Abstract: A multiprocessor system comprises a series of processors arranged to process data in an assembly-line fashion. Each processor includes an executor (execution unit, instruction decoder, and program counter) and a set of registers. Each set of registers is divided into two banks. At any given time, one bank is the “active” bank that is accessible by the local processor, and the other is the “shadow” bank, inaccessible to the local processor. Each processor but the last writes in parallel to its active bank and to the shadow bank of the immediate downstream processor. When all processors have completed working the data in their respective possession, a context-switch is performed switching register banks so that former active banks become shadow banks and former shadow banks become active banks. This makes data that was being processed by an upstream processor virtually immediately available to a local processor.

Abstract: A system for scanning bar code labels and for providing data related thereto includes scanning means for optically scanning bar code labels and providing an electrical, binary scan signal in response thereto. The scanning means includes a scanner and a scanner controller, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a converter means, responsive to the scanning means, for translating the electrical, binary scan signal into a related sequence of digital words. The integrated circuit further includes a microprocessor means, responsive to the converter means, for translating the related sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means has first and second microprocessor circuits for independently translating the sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means also has a random access memory for storing the appropriate software to control operation of the first and second microprocessor circuits.

Abstract: An optical scanner for use at a checkout counter determines information relating to products to be purchased, including coded label data. The scanner supplies the information to a cash register system. The scanner includes a scanner controller for reading coded labels on the products. The scanner further includes an interface circuit, mounted in said scanner and receiving power therefrom, for providing coded label data to said cash register system.

Abstract: A system for scanning bar code labels and for providing data related thereto includes scanning means for optically scanning bar code labels and providing an electrical, binary scan signal in response thereto. The scanning means includes a scanner and a scanner controller, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a converter means, responsive to the scanning means, for translating the electrical, binary scan signal into a related sequence of digital words. The integrated circuit further includes a microprocessor means, responsive to the converter means, for translating the related sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means has first and second microprocessor circuits for independently translating the sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means also has a random access memory for storing the appropriate software to control operation of the first and second microprocessor circuits.

Abstract: A data gathering system for use in a checkout counter to determine information relating to products to be purchased and to provide such information to a cash register system includes a scale supported within the checkout counter for determining weights of products presented to the data gathering system. The scale includes a subplatter located below the upper surface of the checkout counter. An optical scanning arrangement is supported on the subplatter for reading coded labels on the products. A common interface circuit is responsive to both the scale and the optical scanning arrangement, for providing weight data and coded label data to the cash register system.

Abstract: A method of decoding a binary scan signal consisting of a bit sequence produced by an electro-optical scanning device as the device scans bar code symbols on a label is disclosed. The bits in the sequence correspond to light and dark spaces making up the bar code symbols. The method includes the steps of: a. supplying the binary scan signal to a storage buffer such that the buffer contains a plurality of bits most recently produced by the scanning device, b. selecting a portion of the bit sequence which defines a large light space, c. subjecting the bits in the sequence following those defining the large light space to a series of tests to determine whether such bits were produced by scanning a bar code symbol which is valid in one or more of several bar codes, d. decoding the bar code symbol in the codes in which it is valid, e.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining the occurrence of transitions in a binary encoded analog input signal. The system includes a threshold circuit, responsive to the input signal, for generating first and second grating signals in dependence upon whether the input signal exceeds or is less than a first threshold level, respectively. A first circuit means, responsive to the input signal, differentiates the input signal to form a first derivative signal. A threshold circuit, responsive to the first derivative signal, generates third and fourth gating signals in dependence upon whether the first derivative signal exceeds a second threshold level or is less than a third threshold level, respectively. A second circuit means, responsive to the first derivative signal, differentiates the first derivative signal to form a second derivative signal.