Aiming beam system for optical data reading device

A method of aiming a scanning system for optically reading data on a target object, comprising the steps of:

• (a) generating an optical beam along an outgoing optical path;
• (b) creating a scanning optical beam along a scan plane;
• and
• (c) aiming the scanning optical beam by the steps of:
• (i) passing only a portion of the scanning optical beam through at least one diffractive optical element positioned along the scan plane, (ii) de-scanning the portion of the scanning optical beam passing therethrough to form an aiming light beam travelling generally parallel to the outgoing optical path, and (iii) forming an aiming spot on the target object with the aiming light beam;
• and
• (d) detecting light reflected or scattered off the target object.

A method for data reading comprising the steps of:

• (a) generating an optical beam along an outgoing optical path toward an object to be read;
• (b) scanning the optical beam over a scan angle;
• (c) de-scanning a first portion of the scanning optical beam to form a first aiming beam;
• (d) using the first aiming beam as a guide to direct the scanning optical beam on the object.