Abstract: An electro-optical imaging reader includes a chassis mounted in a housing, a window spaced from a rear wall of the chassis, an imaging module for capturing return light from a target through the window over an imaging field of view, a controller for operating the reader in a standby state in which no target is read, and for processing the captured return light to read the target during a reading state, and an object sensing assembly supported by the rear chassis wall and spaced from the window. The object sensing assembly senses the presence of an object bearing the target in front of the window by detecting return sensing light from the object through the window over a sensing field of view that at least partially overlaps the imaging field of view, and triggers the controller to change from the standby state to the reading state upon such detection.

Abstract: A workstation for electro-optically reading targets in a reading field of view includes an object sensing system that senses an object entering the workstation by directing object sensing light through a window at the object, and detecting return object sensing light returned from the object along an object detection path through the window over an object detection field of view of an object light sensor. A portion of the object sensing light incident on the window is reflected therefrom into the object detection field of view as a virtual hot spot that degrades object sensor performance. An optical element, e.g., an aperture stop, in the object detection path optically modifies the object detection field of view to prevent the virtual hot spot from being detected by the object light sensor.

Abstract: An electro-optical imaging reader includes a chassis mounted in a housing, a window spaced from a rear wall of the chassis, an imaging module for capturing return light from a target through the window over an imaging field of view, a controller for operating the reader in a standby state in which no target is read, and for processing the captured return light to read the target during a reading state, and an object sensing assembly supported by the rear chassis wall and spaced from the window. The object sensing assembly senses the presence of an object bearing the target in front of the window by detecting return sensing light from the object through the window over a sensing field of view that at least partially overlaps the imaging field of view, and triggers the controller to change from the standby state to the reading state upon such detection.

Abstract: An imaging module for imaging, and a reader for and a method of electro-optically reading, a target, include an aiming assembly having an aiming laser for generating an aiming laser beam, an aiming element for collimating the laser beam, and a pattern-generating element for optically modifying the collimated laser beam to generate a visible aiming light pattern on the target, and an illuminating assembly having an illuminating light source for generating illumination light, and an illuminating element for uniformly illuminating the target with the illumination light. A solid-state imager has an array of image sensors for capturing return illumination light from the target. The pattern-generating element is molded of a one-piece construction with at least one of the aiming and illuminating elements.