Optical reader station

In an optical reader for reading an object having an imager and an illumination source for illuminating the object to be read, a method for controlling the illumination source comprising:

• detecting ambient light impinging on the imager;
• controlling the intensity of the illumination source in proportion to the level of ambient light detected by the imager when the object is in a position to be read;
• and
• directing from a radiation source constant radiation having a predetermined threshold level at the imager to determine whether the object is not in a position to be read.

In an optical reader for reading an object, said reader having an imager and an illumination source for illuminating the object to be read, a method for controlling the illumination source, said method comprising:

• detecting ambient light impinging on the imager;
• controlling the intensity of the illumination source in proportion to the level of ambient light detected by the imager when the object is in a position to be read;
• directing radiation from a radiation source to a detector to determine whether the object is not in a position to be read;
• and
• disabling the illumination source in response to the radiation detected by the detector.

An optical reader station for reading an object comprising:

• an optical reader having:
• an imager having an object field of view in which an object is to be positioned to be read;
• and,
• a first source for illuminating the object to be read, the intensity of illumination being controlled by the imager in proportion to the level of ambient light on the object;
• a second source positioned within the object field of view and being activated by a radiation from a third source;
• and,
• a detector positioned to receive radiation from the second source when the radiation from the second source is not obstructed by the object for deactivating the first source when the radiation from the second source is detected.

An optical reader station for reading an object comprising:

• an optical reader having:
• an imager having an object field of view in which an object is to be positioned to be read;
• and
• a source for illuminating the object to be read, the intensity of illumination being controlled by the imager in proportion to the level of ambient light on the object;
• a radiation source positioned within the object field of view to be obstructed by the object when the object is positioned to be read;
• a detector positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source when the radiation from the radiation source is not obstructed, and
• an auto-exposure control for controlling the deactivation of the illumination source when the radiation is detected by the detector.