Patent ID: 6010073
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An apparatus (10) for reading an optical code, which apparatus comprises an outer case (11), a reading window (14) open into the case (11), an illumination means (16-20) housed within the case (11) and arranged to act on the optical code being read through the window (14), and a detection means (24-28) housed within the case (11) and responsive to light scattered back from the illuminated optical code into the case (11) through the window (14), wherein the detection means comprises an array of light-sensitive elements (24) capable of converting light to electric signals representing the light image, and an optical detection path (25-28) from the reading window (14) to the light-sensitive elements (24) having a reflective element (27) therein which effectively splits the optical path into two consecutive path sections (25,26) at an angle from each other, and wherein the second path section (26) is deflected from the first path section (25), wherein substantially all light emitted by the illumination means never intersects said first path section since said light is disposed outside the deflection angle between the first and second detection path sections and said illumination means is located adjacent a side of the reflective element opposite from the detection means.