Scanner

Abstract: A scanner for the acquisition of optical information, in particular bar codes, is proposed, which has a laser device (3), a receiving device (23), which detects laser light (25) reflected from the surface, carrying the optical information, of the object (13), and a measuring device (27), which emits a control signal corresponding to the distance from the object (13). The scanner (1) is distinguished by the fact that the laser device (3) has a single laser light source (37), and that a focusing device (31) is provided which can receive the control signal of the measuring device (27) and enables the scanner (1) to be adapted to the distance from the object (13), on the surface of which the optical information or the bar code (15) is present.

Description: The invention relates to a scanner and a method for the acquisition of optical information, in particular of bar codes according to the preamble of Claims 1 and 8, respectively. Scanners of this type are known. They are used to identify objects which are provided with optical information. Only scanners having a laser device whose light beam is guided over the surface to be scanned by means of a suitable deflection device, in particular by means of a polygonal mirror, are discussed here. The scanners discussed here are used, in particular, to scan surfaces which are arranged at a greatly varying distance from the deflection device, for example in a distant range which varies by approximately 1 m. The depth of field of the reading range of an individual laser extends over a range of approximately 30 cm to 40 cm. If it is thus desired to cover a reading range of about 1 m with a scanner of the type discussed here, the laser device must comprise three laser light sources which each have a depth of field range of approximately 30 cm and are coordinated such that the reading or depth of field ranges supplement one another and thus provide a total distance range of about 1 m. In this case, for example, the first laser light source covers the first reading or scanning range from 0 cm to 40 cm, the second laser light source covers the second scanning region from 30 cm to 70 cm and the third laser light source covers the third scanning range from 60 cm to 100 cm. In practice, it has proved worthwhile for the ranges of the individual laser light sources to overlap somewhat, in order that an error-free signal is achieved as far as possible in all cases. Scanners of the type discussed here are known whose deflection device has a polygonal mirror whose adjacent reflecting surfaces are each assigned to a specific laser light source, that is to say the scanner is controlled in such a way that the reflecting surface assigned to a laser is always exposed only to the laser light thereof. If an object is to be scanned in a specific reading or distance range, it is necessary to wait until, on the one hand, the laser light source assigned to this distance range is activated and the reflecting surface assigned to this light source is arranged in such a way that the laser light beam can be guided over the surface of the object to be scanned. Even with a very rapid succession of reflecting surfaces and a fast changeover of the laser light sources, waiting times arise until it is possible to scan an object at a specific distance from the corresponding laser light source. The effect of this is that the objects to be scanned can be guided past the scanner only at a restricted speed. This is disadvantageous particularly for the automatic scanning of objects, since the operating speed depends on the speed at which they are conveyed. In order to eliminate this deficiency, it has been proposed to equip a scanner of the type described here, whose laser device has two or more laser light sources, with a measuring device which measures the distance from the object to be scanned and emits a corresponding control signal. With the aid of this control signal, the detection of the object is immediately followed by the activation of the laser which is suitable for the distance of the object. It is additionally provided that the light from all the laser light sources can be incident on any desired reflecting surface of the deflection device equipped with a polygonal mirror. Scanners of this type manifest the disadvantage that a plurality of laser light sources must be provided for the purpose of acquiring optical information on objects situated in a distance range which is greater than the depth of field range of a laser. A scanner of this type is therefore relatively expensive and occupies a great deal of space, which often makes the structure of automatic acquisition systems considerably more expensive. US-A-5 426 288 discloses an optical information reading method and device wherein an optical scanning means scans the information medium via a laser beam emitted from a laser beam emitting means, and a measuring means measures the time period from the emission of the laser beam until the laser beam is reflected by the information medium and received by photoreceptor means. When determination means determines that the information medium is within a suitable reading range based on the measured time period, processing means executes a process to permit the reading of the information medium by the reading means; when conversely it is determined that the information medium is not within a suitable reading range, the processing means executes a process to prohibit the reading of the information medium by the reading means. Furthermore, the photoreceptor unit comprises a condenser lens and a lens moving mechanism having a linear actuator for moving, through a rod, the condenser lens along the direction of the optical axis. The target moving distance for the lens is determined to sharply focus the laser light collimated by the lens on the photoreceptor, so that a satisfactory signal-to-noise of the light intensity signal from the photosensor and a higher resolvability of the optical sysyem are obtained. US-A-4 783 155, JP 06 167646, and JP 58 085415 each disclose use of piezoelectric devices to vary the shape of optical devices such as lenses and reflective elements. US-A-4 920 255 discloses a scanner as recited in the preamble of independent claim 1, and a method of operating the same, wherein however the measuring device comprises an ultrasonic transducer or other device distinct and separate from the laser light source of the acquisition means. A scanner for the acquisition of optical information, in particular of bar codes, can be used to scan objects situated in a reading or distance range which is essentially greater than the depth of field range of a laser light source. The object of the invention is to provide such a scanner with a structure as small as possible. This object is achieved by a scanner as recited in Claim 1, by virtue of the fact that the means for measuring and the means for acquiring share a same laser light source. A scanner of this type therefore has a relatively small structure, although the range within which the surface of objects can be scanned is essentially greater than the depth of field range of the laser light source. The distance range is, in particular, greater than the depth of field range of a laser light source which does not have a focusing device. An embodiment of the scanner in which the focusing device has mechanical actuating means is particularly preferred. A focusing device of this type is distinguished by the fact that it occupies particularly little space, responds quickly to the control signal of the measuring device and can be realized at relatively little expense. A scanner is preferred, moreover, whose focusing device has a piezoelectric element which serves as mechanical actuating means. Piezoelectric crystals are particularly small and can thus respond very quickly to control signals. The mass inertia of focusing devices of this type is very low. The present invention also relates to a method for the acquisition of optical information on at least one object by means of a scanner having a predetermined depth of field range according to Claim 8. Further refinements emerge from the subclaims. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic sketch of a scanner; Figure 2 shows a schematic sketch of a first exemplary embodiment of a focusing device of a scanner; Figure 3 shows a schematic sketch of a second embodiment of a focusing device of a scanner; Figure 4 shows a first diagram explaining the method of operation of the scanner, and Figure 5 shows a second diagram explaining the method of operation of the scanner. The illustration in Figure 1 shows a scanner 1 having a laser device 3 from which a laser light beam 5 emerges and impinges on a deflection device 7, which in this case has a rotating polygonal mirror 9. The laser light beam 5 is deflected by a reflecting surface 11. When the polygonal mirror 9 undergoes a rotary movement in the clockwise direction, a light beam reflected by the reflecting surface 11 is likewise pivoted in the clockwise direction, this being indicated by a light beam 5a represented by an unbroken line and a light beam 5b represented by a dashed line. The laser light beam 5 is directed onto an object 13 to be registered, on which optical information is provided, for example in the form of a bar code 15. The light reflected from the bar code falls onto the reflecting surface 11 and is reflected by the latter onto a deflection mirror 17, which has an opening 19 for the light emerging from the laser device 3. The light reflected from the surface of the object 13 is directed directly from the deflection mirror 17, via an optical system having a lens 21, onto a receiving device 23, which converts the optical signals into an electrical signal. This signal is processed in a measuring device 27, which registers the distance existing between the scanner 1 and the object 13 to be scanned and emits a control signal via a line 29 to a focusing device 31. The focusing device 31 has a mechanical actuator 35 which influences the focusing of the laser light beam 5. The scanner 1 is distinguished by the fact that the laser device 3 has only a single laser light source 37. This fact means that the laser can have a very compact and space-saving construction. The following is to be emphasized regarding the function of the scanner 1: A laser light beam 5 is emitted by the laser device 3 or by the laser light source 37 for the purpose of acquiring optical information on objects 13, in particular bar codes 15. The laser light beam 5 is guided via the focusing device 31 and through the opening 19 in the deflection mirror 17 as far as the reflecting surface 11 of the deflection device 7. On account of the rotary movement of the polygonal mirror 9, the beam reflected by the reflecting surface 11 sweeps over the surface of the object 13 to be scanned, and thus over the bar code 15 as well. The light reflected from the surface of the object 13 passes via the reflecting surface 11 and the deflection mirror 17, via the lens 21, to the receiving device 23 and to the measuring device 27, which registers the distance between the scanner 1 and the object 13. The focusing device 31 is adjusted by means of a control signal on the line 29 in such a way that the light reflected from the object 13 is imaged sharply on the receiving device 23. The focusing device 31 is distinguished by the fact that the actuator 35 is of mechanical construction and can therefore react very rapidly to the control signal of the measuring device 27. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the focusing device 31, which is equipped with a piezoelectric element 39. The piezoelectric element is connected fixedly to an immobile bearing 41, on the one hand, and to a reflection element 43, on the other hand. The reflection element exhibits a reflective, curved surface 45 on which the laser light beam 5 emerging from the laser light source 37 impinges. The laser light beam 5 is focused by the curved surface 45, the distance of the focusing point depending on the curvature of the surface 45. The reflection element 43 is designed in such a way that when the piezoelectric element 39 undergoes a dimension change, the distance between the reflection element and the immobile bearing 41 is varied, thereby changing the radius of curvature of the surface 45. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the piezoelectric element 39 is arranged in a recess 47 in the bearing 41 and is fixedly anchored on the bottom of the recess 47. If a control voltage, which is generated by the measuring device 27, is applied to the piezoelectric element 39, then the dimensions of the piezoelectric element 39 change. That surface of the piezoelectric crystal which is opposite to the bottom of the recess 47 changes its distance from the bottom. The reflection element 43 is fixed on the said side of the piezoelectric crystal which is opposite to the bottom of the recess 47, which reflection element 43 rests on a bearing surface 49 which surrounds the recess 47 at least in regions. That region of the reflection element 43 which freely spans the recess 47 is connected to that side of the piezoelectric element 39 which is opposite to the bottom of the recess 47. If the dimensions of the piezoelectric element 39 change on account of a voltage applied by the measuring device 27, the flexible reflection element 43 is drawn to a greater or lesser extent into the recess 47, as a result of which the curvature of the reflective surface 45 is altered. This also varies the focusing point of the laser light beam 5. The reflection element 43 is designed in such a way that it moves back into an original position when the piezoelectric element 39 exerts no forces which effect elastic deformation of the reflection element. Such a configuration of the reflection element 43 requires no restoring devices which move the reflection element 43 into a defined basic position. Figure 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the focusing device 31, which has a lens system, in this case a stationary lens 51 and a movable lens 53. The stationary lens 51 is held by a suitable, stationary bearing 55. The movable lens 53 is connected to a piezoelectric element 39. The element which carries the movable lens 53 is fixedly connected to a stationary bearing 57. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the piezoelectric element 39 has an essentially rectangular construction in side view. It lies with its base surface 59 on the stationary bearing 57, while the movable lens 53 is fitted on its opposite boundary surface 61. If a control voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 39 by the measuring device 27, the distance between the boundary surface 61 and the base surface 59 changes. As a result, the movable lens 53 arranged in the light path of the laser light source 37 is also displaced, in order to effect focusing. In the region where the movable lens 53 is fixed, the piezoelectric element 39 has a perforation, through which the light emitted from the laser source 37 can pass onto the lens 53 and from there onto the lens 51 and finally to the bar code to be scanned. The focusing method will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 4. The distance d between a receiving device which receives laser light and a bar code to be scanned is depicted against time t in Figure 4. The maximum distance d max at which a bar code to be acquired by the scanner 1 can be is indicated by a dashed line. The reading range of the scanner is indicated by two dashed lines and a double arrow 63. Up to the instant t 1 , a surface is registered which is arranged at a distance from the scanner which is greater than d max . In the interval between t 1 and t 2 , a first object is registered whose surface is situated at a distance from the scanner which is less than d max . In the interval between t 2 and t 3 , no object is situated within the possible reading range of the scanner. In the interval between t 3 and t 4 , a second object is registered whose surface is appreciably nearer to the scanner than that of the object registered in the interval t 1 to t 2 . A third object is registered in the interval between t 5 and t 6 . Finally, in the interval t 7 to t 8 , a further object is registered which is arranged at a distinctly greater distance from the scanner than the one mentioned above. In the interval up to t 1 , the scanner is set to a maximum distance, so that the reading range is set up for the maximum distance d max . The hatched depth of field range in the interval up to t 1 , within which range the scanner con register a surface of an object, thus directly adjoins the maximum reading distance d max . The surface of the object registered in the interval t 1 to t 2 lies outside this range. The measuring device 27 therefore passes a control signal to the piezoelectric element 39, with the result that the reading range is altered. The reading or depth of field range indicated by two parallel dotted lines is now set in such a way that the surface of the object registered in the interval t 1 to t 2 lies within this range. The reading range is not altered after the instant t 2 , since here the scanner is situated over a surface at a distance which lies outside its maximum reading range. The surface, registered in the interval t 3 to t 4 , of the next object lies within the maximum distance of the scanner, but outside the reading range given previously. In response, the focusing device 31 is driven in such a way that the reading range is altered and the surface registered in the interval t 3 to t 4 can be scanned by the scanner and bar codes on this surface can be read. In order to alter the reading range, a control signal is again applied to the piezoelectric element 39 and either the surface 45 of the reflection element 43 is altered or the position of the movable lens 53 is varied, until the scanner registers surfaces in the reading range desired here. After the instant t 4 , the scanner is again situated over a surface, for example the support for the objects to be scanned, which lies outside its maximum reading distance d max Therefore, since no surface lying within a reading range that can be set is registered, the focusing device 31 is not altered. In the interval t 5 to t 6 , a surface is registered which again lies in the reading or depth of field range set previously. The focusing device 31 is therefore not altered. After the instant t 6 , the situation once again arises where no surface situated within the reading range or within the maximum reading distance d max is registered. The focusing device 31 is therefore not altered. Finally, in the interval t 7 to t 8 , a surface is registered which, although it lies within the maximum reading distance d max , in fact lies outside the reading range set previously. Therefore, the focusing device 31 is now controlled to produce a reading range within which the surface to be scanned is arranged. Since the focusing device can react very rapidly on account of the low mass inertia of the piezoelectric element, the reading range is adjusted very quickly such that the surface to be scanned lies within this range almost without any delay. For example, the reading range is adjusted within a time Δ t 1 such that the surface registered after the instant t 1 lies within the reading range. Since the maximum adjustment speed of the focusing system is limited, the time Δt within which focusing is possible depends on the extent to which the surface to be scanned lies outside the current reading range. In the reading and focusing method explained with reference to Figure 4, it is possible to scan only one object in each case. With reference to Figure 5, it will be explained how a plurality of objects are scanned simultaneously: First of all, the distance of all the objects lying within the reading range of the scanner is registered and the minimum reading distance is determined therefrom. In the diagram portrayed in Figure 5, two objects have been registered, the distance between the first object and the scanner having been indicated by d 1 and the distance between the second object and the scanner having been indicated by d 2 . The reading distance is determined for the two objects. If the difference between the distances d 1 and d 2 is smaller than the depth of field range of the scanner, the required reading distance is set to the mean value of the reading distances d 1 and d 2 . Should the difference between the two reading distances be larger than the depth of field range, the focusing device is activated in such a way that the surface of the one object and then the surface of the other object lie alternately within the reading range and can be scanned. Preferably, as can be seen in Figure 5, the focusing device is set in such a way that the surfaces to be registered coincide with the extreme ranges of the reading range. This ensures that the focusing device has to effect only a minimum adjustment displacement. Figure 5 shows that the required reading distance (Required Scan Distance, RSD) when registering the surface of a single object is chosen such that the surface thereof lies approximately in the centre of the reading range. This is shown in Figure 5 for the interval t 1 to t 2 . If we take another look at Figure 4 on this point, it can be seen that the reading range in the interval t 1 to t 2 is likewise set in such a way that the object surface to be scanned lies in the centre of the reading range. This setting is also produced for the object scanned in the interval t 3 to t 4 : the surface of the object lies in the centre of the reading range. The surface of the next object, which is scanned in the interval t 5 to t 6 , lies outside the centre of the reading range, because the focusing device is not activated. This is not necessary because the surface of the instantaneously registered object still lies within the reading range. The object registered in the interval t 7 to t 8 requires a new setting of the reading range. In this case, it is again ensured that the surface to be scanned lies in the centre of the reading range. It can be seen in Figure 5 that after the instant t 2 up to the instant t 3 two objects lie within the acquisition range of the scanner, which range is limited by the value d max depicted by dashed lines. Since, during the time t 2 to t 3 , the two surfaces 65 and 67 to be scanned of the objects no longer lie within the reading range which is indicated by the double arrow 63, existed in the interval from t 1 to t 2 and is delimited by dashed lines, the focusing device 31 is activated starting at the instant t 2 , to be precise in such a way that the surface 65 of the first object, on the one hand, and the surface 67 of the second object, on the other hand, can be scanned. In the method illustrated in Figure 5, the reading range is adjusted in such a way that sometimes the surface 65 of the first object coincides with the lower limit 69 of the reading range and sometimes the surface 67 of the second object coincides with the upper limit 71 of the reading range. Once the instant t 3 is reached, the depth of field range is set in such a way that the surface 67 of the second object lies approximately in the centre of the reading range. Further activation of the focusing device is not required anymore, since only a single surface is arranged in the scanning range of the scanner. It is thus possible, immediately after one or more objects have been registered, to set the scanner 1 to the distance from the object 13 and to ensure sharp imaging of the objects and of the bar code 15 provided thereon. On account of the high focusing speed of the focusing device 31, it suffices completely to provide the laser device 3 with a single laser light source 37. Additional laser light sources which can scan the objects 13 in different reading or distance ranges are therefore unnecessary. The focusing device 31 sets the single laser light source 37 to the correct distance immediately after one or more objects have been registered, thereby enabling the bar code 15 to be acquired reliably and virtually without error. The mechanical actuator 35 used in this case, then, is a piezoelectric element or a piezoelectric crystal whose dimension change based on a control signal is used to ensure focusing of the reflected light 25 on the receiving device 23. The mechanical actuator 35 is distinguished in all cases by the fact that it reacts very quickly to the control signal of the measuring device 27 and ensures that the bar code 15 is imaged sharply on the receiving device 23. It is therefore possible, then, to dispense with further laser light sources. It is thus possible to register objects 13 in a distance range which is essentially larger than the reading range of a single laser light source.

Claims: Scanner (1) for the acquisition of optical information, said scanner comprising means for acquiring optical information on the surface of an object (13), comprising a laser device (3) having a laser light source (37) for emitting a laser light beam (5), and a receiving device (23) which detects laser light (25) reflected from the surface of the object (13) carrying the optical information; means for measuring the distance from the surface of the object (13) to the scanner, including a measuring device (27); and a focusing device (31) for focusing the emitted laser beam (5) according to the measured distance, characterized in that the means for measuring comprise the same laser light source (37) as said means for acquiring. Scanner (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the focusing device (31) has a mechanical actuator (35). Scanner (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the mechanical actuator (35) comprises a piezoelectric element (39). Scanner (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that said focusing device (31) comprises at least one lens (53) which is arranged in the light path of the emitted laser light beam and is mounted such that it can be moved by means of the piezoelectric element (39). Scanner (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that said at least one lens (53) is directly connected to said piezoelectric element (39). Scanner (1) according to Claim 4 or 5, characterised in that said focusing device (31) further comprises at least one stationary lens (51). Scanner according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said focusing device (31) comprises a reflection element (43) which has a flexible, reflective, curved surface (45) whose radius of curvature is variable. Method for the acquisition of optical information on at least one object (13), by means of a scanner (1) having a predetermined depth of field range, the method comprising the following steps: a) emitting a laser light beam towards a surface of said at least one object (13) carrying the optical information; b) detecting said laser light reflected from the surface of said at least one object (13) in order to acquire said optical information; c) measuring the distance from the surface of said at least one object (13) to said scanner (1); and d) focusing the emitted laser light beam according to the measured distance, characterized in that in said step c), distance is measured based on the light detected in said detection step b). Method according to claim 8, characterized by the steps of: e) setting a maximum distance limit (d max ) for the acquisition of the optical information; c1) measuring a second distance from the surface of a second of said at least one object (13) to said scanner; if said second distance measured in step c1) is within the maximum distance limit (d max ) and outside the depth of field range of the emitted laser light beam focused in step d), carrying out a step d1) of focusing the emitted laser light beam according to the second distance; if said second distance measured in step cl) is either within the depth of field range of the emitted laser light beam focused in step d) or outside the maximum distance limit (d max ), keeping the focusing set in said step d) . Method according to claim 8, characterized in that in said step d), the emitted laser light beam is focused so that the surface of said at least one object (13) lies substantially in the centre of the depth of field range of the scanner (1). Method according to claim 8, characterized in that : said at least one object comprises a first object and a second object, said step c) comprises measuring a first distance (d1) from the surface of said first object to the scanner and a second distance (d2) from the surface of said second object to the scanner; a step e) of verifying if the difference between said first distance (d1) and second distance (d2) is greater than the depth of field range of the scanner (1) is carried out before said step d) of focusing; and if said step e) gives a negative result, said step d) of focusing the emitted laser light beam is carried out so that the centre of the depth of field range of the scanner (1) is set substantially at the mean value of said first distance (d1) and said second distance (d2). Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that , if said step e) gives a positive result, said step d) of focusing comprises alternately focusing the emitted laser light beam so that the surface of said first object and the surface of said second object are alternately within the depth of field range of the scanner (1). Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that said step d) of focusing comprises alternately focusing the emitted laser light beam so that the surface of said first object and the surface of said second object alternately concide with the extremes of the depth of field range of the scanner (1).

Inventors: ZOCCA RINALDO, ZOCCA, RINALDO
Applicants: DATALOGIC SPA, DATALOGIC S.P.A.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G06K7
IPC codes: G06K7