Abstract: An automated checkout system and method of operation for reading encoded data, such as barcode labels, on a bottom surface of an item using a data reader. The automated checkout system includes a leading and a trailing conveyor separated by a gap, where the leading conveyor may be vertically offset in relation to the trailing conveyor such that the item tilts or drops slightly as it moves between the conveyors. A data reader is positioned beneath the conveyors to read the encoded data through the gap as the item transitions from the leading conveyor onto the trailing conveyor. The automated checkout system may include a transition element, such as a transfer plate or guide rollers, to bridge the gap between the conveyors to provide a smooth transfer between the conveyors, prevent items from becoming lodged between the conveyors, and prevent debris from falling through and collecting on the data reader.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for generating a continuous virtual scan line pattern from a raster line input. In certain preferred embodiments, a continuous, omni-directional virtual scan line pattern may be generated from a continuous, one-dimensional raster line input. In some embodiments, such a pattern may be generated for one or more families of shallow virtual scan lines and for one or more families of steep virtual scan lines. Some of the virtual scan line families may be configured to generate overlapping data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading encoded symbols such as bar code labels at any orientation to a raster scanning device. Objects bearing encoded symbols are transported from one conveyor across a relatively narrow gap to a second conveyor, with a linear scanner positioned beneath the conveyors so as to read the encoded symbols through the narrow gap as the objects pass over. A pattern of virtual scan lines is selected over the two-dimensional imaging region according to the specifications of the images to be read. The pattern is generated by defining a family of parallel lines of a certain spacing and rotating the family by a specified angle until the two-dimensional imaging region is covered. In a preferred embodiment, only the data at selected raster locations on the virtual scan lines is stored and processed. One-dimensional signal processing methods are used to detect edges and decode the encoded symbols.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and reporting optical symbol readability and operator and reader performance levels. The apparatus includes a reader for optical symbols which measures and reports the values of measurements with respect to the symbol and events occurring during the reading process indicative of the label readability. The apparatus further comprises data accumulation device including a memory storage to accumulate these measurement values for each set of labels, and a programmed computing system to analyze the measured values and report on the results of the analysis. A preferred method of monitoring and reporting optical symbol readability and operator and reader performance levels includes the steps of reading or attempting to read an optical symbol, performing measurements within the symbol and noting events during the reading process, accumulating these values, analyzing the accumulated data, and producing a report which lists the sets of labels which had readability problems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading encoded symbols such as bar code labels at any orientation to a raster scanning device. A pattern of virtual scan lines is selected over the two-dimensional imaging region according to the specifications of the images to be read. The pattern is generated by defining a family of parallel lines of a certain spacing and rotating the family by a specified angle until the two-dimensional imaging region is covered. Only the data at selected raster locations on the virtual scan lines is stored and processed. One-dimensional signal processing methods are used to detect edges and decode the encoded symbols.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading encoded symbols such as bar code labels at any orientation to a raster scanning device. A pattern of virtual scan lines is selected over the two-dimensional imaging region according to the specifications of the images to be read. The pattern is generated by defining a family of parallel lines of a certain spacing and rotating the family by a specified angle until the two-dimensional imaging region is covered. Only the data at selected raster locations on the virtual scan lines is stored and processed. One-dimensional signal processing methods are used to detect edges and decode the encoded symbols.

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 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 scanner for scanning bar code labels and for providing data related thereto to a host computer includes a scanning apparatus for optically scanning bar code labels and for providing an electrical signal in response thereto, and a decoding circuit, responsive to the scanning apparatus for translating the electrical signal into a digital signal. A microprocessor, responsive to the decoding circuit, controls operation of the scanner and translates the digital signal into data to be provided to the associated host computer under control of control characters. The scanner further includes a non-volatile random access control memory in which control characters are stored, and an interface, connected to the host computer and to the microprocessor, for transferring data from the microprocessor to the host computer and for transferring control characters from the host computer to non-volatile random access control memory via the microprocessor.