Abstract: A data reading systems including an aiming aid system which creates a highly visible target or image in the scan volume at a preferred location for placement of the article to be scanned. In a preferred application, an overhead bar code scanner employs a rotating polygon mirror which scans one or more laser beams off pattern mirrors creating a complex pattern of scan lines down into the scan volume whereby the aiming aid is created by directing a laser beam onto a scanning mirror positioned on top of the polygon mirror generally along the rotational axis of the polygon mirror and then directing that beam out into the scan volume in the desired pattern, such as a circular aiming aid. Alternately, the aiming aid may be a multi-dimensional graphical image formed by holographic or diffractive optics.

Abstract: A method of and system for generating multiple parallel scan lines, for a thin, narrow height scanner by generating a reading beam, using a suitable scanning mechanism to scan or dither the reading beam, directing the scanned beam onto an optical element, controlling the system such that the beam is alternately transmitted or reflected by the optical element, and directing multiple scan lines into the scan volume. When the optical element is reflective, a scan line is produced directly off the optical element; when the optical element is transmissive, a scan line passes through the optical element and is reflected by a fold mirror and into the scan volume.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading. The preferred system is directed to a scanner which includes a multiple beam service, such as a laser diode and a beam splitter which generates first optical beam and a second optical beam, the first optical beam being directed toward one side of a scanning optical element such as a rotating polygon mirror and to a first mirror array, the second optical beam is being simultaneously directed toward a second optical element such as another side of the rotating polygon mirror and then to a second and a third mirror array. The first mirror array is configured to generate a scan pattern through a vertical window and the second and third mirror arrays are configured to generate scan patterns passing through a horizontal window. In combination, the three mirror arrays generate three sets of scan lines so as to scan the bottom and all lateral sides of an object being passed through the scan volume.

Abstract: A bar code scanner housing assembly for enclosing the components of a bar code scanner is provided. The bar code scanner housing assembly comprises a cartridge including an upper window which is removably mounted therein and a housing including a recess for receiving the cartridge, a lower window mounted within the recess and means for generating bar code scan lines. The cartridge is removably mounted within the recess such that the surface of the cartridge is substantially flush with the upper surface of the housing. The housing assembly may include a mask molded into the recess so as to minimize the amount of ambient light passing into the housing. The housing assembly may also comprise a groove surrounding the lower window which has a removable gasket disposed therein for sealing the space between the upper window and lower window. The housing assembly may comprise a window cartridge which eliminates the need for a separate upper window disposed within the cartridge of a bar code scanner housing assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sweeping a laser beam in a laser scanner is disclosed wherein a laser beam traveling along a path from a laser beam source is directed upon a scanner mirror which reflects the beam into scan pattern mirrors to project a scanning pattern for each sweep of the laser beam. A rotary actuator supports and rotates the scanner mirror to sweep the laser beam onto the scan pattern mirrors and a linear actuator in turn supports and linearly moves the rotary actuator and scanner mirror generally along the path of the laser beam to vary the point of focus of the laser beam and thereby expand the effective depth of field of the laser scanner.

Abstract: An optical window is disclosed for association with a scanning face of a laser scanner wherein a laser beam is projected through the window to define a scanning pattern and the optical window is supported such that at least one surface of the window is angularly oriented relative to the scanning face to improve the incidence angles of the laser beam on the window and/or the refractive angles of the laser beam at the window. Preferably, the window comprises a composite block of optical material having sections corresponding to portions of the scanning pattern of the laser scanner and being formed and supported to define the angular orientations of upper and lower surfaces of the sections relative to the scanning face of the scanner in accordance with the corresponding portions of the scanning pattern. Portions of the window through which the laser beam is not transmitted may be used to support the window and preferably are matted to reduce ambient light sensitivity of the laser scanner.