Patent ID: 7198195
Filing Date: 2007-04-03
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A method of scanning an item having a bar code from multiple directions to effectively scan the bar code when it appears on various sides thereof, comprising the steps of: generating laser light; providing a single multi-faceted mirrored polygon in a path of said laser light; generating a first group of scanning beams, a second group of scanning beams, a third group of scanning beams, and a fourth group of scanning beams, by reflecting said laser light off said mirrored polygon; directing said first group of scanning beams through a first transparent member oriented in a first plane to scan a surface of the item facing the first transparent member from one orthogonal direction to effectively scan a bar code located on a side of the item facing the first transparent member; directing said third group of scanning beams through the first transparent member oriented in the first plane to scan the item from a diagonal direction to effectively scan a bar code located on a leading or trailing side of the item; directing said fourth group of scanning beams through a second transparent member oriented in a second plane orthogonal to said first plane to effectively scan a bar code located on a side of the item facing the second transparent member from another orthogonal direction, the angle between the first and second planes being about ninety degrees; directing said second group of scanning beams through the first transparent member to scan a side of the item facing opposite the second transparent member from a diagonal direction to effectively scan a bar code located on the side of the item facing opposite the second transparent member.