Abstract: An optical scanner is disclosed for reading of bar code symbols on packages moving through a reading field. The scanner generates a polyphase scan pattern which is adapted for omnidirectional reading of a bar code symbol. The scanner, in one embodiment, comprises an oscillatory mirror driven by an electromechanical resonator for producing beam deflection along the amplitude axis and includes a rotary multifaceted mirror for producing beam deflection along the time axis. In another embodiment an optical galvanometer is used to produce beam deflection along the amplitude axis and in this embodiment a substantially straight line trace is produced in addition to the polyphase pattern.

Abstract: An optical scanner is disclosed for reading of optical bar codes of the type used for point-of-sale data acquisition. The optical scanner provides a 3-line scan pattern adapted for omnidirectional reading of a bar code symbol. Beam deflection means in the path of a single light beam is operative to deflect the beam about a deflection axis and to tilt the deflection axis from one deflection plane to another after each beam deflection thereby producing three trace segments in separate deflection planes. Trace orienting means in each of the deflection planes redirect the beams so that the trace segments are projected into the scanning field to produce 3-line pattern of trace segments.