Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for extending the performance of a simple lens system with curvature of field to image a set of optical light guide sources extended over a wide field of view. Embodiments are applicable to systems using integrated optical light guides as the sources for imaging. Further, the systems and methods allow for a wide field of view using simple aspheric lenses with resulting savings in complexity, size, mass, and cost.

Abstract: A controller for a scanning head images light from the scanning head onto a target surface for reading and writing data. Light returned from the target surface is received by the same aperture. Light may be conducted from the aperture, for example, by a light waveguide leading to a detector. The focus control of the imaging optics is controlled responsively to the light returned through the aperture. When this returned light is at a maximum, the focusing optics are in focus. A focus controller may be programmed to dither (intentionally vary) the configuration of the optics to determine the focus optimization direction (gradient). In an embodiment with multiple apertures, each employed to scan a respective area of the target surface (in parallel), the light from adjacent apertures is effectively rejected each other aperture thereby eliminating crosstalk.

Abstract: A multiple channel scanning device has a scanning head with multiple columns of apertures that emit light which is projected to a small spot on the surface of a recorded medium. Light returned from the medium reenters the apertures and is conducted to detectors. In a preferred embodiment, the scanning head is rapidly oscillated (may be on the order of 100 kHz rate), in a direction parallel to the columns. The medium is moved in a direction perpendicular to the columns so that the same recorded regions pass beneath successive columns of apertures. The data from the detectors is image-processed to improve the quality of data reading using the successive readings of the same data regions. This allows errors to be corrected and throughput to be improved.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for extending the performance of a simple lens system with curvature of field to image a set of optical light guide sources extended over a wide field of view. Embodiments are applicable to systems using integrated optical light guides as the sources for imaging. Further, the systems and methods allow for a wide field of view using simple aspheric lenses with resulting savings in complexity, size, mass, and cost.

Abstract: A multiple channel scanning device has a scanning head with multiple columns of apertures that emit light which is projected to a small spot on the surface of a recorded medium. Light returned from the medium reenters the apertures and is conducted to detectors. In a preferred embodiment, the scanning head is rapidly oscillated (may be on the order of 100 kHz rate), in a direction parallel to the columns. The medium is moved in a direction perpendicular to the columns so that the same recorded regions pass beneath successive columns of apertures. The data from the detectors is image-processed to improve the quality of data reading using the successive readings of the same data regions. This allows errors to be corrected and throughput to be improved.