IMPROVED SCAN DATA SIGNAL PROCESSORS FOR LASER SCANNING CODE SYMBOL READING SYSTEMS

Abstract: The effects of paper/substrate noise are significantly reduced in multifocal zone laser scanning systems (1) by processing analog scan data signals with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters and amplifiers (13A-13D) that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of an analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zone (FZ1-FZ5) in the laser scanning system. Two or more different pass-band filter structures can be provided for use in the scan data signal processor, wherein each pass-band filter structure is tuned to the spectral band associated with a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. When a bar code symbol is scanned by a laser beam focused within the first focal zone or scanning range of the system, the pass-band filter structure associated with this focal zone or scanning range is automatically switched into operation.

Description: IMPROVED SCAN DATA SIGNAL PROCESSORS FOR LASER SCANNING CODE SYMBOL READING SYSTEMS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field The present invention relates to an improved laser scanning system wherein first and second derivative signals derived analog scan data signals generated therewithin are processed in an improved manner so that t h e effects of thermal noise and substrate/paper noise alike are minimized i n diverse laser scanning environments including, multiple focal zone scanning systems and large depth-of-field scanning systems alike. Brief Description Of State Of The Art Code symbol scanners are widely used in diverse environments for purposes of object identification, data-entry and the like. During operation of such machines, a focused light beam is prod uced from a light source such as a visible laser diode (VLD), and repeatedly scanned across the elements of the code symbol attached, printed o r otherwise fixed to the object to be identified. In the case of bar c ode scanning applications, the elements of the code symbol consists of a series of bar and space elements of varying width. For discrimination purposes, th e bars and spaces have different light reflectivity (e.g. the spaces are highly light-reflective while the bars are highly light-absorptive). As the laser b eam is scanned across the bar code elements, the bar elements absorb a substantial portion of the laser beam power, whereas the space elements reflect a substantial portion thereof. As a result of this scanning process, th e intensity of the laser beam is modulated in accordance with the i nformation structure encoded within the scanned bar code symbol. As th e laser beam is scanned across the bar code symbol, a portion of the reflected light beam is collected by optics within the scanner. The collected li ght signal is subsequently focused upon a photodetector within the scanner which generates an analog electrical output signal which can be decomposed into a number of signal components, namely: a digital scan data signal having first and second signal levels, corresponding to the bars and spaces within the scanned code symbol; ambient-light noise produced as a result o f ambient light collected by the light collection optics of the system; thermal noise produced as a result of thermal activity within the signal detecting a n d processing circuitry; and "paper" or substrate noise produced as a result of the microstructure of the substrate in relation to the cross-sectional dimensions of the focused laser scanning beam. The analog scan data signal has positive-going transitions and negative-going transitions which signify transitions between bars and spaces in the scanned bar code symbol. However, a result of such noise components, the transitions from the first signal level to the second signal level and vice versa are not perfectly s harp, or instantaneous, as in the underlying digital scan data signal. Consequently, it is difficult to determine the exact instant that each bi nary signal level transition occurs in detected analog scan data signal. It is well known that the ability of a scanner to accurately scan a b ar code symbol and accurately produce digital scan data signals representative of a scanned bar code symbol in noisy environments depends on the d ept h of modulation of the laser scanning beam. The depth of modulation of t h e laser scanning beam, in turn, depends on several important factors, namely : the ratio of the laser beam cross-sectional dimensions at the scanning p l ane to the width of the minimal bar code element in the bar code symbol being scanned, and (ii) the signal to noise ratio (SNR) in the scan data signal processor at the stage where binary level ( 1 -bit) analog to digital (A/D) signal conversion occurs. As a practical matter, it is not p ossible in most instances to prod uce analog scan data signals with precisely-defined signal level transitions . Therefore, the analog scan data signal must be further processed to precisely determine the point at which the signal level transitions occur. Hitherto, various circuits have been developed for carrying out s uch scan data signal processing operations. Typically, signal processing circuits capable of performing such operations include filters for removing un wanted noise components, and signal thresholding devices for rejecting signal components which do not exceed a predetermined signal level. One very popular approach for converting analog scan data signals into digital scan data signals is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,000,397, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this US Letters Patent, a method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting precisely the time of transitions between the binary levels of encoded analog scan data signals produced from various types of scanning devices. According to this prior art method, the first signal processing step involves double-differentiating the analog scan data input signal S analog to produce a second derivative signal S analog - Then the zero-crossings of the second derivative signal are detected, during selected gating periods, to signify the precise time at which each transition between binary signal levels occurs. As taught in this US Patent, the selected gating periods are determined using a first derivative signal S ana i og formed by differentiating the input scan data signal S analog . Whenever the first derivative signal S ' ana ι og exceeds a threshold level using peak- detection, the gating period is present and the second derivative signal S " analog is detected for zero-crossings. At each time instant when a second-derivative zero-crossing is detected, a binary signal level is produced at the output of the signal processor. The binary output signal level is a logical "1" when the detected signal level falls below the threshold at the gating interval, and a logical "0" when the detected signal level falls above the threshold at the gating interval. The output digital signal S digita ι produced by this signal processing technique corresponds to the digital scan data signal component contributing to the underlying structure of the analog scan data input signal " ς-"analog. While the above-described signal processing technique generates a simple way of generating a digital scan data signal from a corresponding analog scan data signal, this method has a number of shortcomings a n d drawbacks. A In particular, thermal as well as "paper" or substrate noise imparted t o the analog scan data input signal S ana | 0g tends to generate zero-crossings i n the second-derivative signal S" analog in much the same manner as does bi n ary signal level transitions encoded in the input analog scan data signal S analog . Consequently, the gating signal mechanism disclosed in US Patent No. 4,000,397 allows "false" second-derivative zero-crossing signals to be passed onto t he second-derivative zero-crossing detector thereof, thereby producing erroneous binary signal levels at the output stage of this prior art signal processor. In turn, error-ridden digital data scan data signals a re transmitted to the digital scan data signal processor of the bar code scanner for conversion into digital words representative of the length of the bi nary signal levels in the digital scan data signal. This can result in significant errors during bar code symbol decoding operations, causing objects to b e incorrectly identified and/or erroneous data to be entered into a host system. Also, when scanning bar code symbols within large scanning fields volumes having multiple focal zones, as taught in co-applicant' s PCT International Patent Publication No. WO 97/22945 published on June 26, 1997, Applicants have observed that the effects of paper/substrate noise are greatly amplified when scanning bar code symbols in the near focal zone(s) of the system, thereby causing a significant decrease in overall system performance. In the far focal zones of the scanning system, Applicants h ave observed that laser beam spot speed is greatest and the analog scan d ata signals produced therefrom are time-compressed relative to analog scan d ata signals produced from bar code symbols scanned in focal zones closer to t he scanning system. Thus, in such prior art laser scanning systems, Applicants have provided, between the first and second differentiator stages of the scan data signal processor thereof, a low-pass filter (LHF) having cutoff frequency which passes (to the second differentiator stage) the spectral components of analog scan data signals produced when scanning bar code elements at the focal zone furthest out from the scanning system. While this technique h as allowed prior art scanning systems to scan bar codes in the far focal zones of the system, it has in no way addressed or provided a solution to the problem of increased paper/substrate noise encountered when scanning bar code symbols in the near focal zo nes of such laser scanning systems. Thus, there is a great need in the art for an improved laser scanning system wherein first and second derivative signals derived from analog scan data signals generated therewithin are processed so that the effects of thermal and paper noise encountered within the system are significantly mitigated. DISCLOSURE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the present invention t o provide an improved signal processing method and apparatus which accurately and precisely determines the time of transitions between t h e binary levels in encoded analog data signals produced from various types of laser scanning bar code scanning systems in which the beam spot speed of the laser beam varies as a function of distance from the system, or focal zone of the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved scan data signal processor having improved performance throughout the depth of field of its host scanning system by automatically tuning the scan data signal processor to an optimum setting for the focal zone being scanned at eac h moment of scanning system operation . Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved sc an data signal processor, wherein a variable first derivative signal pass-band filter is employed having pass-band filter characteristics that are dynamical ly controlled by the focal distance of the laser scanning beam producing t h e analog scan data signal. Another object of the present invention is to provide an i mproved scan data signal processor, wherein a different pass-band filter is dynamically switched into operation for pass-band filtering the first derivative of analog scan data signals produced by laser scanned bar code symbols within each predefined focal zone in the laser scanning system, i n order to filter out spectral components of paper noise residing outside t h e frequency spectrum of the analog scan data signal scanned within th e predefined focal zone. Another object of the present i nvention is to provide an improved scan data signal processor that can be used in any flying-spot type light b e am scanning system wherein the speed of the light beam spot varies significantly over the depth of the scanning range of the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improved scan data signal processor, which can be used within holographic laser scanning systems, polygonal-type laser scanning systems as well as any other type laser scanning systems having multiple focal zones or a large depth-of- field. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved scan data signal processor, wherein a time-domain non-linear substrate noise filter is employed before the first derivative signal generation stage of t he processor so as to produce, as output, a substantially fixed zero-reference signal level whenever a signal level indicative of the substrate is detected, and the signal level of the analog scan data signal whenever a signal level indicative of a bar c ode element (e.g. dark bar) is detected . Another object of the present invention is to provide a scan data signal processor having a bar code element detector for automatically enabling the second-derivative zero-crossing detector employed therein . Another object of the present invention is to provide such a signal processing method, wherein detection of second derivative signal zero- crossings is automatically activated (i.e. enabled) upon detection of b ar element data encoded within the analog scan data signal, thereby preventing the detection of zero-crossings in the second derivative signal caused b y thermal and paper noise during bar code scanning operations . Another object of the present invention is to provide such a signal processing method, w herein after automatically enabling the detection of zero-crossings in the second derivative signal, second-derivative zero- crossing detection is automatically disabled after a predetermined ti me period, and automatically re-enabled after redetection of subsequent b ar code elements in the same bar code symbol or in subsequently scanned b a r code symbol . Another object of the present invention is to provide such a signal processing method, wherein detection of zero-crossings in the second derivative of analog scan data input signals is enabled only when digital scan data elements encoded therein are detected. Another object of the present invention is to provide an i mproved method of processing analog scan data signals, wherein gating signals for second deri vative zero-crossing detection are automatically generated on ly when bar code element data is detected in the analog scan data input signal, thereby substantially improving the overall performance of the signal processor in the presence of thermal and paper noise. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel signal processor for carrying out such a signal processing method within diverse types of bar code scanning devices and scanning environments (e.g. where data element stitching is employed) . Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel scan d ata signal processor, wherein a real-time bar code element detector is used t o automatically activate and deactivate a second-derivative zero-crossing detector in response to the detection of the presence and absence of bar code element data encoded within the analog scan data input signal, respecti vely. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel l aser scanning bar code symbol reader, wherewithin the scan data signal processor of the present invention is embodied . Another objective of the present invention to provide an i mproved laser scanning system, wherein first and second derivative signals from analog scan data signals produced therewithin are processed so that th e effects of thermal and paper noise encountered within the system are significantly mitigated . Another object of the present invention is to provide such an i mproved laser scanning system, wherein the beam spot speed of the laser beam varies as a function of distance from the system, or focal zone of the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide an i mproved laser scanning system, wherein the scan data signal processor has i mproved performance throughout the depth of field of the scanning system b y automatically tuning the scan data signal processor to an optimum setti ng for the focal zone being scanned at each moment of scanning system operation . Another object of the present invention is to provide an i mproved laser scanning system, wherein a variable first derivative signal pass-band filter is employed having pass-band filter characteristics that are dynamically controlled by the focal distance of the laser scanning beam producing t h e analog scan data signal. Another object of t he present invention is to provide an i mproved laser scanning system, wherein a different pass-band filter is dynamically switched into operation for pass-band filtering the first derivative of analog scan data signals produced by laser scanned bar code symbols within each predefined focal zone in the laser scanning system, in order to filter o u t spectral components of paper noise residing outside the frequency spectrum of the analog scan data signal scanned within the predefined focal zone. Another object of the present invention is to provide such an i mproved laser scanning system, which can be a holographic laser scanning system, a polygonal-type laser scanning system as well as any other type laser scanning system having multiple focal zones or a large depth-of-field. Another object of the present invention is to provide an i mproved laser scanning system, wherein a time-domain non-linear substrate noise filter is employed before the first derivative signal generation stage of th e processor so as to produce, as output, a substantially fixed zero-reference signal level whenever a signal level indicative of the substrate is detected, and the signal level of the analog scan data signal whenever a signal level indicative of a bar code element (e.g. dark bar) is detected . Another object of the present invention is to provide a laser scanning system which employs a signal processor having a bar code element detector for automatically enabling the second-derivative zero-crossing detector employed therein . c. Another object of the present invention is to provide an i mproved signal processing method, wherein detection of second derivative signal zero- crossings is automatically activated (i.e. enabled) upon detection of b ar element data encoded within the analog scan data signal, thereby preventing the detection of zero-crossings in the second derivative signal caused b y thermal and paper noise during bar code scanning operations. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of reading bar code symbols, wherein after automatically enabling th e detection of zero-crossings in the second derivative signal, second-derivative zero-crossing detection is automatically disabled after a predetermined ti me period, and automatically re-enabled after redetection of subsequent b ar code elements in the same bar code symbol or in subsequently scanned b a r code symbol. Another object of the present invention is to provide an i mproved method of processing analog scan data signals, wherein gating signals for second derivative zero-crossing detection are automatically generated only when bar code element data is detected in the analog scan data input signal, thereby substantially improving the overall performance of the signal processor in the presence of thermal and paper noise. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel laser scanning system capable of being used in diverse types of bar code scanning environments (e.g. where data element stitching is employed) . Another object of the present i nvention is to provide a novel laser scanning system, wherein the scan data signal processor employs a real-time bar code element detector for enabling a second-derivative zero-crossing detector in response to the detection of the presence and absence of b ar code element data encoded within the analog scan data input signal. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-focal zone laser scanning system which employs a scan data signal processor that allows reading of bar code symbols having bar code elements substantially narrower than the beam cross-section of the laser scanning beam . Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-focal zone laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, in which the ratio of the minimum laser beam cross-section dimension (MBD) to the minimum b ar element width (MBW) in each focal zone of the system is greater than o r equal to 2.0. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-focal zone laser scanning system, wherein a scan data signal processor is used having a higher overall signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), thereby requiring less modul ation of the laser scanning beam during scanning operations, and decreasing th e effective laser beam diameter (i.e. beam spot size) at each focal zone in th e system, and thus increasing the bar code scanning resolution of the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-focal zone scanning system, wherein without increasing or otherwise changing the laser beam power characteristics, the length of each focal zone in the system c an be increased to allow either more overlap between adjacent focal zones, or a larger overall depth of field in the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a laser scanning system that has an increased depth of field without increasing the power level of the laser scanning beams, or adding additional focal zones to th e system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a laser scanning system which employs a scan d ata signal processor having a plurality of first derivative signal pass-band filter structures that are electronically-switched into operation in response to control signals derived from information abou t the focal distance of the laser scanning beam at each instant in time. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-focal zone laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein each scan d ata producing channel includes a scan data signal processor which employs a variable first derivative signal pass-band filter dynamically controlled by the focal distance of the laser scanning beam producing the analog scan d ata signal being processed. Another object of the present invention is to provide a laser scanning bar code symbol reader empl oying a variable first derivative signal pass- band filter structure having frequency characteristics that are controlled in a real-time manner by measuring the time duration of binary signal levels i n »O digital scan data signals produced in response to laser scanning bar code symbol elements located within the scanning range of the system . Another object of the present invention is to provide a laser scanning bar code symbol reader employing a variable second derivative signal pass- band filter structure having frequency characteristics that are controlled in a real-time manner by measuring the time duration of binary signal levels i n digital scan data signals produced in response to laser scanning bar c ode symbol elements located within the scanning range of the system . Another object of the present invention is to provide such a laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein time measurement of b ar code symbol elements is carried out using an application specific i ntegrated circuit (ASIC) chip that c ompares real-time measurement of binary signal levels in digital scan data signals with predetermined time measures thereof, stored in an EPROM or like device, for bar code symbols of different resolutions and scanning distances from the bar code symbol reading system. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a bar code symbol reading system, wherein a rotating polygon-type mechanism is used to scan the laser scanning beam over the scanning field or volume of the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a bar code symbol reading system, wherein a variable laser beam focusing mechani s m and rotating polygon-type mechanism are used to produce an X-bar or like laser scanning pattern at varying depths of focus over the scanning field of the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a laser scanning bar code symbol reading system mounted over a high-speed conveyor-belt system in order to identify packages, parcels and the like transported therealong in a highly reliable manner. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent hereinafter and in the Claims to Invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS u For a more complete understanding of the Object of the Present Invention, the following Detailed Description of the Illustrative Embodiment should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein : Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a multi-focal zone holographic laser scanning bar code symbol reading system mounted over a conveyor- belt along with bar coded packages of various dimensions are transported i n a high-speed manner; Fig. IA is a schematic representation of the multi-focal zone holographic laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of Fig. 1 , showing its omnidirectional laser scanning pattern substantially contai ned within a 3-D scanning volume having five different focal planes (FPl through FP5) and five overlapping focal zones (FZ1 through FZ5); Fig. IB is a plan view of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , showing its holographic scanning disc rotatably mounted on the optical bench of the system, and surrounded by four laser scanning stations, each consisting of a laser beam production module disposed beneath the scanning disc, a parabolic light collection mirror disposed below the scanning disc, a beam folding mirror disposed on the outer perimeter of and above t h e surface of the scanning disc, a photodetection and signal preamplification module disposed above the scanning disc, and a signal processing b oard supporting both analog and digital scan data signal processing circuits thereon, including the scan data signal processor of the present in vention shown in Figs. 4 through 4H4; Fig. IC is a partially cutaway schematic view of one laser scanning station disposed about the holographic scanning disc mounted within th e holographic laser scanning system shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. ID is an elevated side view of the home pulse mark sensing module deployed beneath the outer edge portion of the holographic scanning disc in the system shown in Figs. 1 through I C; Fig. IE is a plan view of the home pulse mark sensing module shown i n Fig. ID; Fig. I F is a detailed schematic diagram of a home-pulse detection a n d VLD driver circuit for u se in the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 1 G is a schematic representation of the holographic laser scanning disc employed in the bar code symbol reading system of Fig. 1 , showing its twenty holographic optical elements (HOEs) supported between the s upport plates of the scanning disc; Fig. IH sets forth a table containing design and construction parameters for each of the twenty holographic optical elements (i.e. volume transmission holograms) supported on the holographic scanning disc i n t h e holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , as well as the laser beam speed at the center of each scanline within each focal zone generated by t h e system, and the beam speed at the maximum and minimum depths of field within each such focal zone therein ; Fig. I I is a table identifying the depth of field and the focal zones which are included the "Near" and "Far" Scan Ranges of the holographic laser scanning system shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2A is a graphical representation of the power spectrum of a n exemplary analog scan data signal produced when laser scanning a bar code symbol within the first focal zone (FZ1) of the zone holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , shown plotted along with the power density spectrum of the substrate noise signal produced while laser scanning the b ar code symbol on its substrate within the first focal zone of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2B is a graphical representation of the power spectrum of a n exemplary analog scan data signal produced when laser scanning a bar c ode symbol within the second focal zone (FZ2) of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , shown plotted along with the power density spectrum of th e paper/substrate noise signal produced while laser scanning the bar code symbol on its substrate within the second focal zone of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2C is a graphical representation of the power spectrum of a n exemplary analog scan data signal produced when laser scanning a bar code symbol within the third focal zone (FZ3) of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , shown plotted along with the power density spectrum of t h e paper/substrate noise signal produced while laser scanning the bar code >3 symbol on its substrate within the third focal zone of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2D is a graphical representation of the power spectrum of a n exemplary analog scan data signal produced when laser scanning a bar code symbol within the fourth focal zone (FZ4) of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , shown plotted along with the power density spectrum of th e paper/substrate noise signal produced while laser scanning the bar code symbol on its substrate within the fourth focal zone of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2E is a graphical representation of the power spectrum of a n exemplary analog scan data signal produced when laser scanning a bar c ode symbol within the fifth focal zone (FZ5) of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , shown plotted along with the power density spectrum of the paper/substrate noise signal produced while laser scanning the bar code symbol on its substrate within the fifth focal zone of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2F is an exemplary graphical representation showing a superposition of the power spectrums of paper noise and the analog scan data signals produced when laser scanning bar code symbols within the first, second, third, fourth and fifth focal zones of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 ; Figs. 3A 1 through 3A3, taken together, show the subcomponents of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 configured together on th e analog signal preamplification boards, the analog/digital (decode) signal processing boards a nd the housing thereof; Fig. 3B is a schematic representation of the start-of-facet-pulse (SFP) generator employed on each decode processing board in the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3C is a first table containing parameters and information that are used within the SFP generation module of the SFP generator shown in Fig. 3B2; Fig. 3D is a schematic representation of the operation of the start-of- facet pulse (SFP) generator employed within each SFP generator of th e holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , wherein start of facet pulses a re generated within the SFP generator relative to the home-offset pulse (HOP) received from the HOP generator on the mother/control board in the system ; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the scan d ata signal processor of th e present invention shown comprising a time-domain substrate noise filtering circuit, a first derivative signal generation circuit with focal-zone controlled first derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith, a second derivative signal generation circuit including focal-zone controlled second derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith, a first derivative signal threshold-level generation circuit for generating upper and lower first derivative signal thresholds (used i n detected second derivative zero-crossing gating), a binary-level type analog- to-digital (A/D) signal conversion circuit having a buffer amplifier, a second derivative zero-crossing detector, a pair of first derivative signal comparators and a digital output signal level generation circuit, and also a bar code element detection circuit for activating and deactivating the second derivative signal zero-crossing detection circuit employed within the A/D signal conversion circuit; Fig. 4A is a detailed schematic diagram of the time-domain s ubstrate noise filtering circuit employed in the scan data signal processor of Fig. 4 , shown comprising an analog signal amplifier, a zero-reference signal generator, a clipping diode, a high-impedance output amplifier and a buffer amplifier; Fig. 4B is a graphical diagram of an analog scan data signal provided as input to the time-domain substrate noise filtering circuit shown in Fig. 4A, a zero-reference signal generated within t he circuit, and the time-domain filtered analog scan data signal produced as output from the time-domain substrate noise filtering circuit; Fig. 4C1 is a detailed schematic representation of the first derivati ve signal generation circuit employed in the scan data signal processor of Fig. 4 , shown comprising a first scan-range controlled first derivative signal pass- band filter and amplifier arranged along the first channel (A) of the circuit corresponding to the "Near Scan Range" of the system, and a second scan- range controlled first derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the second channel (B) of the circuit corresponding to t h e "Far Scan Range" of the system, as identified in Fig. I I; Fig. 4C2 shows a graphical representation of the magnitude of th e frequency response characteristics of the first derivative signal pass-band filters realized by the differentiator circuit A and the low-pass filter A employed along Channel A, and the differentiator circuit B and the low-pass filter B employed along Channel B of the first derivative signal generation circuit of Fig. 4C 1 ; Fig. 4C3 is a table identifying the bandwidth of the first derivati ve signal pass-band filters employed along Channels A and B of the first derivative signal generation circuit of Fig. 4C 1 , as well as the control signal levels that enable and disable such pass-band filters during system l aser scanning operations; Fig. 4C4 is a table setting forth approximation formulas for computin g the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f LA , f UA and f LB , f UB , characteristic of the first derivative signal pass-band filters employed along Channels A a n d B, respectively, in the first derivative signal generation circuit shown in Fig. 4C 1 ; Fig. 4C5 shows a graphical representation of the magnitude of th e frequency response characteristics of the first derivative signal pass-ban d amplifiers realized by the operational amplifier A employed along Channel A, and the operational amplifier B employed along Channel B of the first derivative signal generation circuit shown in Fig. 4C 1 ; Fig. 4C6 is a table identifying the bandwidth of the first deri vative signal pass-band amplifiers employed along Channels A and B of the first derivative signal generation circuit of Fig. 4C1 , as well as the c ontrol signal levels that enable and disable such pass-band filters during laser scanning operations; Fig. 4C7 is a table setting forth approximation formulas for computi ng the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f LA , f UA and f LB , f UB , characteristic of the first derivative signal pass-band amplifiers employed along Channels A lb and B, respectively, in the first derivative signal generation circuit shown i n Fig. 4C 1 ; Fig. 4D1 is a detailed schematic diagram of the second deri vative signal generation circuit employed in the scan data signal processor of Fig. 4 , shown comprising a first scan-range controlled second derivative signal pass- band filter and amplifier arranged along the first channel (A) of the circuit corresponding to the "Near Scan Range" of the system, and a second scan- range controlled second derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the second channel (B) of the circuit corresponding to the "Far Scan Range" of the system, as identified in Fig. I I; Fig. 4D2 shows a graphical representation of the magnitude of the frequency response characteristics of the second derivative signal pass-band filters realized by the differentiator circuit A and the low-pass filter A employed along Channel A, and the differentiator circuit B a nd the low-pass filter B employed along Channel B of the second derivative signal generation circuit shown in Fig. 4C 1 ; Fig. 4D3 is a table identifying the bandwidth of the second derivative signal pass-band filters employed along Channels A and B of the second derivative signal generation circuit of Fig. 4D1, as well as the control signal levels that enable and disable such pass-band filters during laser scanning system operations ; Fig. 4D4 is a table setting forth approximation formulas for computing the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f LA , f UA and f B , fuβ > characteristic of the second derivative signal pass-band filters employed along Channels A and B, respectively, in the second derivative signal generation circuit shown in Fig. 4D 1 ; Fig. 4D5 shows a graphical representation of the magnitude of th e frequency response characteristics of the second derivative signal pass-band amplifiers realized by the operational amplifier A employed along Channel A, and the operational amplifier B employed along Channel B of the second derivative signal generation circuit shown in Fig. 4D 1 ; Fig. 4D6 is a table identifying the bandwidth of the second derivative signal pass-band amplifiers employed along Channels A and B of the second π derivative signal generation circuit of Fig. 4C1, as well as the control signal levels that enable and disable such pass-band filters during laser scanning operations; Fig. 4D7 is a table setting forth approximation formulas for computing the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f LA , f UA and f B , f UB , characteristic of the second derivative signal pass-band amplifiers employed along Channels A and B, respectively, in the second derivative signal generation circuit of Fig. 4D 1 ; Fig. 4E is a detailed schematic diagram of the pair of first derivative signal threshold level circuits employed within the scan data signal processor of Fig. 4, for generating upper and lower threshold levels used to determine when the first derivative signal has attained its peak positive and negative values during the signal processing method of the present i nvention; Fig. 4F is a detailed schematic diagram of the binary (i.e. one-bit) A/D signal conversion circuit employed in the scan data signal processor of Fig. 4 , shown comprising a second derivative zero-crossing detector realized by a comparator and a high-input/low-output impedance amplifier (i.e. buffer), a pair of first derivative signal comparators for comparing the first derivative signal with the first derivative signal upper and lower threshold levels, a n d digital output signal generating circuit realized by a set/reset latch circuit consisting of four NAND gates arranged to produce as output, a digital output signal corresponding to the analog scan data signal provided as i np ut to the scan data signal processor of Fig. 4 ; Fig. 4G is a detailed schematic diagram of the bar code element detection circuit employed in the scan data signal processor shown in Fig. 4 , comprising a zero-reference signal generator, an analog signal level shifting circuit, a comparator circuit, and a second-derivative zero-crossing detector enable circuit; Fig. 4H1 is a graphical representation of a pair of spaced apart "bar- type elements taken from an exemplary bar code symbol; Fig. 4H2 is a graphical representation of an exemplary analog scan data signal and a zero-reference signal produced by the zero-reference level ft generation circuit within the bar code element detector shown in Fig. 4G when scanning the bar elements shown in Fig. 4H2 ; Fig. 4H3 is a graphical representation of the output signal produced from the comparator circuit employed within the bar code element detection circuit shown in Fig. 4G; Fig. 4H4 is a graphical representation of the digital output signal produced from the second derivative zero-crossing detector enable circuit shown in Fig. 4G; Fig. 5A is a graphical representation of the laser scanning b eam diameter of a holographic laser scanning system employing a prior art scan data signal processor, shown plotted as a function of distance away from its holographic scanning disc, graphically indicating the depth dimension of each focal zone defined by the distance between the occurrence of 1 0 millimeter beam cross-sectional diameter measures taken about a particular focal plane at which a laser scanning beam is focused to its minimum b e am cross-sectional diameter; Fig. 5B is a graphical representation of the cross-sectioned diameter of laser scanning beams produced by the holographic laser scanning s ystem shown in Fig. 1 , and employing the scan d at a signal processor shown in Fig. 4, shown plotted as a function of distance away from the holographic scanning disc shown in Fig. 1G, graphically indicating an increase in t h e depth dimension of each focal zone in the holographic laser scanning system; Fig. 5C is a table setting forth the laser beam cross-sectional dimensions at each of the five focal planes in the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1, as well as the minimum bar code element width that c an detected by the scan data signal processor shown in Fig. 4 and thus readable by the system shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a multi-focal zone laser scanning system in accordance with the present invention, shown comprising the scan data signal processor of Fig. 4, ad apted to process analog scan data signals generated from a rotating-polygon type laser scanning beam mechanism contained within its housing, producing a n X-bar or like scan pattern dynamically focused along a plurality of different focal zones in order to extend the depth of field and thus scanning range of the system; Fig. 6A is a block schematic diagram of the laser scanning system shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 6B is a schematic representation of a Beam Spot Speed Look-Up Table used by the real-time bar code element width measurement processor employed in the laser scanning system, of Fig.6; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of another alternative embodiment of a laser scanning system in accordance with the present invention, realized in the form of a hand-supportable laser scanning bar code symbol reading device, shown comprising the scan data signal processor of Fig. 4 adapted t o process analog scan data signals generated from a laser scanning beam mechanism contained within its housing; Fig. 7A is a block schematic diagram of the laser scanning system shown in Fig. 7 ; Fig. 7B is a schematic representation of a Beam Spot Speed Look-Up Table used by the real-time bar code element width measurement processor employed in the laser scanning system, of Fig.7; Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of yet another alternative embodiment of a laser scanning system in accordance with the present invention, realized in the form of a fixed or portable projection-type laser scanning bar code s y mbol reading device, shown comprising the scan data signal processor of Fig. 4 adapted to process analog scan data signals generated from a laser scanning beam mechanism contained within its housing; Fig. 8A is a block schematic diagram of the laser scanning system shown in Fig. 8 ; Fig. 8B is a schematic representation of a Beam Spot Speed Look-Up Table used by the real-time bar code element width measurement processor employed in the laser scanning system, of Fig.8; Fig. 9A1 shows a graphical representation of the magnitude of the frequency response characteristics of the analog scan data signal pass-band preamplifier employed after each photodetector in the laser scanning system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 9A2 is a table identifying the bandwidth of the analog scan d ata signal pass-band preamplifier employed after each photodetector in the laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , as well as the control signal levels that enable a n d disable the same during system laser scanning operations; a n d Fig. 9A3 is a table setting forth approximation formulas for computing the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f LA , f UA and f LB , f UB , characteristic of the analog scan data pass-band preamplifier employed after photodetector i n the laser scanning system of Fig. 1 . Fig. 10A 1 shows a graphical representation of the magnitude of th e frequency response characteristics of the analog scan data signal pass-band preamplifier employed before the first derivative signal generation circuit of Fig. 4C 1 ; Fig. 10A2 is a table identifying the bandwidth of the analog scan d ata signal pass-band preamplifier employed before the first derivative signal generation circuit of Fig. 4C1, as well as the control signal levels that enable and disable the same during system laser scanning operations; a n d Fig. 10A3 is a table setting forth approximation formulas for computing the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f LA , fu A and f LB , f UB , characteristic of the analog scan data pass-band preamplifier employed before the first derivative signal generation circuit shown in Fig. 4C 1 . DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Referring now to the figure drawings, the Detailed of the Best Modes of the present invention will now be described in great detail with reference t o the accompanying figure drawings, wherein like elements shall be indicated by like reference n umerals . In general, the scan data signal processor of the present i nvention, illustrated in Figs. 4 through 5C, can be used in virtually any laser scanning bar code symbol reading system having a scanning field or volume in which beam spot speed of the laser scanning beam varies as a function of distance away from the scanning mechanism. For purposes of illustration, four exemplary laser scanning systems are disclosed herein as examples of the types of systems in which the scan d ata signal processor of the present invention can be embodied . In Figs. 1 through 5C, the scan data signal processor of the present invention is shown embodied within a multi-focal zone holographic laser scanning system mounted over a conveyor belt system . In Figs. 6 and 6A, the scan data signal processor of the present invention is shown embodied within a multi-focal zone polygonal-type laser scanning system also mounted over a conveyor belt system. In general, embodiments of this type will include fixed projection laser scanners, tunnel- type laser scanning systems, and the like. In Figs. 7 and 7A, the scan data signal processor of the present invention is shown embodied within a hand-supportable laser scanning b a r code symbol reading device capable of producing a scanning field or volume having multiple focal zones or a large scanning range over which the maximum laser beam spot speed is about twice or greater than the min i mum laser beam spot speed therewithin. In general, embodiments of this type will include hand-supportable devices such as hand-held laser scanners, finger- mounted laser scanners, wand-type scanners as well as a body-wearable laser scanners. Examples of such bar code symbol scanning systems are disclosed in US Application No. 09/204, 176, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In Figs. 8 and 8A, the scan data signal processor of the present invention is shown embodied within a hand-supportable laser scanning b ar code symbol r eading device capable of producing a scanning field or volume having multiple focal zones or a large scanning range over which th e maximum laser beam spot speed is about twice or greater than the mi n im u m laser beam spot speed therewithin. In general, e m bodiments of this type will include fixed-mounted and portable projection-type laser scanning bar code symbol reading systems and devices. Examples of such bar code symbol XX scanning systems are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 5,796,091 and 5 ,557 ,093 , incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . In each such embodiment of the present invention, the pri mary function of the laser scanning mechanism, however realized, is to produce a laser scanning field or volume in which bar code symbols can be scanned i n a reliable manner. In each illustrative embodiment of the present invention , the speed of the laser beam spot (or cross-section) along the extent of t h e scanned laser beam will vary over the depth of the scanning range of t h e system. The further away the l aser beam spot is from the laser scanning mechanism, the greater the laser beam spot speed will be, based on well known principles of physics. A useful measure of such beam spot speed variation is given by the ratio of (i) the maximum laser beam spot s peed within the scanning field of the system, to (ii) the minimum laser beam spot speed in the scanning system. Hereinafter, this spot speed variation measure shall be referred to as the "Max/Min Beam Spot Speed Ratio" of a laser scanning system. The substrate, usually paper, on which a bar code is printed reflects a signal of varying power when scanned with a focused laser beam within a given focal zone in the system. The laser light energy reflected (i .e. scattered) off the scanned code symbol is directed onto a photodetector b y way of light collection and focusing optics. The photodetector converts these optical signals into corresponding electrical signals. The signal components produced by scanning the bar code substrate are unwanted and therefore are described as noise. Since the substrate is usually paper, consisting of fibers having a random spatial structure, such unwanted noise signals are commonly referred to as paper or substrate noise. The signal output from the photodetector is referred to as an analog scan data signal S ana , og comprising the desired bar code signal component as well as the paper noise components. As a bar code is scanned within a focal zone disposed further away from the scanner, the analog scan data signal produced at the photodetector is increasingly compressed on the time-domain by virtue of the fact that t h e laser beam speed increases as a function of distance away from the laser scanning mechanism. In accordance with Fourier Analysis principles, compression of the an alog scan data signal (including its noise components) represented on the time-domain results in an increase in or shift of power t o the higher spectral components of the analog scan data signal represented o n the frequency-domain. Thus, the frequency spectra of an analog scan d at a signal (including its noise components) undergoes a positive frequency shift as the corresponding bar code symbol is scanned further away from the laser scanning system. This phenomenon is graphically illustrated in Figs. 2A through 2F. Therefore, when scanning bar code symbols in a multi-focal zone laser scanning system, the bandwidth of the system must be sufficient to support the spectral components of analog scan data signals produced a t the photodetector by scanning bar code symbols at the different focal zones of the system . In accordance with teachings of the present invention, the effects of paper noise are significantly reduced in multi-focal zone laser scanning systems by processing the analog scan data signal with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters (and amplifiers) that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of th e analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zo ne in the laser scanning system. In the case of a five focal zone scanning system, five different pass-band filter structures can b e provided within the scan data signal processor of the present i nvention . When a bar code symbol is scanned by a laser beam focused within the first focal zone, the pass-band filter structure associated with the first focal zone would be automatically switched into operation in the signal processor so that only the spectral components associated with the produced analog scan data signal and noise present over this pass-band, are present within t h e analog signal processor while the first and second derivative signals are generated and processed to produce a corresponding digital scan data signal, substantially free from the destructive effects of thermal and substrate noise outside the spectral pass-band of interest for the bar code symbol being scanned. Alternatively, in order to reduce the number of components requi red by the scan data signal processor, the five focal zones can be divided i nto two or more scan ranges (e.g. Near Scan Range and Far Scan Range) so t h at two or more pass-band filter structures are used to pass the spectral components of analog scan data signals produced when scanning bar code symbols within these predefined scanning ranges, while rejecting th e destructive power associated with spectral noise components outside of th e selected pass-band filter structure. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to scan bar code symbols in the nearest focal zone in a multi-focal zone system, and t o produce first and second derivative signals (of the analog scan data signal) that are substantially free of spectral noise components outside the pass- band filter structure associated with the nearest focal zo ne, so that the first and second derivative signals can be used in an optimal manner to reliably generate a corresponding digital scan data signal during A/D signal conversion within the signal processor. These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent hereinafter. Multi-Focal Zone Holographic Laser Scanning System Of The Present Inventi on In Figs. 1 and IA, the scan data signal processor of the present invention is shown embodied within a multi-focal zone holographic laser scanning bar code symbol reading system 1 that is mounted over a conveyor belt system 2 for the purpose of reading bar coded packages as described, for example, in Applicants' US Application Nos. 09/157,778 filed September 2 1 , 1998, 09/047, 146 filed March 24, 1998, 08/949,915 filed October 14, 1 997 , 08,854,832 filed May 12, 1997, U.S. Letters Patent 5,984, 185, and U.S. Application No. 08/573,949 filed December 18, 1995, now abandoned, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . As shown in Figs. 1 and IA, the holographic laser scanning system 1 employs a holographic scanning disc 3 shown in Figs. IB, I C, ID, IE and 1 G to produces an omnidirectional scanning pattern within a well-defined 3-D scanning volume during each revolution of the disc. In the illustrative as embodiment, the holographic scanning disc 3 supports twenty holographic optical elements (i.e. facets) each of which is realized as volume transmission hologram in the preferred embodiment. Methods for designing the holographic disc and its accompanying scanning platform are disclosed in great detail in US Application No. 08,854,832 filed May 12, 1997, U.S. Letters Patent 5,984, 185, and U.S. Application No. 08/573,949 filed December 18, 1995, now abandoned, supra. Design and construction parameters for the holographic scanning disc 3 are set forth in Table IH. An optical layout for the facets on the scanning disc is shown in Fig. 1 G. In the illustrative embodiment, the holographic laser scanning sy stem 1 comprises four laser scanning stations 4A through 4D arranged about t h e holographic scanning disc 3. Each time the holographic scanning disc revolves past the four laser scanning stations, the system generates a n omnidirectional laser scanning pattern 5 within a highly confined 3-D scanning volume 6 having five different focal zones which overlap slightly a t the end portions of each such focal region. In Fig. 5B, a graph is presented which indicates the spatial dimensions of each focal zone in the system, a s well as the beam diameter therewithin and the amount of overlap provi ded between adjacent focal zones in the holographic laser scanning system of the illustrative embodiment. The speed of the laser beams within each focal zone (FZl, FZ2, FZ3, FZ4 and FZ5) is listed in the table of Fig. IH, along side the parameters of the holographic scanning facet producing the laser scanning beam in the focal region. Notably, at the center of each scanline i n each focal zone, the beam speed is substantially equal. Also, from this table, it can be seen that the speed of the laser beam at the maximum depth of field in each focal zone is greater than the speed of the laser beam at the center of the scanlines therein, whereas the speed of the laser beam at the mi ni m u m depth of field in each focal zone is less than the speed of the laser beam a t the center of the scanlines therei n . In order to reduce the number of pass-band filter structures required within the scan data signal processor of the holographic laser scanning system shown in Fig. 1 , the five overlapping focal regions FZl though FZ5 are grouped into two distinct scanning ranges, referred to as the Near Scan Range and the Far Scan Range. The depth of field of each of these scanning ranges and the focal zones falling therewithin are specified in Figs. I I and 5B. As shown in Fig. IB, the holographic scanning disc 3 is rotatably mounted on the bench 7 of the system, and is surrounded by laser scanning stations 4A through 4D. It is understood, however, that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, more or less scanning stations can b e provided about the holographic scanning disc in order to modify the laser beam scanning pattern within the 3-D scanning volume of the system . As shown in Fig. IC, each laser beam scanning station comprises a t number of subcomponents including, for example: a laser beam producti on module 8 disposed beneath the holographic scanning disc 3 for producing a laser beam incident the underside surface of the scanning disc while havi ng requisite beam characteristics described in detail in U.S. Application Serial No. 08,854,832 filed May 12, 1997, U.S. Letters Patent 5,984, 185, and U.S. Application Serial No. 08/573,949 filed December 18, 1995, now abandoned, supra; a beam folding mirror 9 disposed o n the outer perimeter of th e scanning disc and above its surface, for folding the focused laser beam diffracted by the scanning disc; a parabolic light collection mirror 1 0 disposed below the scanning disc for collecting laser light rays scattered off a scanned bar code symbol 1 1 (within the focal zone associated with t h e particular holographic facet), and transmitted through the corresponding scanning facet and subsequently focused and retransmitted through t he scanning disc onto a focal point above the scanning disc, at which th e photodetector 12 is supported by a PC-based photodetection a n d preamplification board 13, as shown; and a signal processing board 14 (14A through 14D) supporting analog and digital signal processing circuits thereon, including the scan data signal processor of the present invention . As shown in Fig. IB, a control (i.e. mother) board 15 is mounted within th e housing 16 of the scanning system. On the control board 15, interfaces a n d circuits are provided for receiving and processing the digital scan d ata signals produced by the signal processing boards 14A through 14D from th e laser scanning stations in the system. sπ As shown in Figs. IB, ID and I E. ID, the holographic laser scanni ng system 1 also includes a home-pulse mark sensing module 17 mo u n ted beneath the edge of the scanning disc 3 on the optical bench 7 of the system. As shown in Figs. ID and IE, the module 17 comprises a number of subcomponents, namely: a miniature module housing 18 supporting a photodetector 19 which is c onnected to home pulse detection and VLD drive and photodetection circuitry 20 supported on the control (mother) board 1 5 ; a visible laser diode (VLD) 21 for producing and passing a laser beam 2 2 through the edge of the scanning disc, onto the photodetector 19; and VLD drive circuitry 23 also on control board, for driving the VLD during scanner operation. The circuit 20 can be constructed in accordance with t h e schematic diagram set forth in Fig. I F. During scanner operation, the home- pulse detector senses the home indicator gap 21 on the scanning disc 3 each time the disc passes the indicator during disc rotation. The output of the home-pulse detection circuit 20 on the control board 15 is provided as i nput to a microprocessor-based home offset pulse (HOP) generator 22 provided o n the control board, as shown in Fig. 3A2. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the HOP generator 22 generates home offset pulses (HOPs) based on the following information: the known angular width of each facet; t he disc motor speed; and the sequence of facets on the holographic scanning disc. A different HOP is sent to each decode board 14A- 14D at a different instant i n time corresponding to when the home indicator gap 21 is presented before the incident scanning beam of the corresponding scanning station about t h e disc. On the corresponding decode board, a microprocessor-based start of facet pulse generator 23 uses the received HOP and information about the disc speed, facet sequence, and facet angular width to g enerate a start of facet pulse (SFP) for each facet as it moves by the corresponding scanning station. In the illustrative embodiment, the SFP can be used to generate a signal indicating which scanning range (e.g. Near Scan Range or Far Scan Range) is b eing scanned by the particular facet in use at any given time, a n d provide that signal to the scan data signal processor 25 on the corresponding decode processing board 14, as shown in Fig. 3A 1. If the Near Scan Range i s being scanned, then a digital "low" level is produced as output from th e microprocessor 26 on the corresponding decode processing board 14, i n accordance with the table set forth in Fig. I I. If the Far Scan Range is being scanned, then a digital "high" level is produced output from t h e microprocessor 26. As shown in the system diagram of Figs. 3A 1 through 3 A3, t h e holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 comprises a number of subsystem components, many of which are realized on the mother control board 1 5 , and the preamplification b o ards 13A through 13D supported above t h e scanning disc, and the digital signal processing boards 14A through 1 4D beneath the scanning disc, shown in Figs. I B and IC. For sake of simplicity, it will be best to describe these system components by describing t h e components realized on each of the above-described boards, and thereafter describe the interfaces and interaction therebetween. As shown in Fig. 3A 1 , each analog scan data signal processing b o ard 14A through 14D has the following components mounted thereon: a n associated photodetector 12A (through 12D), realized as a silicon photocell, for detection of analog scan data signals; and an analog signal preamplification circuit 24A (through 24D) for amplifying detected analog scan data signals to produce a n alog scan data signal D,. In the illustrative embodiment, each photodetector 12A through 12D i s realized as an opto-electronic device and each signal preamplification circuit 24A through 24D aboard the analog signal processing board is realized as a discrete circuit. These circuits are suitably mounted onto a small pri n ted circuit (PC) board, along with electrical connectors which allow for interfacing with other boards within the scanner housing. With all of its components mounted thereon, each PC board is suitably fastened to t h e photodetector support frame along its respective central reference frame, a s shown in Fig. I C. In a conventional manner, a portion of the scattered light rays off a scanned bar code symbol are reflected along the same outgoing light ray path towards the holographic facet which produced the scanned laser beam . These reflected light rays D 0 are collected by the scanning facet a n d ultimately focused onto the photodetector by the parabolic light reflecting mirror 10A disposed b eneath the holographic scanning disc. The function of each photodetector l 2A is to detect variations in the amplitude (i.e. intensity) of optical scan data signal D 0 , and to produce in response thereto a n electrical analog scan data signal D, which corresponds to such intensity variations. When a photodetector with suitable light sensitivity characteristics is used, the amplitude variations of electrical analog scan d at a signal D, will linearly correspond to light reflection characteristics of th e scanned surface (e.g. the scanned bar code symbol). The function of th e signal preamplification circuitry 24A is to pass-band filter and preamplify the electrical analog scan data signal D 1 ? in order to improve the SNR of t h e output signal. In the illustrative e m bodiment, each digital scan data signal processing board 14A (through 14D) is constructed the same. On each of these signal processing boards, the following devices are realized: an analog scan d at a signal processing circuit 25A (through 25D) constructed i n accordance with the principles of the present invention; a programmable digitizing circuit 24A (through 24D) realized as an ASIC chip; start-of-facet pulse (SFP) generator 23A (through 23D) realized as a programmable IC chip, for generating SFPs relative to home-offset pulses (HOP) generated by a start of facet pulse (SFP) generator circuit on the mother board 15; an EPROM 28A (through 28D) for storing parameters and information represented, for example, in the tables of Fig. 3C; and programmed decode c omputer 26 A (through 26D) is realized as a programmed microprocessor and associated program and data storage memory and system buses, for carrying o u t symbol decoding operations in a real-time manner. In the illustrative embodiment, the analog scan data signal processor, the programmed microprocessor, its associated memory and system buses are all mounted o n a single printed circuit (PC) board, using suitable electrical connectors, in a manner well known in the art. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the function of th e scan data signal processor (25A through 25D) is to perform various signal processing operations on the analog scan data signal D] received from th e 3D photodetector 12A (through 12D) and ultimately convert the electrical analog scan data signal Di into a corresponding digital scan data signal D 2 having first and second (i.e. binary) signal levels which correspond to th e bars and spaces of the bar code symbol being scanned. In practice, th e digital scan data signal D 2 appears as a pulse-width modulated type signal as the first and second signal levels thereof vary in proportion to the width of bars and spaces in the scanned bar code symbol . The function of the programmable digitizing circuit 27A (thro ugh 27D) in the illustrative embodiment is to convert the digital scan data signal D2, associated with each scanned bar code symbol, into a corresponding sequence of digital words (i.e. a sequence of digital count values) D 3 representative of package identification data. Notably, in the digital word sequence D 3 , each digital word represents the time length associated with each first or second signal level in the corresponding digital scan data signal D 2 . Preferably, the digital count values are in a suitable digital format for use in carrying out various symbol decoding operations. Reference is made t o U.S. Patent No. 5,343,027 to Knowles, incorporated herein by reference, as i t provides technical details regarding the design and construction of microelectronic digitizing circuits suitable for use in the holographic laser scanning system of the present invention . In bar code symbol scanning applications, the function of eac h programmed decode computer (26A through 26D) in the illustrative embodiment is to receive each digital word sequence D 3 produced from its respective digitizing circuit (27A through 27D), and subject it to one or m ore bar code symbol decoding algorithms in order to determine which bar code symbol is indicated (i.e. represented) by the digital word sequence D 3 , originally derived from corresponding scan data signal Di detected by th e photodetector associated with the decode computer. In bar code symbol reading applications, in which scanned code symbols can be any one of a number of symbologies, a bar code symbol decoding algorithm with auto- discrimination capabilities can be used in a manner known in the art. As shown in Fig. 3A2, the central processing (i.e. mother) board 1 5 comprises a number of components mounted on a small PC board, namely: a 2 l programmed mic roprocessor 29 with a system bus and associated program and data storage memory, for controlling the system operation of the holographic laser scanner and performing other auxiliary functions; first, second, third, and fourth serial data channels 30A through 30D, for recei ving serial data input from the programmable decode computers 26A (thro ugh 26D) respectively; an input/output (I/O) interface circuit 31 for interfacing with and transmitting symbol character data and other information to d ata management computer system 32; home pulse detector 20 and associated VLD driver circuits, realized as the electronic circuit shown in Fig. IF, for detecting the home pulse generated when the laser beam 22 (from VLD 21 i n home pulse marking sensing module 17 in Fig. ID) is directed through home- pulse indicator gap (between Facets Nos. 5 and 12 shown in Fig. 1 G) a n d sensed by photodetector 19; and home-offset-pulse (HOP) generator 2 2 realized as an ASIC chip, for generating a set of four home-offset pulses (HOPs) in respon se to the detection of each home pulse by circuit 20. In the illustrative embodiment, each serial data channel 30A through 30D is realized as an RS232 port, although it is understood that other structures may be used to realize the function performed t hereby. The programmed control computer 29 also produces motor control signals, a n d laser control signals during system operation. These control signals are received as input by a power supply circuit 33 realized on the power s upply PC board. Other input signals to the power supply circuit 33 include a 1 20 Volt, 60 Hz line voltage signal from a standard power distribution circuit. O n the basis of the received input signals, the power supply circuit produces a s output, ( 1) laser source enable signals to drive VLDs (14A through 14D), respectively, and (2) motor enable signals in order to drive the scanning disc motor 34 coupled to holographic scanning disc 3 . As shown in Fig. 3B, each SFP generator (23A through 23D) comprises: a clock 35 for producing clock pulses (e.g. having a pulse duration of about 4 microseconds); a SFP generation module 36 for generating SFPs using th e table of Fig. 3C in accordance with the process depicted in Fig. 3D; and a control module 37 for controlling the SFP generator, and r esetting the clock 39 upon each detection of a new HOP from the HOP generator on the mother control board 15 associated with the holographic scanning unit. As shown i n Fig. 3A 1 , SFPs are provided to the analog scan data signal processor 25A b y way of bus 28, or equivalent means known in the art. As mentioned hereinabove, the SFPs are used by the analog scan data processor 25A (through 25D) to select particular filter characteristics which optimize SNR during A/D signal conversion . Having described the structure and function of the major components of the holographic laser scanning system of Fig. 1 , it is appropriate at this juncture to now describe in greater detail the scan data signal processor of the present invention 25A (through 25D) with reference to Figs. 4 through 5C. Analog Scan Data Signal Processor Of The Illustrative Embodiment Of Th e Present Inventi on As shown in Fig. 4, each scan data signal processor (25A through 25D) is similar in structure and function, and comprises a number of subcomponents, namely: a time-domain substrate noise filtering circuit 40, described in greater detail in Figs. 4A and 4B; a first derivative signal generation circuit 41 having scan-range controlled first derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers i ntegrated therewith, described in greater detail in Figs. 4C 1 through 4C7; a second derivative signal generation circuit 42 having scan-range controlled second derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith, and described in greater detail in Figs. 4D1 through 4D7; a first derivative signal threshold-level generation circuit 43 for generating upper and lower first derivative signal; a binary-type A/D signal conversion circuit44; and a bar code element detection circuit 45. The structure and function of each of these processor subcomponents will b e described in greater detail hereinbelow with reference to the first laser scanning station 4A, denoted by the letter A. Non-Linear Time-Domain Substrate Noise Filtering Ci rcuit As shown i n Fig. 4A, the non-linear time-domain substrate noise filter 40 comprises, a number of subcomponents, namely: a linear voltage preamplifer 46; a zero-reference signal generator 47, realized as peak detection; a clipping diode 48; a high-output impedance a m plifier (i.e. buffer) 49; and a buffer amplifier 50. As shown in Fig. 4A, the output of th e voltage amplifier 46 is provided to the input of both the zero reference level generator 47 and the high-impedance amplifier 49. The output of the zero reference level generator 47 is provided to one terminal of the clipping di ode 48, whereas the output of the high output impedance amplifier 50 is connected to the other terminal of the clipping diode, as shown. The i n p ut of the output buffer amplifier 50 is connected to the output of the high- output impedance amplifier 49, whereas the output of the buffer amplifier 50 provides "quiet" output version of the analog scan data signal S 0 (t) . The function of the voltage preamplifer 46 is to increase the voltage separation between the two levels of the input analog scan data signal corresponding to the bars and spaces of the bar code symbol. This is done i n order to provide finer clipping action given the fixed voltage drop across th e diode when it is forward biased. The zero reference generator and the hi gh output impedance buffer each receive this amplified analog scan data signal. When the zero reference voltage level is at a voltage corresponding to a space element in a bar code symbol, it is greater than the output of the i mpedance- matching buffer plus the forward bias voltage drop of the clipping diode 48 , and the clipping diode 48 is forward biased causing the input to the buffer amplifier 50 to be equal to the zero reference voltage minus the voltage d ro p across the forward biased clipping diode 48. When the analog scan d at a signal is at a voltage level corresponding to a bar element, then the analog scan data voltage level is transferred through the high output i mpedance amplifier 49 to the output terminal of the buffer amplifier 50. The operation of the time-domain based substrate noise filter 40 is shown by the graphical plots set forth in Fig. 4B. Notably, the nonlinear operation of the substrate noise filter 4 0 described above tends to smooth or otherwise filter out substrate noise in t h e analog scan data signal during signal levels corresponding to scanning of 4 substrates and bar code spaces realized on the substrate. However, the time- domain operation of the substrate noise filter 40 does not attempt to filter out the substrate noise during signal levels corresponding to scanning of code symbol bar elements. Thus, the time-domain substrate noise filter 4 0 performs, in essence, a multiplication operation on the analog scan data (i.e. the analog scan data signal is multiplied by zero during substrate-related signal levels and unity during bar element related signal levels). The form of the multiplication function is a digital signal having transitions th at correspond approximately with the signal level transitions in the analog scan data signal. Consequently, in accordance with Fourier Analysis, t h e frequency spectra of the analog scan data signal is mathematically convoluted with the Fourier transform of this digital function, thereby smoothing out the spectral peaks associated with the substrate noise, a n d thus smoothing out the first time derivative of the analog scan data signal. Thus, the time-domain substrate noise filter 40 operates to prepare th e analog scan data signal in such a way that its first time derivative dS, ( t)/d t, once generated in the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 , will h ave less random fluctuations therein due to the absence of sharp peaks in the power spectra of the underlying substrate noise signal, thereby contributing to an overall improvement in performance of the scan data signal processor of the present i nvention . The First Derivative Signal Generation Circuit Having Scan-Range Controlled Pass Band Filters And Amplifiers Integrated Therewi th As shown in Fig. 4C l , the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 of the illustrative embodiment comprises two channels, A and B, corresponding to the Near Scan Range and Far Scan Range of the laser scanning system. Along channel A of the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 , a n um b er of subcomponents are arranged in a serial manner, namely: a signal differentiator circuit 50A and a first derivative signal low-pass filter (LPF) circuit 52A cooperating to provide a first derivative signal pass-band filter structure 53A; and a first derivative signal pass-band amplifier 54A tuned t o operate like a low pass filter (LPF) in order to prevent the R 3 C 2 element from operating as a second signal differentiator circuit within the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 ; and an analog switch 55A, realized as a FET, for commuting the output of the pass-band amplifier 53A to the output terminal 56 of the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 , in response to the generation of an enable signal ENABLE A produced b y an analog switch controller circuit 57 which receives as its input signal, a variable pass-band (VPB) control signal 58 generated by the microprocessor 26A shown in Fig. 3A1, described in detail hereinabove. Likewise, along channel B of the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 , a number of subcomponents are arranged in a serial manner, namely: a signal differentiator circuit 51B and a low-pass filter (LPF) circuit 52B cooperating to provide a first derivative signal pass-band filter structure 53B; and a first derivative signal pass-band amplifier 54B tuned to operate like a low pass filter (LPF) in order to prevent the R 3 C 2 element employed therein from operating as a second signal differentiator circuit within the first derivative signal generation circuit 4 1 ; and an analog switch 55B, realized as a FET, for commuting the output of the pass-band amplifier 54B to the output terminal of the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 , in response to the generation of an enable signal ENABLE B produced by the analog switch controller circuit 57 described hereinabove. In Fig. 4C2, the magnitude of the frequency response characteristics of the first derivative signal pass-band filter structure 53A are graphically represented. The bandwidth of the first derivative signal pass-band filter structure 53 A and the control signal levels for enabling and disabling the same during system operation are set forth in the table of Fig. 4C3. Formulas for computing the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f LA , f UA and f LB , fuβ » characteristic of the first derivative signal pass-band filter structure 53A are set forth in the table of Fig. 4C4. In Fig. 4C5, the magnitude of the frequency response characteristics of the first derivative signal pass-band amplifier structure 54A are graphically represented. The bandwidth of the first derivative signal pass-band amplifier 54A and the control signal levels for enabling and disabling the same during system operation are set forth in the table of Fig. 4C6. Formulas for computing the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f A , f UA and f L e, fuβ > characteristic of the first derivative signal pass-band amplifier 54A are set forth in the table of Fig. 4C7. In general, these cut-off frequencies can b e determined using the techniques described above while recognizing that the pass-band amplifiers 54A and 54B cannot function as differentiators. Notably, in the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, th e approximation formulas set forth in the tables of Figs. 4C3 and 4C6 for computation of the corner cut-off frequencies of the pass-band filter structure 53A and amplifier 54A have been formulated through careful recognition of three interrelated facts of physics, namely: ( 1 ) that the spot speed of the laser scanning beam is increased at focal planes or over focal zones disposed at increased distances from the laser scanner; (2) that th e analog scan data signal corresponding to the spatial structure of a code symbol element is time-compressed as the code symbol element is scanned at a distance further away from the laser beam scanning mechanism (e.g. holographic scanning disc); and (3) that time-compression of a signal (s uch as the analog scan data signal) along the time domain results in expansion of the frequency spectra of the corresponding time-domain signal on th e frequency domain, based on the principle of Fourier Analysis that a multiplication operation on the time-domain results in a convolution operation on the frequency-domain, and that a convolution operation on t h e time-domain results in a multiplication operation on the frequency-domain . As a result of this increased laser spot speed phenomenon, t h e frequency spectra of analog scan data signals produced during the scanning of bar code symbols is shifted in the d irection of increased frequency for code symbols in focal zones disposed greater distances away from the laser scanning system, than for code symbols in focal zones disposed closer to t he laser scanning system. Also, the power spectral distribution of paper noise produced from substrates is shifted in the direction of increased frequency for substrates scanned in focal zones disposed greater distances away from the laser scanning system, than for substrates in focal zones disposed closer to the laser scanning system . an Thus, when scanning bar code symbols in the near focal zones of t h e system (i.e. FZl and FZ2), the spectral components of paper noise residing i n the frequency bands associated with the farther out focal zones (i.e. FZ3, FZ4 and FZ5) are greatly amplified during the first stage of signal differenti ation and would otherwise be added to the spectral components of the analog scan data signal if not filtered out in an appropriate manner. Thus, to prevent such spectral noise components from degrading the first time derivative of the analog scan data signal produced by scanning a bar code symbol within the Near Scan Range, the microprocessor 26A in Fig. 3A 1 generates a "low" VPB controller input level, as indicated in Fig. 4C3, so as to cause the VPB controller 57 to generate an ENABLE A signal therefrom. In turn, this enables the first analog switch 55A to commute the output signal from amplifier 54A to the output terminal of the analog switch circuit 56, and thus enabling channel A of the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 which corresponds to the Near Scan Range of the laser scanning system. Then when a bar code symbol is scanned within the Far Scan Range, t h e microprocessor 26A in Fig. 3A1 generates a "high" VPB controller input level, as indicated in Fig. 4C3, so as to cause the VPB controller 57 to generate a n ENABLE B signal therefrom. In turn, this enables the second analog switch 55B to commute the output signal from amplifier 54B to the output terminal of the analog switch ci rcuit 55, and thus enabling channel B of the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 which corresponds to the Far Scan Range of the laser scanning system. The Second Derivative Signal Generation Circuit With Integrated Focal-Zone Controlled Pass B and Filters And Amplifiers As shown in Fig. 4D1 , the second derivative signal generation circuit 42 of the illustrative embodiment, like the first derivative signal generation circuit 41 , comprises two channels, A and B, corresponding to the Near Scan Range and Far Scan Range of the laser scanning system. Along channel A of the second derivative signal generation circuit 42, a number of subcomponents are arranged in a serial manner, namely: a signal differentiator circuit 61 A and a low-pass filter circuit 62A cooperating t o ex provide a second pass-band filter structure 63A; and a pass-band amplifier 64A tuned to operate like a low pass filter (LPF) in order to prevent the R 3 C 2 element from operating as a third signal differentiator circuit within t h e second d erivative signal generation circuit 42; and an analog switch 65A, realized as a FET, for commuting the output of the pass-band filter 64A t o the output terminal of the second derivative signal generation circuit 42, i n response to the generation of an enable signal ENABLE A produced by a n analog switch controller circuit 67 which receives as its input signal, a variable pass-band (VPB) control signal 68 generated by the microprocessor 26A shown in Fig. 3A1 , described in detail hereinabove. Likewise, along channel B of the second derivative signal generation circuit 42, a number of subcomponents are arranged in a serial manner, namely: a signal differentiator circuit 61B and a low-pass filter circuit 62B cooperating t o provide a second pass-band filter structure 63B; and a pass-band amplifier 64B tuned to operate like a low pass filter (LPF) in order to prevent the R 3 C 2 element employed therein from operating as a third signal differentiator circuit within the second derivative signal generation circuit 42; a nd a n analog switch 65B, realized as a FET, for commuting the output of the pass- band filter 64B to the output terminal 60 of the second derivative signal generation circuit 42, in response to the generation of an enable signal ENABLE B produced by the a n alog switch controller circuit descri bed hereinabove. In Fig. 4D2, the magnitude of the frequency response characteristics of the second derivative signal pass-band filter structure 63A are graphically represented. The bandwidth of the second derivative signal pass-band filter structure 63A and the control signal levels for enabling and disabling th e same during system operation are set forth in the table of Fig. 4D3. Formulas for computing the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f LA , f UA and f B , f UB , characteristic of the second derivative signal pass-band filter structure 63 A are set forth in the table of Fig. 4D4. In Fig. 4D5, the magnitude of the frequency response characteristics of the second derivative signal pass-band amplifier structure 63A a re graphically represented. The bandwidth of the second derivative signal pass- band amplifier 64B and the control signal levels for enabling and disabling the same during system operation are set forth in the table of Fig. 4D6. Formulas for computing the upper and lower cutoff frequencies f LA , f UA and ^ B . fu B . characteristic of the second derivative signal pass-band amplifier 64B are set forth in the table of Fig. 4D7. In general, these cut-off frequencies c an be determined using the techniques descri bed above while recognizing th at the second-derivative signal pass-band amplifiers 64A and 64B c an not function as a differentiators. When scanning bar code symbols in the near focal zones of the system (i.e. FZl and FZ2), the spectral components of paper noise residing in th e frequency bands associated with the farther out focal zones (i.e. FZ3, FZ4 a n d FZ5) are greatly amplified during first stage of differentiation and would otherwise be added to the spectral components of the analog scan data signal if not filtered out in an appropriate manner. Thus, to prevent such spectral noise components from degrading the second time derivative of the analog scan data signal produced when scanning a bar code symbol within the Near Scan Range, the microprocessor 26A in Fig. 3A 1 generates a "low" VPB controller input level, as indicated in Fig. 4D3, so as to cause the VPB controller 67 to generate an ENABLE A signal therefrom. In turn, this enables the first analog switch 65A to commute the output signal from amplifier 64A to the output terminal of the analog switch circuit 65A, and thus enabling channel A of the second derivative signal generation circuit 42 which corresponds to the Near Scan Range of the laser scanning system. Then when a bar code symbol is scanned within the Far Scan Range, t h e microprocessor 26A in Fig. 3A 1 generates a "high" VPB controller input level, as indicated in Fig. 4D3, so as to cause the VPB controller 67 to generate a n ENABLE B signal therefrom. In turn, this enables the second analog switch 65B commutes the output signal from amplifier 64B to the output termi nal 66 of the analog switch circuit 65, and thus enabling channel B of the second derivative signal generation circuit 42 which corresponds to the Far Scan Range of the laser scanning system. Notably, the approximation formulas disclosed herein for determining the upper and lower cut-off frequencies of the first and second derivative O signal pass-band filters 53A,53B and 63A,63B are first-order approximation formulas based on a m athem atical model of the laser beam scanning process and assumptions about the spatial structure of bar code symbols, wherein (i) a bar code symbol of finite length (having minimum and maximum bar c ode element widths of W min and W max , respectively) is scanned b y (ii) a laser b e am having a Gaussian beam width (measured at its l / e e intensity points) and a beam spot velocity ( v b ) relative to the bar code symbol; (iii) laser light rays reflected off the scanned bar code symbol are collected by a light focusing system having a predetermined focal distance; and (iv) the focused laser light rays are detected with a photodetector located at the predetermined focal distance from the light focusing system. In accordance with thi s process model, an arbitrary bar code symbol (having minimum a n d maximum width elements) is scanned by a Gaussian laser beam moving at a beam spot speed ( v b ) can be represented by a convolution integral function carried out on the spatial domain, wherein the weighing (i.e. modulation) of the laser beam intensity and the focusing of the reflected/scattered laser light rays onto the photodetector is given by the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the laser scanning system as described above which, for purposes of the present invention, shall be expressed in terms of the variable time (t), rather than the spatial dimension (x), using the i ntermedi ate variable beam spot speed v b . Thus, the MTF as defined above is equivalent i n form to the analog scan data signal produced from the photodetector of t h e system. Having constructed a process model along the lines described above, a number of different techniques can be then employed to determi ne acceptable values for the upper and lower cut-off frequencies for the pass- band filters used in the scan data signal processor of the present invention . Several different techniques which can be used will be described hereinbelow . In accordance with a first technique, based on numerical analysis, mathematical techniques such as the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) c an be used to compute a discrete frequency spectrum representation from a discrete representation of the MFT. According to this proposed method of Ml analysis, DFTs are computed for the first time derivative of a plurality of MTFs which correspond to a plurality of laser-scanned bar code symbols of varying code structure and resolution. Thereafter, the spectral power distributions of these first derivative functions can be carefully analyzed t o arrive at upper and lower cut-off frequencies for first derivative signal pass- band filters 53A and 53B. When the cut-off frequencies are optimally selected, the first derivative signal pass-band filters 53A and 53B will optimally reject the spectral components associated with thermal a n d substrate noise within t he system, while passing with minimal attenuation the balance of power in the spectral components of the first derivative signal. The selection of pass-band cut-off frequencies in this manner will allow th e use of lower first derivative signal threshold level values during the first derivative signal peak detection stage of the scan data signal processor hereof, thereby increasing the dynamic range and SNR within this stage of the scan data signal processor, and thus improving the performance of t h e A/D signal conversion therewithin . Thereafter, DFTs are computed for the second time derivative of th e same plurality of MTFs which correspond to the plurality of laser-scanned bar code symbols of varying code structure and resolution. Then, the spectral power distributions of these second derivative functions can b e carefully analyzed to arrive at upper and lower cut-off frequencies for second derivative signal pass-band filters 63A and 63B. When the cut-off frequencies are optimally selected, the second derivative signal pass-band filters 63A and 63B will optimally reject the spectral components associated with thermal and substrate noise within the system, while passing with minimal attenuation the balance of power in the spectral components of the second derivative signal. The selection of pass-band cut-off frequencies i n this manner will ensure that second-derivative signal zero-crossing detection is carried out at a maximum SNR value, thus improving the performance of the A/D signal conversion within the scan data signal processor hereof. In accordance with a second technique, based on analytical methods, a mathematical expression can be derived for the MTF of a generalized b a r code symbol having minimum and maximum bar code element widths. The *43ι MTF would be expressed as multi-variable function dependent on the various process variables including time (t) identified hereinabove. Having obtai ned a mathematical expression for the MTF, the first time derivative of this MTF can be derived (i.e. computed) to provide a first multi-variable function which is representative of the first time derivative of the analog scan d ata signal detected at the photodetector of the laser scanning system. Thereafter, the second time derivative of the MTF is derived to provide a second multi-variable function which is representative of the second derivative of the analog scan data signal detected at the photodetector of t h e laser scanning system. The next step in the analytical method involves deriving (i .e. computing) the Fourier Transforms of the first and second time derivati ve functions of the MFT, expressed as multi-variable functions dependent on t h e various process variables including frequency (f) identified hereinabove. The resulting Fourier Transforms provide a representation of the spectral components underlying the time-domain reconstitution of the first a n d second time derivatives of the MFT (i.e. photodetected analog scan d ata signal). However, it will be helpful to remember that the MFT has been derived by convolving a Gaussian laser beam with a bar code symbol of finite length having minimum and maximum element widths . Assigning assumed values to the various process parameters in t h e process model (including the beam spot speed in the focal plane or scanning distance of interest, the minimum and maximum bar code element widths, etc.), one can obtain the Fourier Transforms for the first and second ti me derivatives for the MFT expressed solely as a function of frequency (f). Thereafter, the power spectral density (PSD) functions can be derived for both the Fourier Transform of the first time derivative of the MFT, as well a s the Fourier Transform of the second time derivative of the MFT. The PSD function for the first time derivative of the MFT, expressed as a function of frequency (f), represents the average power per unit bandwidth (in hertz) i n the first time derivative of the analog scan data signal detected at t h e photodetector. The PSD function for the second time derivative of the MFT, expressed as a function of frequency (f), represents the average power p e r 45 unit bandwidth (in hertz) in the second time derivative of the analog scan data signal detected at the photodetector. Then, using well known mathematical techniques, one can determine which band of frequencies (delimited by lower and upper cut-off frequencies f L and f u , respectively) contain a predetermined percentage (e.g. 90%) of the total normalized power (i.e. 100%) contained in the first time derivative of the MFT to yield opti mal lower and upper cut-off frequencies for the first derivative signal pass-band filter assigned to the assumed focal plane or scanning distance in the system . Thereafter, using the same mathematical techniques, one can determine which band of frequencies (delimited by lower a nd upper cut-off frequencies f L and f y , respectively) contain a predetermined percentage (e.g. 90%) of t h e total normalized power (i.e. 100%) contained in the second time derivative of the MFT to yield optimal lower and upper cut-off frequencies for the sec o n d derivative signal pass-band filter assigned to the assumed focal plane o r scanning distance in the system. The above method can be repeated for each focal plane or scanning distance in the system in order to provide the lower and upper cut-off frequencies of the pass-band filters to be employed in each channel of the scan data signal processor, that has been preassigned t o handle signals derived from particular focal planes, zones, regions o r scanning distances in the laser scanning system under design. In accordance with a third technique, one may determine suitable lower and upper cut-off frequencies for each focal-zone/scan-range controlled pass-band filter structure of the present invention, using Discrete Fourier Transforms and related methods. According to this technique, the multi-variable MTF is evaluated by fixing all parameters, except frequency (f), using assumed values for the process parameters. Notably, the beam spot speed parameter should be fixed to the value associated with the focal plane/zone or scanning range assigned to the pass-band filter under design. Then, the first and second time derivatives are computed for the discrete- time representation of the MTF so as to provide a first discrete-time derivative of the MTF and a second-discrete-time derivative of the MTF. Thereafter, using well known sampling techniques, the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) can be computed for the computed first and second H4 discrete-time derivatives of the MTF. Then, using well known mathematical techniques, one can determine which band of frequencies (delimited b y lower and upper cut-off frequencies f L and f υ , respectively) contain a predetermined percentage (e.g. 90%) of the total normalized power (i.e. 100%) contained in the first discrete-time derivative of the MFT to yield optimal lower and upper cut-off frequencies for the first derivative signal pass-band filter assigned to the assumed focal plane or scan range in th e system. Thereafter, using the same mathematical techniques, one c an determine which band of frequencies (delimited by lower and upper cut-off frequencies f L and f υ , respectively) contain a predetermined percentage (e.g. 90%) of the total normalized power (i.e. 100%) contained in the second discrete-time derivative of the MFT to yield optimal lower and upper cut-off frequencies for the second derivative signal pass-band filter assigned to t h e assumed focal plane or scanning distance in the system. The above m ethod can be repeated for each focal plane or scanning range in the system i n order to provide the lower and upper cut-off frequencies of the pass-band filters t o be employed in each channel of the scan data signal processor, that has been preassigned to handle signals derived from particular focal planes, zones, regions or scanning distances in the laser scanning system under design. In accordance with a fourth technique, one may derive approximation formulas for computing suitable, although not necessarily optimal, values for the lower and upper cut-off frequencies for each focal-zone/scan-range controlled pass-band filter structure in the scan data signal processor of the present invention. This alternative method, while not mathematically rigorous in comparison with the other filter design methods detailed above, requires a deep understanding of the interaction and functional-dependence (on both the time/space and frequency domains) between the v arious parameters employed in the process model described hereinabove. When using this method, it is possible to arrive at approximation formulas for th e upper and lower cut-off frequencies for the first and second derivative signal pass-band filters 53A,53B and 63A,63B, respectively, expressed in terms of process parameters, for example: beam spot speed v b ; the minimum bar code element widths W mιn ; and maximum bar code element width W max . Notably, MS the approximation formulas set forth in the figure drawings hereof h av e provided marked improvements in dynamic range and SNR in first derivative signal processing, as well as marked improvements in SNR in second derivative signal zero-crossing detection, thereby providing a significant improvement in overall system performance, as reflected in the graphs of Figs. 5A through 5C. When using this approach, the filter designer m us t understand a number of basic concepts which operate between the ti me domain and frequency domain such as, for example: that a convolution operation between two functions on the time-domain or spatial-domain, results in a multiplication operation on the frequency-domain between th e Fourier Transforms of those time or spatial domain functions; that a multiplication operation between two functions on the time-domain o r spatial-domain, results in a convolution operation on the frequency-domain between the Fourier Transforms of those time or spatial domain functions; that increasing the beam spot speed of the laser beam results in time- compression of the photodetected analog scan data signal; that decreasing the width of a bar code element causes a positive shift in frequency of th e first and subsequent spectral components in its component frequency spectrum; that increasing the width of a bar code element causes a negati ve shift in frequency of the first and subsequent spectral components in its component frequency spectrum; that increasing the beam spot speed d uri n g laser scanning a bar code symbol structure results in time compression of th e resulting analog scan data signal and thus in an expansion (or positive shift) in the frequency spectrum thereof; that decreasing the b eam spot speed during laser scanning a bar code symbol structure results in time expansion of the resulting analog scan data signal and thus in a compression ( or negative shift) in the frequency spectrum thereof; that a decrease in beam spot size during l aser scanning operations results in an expansion of the frequency spectrum of the resulting analog scan data signal; and that a n increase in beam spot size during laser scanning operations results in a compression of the frequency spectrum of the resulting analog scan d ata signal. Using these principles, the filter designer can synthesize approximation formulas for the pass-band filter structures which can refined through empirical measurement and time and frequency domain analysis of the first and second time derivative signals pass therethrough, and othe r forms of undue experi mentation . Regardless of which filter design method is employed, when the cut-off frequencies are optimally selected, the first derivative signal pass-band filters 53A and 53B will o ptimally reject the spectral components associated with thermal and substrate noise within the system, while passing with minimal attenuation, the balance of power in the spectral components of the first derivative signal. The selection of pass-band cut-off frequencies i n accordance with the present invention will ensure that first-derivative peak detection is carried out with maximum dynamic range and maximum SNR, thus improving the performance of the A/D signal conversion within the sc an data signal processor hereof. Similarly, when the cut-off frequencies are optimally selected, th e second derivative signal pass-band filters 63A and 63B will optimally reject the spectral components associated with thermal and substrate noise within the system, while passing with minimal attenuation the balance of power i n the spectral components of the second derivative signal. The selection of pass-band cut-off frequencies in this manner will ensure that second- derivative signal zero-crossing detection is carried out at maximum SNR, th u s improving the performance of the A/D signal conversion within the scan d ata signal processor hereof. The filter design methods described above can also be used t o determine the upper and lower cut-off frequencies for the pass -band amplifiers and preamplifiers employed in the scan data signal processor of the present invention . First Derivative Signal Threshold Level Generation Circuits As shown in Fig. 4E, first derivative signal threshold level circuit 43 is realized as a pair of positive and negative peak detection circuits 70A a n d 70B, respectively. As shown, the first time derivative of the analog scan data signal, denoted by S'(t)= d[S(t)]dt, is provided to both the positive a n d negative peak detection circuits 70A and 70B. The positive peak detection circuit 70A generates the upper threshold level (UPPER_THRESHOLD) for use when detecting "positive peaks" in the first derivative signal using a first comparator in the A/D signal conversion circuit 44. The negative peak detection circuit 70B generates the lower threshold level (LOWER TΗRESHOLD) for use when detecting "negative peaks" in the first derivative signal using a second comparator in the A/D signal conversion circuit 44. Binary A/D Signal Conversion Circuit As shown in Fig. 4F, the binary (i.e. one-bit) A/D signal conversion circuit 44 comprises a number of subcomponents, namely: a second derivative zero-crossing detector 70; a second derivative zero-crossing gating circuit 71 ; and a digital output signal generation circuit 72. As shown, the second derivative zero-crossing detector 70 comprises: a comparator circuit 73, realized by an operational amplifier, and being enabled and disabled by the digital output signal generated by the bar code element detector 45; and a high-input/low-output impedance amplifier with unity gain (i.e. buffer) 74 connected to the comparator circuit 73 so as t o prevent the bar code element detector 45 from loading the reference voltage V ref as detection of second derivative signal zero crossings is enabled o r disabled by the bar code element detector during scanner operation. The function of the comparator circuit 73 is to compare (i) the second derivative signal S"(t)= d 2 [S(t)]/dt 2 produced from the second derivative generation circuit with (ii) a zero voltage reference (i.e. the AC ground level) in order t o detect the occurrence of each zero-crossing in the second derivative signal. Notably, in the absence of noise, the occurrence of each second derivative zero-crossing indicates that the first derivative signal i s undergoing a (positive or negative) peak which corresponds to the point i n the analog scan data signal where a signal level transition has occurred. However, in the real-world, noise is notorious for producing false zero- crossing detections within the second derivative zero-crossing detection circuit 70 described above. To reduce the number of "falsely detected" zero- crossings produced by noise, the second derivative zero-crossing gating circuit 71 is provided. As shown i n Fig. 4F, this circuit is realized using a pair of analog comparator circuits 75A and 75B. The function of the second derivative zero-crossing gating circuit 71 is to gate to the digital o utpu t signal generating circuit 72, only detected second derivative zero-crossings which occur between alternating positive and negative peaks detected in t h e first derivative signal by the analog comparators 75A and 75B . As shown in Fig. 4F, the digital output signal generating circuit 72 is realized by four NAND gates 76A through 76D configured as a set/reset latch circuit. As shown, the output of the analog comparators 75A and 75B are connected to the first input terminals of NAND gates 76A and 76B. th e second input terminal of NAND gate 76C and the output terminal of NAND gate 76D are tied together to provide the digital scan data output signal D 2 , corresponding to the analog scan data signal D, provided as input to the scan data signal processor of the present invention. The basic principles described in detail above are used by the A/D signal conversion circuit 44 t o determine when to produce a high or low output signal level in the digital scan data signal D 2 generated therefrom during scanner operation . Bar Code Element Detection Circuit As shown in Fig. 4G, the bar code element detector 45 comprises: a zero-reference signal generation circuit 78; a level shifting (i.e. biasing) circuit 79; an analog comparator circuit 80; and a zero-crossing enable signal generation circuit 81. In a bar code, logical zero would represent the spaces and the white areas preceding each bar code element (e.g. bar). The electrical level corresponding to the logical zero level is what the logical zero reference generator 78 seeks to find in a continuous manner. Thus t h e function of this circuit is to determine the electrical analog equivalent of th e paper/substrate which forms a base line for reference with the output of t h e level shifting circuit 79. As shown, the analog scan data signal S,(t) is provided to both th e zero-reference level generation circuit 78 as well as to the level shifter circuit 79. The level shifting circuit 79 (e.g. realized as a summing amplifier) merel y adds a DC bias level to the original analog scan data signal for the purpose of offsetting it slightly so that the analog signal is then offset with respect to t h e logical zero reference and thus the zero reference is a slightly away from zero towards logical one. The zero-reference voltage level provided a s output from circuit 78 is provided as one input to the digital comparator 80. Notably, the zero-reference level generation circuit 78 is substantially t h e same the one used in the substrate noise filter 40 described above. The zero- reference signal produced by this circuit is provided to one input of the comparator circuit 80. A graphical representation of these two signals i s shown in Fig. 4H2. In his example, the signal is produced in response t o detection of the bar code elements shown in Fig. 4H1. As shown in Fig. 4H3 , the output of the level shifter circuit 79 is provided as the second input t o the comparator circuit 80. The output of the comparator circuit 80 is provided as input to the zero-crossing enable signal generation circuit 8 1 which is realized as a missing pulse detector. The output of the comparator circuit 80 is a series of pulses which are somewhat representative of the b ar code elements which appear on the analog signal. The comparator o utput pulse train is fed into the input of the missing pulse detector 81 which is inactive on its output when there are no pulses on the analog scan d at a signal. As shown in Fig. 4H4, as soon as a pulse appears on the analog scan data signal input, the output of the missing pulse detector 81 goes active (i.e. it changes states from, for example, low to high). In this example, the state of the missing pulse detector 81 would stay high as long as there are pulses present on the analog scan data signal input. There is a certain time delay T built into the missing pulse detector 81 , set by its time constant descri bed below, which determines the amount of time between the end of the pul se train and the time that the missing pulse detector 81 outputs changes i n state from active to inactive, or in this example, from high to low. In th e illustrative embodiment shown in Fig. 4G, the time constant of the missing pulse detector 81 is equal to T=(0.27)(R 88 C 45 ) In practice, the time constant so value of the missing pulse detector 81 is set to a value greater than the time duration of the widest bar code element b eing scanned at the slowest b e am speed in the first focal zone (FZl) of the laser scanning system. During operation, the missing pulse detector 81 has a low output a s long as the input is a logic 1. As soon as there is a transition from high t o low on the input of the missing pulse detector, the output i mmediately switches states from low to high and holds that state as long as there are transitions on the input signal within the time period described above. When the missing pulse detector detects that t here have been no transitions for that specified time period, its output will change states from high to low an d it will wait for another transition on its input. The output of the missing pulse detector 81 controls (i.e. enables o r disables) the second d erivative zero-crossing detection circuit 73 via th e zero-crossing enable signal. In particular, the missing pulse detector 8 1 enables the second derivative zero-crossing detector 73 by moving th e second derivative zero reference up to analog ground (e.g. 2.0 volts), a n d disables its operation by moving the second derivative zero reference d own to earth ground (e.g. 0 volts). Notably, the output of the missing pulse detector 81 is a TTL output and an open drain output is needed at the zero- crossing detector 73 so an inverter is used so that its output is fed into the input of a switching transistor (e.g. a field effect transistor) whose collector is then connected to the second derivative zero-crossing comparator 73 as a control signal ZERO-CROSSING_ENABLE. Polygonal-Type Laser Scanning System Employing Dynamically-Adjusted Laser Beam Focusing Mechanism And Scan Data Signal Processor Of The Present In vention In Figs. 6 and 6A, an alternative embodiment of the multi-focal zone laser scanning system 85 is shown. As shown in Fig. 6A, laser scanning system 85 comprises a number of subcomponents, namely: a system controller 86 (e.g. realized as a programmed microcontroller); a visible laser diode (or like device) 87 for generating a laser beam of sufficient power; a variable focus lens subsystem 88, realizable using movable optical <5\ components translated relative to each other in real-time manner in response to control signals produced by the system controller 86, so as to vary t h e focal distance of the laser beam at different focal planes (e.g. focal zones) within the system during laser scanning operations; a laser scanning mechanism 89, for scanning the variably focused laser beam along a predefined scanning pattern (e.g. X-bar pattern) during scanner operation; a photodetector 90 for detecting the intensity of laser light reflected off a scanned bar code symbol and producing an electrical analog scan data signal corresponding to the structure of the scanned bar code symbol; a preamplification circuit 24 for preamplifying the analog scan data signal produced by the photodetector 90; a scan data signal processor 25 as shown, for example, in Fig. 4, for processing the preamplified analog scan data signal D ! and generating a digital scan data signal D 2 corresponding to the analog scan data signal provided as input thereto; a digitizer circuit 27 for producing digital words D 3 representative of the time duration of the first and second signal levels in the digital scan data signal D 2 ; a decode processor 26 for processing the digital words D 3 produced from the digitizer circuit 2 7 (e.g. using decode tables and bar code stitching techniques when using highspeed X-bar or like scanning patterns), so as to decode the digital scan d at a signal and produce symbol character d ata string representative of t h e corresponding laser-scanned bar code symbol; a real-time bar code elemen t width measurement processor (e.g. programmed microprocessor) 91 for realtime measurement of the first and second binary signal levels occurring i n the digital scan data signal D 2 , as a bar code symbol is scanned at different focal planes (or zones) within the system, and real-time comparison with predetermined time duration measures stored in a Beam Spot Speed Look-Up Table 92 as shown in Fig. 6B (e.g. realized using EPROM or like me m ory structures), so as to determine the corresponding laser beam spot speed th at would produce such measured time durations for a bar code symbol of a particular resolution, scanned at a particular focal plane in the system; and a pass-band filter control signal generator (e.g. programmed microprocessor) 93 for producing VPB control signals based on the determined beam spot speed of the laser scanning beam (at each particular instant in time), a n d providing such VPB control signals to the preamplification circuit 24, and t h e first and second derivative signal band-pass filters and amplifiers employed in scan data signal processor 25. In general, the laser beam scanning mechanism 89 can be realized a s either a holographic scanning mechanism similar to that used in the system of Fig. 1 , a polygon-type scanning mechanism of the general type disclosed i n US Patent No. 5,557,093, or other electro-mechanical or electro-acoustical scanning mechanism (e.g. based on Bragg or like cell structures) capable of scanning one or more focused laser beams within the scanning field of t h e system. In Fig. 6A, an exemplary Beam Spot Speed Table 92 is shown for n - number of bar code symbol resolutions (i.e. specified by the predetermined minimum element width (x) in the bar code symbol), wherein a premeasured digital time-duration count for each minimum bar code element (x) is provided in the table according to scanning distance (d s ) away from t h e scanning mechanism. As shown, for each scanning distance d, , there is a predetermined laser beam spot speed associated with the laser scanning system. For a given laser scanning system, a Beam Spot Speed Table is constructed by measuring the signal level durations of minimum bar c ode elements scanned at predetermined focal planes in the system, converting these time count measures to digital words (i.e. digital numbers), a n d recording these numbers in the column of a table, assigned to a particular bar code element width. During system operation, the bar code element width measurement processor 91 produces digital time counts (i.e. n umbers ) which are compared with the digital time counts stored in the columns of th e table of Fig. 6B. The output of this count comparison process is a corresponding beam spot speed value which would produce such a ti me count when a bar code symbol of a particular resolution is scanned at th e corresponding scanning distance from. The VPB filter control signal generator 93 uses the produced beam spot speed (or like measure) t o determine the appropriate VPB control signal so that the pass-band frequency characteristics are set for each preamplifier, filter and amplifier i n S2> the scan data signal processor in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, the variable focal lens subsystem 88 can be replaced with a fixed lens focusing system, adapted to focus a laser beam over a single predetermined focal region determined by the beam waist characteristics and maximum beam spot size requirements in the system. Hand-Supportable Laser Scanning System Embodying The Scan Data Signal Processor Of The Present Invention In Figs. 7 through 7B, an alternative embodiment of laser scanning system of the present invention 95 is shown having a hand-supportable housing which, in general, may have any one of many possible form factors. Examples of such form factors are disclosed in copending Application No. 09/071 ,512, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety As shown in Fig. 7A, laser scanning system 95 comprises a number of subcomponents, namely: a system controller 86 (e.g. realized as a programmed microcontroller); a visible laser diode (or like device) 87 for generating a laser beam of sufficient power; a fixed or variable focus lens subsystem 88' realizable using movable optical components translated relative to each other in real-time in response to control signals produced b y the system controller 86, so as to vary the focal distance of the laser beam a t different focal planes (e.g. focal zones) within the system during laser scanning operations; a laser scanning mechanism 89, for scanning the variably focused laser beam along a predefined scanning pattern (e.g. X-bar pattern) during scanner operation; a photodetector 90 for detecting t he intensity of laser light reflected off a scanned bar code symbol a n d producing an electrical analog scan data signal corresponding to the structure of the scanned bar code symbol; a preamplification circuit 24 for preamplifying the analog scan data signal produced by the photodetector 90; a scan data signal processor 25 as shown, for example, in Fig. 4, for processing the preamplified analog scan data signal D, and generating a digital scan data signal D corresponding to the analog scan data signal provided as input thereto; a digitizer circuit 27 for producing digital words 04 D 3 representative of the time duration of the first and second signal levels i n the digital scan data signal D 2 ; a decode processor 26 for processing t h e digital words D 3 produced from the digitizer circuit 27 (e.g. using decode tables and bar code stitching techniques when using high-speed X-bar or like scanning patterns), so as to decode the digital scan data signal and produce symbol character data string representative of the corresponding laser- scanned bar code symbol; a real-time bar code element width measurement processor (e.g. programmed microprocessor) 91 for real-time measurement of the first and second binary signal levels occurring in the digital scan data signal D 2 , as a bar code symbol is scanned at different focal planes (or zones) within the system, and real-time comparison with predetermined ti me duration measures stored in a Beam Spot Speed Look-Up Table 92' as shown in Fig. 7B (e.g. realized using EPROM or like memory structures), so as t o determine the corresponding laser beam spot speed that would produce such measured time durations for a bar code symbol of a particular resolution, scanned at a particular focal plane in the system; and a pass-band filter control signal generator (e.g. programmed microprocessor) 93 for producing VPB control signals based on the determined beam spot speed of the laser scanning beam (at each particular instant in time), and providing such VPB control signals to the preamplification circuit 24, and the first and second derivative signal band-pass filters and amplifiers employed in scan d ata signal processor 25. In general, the laser beam scanning mechanism 89 can be realized a s either a holographic scanning mechanism similar to that u sed in the system of Fig. 1 , a polygon-type scanning mechanism of the general type disclosed i n US Patent No. 5,557,093, or other electro-mechanical or electro-acoustical scanning mechanism (e.g. based on Bragg or like cell structures) capable of scanning one or more focused laser beams within the scanning field of the system. In Fig. 7B, an exemplary Beam Spot Speed Table 92' is shown for n - number of bar code symbol resolutions (i.e. specified by the predetermined minimum element width (x) in the bar code symbol), wherein a premeasured digital time-duration count for each minimum bar code element (x) is S5 provided in the table according to scanning distance (dj) away from t h e scanning mechanism. As shown, for each scanning distance d[ , there is a predetermined laser beam spot speed V; associated with the laser scanning system. For a given laser scanning system, a Beam Spot Speed Table is constructed by measuring the signal level durations of minimum bar c ode elements scanned at predetermined focal planes in the system, converting these time count measures to digital words (i.e. digital numbers), a n d recording these numbers in the column of a table, assigned to a particular bar code element width. During system operation, the bar code element width measurement processor 91 produces digital time counts (i.e. n umbers ) which are compared with the digital time counts stored in the columns of t h e table of Fig. 7B. The output of this count comparison process is a corresponding beam spot speed value which would produce such a ti me count when a bar code symbol of a particular resolution is scanned at th e corresponding scanning distance from. The VPB filter control signal generator 93 uses the produced beam spot speed (or like measure) t o determine the appropriate VPB control signal so that the pass-band frequency characteristics are set for each preamplifier, filter and amplifier i n the scan data signal processor in accordance with the principles of the present invention . Fixed Projection-Type Laser Scanning System Embodying The Scan Data Signal Processor Of The Present Invention In Figs. 8 through 8B, another alternative embodiment of laser scanning system 100 is shown in the form of fixed or portable projection- type laser scanning system. As shown in Fig. 8A, laser scanning system 1 00 comprises a number of subcomponents, namely: a system controller 86 (e.g. realized as a programmed microcontroller); a visible laser diode (or like device) 87 for generating a laser beam of sufficient power; a fixed focus lens subsystem 88" for focusing the laser beam over a predetermined scanning range, specified by the beam waist characteristics of the laser beam a n d maximum beam spot size required by the system; a laser scanning mechanism 89, for scanning the focused laser beam along a predefined scanning pattern (e.g. X-bar pattern) during scanner operation; a photodetector 90 for detecting the intensity of laser light reflected off a scanned bar code symbol and producing an electrical analog scan data signal corresponding to t he structure of the scanned bar code symbol; a preamplification circuit 24 for preamplifying the analog scan data signal produced by the photodetector 90; a scan data signal processor 25 as shown, for example, in Fig. 4, for processing the preamplified an alog scan data signal D , and generating a digital scan data signal D corresponding to the analog scan data signal provided as input thereto; a digitizer circuit 27 for producing digital words D 3 representative of the time duration of the first and second signal levels in the digital scan data signal D 2 ; a decode processor 26 for processing the digital words D 3 produced from the digitizer circuit 2 7 (e.g. using decode tables and bar code stitching techniques when using hi ghspeed X-bar or like scanning patterns), so as to decode the digital scan d ata signal and produce symbol character data string representative of th e corresponding laser-scanned bar code symbol; a real-time bar code element width measurement processor (e.g. programmed microprocessor) 91 for realtime measurement of the first and second binary signal levels occurring i n the digital scan data signal D 2 , as a bar code symbol is scanned at different focal planes (or zones) within the system, and real-time comparison with predetermined time d uration measures stored in a Beam Spot Speed Look-Up Table 92" as shown in Fig. 8B (e.g. realized using EPROM or like me mory structures), so as to determine the corresponding laser beam spot speed th at would produce such measured time durations for a bar code symbol of a particular resolution, scanned at a particular focal plane in the system; and a pass-band filter control signal generator (e.g. programmed microprocessor) 93 for producing VPB control signals based on the determined beam spot speed of the laser scanning beam (at each particular instant in time), a n d providing such VPB control signals to the preamplification circuit 24, and the first and second derivative signal band-pass filters and amplifiers employed in scan data signal processor 25. In general, the laser beam scanning mechanism 89 can be realized as either a holographic scanning mechanism similar to that used in the system of Fig. 1 , a polygon-type scanning mechanism of the general type disclosed i n US Patent No. 5,557,093, or other electro-mechanical or electro-acoustical scanning mechanism (e.g. based on Bragg or like cell structures) capable of scanning one or more focused laser beams within the scanning field of th e system. In Fig. 8B, an exemplary Beam Spot Speed Table 92" is shown for n - number of bar code symbol resolutions (i.e. specified by the predetermined minimum element width (x) in the bar code symbol), wherein a premeasured digital time-duration count for each minimum bar code element (x) i s provided in the table according to scanning distance (di) away from t h e scanning mechanism. As shown, for each scanning distance d[ , there is a predetermined laser beam spot speed v ( associated with the laser scanning system. For a given laser scanning system, a Beam Spot Speed Table is constructed by measuring the signal level durations of minimum bar code elements scanned at predetermined focal planes in the system, converting these time count measures to digital words (i.e. digital numbers), a n d recording these numbers in the column of a table, assigned to a particular bar code element width. During system operation, the bar code element width measurement processor 91 produces digital time counts (i.e. n u mbers) which are compared with the digital time counts stored in the columns of t he table of Fig. 8B. The output of this count comparison process is a corresponding beam spot speed value which would produce such a ti me count when a bar code symbol of a particular resolution is scanned at th e corresponding scanning distance from the system. The VPB filter control signal generator 93 uses the produced beam spot speed (or like measure) t o determine the appropriate VPB control signal so that the pass-band frequency characteristics are set for each preamplifier, filter and amplifier i n the scan data signal processor in accordance with the principles of th e present invention. Alternative Embodiments of The Present Invention 5* In order to further improve the performance of the laser scan ning system of the present invention, the preamplification circuit 24A ( through 24D) on each analog signal processing board 13A (through 13D) in t h e system, as well as the front-end amplification circuit 46 within the s ubstrate noise filter 40 shown in Fig. 4A, can be modified to include multiple signal processing channels (e.g. channel A and channel B), in a manner similar t o that done in the variable pass-band filter structure shown in Fig. 4C1. The benefit of this modification would be to reject substantially all of the spectral components associated with s ubstrate and paper noise that reside outside t h e frequency spectrum of the analog scan data signal scanned within a particular focal zone of the system, at each instant in time during scanner operation . In such an alternative embodiment, the preamplification circuit 24A (through 24D), typically realized with discrete electronic components, would include preamplification circuitry along both of its channels A and B. The preamplification circuitry along each of its channels A and B would include a high-pass filter (HPF) structure for cutting off the low frequency noise signal components, a low pass filter (LPF) for cutting off the high frequency noise signal components, and an analog switch controlled by a VPB control signal produced by an analog switch controller of the type shown in 4C 1. Together, the HPF and LPF in the modified preamplification circuit would cooperate t o provide a preamplification structure having a variable pass-band filter structure integrated therewithin. The HPF and LPF along channel A would b e tuned in accordance with the filter design criteria set forth in Figs. 4C5 through 4C7, to reject substrate and thermal noise without causing the HFP to carry out a time derivative function on the analog scan data signal. Also, the VPB control signal generated by the microprocessor 26A (through 26D) on the corresponding decode signal processing board 14A (through 1 4D) would be provided to the analog switch controller in the resulting analog scan data signal preamplification/filtering circuits so that the pass-band frequency response characteristics thereof are dynamically controlled by th e focal zone (or scanning range) in which bar code symbols are being scanned instant by instant, on a real-time basis. Exemplary frequency response characteristics for these analog scan data signal pass-band amplifiers a re illustrated in Figs. 9A 1 and 9A2, whereas approximation formulas for t h e upper and lower cut-off frequencies are set forth in Fig. 9 A3. In such an alternative embodiment, the front-end preamplification circuit 46 in the substrate noise filter 40 would include amplification circuitry along both of its channels A and B. The preamplification circuitry along each of its channels A and B would include a high-pass filter (HPF) structure for c utti ng off the low frequency noise signal components, a low pass filter (LPF) for cutting off the high frequency noise signal components , and an analog switch controlled by a VPB control signal produced by a n analog switch controller of the type shown in Fig. 4C 1. Together, the HPF and LPF in the modified preamplification circuit would cooperate to a n amplification structure having a variable pass-band filter s tructure integrated therewithin. The HPF and LPF along channel A would be tuned i n accordance with t he filter design criteria set forth in Figs. 4C5 through 4C7, to reject substrate and thermal noise without causing the HPF to carry out a time derivative function on the analog scan data signal. Also, the VPB control signal generated by the microprocessor 26A (through 26D) on th e corresponding decode signal processing board would be provided to th e analog switch controller in the resulting analog scan data signal amplification/filtering circuit so that the pass-band frequency response characteristics thereof are dynamically controlled by the focal zone ( o r scanning range) in which bar code symbols are being scanned instant b y instant, on a real-time basis. Exemplary frequency response characteristics for these analog scan data signal pass-band amplifiers are illustrated in Figs. 10A1 and 10A2, whereas approximation formulas for the upper and lower cut-off frequencies are set forth in Fig. 10A3. In addition, any and all other preamplification, amplification a n d/o r filtering circuits disposed between each photodetector 12A (through 1 2D) and the one-bit A/D signal conversion circuit 44 can be modified along t h e lines described above to incorporate a focal-zone controlled pass-band filtering structure in accordance with the principles of the present invention . Such modifications to the laser scanning system of the present invention will ensure that only spectral components within the spectral band of the analog scan data signal produced by the photodetector 12 A (through 12D) are utilized during the first and second derivative signal generation a n d handling processes carried out within the scan data signal processor of the system. In turn, such modifications can be expected to improve the overall SNR along the analog scan data signal processing channel and th u s i mprove the bar code symbol reading performance of the laser scanning system. One may also desire to modify the bar code element detection circuit 45 shown in Fig. 4G and described hereinabove by removing its missing pulse detector 81, while retaining its output transistor (i.e. FET) 82, a n d connecting the gate terminal of the FET 82 directly to the output terminal of the comparator 80 in the bar code element detection circuit 45. The resulting bar code element detector would operate as follows: when the signal level of the input analog scan data signal is below the zero-reference level, set by the zero-reference level generation circuit 78, then the output of the output transistor 82 is a logical low signal level, thereby disabling the second derivati ve zero-crossing detection circuit 73; and when the signal level of the input analog scan data signal is above the zero-reference level, set by the zero-reference level generation circuit 78, then the output of the output transistor 82 is a logical high signal level, thereby enabling th e second derivative zero-crossing detection circuit 73. An advantage provided by the above-described bar code element detector is that, by virtue of its elimination of the missing pulse detector a n d its inherent time constant, the modified bar code element detector will only generate a second derivative zero-crossing enable signal, and thus en able gating of detected zero-crossings to the digital output signal level generation circuit 72, for a time period equal to the time duration that the analog scan data signal level exceeds the zero-reference level. Thus, voltage spikes in th e analog scan data signal, due to substrate noise, poor quality bar code printing, or other marks on the scan code symbol, will not enable the zero- crossing detection circuit 73 beyond the time duration that the analog scan data signal level exceeds the zero-reference level. However, for practical reasons concerning ambient light signals, which cause a low frequency (p( amplitude modulation of the analog scan data signal, it may be desirable to use a bar code element detection circuit employing a missing pulse detector. While each of the illustrative embodiments described hereinabove h a s multiple focal zones with different depths of focus (DF), it is con templated that the scan data signal processor can also be used with laser scanning systems having a single focal zone with a large scanning range. In s uch alternative embodiments, a mechanism will be provided for automatically determining the position or distance of the laser-scanned bar coded object from the scanning system, and generating variable pass band (VPB) control signals for carrying out filter switching operations in the scan data signal processor of the laser scanning system . In the illustrative embodiments described hereinabove, the variable pass-band filter structure of the present invention has been has been realized as a pair of differently-tuned analog pass-band filter circuits embedded within an analog signal switching system, thus prov i ding a differently tu n ed pass-band filter for analog scan data signals produced by laser scanning b a r code symbols in either the Near Scan Range of the system, or in its Far Scan Range. It is understood, however, that there a number of alternative ways t o practice the present invention. Several different modes for carrying out th e present invention will be described below. For example, in laser scanning systems having a plurality of predefi ned focal zones or regions, an equal number of differently-tuned pass-band filter circuits can be provided within an analog signal switching system so that, while the preamplified analog scan data signal to be processed is provided t o each such pass-band filter circuit, the output of the optimally-designed pass- band filter can be dynamically switched into operation under microprocessor control during laser scanning operations, as taught hereinabove. In s uch alternative embodiments of the present invention, predefined scanning ranges, such as "Near Scan Range" and "Far Scan Range", need not be used as the focal zone or region in which analog scan data signals are generated will directly determine which optimally-designed pass-band filter circuit shou ld be automatically switched into operation during laser scanning operations . Alternatively, in laser scanning systems having a plurality of predefined focal zones or regions, a variable or tunable pass-band filter circuit can be provided, wherein certain resistance, capacitance, a n d/o r inductance values (i.e. R, C, and L, respectively) can be electronically- controlled by either electrically-active and/or electrically-switchable components provided within the variable pass-band filter design. In s uch alternative embodiments of the present invention, the certain resistance, capacitance, and/or inductance values will be controlled by a microprocessor or microcontroller so that the predetermined lower and upper cut-off frequencies are set for the pass-band filter circuit optimally designed for focal zone or region from which each analog scan data signal is generated during laser scanning operations . Alternatively, rather than using "analog-type" circuit technology for realizing the subcomponents of the scan data signal processor (i.e. t he variable pass-band filter circuits, the a nalog signal switches, the first a n d second signal differentiation circuits, the first and second derivative signal amplifiers, the first derivative threshold level generators, the second- derivative zero-crossing detectors, the first derivative signal c omparators a n d the digital output level generation circuit), it is understood that the scan data signal processing method and apparatus of the present invention can b e implemented using finite-impulse response (FIR) type digital filters carried out either within a programmed microcomputer or using one or more c ustom or commercially available digital signal processing (DSP) chips known in th e digital signal processing art. When carrying out a digital-filter implementation of the scan data signal processor of t he present invention, the preamplified analog scan data signal D, is first pass-band filtered a n d then time sampled at least two times the highest frequency component expected in the analog scan data signal, in accordance with the well kn ow n Nyquist criteria. Thereafter, each time-sampled scan data signal value i s quantized to a discrete signal level using a suitable length n um ber representation (e.g. 64 bits) to produce a discrete scan data signal. A suitable quantization level can be selected in view of expected noise levels i n the signal. (#3 Thereafter, the discrete scan data signal is processed by a digital (FIR) filter implementation of the time-domain substrate-noise filter of the presen t invention. The discrete scan data signal output therefrom is pass-band filtered using an FIR-type digital filter whose filter parameters (e.g. ti me delays and multiplier-coefficient values employed therein) are controlled o r otherwise set by the microprocessor determining the focal zone (or scanning range) from w hich the corresponding analog scan data signal was obtai ned. Due to the time delays involved during digital filtering (e.g. required t o sample the entire length of the analog scan data signal associated with a laser-scanned bar code symbol and perform other digital signal processing operations required by the scan data signal processing method), the variable pass-band (VPB) control signals will need to be buffered for a time peri od equal to the time delay. Thereafter, the VPB control signal is linked up wi th the corresponding discrete scan data signal being processed so that th e digital pass-band filter can be optimally tuned in accordance with th e principles of the present invention. The discrete scan data signal is t h e n differentiated using a derivative-type digital filter to produce a discrete first derivative signal. The discrete first derivative signal is then subject to t h e derivative-type filter once again to produce the second derivative signal. Both of these discrete derivative signals are then buffered in memory a conventional manner. First derivative signal thresholds are generated for each discrete point in the discrete first derivative signal. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the discrete first derivative signal is subject to a digital (FIR) filter implementation of t h e bar code element detector, whereas the discrete second derivative signal i s subject to zero crossing detection. In addition, the following operations m u s t be carried out in a time-synchronized manner: c omparing the discrete first derivative signal with its generated threshold values; enabling of the digital filter implementation of the zero-crossing detector (using the output of t h e digital filter implementation of the bar code element detector); gating of t h e second derivative zero-crossings to the input of the digital output level generator; and generating digital output values for the discrete (binary-level) scan data signal. Thereafter, the discrete binary-level scan data signal can b e "digitized" usi n g digital signal processing techniques in order to produce a digital "time" count value for each of the first and second signal levels in th e discrete binary scan data signal. The digital count values can then b e provided to a programmed decoder for decoding the scan data signal a n d producing symbol character data string representative of the corresponding laser-scanned bar code symbol. Alternatively, the generated discrete bi nary- level scan data signal can be converted back into a continuous-type bi nary- level scan data signal so that it may be "digitized" using a digital signal processor of the type taught in US Patent No. 5,828,049, incorporated herei n by reference. Advantages Provided By The Analog Scan Data Signal Processor Of Th e Present Inventi on One advantage provided by the scan data signal processor of t h e present invention is that the scan data signal processor has improved signal- to-noise ration (SNR) and dynamic range at its first derivative signal thresholding stage, and improved SNR at its second-derivative zero-crossing detection stage, which results in a significant decrease in the effective beam diameter at each focal zone in the system. In turn, this increases the length of each focal zone in the system, as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, w hich allows the system designer to (i) provide more overlap between adjacent focal zones or produce a laser scanning system with a larger overall depth of field; a n d (ii) produce a laser scanning system capable of scanning/resolving bar code symbols having narrower element widths and/or printed on substrates whose normal vector is disposed at large angles from the projection axis of scanning system. In general, an excellent figure of merit for a laser scanning system is given by the ratio of (i) the laser beam cross-sectional dimension at a focal plane in the system; to (ii) the minimum element width of a bar code t h at can be accurately represented by the digital output of the analog scan d ata signal processor when scanned at that focal plane. As used hereinafter a n d in the claims to invention, this figure of merit provided by the above- described ratio shall be referred to as the "Minimum Beam Dimension/Minimum Bar Width (MBD/MBW) Ratio", or alternatively, t h e MBD/MBW figure of merit of a particular laser scanning system. The importance of this figure is revealed by the fact that a laser scanning system having a MBD/MBW ratio greater than unity can resolve (or read) a bar c ode symbol with a laser beam having a minimum beam dimension greater th a n the minimum width of the bar code elements in the scanned symbol. The greater the MBD/MBW ratio, the higher the resolution of the bar code symbols that can be read by the system without increasing the output power of VLD producing the laser scanning beams in the system. Thus an increase in the MBD/MBW ratio of a system implies that the less laser beam power i s required to produce a digital scan data signal by virtue of an increase in SNR within the analog scan data signal process of the system. By reducing t h e effects of substrate noise in the laser scanning system of the present invention, it has been possible to use (or define) a smaller cross-section of the laser scanning beams in the system, containing less laser power, to scan smaller bar code symbol elements without reducing the overall SNR of th e scan data signal processor. As shown in the table of Fig. 5C, the MBD of the laser scanning beam s at each focal plane in the system of Fig. 1 are presented along the MBW of bar code symbols that have been correctly read by the system at such focal planes. As indicated by the data in this table, the MBD/MDW ratio for this system in each of its five focal zones is 2.0. Notably, this figure of merit was achieved using the analog signal processor shown in Figs. 4 t hrough 4H4, b u t without installation of the time-domain substrate noise filter 40 shown in Fig. 4A. With the substrate noise filter installed in the signal processor, it is expected that the MBD/MBW ratio for each of the focal zones in the system of Fig. 1 will be significantly increased to at least 2.1 or greater, thus providing for the first time in history, a laser scanning bar code symbol reader having a MBD/MBW ratio comparable to that of conventional single focal zone polygonal-type laser scanning systems . It is understood that the laser scanning system, and scan data signal processor of the illustrative embodiments may be modified in a variety of ways which will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art of havi ng the benefit of the novel teachings disclosed herein. All such modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiments thereof shall be deemed to b e within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the Claims to Invention appended hereto. I

Claims: CLAIMS TO INVENTION 1. A scan data signal processor for use with a host scanning system capable of producing a laser scanning beam having multiple focal zones within a predefined depth of field, scanning the laser beam across a bar code symbol within said predefined of depth of field and producing an analog scan d ata signal in response thereto, said scan data signal processor comprising a mechanism for automatically tuning the scan data signal processor to a n optimum setting for the focal zone being scanned at each given m o ment of operation of said laser scanning system. 2. The scan data signal processor of claim 1 , wherein said mechani sm comprises a variable pass-band filter having pass-band filter characteristics dynamically controlled by the focal distance of the laser scanning b eam producing the analog scan data signal being produced and processed. 3. A scan data signal processor for use with a laser scanning system having a plurality of different focal zones within which a laser scanning beam is scanned across one or more bar code symbols and analog scan data signals are automatically produced, said scan data signal processor comprising: a plurality of different pass-band filters, wherein a different pass-band filter is dynamically switched into operation for pass-band filtering analog scan data signals produced by laser scanning bar code symbols within eac h predefined focal zone in said laser scanning system, in order to filter o u t spectral components of paper noise residing outside the frequency spectru m of said analog scan data signal scanned within said predefined focal zone. 4. The scan data signal processor of claim 3, wherein said laser scanning system is selected from the group consisting of a holographic laser scanning system, a polygonal-type laser scanning system, and any other type laser scanning system having multiple focal zones . (*3 5. A scan data signal processor for use with a laser scanning system having a plurality of different focal zones within which a laser scanning beam is scanned across one or m o re bar code symbols and an analog scan data signal is automatically produced, said scan data signal processor comprising : a first derivative signal generation stage for deriving a first deri vative signal from said analog scan data signal; a n d a non-linear time-domain based substrate noise reducing filter deployed before said first derivative signal generation stage so as to produce , as output, a substantially fixed signal level whenever a signal level indicative of the substrate is detected, and the signal level of said analog scan d ata signal whenever a signal level indicative of a bar code element (e.g. dark b ar) is detected. 6. The scan data signal processor of claim 5, which further comprises : a second derivative signal generation stage for deriving a second derivative signal from said first derivative signal; a second-derivative zero-crossing detector for detecting zero crossings in said second derivative signal; a n d a bar code element detector for automatically activating a n d deactivating of the second-derivative zero-crossing detector. 7. The scan data signal processor of claim 6, wherein said second-deri vative zero-crossing detector is automatically activated (i.e. enabled) only u p o n detection of bar code element data encoded within said an alog scan d at a signal, thereby preventing the detection of zero-crossings in said second derivative signal associated with thermal and paper noise present during b ar code symbol scanning operations. 8. The scan data signal processor of claim 7, wherein after automatically enabling the detection of zero-crossings in said second derivative signal, said second-derivative zero-crossing detector is automatically disabled after a predetermined time period, and automatically re-enabled after redetection of subsequent bar code element data encoded within the analog scan d at a fcft signal associated with the same bar code symbol or subsequent bar c ode symbol. 9. The scan data signal processor of claim 7, wherein said second deri vative signal zero-crossing detector is e n abled only when digital scan data elements are encoded within the analog scan data input signal, as will occur when a t least a portion of a bar code symbol is scanned . 10. The scan data signal processor of claim 7, wherein said second-deri vative signal zero-crossing detector employs gating signals which are automatically generated only when bar code element data is detected in the analog scan data input signal, thereby substantially improving the performance of t h e signal processor in the presence of t hermal and paper noise. 1 1. A scan data signal processor for use with a laser scanning system having a plurality of different focal zones within which a laser scanning beam is scanned across one or more bar code symbols and an analog scan data signal is automatically produced, said scan data signal processor comprising : a first derivative signal generation stage for deriving a first derivative signal from said analog scan data signal; a second derivative signal generation stage for deriving a second derivative signal from said first derivative signal; a second-derivative zero-crossing detector for detecting zero crossings in said second derivative signal; a real-time bar code element detector for automatically detecting th e presence and absence of bar c ode element data encoded within said analog scan data signal; a n d control logic circuitry for automatically activating the second- derivative zero-crossing detector in response to the detection of the presence of bar code element data encoded within said a nalog scan data signal, a n d automatically deactivating the second-derivative zero-crossing detector, i n response to the detection of the absence of bar code element data encoded within said analog scan data signal. 12. A method of processing analog scan data signals produced from a b a r code scanning device, comprising the steps of: (a) generating an analog scan data signal from a scanned bar code symbol; (b) differentiating said analog scan data signal twice to produce a second derivative signal therefrom; (c) processing said analog scan data signal so as to detect the presence of a bar code element encoded therewithin; a n d (d) automatically detecting the zero-crossings within said second derivative signal in response to the detection of said bar c ode element encoded within said analog scan data signal. 13. The method of claim 12, which further comprises after step (d) : (e) automatically deactivating the detection of zero-crossings within said second derivative signal in response to the absence of a bar code element detected within said analog scan data input signal. 14. An scan data signal processor for receiving an analog scan data signal corresponding to a scanned bar code symbol, and processing the same, said scan data signal processor comprising : differentiation circuitry for differentiating said analog scan data signal twice to produce a second derivative signal therefrom ; bar code detection circuitry for processing said analog scan data signal so as to detect the presence of a bar code element encoded therewithin; a n d zero-crossing detection circuitry for automatically detecting the zero- crossings within said second derivative signal in response to the detection of each bar code element encoded within said analog scan data signal. 15. The scan data signal processor of claim 14 which further comprises: control circuitry for automatically deactivating the detection of zero- crossings within said second derivative signal in response to the absence of a bar code element detected within sai d analog scan data input signal. 16. A scan data signal processor for use in a multi-focal zone laser scanning system including ( 1 ) a laser beam scanning mechanism for (i) producing a laser scanning beam, (ii) focusing said produced laser beam within a scanning volume having a depth of field and a plurality of predefined focal zones, (iii) scanning said focused laser beam across a bar code symbol w ithin said depth of field, (iv) collecting a laser light signal produced by said scanned laser beam reflecting off said bar code symbol, (v) detecting s aid collected laser light signal, and (vi) producing an analog scan data signal corresponding to the detected laser light intensity and having a frequency bandwidth determined by the speed of the laser beam across the scanned b ar code symbol and the structure of said scanned bar code symbol, and (2) a control signal generator for dynamically generating a control signal indicative of the predefined focal zone in which said scanned bar code symbol resides at any instant in time when scanned by said laser beam during said laser scanning operations; said scan data signal processor comprising: a first derivative signal generator for receiving said analog scan data signal and generating a first derivative signal representative of the first time-derivative of said analog scan data signal; a plurality of pass-band filter structures, each one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures being preassigned to one of said predefined focal zones and having frequency response characteristics for optimally filtering the first derivative signal produced when scanning said bar code symbol within said predefined focal zone; a n d control circuitry, responsive to the control signal generated b y said control signal generator, for dynamically switching one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures into operation so that the first derivative signal produced in response to said laser beam scanning a bar code symbol within one of said predefined focal zones is optimally filtered by said dynamically- switched pass-band filter structure preassigned to said predefined focal zone. " 73, 17. The scan data signal processor of claim 16, wherein at instant in ti me said dynamically switched pass-band filter structure filters out the spectral components of paper noise residing outside the frequency bandwidth of said first derivative signal, produced by said laser beam when scanning said b ar code symbol within said predefined focal zone. 18. The scan data signal processor of claim 16, wherein said laser b eam scanning mechanism comprises a holographic scanning disc for supporting a plurality of holographic scanning facets for scanning said produced laser beam, wherein each said holographic scanning facet has focal length which falls within one of said predefined focal zones, a n d wherein said control signal generator comprises a holographic scanning facet detector for detecting the holographic scanning facet which generates said laser scanning beam at any instant in time, and automatically produces said control signal. 19. The scan data signal processor of claim 16, wherein said laser b eam scanning mechanism comprises a polygonal-type laser beam scanning element for scanning said laser beam during laser scanning operations, a n d a variable laser beam focusing mechanism for focusing said p roduced laser beam to one of said predefined focal zones in response to said control signal; a n d wherein said control signal generator comprises an object measurement device for automatically measuring a p h y sical dimension of th e object on which said bar code resides, and automatically generating said control signal. 20. The scan data signal processor of claim 16, wherein said physical dimension is the height of said object measured relative to a surface o n which said object is supported during laser scanning operations . ~>2> 21. A method of processing scan data signals produced within a multi-focal zone laser scanning system including ( 1 ) a laser beam scanning mechani sm for (i) producing a laser scanning beam, (ii) focusing said produced laser beam within a scanning volume having a depth of field and a plurality of predefined focal zones, (iii) scanning said focused laser beam across a bar code symbol within said depth of field, (iv) collecting a laser light signal produced by said scanned laser beam reflecting off said bar code symbol, (v) detecting said collected laser light signal, and (vi) producing an analog scan data signal corresponding to the detected laser light intensity and having a frequency bandwidth determined by the speed of the laser beam across t h e scanned bar code symbol and the structure of said scanned bar code symbol , and (2) a control signal generator for dynamically generating a control signal indicative of the predefined focal zone in which said scanned bar code symbol resides at any instant in time when scanned by said laser beam during said laser scanning operations ; said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving said analog scan data signal; (b) generating a first derivative signal representative of the first time- derivative of said analog scan data signal; a n d (c) in response to the control signal generated by said control signal generator, dynamically switching into operation, one of a plurality of pass- band filter structures th at has been preassigned to one of said predefi ned focal zones and has frequency response characteristics for optimally filtering the first derivative signal produced when scanning said bar code symbol within said predefined focal zone; a n d (d) passing said first derivative signal through said dynamically switched pass-band filter structure and optimally filtering said first derivative signal. 22. The method of claim 21 , wherein during step (d) said dynamically switched pass-band filter structure filters o ut the spectral components of paper noise residing outside the frequency bandwidth of said first derivative signal, produced by said laser beam when scanning said bar code symbol a n d 4 the substrate on which it is supported within said predefined focal zone during laser scanning operations . 23. The method of claim 21 , wherein said laser beam scanning mechani sm comprises a holographic scanning disc for supporting a plurality of holographic scanning facets for scanning said produced laser beam, wherein each said holographic scanning facet has focal length which falls within one of said predefined focal zones, a n d wherein said control signal generator comprises a holographic scanning facet detector for detecting the holographic scanning facet which generates said laser scanning beam at any instant in time, and automatically produces said control signal. 24. The method of claim 21 , wherein said laser beam scanning mechani sm comprises a polygonal-type laser beam scanning element for scanning said laser beam during laser scanning operations, a n d a variable laser beam focusing mechanism for focusing said produced laser beam to one of said predefined focal zones in response to said control signal; a n d wherein said control signal generator comprises an object measurement device for automatically measuring a physical dimension of th e object on which said bar code resides, and automatically generating said control signal. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein said physical dimension is the hei ght of said object measured relative to a surface on which said object i s supported during laser scanning operations . 26. A multi-focal zone holographic laser scanning bar code symbol reading system mounted over a conveyor-belt along which bar coded packages are transported , and producing an omnidirectional laser scanning p attern substantially contained within a 3-D scanning volume having a plurality of different focal planes and multiple overlapping focal zones, said multi-focal zone holographic laser scanning bar code symbol reading system comprising : a holographic scanning disc rotatably mounted on the optical bench of the system, and surrounded by a plurality of laser scanning stations, eac h said laser scanning station including a laser beam production module disposed b eneath said holographic scanning disc, a parabolic light collection mirror disposed below said holographic scanning disc, a beam folding m irror disposed on the outer perimeter of and above the surface of said holographic scanning disc, a photodetection and signal preamplification module disposed above the scanning disc, and a signal processing board supporting b oth analog and digital scan data signal processing circuits thereon; a n d said analog scan data signal processing circuit including a plurality of pass-band filters, and control circuitry for automatically switching in one of said pass-band filters based on the focal zone being scanned by said laser beam at each given moment of operation of said laser scanning system. 27. A scan data signal processor for receiving and processing an analog scan data signal in response to the scanning of a bar code symbol by a laser scanning beam, said scan data signal processor comprising : a non-linear time-domain substrate noise filtering circuit for processing sai d analog scan data signal and producing a time-domain filtered signal in which substrate noise in said analog scan data signal is smoothed o r filtered out primarily during signal levels corresponding to the scanning of substrates and bar code spaces realized on the substrate by said laser scanning beam ; a first derivative signal generation circuit for deriving a first derivative signal from said time-domain filtered signal, said first derivative signal generation circuit including a plurality of focal-zone controlled first derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith; a second derivative signal generation circuit for deriving a second derivative signal from said time-domain filtered signal, said second derivative signal generation circuit including a plurality of focal-zone controlled second derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith; a first derivative signal threshold-level generation circuit for generating upper and lower first derivative signal t hreshold levels for use i n determining when said first derivative signal has attained its peak positive and negative values during signal processing operations; a n d a binary A/D signal conversion circuit i ncluding a second derivative zero-crossing detector for detecting zero- crossings in said second derivative signal, a pair of first derivative signal comparators for comparing said first derivative signal with said upper and lower first derivative signal threshold levels so as to detect positive and negative peak values in said first derivative signal, and in response thereto, producing gating signals at t h e time of occurrence of said detected positive and negative peak values ; a digital output signal generating circuit for receiving detected second derivative zero-crossings provided thereto as input, and producing a digital output signal for subsequent signal processing, a n d a second derivative zero-crossing gating circuit, responsive t o said gating signals, for gating to said digital output signal generating circuit, only detected second derivative zero-crossings occurring between alternating positive and negative peaks in said first derivative signal detected by said pair of first derivative signal comparators; a n d a bar code element detection circuit for activating and deactivating said second derivative signal zero-crossing detection circuit in response t o detecting the absence and presence of bar code element data in said analog scan data signal. 28. The scan data signal processor of claim 27 , wherein said non-linear time- domain substrate noise filtering circuit performs, in essence, a first multiplication operation of zero on said analog scan data signal d uri n g substrate-related signal levels and a multiplication of unity on said analog scan data signal during bar element related signal levels, whereby the form of said first and second multiplication operations is that of a digital signal having transitions that correspond approximately with the signal level transitions in said analog scan data signal. 29. The scan data signal processor of claim 27, wherein said non-linear time- domain substrate noise filtering circuit comprises an analog signal amplifier, a zero-reference signal generator, a clipping diode, a high-impedance o utput amplifier, a nd a buffer amplifier. 30. The scan data signal processor of claim 27 wherein said first derivative signal generation circuit comprises a first scan-range controlled first derivative signal pass-band filter a n d amplifier arranged along the first channel (A) of the circuit corresponding t o a first scan range of the system, a n d a second scan-range controlled first derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the second channel (B) of the circuit corresponding to a second scan range of the system . 31. The scan data signal processor of claim 27 wherein the second derivative signal generation circuit comprises a first scan-range controlled second derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the first channel (A) of the circuit corresponding to the first scan range of the system, a n d a second scan-range controlled second derivative signal pass -band filter and amplifier arranged along the second channel (B) of the circuit corresponding to the second scan range of the system. 32. The scan data signal processor of claim 27, wherein said second derivative zero-crossing detector comprises a comparator and a high- input/low-output impedance amplifier (i.e. buffer), 33. The scan data signal processor of claim 27, wherein said digital outpu t signal generating circuit comprises a set/reset latch circuit consisting of four NAND gates arranged to produce as output, said digital output signal ~7% corresponding to said analog scan data signal provided as input to said scan data signal processor. 34. The scan data signal processor of claim 27 wherein said bar code element detection circuit comprises a zero-reference signal generator, an analog signal level shifting circuit, a comparator circuit, and a second-derivative zero-crossing detector enable circuit. 35. A scan data signal processor for receiving and processing an analog scan data signal in response to the scanning of a bar code symbol by a laser scanning beam, said scan data signal processor comprising: a first derivative signal generation circuit for deriving a first derivative signal from said analog scan data signal, said first derivative signal generation circuit including a plurality of focal-zone controlled first derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith; a second derivative signal generation circuit for deriving a second derivative signal from said analog scan data signal, said second derivative signal generation circuit including a plurality of focal-zone controlled second derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith ; a first derivative signal threshold-level generation circuit for generating upper and lower first derivative signal threshold levels for use i n determining when said first derivative signal has attained its peak positive and negative values during signal processing operations; a n d a binary A/D signal conversion circuit including a second derivative zero-crossing detector for detecting zero-crossings in said second derivative signal, a pair of first derivative signal comparators for comparing said first derivative signal with said upper and lower first derivative signal threshold levels so as to detect positive and negative peak values in said first derivative signal, and in response thereto, producing gating signals at th e time of occurrence of said detected positive and negative peak values, 1R a digital output signal generating circuit for receiving detected second derivative zero-crossings provided thereto as input, a n d producing a di gital output signal for subsequent signal processing, a n d a second derivative zero-crossing gating circuit, responsive to said gating signals, for gating to said digital output signal generating circuit, only detected second derivative zero-crossings occurring between alternating positive and negative peaks in said first derivative signal detected by said pair of first derivative signal comparators; a n d a bar code element detection circuit for activating and deactivating said second derivative signal zero-crossing detection circuit in response t o detecting the absence and presence of bar code element data in said analog scan data signal . 36. The scan data signal processor of claim 35, wherein said first derivative signal generation circuit comprises a first scan-range controlled first derivative signal pass-band filter an d amplifier arranged along the first channel (A) of the circuit corresponding t o a first scan range of the system, a n d a second scan-range controlled first derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the second channel (B) of the circuit corresponding to a second scan range of the system. 37. The scan data signal processor of claim 35, wherein the second derivative signal generation circuit comprises a first scan-range controlled second derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the first channel (A) of the circuit corresponding to the first scan range of the system, a n d a second scan-range controlled second derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the second channel (B) of the circuit corresponding to the second scan range of the system. SD 38. The scan data signal processor of claim 35, wherein said second derivative zero-crossing detector comprises a comparator and a high- input/low-output impedance amplifier (i.e. buffer), 39. The scan data signal processor of claim 35, wherein said digital o utput signal generating circuit comprises a set/reset latch circuit consisting of four NAND gates arranged to produce as output, said digital output signal corresponding to said analog scan data signal provided as input to said scan data signal processor. 40. The scan data signal processor of claim 35, wherein said bar code element detection circuit comprises a zero-reference signal generator, a n analog signal level shifting circuit, a comparator circuit, and a second- derivative zero-crossing detector enable circuit. 41. A scan data signal processor comprising: a first derivative signal generation circuit having scan-range controlled first derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith; a second derivative signal generation circuit having scan-range controlled second derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith; a first derivative signal threshold-level generation circuit for generating upper and lower first derivative signal; a binary-type A/D signal conversion circuit; a n d a bar code element detection circuit. 42. A multi-focal zone laser scanning system comprising : a scanner housing; a laser scanning beam mechanism disposed within said sc anner housing, for producing laser scanning beam and scanning said laser beam s o as to produce laser scanning pattern that is focused along a plurality of different predefined focal zones, and automatically generating an analog scan data signal corresponding to the structure of a bar code symbol structure scanned by said scanned laser beam ; a scan data signal processor for processing said analog scan d ata signal, and i ncluding a first derivative signal generator for receiving said analog scan data signal and generating a first derivative signal representative of the first time-derivative of said analog scan data signal, a plurality of pass-band filter structures, each one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures being preassigned to one of said predefined focal zones and having frequency response characteristics for optimally filtering said first derivative signal produced while said laser scanning beam scans said bar code symbol structure within said predefi ned focal zone, a n d control circuitry for dynamically switching one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures into operation so that said first derivative signal produced in response to said laser beam scanning said b a r code symbol within one of said predefined focal zones is optimally filtered by said dynamically-switched pass-band filter structure preassigned to said predefined focal zone; a bar code element width measurement processor for measuring i n real-time the width of the signal levels in said analog scan data signals, a n d producing signal level width measurement data representative thereof; a n d a data processor for converting said signal level width measurement data into control signals for use by said control circuitry so that one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures is automatically into operation so th at said first derivative signal produced in response to said laser beam scanning said bar code symbol within one of said predefined focal zones is opti mally filtered by said dynamically-switched pass-band filter structure preassi gned to said predefined focal zone. 43. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 42, wherein said scanner housing is hand-supportable. S9ι 44. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 42, wherein said scanner housing is countertop-supportable. 45. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 42, wherein sai d scanner housing is fixed-type countertop housing . 46. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 42, wherein said laser scanning beam mechanism produces an X-bar or like scan pattern dynamically focused along said plurality of different predefined focal zones, and generates said analog scan data signal corresponding to the structure of said bar code symbol structure scanned by said scanned laser beam . 47. A multi-focal zone laser scanning system comprising: a scanner housing; a laser scanning beam mechanism disposed within said scanner housing, for producing laser scanning beam and scanning said laser beam s o as to produce laser scanning pattern that is focused along a plurality of different predefined focal zones, and automatically generating an analog scan data signal corresponding to the structure of a bar code symbol structure scanned by said scanned laser beam ; a scan data signal processor for processing said analog scan d ata signal, and including a plurality of pass-band filter structures, each one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures being preassigned to one of said predefined focal zones and having frequency response characteristics for optimally filtering said analog scan data signal produced while said laser scanning beam scans said bar code symbol structure within said predefined focal zone, a n d control circuitry for dynamically switching one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures into operation so that said analog scan data signal produced in response to said laser beam scanning said bar code symbol within one of said predefined focal zones is optimally filtered by said S3 dynamically-switched pass-band filter structure preassigned to said predefined focal zone; a bar code element width measurement processor for measuring i n real-time the width of the signal levels in said analog scan data signals, a n d producing signal level width measurement data representative thereof; a n d a data processor for converting said signal level width measurement data into control signals for use by said control circuitry so that one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures is automatically into operation so th at said analog scan data signal produced in response to said laser b e am scanning said bar code symbol within one of said predefined focal zones is optimally filtered by said dynamically-switched pass-band filter structure preassigned to said predefined focal zone. 48. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 47, wherein said scanner housing is hand-supportable. 49. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 47, wherein said scanner housing is countertop-supportable. 50. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 47, wherein said scanner housing is fixed-type countertop housing. 51. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 47, wherein said laser scanning beam mechanism produces an X-bar or like scan pattern dynamically focused along said plurality of different predefined focal zones, and generates said analog scan data signal corresponding to the structure of said bar code symbol structure scanned by said scanned laser beam. 52. A scan data signal processor for use in a multi-focal zone laser scanning system including ( 1 ) a laser beam scanning mechanism for (i) producing a laser scanning beam, (ii) focusing said produced laser beam within a scanning volume having a depth of field and a plurality of predefined focal zones, (iii) scanning said focused laser beam across a bar code symbol within said depth of field, (iv) collecting a laser light signal produced by said scanned laser beam reflecting off said b ar code symbol, (v) detecting said collected laser light signal, and (vi) producing an analog scan data signal corresponding to the detected laser light intensity and having a frequency bandwidth determined by the speed of the laser beam across the scanned b a r code symbol and the structure of said scanned bar code symbol, and (2) a control signal generator for dynamically generating a control signal indicative of the predefined focal zone in which said scanned bar code symbol resides at any instant in time when scanned by said laser beam during said laser scanning operations; said scan data signal processor comprising: a plurality of pass-band filter structures, each one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures being preassigned to one of said predefined focal zones and having frequency response characteristics for optimally filtering the analog scan data signal produced when scanning said bar code symbol within said predefined focal zone; a n d control circuitry, responsive to the control signal generated by said control signal generator, for dynamically switching one of said plurality of pass-band filter structures into operation so that the analog scan data signal produced in response to said laser beam scanning a bar code symbol within one of said predefined focal zones is optimally filtered by said dynamically- switched pass-band filter structure preassigned to said predefined focal zone. 53. The scan data signal processor of claim 52, wherein at instant in time said dynamically switched pass-band filter structure filters out the spectral components of paper noise residing outside the frequency bandwidth of said first derivative signal, produced by said laser beam when scanning said b a r code symbol within said predefined focal zone. 54. The scan data signal processor of claim 52, wherein said laser b eam scanning mechanism comprises a holographic scanning disc for supporting a plurality of holographic scanning facets for scanning said produced laser beam , wherein each said holographic scanning facet has focal length which falls within one of said predefined focal zones, a n d wherein said control signal generator comprises a holographic scanning facet detector for detecting the holographic scanning facet which generates said laser scanning beam at any instant in time, and automatically produces said control signal. 55. The scan data signal processor of claim 52, wherein said laser b eam scanning mechanism comprises a polygonal-type laser beam scanning element for scanning said laser beam during l aser scanning operations, a n d a variable laser beam focusing mechanism for focusing said produced laser beam to one of said predefined focal zones in response to said control signal; a n d wherein said control signal generator comprises an object measurement device for automatically measuring a physical dimension of the object on which said bar code resides, and automatically generating said control signal. 56. The scan data signal processor of claim 52, wherein said physical dimension is the height of said object measured relative to a surface o n which said object is supported during laser scanning operations. 57. A scan data signal processor for receiving and processing an analog scan data signal in response to the scanning of a bar code symbol by a laser scanning beam, said scan data signal processor comprising : an analog scan data preamplification circuit for deriving a preamplified analog scan data signal from said analog scan data signal, said analog scan data preamplification circuit including a plurality of focal-zone controlled scan data signal pass-band filters and amplifiers i ntegrated therewith; a first derivative signal generation circuit for deriving a first derivative signal from said preamplified analog scan data signal, said first derivative signal generation circuit including a plurality of focal-zone controlled first derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith; a second derivative signal generation circuit for deriving a second derivative signal from said preamplified analog scan data signal, said second derivative signal generation circuit including a plurality of focal-zone controlled second derivative signal pass-band filters and amplifiers integrated therewith; a first derivative signal threshold-level generation circuit for generating upper and lower first derivative signal threshold levels for use i n determining when said first derivative signal has attained its peak positive and negative values during signal processing operations; a n d a binary A/D signal conversion circuit including a second derivative zero-crossing detector for detecting zero-crossings in said second derivative signal, a pair of first derivative signal comparators for comparing said first derivative signal with said upper and lower first derivative signal threshold levels so as to detect positive and negative peak values in said first derivative signal, and in response thereto, producing gating signals at th e time of occurrence of said detected positive and negative peak values, a digital output signal generating circuit for receiving detected second derivative zero-crossings provided thereto as input, a n d producing a digital output signal for subsequent signal processing, a n d a second derivative zero-crossing gating circuit, responsive to said gating signals, for gating to said digital output signal generating circuit, only detected second derivative zero-crossings occurring between alternating positive and negative peaks in said first derivative signal detected by said p air of first derivative signal comparators; a n d a bar code element detection circuit for activating and deactivating said second derivative signal zero-crossing detection circuit in response t o detecting the absence and presence of bar code element data i n said analog scan data signal. τ 58. The scan data signal processor of claim 57, wherein said scan data signal preamplification circuit comprises a first scan-range controlled scan data signal pass-band filter an d amplifier arranged along the first channel (A) of the circuit corresponding t o a first scan range of the system, a n d a second scan-range controlled scan data signal pass-band filter a n d amplifier arranged along the second channel (B) of the circuit corresponding to a second scan range of the system. 59. The scan data signal processor of claim 57, wherein said first derivative signal generation circuit compri ses a first scan-range controlled first derivative signal pass-band filter a n d amplifier arranged along the first channel (A) of the ci rcuit corresponding t o a first scan range of the system, a n d a second scan-range controlled first derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the second channel (B) of the circuit corresponding to a second scan range of the system . 60. The scan data signal processor of claim 57, wherein the second derivative signal generation circuit compri ses a first scan-range controlled second derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the first channel (A) of the circuit corresponding to the first scan range of the system, a n d a second scan-range controlled second derivative signal pass-band filter and amplifier arranged along the second channel (B) of the circuit corresponding to the second scan range of the system. 61. A laser scanning system, wherein without increasing or otherwi se changing the laser beam power characteristics, the length of each focal zone in the system can be increased to allow either more overlap between adj acent focal zones, or a larger overall d epth of field. τz 62. A laser scanning system that has an increased depth of field wi thout increasing the power level of the laser scanning beams, or adding additional focal zones to the system . 63. A laser scanning system which employs a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filter structures that are electronically- switched in response to control signals derived from information about t h e focal distance of the laser beam scanning a bar code symbol at each i nstant in time and producing a corresponding analog scan data signal which requires processing. 64. A multi-focal zone laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein each scan data producing channel includes a scan data signal processor that employs a variable pass-band filter that is dynamically controlled by the focal distance of the laser scanning beam producing the analog scan data signal being processed in a real-time manner. 65. A multi-focal zone laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, i n which the ratio of the minimum laser beam cross-section dimension (MBD) t o the minimum bar element width (MBW) in each focal zone of the system is greater than or equal to 2.0. 66. A multi-focal zone laser scanning system, wherein a scan data signal processor is used having a higher overall signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), thereby requiring less modulation of the laser scanning beam during scanning operations, and decreasing the effective laser beam diameter (i.e. beam spot size) at each focal zone in the system, and thus increasing the bar code scanning resolution of the system. 67. A multi-focal zone scanning system, wherein without increasing o r otherwise changing the laser beam power characteristics, the length of each focal zone in the system can be increased to allow either more overlap between adjacent focal zones, or a larger overall depth of field in the system. 68. A laser scanning system that has an increased depth of field without increasing the power level of the laser scanning beams, or adding additional focal zones to the system. 69. A laser scanning system which employs a scan data signal processor having a plurality of first derivative signal pass-band filter structures that are electronically-switched into operation in response to control signals deri ved from i nformation about the focal distance of the laser scanning beam at eac h instant in time. 70. A multi-focal zone laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein each scan data producing channel includes a scan data signal processor which employs a variable first derivative signal pass-band filter dynamically controlled by the focal distance of the laser scanning beam producing the analog scan data signal being processed. 71. A laser scanning bar code symbol reader employing a variable first derivative signal pass-band filter structure having frequency characteristics that are controlled in a real-time manner by measuring the time duration of binary signal levels in digital scan data signals produced in response to laser scanning bar code symbol elements located within the scanning range of t h e system. 72. A laser scanning bar code symbol reader employing a variable second derivative signal pass-band filter structure having frequency characteristics that are controlled in a real-time manner by measuring the time duration of binary signal levels in digital scan data signals produced in response to laser scanning bar code symbol elements located within the scanning range of the system. 73. A laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein time measurement of bar code symbol elements is carried out using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip that compares real-time meas urement of binary signal levels in digital scan data signals with predetermined ti me measures thereof, stored in a n EPROM or like device, for bar code symbols of different resolutions and scanning distances from the bar code symbol reading system. 74. A bar code symbol reading system, wherein a rotating polygon-type mechanism is used to scan the laser scanning beam over the scanning field o r volume of the system. 75. A bar code symbol reading system, wherein a variable laser b eam focusing mechanism and rotating polygon-type mechanism are used t o produce an X-bar or like laser scanning pattern at varying depths of foc u s over the scanning field of the system. 76. A laser scanning bar code symbol reading system mounted over a highspeed conveyor-belt system in order to identify packages, parcels and t h e like transported therealong in a highly reliable m an ner. 77. A multi-focal zone laser scanning system comprising : a system controller; a visible laser diode for generating a laser beam of sufficient power; a variable focus lens subsystem, realizable using movable optical components translated relative to each other in real-time manner in response to control signals produced by said system controller so as to vary the focal distance of the laser beam at different focal planes (e.g. focal zones) within said system during laser scanning operations ; a laser scanning mechanism for scanning the variably focused laser beam along a predefined scanning pattern (e.g. X-bar pattern) d uri n g scanner operation ; a photodetector for detecting the intensity of laser light reflected off a scanned bar code symbol and producing a n electrical analog scan data signal corresponding to the structure of the scanned bar code symbol ; a preamplification circuit for preamplifying the analog scan data signal produced by said photodetector, so as to produce a preamplified analog scan data signal D ,; a scan data signal processor, containing first and second deri vati ve signal band-pass filters and amplifiers, for processing said preamplified analog scan data signal D( and generating a digital scan data signal D 2 corresponding to the analog scan data signal provided as input thereto ; a digitizer circuit for producing digital words D 3 representative of th e time duration of the first and second signal levels in the digital scan d at a signal D 2 ; a decode processor for processing the digital words D 3 produced from said digitizer circuit so as to decode the digital scan data signal and prod uce symbol character data string representative of the corresponding laser- scanned bar code symbol ; a real-time bar code element width measurement processor for realtime measurement of the first and second binary signal levels occurring i n the digital scan data signal D 2 , as a bar code symbol is scanned at different focal planes (or zones) within the system, and real-time comparison with predetermined time duration measures stored in a memory structure, so as to determine the corresponding laser beam spot speed that would prod uce such measured time durations for a bar code symbol of a particular resolution, scanned at a particular focal plane in the system; an d a pass-band filter control signal generator for producing VPB control signals based on the determined beam spot speed of the laser scanning b eam (at each particular instant in time), and providing such VPB control signals t o at least one of said preamplification circuit, and said first and second derivative signal band-pass filters and amplifiers employed in said scan d at a signal processor. 78. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 77, wherein said decode processor uses decode tables and bar code stitching techniques . <q& 79. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 77, wherein said laser beam scanning mechanism is a mechanism selected from the group consisting of a holographic scanning mechanism, a polygon-type scanning mechanism, and any other electro-mechanical or electro-acoustical scanning mechanism capable of scanning one or more focused laser beams within t h e scanning field of said system. 80. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 77, wherein s aid memory structure comprises a beam spot speed table containing data for n - number of bar code symbol resolutions (i.e. specified by the predetermined minimum element width (x) in the bar code symbol), wherein a premeas ured digital time-duration count for each minimum bar code element (x) is provided in said table according to scanning distance (d,) away from said laser scanning mechani sm . 81. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 80, for each scanning distance d, , there is a predetermined laser beam spot speed associated with the laser scanning system. 82. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 81 , wherein for a given laser scanning system, said beam spot speed table is constructed b y measuring the signal level durations of minimum b a r code elements scanned at predetermined focal planes in said system, converting these time c ount measures to digital words (i.e. digital numbers), and recording these numbers in the column of a table, assigned to a particular bar code element width. 83. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 80, wherein during system operation, said bar code element width measurement processor produces digital time counts (i.e. numbers) which are compared with t h e digital time counts stored in the columns of said table; the output of this count comparison process is a corresponding beam spot speed value which produces such a time count when a bar code symbol of a particular <?2> resolution is scanned at the corresponding scanning distance; and said VPB filter control signal generator uses the produced beam spot speed (or like measure) to determine the appropriate VPB control signal so that the pass- band frequency characteristics are set for each preamplifier, filter a n d amplifier in said scan data signal processor. 84. A multi-focal zone laser scanning system comprising: a visible laser diode for generating a laser beam of sufficient power; a fixed lens focusing system, adapted to focus said laser beam over a single predetermined focal region determined by the beam waist characteristics and maximum beam spot size requirements in said system, during laser scanning operations; a laser scanning mechanism for scanning the focused laser beam along a predefined scanning pattern (e.g. X-bar pattern) during scanner o peration ; a photodetector for detecting the intensity of laser light reflected off a scanned bar code symbol and producing an electrical analog scan data signal corresponding to the structure of the scanned bar code symbol ; a preamplification circuit for preamplifying the analog scan data signal produced by said photodetector, so as to produce a preamplified analog scan data signal D,; a scan data signal processor, containing first and second derivative signal band-pass filters and amplifiers, for processing said preamplified analog scan data signal D, and generating a digital scan data signal D 2 corresponding to the analog scan data signal provided as input thereto; a digitizer circuit for producing digital words D 3 representative of the time duration of the first and second signal levels in the digital scan data signal D 2 ; a decode processor for processing the digital words D 3 produced from said digitizer circuit so as to decode the digital scan data signal and produce symbol character data string representative of the corresponding laser- scanned bar code symbol; a real-time bar code element width measurement processor for realtime measurement of the first and second binary signal levels occurring i n the digital scan data signal D 2 , as a bar code symbol is scanned within said single predetermined focal region, and real-time comparison with predetermined time duration measures stored in a memory structure, so as to determine the corresponding laser beam spot speed that would produce such measured time durations for a bar code symbol of a particular resolution, scanned within said single predetermined focal region; a n d a pass-band filter control signal generator for producing VPB control signals based on the determined beam spot speed of the laser scanning beam (at each particular instant in time), and providing such VPB control signals t o at least one of said preamplification circuit, and said first and second derivative signal band-pass filters and amplifiers employed in said scan d ata signal p rocessor. 85. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 84, wherein said decode processor uses decode tables and bar code stitching techniques. 86. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 84, wherein said laser beam scanning mechanism is a mechanism selected from the group consisting of a holographic scanning mechanism, a polygon-type scanning mechanism, and any other electro-mechanical or electro-acoustical scanning mechanism capable of scanning one or more focused laser beams within th e scanning field of said system. 87. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 84, wherein said memory structure comprises a beam spot speed table containing data for n - number of bar code symbol resolutions (i.e. specified by the predetermined minimum element width (x) in the bar code symbol), wherein a premeas ured digital time-duration count for each minimum bar code element (x) is provided in said table according to scanning distance (dj) away from said laser scanning mechanism . <?£> 88. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 84, for each scanning distance d, , there is a predetermined laser beam spot speed associated wi th the laser scanning system. 89. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 88, wherein for a given laser scanning system, said beam spot speed table is constructed b y measuring the signal level durations of minimum bar code elements s can ned at predetermined focal planes in said system, converting these time c oun t measures to digital words (i.e. di gital numbers), and recording these numbers in the column of a table, assigned to a particular bar code element width. 90. The multi-focal zone laser scanning system of claim 84, wherein d uri n g system operation, said bar code element width measurement processor produces digital time counts (i.e. numbers) which are compared with th e digital time counts stored in the columns of said table; the output of this count comparison process is a corresponding beam spot speed value which produces such a time count w hen a bar code symbol of a particular resolution is scanned at the corresponding scanning distance; and said VPB filter control signal generator uses the produced beam spot speed (or like measure) to determine the appropriate VPB control signal so that the p ass- band frequency characteristics are set for each preamplifier, filter a n d amplifier in said scan data signal processor. Q b

Inventors: CHECK FRANK, DICKSON DEROY, KNOWLES C HARRY, LUCERA MARK, ZHU XIAOXUN, CHECK, FRANK, DICKSON, DEROY, KNOWLES, C., HARRY, LUCERA, MARK, ZHU, XIAOXUN
Applicants: CHECK FRANK, DICKSON DEROY, KNOWLES C HARRY, LUCERA MARK, METROLOGIC INSTR INC, ZHU XIAOXUN, CHECK, FRANK, DICKSON, DEROY, KNOWLES, C., HARRY, LUCERA, MARK, METROLOGIC INSTRUMENTS, INC., ZHU, XIAOXUN
Application year: 2000
Main classification: G06K7
IPC codes: G06K7, G07G1