1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to scanners, more particularly, relates to a scanner with modular sections.
2. Description of the Related Art
Scanners are known. Scanning symbols having data identifying characteristics such as barcodes are also known. The use of discrete components limits further miniaturization of the barcode scanner. Further, improper alignment of the discrete components can render the scanner inoperative. Thus, the discrete components must be carefully aligned during assembly, making the scanner complex and costly to construct and assemble.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,545 to Li et al. discloses an integrated scanner for scanning a barcode omnidirectionally with the scanner being formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a mirror assembly or scan module, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. However, in practical applications, for ordinary scanners an easier or more efficient way of forming a scanner is required.
Japanese published patent having Publication Number 2002-304593 to Keyence Corp describes an optical information reader which is miniaturized by reducing wasteful space unnecessary when using the optical information reader and improving the arrangement density of components constituting each part of the optical reader.
Referring to FIG. 1, the Japanese published patent device is shown. The device has a freely insertable and removable frame 27 to be fit and fixed in the casing 28. A device main body 25 obtained by mounting signal processing circuit parts such as a laser beam emitting part 1, a light receiving part 2, and analog and digital signal processing parts 3 and 4 on bendable circuit substrates 21a-21e and bending the substrates, are mounted and fixed to the frame body 27, and housed in the casing 28.
As can be seen, discrete components are used in prior art devices, which need assembling in an elaborate and inefficient manner. Therefore, it is desirable to have a scanner having modular portions free of discrete components and be assemble in a simple and efficient manner. It is further desired to have the scanner with low cost and compact form.