Ambient light shield and color filter for imaging-based bar code reader

An ambient illumination shielding apparatus for an imaging-based scanner including an aiming apparatus for generating an aiming pattern for use in aiming the scanner at a target object, an illumination assembly for generating illumination for illuminating the target object and an imaging system including a pixel array for imaging the target object, the ambient illumination shielding apparatus comprising:

• an illumination shield extending exterior of a housing of the scanner and extending along at least a portion of a path of travel of the aiming pattern, the shield passing illumination within a predetermined wavelength range and impeding passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range, the predetermined wavelength range of the shield including a wavelength range of the aiming pattern generated by the aiming apparatus;
• and
• a filter disposed in proximity to the imaging system and passing illumination within a predetermined wavelength range to the pixel array and impeding the passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range, the predetermined wavelength range of the filter including a wavelength range of the illumination system.