READER MECHANISM FOR OPTICALLY DISCERNIBLE CHARACTERS

摘要

A reader mechanism for optically discernible characters, especially characters associated with an article and applied thereat or thereto, wherein a transmitted beam linearly scans a reference plane and a received beam derived from a scanned character impinges upon a receiver which delivers an electrical output signal as a function of the light current of the received light beam. Two cylinder lens members are located at the region of the reference plane and extend parallel thereto and to the scanning direction. These two cylinder lens members each possessing a length sufficient for respectively operatively engaging with the transmitted light beam and the received light beam. One of the cylinder lens members is covered by a fine transmitted light beam and possesses a width which is less than that of the other cylinder lens member. This other cylinder lens member deflects light emanating from the reference plane or at a defined location before or after such reference plane to the receiver.