Abstract: A barcode-reading device can send barcode images to a remote server for decoding. A decoder on the remote server can process the images and attempt to decode any barcodes in the images. Once the decoder on the remote server has successfully decoded a barcode, the remote server can send the decoded data back to the barcode-reading device and/or to a host computing device that is communicatively coupled to the barcode-reading device. If the barcode-reading device receives the decoded data, the barcode-reading device can forward the decoded data to the host computing device. In some embodiments, a barcode-reading device can send all captured images to the remote server. Alternatively, a barcode-reading device can send only some captured images to the remote server. In some embodiments, a barcode-reading device can be configured to perform one or more preliminary processing operations on an image before sending the image to the remote server.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for conducting an inventory of a data storage library. The invention includes providing a plurality of data storage slots for storing data storage cartridges, providing an accessor having a plurality of detectors mounted thereon, and concurrently detecting cartridge information with the plurality of detectors for a corresponding plurality of data storage slots. The detectors may include any combination of detectors, including but not limited to, bar code scanners, radio frequency readers, cartridge presence sensors, or cameras. In certain embodiments, the invention also includes associating the cartridge information with the corresponding data storage slot and storing the information on a data bearing medium.