Laser scanner system for controlling the optical scanning of bar codes

A control system for controlling the optical scanning of an object comprising:

• a scan control section including
• a scanning element for causing a light beam to move relative to the object,
• a processor for receiving external commands, for generating internal control signals from the external commands, and for forming messages, and
• a scanning element driver for energizing the scanning element to cause the light beam to move in a predetermined pattern in response to the internal scanning control signals;
• a detector section, coupled to the scan control section, and including
• a light beam scanner directing the light beam toward the scanning element,
• a detector mounted to receive portions of the light beam reflected from the object and to generate electrical signals representing the received, reflected light beam, and
• central control means, for receiving the electrical signals, for forming the external commands, and for receiving the messages;
• and
• a bidirectional interface channel between the detector section and the scan control section for carrying commands in a defined format from the detector section to the scan control section, and for carrying messages in the defined format from the scan control section to the detector section.