Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading bar codes or other images while reducing or eliminating the need for self-generated illumination. An image reader is preferably embodied as a handheld unit and comprises an efficient optical collection system including an aperture with a high aspect ratio and/or a multi-focal lens or lenses. An optically transmissive spacer affixed to the front of the handheld unit allows ambient light to be collected at close range, and a diffuser may be used to reflect ambient light from the handheld unit to provide additional illumination at close range. A masked CCD detector with rectangular pixels receives collected light and is coupled to an adaptive exposure circuit for preventing saturation of the CCD detector at high illumination levels. A correlated double sampling circuit coupled to the adaptive exposure circuit rejects common mode noise and allows operation in lower light levels.

Abstract: A scanner window through which a laser beam is projected to define a scanning pattern comprises a substrate formed of light transmissive material which allows the laser beam to project through a light transmissive hard material layer deposited onto the substrate, and a light transmissive lubricous coating deposited onto the hard material resulting in the scanner window having improved resistance to abrasive wear. The present invention is also directed to a method of producing such a scanner window. The present method may incorporate various deposition techniques to form a wear resistant scanner window in accordance with the present invention.