Abstract: A retroreflective optical scan module, including first and second selectable light sources having different beam characteristics for directing a selected light beam to a symbol to be read, an optical assembly including a light collecting portion which collects and redirects the light reflected from the symbol along an optical path to a sensor, and a selector for selecting which light source to use depending on whether a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional symbol is being scanned.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in single or multi-axis scan patterns.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus, such as a bar code scanner, for reading 360 degrees of, e.g., tray commodities. A first scanning pattern is emitted almost in the horizontal direction to an installation surface of the apparatus, and a second scanning is pattern emitted from an upper portion to a lower portion of the apparatus, toward the installation surface, via a window provided vertical to the installation surface.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in single or multi-axis scan patterns.

Abstract: A bar code scanner for stationary disposition at a counter to projecting a scanning pattern comprising first, second, third, fourth and fifth groups of parallel scan lines within a relatively narrow, yet diverging, volume, e.g., pyramid, cone, etc., centered about a projection axis. The scanner includes a compact housing mounted on an adjustable base. The housing includes a window, five stationary mirrors, a laser diode, a rotating reflective polygon for sweeping the laser beam from the diode across the mirrors and out a window so that the projection axis is substantially but not precisely perpendicular to the window. The scanner also includes a fixed curved collecting mirror and a concentrating lens to focus light which is reflected off of a bar code to a photodetector. One mirror extends along an axis parallel to the transverse axis to produce the first group of scan lines.

Abstract: A projection laser scanner produces an approximately columnar scanning volume for scanning code symbols therein, while preventing unintentional scanning of code symbols on nearby objects located outside of the approximately columnar scanning volume. The approximately columnar scanning volume is produced using at least five stationary light reflective surfaces arranged in two or more pairs.

Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

Abstract: A miniaturized electro-optical, retro-reflective scanning module. The module has a base, a first circuit board, and a second circuit board mounted substantially orthogonal to the first circuit board. The base supports a light emitter for producing a scanning beam and optical elements for directing and collecting light energy. The emitted beam reflects off a fold mirror onto a reflector mounted on a drive for oscillation. The oscillating reflector, in turn, redirects the beam onto an indicia being read. The reflected light is reflected off the oscillating reflector and directed to the collection mirror before reaching a detector. The detector included in the module senses light reflected from an indicia scanned by the beam. The reflector is driven by an electro-magnetiz driven system, including a flexure and an actuation arm.

Abstract: A produce data collector and produce recognition system which illuminates a produce item with substantially uniform light to enhance the accuracy of collected produce data and subsequent identification of the produce item as part of a transaction in a transaction establishment. The produce data collector includes a light source for illuminating the produce item with substantially uniform light during the transaction, a light separating element for splitting light collected from the produce item into a plurality of different light portions having different wavelengths, a detector for converting energy in the plurality of light portions into a plurality of electrical signals, and control circuitry which digitizes the plurality of electrical signals to produce a digital spectrum from the produce item which contains information to identify the produce item for the purpose of determining its unit price.

Abstract: A bar code scanner for projecting a scanning pattern comprising a plurality of groups of scan lines, where each scan line in a given group is substantially parallel to other scan lines in the same group. The scanning pattern is provided within a relatively narrow, yet diverging, volume, such as a pyramid, cone, etc., as referenced to a projection axis. The scanner includes a housing having a window. Within the housing are a plurality of stationary mirrors, a laser beam generating mechanism, a rotating reflective polygon for sweeping the laser beam across the mirrors and a window, such that the projection axis intersects the window. The scanner also includes a fixed collecting mirror and a concentrating lens to focus light which is reflected off a bar code to a photodector. One mirror extends along an axis substantially parallel to the transverse axis to produce a first group of scan lines.

Abstract: A bar code reader including a transmitter made up of a light source, a vibrating mirror which scans bar codes using a light beam from the light source and collects light reflected by the bar codes, a receiver made up of a light sensor which converts the reflected light that is collected into electrical signals, and a decoder which converts the coded data into data characters, wherein provision is made of a vibration angle adjuster, and the angle of vibration of the vibrating mirror is changed in order to increase or decrease the scanning region of the laser beam for the bar codes.

Abstract: A barcode scanner includes a laser for emitting a laser beam toward a rotary spinner. The spinner includes a plurality of mirror facets for reflecting the beam in turn therefrom towards a plurality of pattern mirrors. The mirrors in turn reflect the beam to form corresponding scan lines emitted through a window. The pattern mirrors are optically aligned with the spinner to effect a pattern of scan lines on the window including first and second sets extending substantially completely across the height and width thereof. The pattern mirrors laterally invert position of scan lines in the first set inside a scan zone extending perpendicularly outwardly from the window.

Abstract: An optical scanner for reading indicia having areas of different light reflectivity, such as bar code symbols includes a stationary, multi-surface, fold mirror having a first surface of a first aplanar profile and a second surface of a second, different aplanar profile.

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.