Patent ID: 7246747
Filing Date: 2007-07-24
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. An optical reading system for reading optical codes on items at a checkout stand, comprising a fixed optical reader including a housing having a window; an imaging reading subsystem disposed in the housing and including an imaging sensor that detects an image of a target and an image sensor interface that generates data based on the image detected; a flying-spot scanner subsystem disposed in the housing and including a beam-former that scans a spot of light in a complex pattern out through the window and across the target to read optical codes positioned in various orientations and a photodetector that detects light reflected by the target and generates an output based on the light detected; a controller in communication with the imaging reading subsystem and the flying-spot scanner subsystem; a proximity detector for detecting proximity of the target, wherein the controller selects between the imaging reading subsystem and the flying-spot scanner subsystem based upon proximity of the target as detected by the proximity detector.