Abstract: Two-dimensional code having superior decoding property making it possible to control the level of error correcting codes, and a method for encoding and decoding the two-dimensional code is provided. The two-dimensional code includes a finding pattern area comprised of finding patterns for discriminating the code area from the whole image, a timing pattern area comprised of timing patterns for checking a position of the data area from the whole code and the position of each cell of the data area, and a data area being inputted with various kinds of data and decoding information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable bar code reading device that generates electronic representations of a substrate having a bar code symbol disposed thereon. A portable bar code reading device according to the invention can incorporate a solid state image sensor and can generate first and second electronic representations. The first and second electronic representations generated by a portable bar code reading device in one embodiment represent first and second regions of the substrate that are of different sizes. A portable bar code reading device having a memory and a trigger can be configured to attempt to decode a bar code symbol by processing of an electronic representation and further can be configured so that the first and second electronic representations are stored into the memory after a single depressing of the trigger.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting, storing, and processing automatic identification code information includes receiving automatic identification code information and parsing it based on stored definitions for automatic identification codes and/or automatic identification code standards. Various data configurations may be used to store definitions and to facilitate parsing of raw automatic identification code data. For example, a first component may be used for generally defining one or more automatic identification code standards and a second component may be used for detailed information regarding code definitions, such as information relating to code segments. In addition, the system may facilitate further processing of parsed automatic identification code information, such as for cycle counting or parts movement of inventory.

Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, a laser beam is directed into an inline beam dithering mechanism which dithers the beam over an angle parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating facet wheel. The combination of the dithering mechanism and the scanning motion of the rotating facet wheel creates a dense scan pattern. Return light is retrodirectively collected by a collection element such as a collection lens onto a detector. A beam redirector such as a cone-shaped device having openings on both ends and a reflecting internal surface is disposed between the collection lens and the detector to redirect off-axis spot onto the detector. The system and method is applicable to both single and multiple beam systems and single and multiple window scanners.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.

Abstract: Two-dimensional Code having superior decoding property making it possible to control the level of error correcting codes, and a method for encoding and decoding the two-dimensional code is provided. The two-dimensional code includes a finding pattern area comprised of finding patterns for discriminating the code area from the whole image, a timing pattern area comprised of timing patterns for checking a position of the data area from the whole code and the position of each cell of the data area, and a data area being inputted with various kinds of data and decoding information.

Abstract: A system and method for creation of virtual electronic containers for documents in electronic form. The system permits scanning and or electronic creation of documents together with a machine readable graphical code. The graphical code contains informational bout the documents that can be read without having to read the documents themselves. System components review the graphic code and determine contents, processing options and other workflow steps. Tolls associate with the creation of the electronic document container enforce creation rules to insure that electronic container conform to a structure that allows electronic dissemination of the container. Documents stored in the electronic container maintain the characteristics of the application that created them thereby allowing the documents to be viewed and manipulated using the application in which they were created.

Abstract: A hand-supportable Digital Imaging-Based Bar Code Symbol Reading Device comprises: an IR-based Object Presence and Range Detection Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Area-type Image Formation and Detection Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a Multi-Mode LED-based Illumination Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an Automatic Light Exposure Measurement and Illumination Control Subsystem; an Image Capturing and Buffering Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Image-Processing Bar Code Symbol Reading Subsystem; an Input/Output Subsystem; a manually-activatable trigger switch; a System Mode Configuration Parameter Table; and a System Control Subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems. The bar code reading device can be configured and operated in numerous programmable modes of system operation to automatically read 1D and 2D bar code symbologies in a high-speed manner using advanced modes of image processing on captured images.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and appartaus for analysis of images of two-dimensional (2D) bar codes in which a model that has proven successful in decoding of a prior 2D image of a 2D bar code is utilized to speed analysis of images of subsequent 2D bar codes. In its various aspects, the invention can be used in analyzing conventional 2D bar codes, e.g., those complying with Maxicode and DataMatrix standards, as well as stacked linear bar codes, e.g., those utilizing the Codablock symbology. Bar code readers, digital data processing apparatus and other devices according to the invention be used, by way of non-limiting example, to decode bar codes on damaged labels, as well as those screened, etched, peened or otherwise formed on manufactured articles (e.g., from semiconductors to airplane wings).

Abstract: A method and system that permits the purchase of a license to make a limited number of copies of a book. At the time of purchase, the purchaser or user is given a key that contains the ability to obtain the limited number of copies on demand. The key contains a web address that can be used to obtain the authorized copies. In some embodiments, the key is a label in a machine readable form that is readable by a label reader, such as a bar code reader or a magnetic reader. In other embodiments, the key is merely a web address that the user may contact. At the point of sale, the key or record is formed, affixed to the book and also sent to copy tracker. The copy tracker then keeps track of the copies as made and processes each request to make a copy. If permitted, a database is enabled to send an electronic image of the requested copy to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scan, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.

Abstract: A gaming voucher is printed with first and second machine readable indicia. The first machine readable indicia represents a unique gaming voucher number. The monetary value of the gaming voucher and additional information about the gaming voucher is stored in a database remote from the gaming machine in association with the unique gaming voucher number. The second machine readable indicia represents the asset number of the gaming machine that produced the gaming voucher, the value of the gaming voucher, and a portion of the unique gaming voucher number. The gaming voucher is self-validating during a counting process in a count room, and thus no access to the remote database is required to initially verify the authenticity of the gaming voucher. The information encoded in the first and second machine readable indicia may also be used in conjunction with the data in the remote database during a voucher redemption process to verify the authenticity of the gaming voucher.

Abstract: An RFID print system includes an RFID printer and reader, a host computer that transmits a data stream containing instructions or commands to the RFID printer for encoding an RFID tag, and a data manager that receives EPC data or other data from the encoded tag. The data manager transmits the data to the host computer, which can then compare what was encoded to what was intended to be encoded. The host computer can then transmit signals to other devices in the system for appropriate action, such as when the encoded tag is defective.

Abstract: An RFID encoder is used in conjunction with a barcode print and apply system. The RFID encoder utilizes information obtained from a data stream from a host computer, from a corresponding barcode label, or other source to program an RFID label. The programmed label can then be applied with an integrated applicator or an external applicator. The RFID encoder can also verify that an RFID tag or label has been properly encoded and has the same content as the corresponding barcode label. The RFID can further verify that the barcode has been properly printed. If both barcode and RFID tag contain the correct data, both types of labels are attached to a package, enabling the package to be read optically and with radio frequency signals.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system (300), in which an onmidirectional holographic scanning tunnel (100) is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem (500, 600) is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identificaton data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying communication service value is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes distributing indicia of an identifier to a merchant for distribution to a customer having a customer account. The identifier has an associated service value that is redeemable with a plurality of carriers. The method further includes activating the identifier upon distribution of the indicia to the customer. A central processor may verify whether the merchant is authorized to distribute the indicia to the customer. During distribution to the customer, the merchant may transmit prior transaction information to the central processor, and the central processor may reconcile past billing records based on such prior transaction information. The method also includes receiving a request from the customer to add the associated service value to the customer account and adding the associated service value to the customer account is disclosed.

Abstract: A bar code is scanned and a line of image data is extracted in a process. The line of extracted image is divided into patterns forming characters in a process. The divided patterns are converted into characters in a process. In the process, a pattern is divided by the number of modules having the smallest width forming a black bar or a white bar, a module value indicating each module as black or white is determined, and each pattern is converted into a character, thereby correctly recognizing a bar code using general-purpose optical equipment for reading a bar code.

Abstract: A method and system that permits the purchase of a license to make a limited number of copies of a book. At the time of purchase, the purchaser or user is given a key that contains the ability to obtain the limited number of copies on demand. The key contains a web address that can be used to obtain the authorized copies. In some embodiments, the key is a label in a machine readable form that is readable by a label reader, such as a bar code reader or a magnetic reader. In other embodiments, the key is merely a web address that the user may contact. At the point of sale, the key or record is formed, affixed to the book and also sent to copy tracker. The copy tracker then keeps track of the copies as made and processes each request to make a copy. If permitted, a database is enabled to send an electronic image of the requested copy to the user.

Abstract: An optical reader capable of reading a bar code in a mounted state when an article carrying the bar code passes and of reading bar/codes set in array on a menu sheet in a hand-held state has been disclosed. The optical reader comprises a light source, a scanner that is driven by a drive and scans light emanating from the light source, a plurality of reflection mirrors that reflect scanning light scanned by the scanner and create a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories, a read window through which scanning light reflected from the reflection mirrors is emitted, and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from a mark. The optical reader further comprises a mode changer for changing a plurality of operation modes among which one or ones of the plurality of scan trajectories to be validated for reading are different.

Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code symbologies such as PDF 417 code symbology and UPC code symbology. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.

Abstract: A scanner for the detection of one-dimensional and/or two-dimensional codes has a light receiver arranged in a housing and an optical receiving system associated therewith and also accommodated in the housing. At least one light source is additionally provided in the housing to illuminate the region to be scanned arranged in a scanning plane. At least one of the light source and the optical receiving system is movable in order to allow a reading distance between the housing and the object plane to be varied.

Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code symbologies such as PDF 417 code symbology and UPC code symbology. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reading and decoding information extracted from a form. In the system of the present invention, packages are randomly placed on a conveyor belt, with their labels facing a two-camera subassembly. As the conveyor belt moves, the two-camera subassembly continuously takes images of the belt underneath the overhead camera. The design of the camera permits it to take a high resolution image of a non-singulated, unjustified package flow. A digital image of the packages within the field of view of the camera is then transferred to the processing system for analysis. The processing system identifies individual packages in the image, extracts them and then analyzes the information written on the package labels. The analysis process utilizes conventional Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) techniques to evaluate the information written on the package label.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a printing operation using information printed on paper or similar material. Information data is input via an input processor, such as a computer, and the information data is converted to a descriptive indicia, which can be printed on a data card. The data card can be used with a peripheral device, such as a printer to allow access to a data, such as a print job.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning bar code data that can be published in near real time on Internet or intranet sites. The format is preferably XML-based, so the data is ready for e-commerce applications without further manipulation or conversion. The data can also be translated to more traditional bar code formats for backward compatibility with established barcode scanning practices.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code for recognizing data in high speed and recording large amount of data in a limited space. The two-dimensional code was designed by locating one solid line that covers four corners of the area for matrix data element in order to obtain information of physical size of the two-dimensional code easily, and by arranging capture lines on the solid line to make a structure to obtain data density for capturing the two-dimensional code by high resolution CCD(Charged Coupled Devices) image scanner, and it can be presented that can store large amount of data in a limited size and generation of code with high density becomes possible.

Abstract: A bar code symbology comprises a set of symbols having characters and patterns of bars and spaces. Each character spans a distance of m module widths and is represented by n bars and p interleaved spaces. The largest single bar or space is limited to k modules in width. A human recognizable graphic element is included among the patterns of bars and spaces. At least a portion of the graphic element is machine readable and recognizable by a decoder as a portion of the symbol.

Abstract: A scanner system and method for improving the capture rate of reading labels with add-ons without sacrificing throughput with respect to non-add-on labels, the scanner including a mode in which the scanner “learns” over time which base label codes will have associated add-ons. At first, the required number of reads of base label information is set to a programmable number that is very low, and is preferably one. As the scanner successfully reads both a base label and its add-on data, the base label data is stored in a list in the scanner's memory and the required number of reads of this particular base label is increased to a second programmable number which is higher than the first and preferably high enough to obtain a reasonable add-on capture rate.

Abstract: A system for improved detection and decoding of a supplemental bar code label accompanying a primary bar code label is described. A supplemental label is affixed to a product in the vicinity of a primary label. A scanner in a bar code reading system, such as a point of sale system, scans for a primary label. Upon detection of a primary label, the system looks for the bar code encoded on the label in a database containing a set of bar codes with a value associated with each bar code. The value determines how long a search is to be conducted for a supplemental label accompanying the primary label which was scanned. The duration may suitably be based on the probability that a supplemental label will be present. It may also be influenced by the difficulty of detecting a supplemental label which may be present.

Abstract: A data reader and method for data reading, such as a barcode scanner, wherein the scan pattern generating optics and other features are optimized for different modes of operation. In a preferred embodiment, different patterns are projected from different apertures in the scanner housing, one scan pattern optimized for handheld operation and the other optimized for fixed operation. Other optimizable features include the presence or absence of an aiming beam, which may be generated from the same laser source as the scan pattern or from another source, and enabling or disabling decoding of the signal received signal during a portion of a facet wheel rotation. Decoding may be disabled while the scan line(s) for handheld use is generated unless a switch or trigger is actuated.

Abstract: A bar code arrangement allows determining positions along an axis. The bar code arrangement includes a plurality of bar code symbols, each having start and stop end characters and encoded data therebetween. The symbols are positioned in a column along the axis and are so oriented that each bar of the symbols is parallel to the axis and that two consecutive bar code symbols have different orientations, one being rotated 180° relative to the other. Scanning the bar code symbol corresponding to a particular position among the plurality of bar code symbols in the column allows identification of the particular position along the axis. A symbol scan is considered successful when two different characters are found in a symbol scan. In the form of a ribbon, this bar code arrangement is suitable to correctly detect a liquid level on a bottle of liquid.

Abstract: Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.

Abstract: A document, system, and method are provided for data storage and acquisition. In one embodiment, the document comprises an amount of data embodied in a bar code located on the document, where a number of data files are included in the data. Also, a selector is located on the document, the selector being positioned relative to a predefined point on the document. A selector specification is included in the data, the selector specification referencing the position of the selector relative to the predefined point on the document. An association in the data drawn between the selector specification and at least one of the data files.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composite code symbology having two differently encoded information portions positioned adjacent to each other. The linking between the two portions is achieved by external link-flag that is adjacent to at least one of the encoded portions. The link-flag can extent past one or both of the encoded portions in order to enable skewed scanning of the composite label. Methods for encoding and decoding of the invented composite code that are read by optical readers are presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader (10) and a host processor (900). In one aspect of the invention, the host processor (900) may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor (900) to remotely control the reader (10). The optical reader (10) subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by optical reader (10) has the same effect as the reader trigger (52) being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: A method or system for obtaining information from a bar code comprising the steps of maintaining a database of a plurality of algorithms for decoding a bar code, scanning a bar code associated with a particular item, determining the length of the bar code, identifying algorithms from said database for decoding a bar code of the determined length, applying the identified algorithms to the scanned bar code, and verifying one of the identified algorithms as a correct algorithm for obtaining and utilizing information or data from the scanned bar code. The verifying step can be determining if a segment of the scanned bar code contains a portion of the information of the scanned bar code within an expected range for the chosen segment.

Abstract: An encoded binder strip having an adhesive matrix and an encoded pattern formed on a surface of the matrix to identify the type of binder strip. The encoded pattern includes relatively high reflectivity regions and relatively low reflectivity regions. Preferably, the encoded pattern is read as the binder strip is fed into a binding machine, with the encoded pattern controlling operation of the machine.

Abstract: In a bar code scanning system, decoding of character information is enhanced through methods for up-front determination of symbology being decoded. In one aspect, symbology type (binary or multi-width) is determined from gathered element width information and utilized in determining appropriate decoding methods to be implemented. In another aspect, various indicators may be systematically utilized in order to rank the probability of label information comprising certain symbologies. Ratings from each indicator are weighted and utilized to assess the symbologies with the highest chance of successful decoding and to rank symbologies in order based on likelihood of successful decoding. Decoding methods for the symbologies with the highest chance of success are implemented first with those of lower chance of success being implemented last, or not at all.

Abstract: A bar code arrangement allows determining positions along an axis. The bar code arrangement includes a plurality of bar code symbols, each having start and stop end characters and encoded data therebetween. The symbols are positioned in a column along the axis and are so oriented that each bar of the symbols is parallel to the axis and that two consecutive bar code symbols have different orientations, one being rotated 180° relative to the other. Scanning the bar code symbol corresponding to a particular position among the plurality of bar code symbols in the column allows identification of the particular position along the axis. A symbol scan is considered successful when two different characters are found in a symbol scan. In the form of a ribbon, this bar code arrangement is suitable to correctly detect a liquid level on a bottle of liquid.

Abstract: A scan data signal processor is disclosed for use with a laser scanning system having a plurality of different focal zones within which a laser scanning beam is scanned across one or more bar code symbols and an analog scan data signal is automatically produced. The scan data signal processor comprises a first and second derivative signal generation stages, a second-derivative zero-crossing detector, a real-time bar code element detector, and a control logic circuitry. The first derivative signal generation stage derives a first derivative signal from the analog scan data signal. The second derivative signal generation stage derives a second derivative signal from the first derivative signal. The second-derivative zero-crossing detector detects zero crossings in said second derivative signal. The real-time bar code element detector automatically detects the presence and absence of bar code element data encoded within said analog scan data signal.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning bar code data that can be published in near real time on Internet or intranet sites. The format is preferably XML-based, so the data is ready for e-commerce applications without further manipulation or conversion. The data can also be translated to more traditional bar code formats for backward compatibility with established barcode scanning practices.

Abstract: A system for improved detection and decoding of a supplemental bar code label accompanying a primary bar code label is described. A supplemental label is affixed to a product in the vicinity of a primary label. A scanner in a bar code reading system, such as a point of sale system, scans for a primary label. Upon detection of a primary label, the system looks for the bar code encoded on the label in a database containing a set of bar codes with a value associated with each bar code. The value determines how long a search is to be conducted for a supplemental label accompanying the primary label which was scanned. The duration may suitably be based on the probability that a supplemental label will be present. It may also be influenced by the difficulty of detecting a supplemental label which may be present.

Abstract: In a bar code scanning systems, a variety of decoding methods may be systematically implemented to effect decoding of label information from scans of label data. Differently aggressive decoding methods may be selected, either manually or automatically (such as by programming in a variety of manners) to decode label symbologies. In a first aspect, decoding of a digital representation of an input signal may be attempted first with decoding of part or all of the analog signal being undertaken only after a number of attempts at the digital signal prove unsuccessful. In this manner, system resources and decoding time may be saved. In a further aspect, levels of decoding techniques varying in aggressiveness are programmed such that more secure, less aggressive techniques are attempted first with less secure, more aggressive techniques being implemented sequentially and systematically until successful decoding is obtained.

Abstract: A two-dimensional, high-density, damage-tolerant printed code suitable for encoding multiple biometrics and text for positive off-line identity verification comprises a horizontal header section; a vertical header section; a start pattern; a left row address pattern; an encoded data portion; a right two address pattern; and stop pattern. The horizontal header section encodes the number of bit areas in a transverse row of the encoded data portion; and the vertical header section encodes the vertical height of each bit area. The start and stop patterns of the code demarcate the lateral extent of the code (i.e., the beginning and end) from the adjacent quiet zone. Information is encoded into the ended information portion in bit areas that may be printed or blank. The information is encoded sequentially in the information portion from the top of the encoded information portion along each transverse row of bit areas to the next row of bit areas until the end of the encoded information portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus utilizing visually distinctive bar code symbols are described. An article is provided with a bar code symbol including a bar code. The bar code comprises a sequence of first and second element types. The bar code symbol is made visually distinctive through one of the following features: a) at least one bar code element is not a single straight line segment; b) a contour of a bounding shape of the smallest area encompassing the bar code has at least two adjacent sides that are not perpendicular; or c) a contour of a bounding shape of the smallest area encompassing an encoding region has no side such that one end of all the bar code elements within the region touches that side. A selectable resolver is used to identify a resource for the encoded value. The resolver may access the resource to provide additional information about the article.

Abstract: A scan data signal processor is disclosed for use with a laser scanning system having a plurality of different focal zones within which a laser scanning beam is scanned across one or more bar code symbols and an analog scan data signal is automatically produced. The scan data signal processor comprises a first and second derivative signal generation stages, a second-derivative zero-crossing detector, a real-time bar code element detector, and a control logic circuitry. The first derivative signal generation stage derives a first derivative signal from the analog scan data signal. The second derivative signal generation stage derives a second derivative signal from the first derivative signal. The second-derivative zero-crossing detector detects zero crossings in said second derivative signal. The real-time bar code element detector automatically detects the presence and absence of bar code element data encoded within said analog scan data signal.

Abstract: An XML processing system for use in a barcode printer apparatus includes a computer system operatively coupled to the barcode printer apparatus. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label.

Abstract: In a bar code scanning system, decoding of character information is enhanced through methods for up-front determination of symbology being decoded. In one aspect, symbology type (binary or multi-width) is determined from gathered element width information and utilized in determining appropriate decoding methods to be implemented. In another aspect, various indicators may be systematically utilized in order to rank the probability of label information comprising certain symbologies. Ratings from each indicator are weighted and utilized to assess the symbologies with the highest chance of successful decoding and to rank symbologies in order based on likelihood of successful decoding. Decoding methods for the symbologies with the highest chance of success are implemented first with those of lower chance of success being implemented last, or not at all.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader (10) and a host processor (900). In one aspect of the invention, the host processor (900) may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor (900) to remotely control the reader (10). The optical reader (10) subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by optical reader (10) has the same effect as the reader trigger (52) being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: A device and a method for characterizing and identifying an object, e.g. a container, with a surface visible from outside the object, onto which is disposed an optically readable one-dimensional bar code consisting of bars and spaces, are characterized in that the bar code is disposed in an annular range (2) of the surface, that the bars and spaces extend in a star-like manner from a center of the annular area (2) to the outside and that the bar code is read in the circumferential direction of the annular area (2). This device and method enable automatic detection, recognition and identification of objects, like e.g. sample bottles for spectroscopic analysis in a simple technically undemanding and cheap manner, wherein automatic identification of hollow, in particular hollow cylindrical objects can also be easily realized.