Patent ID: 6824061
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An optical symbol scanner assembly for detecting and decoding a symbol lying on a surface of an article, the symbol comprising a pattern of fluorescent markings on a non-fluorescent surface, said fluorescent markings fluorescing in the presence of black light radiation, the assembly comprising:a hand-held scanner device having a distal face on which is positioned light-generating means for producing illumination to fall on said symbol, said light generating means including at least one black-light emitting diode, and focusing means for focusing an image of said symbol on an imager device positioned proximally thereof within said scanner device, said focusing means defining all optic axis; and a shield mounted on the distal face of said scanner device, with an optical passageway having an optic axis aligned with the optic axis of said scanning device, and an illumination channel within the shield for directing and guiding the black light emitted by said diodes, herein said diodes, wherein said shield is in the form of a hollow nosepiece having a open, wide proximal end fitting onto the distal face of said hand-held scanner device and a narrow distal end that is transparent to said black light, and a tapered shell that is opaque to said black light and that narrows in the direction towards the distal end, such that said black light illumination impinges on said symbol and the scanner device views the symbol as produced by said fluorescent markings.