Low height proximity-based optical code reader

A lensless system for optically reading an encoded pattern on a patterned test strip or other patterned target placed in proximity and moved with respect to an optical code reader without requiring use of a focusing lens and without requiring forming a multi-dimensional image of the encoded pattern, the system comprising:

• the optical code reader, comprising:
• an LED light source;
• a plurality of photodetectors including individual ones of the photodetectors arranged to separately lenslessly receive corresponding individual light signals from a target location and to respectively form corresponding individual response signals respectively based thereupon, individual ones of the response signals providing information about the encoded pattern at the target location;
• an opaque transmit baffle, located between the LED light source and the target and housing the LED light source therewithin, the transmit baffle defining a transmit aperture for lenslessly passing light originating from the LED light source to a target location on the patterned target;
• an opaque receive baffle, located between the photodetector and the target and housing the photodetector therewithin, the receive baffle defining a plurality of individual receive apertures, individually directed for corresponding to a particular individual photodetector of the plurality of photodetectors for individually lenslessly passing light directed toward only a corresponding one of the plurality of photodetectors;
• and
• signal processing circuitry, coupled to the individual ones of the photodetectors to receive the response signals, and to decode information about the encoded pattern without requiring forming a multi-dimensional image of the encoded pattern.