Patent ID: 6637655
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A method for use with a bar code scanner having: (i) an object detection mechanism equipped to perform a long range mode of object detection and a short range mode of object detection, and (ii) a scanning mechanism equipped to generate and control a scanning beam, the method comprising the steps of:(a) the object detection mechanism repeatedly detecting presence of a background object; and (b) automatically placing the object detection mechanism in the short range mode of operation; wherein the short range mode of operation specifies a first range upon which detecting presence of a background object will activate the scanning mechanism, wherein the scanner will detect presence of new objects while the background object is still present, and wherein the long range mode of operation specifies a second range upon which detecting presence of,a background object will activate the scanning mechanism, such that the second range is greater than the first range.