Multiple plane scanning system for data reading applications

Abstract

An optical system and method for data reading. The preferred system is directed to a scanner which includes a laser diode and a beam splitter for generating first optical beam and a second optical beam, the first optical beam being directed toward one side of a scanning optical element such as a rotating polygon mirror and to a first mirror array, the second optical beam is being simultaneously directed toward a second optical element such as another side of the rotating polygon mirror and then to a second and a third mirror array. The first mirror array is configured to generate a scan pattern through a vertical window and the second and third mirror arrays are configured to generate scan patterns passing through a horizontal window. In combination, the three mirror arrays generate three sets of scan lines so as to scan the bottom and all lateral sides of an object being passed through the scan volume.

1 - 11 . (canceled)  
   
   
       12 . A method of generating a complex laser scanning pattern from a bioptical laser scanning system for providing 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a point of sale (POS) station, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) supporting at a POS station, a bioptical laser scanning system including 
 (i) a horizontal section integrally connected to a vertical section,  
 (ii) a horizontal-scanning window formed in said horizontal section,  
 (iii) a vertical-scanning window formed in said vertical section, and being substantially orthogonal to said bottom-scanning window,  
 (iv) a first laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said vertical section, and  
 (v) a second laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said horizontal section;  
   (b) generating a first plurality of laser scanning planes from said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism, and projecting said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window, and also generating a second plurality of laser scanning planes from said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism, and projecting said second plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window;    (c) said first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes (i) intersecting within predetermined scan regions    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the height dimension of the said horizontal section is less than about 4.5 inches for installation of said horizontal section within a countertop surface at said POS station.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein during step (c) said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises over sixty (60) different laser scanning planes cooperating within said 3-D scanning volume to generate said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein during step (c) each said group of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises: (i) a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to said horizontal-scanning window, and (ii) a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning plane for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to said horizontal-scanning window.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said first laser beam production module comprises a first visible laser diode (VLD), and said second laser beam production module comprises a second visible laser diode (VLD).  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein during step (b), said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said first laser production module contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between said horizontal-scanning and vertical-scanning windows, and (ii) generating a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within said 3-D scanning volume, and 
 (d) whereby said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes forming a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within said 3-D scanning volume that is capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within said 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at said POS station so as to provide 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at said POS station.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein during step (b) said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism produces a first laser beam from a first laser bream production module and a first polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a first axis of rotation scans said first laser beam, so as to produce a first laser scanning beam that reflects off said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window; and wherein during step (b) said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism produces a second laser beam from a second laser beam production module and a second polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a second axis of rotation scans said second laser beam, so as to produce a second laser scanning beam that reflects off said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said second plurality of laser scanning planes through said vertical-scanning window, 
 cooperate with first and second light collecting/focusing optical elements and first and second photodetectors disposed within said horizontal housing section to form first and second scanning stations disposed about said first polygonal scanning element, and wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within each said laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein during step (b), said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said second laser production module cooperate with a third light collecting/focusing optical element and a third photodetector disposed within said vertical housing section to form third scanning station disposed about said second polygonal scanning element, and wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within said third laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element comprises a first polygonal scanning mirror having a first plurality of rotating mirror facets, and wherein said second polygonal scanning element comprises a second polygonal scanning mirror having a second plurality of rotating mirror facets.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said second plurality of rotating mirror facets on said second polygonal scanning mirror are classifiable into a first class of facets having High Elevation (HE) angle characteristics, and a second class of facets having Low Elevation (LE) angle characteristics.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein during step (d) said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern is generated from said horizontal-scanning window and said vertical-scanning window during the revolution of said first and second polygonal scanning elements.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element is disposed within said horizontal section, and said second polygonal scanning element is disposed within said vertical section.  
   
   
       24 . A method of generating a complex laser scanning pattern from a bioptical laser scanning system for providing 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a point of sale (POS) station, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) supporting at a POS station, a bioptical laser scanning system including (i) a bottom section integrally connected to a side section, (ii) a bottom-scanning window formed in said bottom section, (iii) a side-scanning window formed in said side section, and being substantially orthogonal to said bottom-scanning window, (iv) a first laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said side section, and (v) a second laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said bottom section;    (b) generating a first plurality of laser scanning planes from said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism, and projecting said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window, and also generating a second plurality of laser scanning planes from said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism, and projecting said second plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window;    (c) said first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes (i) intersecting within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between said bottom-scanning and side-scanning windows, and (ii) generating a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within said 3-D scanning volume, and    (d) said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes forming a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within said 3-D scanning volume that is capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within said 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at said POS station so as to provide 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at said POS station.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein during step (b) said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism produces a first laser beam from a first laser bream production module and a first polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a first axis of rotation scans said first laser beam, so as to produce a first laser scanning beam that reflects off said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window; and wherein during step (b) said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism produces a second laser beam from a second laser beam production module and a second polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a second axis of rotation scans said second laser beam, so as to produce a second laser beam that reflects off said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said second plurality of laser scanning planes through said side-scanning window,  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the height dimension of the said bottom section is less than about 4.5 inches for installation of said bottom section within a countertop surface at said POS station.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein during step (c) said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises over sixty (60) different laser scanning planes cooperating within said 3-D scanning volume to generate said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein during step (c) each said group of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises (i) a plurality of substantially-side laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially bottom with respect to said bottom-scanning window, and (ii) a plurality of substantially-bottom laser scanning plane for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements i.e., picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially side with respect to said bottom-scanning window.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein said first laser beam production module comprises a first visible laser diode (VLD), and said second laser beam production module comprises a second visible laser diode (VLD).  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein during step (b), said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said first laser production module cooperate with first and second light collecting/focusing optical elements and first and second photodetectors disposed within said bottom housing section to form first and second scanning stations disposed about said first polygonal scanning element, and wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within each said laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein during step (b), said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said second laser production module cooperate with a third light collecting/focusing optical element and a third photodetector disposed within said side housing section to form third scanning station disposed about said second polygonal scanning element, and wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within said third laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element comprises a first polygonal scanning mirror having a first plurality of rotating mirror facets, and wherein said second polygonal scanning element comprises a second polygonal scanning mirror having a second plurality of rotating mirror facets.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said second plurality of rotating mirror facets on said second polygonal scanning mirror are classifiable into a first class of facets having High Elevation (HE) angle characteristics, and a second class of facets having Low Elevation (LE) angle characteristics.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein during step (d) said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern is generated from said bottom-scanning window and said side-scanning window during the revolution of said first and second polygonal scanning elements.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element is disposed within said bottom section, and said second polygonal scanning element is disposed within said side section.  
   
   
       36 . A bioptical laser scanning system providing 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a point of sale (POS) station, said bioptical laser scanning system comprising: 
 a horizontal section integrally connected to a vertical section;    a horizontal-scanning window formed in said horizontal section;    a vertical-scanning window formed in said vertical section, and being substantially orthogonal to said bottom-scanning window;    a first laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said vertical section, for generating and projecting a first plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window; and    a second laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said horizontal section for generating and projecting generate and project a second plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window;    whereby said first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes (i) intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between said horizontal-scanning and vertical-scanning windows, and (ii) generate a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within said 3-D scanning volume, and    wherein said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes form a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within said 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within said 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at said POS station so as to provide 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at said POS station.    
   
   
       37 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 36 , which further comprises a first laser beam production module for producing a first laser beam, and a second laser beam production module for producing a second laser beam.  
   
   
       38 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 37 , 
 wherein said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism comprises said first laser beam production module and a first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed within said vertical section; and    wherein said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism comprises said second laser beam production module and a second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed within said vertical section.    
   
   
       39 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 38 , 
 wherein said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism further comprises a first polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a first axis of rotation, for scanning said first laser beam and producing said first laser scanning beam that reflects off said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window; and    wherein said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism further comprises a second polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a second axis of rotation, for scanning said second laser beam and producing said second laser scanning beam that reflects off said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project a second plurality of laser scanning planes through said vertical-scanning window.    
   
   
       40 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 36 , wherein the height dimension of the said horizontal section is less than about 4.5 inches for installation of said horizontal section within a countertop surface at said POS.  
   
   
       41 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 36 , wherein said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises over sixty (60) different laser scanning planes cooperating within said 3-D scanning volume to generate said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern.  
   
   
       42 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 36 , wherein each said group of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises (i) a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to said horizontal-scanning window, and (ii) a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning plane for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to said horizontal-scanning window.  
   
   
       43 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 37 , wherein said first laser beam production module comprises a first visible laser diode (VLD), and said second laser beam production module comprises a second visible laser diode (VLD).  
   
   
       44 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 38 , 
 wherein said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said first laser production module cooperate with first and second light collecting/focusing optical elements and first and second photodetectors disposed within said horizontal housing section to form first and second scanning stations disposed about said first polygonal scanning element, and    wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within each said laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.    
   
   
       45 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 44 , wherein said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said second laser production module cooperate with a third light collecting/focusing optical element and a third photodetector disposed within said vertical housing section to form third scanning station disposed about said second polygonal scanning element, and 
 wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within said third laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.    
   
   
       46 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 39 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element comprises a first polygonal scanning mirror having a first plurality of rotating mirror facets, and wherein said second polygonal scanning element comprises a second polygonal scanning mirror having a second plurality of rotating mirror facets.  
   
   
       47 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 46 , wherein said second plurality of rotating mirror facets on said second polygonal scanning mirror are classifiable into a first class of facets having High Elevation (HE) angle characteristics, and a second class of facets having Low Elevation (LE) angle characteristics.  
   
   
       48 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 36 , wherein said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern is generated from said horizontal-scanning window and said vertical-scanning window during the revolution of said first and second polygonal scanning elements.  
   
   
       49 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 39 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element is disposed within said horizontal section, and said second polygonal scanning element is disposed within said vertical section.  
   
   
       50 . A bioptical laser scanning system providing 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a point of sale (POS) station, said bioptical laser scanning system comprising: 
 a bottom section integrally connected to a side section;    a bottom-scanning window formed in said bottom section;    a side-scanning window formed in said side section, and being substantially orthogonal to said bottom-scanning window;    a first laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said side section, for generating and projecting a first plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window; and    a second laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said bottom section for generating and projecting generate and project a second plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window;    whereby said first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes (i) intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between said bottom-scanning and side-scanning windows, and (ii) generate a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within said 3-D scanning volume, and    wherein said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes form a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within said 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within said 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at said POS station so as to provide 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at said POS station.    
   
   
       51 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 50 , which further comprises a first laser beam production module for producing a first laser beam, and a second laser beam production module for producing a second laser beam.  
   
   
       52 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 51 , wherein 
 said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism comprises said first laser beam production module and a first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed within said side section; and    said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism comprises said second laser beam production module and a second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed within said side section.    
   
   
       53 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 52 , wherein 
 said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism further comprises a first polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a first axis of rotation, for scanning said first laser beam and producing said first laser scanning beam that reflects off said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window; and    said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism further comprises a second polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a second axis of rotation, for scanning said second laser beam and producing said second laser scanning beam that reflects off said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project a second plurality of laser scanning planes through said side-scanning window.    
   
   
       54 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 50 , wherein the height dimension of the said bottom section is less than about 4.5 inches for installation of said bottom section within a countertop surface at said POS.  
   
   
       55 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 50 , wherein said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises over sixty (60) different laser scanning planes cooperating within said 3-D scanning volume to generate said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern.  
   
   
       56 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 50 , wherein each said group of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises (i) a plurality of substantially-side laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially bottom with respect to said bottom-scanning window, and (ii) a plurality of substantially-bottom laser scanning plane for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially side with respect to said bottom-scanning window.  
   
   
       57 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 51 , wherein said first laser beam production module comprises a first visible laser diode (VLD), and said second laser beam production module comprises a second visible laser diode (VLD).  
   
   
       58 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 53 , wherein said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said first laser production module cooperate with first and second light collecting/focusing optical elements and first and second photodetectors disposed within said bottom housing section to form first and second scanning stations disposed about said first polygonal scanning element, and 
 wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within each said laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.    
   
   
       59 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 58 , wherein said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said second laser production module cooperate with a third light collecting/focusing optical element and a third photodetector disposed within said side housing section to form third scanning station disposed about said second polygonal scanning element, and 
 wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within said third laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.    
   
   
       60 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 53 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element comprises a first polygonal scanning mirror having a first plurality of rotating mirror facets, and wherein said second polygonal scanning element comprises a second polygonal scanning mirror having a second plurality of rotating mirror facets.  
   
   
       61 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 60 , wherein said second plurality of rotating mirror facets on said second polygonal scanning mirror are classifiable into a first class of facets having High Elevation (HE) angle characteristics, and a second class of facets having Low Elevation (LE) angle characteristics.  
   
   
       62 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 50 , wherein said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern is generated from said bottom-scanning window and said side-scanning window during the revolution of said first and second polygonal scanning elements.  
   
   
       63 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 53 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element is disposed within said bottom section, and said second polygonal scanning element is disposed within said side section.  
   
   
       64 . A method of generating a complex laser scanning pattern from a bioptical laser scanning system for providing 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a point of sale (POS) station, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) supporting at a POS station, a bioptical laser scanning system including (i) a horizontal section integrally connected to a vertical section, (ii) a horizontal-scanning window formed in said horizontal section, (iii) a vertical-scanning window formed in said vertical section, and being substantially orthogonal to said bottom-scanning window, (iv) a first laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said vertical section, and (v) a second laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said horizontal section;    (b) generating a first plurality of laser scanning planes from said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism, and projecting said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window, and also generating a second plurality of laser scanning planes from said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism, and projecting said second plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window;    (c) said first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes (i) intersecting within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between said horizontal-scanning and vertical-scanning windows, and (ii) generating a plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes within said 3-D scanning volume, and    (d) said plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes forming a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within said 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within said 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at said POS station so as to provide 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at said POS station.    
   
   
       65 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein during step (b) said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism produces a first laser beam from a first laser bream production module and a first polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a first axis of rotation scans said first laser beam, so as to produce a first laser scanning beam that reflects off said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window; and 
 wherein during step (b) said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism produces a second laser beam from a second laser beam production module and a second polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a second axis of rotation scans said second laser beam, so as to produce a second laser scanning beam that reflects off said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said second plurality of laser scanning planes through said vertical-scanning window,    
   
   
       66 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein the height dimension of the said horizontal section is less than about 4.5 inches for installation of said horizontal section within a countertop surface at said POS station.  
   
   
       67 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein during step (c) said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises over sixty (60) different laser scanning planes cooperating within said 3-D scanning volume to generate said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern.  
   
   
       68 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein during step (c) each said group of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises: 
 (i) a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to said horizontal-scanning window, and    (ii) a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning plane for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to said horizontal-scanning window.    
   
   
       69 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said first laser beam production module comprises a first visible laser diode (VLD), and said second laser beam production module comprises a second visible laser diode (VLD).  
   
   
       70 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein during step (b), said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said first laser production module cooperate with first and second light collecting/focusing optical elements and first and second photodetectors disposed within said horizontal housing section to form first and second scanning stations disposed about said first polygonal scanning element, and 
 wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within each said laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.    
   
   
       71 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein during step (b), said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said second laser production module cooperate with a third light collecting/focusing optical element and a third photodetector disposed within said vertical housing section to form third scanning station disposed about said second polygonal scanning element, and 
 wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within said third laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.    
   
   
       72 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element comprises a first polygonal scanning mirror having a first plurality of rotating mirror facets, and wherein said second polygonal scanning element comprises a second polygonal scanning mirror having a second plurality of rotating mirror facets.  
   
   
       73 . The method  claim 72 , wherein said second plurality of rotating mirror facets on said second polygonal scanning mirror are classifiable into a first class of facets having High Elevation (HE) angle characteristics, and a second class of facets having Low Elevation (LE) angle characteristics.  
   
   
       74 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein during step (d) said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern is generated from said horizontal-scanning window and said vertical-scanning window during the revolution of said first and second polygonal scanning elements.  
   
   
       75 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element is disposed within said horizontal section, and said second polygonal scanning element is disposed within said vertical section.  
   
   
       76 . A method of generating a complex laser scanning pattern from a bioptical laser scanning system for providing 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a point of sale (POS) station, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) supporting at a POS station, a bioptical laser scanning system including (i) a bottom section integrally connected to a side section, (ii) a bottom-scanning window formed in said bottom section, (iii) a side-scanning window formed in said side section, and being substantially orthogonal to said bottom-scanning window, (iv) a first laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said side section, and (v) a second laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within said bottom section;    (b) generating a first plurality of laser scanning planes from said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism, and projecting said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window, and also generating a second plurality of laser scanning planes from said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism, and projecting said second plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window;    (c) said first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes (i) intersecting within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between said horizontal-scanning and vertical-scanning windows, and (ii) generating a plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes within said 3-D scanning volume, and    (d) said plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes forming a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within said 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within said 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at said POS station so as to provide 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at said POS station.    
   
   
       77 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein during step (b) said first laser scanning plane generation mechanism produces a first laser beam from a first laser bream production module and a first polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a first axis of rotation scans said first laser beam, so as to produce a first laser scanning beam that reflects off said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said first plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window; and 
 wherein during step (b) said second laser scanning plane generation mechanism produces a second laser beam from a second laser beam production module and a second polygonal scanning element having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a second axis of rotation scans said second laser beam, so as to produce a second laser beam that reflects off said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project said second plurality of laser scanning planes through said side-scanning window,    
   
   
       78 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the height dimension of the said bottom section is less than about 4.5 inches for installation of said bottom section within a countertop surface at said POS station.  
   
   
       79 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein during step (c) said plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises over sixty (60) different laser scanning planes cooperating within said 3-D scanning volume to generate said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern.  
   
   
       80 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein during step (c) each said group of intersecting laser scanning planes comprises (i) a plurality of substantially-side laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially bottom with respect to said bottom-scanning window, and (ii) a plurality of substantially-bottom laser scanning plane for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially side with respect to said bottom-scanning window.  
   
   
       81 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein said first laser beam production module comprises a first visible laser diode (VLD), and said second laser beam production module comprises a second visible laser diode (VLD).  
   
   
       82 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein during step (b), said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said first laser production module cooperate with first and second light collecting/focusing optical elements and first and second photodetectors disposed within said bottom housing section to form first and second scanning stations disposed about said first polygonal scanning element, and 
 wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within each said laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.    
   
   
       83 . The method of  claim 82 , wherein during step (b), said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said second laser production module cooperate with a third light collecting/focusing optical element and a third photodetector disposed within said side housing section to form third scanning station disposed about said second polygonal scanning element, and 
 wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within said third laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.    
   
   
       84 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element comprises a first polygonal scanning mirror having a first plurality of rotating mirror facets, and wherein said second polygonal scanning element comprises a second polygonal scanning mirror having a second plurality of rotating mirror facets.  
   
   
       85 . The method of  claim 84 , wherein said second plurality of rotating mirror facets on said second polygonal scanning mirror are classifiable into a first class of facets having High Elevation (HE) angle characteristics, and a second class of facets having Low Elevation (LE) angle characteristics.  
   
   
       86 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein during step (d) said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern is generated from said bottom-scanning window and said side-scanning window during the revolution of said first and second polygonal scanning elements.  
   
   
       87 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element is disposed within said bottom section, and said second polygonal scanning element is disposed within said side section.  
   
   
       88 . A bioptical laser scanning system capable of scanning a bar code symbol locate on the surface of an object presented within a 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at a point of sale (POS) station, said bioptical laser scanning system; comprising: a horizontal section integrally connected to a vertical section; a horizontal-scanning window formed in said horizontal section; a vertical-scanning window formed in said vertical section, and being substantially orthogonal to said bottom-scanning window; a first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed within said horizontal section; a second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed within said vertical section; a first laser beam production module for producing first laser beam, and a second laser beam production module for producing a second laser beam; a first polygonal scanning element disposed within said horizontal section and having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a first axis of rotation, for scanning said first laser beam and producing a first laser scanning beam that reflects off said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project a first plurality of laser scanning planes through said horizontal-scanning window; and a second polygonal scanning element disposed within said vertical section and having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a second axis of rotation, for scanning said second laser beam and producing a second laser scanning beam that reflects off said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project a second plurality of laser scanning planes through said vertical-scanning window, whereby said first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes (i) intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between said horizontal-scanning and vertical-scanning windows, and (ii) generate a plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes within said 3-D scanning volume, and wherein said plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes form a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within said 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within said 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at said POS station.  
   
   
       89 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 88 , wherein the height dimension of the said horizontal section is less than about 4.5 inches for installation of said horizontal section within a countertop surface at said POS.  
   
   
       90 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 88 , wherein said plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes comprises over 60 different laser scanning planes cooperating within said 3-D scanning volume to generate said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern.  
   
   
       91 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 90 , wherein each said group of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes comprises (i) a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to said horizontal-scanning window, and (ii) a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning plane for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to said horizontal-scanning window.  
   
   
       92 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 88 , wherein said first laser beam production module comprises a first visible laser diode (VLD), and said second laser beam production module comprises a second visible laser diode (VLD).  
   
   
       93 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 88 , wherein said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said first laser production module cooperate with first and second light collecting/focusing optical elements and first and second photodetectors disposed within said bottom housing section to form first and second scanning stations disposed about said first polygonal scanning element, and wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within each said laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.  
   
   
       94 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 93 , wherein said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said second laser production module cooperate with a third light collecting/focusing optical element and a third photodetector disposed within said vertical housing section to form third scanning station disposed about said second polygonal scanning element, and wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within said third laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.  
   
   
       95 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 88 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element comprises a first polygonal scanning mirror having a first plurality of rotating mirror facets, and wherein said polygonal scanning element comprises a second polygonal scanning mirror having a second plurality of rotating mirror facets.  
   
   
       96 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 95 , wherein said second plurality of rotating mirror facets on said second polygonal scanning mirror are classifiable into a first class of facets having High Elevation (HE) angle characteristics, and a second class of facets having Low Elevation (LE) angle characteristics.  
   
   
       97 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 96 , wherein said high and low elevation angle characteristics are referenced by a plane P 1  that contains the incoming laser beam and is normal to the rotational axis of said second polygonal scanning mirror; wherein each facet in said first class of facets, having high beam elevation angle characteristics, produces an outgoing laser beam that is directed above the plane P 1  as the facet sweeps across the point of incidence of said third laser scanning station; and wherein each facet in said second class of facets, having low beam elevation angle characteristics, produces an outgoing laser beam that is directed below the plane P 1  as the facet sweeps across the point of incidence of said third laser scanning station.  
   
   
       98 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 88 , wherein said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern is generated from said horizontal-scanning window and said vertical-scanning window during the revolution of said first and second polygonal scanning mirrors.  
   
   
       99 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 95 , wherein during each evolution of said first polygonal scanning mirror, a first group of laser scanning planes are produced by said first and second laser scanning stations, and concurrently therewith, during each revolution of said second polygonal scanning mirror, second and third groups of laser scanning planes are produced by said third laser scanning station.  
   
   
       100 . A bioptical laser scanning system capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within a 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at a point of sale (POS) station, said bioptical laser scanning system comprising: a housing having a bottom housing section integrally connected to a side housing section; a bottom-scanning window provided in said bottom housing section; a side-scanning window provided in said side housing section, and being substantially orthogonal to said bottom-scanning window; a first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed within said bottom housing section; a second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed within said side housing section; a first laser beam production module for producing a first laser beam, and a second laser beam production module for producing a second laser beam; a first polygonal scanning element disposed within said bottom housing section and having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a first axis of rotation, for scanning said first laser beam and producing a first laser scanning beam that reflects off said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project a first plurality of laser scanning planes through said bottom-scanning window, and a second polygonal scanning element disposed within said side housing section and having multiple reflective surfaces rotating about a second axis of rotation, for scanning said second laser beam and producing a second laser scanning beam that reflects off said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors to generate and project a second plurality of laser scanning planes through said side-scanning window, whereby said first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes (i) intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between said bottom-scanning window and side-scanning window, and (ii) generate a plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes within said 3-D scanning volume, and wherein said plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes form a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within said 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within said 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at said POS station.  
   
   
       101 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 100 , wherein the height dimension of the said bottom housing section is less than about 4.5 inches for installation of said bottom housing section within a countertop surface at said POS.  
   
   
       102 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 100 , wherein said plurality of groups of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes comprises over 60 different laser scanning planes cooperating within said 3-D scanning volume to generate said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern.  
   
   
       103 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 102 , wherein each said group of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes comprises (i) a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to said bottom-scanning window, and (ii) a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning plane for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e., picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to said bottom-scanning window.  
   
   
       104 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 100 , wherein said first laser beam production module comprises a first visible laser diode (VLD), and said second laser beam production module comprises a second visible laser diode (VLD).  
   
   
       105 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 100 , wherein said first plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said first laser beam production module cooperate with first and second light collecting/focusing optical elements and first and second photodetectors disposed within said bottom housing section to form first and second scanning stations disposed about said first polygonal scanning element, and wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within each said laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.  
   
   
       106 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 105 , wherein said second plurality of laser beam folding mirrors and said second laser beam production module cooperate with a third light collecting/focusing optical element and a third photodetector disposed within said vertical housing section to form third scanning station disposed about said second polygonal scanning element, and wherein the light collecting/focusing optical element within said third laser scanning station collects light from predetermined scan regions within said 3-D scanning volume and focuses such collected light onto the photodetector to produce an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the intensity of light focused thereon, and said electrical signal being supplied to analog/digital signal processing circuitry for processing analog and digital scan data signals derived therefrom to perform bar code symbol reading operations.  
   
   
       107 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 100 , wherein said first polygonal scanning element comprises a first polygonal scanning mirror having a first plurality of rotating mirror facets, and wherein said said polygonal scanning element comprises a second polygonal scanning mirror having a second plurality of rotating mirror facets.  
   
   
       108 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 107 , wherein said second plurality of rotating mirror facets on said second polygonal scanning mirror are classifiable into a first class of facets having High Elevation (HE) angle characteristics, and a second class of facets having Low Elevation (LE) angle characteristics.  
   
   
       109 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 100 , wherein said high and low elevation angle characteristics are referenced by a plane P 1  that contains the incoming laser beam and is normal to the rotational axis of said second polygonal scanning mirror; wherein each facet in said first class of facets, having high beam elevation angle characteristics, produces an outgoing laser beam that is directed above the plane P 1  as the facet sweeps across the point of incidence of said third laser scanning station; and wherein each facet in said second class of facets, having low beam elevation angle characteristics, produces an outgoing laser beam that is directed below the plane P 1  as the facet sweeps across the point of incidence of said third laser scanning station.  
   
   
       110 . The bioptical laser scanning system of  claim 100 , wherein said complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern is generated from said bottom-scanning window and said side-scanning window during each revolution of said first and second polygonal scanning mirrors.  
   
   
       111 . The bioptical laser scanning system of claim  107 , wherein during each revolution of said first polygonal scanning mirror, a first group of laser scanning planes are produced by said first and second laser scanning stations, and concurrently therewith, during each revolution of said second polygonal scanning mirror, second and third groups of laser scanning planes are produced by said third laser scanning station.  
   
   
       112 . A bioptical laser scanning system, wherein a single visible laser diode (VLD) is used to create a laser scanning pattern projected through a side-scanning window.  
   
   
       113 . A bioptical laser scanning system which generates a plurality of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes that project through a bottom-scanning window and a side-scanning window to provide 360 degrees of scan coverage at a POS station.  
   
   
       114 . A bioptical laser scanning system providing 360 degrees of scan coverage at a POS station comprising a means for producing a plurality of pairs of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes that are projected within predetermined scanning regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between bottom and side scanning windows of the system.