Pre-objective scanner with flexible optical support.

摘要

To reduce the size and weight of an optical scanner, the present invention provides a mirrorless beam scanning unit. In some embodiments, the light emitter itself moves back and forth, and in other embodiments the objective lens reciprocates laterally in front of the light emitter. For example, a flexible support structure, such as one or more strips of mylar, movably mounts the objective lens in front of the light emitter. The objective lens is laterally reciprocated in response to a motive force, for example as might be applied by a combination of a permanent magnet coupled to the objective lens and a fixedly mounted electromagnet driven by an alternating current signal. Reciprocation of the objective lens during emission of light by the light emitter causes the light to scan a surface, such as a surface bearing a bar code label.