Abstract: An alignment aiding method and apparatus enables an orienting and positioning of a data carrying 2-dimensional graphical symbol within a field of view of an imaging device. The desired orientation and position is indicated by a graphical alignment indicator. The graphical alignment indicator is displayed in a fixed position on a display device, while an image of the graphical symbol is also displayed, and preferably updated and refreshed at a suitable refresh rate to provide usable feedback. While being displayed, the graphical symbol may be moved, oriented, and positioned, thereby enabling a substantial aligning of the data carrying 2-dimensional graphical symbol with the graphical alignment indicator. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Methods of collecting and or processing a 2-dimensional image containing image data of a data carrying graphical symbol includes the processing of the image data to determine virtual scan reflectance profile (SRP) signals associated with desired scan paths across the graphical symbol. The virtual SRP signals may then be processed to provide for the evaluation of the print quality of the imaged graphical symbol.

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 method and apparatus supporting the high speed evaluation of the quality of a bar code indicia by processing a scan reflectance profile signal generated by a scanner unit. The scan reflectance profile signal may be sampled by an analog-to-digital converter, wherein the sample values produced are processed in real-time to determine all occurring peak sample values, including all positive peak sample values and all negative peak sample values, for each element of the bar code indicia. The peak sample values determined, including at least one peak value for each element, are made accessible for post-processing to determine appropriate figures of merit indicative of the quality of the bar code indicia being evaluated. The samples produced by the a/d converter are processed as they are generated to filter and reduce the total collection of samples values stored, while still providing the critical values for the scanned elements to support high speed verification of the quality of bar code indicia.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus are provided to analyze and selectively sample scan reflectance profile (SRP) signals by producing corresponding first derivative and second derivative signals, as the SRP signal is generated. The methods employ the occurrences of zero crossings of the first and or second derivative signals, along with occurrences of the level of the first derivative signal rising above, or dropping below, predefined positive or negative threshold levels, respectively. Sample values, including positive and negative peak sample values, are produced and made available for post processing to determine one or more figures of merit (or quality parameters) that are indicative of the quality of a bar code indicia that was scanned to generate the SRP signal analyzed and processed.

Abstract: A method to collect and group a plurality of scans for respective bar code symbols of a succession of spaced bar code symbols. The symbols are disposed on a continuous substrate moving past a scanner unit arranged to scan a plurality of the spaced symbols, one after the other. The method of the invention provides for the energizing and de-energizing of a scanner unit in order to scan the substrate in a controlled manner so as to ensure the scanner unit is operating and scanning when each respective bar code symbol, to be scanned, is within the field of view of the scanner unit. The detecting of the presence of a bar code symbol within the field of view of the scanner unit is realized by scanning the symbol and determining a valid decode. Once a valid decode is determined, a plurality of subsequent scans associated with the bar code symbol are collected and grouped, and further may be processed to determine at least one evaluation attribute for each scanned symbol.

Abstract: An evaluation system having one or more scanner units providing arrangements to enable the computer controlled, rapid setup and calibration of each included scanner unit to be employed for evaluation. The calibration is effected with specific settings established using stored calibration parameter groups. The calibration parameter groups, which are previously determined using special calibration targets, are stored and available for later recall and use, as needed. The evaluation system arrangements provide for slidably mounted scanner units to enable the distance between the scanner unit and a target indicia to be adjusted to a known distance to produce a selected spot size for the subsequent evaluations. A computing unit is provided having a memory to store the plurality of calibration parameter groups, with each stored calibration parameter group available to provide parameter values to be applied for use with the included scanner units.

Abstract: Methods to determine and apply calibration parameter groups are provided to rapidly calibrate bar code evaluation systems. The systems may include fixed position or slidably mounted scanner units. A computing and evaluation unit, which may be configured to enable one or more scanner units to be selected and operatively coupled to the system, includes a memory unit to store the plurality of calibration parameter groups. Each calibration parameter group includes a number of calibration parameter values that are available for recall to calibrate selected scanner units. A user interface may be provided for a user to select scanner units to be used for evaluation, wherein subsequently, the appropriate calibration parameter groups are retrieved from the memory unit and applied to calibrate the evaluation system.

Abstract: A method to detect, process, and evaluate the quality of a succession of spaced bar code symbols. The symbols are disposed on a continuous substrate, moving past a scanner unit arranged to scan each symbol of the succession, one after the other. The method of the invention continuously scans the substrate to detect the entry of a bar code symbol into the field of view of the scanner unit. The presence of the bar code symbol in the scanner's field of view being established by a first valid decode of the symbol. Next, the first decoded scan and a plurality of subsequent decodable and non-decodable scans of the bar code symbol are processed to determine and store at least one evaluation attribute. The scanning and processing of the bar code continues until a predetermined number of consecutive non-decodable scans are processed, thereby indicating the absence of the bar code symbol from the field of view of the scanner and that the symbol has moved past the scanner.