Abstract:
A handheld imaging device includes a CCD array or similar detector which is tilted with respect to the incoming light. The tilt permits a narrower handheld device to be manufactured, as the housing need not be as wide as the CCD or similar array.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     This invention relates to imaging devices for reading symbols and the like, and more specifically, to an improved imaging device preferably employing a charge coupled device (CCD) detector.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     One and two dimensional handheld imaging devices are known in the art. Such devices often employ either CCD technology or other technology for accomplishing the same function, such as CMOS technology. These devices involve a one dimensional array or two dimensional matrix of elements that capture light and output an electrical signal, the level of which depends upon the captured light. An entire image may then be captured and translated into an electrical signal for storage, analysis, and display.  
         [0003]     Known image capture devices, particularly one dimensional image capture devices, employing CCD technology are size limited because the CCD detector is a prescribed width. In order for the CCD array to be wide enough to appropriately capture an image, the housing which the CCD array is placed is subject to a certain minimum width. Moreover, the manufacturers of image capture devices often procure the CCD arrays from third party. Thus, the width of the image capture device of a manufacturer is dictated by a third party&#39;s choice concerning the width of a CCD array.  
         [0004]      FIG. 1  depicts the prior art handheld CCD image capture device  100 . The device  100  includes a CCD array  101 , behind a lens  102 , all contained within a housing  103 , shown in dotted outline. Various additional components for holding the lens  102 , CCD array  101 , and other circuitry are not shown for purposes of clarity and simplicity.  
         [0005]     The housing  103  is intended to be of a size and shape that is convenient and comfortable for a user to hold in one hand. The entire arrangement of  FIG. 1  is typically contained in a hand held image capture device.  
         [0006]     Because the width of the CCD array  101  is determined by its manufacturer, a different manufacturer incorporating CCD array  101  into a handheld image capture device  100  faces a minimum width limitation with respect to housing  103 . More specifically, the housing  103  must be wide enough at the point in which the CCD array is installed in order to accommodate the CCD array  101 . This leads to a width of the handheld scanner that is wider than it is desirable.  
         [0007]     In view of the foregoing, there exists a need in the art for a hand held scanner that includes a CCD or similar detector array, wherein the housing  103  can be narrower than the width of the CCD array  101 , in order to facilitate a thinner handle and more comfortable grip. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts a prior art handheld scanner including a CCD array;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts a handheld CCD array scanner in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  depicts a side perspective view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0012]      FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including a CCD array  201  positioned behind a lens  207  with two intervening mirrors  203  and  204 . The mirrors  203  and  204  are tilted slightly with respect to each other as best shown in  FIG. 3 . The positioning of the two mirrors  203  and  204  provides a path to the detector  201  as indicated in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0013]     Although a CCD array  201  is shown, it is understood that the imaging device may be based upon CMOS or other technology as well. Additionally, image capture device  100  also includes a illumination circuit as is known in the art, which can comprise, for example, LED&#39;s or other suitable sources of light positioned, for example, around the front of housing  103  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The light emitted from these one or more illumination sources is reflected by the image to be captured in accordance with techniques well known in the art.  
         [0014]     In operation, light enters the housing  202  and is focused by lens  207  onto a mirror  203 . The light is redirected as shown in  FIG. 3  to mirror  204 , which projects it on to CCD detector array  201 . As seen looking out from the front surface of CCD array  201  upon which the received light impinges, the light arrives perpendicularly, so the device will behave as if the CCD array  201  were facing forward as in conventional image capture devices. However, because the mirrors are used to alter the direction of the light, the CCD array  201  is not oriented directly forwardly, and thus, may be wider than the width of the housing  103 . Making the housing potentially narrower provides for a more comfortable grip.  
         [0015]     It is also possible to utilize one mirror to bend the incoming light, and to place the CCD array at any angle required to receive the incoming light reflected from the mirror. Alternatively, one or more prisms may be used to bend the incoming light rather than reflect it. For example, and referring to  FIG. 2 , if mirror  203  is replaced with a prism, the incoming light can be bent upwards to convey it to CCD array  201 , rather than reflecting it off of a second mirror  204  as shown. Multiple prisms to bend the light may be used as well. Alternatively, one or more prisms may be used in conjunction with one or more mirrors in order to ensure that the width of the detector array is not oriented in the same direction as the width of the housing.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention using one mirror  401  and detector array  402  disposed along a bottom side wall of housing  404 . The mirror  401  reflects the incoming light downward to detector array  402 , facilitating the image capture.  
         [0017]     The above describes the preferred embodiments of the invention, but various other modifications and additions will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.