Abstract: A sample collecting device is provided. The sample collecting device comprises an enclosure for enclosing a collected sample therein. A connecting mechanism movable connects a sample collecting head for collecting the sample to the enclosure. The connecting mechanism holds the sample collecting head in a sampling position outside the enclosure and holds the sample collecting head in a storage position inside the enclosure. In an embodiment the sample collecting device comprises a sample access port disposed in a wall of the enclosure for enabling access to the collected sample and the enclosure is shaped such that a plurality of sample collecting devices form one of a one-dimensional and a two-dimensional array suitable for use with an automated processing machine. The sample collecting device further comprises an identifier for providing identification data to the automated processing machine.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing measurement of a bar code or other object includes storing a pixel image containing a bar code; determining bar code orientation relative to the stored pixel image; determining a scan track through the pixel image in a succession of pixel to pixel scan paths; determining the angle of each scan path relative to the bar code orientation; and adjusting the number of virtual pixels added to each scan path as a function of the scan path angle and the bar code orientation for equalizing the lengths, measured in pixels, of the scan paths though they are of different actual lengths due to differences in scan path angles.

Abstract: A barcode detection device is disclosed which captures an image; examines the image in a plurality of grids; obtains a profile of the image along the sides of the grids; determines the number of transitions in the profile of each side; compares the number of transitions in each adjacent pair of sides with the number of transitions in the opposing adjacent pair of sides, respectively, and identifies a potential barcode data bearing grid when the count of transitions on one pair of adjacent sides matches the count of transitions on the opposing pair of adjacent sides.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying readings of contrasting elements such as bar code elements includes generating a profile of the contrasting elements; identifying a first zone of values representing a first contrasting element, a second zone of values representing a second contrasting element, and a working zone of values representing transitions between contrasting elements; detecting a change in the bar code profile indicative of an apparent transition between the contrasting elements and confirming the apparent transition as a true transition if it occurs in the working zone and rejecting it if it occurs in the first or second zones.

Abstract: A vending status reporting system for use with vending machines in a facility utilizing an AC power system, a telephone communication system, and a collection office. The system includes a plurality of slave units, each connectable to an associated vending machine to be monitored and to the facility's AC power system, and a master unit connectable to the facility's AC power system and to a telephone communication system. The master unit retrieves vending status information by signaling each slave unit using unique addresses in dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) code format and waiting for a response. Each slave unit includes a mechanism for retrieving information on the status of vending items of its associated vending machine and for transmitting the retrieved vending status information. A slave unit controller of the slave unit receives the transmitted vending status information and processes the transmitted information.

Abstract: A vending status reporting system for use with vending machines in a facility utilizing an AC power system, a telephone communication system, and a collection office. The system includes a plurality of slave units, each connectable to an associated vending machine to be monitored and to the facility's AC power system, and a master unit connectable to the facility's AC power system and to a telephone communication system. The master unit retrieves vending status information by signaling each slave unit using unique addresses in dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) code format and waiting for a response. Each slave unit includes a mechanism for retrieving information on the status of vending items of its associated vending machine and for transmitting the retrieved vending status information. A slave unit controller of the slave unit receives the transmitted vending status information and processes the transmitted information.