Frequency division multiplexed bar code scanner

A frequency division multiplexed bar code scanner system comprising:

• a plurality of radiation sources for simultaneously providing a plurality of source beams each having an intensity;
• a modulator circuit for modulating the intensity of each source beam at a different frequency;
• means for combining the source beams and directing them along a path to a bar code bearing object;
• means for receiving the source beams reflected from the object amplitude modulated by the bar code and phase shifted in accordance with the distance between the object and scanner;
• means responsive to the source beams reflected from the object for detecting the amplitude modulation of at least one of said source beams representative of the bar code read and for detecting the phase shift of at least one of said source beams representative of the distance to the object from the scanner.