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: 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: 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: In a bar code scanning system, character reconstruction and element level processing techniques enable label information to be recreated from defective or corrupted information that would otherwise be undecodable by standard decoding algorithms. Reconstruction methods allow for undecodable characters or elements to be reconstructed from partial information based upon known or expected structural characteristics for the particular label symbologies being decoded. Element edge histograms, edge strength indicators and quality measures are used to enhance label readability and bar code scanner decoding capabilities.

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: 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 process for the catalytic or non-catalytic esterification of acids or anhydrides with a mono-alcohol or a polyhydroxy compound which comprises the steps of adding the reagents to a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, and heating the reaction mixture and maintaining a pressure sufficient to obtain boiling of the reaction mixture thereby causing esterification and removing water as vapor while continuously mixing the reaction mixture in the reactor vessel such that at least about 2.5 to about 20 volumes of reaction mixture are internally recirculated per minute, whereby the rate of conversion is enhanced.