AUTOMATIC DATA COLLECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

Machine-readable symbol readers and/or scan engines may subtractively impose an aiming pattern on an illumination field produced by a source of light or illumination. An optical component with a mask or filter are interposed in an optical path extending outwardly from the source of light or illumination. The mask or filter may have a defined shape or configuration to subtractively produce an aiming pattern with a desired shape or configuration. The mask or filter may, or may not, be wavelength selective or spectral. A wavelength selective mask or filter may produce an aiming pattern of a defined color, different from a color of an illumination field. Such may eliminate the need for a separate, distinct source of light or illumination for an aiming beam subsystem. The described structures and methods may reduce size, reduce parts count, and/or simplify manufacture.

主权项

1. A scanner apparatus, comprising:
at least one illumination transducer electrically coupleable to a source of electrical power and selectively operable to emit illumination outwardly along a first optical path; and at least a first optical element positioned in the first optical path that extends outwardly from the illumination transducer, the first optical element having a pattern that substantially blocks a portion of the illumination emitted by the illumination transducer to form an aiming pattern.