Image capturing device

Abstract

An image capturing device includes an image forming device including a sensor defining an optical reception axis, at least one reading distance, and a region framed by the sensor on a substrate at said at least one reading distance. An illumination device includes an array of adjacent light sources defining an optical illumination axis. The light sources are individually drivable, and each light source is adapted to illuminate an area of a size much smaller than the size of said region framed by the sensor. The illumination axis does not coincide with the reception axis. A driver of the light sources is adapted to drive the light sources so as to switch off at least the light sources that illuminate outside of the boundary of the region framed by the sensor on the substrate at said at least one reading distance.

1 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . An imager type reader of optical information, comprising:
 an image forming device including a sensor including a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of photosensitive elements, and defining an optical reception axis, at least one reading distance, and a region framed by the sensor on a substrate at said at least one reading distance; and   an illumination device including an array of adjacent light sources, defining an optical illumination axis,   wherein each light source is adapted to illuminate an area smaller than the size of said region framed by the sensor,   wherein the light sources of the array are micro-emitters, made with gallium nitride technology, and   wherein the illumination axis does not coincide with the reception axis.   
     
     
         50 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 49 , wherein each light source comprises a single illuminating element. 
     
     
         51 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 49 , wherein the array of light sources is a one-dimensional array. 
     
     
         52 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 49 , wherein the area overall illuminated on the substrate by the illumination device undergoes a percentage change that is less than or equal to 15% when a single light source is switched on/off. 
     
     
         53 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 52 , wherein the percentage change is less than or equal to 10%. 
     
     
         54 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 52 , wherein the percentage change is less than or equal to 5%. 
     
     
         55 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 49 , wherein the image capturing device further comprises a second array of adjacent light sources, defining a second illumination axis, the second illumination axis not coinciding with the reception axis. 
     
     
         56 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 49 , wherein the array of light sources is associated with at least one projection lens. 
     
     
         57 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 56 , wherein at least one projection lens is provided, shared by the light sources of the array. 
     
     
         58 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 56 , wherein the projection lens is associated with another optical element. 
     
     
         59 . The imager type reader of optical information according to  claim 49 , wherein the light sources are individually drivable.