Patent ID: 7726573

Claim:
An imaging based barcode reader for imaging a target comprising: an imaging system that includes a light monitoring pixel array, a focusing lens fixed with respect to the pixel array to transmit an image of a target object to the pixel array; a mirror mounted for movement along a path of travel to reflect light passing through the lens onto the pixel array; a drive for moving the mirror relative the lens to adjust a focus of an image of the target object formed at the pixel array; an aiming pattern generator that emits an aiming pattern to impinge upon and illuminate a portion of the target object; and an automatic focusing component for analyzing the aiming pattern reflected from the target object and projected onto the pixel array by the lens and moving the mirror along its path of travel to a suitable position for properly focusing the target object onto the pixel array; and wherein the automatic focusing component comprises means for identifying a position of the aiming pattern on the pixel array and activating the drive to move the mirror until the position of the aiming pattern on the pixel array is moved to a predetermined position.