Compact scanner module mountable to pointing instrument

Abstract

Method and apparatus for scanning items with a compact scanner which is mountable onto and/or integral with a pointing instrument. The scanner module may be equipped with an aiming beam for additional help in directing the scan line toward the object to be read. The pointing instrument may be a pen or pencil or alternately a pen-based computer stylus for use with an integrated data terminal module operably connected to the scanner module. Security for preventing separation of the module may be provided by a wireless link.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A data reading system comprising 
 a pointing instrument which may be held in a hand of an operator;    a scanner module mounted to the pointing instrument, the scanner module comprising a beam source, a focusing lens for focusing the beam to a desired waist location, a scanning mirror for scanning the focused beam along at least one axis to produce a scanning beam of at least one scan line, and a detector for detecting light reflected and/or scattered off the object being scanned,    wherein the pointing instrument affects aiming of the scanning beam toward an object to be scanned by pointing the pointing instrument at the object.    
     
     
         2 . A data system according to    claim 1    further comprising a data terminal module operably connected to the scanner module.  
     
     
         3 . A data system according to    claim 2    further comprising a connection cable between the scanner module and the data terminal module.  
     
     
         4 . A data reading system according to    claim 2    wherein the data terminal module comprises a pen-based computing system and the pointing instrument comprises a stylus for operating the pen-based computer system.  
     
     
         5 . A data reading system according to    claim 2    wherein the pointing instrument is usable to actuate the data terminal module.  
     
     
         6 . A data reading system according to    claim 2    wherein data terminal module comprises a light actuable display screen and the pointing instrument comprises a light pen for operating the data terminal module.  
     
     
         7 . A data reading system according to    claim 1    wherein the scanner module is releasable and may be removed from the pointing instrument.  
     
     
         8 . A data reading system according to    claim 2    wherein the scanner module is operably connected to the data terminal module by a wireless link.  
     
     
         9 . A data reading system according to    claim 8    further comprising an electronic means for preventing separation of the scanner module from the data terminal, the electronic means sounding a signal when the scanner module becomes separated from the data terminal by a distance exceeding a given amount.  
     
     
         10 . A data reading system according to    claim 1    wherein the scanning mechanism comprises 
 a fixed member,  
 a frame member pivotally mounted to the fixed member,  
 a scanning mirror mounted on the frame member, the frame member being pivotally mounted on bearings to allow the frame member to pivot about a pivoting axis a few degrees in at least two opposite directions,  
 first and second permanent magnets positioned on the frame member on opposite sides of the pivoting axis,  
 a first electromagnet mounted to the fixed member proximate the first permanent magnet and a second electromagnet mounted to the fixed member proximate the second permanent magnet, wherein the first permanent magnet is respectively attracted or repelled to the respective first electromagnets as a flow of current applied to the electromagnet is allowed to alternate at a desired frequency.  
 
     
     
         11 . A data reading system for scanning an object to be read, comprising 
 a light source for producing a reading beam;    a focusing system for focusing the reading beam to a desired waist location;    a scanning mechanism for scanning the focused beam along at least one axis to produce a scanning beam of at least one scan line; and    a detector for detecting light reflected and/or scattered off the object being scanned,    wherein the scanning mechanism comprises    a fixed member,    a frame member pivotally mounted to the fixed member,    a scanning mirror mounted on the frame member, the frame member being pivotally mounted on bearings to allow the frame member to pivot about a pivoting axis a few degrees in at least two opposite directions,    first and second permanent magnets positioned on the frame member on opposite sides of the pivoting axis,    a first electro-magnet mounted to the fixed member proximate the first permanent magnet and a second electro-magnet mounted to the fixed member proximate the second permanent magnet, wherein the first permanent magnet is respectively attracted or repelled to the respective first electromagnets as a flow of current applied to the electromagnet is allowed to alternate at a desired frequency.    
     
     
         12 . A data reading system according to    claim 11    wherein the current is applied at a resonant frequency of the scanning mechanism.  
     
     
         13 . A data reading system according to    claim 11    further comprising a spring for biasing the frame member to a given position.  
     
     
         14 . A data reading system according to    claim 11    further comprising a fixed mirror mounted to the fixed support behind the scanning mirror, wherein the scanning mirror has a width such that the reading beam bypasses the scanning mirror on at least one side of the scanning mirror as it pivots, the reading beam reflecting off the fixed mirror and being directed out along a same direction as the scanning beam to intermittently provide an aiming beam to assist a user in directing the scanning beam.