Optical reader station

The invention is directed to an optical reader station for reading an object and a method of controlling an illumination source in the station for illuminating the object. The optical reader station comprises a mount for an optical reader and a stand with a surface for receiving the object, the optical reader includes an imager with an object field of view in which the object to be read is positioned. The station further includes a radiation source positioned within the object field of view and arranged to be obstructed by the object when the object is in position to be read. A detection mechanism, which is positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source when the radiation source is not obstructed by the object, deactivates the illumination source when radiation source radiation is detected. The detector mechanism may form part of an auto-exposure control in the imager, which senses ambient light impinging on the imager including the radiation from the radiation source for controlling the illumination level of the illumination source, or it may be a separate detector, which senses the radiation from the radiation source for deactivating the illumination source. The radiation source, which may be an infrared source, a visible light source, a UV source or a luminescence emitter activated by a UV source, may be mounted within the surface of the stand.