Compact autofocus bar code reader with moving mirror

A method of focusing an image of a target object on an imaging system of an automatic identification system including an imaging pixel array comprising:

• orienting a focusing lens to transmit light from the target object;
• reflecting light passing through the focusing lens from the target object onto the imaging pixel array by positioning a mirror to intercept light passing through the focusing lens and redirecting said light to the imaging pixel array;
• forming an aiming pattern at a plane of a target object and;
• adjusting a focus of the reader for the target object imaging by moving the mirror to adjust a light path distance between the imaging pixel array and the focusing lens;
• and
• wherein the focus of the aiming pattern is adjusted until an image of the aiming pattern on the imaging pixel array is moved to a predetermined position.

An imaging based barcode reader for imaging a target object comprising:

• imaging means for forming an image on a light monitoring pixel array,
• focusing means fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of a target object to the pixel array;
• reflection means mounted for movement along a path of travel for reflecting light subsequent to the focusing means onto the pixel array;
• drive means for moving the reflection means and adjusting a focus of an image of the target object formed at the pixel array;
• means for generating an aiming pattern that emits an aiming pattern to impinge upon and illuminate a portion of a coded indicia;
• automatic focusing means for analyzing the aiming pattern reflected from the target object and projected onto the pixel array and moving the reflection means along its path of travel to a suitable position for properly focusing the target object onto the pixel array;
• and
• the automatic focusing means comprises means for identifying a position of the aiming pattern on the pixel array and activating the drive to move the mirror until the position of the aiming pattern on the pixel array is is moved to a predetermined position.