Abstract: There is disclosed a system for decoding data read from a bar code label which includes a filter for detecting the occurrence of a character in the data generated by an optical scanner in reading the bar code label, a first processor for detecting whether the character is valid or a suspect character which may be a valid or a non-valid character and a second processor means for processing the suspect characters to determine if they are valid for use in detecting the numerical characters in the data.

Abstract: A scale utilizes a plurality of load cells positioned beneath a weighing platform for determining the weight of objects placed upon the platform. During a weighing operation, each load cell generates a voltage proportional to the response of said cell to the application of a weight to the platform. Each such generated voltage is transmitted serially through a multiplexer and is converted to a digital value by an analog-to-analog converter. These digital values are employed by a microprocessor to determine the weight of the object placed on the weighing platform. The scale is calibrated by weighing a test weight in a plurality of different locations on the weighing platform, and utilizing the individual digital values thus obtained for each load cell in a plurality of simultaneous equations, which are then solved in the microprocessor to provide constant values associated with each load cell, which are used in subsequent weighing operations.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an electronic scale includes sampling the output of the scale a predetermined number of times to generate a number of average readings for the weight that is placed on the scale, comparing two successive average readings and selecting the average reading that is within a predetermined weight of the previous average reading, comparing the digital signals sampled representing the selected average reading with the setting of a plurality of settable switches in which each switch position will represent a binary bit and displaying on a display the switch settings which represents the selected average reading of the output of the scale. The operator in response to instructions displayed on the display will place a weighted object on the scale, set one of the switches of the settable switches in response to placing the weight on the scale and set the switches in response to the instructions displayed on the display to store the selected average reading in the settable switches.

Abstract: A method for automatically zero balancing an electronic scale includes disabling the display from displaying a "Scale Ready" logo, taking a number of readings from the scale when no weight is placed on the scale, obtaining an average reading for a zero weight condition of the scale by dividing the sum of the readings by the number of readings taken, detecting when two consecutive average readings are within a first predetermined limit, enabling the display to display the "Scale Ready" logo indicating the scale is ready for a weighing operation, taking a number of readings from the scale in response to the displaying the scale ready logo, blanking the display when the readings taken are not within a predetermined value of the zero balance readings, and removing the scale lid from the scale and cleaning the scale to remove dirt or other impediments from the scale in response to the blanking of the display.

Abstract: A method for fast weighing on an electronic scale is disclosed. Periodic samples are taken of the weight of an object placed upon the scale, and succeeding samples are compared for similarity within a given tolerance. The overall range of the scale is divided into various regions based upon frequency of use and reliability of readings. Fewest readings are required for that scale region of most frequent use and greatest reliability, thereby minimizing the time required for completing the weighing of objects with weights falling within that region.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a single display of a system having a terminal and both merchandise item scanning capability including a scanner and merchandise weighing capability including a scale to display both information derived from scanning a merchandise item and information derived from weighing a merchandise item is disclosed. The display has associated therewith a first light of a first color indicating a satisfactory scan or weighing and a second light of a different color for indicating an unsatisfactory scan or weighing. Controls are provided to prevent conflict in use of the display as between the scanner and the scale.

Abstract: A method for recalibrating an electronic scale mounted within an enclosure which includes a display and a plurality of switches set to a position representing the calibrated digital output of the scale when the scale is placed in a first and second weighted condition includes the steps of displaying the weight of the weighed condition of the scale, sampling the scale to generate digital signals outputted by the scale when the scale is placed in the first and second weighted condition, comparing the sampled digital signals with the digital signals represented by the setting of the switches, removing the scale from the enclosure when the sampled digital signals are within a predetermined value of the digital signals set up in the switches and displaying the new settings of the switches which corresponds to the sampled digital signals enabling the operator to set the switches accordingly.

Abstract: A symbol decoding system incorporated in a plurality of NMOS/LSI chips generates data representing numerical characters encoded in the symbol. Scanning means generates signals in response to the scanning of a plurality of bars and spaces, which signals are decoded by a first chip as valid and invalid characters, the valid characters being recognized by a second chip which stores the valid characters and enables a microprocessor chip to receive the valid characters assembled as part of the symbol for processing thereof. Logic circuits enable test numerical characters to be generated in response to test signals outputted by the microprocessor chip.

Abstract: A circuit for use with logic circuitry preventing any transients due to the power down and power up conditions of a power supply from causing any false or random operations of the logic. The turn off transients are suppressed by a reset signal to the logic circuitry generated by a timing module which is triggered when it detects an absence of AC signal over a specified period of time and is then held in a reset mode until the power supply voltage completely decays. The turn on transients are suppressed by a reset signal to the logic circuitry generated by the timing module, which is held in a reset mode until the power supply voltage has stabilized.

Abstract: A symbol decoding system incorporated in a NMOS/LSI chip generates asynchronously binary data in response to the scanning of bars and spaces of the symbol. The binary data may represent each bar or space as a numerical character, a margin or a center band of the symbol. The binary data also includes data identifying the bar or space and if the character generated is valid or invalid. Logic circuits generate a time delay period allowing the binary data to be generated asynchronously during the delay period. At the end of the delay period the binary data is outputted to a utilizing device for selecting the valid data from the data outputted by the decoding system.