Spectral scanner employing light paths of multiple wavelengths for scanning objects, such as bar code symbols, and associated method

A reader for reading a symbol, comprising:

• a light source producing light of a plurality of wavelengths;
• a wavelength separation device positioned and configured to receive the light from the light source and produce a plurality of paths of light based on the plurality of wavelengths of the light, wherein the plurality of paths of light impinge on the symbol;
• at least one light detector positioned and configured to receive light reflected from the symbol and produce an output signal based on the light reflected from the symbol;
• and
• a processor coupled to the light source and coupled to the light detector, wherein the processor receives the output signal from the light detector and analyzes the symbol based on the output signal.

An apparatus for imaging a symbol, comprising:

• a light source producing light of a plurality of wavelengths;
• a wavelength separation device positioned and configured to receive the light from the light source and produce a plurality of paths of light based on the plurality of wavelengths of the light, wherein the plurality of paths of light impinge on the symbol;
• and
• at least one light detector positioned and configured to receive light reflected from the symbol and produce an output signal based on the light reflected from the symbol.

A method of reading a machine-readable symbol representing encoded information, the method comprising:

• producing light of a plurality of wavelengths;
• projecting a plurality of paths of light based on the plurality of wavelengths of the light, wherein the plurality of paths of light project onto the symbol;
• producing an output signal based on the plurality of wavelengths of the light reflected from the symbol;
• and
• decoding the symbol based on the output signal.

A method of imaging an object, the method comprising:

• producing light of a plurality of wavelengths;
• projecting a plurality of paths of light based on the plurality of wavelengths of the light, wherein the plurality of paths of light project onto the object;
• producing an output signal based on the plurality of wavelengths of the light reflected from the symbol;
• and
• analyzing the object based on the output signal.