is of FIG. 7A. It is substantially similar to the barcode symbol reading engine, except that the barcode symbol reading engine in Figure 7F does not generate any kind of object detection field. Instead, the engine shown in Figure 7F Relies on the use of automatic laser-based barcode symbol detection, where the visible laser beam is operated in pulsed mode of operation (eg, accommodates approximately 50% duty cycle), among other things the barcode in Figure 7F. The symbol reading engine implements the system architecture shown in FIG. 25 of WO 00/33239 and executes the control process coupled by the state transition diagram of FIGS. 27A-27C. The output generated by this barcode symbol reading engine is an RF carrier signal modulated by a serial data packet stream in response to some of the following events: (i) Generation of symbol character data strings from the automatic barcode symbol reading engine 200, (ii) Manual operation of the data transmission switch mounted on the outer surface of the scanner housing, and (iii) Incorporation of the engine. In-range indicator signal from a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset 803 mounted within a hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device A₅= 1 is generated.

<u style="single">Auto-launch laser scanning engine for generating IR-based object detection fields, full-dimensional laser-based barcode detection fields, and full-dimensional laser-based barcode detection fields</u> FIG. 8A shows a seventh auto-start laser scanning engine 260, which is an ultra-compact engine housing with a lower housing (ie, base) portion 261A and an upper housing (ie, cover) portion 261B. Disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,091, incorporated herein by reference, having body 261 and an optical bench on which optical and electro-optical components are mounted to generate a laser beam and scan across an omnidirectional scanning field. An IR transmitter coupled with a polygon-based laser scanning module or laser scanning mechanism 262 and an object detection circuit realized on the PC board 263, which is the PC board 263 and is taught in US Pat. No. 5,976091. And receivers 264 and 265, and used to implement the subsystems shown in FIGS. 10A1-10O, including photodetectors 266 coupled to analog and digital signal processing circuits implemented on PC board 263. A scanning window 267 to cover the transmission opening of the engine housing with a PC board 263 to support electronic circuits and to provide the optical functions taught in US Pat. No. 5,789,731 incorporated herein by reference. And include.

In particular, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 8A implements the system architecture shown in FIGS. 10A1-10O and executes the control process coupled by the state transition diagrams shown in FIGS. 14A1-14C4. .. During the barcode symbol detection mode, the engine automatically generates an omnidirectional laser scanning pattern within the barcode symbol detection field 10 to collect scanning data for use in the barcode symbol detection processing operation. .. Also, during the barcode symbol reading mode, the engine automatically performs an omnidirectional laser scanning pattern within the barcode symbol reading field 11 to collect scanning data for use in the barcode symbol detection processing operation. To generate. 9A and 9B show cross-sectional views of omnidirectional laser scanning patterns projected within field 10 and into field 11. Further details regarding the laser scanning pattern are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5796091, which is incorporated herein by reference. The output generated from this barcode symbol reading engine is an RF carrier signal modulated by a serial data packet stream in response to several of the following events: Some events are (i) generating symbol character data strings from the automatic barcode symbol reading engine 200, (ii) manually operating a data transmission switch mounted on the outer surface of the scanner housing, And (iii) In-range indicator signal A from a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset 803 mounted within a hand-supportable barcode reading device with an integrated engine.₅= 1 is generated.

<u style="single">An auto-launched laser scanning engine for generating laser-based object detection fields, full-dimensional laser-based barcode detection fields, and full-dimensional laser-based barcode detection fields.</u> FIG. 8B shows an eighth exemplary embodiment of the auto-start laser scanning engine 260', which includes the lower housing (ie, base) portion 261A and the upper housing (ie, cover) portion 261B. A US patent incorporated herein by reference, having an ultra-compact engine housing 261 and an optical bench equipped with optical and electro-optical components for generating a laser beam and scanning across an omnidirectional scanning field. The polygon-based laser scanning module or laser scanning mechanism 262 disclosed in No. 5796091 and the PC board 263, analog and digital signals realized on the PC board 263 as taught in US Pat. No. 5,976091. A PC board 263 to support the electronic circuits used to implement the subsystems shown in FIGS. 22A1 to 22C, including a photodetector 266 coupled to the processing circuit, and a transmission opening in the engine housing. Includes a scanning window 267 to cover and to provide the spectral filtering function taught in US Pat. No. 5,789,731, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In particular, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 8B implements the system architecture shown in FIGS. 21A1-22C of International Publication No. WO00 / 33239, according to the state transition diagram of FIGS. 23A1 to 23E. Perform the combined control process. The engine in Figure 8B is similar to the engine in Figure 8A in almost all respects except for a few points, but the laser-based object detection field 23 is automatically generated from the engine in Figure 8B during the object detection mode of operation. It is different to be done. The same technique described in relation to the engine of FIG. 6E can be used to generate the laser-based object detection field 23 generated from the laser scanning engine of FIG. 8B. The output generated from this barcode symbol reading engine is an RF carrier signal modulated by a serial data packet stream in response to several of the following events: Some events are (i) generating symbol character data strings from the automatic barcode symbol reading engine 200, (ii) manually operating a data transmission switch mounted on the outer surface of the scanner housing, And (iii) In-range indicator signal A from a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset 803 mounted within a hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device with an integrated engine.₅= 1 is generated.

<u style="single">Auto-launched laser scanning engine for generating full-dimensional laser-based barcode detection fields and full-dimensional laser-based barcode detection fields without object detection fields</u> FIG. 8C shows a ninth exemplary embodiment of the auto-start laser scanning engine 260 ", which includes the lower housing (ie, base) portion 261A and the upper housing (ie, cover) portion 261B. Has an ultra-compact engine housing 261 with an optical bench equipped with optical and electro-optical components for generating a laser beam and scanning across an omnidirectional scanning field, incorporated herein by reference. The polygon-based laser scanning module 262 disclosed in Patent No. 5796091 and the PC board 263, which are the analog and digital signal processing circuits realized on the PC board 263 as taught in US Pat. No. 5,976091. A PC board 263 to support the electronics used to implement the subsystems shown in FIGS. 25A-26, including a combined photodetector 266, and to cover the transmission opening of the engine housing and Includes a scanning window 267 to provide the spectral filtering function taught in US Pat. No. 5,789,731, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In particular, the barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 8C implements the system architecture shown in FIGS. 25A-26 of WO 00/33239, according to the state transition diagrams shown in FIGS. 27A-27C. Perform a control process that is totally controlled. In almost all respects except a few points, the engine in Figure 8C is similar to the engine in Figure 8B, but the laser scanning engine in Figure 8C may not generate any form of object detection field during system operation. It's different. The output generated from this barcode symbol reading engine is an RF carrier signal modulated by a serial data packet stream in response to several of the following events: Some events are (i) generating symbol character data strings from the automatic barcode symbol reading engine 200, (ii) manually operating a data transmission switch mounted on the outer surface of the scanner housing, And (iii) In-range indicator signal A from a Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset 803 mounted within a hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device with an integrated engine.₅= 1 is generated.

<u style="single">An IR-based object detection subsystem, a laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem, a laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem, and a manually activated symbol character data transmission subsystem. Including wireless auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol system</u> The first generalized system design will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 10A-15. Among other things, the structure and function of the first generalized system design is the IR-based object detection subsystem, the laser-based barcode presence detection subsystem, and the laser-based bar, as shown in Figure 1A. Provided in each of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above in connection with an auto-launch barcode symbol reading system that includes a code symbol reading subsystem and a data transmission activation subsystem. For more information on the second and third generalized system design, see WO 00/33239, taking into account the teachings described in connection with the first generalized embodiment described below. You can find it by reading.

As shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10O, the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading system 300 includes several collaborative components to detect the generation of a system override signal. And the control activation signal A if it exists₀The system override signal detection circuit 301 for generating = 1 and the primary oscillator circuit 301A for generating the primary clock signal CLK for use by the system override signal detection circuit 301 and object detection circuit 307. A first RC timing network 302 for setting the oscillation frequency of the primary oscillator circuit, a means for generating a system override signal (eg, a Hall effect sensor) 335, and in response to switch activation. Control activation signal A₄A manually activating data transmission switch 303 to generate = 1 and a first control circuit C to perform localized system control functions.₁The first control means 304 and the control circuit C realized as₁Timer T₁The second RC timing network 305 for setting and the first activation control signal A when an object with a barcode is detected in at least a part of the object detection field 9.₁Means for generating = 1 (eg, object sensing circuit 306 and object detecting circuit 307) and a laser beam scanning mechanism for generating a visible laser beam and scanning over the bar code symbol on the detected object. 308 and an electrical signal D that detects the laser beam reflected from the scanned barcode symbol and indicates the detected intensity.₁Light receiving circuit 309 for generating₁Corresponding digital scan data signal D₂An analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion circuit 310 for conversion to, and a control activation signal A that automatically detects the digital data pattern of the bar code symbol on the detected object.₂Digital scan data signal D to generate = 1₂Barcode symbol (existence) detection circuit 311 for processing and timer T in the barcode symbol detection circuit 311_BCDA third RC timing network 312 to configure and a second control circuit C to perform local system control operations in response to bar code symbol detection.₂The second control means 313 and the third control module C are realized as₃The third control means 314, which is realized as, and the timer T identified by the codes 315, 316, 317, and 318, respectively.₂, T₃, T₄, And T₅And digital scanning data signal D₂To determine the data represented by the detected barcode symbol, generate symbol character data representing that data, and generate a third control module C.₃Activation control signal A for use by₃A symbol decoding module 319 for generating the data packet compositing module 320 and a data packet compositing module 320 for compositing a group of formatted data packets for transmission to the paired base unit 440. A data packet transmission circuit 321 for transmitting a group of data packets synthesized by the data packet synthesis module 319, an object detection status indicator (for example, LED) 451 and an enable signal E.₂And control activation signal A₂Barcode symbol detection status indicator 452 driven by = 1 and enable signal E₈Barcode symbol reading status indicator (eg LED) 453 driven by = 8 and signal E₉Bidirectional RF data communication between a data transmission status indicator 454 (eg LED) driven by = 1 and a hand-supportable device 791 and a base station 792 providing a cradle, respectively. Bluetooth RF transceiver chipsets 803 and 804 for linking and enable signal E₁₁Using C₃A data packet group buffer (ie, FIFO) 802 configured to communicate data with the data packet transmission circuit 321 under the control of control module 314, and an enable signal E.₁₀Using C₃When the data packet transmission circuit 321 controlled by the control module 314 and the hand-supportable barcode symbol reader are moved out of the communication range of the system, the operator is given audible and / or visual instructions. C to generate₃An out-of-range indicator (audible and / or visual) 805 configured under the control module and additional control system logic programmed into the system control process shown in the flow diagrams of Figures 14A1 through 14C4. The wireless bar code reader (i) reads the bar code while it is out of range of the remote base station, and (ii) reestablishes communication of that data between the wireless unit and the base station. Control to allow storage until possible and (3) transmission of buffered and packaged data to the base station when the wireless device is relocated within the communication range of the system. It is system logic. Preferably, the memory storage capacity of the data packet group buffer 802 is sufficient to hold a large number of barcode symbols read while the wireless device is out of range of the remote base station. ..

Second control circuit C, as described in more detail below.₂Is the first control circuit C₁Can be "overridden" (ie blocked and / or enabled), and a third control circuit C₃Is the first control circuit C₁And the second control circuit C₂Can be overridden respectively. As shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4, such a control override function is a control override signal (ie, C) transmitted between the respective control structures during system operation.₂/ C₁, C₃/ C₂, And C₃/ C₁) Is generated. Due to the unique architecture of the control subsystem of the present invention, the auto-launch barcode symbol reading device is capable of versatile performance and ultra-low power operation. The structure, functionality and benefits of this control subsystem architecture will become apparent below.

As shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4, power is supplied to the components of the barcode reading device by the battery power supply 320 included in the housing of the barcode reading device. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 10B1, the battery power supply 320 included in the housing of the code / symbol reading device supplies power to the components in the housing according to a programmed intelligent operation mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery power supply 320 includes a power distribution circuit 325, a replaceable or rechargeable battery 326, and an automatic power control circuit 330. In an exemplary embodiment in which a rechargeable battery is used, the power supply circuit 320 further includes a secondary induction coil 327B, a bridge rectifier 328, and a voltage regulator circuit 329. Preferably, all of the above sub-components are contained within the hand-supportable housing of the device and are configured together as shown in FIG. 10B1.

As shown in FIG. 10B1, the function of the secondary induction coil 327 is, for example, to establish an electromagnetic coupling with the primary induction coil contained in the base unit 440 associated with the barcode reading device. In embodiments of a bar code symbol reading system having a base unit 440 with an embedded charging unit, the rechargeable battery 326 therein is such that the bar code symbol reading device is the charging portion of the base unit. It will automatically charge whenever it is supported. More specifically, when placed in this configuration, power is drawn from the primary induction coil 327A of the base unit 440 to the secondary induction coil 327B of the barcode symbol reading device, as shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4. Is sent inductively to. The inductively coupled AC power signal is then rectified by the bridge rectifier 320 and finally filtered by the voltage regulator circuit 329 to produce a tuned DC power supply signal to charge the rechargeable battery 326. ..

As shown in FIG. 10B1, an automatic power control circuit 330 is connected in series between the rechargeable battery 326 and the distribution circuit 325. The function of the automatic power control circuit 330 is when the barcode symbol reading device is operated in hands-on operating mode under predefined operating conditions (ie, removed from the cradle portion of the base station). It is the automatic control (ie, control) of the supply of battery power to electrically active components within a barcode / symbol reading device. In particular, the distribution circuit 325 distributes power over the entire bar code symbol reading device over the distribution bus, whereas the automatic power control circuit 330 is a system only when the power control circuit 330 is activated. Allows the component group to consume power (ie, the product of voltage and direct current) as a whole.

As shown in FIG. 10B1, the automatic power control circuit 330 includes several subcomponents, namely a DC-DC voltage converter 330A, a power commuting switch 330B, and a resettable timer circuit 330C. The function of the DC-DC voltage converter 330A is to convert the voltage from the battery power supply 326 to +5 volt, and the function of the power commuter switch 330B is to distribute the power from the DC-DC converter 330A to the distribution circuit. It is to selectively flow to the input port of 325. The resettable timer circuit 330C features a power commuter switch that saves power and distributes battery power without compromising the performance of the barcode symbol reading system in various modes of operation. It is to be supplied to the circuit 325.

In general, there are many ways to implement the power reset switch 330D used in the power supply device 320 shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10B1. However, in practice, the particular way this subcomponent is realized depends on the particular embodiment and application of the barcode symbol reading system. Consider, for example, the barcode symbol reading system shown in Figure 2A. In this particular embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous to implement the power reset switch 330D as a spring-biased switch provided on one of the support surfaces of a hand-supportable housing. In this configuration, the power reset switch 330D is operated when the hand-supportable housing is lifted from the stand or counter surface that was supported while the hand-supportable housing was in power-off / power-saving operation mode. , Generate a power reset signal.

As shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4, the battery power supply 326 mounted on each barcode symbol reading device is provided with the normal output voltage (ie, V) by the battery chargers 327A / 327B, 328, and 329._BATTERY) Will be charged automatically. After a predetermined period of ΔT (eg, longer than 1 minute, preferably 5 minutes) after the power switching event occurs, the power supply 320 reaches a stable state condition. In this state, capacitor C₁But resistor R₁It is charged to a voltage exceeding Vref via. This reduces the output voltage of capacitor C1 to a level that disables FET330B, disables the supply of battery power to the distribution circuit 325, and ultimately disables the barcode symbol reading device. Be made. When any of the three "power switching" events mentioned above occur, capacitor C₁Is a resistor R₂(That is, R₁&gt;&gt; R₁), The output voltage of capacitor C1 is brought to a level that enables FET330B, battery power is supplied to distribution circuit 325, and for a predetermined period of time (eg, longer than 1 minute, preferably longer than 1 minute). The 5-minute ΔT) barcode symbol reading device is enabled. This programmed time of power supply provides a time window ΔT, within which the system's object detection circuit can automatically detect objects in the object detection field 9. However, this power reset operation does not initiate or terminate the laser scanning operation or the bar code symbol reading operation. Only the introduction of an object into the object detection field 9 (ie, when the resettable timer circuit 330C is reset) initiates or causes a laser scanning or bar code symbol reading operation. be able to.

The main advantage of the power control scheme of the present invention is to minimize the impact on the automatic operation of the various modes provided by the system, IR-based object detection or WO00 shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4. To provide automatic power savings in automated code symbol reading applications that use the laser-based object detection shown in Figures 22A1 to 22A4 of / 33239. Specifically, the power control circuit does not need to be reset provided that the user reads at least one bar code symbol within a predetermined period of time ΔT programmed into the bar code symbol reading device. Also, the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 551B when the hand-supportable housing of the barcode symbol reading device is placed (ie, supported) in the support recess of the scanner support portion of the base unit. The mode selection sensor (eg, Hall effect sensor) 650 that senses the signal that continuously activates the power control circuit 330 (eg, A).₄= 1) is generated so that battery power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 326 to the distribution circuit 325, allowing continuous scanner operation in hands-free operation mode. At the same time, the mode selection sensor 650 provides a data transmission activation signal A if the hand-supportable barcode reading device is located within the scanner support portion of the base unit 440.₄Also make sure that = 1 is generated.

In addition, a low battery protection circuit 3000 is provided within the wireless barcode reader to (i) automatically monitor the voltage of the battery source 326 and (ii) the battery voltage is below a given voltage threshold. Razz / vibrate the wireless barcode reader if detected, then turn off the laser diode in the wireless device, causing the system to enter sleep mode. The low battery power protection circuit 3000 can protect the battery from over-discharging and data errors. This is because the current drawn from the battery is much higher if the voltage is too low.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, system override signal detection circuit 301, primary oscillator circuit 301A, object detection circuit 307, first control circuit C.₁, Analog-to-digital conversion circuit 310, barcode symbol detection circuit 311 and second control circuit C₂Are all implemented on a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip 333 using microelectronic circuit manufacturing techniques well known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the laser scanning function, and the ASIC chip and related circuits for the photodetection and processing functions are mounted on the PC board together with the housing of the barcode symbol reading device. Symbol decoding module 319, data packet synthesis module 320, timer T₂, T₃, T₄, And T₅, And the third control module C₃Is achieved using a single programmable device such as a microprocessor with accessible programs and buffer memory, collectively shown by reference numeral 334 in Figure 10A2, and an external timing circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, the above components and devices are mounted on a PC board along with a barcode / symbol reading device.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the automatic power control circuit 330 is activated (ie, when certain switching conditions occur), the power from the battery power supply 326 is the first control circuit C.₁, System override detection circuit 301, primary oscillator circuit 301A, IR object detection circuit 306, and object detection circuit 307. This allows the operation of the above components and provides all other system components with only a bias voltage so that their operation is initially disabled. According to the principles of the present invention, power distribution to all other components of the system is distributed in Control Center C.₁, C₂, And C₃It is done under the control of the control architecture formed by the interaction of.

As shown in FIG. 10C, the primary clock oscillator circuit 301A supplies the periodic pulse signal CLK1 to the system override signal detection circuit 310 and the object detection circuit 307. In an exemplary embodiment, the primary oscillator circuit 301A is designed to operate at low frequencies (eg, about 1.0 Khz) and very low duty cycles (eg, about 1.0%). The on time of the system override signal generation device 335 and the IR object sensing circuit 306 is proportional to the duty cycle of the primary oscillator circuit 301A. This feature also activates the system override signal generation device 335 when the barcode symbol reading engine is in object detection mode (ie, system override signal D).₀Even in the case of (creating = 1), it is possible to minimize the operating current.

According to the present invention, the object of the object detection circuit 307 is that the object (eg, product, document, etc.) is in the object detection field 9 of the barcode symbol reading device, and thus at least the barcode detection field 10. If it is determined that it exists in a part, the first control activation signal A₁Is to generate = 1. In an exemplary embodiment, automatic object detection is used. However, it is understood that "passive" techniques can also be used to obtain acceptable results. As shown in FIG. 10E, the object detection circuit 307 includes two main subcomponents, namely the object detection circuit 306 and the object detection circuit 307, both of which are control circuits C.₁Controlled locally by. In an exemplary embodiment, the object sensing circuit 306 includes an IR LED 206A driven by an IR transmitter drive circuit 349 and an IR photodiode (or photodiode) 206B activated by an IR receive bias circuit 358. These components are placed and mounted on the PC board to provide an object detection field 9 that spatially includes the laser scanning plane, as described above. As shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4, the object detection circuit 307 generates an enable signal IR DR given to the IR transmitter drive circuit 349. The signal generated from the IR phototransistor 206B identified as IR REC is given as an input signal to the object detection circuit 307 for signal processing in the form described below. In an exemplary embodiment, the IR LED 206A is the first control circuit C.₁Enable signal E generated from₀Generates a pulsed 900 nanometer signal at the rate of primary oscillator circuit 301A (eg 1.0KHZ) when object detection circuit 307 is enabled by. Preferably, the duty cycle of the primary oscillator circuit 301A is less than 1.0% to keep the average current consumption very low.

As an alternative, the automated barcode reading device of the present invention can also be easily adapted to sense ultrasonic energy reflected from an object present within the object detection field 9. In such an alternative embodiment, the object sensing circuit 306 is implemented as an ultrasonic energy transmitting / receiving mechanism. Within the housing of the barcode reading engine, an energy signal is generated and transmitted into the object detection field 9. Next, the ultrasonic energy reflected from the object in the object detection field 9 is detected by using an ultrasonic energy detector (integrated with the housing) near the transmission window, and the received ultrasonic energy is detected. An analog electrical signal that indicates the strength (ie, UE) REC) is generated. Preferably, a focusing element is placed in front of the energy detector to effectively maximize the collection of ultrasonic energy reflected from the object in the object detection field. In such cases, the focusing element basically determines the geometric properties of the device's object detection field. Therefore, the energy focusing (ie, collecting) properties of the focusing element are selected to provide an object detection field that spatially includes at least a portion of the laser-based barcode symbol detection field and reading field. The electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic energy-based object sensing circuit is fed to the object detection circuit 307 for processing in the manner described above.

Refer to Figure 10F, the first control logic block C₁Will be explained in more detail. Generally, the first control logic block₁The function of is to provide the first level of system control. This control circuit is the enable signal E₀The object detection circuit 307 is activated by generating = 1, and the enable signal E₁By generating = 1, the laser beam scanning circuit 308, the light receiving circuit 309, and the A / D conversion circuit 310 are activated, and the enable signal E₂The barcode symbol detection circuit 311 is also activated by generating = 1. Furthermore, the first control circuit C₁Provides control lines and control signals to control these functions and provides system override functionality for low power standby modes in bar code symbol reading engines. In an exemplary embodiment, the first control circuit C₁The particular behavior of is a set of input signals (ie, activation control signal A).₀And A_i, And override signal C₂/ C₁, C₃/ C_1-1, And C₃/ C_1-2), And the internally generated digital timer signal B1. First control circuit C₁Preferred logical embodiments of are presented in FIGS. 10F and 10G. The functional dependencies between the digital signals in this circuit are represented by the Boolean logic representation presented in the table of Figure 10H, so the relationship is represented by the first control circuit C.₁Sufficient to uniquely characterize the behavior of.

As shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4, the laser scanning circuit 308 is generally any source of light of intensity appropriately selected to maximize reflectance from an object with a barcode symbol. It is possible. In a preferred embodiment, the light source 377 comprises a solid state visible laser diode (VLD) driven by a conventional driver circuit 378. In an exemplary embodiment, the wavelength of the visible laser beam generated from the laser diode is preferably about 670 nanometers. Any number of laser beam scanning mechanisms described herein can be used to iteratively scan the generated laser beam over a scanning field (having a given spatial extent in front of the light transmitting window). it can. In FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4, the scanner driver radio unit is outlined by reference numeral 381. Since the scanning mechanism can be implemented in a variety of different forms, as shown above, the scanner motor 380 is used to represent this structure in the system. It should be noted that the scanning motor 380 does not have to be of an electromechanical nature, for example, electro-optical ray scanning using cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) laser beam steering technology well known in the art. It may be based on the steering principle. For this reason, the term "scanning motor" as used herein is used to steer to move the path of light rays through space during system operation for the purpose of obtaining information related to objects and / or barcode symbols. It is understood to be any means of doing, swinging, or orienting.

As shown in the generalized system diagram of FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4, the laser diode 377 and the scanning motor 380 are the enable signals E given as inputs to the driver circuits 378 and 381.₁Enabled by. Enable signal E₁Is a logical "high" level (ie, E₁If = 1), a laser beam is generated, projected through a light transmission window, repeatedly scanned over the barcode symbol detection field, and the optical scan data signal is an object (and bar) present within the barcode symbol detection field 10. Generated from code). Laser diode and scanning motor enable signal E₁Is logically "low" (ie, E₁If = 0), no laser beam is generated, projected onto the barcode symbol detection field 10, and not scanned.

If the barcode symbol is present on an object detected during scanning, the user visually aligns the visible laser beam across the barcode symbol and the incident laser beam hitting the barcode is scattered / reflected (usually). , Follow Lambert's Law). This scattering / reflection process results in laser beam return signals of varying intensities that represent spatial changes in the light reflectance characteristics of the bar and space patterns that make up the scanned barcode symbol. The light receiving circuit 309 detects at least a part of the reflected laser beam having a changing luminous intensity, and indicates an analog scanning data signal D indicating the detected intensity.₁To generate.

In response to the reflected laser beam focused on the receiver 385, the receiver produces an analog electrical signal that is proportional to the intensity of the detected laser beam. This analog signal is then amplified by the preamplifier 387 to the analog scan data signal D.₁Is generated. In short, the laser scanning circuit 308 and the light receiving circuit 309 are the first control circuit C during the normal operation mode.₁And the second control circuit C₂Third control module C over the time interval specified by and during the "control override" mode of operation.₃Analog scan data signal D from the scan field (ie, the barcode detection field and the read field) over the time interval specified by₁Collaborate to generate.

As shown in FIG. 10I, the analog scan data signal D₁Is given to the A / D conversion circuit 310 as an input. As is well known in the art, the A / D converter 310 is an analog scan data signal D.₁Digital scanning data signal D with a waveform similar to the pulse width modulated signal₂In this signal, the logical "1" signal level represents the space of the scanned bar code symbol and the logical "0" signal level represents the bar of the scanned bar code symbol. The A / D conversion circuit 310 can be realized by using any conventional A / D conversion technique well known in the art. Next, the digitized scan data signal D₂Is provided as input to the barcode symbol detection circuit 311 and the symbol decoding module 319 for use in performing certain functions required during the barcode symbol reading process of the present invention.

In FIG. 10J, the barcode symbol detection circuit 311 of the exemplary embodiment is shown in detail. The main purpose of the barcode symbol detection circuit 311 is the first control circuit C during normal operation mode.₁Third control module C over the time interval specified by and during control override operation mode₃Is to determine whether or not a barcode is present in the barcode symbol detection field 10 over the time interval specified by. In an exemplary embodiment, the barcode symbol detection circuit 311 indirectly detects the presence of a barcode in the barcode symbol detection field 10 by detecting the barcode symbol "envelope". In an exemplary embodiment, the bar code symbol envelope is provided by the A / D conversion circuit 310 when the light receiving circuit 309 detects a laser beam reflected from the bar code symbol in the bar code symbol detection field 10. Digital signal to generate D₂If the corresponding digital pulse sequence in is detected, it is considered to be in the barcode symbol detection field 10. This digital pulse sequence detection process is timed by a barcode symbol detection circuit for a predetermined period of time T.₁Digital scanning data signal in D₂It is reached by counting the number of digital pulse transitions (ie, the falling edges of the pulse) that appear within. According to the laws of physics governing the laser scanning mechanism used in the embodiments of the system, the period T₁The number of digital (pulse width modulated) pulses detected in the receiver 385 is a function of the distance of the barcode from the light transmission window 311 at the time of scanning. Therefore, a barcode symbol scanned 6 inches (15.24 cm) from the light transmission window will have a period T more than the same barcode symbol scanned 3 inches (7.62 cm) from the light transmission window.₁It brings a larger number of digital pulses (ie, digital counts) in the receiver 385.

When an object is detected in the object detection field 9, the first control circuit C₁Is the enable signal E₂Generate = 1 and T₁Enables the digital pulse transition counter 390 for the period of. As shown, digital scan data signal D₂(Representing the bar and space of the scanned barcode) is the clock line of the first flip-flop 392, and T._BCDDrives the CLK line of flip-flop circuit 398 in digital timer circuit 391. Digital scanning data signal D₂The first pulse transition of is started the digital timer circuit 391. The digital pulse transition counter circuit 390 is automatically cleared by the generation of each count reset pulse and CNT REST from the digital timer circuit 391, and the new time partial interval T_BCDIncoming digital scan data signal D₂It is reset again to count the number of pulse transitions present in. Period T_BCDControl activation signal A with Q output corresponding to 8 pulse transitions counted in₂Is provided. When the presence of a barcode is detected in the barcode symbol detection field 10, a second activation signal A₂Is generated, and the third control circuit C₃Is activated, and the third control circuit C₃Control override signal from (ie, C₃/ C₂Stop signal and C₃/ C₁Through the transmission of the enable signal), the second control circuit C₂Is the third control circuit C₃Overridden by.

When entering the barcode symbol reading state, the third control module C₃However, the first control circuit C₁Override control signal C₃/ C_1-2give. Control signal C₃/ C_1-2In response to, the first control circuit C₁Enables the laser scanning circuit 308, the light receiving circuit 309, and the A / D conversion circuit 310.₁Generate = 1. Control signal C₃/ C₂In response to, the first control circuit C₁Is the enable signal E that disables the barcode symbol detector circuit 311.₂Generate = 0. Then the third control module C₃Is the enable signal E₄Generate = 1 to enable the symbol decoding module 319. In response to the generation of such a signal, the symbol decoding module 319 is a third control module C.₃Second predetermined period established and monitored by T₂Signal D to attempt to decode the barcode symbol found in₂The stream of digitized scanning data included in is decoded for each scanning line. Symbol decoding module 319 has period T₂If the detected barcode symbol in is successfully decoded, the symbol character data D₃Is generated (representing a decrypted barcode symbol, usually in ASCII code format). The symbol decoding module 319 then receives a third control activation signal A.₃Generate a third control module C₃Give to.

Data transmission control activation signal A₄= 1 is the third control module C₃Third control module C if generated by switch 303, which can be manually activated, within a predetermined time (ie, time frame) set by the timer in₃Automatically guides the state transition from the barcode symbol reading state to the data (packet) transmission state. In response, it is programmed to generate three separate events. First, the third control module C₃Is the enable signal E₅Is automatically generated and given to the data packet synthesis module 320. Second, the symbol decoding module 319 puts the symbol character data D in the memory buffer associated with the data packet synthesis module 320.₃To store. Third, the third control module C₃Is the enable signal E₇Is generated and given to the data packet transmission circuit 321. These enable events activate the data (packet) transmission subsystem shown in Figures 10A1 through 10A4. When the data packet transmission subsystem is activated, the subsequently generated symbol character data string is sent to base unit 440, which in turn sends it to host computer 441.

As an alternative, the third system control module C₃Control activation signal A within the period established by₃= 1 and A₄When = 1 is generated, it can be programmed to generate different sets of events. For example, the third control module C₃Is the enable signal E₆Is generated and given to the data storage module, and then the enable signal E₇Can be generated and given to the data transmission circuit 321. These enable events allow the Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset 803 implemented in the barcode symbol reading device to provide in-range instruction control signal A.₅Was generated or out-of-range instruction control signal A₅The system's data (packet) transmission subsystem is activated to behave differently, depending on how it was generated. The value of the activation control signal is A₅If = 1, the data packet transmission subsystem automatically sends the selected symbol character data string to base unit 440, from which it sends it to host computer 441. The value of the activation control signal is A₅If = 0, the data packet transmission subsystem automatically sends the selected / packaged symbol character data string to the onboard data packet group buffer 802. The bar code symbol reading device should be stored until it is returned within the specified RF-based data communication range of the system.

In the illustrated embodiment, the symbol decoding module 319, the data packet synthesis module 320, and the timer T₂, T₃, T₄, And T₅Is achieved using a programmed microprocessor and accessible memory 334, respectively. Similarly, for example, the third control module C₃, As well as Module C₃However, the control functions executed by the blocks I to GG of FIGS. 14A1 to 14C4 are realized as programming embodiments using techniques well known in the art.

The function of the data packet synthesis module 320 is to use the generated symbol character data to group data packets for later transmission to the paired base unit 440 via the data packet transmission circuit 321. Is to synthesize. The function of the data storage module 322 is ready to transmit the packaged symbol character data string to base station 440'using the data packet transmission circuit 321 via radioelectromagnetic data transmission / reception. Buffer until, or until it is ready for temporary storage in the data packet group buffer 802.

As shown in FIG. 10O, the data packet transmission circuit 321 of the exemplary embodiment includes several modules. That is, the Bluetooth® RF Transceiver Module 400 (ie, the BG100 TrueBlue Bluetooth Radio Module by Philips Electronics), and the Bluetooth® Baseband Controller Module 4002 (ie, the Registered Trademark) configured with the RF Transceiver Module 4001. , PCF87750 Bluetooth Baseband Controller by Philips Electronics). Currently, Bluetooth® bidirectional RF data communication link technology currently has a radio range of approximately 10m (30ft) or optionally 100m, and is under development for larger ranges. The Bluetooth® communication protocol used in the wireless system of this exemplary embodiment allows the reader to operate within a range of 10 m, which is an advancement in Bluetooth® communication specifications. May vary from embodiment to embodiment.

BGB100 TrueBlue as explained in the Philips Electronics pamphlet The Bluetooth (R) radio module 4001 is a short-range radio transceiver for radio links operating in the globally available ISM band between 2402MHz and 2480MHz. The module is a fully integrated state-of-the-art near-zero IF transceiver chip, antenna filter for out-of-band blocking performance, TX / RX switch, TX balun and RX balun, VCO resonator, and basic. Consists of a large amount of supply decoupling. The device is a "plug and play" module that does not require any external components for proper operation. The rugged design eliminates the need for component rigging and provides a cost-optimized solution. Demodulation is performed in open-loop mode, reducing the effect of reference frequency breakthroughs on reception quality. A high-performance offset compensation circuit compensates for VCO drift and RF frequency errors during open-loop demodulation under the control of a baseband processor. The circuit is built into a ceramic substrate. The circuit is connected to the main PCB via an LGA (Land Grid Array). The metal cap suppresses the effects of EMI (electromagnetic interference). The RF port has a normalized 50Ω transmission line. The interface to the baseband processor is very simple, providing a low power solution. The module operation mode is controlled via a 3-wire serial bus and two timing signals. The TX and RX data I / O lines are analog mode interfaces. The high dynamic range RSSI output allows for an almost immediate assessment of wireless link quality. Frequency selection is done internally by a conventional synthesizer. This is controlled by the same serial 3-wire bus. The synthesizer accepts reference frequencies of 12MHz, 13MHz, 16MHz, and 26MHz. This reference frequency should be supplied by an external source. This is a dedicated (temperature compensated) crystal oscillator or baseband. It can be part of the controller. The circuit is designed to operate from a nominal power supply of 3.0V. Separate ground connections are provided to reduce parasitic coupling between different stages of the circuit. There is a basic amount of RF feed decoupling built into the circuit. The envelope is a lead-free SOT649A package with a metal cap.

As explained in the Philips Electronics brochure, the PCF87750 Bluetooth (R) Baseband Controller 4002 is a flexible baseband controller for use with the Bluetooth® BGB100 TrueBlue Bluetooth (R) Wireless Module 4001. .. PCF87750 Baseband Controller is ARM7TDMI microcontroller, SRAM (static RAM), firmware memory, Bluetooth (R) core, interface circuit group, CVSD codec, voice path A / D and D / A conversion, and power management. And include. This provides a complete baseband one-chip embodiment for Bluetooth (R). This device provides power management to reduce the power of blocks that are not actively processing. There are two device pinouts available on the PCF87750. That is, a fully integrated device with on-chip memory, and an emulation device (for development and emulation only). The PCF87750 incorporates Phillips Semiconductors' UAA3558 / 3559 interface and Ericsson Siri's wireless interface.

Details on how to incorporate (ie, embed) Bluetooth RF-based bidirectional data communication chipset module technology into wireless applications are generally well known in the field of RF technology and are described herein. You can refer to the relevant documents at http://www.bluetooth.com, the official Bluetooth® website, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully described in the document. During the practice of the present invention, the Bluetooth® RF module 4001 associated with the Bluetooth® RF Transceiver Chipset 803 is directly connected to the CPU (ie, microcontroller) of the wireless bar code reader and is connected to the radio bar. When a wireless RF communication link is established between the code reader and the base station, and when the communication link is disconnected or interrupted, the CPU in the wireless bar code reader is notified.

In a preferred embodiment, the wireless data communication method of the present invention described above programs system control software in a bar code symbol reader so that the current "link status" with the base station is always stored in memory. By doing so, its link status is A if the link status is GOOD (good).₅A when indicated by = 1 and NO GOOD₅It is indicated by = 0. This link status information indicates the strength of the RF-based "heartbeat signal" (ie, the reference signal) that is periodically transmitted from the base station to the radio bar code symbol reader during system operation in all modes. Maintained by monitoring. When the data transmission activation button 330 is pressed during or immediately after a valid barcode symbol reading, the system control software in the wireless barcode reader first checks the status of the wireless link with the base station. If an RF link is established, this means that the base station (ie, the base station's Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset) is a radio bar code reader (ie, its Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset). It means that it is within the range of the chipset), and the radio bar code reader immediately transmits the stored and packaged symbol character data to the base station. If the RF communication link is not established, this is because the base station (ie, Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset) is a bar code symbol reader (ie, Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset). The radio reader does not transmit the packaged symbol character data to the base station. Instead, the Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset in the wireless bar code reader reestablishes the link status of the system (ie, between the bar code reader and the base station) with the appropriate RF link. Monitor regularly until done. If reestablished, the radio bar code symbol reader (i) sends stored and packaged symbol character data to the base station over the reestablished RF communication link, or (ii) Wait for a new barcode symbol to be read, and when this event occurs, the old packaged symbol character data string is discarded and the latest package The converted symbol data string is transmitted to the base station via the RF communication link. The system controller in the wireless bar code symbol reader, and correspondingly the base station controller in the base station, determines whether mode (i) or mode (ii) should occur during system operation. You can program it in a simple and straightforward way.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control processes within the wireless barcode symbol reading system described herein perform various forms such as performing additional functions that create value for the user of the system. You can also program with.

For example, the control process within the wireless system of the present invention is a symbol character generated after the wireless barcode symbol reader first reads the barcode symbol while the data transmission switch is in operation. The data can be programmed to be automatically transmitted to the base unit and then the laser light source in the wireless barcode symbol reader is deactivated and locked. The base unit then automatically sends the ACK command back to the radio bar code symbol reader after receiving the correct symbol character data, after which the laser source in it is unlocked and re-enabled. It is possible. The second read is then processed. Notably, this system control process between both the radio bar code symbol reader and the base station makes the radio bar important for wireless portable bar code symbol reading and data collection operations. A rigorous method for saving battery power onboard a code symbol reader is provided.

The control process within the wireless system of the present invention is to enable the transmission of packaged symbol character data strings to the base station, i.e. the wireless bar code symbol reader is new to the base station. It can also be programmed to require the user to press the data transmission activation button (ie, switch) on the wireless bar code symbol reader again immediately after establishing the communication link. This feature allows the user to rescan a different bar code symbol for a symbol character in buffer memory before the symbol character data is sent to the base station and finally sent to the host system. -You will be able to overwrite the data.

The control process within the wireless system of the present invention is as follows: (i) Multiple readings (ie, selected symbol character strings) are stored in a buffer memory implemented in the wireless bar code symbol reader. The data transmission activation switch 330 is pushed down to allow it to be (ii) transmit such symbolic character data to the base station over a wireless RF-based data communication link. It can be programmed to require it to be (ie, moved).

The control process within the wireless system of the present invention is as follows: (i) All three LEDs on the wireless bar code / symbol reader are lit to indicate that the wireless reader is out of predetermined data communication range. (ii) Data packet groups of stored data waiting to be transmitted to the base station when the wireless RF communication link between the wireless bar code symbol reader and the base station is reestablished. All three LEDs can be programmed to light up to indicate that they are in buffer 802.

The control process within the wireless system of the present invention stores the collected and buffered packaged symbol character data by depressing the data transmission activation switch 330 over a programmed time (eg, 3 seconds). It can be programmed so that it can be cleared from (implemented on a wireless barcode / symbol reader).

The control process within the wireless system of the present invention can be programmed to test the data communication link prior to the transmission of memory-buffered data packets. With this feature, the system avoids loss of packaged symbol character data due to disconnection of the RF communication link between the radio bar code symbol reader and the base station. be able to. The wireless barcode symbol reader will first test the connection before sending the symbol character data to the base station, retain the barcode data if the connection is broken, and establish the connection. Attempt. When the connection is reestablished, the wireless reader sends the stored barcode to the base station.

Figures 46A1 through 46C4 show the steps involved in the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 45A1 through 45A4. This process is similar to the process shown in FIGS. 20A1 to 20E and differs only in blocks Y to FF related to the range-dependent data packet transmission control features of the present invention shown in FIGS. 46C2 and 46C3. ing.

The system shown in FIGS. 43A-46C8 also implemented some other technical features as specified below. For example, a mechanical vibrator can be included in the hand-supportable housing of the wireless device so that the reader automatically vibrates when the scanning data is successfully transmitted from the reader to the base station. .. The mechanical vibrator is C₃It is placed under the control of the control module. In a noisy environment, this feature should give the operator a clear signal that the transmission status was successful.

When the wireless reader of the invention is switched to sleep mode (regardless of how it was made to enter this period), the respective Bluetooth® RF transceiver chipset (wireless reader and) The baseband (micro) controller 4002 used within the base station (also implemented in the base station) issues a disconnect command to RF data between the radio bar code reader (ie, or the data terminal device) and the base station. Make sure that the communication link is terminated. The baseband microcontroller 4002 is then put into idle mode and the associated Bluetooth RF transceiver chipset is automatically driven into low power operating mode. When the wireless reader is awakened from sleep mode, their baseband microcontrollers are also awakened, the Bluetooth® wireless transceiver modules are activated, and the RF communication link is reestablished. All of these actions are performed automatically within the wireless communication system of the present invention. The only action required of the operator during such a non-operation period is to press the data transmission activation switch 330 to awaken the system.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to wirelessly update the firmware in the wireless barcode reader using the Internet. With this feature, the firmware of the reader can be updated by the host computer. To reach this, the host computer sends the command to the base station, which sends the command to the wireless reader. The base station then transmits a firmware code (eg, related to a Bluetooth® wireless data communication interface) from the host computer to the wireless barcode reader. The updated code received by the wireless barcode reader can then be used by the reader to update the firmware according to those codes when it enters the firmware update operating mode.

The detailed structure and internal functions of the wireless barcode symbol reading system of the first generalized system design have been described in detail. The operation of the control system of the wireless barcode symbol reading system is shown in the system block diagrams shown in FIGS. 15A1 to 15A4 and the control blocks A to GG shown in FIGS. 20A1 to 20E. As shown in FIG. 15, a wireless automatic hand-supportable barcode reading system has four basic operating states. That is, object detection, barcode / symbol existence detection, barcode / symbol reading, and symbol / character data transmission / storage. The nature of each of these states has been described in detail above. Transitions between the various states are indicated by directional arrows. In addition to each set of direction arrows, the transition condition is a control activation signal (eg, A).₁, A₂, A₃, And A₄), Where appropriate state time intervals (eg, T)₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, And T₅) Is represented. Conveniently, the phase diagram of FIG. 21 represents in the simplest form the four basic operations that occur during the control flow within the system control program of FIGS. 20A1-20E. Importantly, the control activation signal A shown in Figure 21₁, A₂, A₃, And A₄Is in the object detection field 9, the barcode detection field 10, and / or the state in the assigned time frame (s) if any of the events in the barcode reading field 11 is specified. Shows whether it acts to affect the transition.

This embodiment of the invention provides an auto-launched wireless laser scanning barcode / symbol reading system for use in a working environment.

<u style="single">RF-based transmit / receive base station for use in the self-starting barcode / symbol reading device of the present invention</u> In general, a base station in a wireless barcode reading system of the present invention performs two basic functions. That is, (1) to provide a bidirectional RF packet communication interface with the wireless bar code symbol reader 41 (791) using the Bluetooth® wireless communication specification on the base station side of the wireless communication system, and ( 2) To provide a data communication interface with the host system to which the base station (792) is connected.

As shown in FIG. 11, base station 42 (440') contains several components. That is, the power supply circuit 560, the receiving antenna element 561, the Bluetooth® RF transceiver module 4001 connected to the antenna element (ie, the BG100 TrueBlue Bluetooth (R) wireless module by Phillips Electronics), as shown in Figure 11B. Bluetooth® baseband controller module configured with RF transceiver module 4001 (ie PCF87750 by Phillips Electronics) Bluetooth (R) baseband controller), data packet storage buffer 564, base unit system controller 565, symbol character data extraction module 569, data format conversion module 570, and serial data transmission circuit 571. Including. In an exemplary embodiment, the base unit system controller 565 and each of the aforementioned data processing modules are used with a programmed microprocessor and associated memory (ie, ROM and RAM), indicated by reference numeral 573. It will be realized.

During the practice of the present invention, the Bluetooth RF module 4001 associated with the Bluetooth RF transceiver chipset is directly connected to the base station CPU (ie, the microcontroller) and with a radio bar code reader. Notifies the CPU of the base station when a radio RF communication link is established with the base station and when the communication link is disconnected or interrupted.

In a preferred embodiment, the wireless data communication method of the present invention described above is to monitor the status of an RF communication link by transmitting and receiving an RF-based "heartbeat", and a wireless bar code symbol reading system. Performed by programming the system control software of base station 42 to logically exchange communication requests made by a wireless bar code symbol reader that acts as a source of information communicated over the RF communication link of Will be done.

In an exemplary embodiment, it is also necessary to provide a means within the base station housing to recharge the battery contained within the hand-supportable housing of the wireless barcode symbol reading device. DC power is typically available from the host computer system 45, to which the base station is connected by a flexible cable. The electrical configuration for achieving this function is shown in Figure 37. As shown, the power supply circuit 560 mounted on the base unit of the present invention includes a conventional current chopper circuit 571, a wide area passing electric filter 572 parallel thereto, and a primary induction coil parallel to the high frequency passing electric filter. Includes 573 and. The low voltage DC power supplied from the host computer system via the power cable 574 is supplied to the direct current (DC) chopper circuit 571 realized on the PC board 558 using a high speed current switching circuit. The function of the electric chopper disconnection circuit 571 is to make the input DC voltage to this circuit into a high frequency triangular (changing with time) waveform containing various harmonic signal components. The function of the wide-range passage electric filter is to filter out the components of the low frequency signal and pass only the components of the high frequency signal through the induction coil 573. Therefore, the high frequency current that is allowed to flow through the induction coil 573 induces a high voltage throughout the coil 573 and produces a magnetic flux (ie, a field line) that changes over time. According to the well-known principle of electrical energy transfer, the generated magnetic flux is located at the base whenever the primary and secondary induction coils mounted on the base station and their paired devices are electromagnetically coupled by the magnetic flux. Transfers power from the station to the rechargeable battery on the bar code symbol reading device. In order to maximize the energy transfer between the base station and its paired devices during the battery charging operation, the primary of the battery charging circuit is made using highly permeable materials and well-known principles of magnetic circuit design. The amount of magnetic flux that couples the induction coil and the secondary induction coil can be increased.

In particular, the base station of the exemplary embodiment described above is implemented in the form of a unit that provides a cradle, which receives the radio bar code symbol reader and the radio device is in the cradle portion of the base station. It is adapted to support a Bluetooth® RF communication link with a reader while providing a means for charging the battery contained within the wireless device while being supported by. The base station of the present invention can be realized by different forms of elements such as a PCMICA card, a portable data collection base station, etc., as described in WO 00/33239.

<u style="single">Wireless automatic hand-supportable 2D barcode symbol reading device of the present invention with automatic range-dependent data transmission control</u> See Figures 16-18C4, Automatic Hands on Radio that can decode all standard linear barcodes and some 2D codes, including PDF417, PDF417 truncated and RSS composites. A supportable 2D (PDF417) bar code symbol reading system is described below. With a simple scan of an easily visible laser beam on a 2D code, data is quickly and easily captured, decoded, and transmitted. For linear codes, the wireless 2D barcode symbol reading system operates in a manner similar to the system described above, as shown in FIGS. 1A3-15. Simply direct the laser beam over the desired barcode, hold down the data transmission button and scan the 2D barcode symbol, and the data will be transmitted to the base station over the wireless 2D RF communication link and finally, It is sent to the connected host system of the base station.

FIG. 16 has been modified to support reading 2D barcode symbols (eg PDF417 symbols) and the interface and control structure of the novel bidirectional RF-based data communication links of the invention, FIG. 5A. Alternatively, an alternative embodiment of the automatic wireless laser scanning barcode / symbol reading system shown in FIG. 5J is shown. As shown in FIG. 16, the system operates by the operator manually moving the linear laser scanning pattern generated from the wireless reader down along the height dimension of the 2D barcode structure. It is designed to be. Meanwhile, the barcode symbol data detector (311') used in the reader is scanning data activation signal A.₂= 1 is automatically generated, and when it is generated, C₂Control module 313 automatically activates the audible data capture buffering indicator (eg, piezoelectric transducer) 306 as audible as each line of barcode symbol data is detected prior to 2D symbol decoding. Make sounds (eg clicks) generated.

The data scanning / collecting / buffering process is complete (scanning the linear laser pattern over the 2D barcode symbol), the collected scanning data for each line is buffered in memory and ready for decoding. If possible, the system will automatically generate a visual indication of such completion (via the LED on the wireless reader) and the operator will press the data transmission activation switch 330 when the scanning process is complete. If pushed down, the data packet is automatically transmitted to the remote base station according to the principles of the invention herein. If the wireless reader is moved out of range, the data packets are buffered in the data packet group buffer 802 and later when the link status is restored, as described in detail above. Sent to the base unit.

As shown in FIGS. 17A1 to 17B, the wireless system of FIG. 16 is similar to the wireless system shown and described in FIGS. 10A to 10O, but the wireless system of FIG. 16 is a complete 1D barcode symbol in real time. Instead of the barcode symbol presence detection circuit 311 designed to detect the presence of, the barcode symbol data detection circuit 311'(to detect the line of the 2D barcode symbol being scanned), (2) Audible scanning data capture buffering to generate an audible click or similar sound during line-by-line capture of 2D barcode symbol scanning data during the barcode scanning operation shown in FIG. The difference is that the indicator 806 uses (3) a visual indicator (LED) to signal the operator that the 2D barcode symbol has been scanned and decoded (ie, read). ing. The base station unit 440'is the same as the base station unit 42 described above.

18A1 through 18C4 show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 17A1 through 17B. The main differences between the control processes of these two wireless systems are shown in blocks Y to FF of FIGS. 18C2 to 18C3.

This alternative embodiment of the present invention provides an auto-launched wireless laser scanning 2D barcode symbol reading system for use in a working environment. Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, some modifications come to mind.

For example, in exemplary embodiments of the invention, it has been suggested that the particular type of barcode symbol reading engine disclosed herein be incorporated into various types of wireless barcode reading systems. However, any laser scanning barcode symbol reading engine disclosed herein is subject to any wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system of the present invention, regardless of the shape elements associated with the engine shape elements. , It is understood that it can be incorporated.

The various types of laser scanning barcode symbol reading mechanisms disclosed herein are shown and implemented in the form of engines with separate enclosures or modules, but each such mechanism is separate. It is understood that it does not necessarily have to have a housing or modular structure and can be incorporated directly into the hand-supportable housing structure of a barcode / symbol reading device.

Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in the context of various types of barcode symbol reading applications involving 1D barcode structures and 2D barcode structures, the present invention describes barcode symbol structures. It is understood that it can be used in connection with any machine-readable seal or graphic structure including, but not limited to. From now on, the term code symbol should be understood to include structures that carry such information.

The laser scanning modules, engines, and bar code symbol reading systems of the exemplary embodiments can be varied, and those modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who will benefit from the novel teachings disclosed herein. Will be. All such modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments herein are considered to be included in the scope and intent of the invention as defined by the claims herein.

<figref num="1A1">FIG. 1A1 is a schematic representation of a generalized embodiment of the wireless system of the present invention, showing the wireless automatic bar code reading device located outside the predetermined communication range of the system's bidirectional RF data communication link. The heartbeat signal automatically transmitted from the RF transceiver chipset in the base station is no longer received and detected by the RF transceiver chipset in the wireless automatic bar code reading device, thereby An "out-of-range activation signal" for the control subsystem to use during a data packet transmission operation, according to the principles of the invention shown in FIG. 1A3, for the data transmission subsystem in a hand-supportable device, A.₅It is automatically done to generate = 0.</figref><figref num="1A2">FIG. 1A2 is a schematic diagram of a generalized embodiment of the wireless system of the present invention, where the wireless automatic bar code reading device is moved within a predetermined communication range of the bidirectional RF data communication link of the system. The heartbeat signal shown and automatically transmitted from the RF transceiver chipset in the base station is received and detected by the RF transceiver chipset in the radio's automatic bar code reading device, thereby supporting the hand. A possible in-device data transmission subsystem, in accordance with the principles of the invention shown in Figure 1A3, is an "in-range activation signal" for use by the control subsystem during a data packet transmission operation, A.₅It is automatically done to generate = 1.</figref><figref num="1A3">1A3 shows the barcodes of the present invention when using the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading system generally shown in FIGS. 1A1 and 1A2, and the various exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. -It is a schematic diagram of a flow chart type showing steps related to executing the symbol reading method.</figref><figref num="1B">FIG. 1B is a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, with an IR-based object detection subsystem and a laser-based barcode symbol detection sub. It shows the main subsystem components of the device, including the system, a laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystem, a data transmission subsystem, and a system control subsystem.</figref><figref num="1C">FIG. 1C is a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, with a laser-based object detection subsystem and a laser-based barcode symbol detection. It shows the main subsystem components of the device, including subsystems, laser-based barcode symbol reading subsystems, data transmission subsystems, and system control subsystems.</figref><figref num="1D">FIG. 1D is a schematic representation of a third exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, with a laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem and a laser-based barcode. Shows the main subsystem components of the device, including symbol reading subsystems, data transmission subsystems, and system control subsystems.</figref><figref num="2A">FIG. 2A shows the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading of the invention shown being supported within the scanner support stand of the matching base unit for automatic hands-free operation at the POS station. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the device.</figref><figref num="2B">FIG. 2B is a front view of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of FIG. 2A, shown being supported within the scanner support stand of the base unit for automatic hands-free operation.</figref><figref num="2C">FIG. 2C is color-classified on the outside of the housing of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of FIGS. 2A and 2B, as well as on all other auto-launch bar code symbol reading devices of the present invention. It is the schematic of the light source for a state instruction.</figref><figref num="2D">FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of FIG. 1A, showing its use in an automatic mode of operation with a hand on it.</figref><figref num="2E">FIG. 2E is a side sectional view taken along the vertical direction of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of FIGS. 2A and 2B, showing the various components contained therein.</figref><figref num="2F">FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of FIGS. 2A and 2B taken along line 2F-2F of FIG. 2E, showing the various components contained therein.</figref><figref num="2G">FIG. 2G is a side view of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of FIGS. 2A and 2B, showing the device's IR-based object detection field and laser-based barcode symbol detection field shown in FIG. 2A. And the spatial relationship with the read field is shown in more detail.</figref><figref num="2H">FIG. 2H is a plan view of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of FIGS. 2A and 2B.</figref><figref num="2I">FIG. 2I is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of the present invention, in which the device operates in hands-on and hands-free mode of operation. While being forced, a laser-based object detection field and a laser-based barcode symbol detection and reading field are provided to automatically detect objects and read barcode symbols, respectively. To.</figref><figref num="2J">FIG. 2J is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, while the device is being operated in hands-on and hands-free mode of operation. , Laser-based barcode detection fields and laser-based barcode symbol detection and reading fields are provided for automatically detecting and reading barcode symbols.</figref><figref num="3A">FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, with a built-in WWW browser program for client-side HTTP support and manual data entry. And a touchscreen LCD panel for visual data display and built-in laser scanning barcodes to generate IR-based object detection fields and 1D or 2D laser-based barcode symbol detection and reading fields. Includes a symbol reading engine and wireless communication links established for Internet-connected Internet service providers (ISPs) for mobile use in a variety of application environments.</figref><figref num="3B">FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, with a built-in WWW browser program for client-side HTTP support and manual data entry. And a touchscreen LCD panel for visual data display and a built-in laser scanning bar for generating laser-based object detection fields and 1D or 2D laser-based barcode symbol detection and reading fields. Includes a code symbol reading engine and wireless communication links established for Internet-connected Internet service providers (ISPs) for mobile use in a variety of application environments.</figref><figref num="3C">FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, with a built-in WWW browser program for client-side HTTP support and manual data entry. And a touchscreen LCD panel for visual data display and a built-in laser scanning bar for generating laser-based object detection fields and 1D or 2D laser-based barcode symbol detection and reading fields. Includes a code symbol reading engine and wireless communication links established for Internet-connected Internet service providers (ISPs) for mobile use in a variety of application environments.</figref><figref num="4A">FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, an IR-based object detection field and a laser-based omnidirectional barcode symbol reading field. With a built-in laser scanning barcode symbol reading engine to generate and wireless communication links established for base stations adapted for battery recharge and hands-free operating modes in a variety of application environments. Including.</figref><figref num="4B">FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch bar code symbol reading device of the present invention, generating a laser-based object detection field and a laser-based omnidirectional laser scanning field. Includes a built-in laser scanning engine for, and a wireless communication link established for base stations adapted for battery recharging and hands-free operating modes in a variety of application environments.</figref><figref num="4C">FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of the wireless auto-launch barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, with a laser-based barcode detection field and a laser-based omnidirectional barcode symbol. Built-in laser scanning barcode symbol reading engine for generating reading fields and wireless communication links established for base stations adapted for battery recharging and hands-free operating modes in a variety of application environments. And include.</figref><figref num="5A">Figures 5A through 5D provide a bidirectional RF-based data communication link between the base station providing the cradle and a hand-supportable code / symbol reading device with a manually operated data transmission activation switch. It is a perspective view of the tenth embodiment of the wireless automatic wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of the present invention to be used, and the operation of the data transmission activation switch can be supported wirelessly from the base station. Controlled by automatically detecting that a hand-supportable wireless device is within the RF range of an RF-based data communication link by detecting the strength of the "heartbeat" signal sent to the device. Will be done.</figref><figref num="5B">Figures 5A through 5D provide a bidirectional RF-based data communication link between the base station providing the cradle and a hand-supportable code / symbol reading device with a manually operated data transmission activation switch. It is a perspective view of the tenth embodiment of the wireless automatic wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of the present invention to be used, and the operation of the data transmission activation switch can be supported wirelessly from the base station. Controlled by automatically detecting that a hand-supportable wireless device is within the RF range of an RF-based data communication link by detecting the strength of the "heartbeat" signal sent to the device. Will be done.</figref><figref num="5C">Figures 5A through 5D provide a bidirectional RF-based data communication link between the base station providing the cradle and a hand-supportable code / symbol reading device with a manually operated data transmission activation switch. It is a perspective view of the tenth embodiment of the wireless automatic wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of the present invention to be used, and the operation of the data transmission activation switch can be supported wirelessly from the base station. Controlled by automatically detecting that a hand-supportable wireless device is within the RF range of an RF-based data communication link by detecting the strength of the "heartbeat" signal sent to the device. Will be done.</figref><figref num="5D">Figures 5A through 5D provide a bidirectional RF-based data communication link between the base station providing the cradle and a hand-supportable code / symbol reading device with a manually operated data transmission activation switch. It is a perspective view of the tenth embodiment of the wireless automatic wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of the present invention to be used, and the operation of the data transmission activation switch can be supported wirelessly from the base station. Controlled by automatically detecting that a hand-supportable wireless device is within the RF range of an RF-based data communication link by detecting the strength of the "heartbeat" signal sent to the device. Will be done.</figref><figref num="5E">Figures 5E through 5J show in more detail the retractable / retractable support hooks built into the base station providing the cradle, which (i) the hinged support hooks are shown in Figure 5E1. And to support the automatic hand-supportable wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading device in a vertical position when placed in a retracted configuration as shown in Figure 5F, and (ii) hinged support. For supporting an automatic hand-supportable wireless laser scanning barcode / symbol reading device in a horizontal position when the hook is placed in a retracted configuration as shown in Figures 5G and 5H. Is.</figref><figref num="5F">Figures 5E through 5J show in more detail the retractable / retractable support hooks built into the base station providing the cradle, which (i) the hinged support hooks are shown in Figure 5E1. And to support the automatic hand-supportable wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading device in a vertical position when placed in a retracted configuration as shown in Figure 5F, and (ii) hinged support. For supporting an automatic hand-supportable wireless laser scanning barcode / symbol reading device in a horizontal position when the hook is placed in a retracted configuration as shown in Figures 5G and 5H. Is.</figref><figref num="5G">Figures 5E through 5J show in more detail the retractable / retractable support hooks built into the base station providing the cradle, which (i) the hinged support hooks are shown in Figure 5E1. And to support the automatic hand-supportable wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading device in a vertical position when placed in a retracted configuration as shown in Figure 5F, and (ii) hinged support. For supporting an automatic hand-supportable wireless laser scanning barcode / symbol reading device in a horizontal position when the hook is placed in a retracted configuration as shown in Figures 5G and 5H. Is.</figref><figref num="5H">Figures 5E through 5J show in more detail the retractable / retractable support hooks built into the base station providing the cradle, which (i) the hinged support hooks are shown in Figure 5E1. And to support the automatic hand-supportable wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading device in a vertical position when placed in a retracted configuration as shown in Figure 5F, and (ii) hinged support. For supporting an automatic hand-supportable wireless laser scanning barcode / symbol reading device in a horizontal position when the hook is placed in a retracted configuration as shown in Figures 5G and 5H. Is.</figref><figref num="5I">FIG. 5I is a side view of a cradle-supporting base station used in the systems of FIGS. 5A-5D in which the support hooks are arranged in a retracted configuration.</figref><figref num="5J">FIG. 5J is a side view of a cradle-supporting base station used in the systems of FIGS. 5A-5D in which the support hooks are arranged in a retracted configuration.</figref><figref num="6A">FIG. 6A is shown fully assembled and fitted to be incorporated into any of the barcode symbol reading devices of the present invention, with IR-based object detection fields and 1D laser-based scanning (ie, bars). A perspective view illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of an auto-launched laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine of the present invention programmed to automatically read a barcode symbol using a code detection and reading) field. Is.</figref><figref num="6B">FIG. 6B is an exploded assembly perspective view of the auto-start laser-based barcode symbol reading engine shown in FIG. 6A.</figref><figref num="6E">FIG. 6E is fully assembled and adapted to be incorporated into any of the barcode symbol reading devices of the present invention, with a laser-based object detection field and a 1D laser-based scan (ie). A second exemplary embodiment of the auto-launched laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine of the present invention, programmed to automatically read a bar code symbol using a bar code detection and reading field. It is a perspective view.</figref><figref num="6F">FIG. 6F is shown fully assembled and fitted to be incorporated into any of the barcode symbol reading devices of the present invention and is a 1D laser-based scanning (ie, barcode detecting and reading) field. A third exemplary embodiment of the auto-launched laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine of the present invention, which is programmed to automatically read barcode symbols and does not provide automatic object detection. It is a perspective view which shows a morphology.</figref><figref num="7A">FIG. 7A is shown fully assembled and fitted to be incorporated into any of the barcode symbol reading devices of the present invention, with IR-based object detection fields and 2D laser-based scanning (ie, ie). A perspective showing a fourth exemplary embodiment of an auto-launched laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine of the present invention programmed to automatically read a bar code symbol using a bar code detection and reading) field. It is a figure.</figref><figref num="7B">FIG. 7B is a front view of the self-starting laser scanning barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 7A showing the geometric characteristics of the light transmission window.</figref><figref num="7C">FIG. 7C is a rear view of the self-starting laser scanning barcode symbol reading engine of FIG. 7A showing the input / output signal ports.</figref><figref num="7D">FIG. 7D shows the top cover portion of the small enclosure removed from the lower enclosure portion to reveal the optical layout of the laser beam scanning optics of the device, the auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol of FIG. 7A. It is a perspective view of a reading engine.</figref><figref num="7E">FIG. 7E is shown fully assembled and fitted to be incorporated into any of the barcode symbol reading devices of the present invention, with a laser-based object detection field and a 2D laser-based scan (ie). A fifth exemplary embodiment of the auto-launched laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine of the present invention, programmed to automatically read a bar code symbol using a bar code detection and reading field. It is a perspective view.</figref><figref num="7F">FIG. 7F is shown fully assembled and fitted to be incorporated into any of the barcode symbol reading devices of the present invention and is a 2D laser-based scanning (ie, barcode detecting and reading) field. A sixth exemplary example of the auto-launched laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine of the present invention, which is programmed to automatically read barcode symbols using It is a perspective view which shows the embodiment.</figref><figref num="8A">FIG. 8A is fully assembled and adapted to be incorporated into any of the wireless barcode symbol reading devices of the present invention, IR-based object detection field and 2D omnidirectional type laser scanning. A seventh of the auto-launched laser scanning barcode symbol reading engines of the invention, programmed to automatically read barcode symbols using the (ie, bar code detection and reading) field in an automatic manner. It is a perspective view which shows an exemplary embodiment.</figref><figref num="8B">FIG. 8B is fully assembled and adapted to be incorporated into any of the wireless barcode symbol reading devices of the present invention, laser-based object detection field and laser-based omnidirectional scanning. Eighth of the auto-launched laser scanning bar code symbol reading engines of the invention, programmed to automatically read bar code symbols using the (ie, bar code detection and reading) field in an automatic manner. It is a perspective view which shows an exemplary embodiment.</figref><figref num="8C">FIG. 8C is shown fully assembled and adapted to be incorporated into any of the wireless barcode symbol reading devices of the present invention, laser-based omnidirectional scanning (ie, barcode detection). Ninth example of the auto-launched laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine of the present invention, which is programmed to read barcode symbols using (and read) fields and does not use automatic object detection. It is a perspective view which shows the embodiment.</figref><figref num="9A">9A and 9B are taken from the window, approximately 2.54 cm (1.0 ) and 12.7 cm (5), parallel to the light transmission window, from the laser scanning engine of FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. It is a schematic sectional view of the generated 3D laser scanning volume.</figref><figref num="9B">9A and 9B are taken from the window, approximately 2.54 cm (1.0 ) and 12.7 cm (5), parallel to the light transmission window, from the laser scanning engine of FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. It is a schematic sectional view of the generated 3D laser scanning volume.</figref><figref num="10A1">10A1 through 10A4 are the first general operating systems for the wireless auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol reading system of the present invention in which automatic IR-based object detection is used during system operation. The system block function diagram of the design is shown together.</figref><figref num="10A2">10A1 through 10A4 are the first general operating systems for the wireless auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol reading system of the present invention in which automatic IR-based object detection is used during system operation. The system block function diagram of the design is shown together.</figref><figref num="10A3">10A1 through 10A4 are the first general operating systems for the wireless auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol reading system of the present invention in which automatic IR-based object detection is used during system operation. The system block function diagram of the design is shown together.</figref><figref num="10A4">10A1 through 10A4 are the first general operating systems for the wireless auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol reading system of the present invention in which automatic IR-based object detection is used during system operation. The system block function diagram of the design is shown together.</figref><figref num="10B1">FIG. 10B1 is a schematic diagram of a system override signal detection circuit used in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip in the wireless auto-start barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4.</figref><figref num="10B2">FIG. 10B2 is a functional logic diagram of the system override detection circuit of the present invention.</figref><figref num="10C">FIG. 10C is a functional logic diagram of the oscillator circuit in the ASIC chip in the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4.</figref><figref num="10D">FIG. 10D is a timing diagram relating to the oscillator circuit of FIG. 10C.</figref><figref num="10E">FIG. 10E is a block function diagram of the IR-based object detection circuit in the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4.</figref><figref num="10F">FIG. 10F shows the first control circuit (C) of the control subsystems of FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4.₁) Is a functional logic diagram.</figref><figref num="10G">FIG. 10G shows the first control circuit C in FIG. 10F.₁It is a functional logic diagram of the clock division circuit in.</figref><figref num="10H">FIG. 10H shows the first control circuit C.₁A table that presents a Boolean logical representation of the enable signal generated by.</figref><figref num="10I">FIG. 10I is a functional block diagram of an analog-to-digital (A / D) signal conversion circuit in an ASIC chip in the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4.</figref><figref num="10J">FIG. 10J is a functional logic diagram of the barcode symbol (existence) detection circuit in the ASIC chip in the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4.</figref><figref num="10K">FIG. 10K is a functional logic diagram of the clock frequency divider circuit in the barcode / symbol detection circuit of FIG. 10J.</figref><figref num="10L">FIG. 10L is a schematic representation of the time windows and subsections maintained by the barcode symbol detection circuits shown in FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4 during the barcode symbol detection process.</figref><figref num="10M">FIG. 10M shows the second control circuit (C) in the ASIC chip in the automatic barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4.₂) Is a functional logic diagram.</figref><figref num="10N">FIG. 10N shows the second control circuit C shown in FIG. 10M.₂Input signal and circuit C input to₂A Boolean logical table that defines the functional relationships between the output signals output from.</figref><figref num="10O">FIG. 10O is a functional block diagram of the data packet transmission circuit used in the radio bar code symbol reading system of FIGS. 10A1 to 10A4, which is a Bluetooth® baseband controller interfaced with the system controller. The Phillips PCE877759IC), a Bluetooth® RF transceiver module (ie, Phillips UAA3558IC) interfaced with a baseband controller, and a ceramic antenna element configured with the RF transceiver module and interfaced with free space. The configuration of is shown.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of the data packet transmission circuit used within the remote base unit of FIG. 10A2, which is a Bluetooth® baseband controller (ie, Phillips) interfaced with the base unit controller. PCE877759IC), a Bluetooth® RF transceiver module (ie Phillips UAA3558IC) interfaced with a baseband controller, and a ceramic antenna element configuration that is configured with the RF transceiver module and interfaced with free space. Shown.</figref><figref num="12">FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a bidirectional RF communication method used to link a wireless barcode symbol reader to a remote base unit, where the barcode symbol reader is a Bluetooth RF communication chipset. Two-way radio data packet transmission to the base unit is used with the frequency hopping technology supported by the use of.</figref><figref num="13A1">FIG. 13A1 is a schematic diagram of the wireless system of the present invention, showing that the wireless automatic bar code reading device is located outside the predetermined communication range of the bidirectional RF data communication link of the system, in the base station. The heartbeat signal automatically transmitted from the RF Transceiver Chipset is no longer received and detected by the RF Transceiver Chipset in the wireless automatic bar code reading device, thereby providing data in the hand-supportable device. transmission subsystem, data "out of range activation signal" for use of the control sub-system during data packet transmission operation, a₅It is automatically done to generate = 0.</figref><figref num="13A2">FIG. 13A2 is a schematic diagram of the wireless system of the present invention, showing that the wireless automatic bar code reading device is being moved within a predetermined communication range of the bidirectional RF data communication link of the system, in the base station. The heartbeat signal automatically transmitted from the RF transceiver chipset is received and detected by the RF transceiver chipset in the wireless automatic bar code reading device, thereby the data transmission subsystem in the hand-supportable device. However, the "in-range activation signal" for use by the control subsystem during data packet transmission operation, A₅It is automatically done to generate = 1.</figref><figref num="14A1">14A1 through 14C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4.</figref><figref num="14A2">14A1 through 14C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4.</figref><figref num="14B">14A1 through 14C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4.</figref><figref num="14C1">14A1 through 14C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4.</figref><figref num="14C2">14A1 through 14C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4.</figref><figref num="14C3">14A1 through 14C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4.</figref><figref num="14C4">14A1 through 14C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 15 is a phase diagram showing the various states that the auto-start barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 11A1 to 11B can experience during programmed operation.</figref><figref num="16">FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the automated wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading system of the invention shown in FIGS. 5A-5J, a 2D barcode symbol (eg, PDF417 symbol, etc.). It has been modified to support the reading of and the new bidirectional RF-based data communication link interface shown in Figures 5A-5J, which allows the user to view the linear laser scanning pattern generated from the system. , Manually move down along the height dimension of the 2D barcode structure, while the barcode symbol data detector (311') used in the system performs 2D symbol decoding and data to the remote base station. This is done by automatically activating the generation of audible sounds (eg, clicks) each time each line of barcode symbol data is detected prior to packet transmission.</figref><figref num="17A1">Figures 17A1 through 17A4 are system block functional diagrams of the operating system design for the auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol reading system shown in Figure 16 where automatic IR-based object detection is used during system operation. Are shown together.</figref><figref num="17A2">Figures 17A1 through 17A4 are system block functional diagrams of the operating system design for the auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol reading system shown in Figure 16 where automatic IR-based object detection is used during system operation. Are shown together.</figref><figref num="17A3">Figures 17A1 through 17A4 are system block functional diagrams of the operating system design for the auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol reading system shown in Figure 16 where automatic IR-based object detection is used during system operation. Are shown together.</figref><figref num="17A4">Figures 17A1 through 17A4 are system block functional diagrams of the operating system design for the auto-launch laser scanning barcode symbol reading system shown in Figure 16 where automatic IR-based object detection is used during system operation. Are shown together.</figref><figref num="17B" /><figref num="18A1">18A1 through 18C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 17A1 through 17A4.</figref><figref num="18A2">18A1 through 18C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 17A1 through 17A4.</figref><figref num="18B">18A1 through 18C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 17A1 through 17A4.</figref><figref num="18C1">18A1 through 18C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 17A1 through 17A4.</figref><figref num="18C2">18A1 through 18C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 17A1 through 17A4.</figref><figref num="18C3">18A1 through 18C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 17A1 through 17A4.</figref><figref num="18C4">18A1 through 18C4 together show a high level flow diagram of the control process performed by the control subsystem of the barcode symbol reading system of FIGS. 17A1 through 17A4.</figref>