Patent ID: 6626361
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A method of using a suitcase-style mobile automated data collection device to read printed indicia disposed on an object, comprising the steps of:placing said mobile automated data collection device in operative proximity to a medium for transporting said object, said mobile automated data collection device including a suitcase-style container configured with at least one compartment therein to hold at least a detector, substantially rigid extensible arm coupled to said detector, controller, trigger sensor and output device; mounting said detector to said extensible arm; substantially removing said detector and said extensible arm from said compartment; deploying said detector, extensible arm, controller, trigger sensor and output device such that said detector, controller, trigger sensor and output device are in electrical communication with one another; rigidly positioning said arm and said detector to be in a preferred scanning position relative to said object such that once positioned, said detector need not be held by a human user in order to read printed indicia disposed on said object; transporting said object past said mobile automated data collection device such that said object is in optical communication with said trigger sensor; sensing the presence of said object; sending an input signal to said controller to indicate that said object is in optical communication with said mobile automated data collection device; directing said detector to read said printed indicia in response to said input signal; reading light reflected from said printed indicia in said detector; sending data corresponding to said reflected light to said controller; and presenting said data in human-intelligible format to said output device.