Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading indicia, includes a solid-state imager including an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the indicia during reading, and a light source for generating and directing high intensity illumination light to the indicia with concomitant generation of excess heat. Thermal management procedures for dissipating the excess heat are performed to improve reader performance.

Abstract: Electro-optical reading failure to read indicia due to specular reflection in the return light captured by a solid-state imager is prevented. An illuminator illuminates the indicia during reading with illumination light directed from an illuminating light source. In one embodiment, a controller is operative for detecting saturation in a captured image, and for reducing an intensity of the illumination light upon detection of the saturation. In another embodiment, the controller captures the return light in successive frames, and causes the illumination light to illuminate the indicia only during some of the frames. In yet another embodiment, the controller turns the illumination light on and off at a flash rate, and signals a user by changing the flash rate upon detection of the saturation to move a housing that supports the imager, illuminator and controller.

Abstract: Digital-imaging based code symbol reading system employing an event-driven multi-tier modular software architecture and supporting automatic operating system login and loading of a bar code symbol reading application.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system having single printed circuit (PC) board with light transmission aperture, wherein a first linear array of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the rear side of the PC board for producing a targeting illumination beam, and wherein a second linear array of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the front side of the PC board for producing a field of visible illumination within the field of view (FOV) of the system. The targeting illumination beam is centrally disposed within the field of visible illumination.

Abstract: A method of capturing processing digital images of an object, using a hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system having a trigger switch, an imaging window and a field of view (FOV) projected therethrough and onto an area-type image detection array. The method involves automatically detecting an object within the FOV, and generating a first trigger event indicative of automatic object detection within the FOV. In response to the generation of the first trigger event signal, the object targeting illumination subsystem automatically generates and projects a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV. The human operator aligns the visible targeting illumination beam with the object in the FOV, and then manually actuates the trigger switch to generate a second trigger event signal.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system includes a housing having an imaging window with an illumination-focusing lens structure integrated therewithin. A printed circuit (PC) board is mounted in the housing and has a front surface, a rear surface, and a light transmission aperture spatially aligned with the imaging window. An area-type image detection array is mounted on the rear surface of the PC board. A linear array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is mounted on the front surface of the PC board, adjacent the light transmission aperture and aligned with the illumination-focusing lens structure. The LEDs produce a plurality of illumination beams which are transmitted through the illumination-focusing ens structure to generate a field of illumination that is projected within the FOV of the system. Illumination reflected and/or scattered off an object within the FOV is retransmitted through the imaging window and the light transmission aperture, and detected by the area-type image detection array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for dynamically and adaptively controlling system control parameters (SCPs) in a multi-mode image capture and processing system, wherein (i) automated real-time exposure quality analysis of captured digital images is automatically performed in a user-transparent manner, and (ii) system control parameters (e.g. illumination and exposure control parameters) are automated reconfigured based on the results of such exposure quality analysis, so as to achieve improved system functionality and/or performance in diverse environments.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with light for image capture by a solid-state imager of an imaging reader over a tall field of view having an aspect ratio whose vertical dimension is larger than its horizontal dimension during image capture. The reader is pivotably mounted in a stand and has a narrow depth to enable a user to easily grasp the reader.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window, and an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and forming and detecting 2D digital images of the object on an area-type image detection array. The system includes an object presence detection subsystem for automatically detecting an object within the FOV, and generating a first trigger event indicative of automatic object detection within the FOV. The system also includes an object targeting illumination subsystem for generating and projecting a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV, in response to the generation of the first trigger event signal.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window, and an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and an area type image detection array having a snap-shot mode of operation for forming and detecting a 2D digital image of the object during each image acquisition cycle of the image detection array. The system includes a manual trigger switch integrated with the hand-supportable housing, for generating a trigger event, indicative that a code symbol on the detected object is aligned with the visible targeting illumination beam and is ready for illumination and imaging. The system includes an object targeting illumination subsystem for generating and projecting a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV, in response to the generation of the trigger event signal.

Abstract: A method of illuminating objects on a countertop surface using an automatically-triggered digital image capture and processing system having a single array of LEDs disposed near and behind the upper edge portion of its imaging window, which is provided with an illumination-focusing lens structure integrated therein.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window; and an image formation and detection subsystem supporting a periodic snap shot mode of the operation. The system includes image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through said imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and forming an image of the object on an area-type image detection array having a plurality of rows of image detection elements, and detecting 2D digital images of the object while object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an LED-based illumination subsystem, with a LED illumination array, for producing a field of narrow-band illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV, so that the illumination reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the light transmission aperture and onto the image detection array to form the 2D digital image of the object.

Abstract: Digital image capture and processing systems and methods for generating and projecting coplanar illumination and imaging planes and/or coextensive area-type illumination and imaging zones, through one or more imaging windows, and into a 3D imaging volume in a retail POS environments, while employing automatic object motion and/or velocity detection, real-time image analysis and other techniques to capture and processing high-quality digital images of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and intelligently controlling and/or managing the use of visible and invisible forms of illumination, during object illumination and imaging operations, that might otherwise annoy or disturb human operators and/or customers working and/or shopping in such retail environments.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window. A printed circuit (PC) board is mounted in the hand-supportable housing, and has front and rear surfaces and a light transmission aperture formed centrally therethrough. An image formation and detection subsystem has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and an area-type image detection array for forming and detecting 2D digital images of the object during object illumination and imaging operations. A first FOV folding mirror is supported above the rear surface of the PC board over the light transmission aperture, and a second FOV folding mirror is supported above the rear surface of the PC board and over the area-type image detection array. These mirrors fold and project the FOV through the light transmission aperture and the imaging window.

Abstract: A countertop-mounted digital image capture and processing system that includes a housing having an imaging window with an illumination-focusing lens component integrated therewithin. The area-type image formation and detection subsystem, also disposed in the housing, has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and onto an area-type image detection array, for forming and detecting 2D digital images of an object in the FOV, during object illumination and imaging operations. The single array of LEDs is disposed immediately behind the illumination-focusing lens structure, for generating a field of visible illumination that reflects off an object within said FOV and is transmitted back through said imaging window and onto said area-type image detection array.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system capable of illuminating the entire field of view (FOV) of the system using a linear LED-based illumination array. The system includes a housing having an imaging window with a refractive-type illumination-focusing lens component integrated therewithin. The area-type image formation and detection subsystem, also disposed in the housing, has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and onto an area-type image detection array, for forming and detecting 2D digital images of an object in the FOV, during object illumination and imaging operations. The linear LED-based illumination array is disposed immediately behind the refractive-type illumination-focusing lens component, for producing a field of wide-area illumination illuminating substantially the entire FOV over the working distance of the system.

Abstract: A method of illuminating objects on a countertop surface using an automatically-triggered digital image capture and processing system installed thereupon, and having a single array of LEDs disposed behind the upper edge portion of its imaging window, above which a light ray blocking shroud portion is provided. During object detection, illumination and imaging operations above the countertop surface, typically at a retail point of sale (POS) station, visible illumination rays are generated by the LEDs and projected substantially within the field of view (FOV) of the system, while the light ray blocking shroud blocks a portion of illumination rays generated from the single array of LEDs and projected above and beyond the FOV of the system, and thus prevents such blocked illumination rays from striking the eyes of the system operator or nearby consumers during system operation.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window. An area-type image formation and detection subsystem is disposed in the housing, and has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and onto an area-type image detection array, for forming and detecting 2D digital images of an object in the FOV, during object illumination and imaging operations. The housing also includes a multi-mode LED-based illumination subsystem having (i) a near-field LED array for producing a field of wide-area narrow-band illumination over a near field region of said FOV, and (ii) a far-field LED array for producing a field of wide-area narrow-band illumination over a far field region of the FOV. During object illumination and imaging operations, illumination from illumination arrays reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the imaging window and onto the area-type image detection array to form 2D digital images of the object.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with illumination light along a direct optical path that has no optical surface areas shared with a folded optical path along which light is captured by an imager in an imaging reader.

Abstract: Optical sensor for detecting a code on a substrate which, in use, moves with respect to the optical sensor. The sensor comprises an optical detector for determining a value of a reflective property of the substrate, wherein the optical detector views the substrate along an optical axis, a code analyser for determining the detected code on the basis of a variation of the value of the determined reflective property in time, a first illumination source for illuminating the substrate along the optical axis, a second illumination source for illuminating the substrate in a direction at a non-zero angle with respect to the optical axis, and a control unit having a first operational mode wherein the first illumination source switched on and the second illumination source is switched off, and having a second operational mode wherein the first illumination source is switched off and the second illumination source is switched on.

Abstract: A hand-supportable automatic digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading device comprises: an automatic object presence detection subsystem; an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having a narrow-area image-capture mode of operation; a LED-based illumination subsystem having narrow-area illumination mode of operation; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; and an image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem. The automatic object presence detection subsystem automatically detects an object, and the LED-based illumination subsystem automatically illuminates the detected object in a field of narrow-area narrow-band illumination, while the area-type image formation and detection subsystem captures a narrow-area image thereof.

Abstract: A variable illuminator, for instance a device for scanning a beam of light, emits a selected amount of power to a plurality of spots across a field of view. The amount of power is determined as inversely proportional to the apparent brightness of each spot. In the case where the spot size is equal to pixel size, the device may operate with a non-imaging detector. In the case where pixel size substantially equals spot size, the output of the variable illuminator may be converged to produce a substantially uniform detector response and the image information is determined as the inverse of a frame buffer used to drive the variable illuminator. The illuminator and detector may be driven synchronously. In the case where an imaging detector is used, the variable illumination may be used to compress the dynamic range of the field of view to substantially within the dynamic range of the imaging detector.

Abstract: An imaging module for data collection devices, such as bar code scanners. The module includes an aiming or illumination light source or sources, seated on a support is mounted in a housing. The support is fixed in the housing to provide for its precise placement therein, in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A graphical code reading apparatus is disclosed. The graphical code reading apparatus is able to read graphical codes on reflective and curved reflective surfaces. The graphical code reading apparatus includes a graphical code reader having an illumination source such as LEDs and a detector such as an imager. The graphical code reading apparatus also includes a light scattering chamber that is coupled to the graphical code reader. The light scattering chamber may have two openings, namely a first opening for receiving the graphical code reader and a second opening for placement adjacent the graphical code. The light scattering chamber may be tapered from the first opening toward the second opening. An interior surface of the light scattering chamber is capable of scattering light because it may be an irregularly uneven reflective surface. The light impinges the reflective surface at multiple angles of incidence upon exiting the light scattering chamber.

Abstract: A digital illumination and imaging system employing one or more planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs) each including: (i) a laser illumination source driven preferably by high frequency modulated (HFM) diode current drive circuitry; (ii) a beam collimating optics disposed beyond the laser source; (ii) an optical beam multiplexer (OMUX) device disposed beyond the collimating optics; and (iv) a planarizing-type illumination lens array disposed beyond the OMUX device, and arranged for generating a plurality of substantially planar coherence-reduced laser illumination beams (PLIBs) that form a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) having substantially reduced spatial/temporal coherence. A digital image detection array for detecting digital images of an object illuminated by the composite substantially planar laser illumination beam.

Abstract: A bioptical holographic laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a holographic scanning disc having scanning facets with high and low elevation angle characteristics, as well as positive, negative and zero skew angle characteristics which strategically cooperate with groups of beam folding mirrors having optimized surface geometry characteristics. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generate a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of pairs of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, which include a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.

Abstract: A method of illuminating objects using adaptively controlled mixing of spectral illumination energy to form and detect digital images of objects at POS environments with sufficiently high image contrast and quality. The method comprises providing, at a POS environment, a digital image capture and processing system having a system housing with an imaging window, and a coplanar illumination and imaging station disposed within said system housing, for projecting a coplanar illumination and imaging plane through the imaging window into an imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. As the object is moved through the imaging volume, its motion is automatically detected, and signals indicative of said detected object are generated. In response to the generated signals, a first field of visible illumination is produced from an array of visible laser diodes (VLDs), simultaneously with a second field of invisible illumination from a array of infrared (IR) laser diodes (LDs).

Abstract: An optical reader comprises: a first illumination source for projecting a first illumination field on a target; a second illumination source for projecting a second illumination field on a target; an image sensor array for converting light from a target into output signals representative thereof; and, a processor for decoding information from information bearing indicia within the target derived from the output signals; and, wherein the illuminance of the first illumination field on the target at a distance D from the first illumination source is greater than the illuminance of the second illumination field on the target at the distance D from the second illumination source.

Abstract: A method of equalizing the illumination produced by a planar laser illumination array within a planar laser illumination and (electronic) imaging system, comprising the steps of: providing an image formation and detection module having imaging optics with a field of view (FOV) focused upon an image detecting array; providing a planar laser illumination array having a plurality of planar laser illumination modules, each planar laser illumination module producing a planar laser beam component during image formation and detection operations, which are combined to produce a composite planar laser illumination beam extending through a working range of said FOV, wherein said working range includes both near and far fields, if the near field illumination is brighter then the far field illumination: displacing a first portion of the planar illumination modules in a first direction perpendicular to said FOV and a second portion of the planar illumination modules in a second direction opposite to said first direction,

Abstract: A bar code scanning system and method for reading and processing bar code symbology uses a scanning station installed above the check-out stand and a receiving station at some distance away from the scanning station. The scanning station projects light onto a surface of the check-out stand. The projected light can have a well defined border indicating where a user should place items to be scanned. Alternatively, a pattern coincident with the projected light can be projected onto the surface and which includes a target indicating where items should be placed for scanning. Light reflected by items in the target region is processed to decode optical symbology on the item and produce a signal that is representative of said sensed symbology. Information about the scanned item can be processed and displayed by the receiving station for use in, e.g., a point-of-sale transaction.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for emitting light for imaging a target object comprises an illumination source that emits at least one light beam upon activation toward an illumination guide. The illumination guide has a first and a second side such that the light beam from the illumination source is scattered between the first and second sides. A textured surface is located substantially along the first side of the illumination guide. The scattered light exits the illumination guide from the textured surface to form a prescribed illumination pattern for imaging a target object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating a target object such as a bar code having areas of differing light reflectivity on the target. A bar code reader has a light source that is selectively activated and a reflecting mirror for reflecting light from the source from a housing to a target object within a field of view of an imaging capturing device. One suitable mirror is a parabolic mirror having a focal point approximately at the location of the light source.

Abstract: A method of reading bar code symbols using a digital-imaging based code symbol reading system employing an event-driven multi-tier modular software architecture and supporting automatic operating system login and loading of a bar code symbol reading application.

Abstract: A multi-stage laser beam despeckling device including a first laser beam despeckling module for optically multiplexing an input laser beam into a temporal/spatial coherence-reduced output laser beam; and a second laser beam despeckling module, optically coupled to the first laser beam despeckling module, for receiving the temporal/spatial coherence-reduced as an input laser beam to the second despeckling module and producing a further temporal/spatial coherence-reduced output laser beam.

Abstract: An image capture device and method of assembling same is disclosed which provides an improved technique of mounting a CMOS detector and also isolates the optics for image capture from the optics for illumination, thereby simplifying the adjustment process. An exemplary arrangement using the camera module is also shown.

Abstract: A laser illumination beam generation system including a laser diode (LD) for producing a laser beam in response to a diode current supplied thereto, wherein the laser beam has a central characteristic wavelength. Diode current drive circuitry generates the diode current and supplies the same to the VLD. A high frequency modulation (HFM) circuitry modulates the diode current supplied to the laser diode, so as to produce a spectral side-band components about the central characteristic wavelength, and thereby reduces the coherence of the laser illumination beam as well as its coherence length. An optical multiplexing (OMUX) device receives the laser beam as an input beam and generates multiple laser beams therefrom and recombines the multiple laser beams so as to produce a composite output laser illumination beam having reduce coherence.

Abstract: A POS-based digital image capturing and processing system for illuminating objects using automatic object detection and spectral-mixing illumination technique. The system comprises an coplanar illumination and imaging station for projecting at least one coplanar illumination and imaging plane into a imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. The coplanar illumination and imaging station includes an illumination subsystem for producing a first field of visible illumination from an array of visible VLDs, and producing a second field of invisible illumination from an array of infrared (IR) laser diodes (IR-LDs). wherein the first and second fields of illumination spatially overlap and intermix with each other and are substantially coplanar with the FOV of the linear image sensing array.

Abstract: A device for optically multiplexing a laser beam, having a glass plate construction with an input surface and an output surface, and bearing reflective and semi-reflective coatings arranged so as to optically multiplex an input laser beam entering the input surface, into multiple spatial-coherence reduced output laser beams exiting from the output surface. Through such optical multiplexing, and recombination, the coherence of the resulting laser beam is substantially reduced, as is the power of speckle pattern noise observed at an image detection array detecting an image of an object illuminated by said laser beam.

Abstract: A barcode reader having a light source illuminating a barcode, a diffuser disposed between the light source and the barcode, a camera opening at least partially surrounded by the diffuser, light reflected from the barcode passing through the camera opening and a camera oriented to acquire light reflected from the barcode after passing through the diffuser from the light source.

Abstract: In an optical information reader, a case, and a light source is installed in the case. The light source supplies light. A lens is installed in the case and focuses the supplied light through part of the case onto optical information attached to a target. A particle blocking member is installed in the case to be arranged between the part of the case and the light source. The particle blocking member allows light reflected from the optical information to pass therethrough. The particle blocking member is integrally provided with a holder configured to support the light source. The particle blocking member blocks flow of particles into the light source side in the case.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for acquiring and reading optical codes, the indication of the reading result is carried out projecting a luminous figure onto the optical code, that is to say in the position on which the attention of the operator is focused. The luminous figure can have an information content also more complex than the simple indication of the end of the reading.

Abstract: A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reader includes: a hand-supportable housing having light transmission aperture; a linear image formation and detection module having a linear image detection array; and a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device having at least one visible laser diode (VLD) for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB). The code symbol reader further includes image grabber for grabbing digital linear images formed and detected by the image formation and detection module, an image data buffer for buffering the digital linear images grabbed by the image grabber and constructing a two-dimensional image from a series of buffered linear digital images, and an image processing computer for processing the buffered two-dimensional digital image so as to read code symbols graphically represented in the two-dimensional digital linear image.

Abstract: A method of reading bar code symbols comprising the steps of: (a) projecting an image cropping zone (ICZ) framing pattern within the FOV of an image sensing array during wide-area illumination and image capturing operation; (b) visually aligning an object to be imaged within the ICZ framing pattern; (c) forming and capturing an wide-area image of the entire FOV, which spatially encompasses the ICZ framing pattern aligned about the object to be imaged; (d) using automatic software-based image cropping algorithm to automatically crop the pixels within the spatial boundaries defined by the ICZ framing pattern, from those pixels contained in the entire wide-area image frame captured during step (c); and (e) automatically decode processing the image represented by the cropped image pixels in the ICZ framing pattern so as to read a 1D or 2D bar code symbol graphically represented therein.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination module (PLIM) including: (i) a laser illumination source driven preferably by high frequency modulated (HFM) diode current drive circuitry; (ii) a beam collimating optics disposed beyond the laser illumination source; (ii) an optical beam multiplexer (OMUX) device disposed beyond the collimating optics; and (iv) a planarizing-type illumination lens array disposed beyond the OMUX device, and arranged for generating a plurality of substantially planar coherence-reduced laser illumination beams (PLIBs) that form a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) having substantially reduced spatial/temporal coherence.

Abstract: A tunnel-type digital imaging system for use within retail shopping environments such as supermarkets. The system includes a tunnel configuration arranged about a conveyor structure for transporting objects therethrough, and an image capturing and processing subsystem embodied within the tunnel configuration, for generating a 3D digital imaging volume above the conveyor structure and within the tunnel configuration, for capturing digital images of objects transported through the 3D imaging volume. The image capturing and processing subsystem includes a plurality of illumination and imaging stations. Each station includes a 2D imaging array having optics providing a 3D field of view (FOV) on the 2D imaging array that is projected and extends into the 3D imaging volume, and one or more light emitting devices configured together to produce a illumination beam that extends into the 3D FOV of the 2D imaging array.

Abstract: A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reader includes: a hand-supportable housing having light transmission aperture; a linear image formation and detection module having a linear image detection array; and a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device having at least one visible laser diode (VLD) for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB). The code symbol reader further includes image grabber for grabbing digital linear images formed and detected by the image formation and detection module, an image data buffer for buffering the digital linear images grabbed by the image grabber and constructing a two-dimensional image from a series of buffered linear digital images, and an image processing computer for processing the buffered two-dimensional digital image so as to read code symbols graphically represented in the two-dimensional digital linear image.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system for automatically recognizing objects in a POS environment. The system includes a system housing having an imaging window; illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting illumination and imaging planes or zones through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, for digital imaging an object passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generating digital linear images of the object as the object intersects the illumination and imaging planes or zones during system operation. A digital image processor processes the digital images and automatically recognizes the object, such as produce and fruit, graphically represented by the digital images.

Abstract: A laser beam generation system having an integrated coherence reduction mechanism. The system includes: a flexible circuit having a first end portion and a second end portion; a laser diode mounted on the first end portion of the flexible circuit, for producing a laser beam having a central characteristic wavelength; diode current drive circuitry for producing a diode drive current to drive the laser diode and produce said laser beam; and high frequency modulation (HFM) circuitry also mounted on the first end portion of the flexible circuit, for modulating the diode drive current at a sufficiently high frequency to cause the laser diode to produce a laser beam having a spectral side-band components about the central characteristic wavelength, and thereby reducing the coherence as well as coherence length of the laser beam.

Abstract: A tunnel-type digital imaging system for use within retail shopping environments such as supermarkets. The system includes a tunnel configuration arranged about a conveyor structure for transporting objects therethrough, and an image capturing and processing subsystem embodied within the tunnel configuration, for generating a 3D digital imaging volume above the conveyor structure and within the tunnel configuration, for capturing digital images of objects transported through the 3D imaging volume. The image capturing and processing subsystem includes a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations.

Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.