Patent ID: 6076735
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A bar code scanning apparatus disposed at a checkout counter having a checkout counter surface, comprising:a laser beam source;a scanner configured to scan a laser beam emitted from said laser beam source in a scan angle range of -.theta..sub.1 to +(.theta..sub.1 +.theta..sub.2) relative to the laser beam, wherein -.theta..sub.1 and +.theta..sub.1 are symmetric relative to an axis of the laser beam, and .theta..sub.2 is a certain angle from .theta..sub.1 ;a window substantially perpendicular to said checkout counter surface and which transmits therethrough scan beams scanned by said scanner to the exterior of the reader;a plurality of first fixed mirrors configured to divide scan beams, which are generated within the scan angle range of -.theta..sub.1 to +.theta..sub.1, into a plurality of scanning lines generally symmetric with respect to said laser beam and to emit the scanning lines from said window; anda plurality of second fixed mirrors adapted to divide scan beams which are generated within the scan angle range of +.theta..sub.1 to +.theta..sub.2 and to emit the resulting scanning lines from said window toward said checkout counter.