Abstract: A miniature light beam scanner includes a moving optical element formed on a substrate with electrodes for driving the optical element and sensing its motion as indicated by a varying capacitance between the optical element and the substrate. Control and driver circuitry responsive to the variation in capacitance drives the optical element to move at a resonant frequency and predetermined amplitude.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: A flexible scan element for scanning a light beam, and methods for making and actuating the scan element. The scan element includes a first leaf that is rigidly affixed to a substrate, a second leaf having a mirror affixed thereto, and a flexible hinge that couples the first leaf to the second leaf. The second leaf is moveable and pivots about an axis of the flexible hinge. The first leaf is coupled to the second leaf solely by the flexible hinge, and the flexible hinge is formed solely from an elastomer material. The first and second leaves are preferably formed from flat rigid metal, and optionally include bonding flanges that couple the leaves to the elastomeric hinge forming material. The mirror is affixed on one side of the second leaf and a magnet is optionally affixed on the opposite side of the second leaf. The scan element optionally includes tabs for mounting the device to a flat substrate or circuit board, and, in one embodiment has a resonant frequency in the range of 20 Hz-100 Hz.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) bar code scanner such as in common use in retail stores includes provision for reading bar coded redemption coupons (or other bar coded documents redeemable for value) in a manner secure from a human operator. Integration of functions between the POS scanner and the coupon reader varies with different embodiments described. Through software associated with bar code decoding logic, a comparison is made between information on a validation coupon and information on items presented for purchase, and a decision is made as to whether the redemption coupon is valid and redeemable in this transaction. In one embodiment, the bar code scanner simply receives the redemption coupon face down on the product scanner window, and integrated decode logic of the scanner identifies the bar code as belonging to a redemption coupon, then makes the comparison and validation of the coupon for the particular transaction.