Writing instrument with laser pointer and bar code reader

Abstract

A writing instrument, such as a pen, mechanical pencil, felt marker, or touch-screen stylus, which incorporates a (a) laser pointer, for highlighting a target, and/or (b) a laser bar code reader, which is operable either (i) by manual scanning by the user of the laser beam over the symbol, or (ii) by automatic self-scanning or motion of the beam over a path by means of a motor drive. A manually operable switch is disposed from one mode of use to the other, and also functions to move an appropriate focusing optical element in and out of the beam path.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A combined writing instrument and laser pointer unit for creating a visual display on a target, comprising: 
 a portable, hand-held housing aimable by a user at a target;    a laser emitter supported by the housing, for emitting a laser light beam along a path outwardly of the housing towards the target and producing a beam spot on the target; and    a writing instrument supported by the housing.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising an optical element in the housing which is mechanically moved in and out of the path of the emitted laser beam.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the optical element is a lens which focuses the laser beam at either a short range from the housing or at a substantially greater range.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a detector within the housing operative for detecting at least a portion of light of variable intensity reflected off the coded indicia and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the detected light intensity.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 4 , further comprising a processor for decoding the electrical signal into data represented by the coded indicia and a memory for storing the data within the housing.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a drive supported by the housing for scanning the emitted laser light beam across the target.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 4 , further comprising a manually actuatable switch for activating the detector to enable the unit to function as a bar code reader.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the writing instrument is a pen.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the writing instrument is a stylus for a touch screen of a portable computer.