Methods and Apparatus for Swipe or Presentation Image Scanning

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for swipe image scanning comprising a scan stand and an imaging scanner. An exemplary scan stand comprises an illumination module and a receiving structure to receive the imaging scanner. Other embodiments further comprise a scan module, an illumination module, a processing unit, a detection component and memory. In an embodiment, the scan stand illuminates target dataforms brighter than the illumination from the scanner allowing for shorter exposure times and improved scanner performance.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . An imaging scanner, comprising:
 a scan module;   a processing unit; and   a memory comprising a method stored thereon, the method comprising the step of:   
     decreasing a maximum exposure time of the imaging scanner in a presentation mode. 
   
   
       26 . The imaging scanner of  claim 25 , wherein the scan module is a camera comprising a housing, an optical module and a sensor. 
   
   
       27 . The imaging scanner of  claim 25 , further comprising:
 a detection component, wherein the detection component detects the coupling of the imaging scanner to a scan stand and automatically initiates the method.   
   
   
       28 . The imaging scanner of  claim 27 , wherein the scanner decreases the maximum exposure time by switching from a first decoding algorithm to a second decoding algorithm. 
   
   
       29 . The imaging scanner of  claim 27 , further comprising:
 a gun shaped housing; and   a trigger,   wherein the detection component is the trigger.   
   
   
       30 . The imaging scanner of  claim 25 , wherein the method is performed in response to scanning a parameter dataform that signals the scanner to enter a scan stand mode. 
   
   
       31 . The imaging scanner of  claim 25 , further comprising:
 an illumination module, wherein the illumination module changes its intensity when coupled to the scan stand.   
   
   
       32 . The imaging scanner of  claim 25 , further comprising:
 a rechargeable power source, wherein the rechargeable power source recharges when coupled to the scan stand.   
   
   
       33 . The imaging scanner of  claim 25 , further comprising a power source, wherein the power source powers the scan stand through conductive contacts between the scanner and the scan stand. 
   
   
       34 . A method for image scanning, comprising:
 switching an imaging scanner from a handheld mode to a presentation mode;   decreasing maximum exposure time of the imaging scanner; and   providing an illumination system comprising a scan stand illumination module and a scanner illumination module, wherein a combination of the scan stand illumination module and the scanner illumination module in a presentation mode provides an illumination greater than the scanner illumination module in a handheld mode.   
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising:
 detecting illumination from the imaging scanner using a photodiode, wherein the photodiode activates the scan stand illumination module.   
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising:
 detecting the imaging scanner coupled to the scan stand through a button positioned in a receiving structure of the scan stand, wherein the button is automatically activated when the imaging scanner is coupled to the scan stand.   
   
   
       37 . A scan stand, comprising:
 a base;   a vertical member joined to the base and including a receiving structure vertically supporting a scanner;   a detection component joined to the vertical member; and   an illumination module joined to the vertical member, wherein the detection component activates the illumination module of the scan stand, and wherein the detection component is one of a photodiode and a button.   
   
   
       38 . The scan stand of  claim 37 , wherein the scanner operates in a presentation mode when supported by the vertical member and in a handheld mode when removed from the vertical member. 
   
   
       39 . The scan stand of  claim 37 , wherein an illumination from the illumination module encompasses a field of view of the scanner. 
   
   
       40 . The scan stand of  claim 37 , further comprising:
 multiple scan stand illumination modules.   
   
   
       41 . The scan stand of  claim 37 , wherein the vertical member includes a support mechanism to hold the scanner to the scan stand. 
   
   
       42 . The scan stand of  claim 37 , wherein a communication channel is formed when the scanner is coupled to the scan stand. 
   
   
       43 . The scan stand of  claim 37 , wherein the scan stand activates the illumination module when the detection component detects illumination from the scanner. 
   
   
       44 . The scan stand of  claim 37 , wherein the button is positioned in the vertical member and the scan stand activates the illumination module when the button is pressed by the insertion of the scanner into the vertical member.