Compact bar code scanner with scan mirror jointly movable with drive

Abstract

Several different embodiments are disclosed of a simple, compact bar code scanner which is capable of scanning in any one of several modes, a linear scan mode for scans along a single axis, an omnidirectional scan mode for scans with consecutive scan lines which are angularly displaced relative to each other, or a raster scan mode for scans with consecutive scan lines along a first scan axis which are displaced relative to each other along a second perpendicular axis. In a preferred embodiment, the compact bar code scanner is used in a small housing mounted on an index finger of an operator such that the natural pointing direction of the index finger aims the scanner. In one embodiment, a high frequency flexural member, with a scanning mirror and permanent magnet mounted thereon, is supported by a low frequency flexural member. An x drive coil is positioned by the permanent magnet, and with an applied high frequency x drive signal, causes the high frequency flexural member, with the permanent magnet means and scanning mirror mounted thereon, to torsionally oscillate at the frequency of the x drive signal. A y drive coil is also positioned by the permanent magnet, and with an applied low frequency y drive signal, causes the low frequency flexural member to oscillate to cause low frequency y scanning of the scanning mirror, thereby resulting in a raster scan pattern. With an applied high frequency y drive signal, the y coil causes the high frequency flexural member to oscillate at a high frequency to cause high frequency y scanning of the mirror, thereby resulting in an omnidirectional scan patterns.