Handheld Laser Scanner With Contoured Hand Rest

The field of the present invention relates to handheld scanners, such as for example laser scanners used to scan bar codes.

A handheld laser scanner, used for the purpose of non-contact reading of bar codes, emits a scanning line of laser light from an opening on one end of the scanner. The scanner includes a protective housing which incorporates all electronics, optics, light sources, and scanning mechanisms necessary to generate the scanning beam of light, detect the light scattered by the bar code, convert the detected light energy into a digital bit stream, decode the digital information and turn it into a valid bar code, and communicate that information to a data terminal. The housing for the scanner includes a unique-shaped handle portion with a contoured hand rest that allows for easy holding of the scanner, even when not scanning. The scanner includes a trigger which is easily actuated by fingers or the thumb, and which also acts as a means of assisting in the aiming process. The scanner also includes special markings on the top of the scanner which also aid the user in intuitively aiming the scanner toward the bar code.

FIG. 1 is a right top side perspective view of a handheld scanner according to the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a right bottom side perspective view of the handheld scanner of FIG. 1.

The present invention discloses a new type of handheld laser scanner, with features to make it easier for the scanner manufacturer to assemble the unit as well as easier for the scanner user to actuate, aim, and also place the scanner on a table when not in use.

In one embodiment of the invention, the scanner housing described below will enclose the following parts: a laser light source such as a visible laser diode, a focussing means for the light source, a scanning means for the light source, a means of relaying the scanning beam away from the scanner housing so that it hits a target bar code, a means of collecting the light energy scattered by the bar code, a means of converting that light energy into an analog electronic signal representative of the bar code, a means of converting that analog electronic signal into a digital bit stream, a means of translating the digital bit stream into valid bar code information, a means of formatting the bar code data so that it may be understood properly by a data terminal, a means of communicating with a data terminal, and a means of transmitting the scanned bar code data to the data terminal.

Referring to FIG. 1, the scanner of this invention consists of several parts. There is a bottom handle portion 2 connected to a top handle portion 1. The scanning electronics and optics are mounted inside these handle portions 1 and 2. A transparent scanning window 5 is mounted at one end of the scanner just beyond a trigger 3. The output scanning beams exit from transparent scanning window 5. In addition, the light scattered from the bar code during the scanning process is also collected through scanning window 5.

Trigger switch 3 can be actuated either by the thumb or any finger of the hand. It can also be triggered from either side of a trigger centerline 4. When trigger 3 is pushed, it activates all electronics inside the scanner, so that the laser turns on, the scanning mechanism is set in motion, and all analog detection and digital processing electronics are activated. The scanner can now be aimed by the user.

Aiming cues are built into the scanner design in several ways. First of all, trigger centerline 4 is actually molded or painted into the trigger so that centerline 4 lines up with a line running through the center of transparent scanning window's 5 axis and parallel with the general center of the outgoing scanning beam. Second, the very act of triggering requires the user to align his or her finger on the scanner so that the finger is in effect "aimed" at the bar code during the scanning process. Third, there are aiming lines 6 painted or molded on top handle portion 1 so that the center of the "V" of the aiming lines up with the same linear direction as the trigger centerline 4. These aiming lines also open up so that the tips of the "V" are at the two extreme edges of transparent scanning window 5. The combination of all these features aids in the intuitive aiming of the scanner toward the bar code.

The scanner also includes a contoured hand rest 7 built into bottom handle portion 2 of the scanner. Referring to FIG. 2, contoured hand rest 7 is an ergonomically-designed curve in the handle so that there is a tapering of the center of the handle on the underside thereof which is form-fitted to the curve of the human hand. This makes it easy to hold the scanner for long periods of time, and also to make it easy to grip the scanner.

The angular shape of the scanner, also shown in FIG. 2, is another important part of the invention. Because of this tilted shape, the scanner can sit on a beveled handle bottom rest 8 and also touch a handle top rest 9 near the transparent scanning window when put on a table. The angle then is tilted enough so that it is easy for the user to slip his or her hand under the handle and pick it up from the table in a single motion.

One feature of the present invention is the unique shape of the product, which includes a contoured hand rest 7 to make it easier to hold than conventional scanners.

A second feature of the present invention is the use of a scanner trigger 3 on the top of the product, which can be actuated either by a thumb or any other finger.

A third feature of the present invention is that the position of the scanner handle, the trigger, and the transparent scanning window enables the user to naturally point the scanner where his or her finger is aimed, thereby making aiming more intuitive than in other handheld scanners.

A fourth feature of the present invention is the use of a trigger centerline mark to aid in aiming the scanner at bar codes.

A fifth feature of the present invention is the use of a "V"-shaped aiming mark to aid in aiming the scanner at bar codes.

A sixth feature of the present invention is the angular shape of the scanner, which allows it to rest comfortably on a table without rocking when not in use, and still make it easy to pick up.