Patent ID: 7314173

Claim:
An optical reader for scanning and reading a bar code having ultraviolet-wavelength-responsive properties, the reader scanning the bar code, which bar code comprises a plurality of dark and light regions of varying sizes, along a linear path across such dark and light regions, the reader comprising: an ultraviolet light source for generating ultraviolet light for illuminating a small target region on the bar code at a first wavelength as the reader traverses the linear path; a photodetector for detecting light incident thereon having a wavelength within a predetermined range of wavelengths; an optical system having: a projection portion for directing the ultraviolet light along a projection path extending from the ultraviolet light source to the small target region as the reader traverses the linear path so as to illuminate only the small target region, a collection portion for collecting light at a second wavelength received from the small target region illuminating a bar code when the dark area of the bar code occupies the small target region and for delivering light having the second wavelength along a collection path extending from the small target region to the photodetector; and a decoder receiving the output of the photodetector and producing in response thereto electrical signals indicative of information encoded in the bar code.