Abstract: A method for processing scanned code data, including a plurality of strings, to determine whether the scanned code data is part of a valid code begins by examining a first string of a first scanned code data. A cluster is opened with the first string if the first string contains a start pattern. At least one valid middle portion of the first string is identified and a transition position count associated with the at least one valid middle portion is stored. A second scanned code data is searched for a second string matching at least part of the first string in the cluster. If a match is found, then the second string is added to the end of the cluster. The cluster is closed upon detection of a stop pattern and is then decoded.

Abstract: An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding data contained in indica such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required and begins processing data as soon as one captured image is determined complete. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate processing for data and removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and a complete image formed from the second or combination of the two individual scans. The device can also be used to compare photographs scanned from a card with the digital photograph encoded in a two dimensional bar code and to display both photos for comparison.

Abstract: A bar code system is composed of a bar code display device 100 and a bar code reader 110. The bar code display device 100 has a operation unit 101 which divides transfer information to be transmitted into a plurality of pages of divisional information, converts them into bar codes, and successively displays the bar codes on a display unit 104. The bar code reader 110 has a operation unit 111 which converts bar codes successively read by a scanner 116 into divisional information, connects the divisional information, and restores the divisional information into transfer information.

Abstract: A bar code reading system comprises a first bar code label and a second bar code label. The first bar code label is positioned on an object at a first location and in a first orientation. The second bar code label is positioned on the object at a second location and in a second orientation. The first and second bar code labels each have indicia thereon representative of a label data set. Bar code reading apparatus positionable next to the object has a limited field of view such that the bar code reading apparatus reads only first and second portions of the first and second bar code labels. The bar code reading apparatus produces first and second data sets representative of the first and second portions. A data processing system operatively associated with the bar code reading apparatus combines the first and second data sets to produce a combined data set representative of the label data set.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing successive scans of bar codes having a plurality of dark elements separated from light elements, comprising the steps of: performing a first scan of the bar code thereby determining the position and the width of the elements in the first scan with respect to an absolute reference position; calculating the position which the elements in the first scan will take with respect to the absolute reference position in a subsequent scan; making a second scan of the bar code thereby determining the position and the width of the elements in the second scan with respect to the absolute reference position; carrying out a correspondence search step for finding at least one reference element for the first scan and one reference element for the second scan, which have substantially the same position with respect to the absolute reference position and substantially the same width; and combining the elements in the first scan with the elements in the second scan, generating a reconstructed scan.

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 device for recording information has at least one light-sensitive sensor (8) with a two-dimensional sensor surface. The device is adjustable between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the device is adapted to essentially abut against and be passed over a surface for imaging the same by means of a plurality of images. In the second mode, the device is adapted to image an object located at a distance.

Abstract: An optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader 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 the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: A bar code data detecting section of a bar code reader scans a bar code twice or more and detects multiple pieces of bar code data, and a decoder decodes the bar code data, Then, a first judging section detects the overlapping part where first decoded data of the decoded in a first scanning trace and second decoded data in a second scanning trace overlap and judges whether or not the overlapping part is composed of a predetermined number of characters. If the overlapping part is composed of the predetermined number of characters, a second judging section judges whether or not the data in the overlapping part of the first decoded data is identical with that of the second decoded data. If the characters are the same, a fourth judging section judges whether or not the character just before the overlapping part of the first decoded data, the character just after the overlapping part of the second decoded data, and the characters constituting the overlapping part are all the same.

Abstract: The method for reconstructing a bar code through consecutive scans comprises the following steps: a) carrying out at least one scan of the bar code; b) determining a reconstructed wave form representative of the at least one scan; c) carrying out an actual scan of the bar code; d) determining an actual wave form representative of the actual scan; e) aligning the reconstructed and actual wave forms; and f) combining the aligned wave forms by updating the reconstructed wave form with the actual wave form. The method can directly operate on the photo-sensor signal before carrying out any digitization of it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a scan pattern to a two dimensional bar code having parallel rows of codewords. The two dimensional bar code is scanned with a scanning pattern oriented such that a plurality of lines thereof cross the bar code rows. A determination if there is a non-zero angle between at least one of the plurality of lines and the rows by decoding codewords in rows intersected by the at least one line is made and the orientation of the scanning pattern is adjusted to reduce the absolute value of the angle.

Abstract: A scanner can read machine-readable code on an object. A scanner has a scanning device, a data device, and a registration device. The scanning device can repetitively scan the code and provide a scan signal repetitively corresponding to at least fragments of the code. The data device is coupled to the scanning device and responds to its scan signal for repetitively storing it. The registration device is coupled to the data device for reconstructing the code from at least two of the fragments of the code by relatively shifting the code fragments until they are in registration.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, attempts to decode for a decodable 1D symbol which may be represented in the image data, and captures a full frame of image data if the image data reading reveals a 2D symbol is likely to be present in a full field of view of the 2D image sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a printer or reader receives a data stream from a memory, such as from an RF or photonic memory, and compares portions of the data stream to a table of data. If a portion of the data matches an entry in the table, a corresponding entry in the table causes the apparatus to be automatically configured. Alternatively, an apparatus receives a data stream to be written, such as in a bar code symbol or tag memory. The apparatus analyzes portions of the data, comparing portions of the data to a reference table. If the apparatus identifies a match, the apparatus adjusts the writing of such data. For example, the printer writes a portion of the incoming data stream to both fields in a bar code symbol and in a portion of the memory in an adjacent RF readable tag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dataform reading module. At least one photosensor provides a plurality of different zones for image capture. A lens focuses a respective image representing a portion of a dataform taken along a target line onto a respective one of the plurality of different zones. At least two mirrors are configured to focus an image of adjacent and partially overlapping portions of the dataform taken along the target line onto the lens. An illuminating device illuminates the dataform.

Abstract: A designated code has been set at a predetermined digit position of a main portion of a bar code that contains a supplemental portion. A main portion analyzer analyzes the main portion. A presence/absence determiner determines whether or not the designated code has been set at the predetermined digit position of the main portion. If the designated code has been set, the supplemental portion analyzer performs an analyzing process until the analyzed result of the supplemental portion is obtained or until a predetermined time period elapses. If the analyzed result of the supplemental portion has been obtained, a combiner combines the analyzed results of the main portion and the supplemental portion and outputs the combined result. If the analyzed result of the supplemental portion has not been obtained, the combiner outputs only the analyzed result of the main portion.

Abstract: A system and method that facilitates the recovery of bar code scanning errors due to irregularities in the bar code. When a bar code scanning error occurs, the system displays the erroneously scanned bar code indicating the characters that could not be resolved successfully. The store clerk or operator need only fill the missing digit to confirm the scanned item without manually entering the entire code. Alternatively, a search engine evaluates the portions of the bar code which have been successfully resolved and displays a text and/or graphics list of all products having the resolved portion of the bar code. The store clerk or operator then need only choose the correct item from the screen list to confirm the sale. A printer allows the completed bar code to be printed on a receipt paper. The user of the system may then use the printed bar code for items that continuously result in a bar code error. The system may further keep a list of erroneously scanned bar codes.

Abstract: An exposure substrate of the invention is characterized in that at least one mark representing information related to the exposure substrate is provided on a part of the exposure substrate, and at least one of the marks contains information related to a mark readout operation. This information may include; the number, the position, or the order for reading the other marks to be read, or an end of information to be read. According to the present invention, information for other marks can be obtained from one mark, therefore, an optional number of marks can be read automatically.

Abstract: A system for collaborative bar code error detection and correction comprises a network of individual scanning entities for scanning bar-coded labels. Each individual scanning entity includes a scanning system having a decoder for decoding scanned bar code information and a printhead defect identifier for identifying printhead defects from scanned bar code information that cannot be decoded and for constructing printhead defect models for use in correcting future bar code scans. A log is provided at each individual scanning entity for storing locally constructed printhead defect models and printhead defect models that have been constructed at other scanning entities in the network. Each individual scanning entity has an error corrector for correcting erroneous scanned bar code information using the locally stored printhead defect models.

Abstract: In a bar code scanning system, information at the leading and trailing ends of a label is corrected to adjust for distortion due to mechanical aspects of the scan line mechanism that might otherwise render information unreadable. The speed of the scanning spot can be characterized over the course of the scan line. With knowledge of the rate of change of the scan mechanism speed at the ends of the scan line, as well as position information in relation to change in speed over the scan line, a measure of the associated time distortion with respect to elements encoded in the scan line information may be established. In turn, a compensation curve may be determined to identify the offset that may be applied to the collected data to compensate for the variation in speed.

Abstract: In a bar code scanning system, correlation and stitching techniques, both at the character and element level are utilized to assemble complete label information from partially scanned label segments. Correlation may require the same characters to be identified a fixed number of times in the same position before acceptance. Alternatively, quality and confidence measures may be implemented to determine the number of times a particular character must be decoded before being accepted. In a preferred implementation, a decoded character that is determined to be of poor quality may be required to be decoded as that same character a greater number of times than if it were of good quality. Identified correlation techniques may be combined with identified stitching techniques to enhance decodability and efficiency of assembling complete label information.

Abstract: In a bar code scanning system, correlation and stitching techniques, both at the character and element level are utilized to assemble complete label information from partially scanned label segments. Correlation may require the same characters to be identified a fixed number of times in the same position before acceptance. Alternatively, quality and confidence measures may be implemented to determine the number of times a particular character must be decoded before being accepted. In a preferred implementation, a decoded character that is determined to be of poor quality may be required to be decoded as that same character a greater number of times than if it were of good quality. Identified correlation techniques may be combined with identified stitching techniques to enhance decodability and efficiency of assembling complete label information.

Abstract: A differentiation signal DF differentiated by a differentiation unit is inputted to a slice level generation unit and to comparators. A first peak-hold circuit and a voltage division circuit generate a slice level having a slice ratio SLR that is constant to a peak value VDF of the differentiation signal DF. A second peak-hold circuit generates a slice level the slice ratio SLR of which changes in accordance with the peak value VDF. The slice level generation unit outputs their synthetic slice level SLL, which is compared by the comparators with the level of the differentiation signal DF, outputting thereby binarized signals W-GATE and B-GATE. When the level of the differentiation signal DF is high, the slice level SLL approaches the peak value VDF. Therefore, noise components contained in the differentiation signal DF cannot exceed the slice level SLL. When the level of the differentiation signal DF is low, the slice level SLL has a constant ratio to the peak value VDF.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing successive scans of bar codes having a plurality of dark elements separated from light elements, comprising the steps of: performing a first scan of the bar code thereby determining the position and the width of the elements in the first scan with respect to an absolute reference position; calculating the position which the elements in the first scan will take with respect to the absolute reference position in a subsequent scan; making a second scan of the bar code thereby determining the position and the width of the elements in the second scan with respect to the absolute reference position; carrying out a correspondence search step for finding at least one reference element for the first scan and one reference element for the second scan, which have substantially the same position with respect to the absolute reference position and substantially the same width; and combining the elements in the first scan with the elements in the second scan, generating a reconstructed scan.

Abstract: A system for collaborative bar code error detection and correction comprises a network of individual scanning entities for scanning bar-coded labels. Each individual scanning entity includes a scanning system having a decoder for decoding scanned bar code information and a printhead defect identifier for identifying printhead defects from scanned bar code information that cannot be decoded and for constructing printhead defect models for use in correcting future bar code scans. A log is provided at each individual scanning entity for storing locally constructed printhead defect models and printhead defect models that have been constructed at other scanning entities in the network. Each individual scanning entity has an error corrector for correcting erroneous scanned bar code information using the locally stored printhead defect models.

Abstract: An optical information reader which can promptly eliminate mirror reflection regions with high accuracy without the need for a plurality of expensive CCDS. When it is discriminated that mirror reflection regions exist in an image of a two-dimensional code obtained by a CCD under illumination condition 1, the condition is changed to illumination condition 2 and an image is obtained. If there is a mirror reflection region also in the new image, the previously obtained image and the new image are synthesized by calculating the OR. When no mirror reflection regions exist in the synthesized image, a decoding is executed. Since it is sufficient to use only one CCD in the optical information reader, system cost is minimized. As images are obtained by the same CCD, even if images are synthesized, a positional deviation does not occur, the mirror reflection regions can be promptly eliminated with high accuracy, and an obtained image is accordingly very accurate.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing successive scans of bar codes having a plurality of dark elements separated from light elements, comprising the steps of: performing a first scan of the bar code thereby determining the position and the width of the elements in the first scan with respect to an absolute reference position; calculating the position which the elements in the first scan will take with respect to the absolute reference position in a subsequent scan; making a second scan of the bar code thereby determining the position and the width of the elements in the second scan with respect to the absolute reference position; carrying out a correspondence search step for finding at least one reference element for the first scan and one reference element for the second scan, which have substantially the same position with respect to the absolute reference position and substantially the same width; and combining the elements in the first scan with the elements in the second scan, generating a reconstructed scan.

Abstract: A method of reading a bar code having guard bars at both sides thereof without fail even if the bar code image is highly distorted. An image region taken in by a CCD camera is scanned in horizontal and/or vertical directions to find out a first guard bar in the bar code. Then, a first scanning line for reading the bar code is set in a direction perpendicular to the first guard bar. The bar code is scanned along the first scanning line. If the first scanning line goes out of the bar code region, the first scanning line is traced back to a bar which is last read. Another scanning line starting from the last read bar and extending perpendicularly thereto is set to read the rest of the bar code. This process is repeated until the second guard bar is detected and a whole bar code is completely read. The first scanning line may be set, so that it only reads a predetermined number of bars and the rest of the bar code is read by new scanning lines starting from the last read bar.

Abstract: Processing an analog electrical signal containing information representative of reflected light from indicia including regions of different light reflectivity, wherein the analog electrical signal contains edge transitions corresponding to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia. The edge transitions of at least a part of the analog electrical signal are analyzed to determine a level of blur in that part of the electrical signal. Based on the determined level of blur, one of a plurality of different techniques is selected for processing that part of the electrical signal to produce a digitized electrical signal in which transitions in the digital level of the signal correspond to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia.

Abstract: A print quality verifying apparatus, and methods of operation, for producing a plurality of substantially parallel and preferably equally spaced scans taken along a height of a data carrying graphical symbol, such as a bar code indicia. Each spaced scan taken causing an associated scan reflectance profile signal to be generated and collected. The apparatus including a movably mounted linear laser scanner unit. The movably mounted scanner unit may be positioned in any one of a plurality of scanning positions in a manual, or alternately an automated and controlled manner, to enable the plurality of spaced scans to be taken, with each spaced scan producing a scan reflectance profile signal. An apparatus of the invention may include signal conditioning and data processing elements for digitizing, collecting and processing each scan reflectance profile signal that is generated to enable the print quality of a scanned graphical symbol to be determined and evaluated to industry standards.

Abstract: A scanner can read machine-readable code on an object. A scanner has a scanning device, a data device, and a registration device. The scanning device can repetitively scan the code and provide a scan signal repetitively corresponding to at least fragments of the code. The data device is coupled to the scanning device and responds to its scan signal for repetitively storing it. The registration device is coupled to the data device for reconstructing the code from at least two of the fragments of the code by relatively shifting the code fragments until they are in registration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dataform reading module. At least one photosensor provides a plurality of different zones for image capture. A lens focuses a respective image representing a portion of a dataform taken along a target line onto a respective one of the plurality of different zones. At least two piezoelectric reflectors are configured to focus an image of adjacent and partially overlapping portions of the dataform taken along the target line onto the lens. An illuminating device illuminates the dataform. The piezoelectric reflectors are configurable to vary the width of the overlapping portions, so that multiple samples of the same dataform can be taken. The piezoelectric reflectors can also be configured to eliminate the overlapping portions for a second reading.

Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, multiple laser beams are formed and directed along offset outgoing paths onto a scanning mechanism such as a polygon mirror which scans the beams across pattern mirrors to generate simultaneous scan patterns out into the scan volume. Return light from both scan patterns are retrodirectively collected and redirected by a common collection element such as a collection lens. The collection lens focuses return light from the first beam onto a first detector and light from the second beam onto a second detector, the first and second detectors being offset in corresponding fashion to the offset of the outgoing beams.

Abstract: A bar code scanning system and method for scanning a bar code containing a key including successively scanning the bar code and providing, for each scan, a plurality of data elements forming a scan fragment for at least a portion of the bar code, identifying each fragment containing a portion of a reference key, detecting when there has been a match between a reference key and the identified key fragments, determining if a complete key has been constructed from the key fragments, calculating a displacement between the key fragments which constructed the complete key, and aligning data fragments of the bar code by placing each successive data fragment in alignment with the previous data fragment offset by the amount of the displacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for issuing a recording medium recorded with digitally coded signals, is provided with a data processor for dividing digital data into a plurality of blocks, multiplexing the blocks and arranging multiplexed blocks in predetermined combination patterns, and a printer for recording on the recording medium, as the digitally coded signals, the multiplexed blocks arranged in the predetermined combination patterns and received from the data processor.

Abstract: A scanner can read machine-readable code on an object. A scanner has a scanning device, a data device, and a registration device. The scanning device can repetitively scan the code and provide a scan signal repetitively corresponding to at least fragments of the code. The data device is coupled to the scanning device and responds to its scan signal for repetitively storing it. The registration device is coupled to the data device for reconstructing the code from at least two of the fragments of the code by relatively shifting the code fragments until they are in registration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for correcting improperly printed or otherwise defective bar codes. The system scans a bar code and determines whether the scanned bar code data is correct. If the scanned bar code data is incorrect, the system uses the incorrect scanned bar code data to create a scan-based printhead model. The correct data is entered manually, and the manually entered data is used to construct an active printhead model. The scan-based and active printhead models are then compared in order to identify printhead defects, which are stored to correct future bar code scans.