Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding two-dimensional barcode symbols from a data stream generated by scanning a two-dimensional barcode with a one-dimensional scanner. A decoding process according to one embodiment of the invention involves coupling the one-dimensional scanner to a serial or other port of a host computer in order to provide a data stream to a software decoder resident in the host computer. The software decoder performs a series of iterative steps in which the data stream is sampled at regular intervals to convert the data stream to a series of elements (e.g., bars and spaces). Barcode symbol data characters are then derived from the elements. A symbol matrix is next constructed, the matrix being representative of the two-dimensional barcode symbol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data in a computer system from a keyboard wedged device and a keyboard hook device. The keyboard wedge converts the data into standard keyboard keystrokes for transmission over a keyboard line. The keyboard hook provides a window through which scanned data is detected. Scanned data is distinguished from typed data using a software data processing application. The software is configured to identify scanned data based on characteristics of the scanned data. Processing functions are next performed on the detected data according to the particular application being used.