Bar code scanner utilizing multiple light beams output by a light beam splitter

摘要

A bar code scanner and method for scanning a bar code symbol that splits a light beam using a liquid crystal device and directs the split light beams toward a bar code symbol using a moveable mirror. The light reflected by the symbol from each of the split light beams is summed and converted to an electrical signal indicative of the bar code symbol. The electrical signal is processed to decode the bar code symbol, but, if decoding is unsuccessful, the liquid crystal device is changed to affect the number of split light beams incident on the bar code symbol.