Hands-free bar code scanner with finger activated optical control

Abstract

A hands-free bar code scanner unit is mounted on the back of the hand or wrist of an operator to free the hands and arms of the operator to perform normal manual tasks. The bar code scanner is selectively actuated by the operator by positionally moving one or more fingers, preferably by pointing an index finger. The bar code scanner unit comprises a housing secured to the back of the hand or wrist of an operator. The housing mounts therein an active or passive photosensor for detecting a predetermined positional movement of one or more fingers by the operator. The housing also mounts therein a bar code scanner which scans in the direction in which the scanner is aimed, as in the direction of a pointing finger, and is responsive to the photosensor detecting a predetermined positional movement of one or more fingers to actuate the bar code scanner. In a preferred embodiment, a first photosensor detects the position of the index finger, and a second photosensor detects the position of the middle finger. During operation, a logic circuit is coupled to the outputs of the first and second photosensors to actuate the bar code scanner when the outputs of the photosensors indicate relaxed nonpointing positions of both the index finger and the middle finger followed by a pointing position of the index finger and a relaxed nonpointing position of the middle finger. The arrangement and logic circuit provide for ambidextrous placement of the unit on either the right or the left hand of an operator.