Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a client computing device for decoding symbols includes an imaging assembly for capturing images of a symbol of known size and density. Each image, or set of images, is captured using a different setting or value of a parameter of the imaging assembly of the client computing device. Each image, or set of images, is decoded, and the fastest decode-time determines the default settings/values for the parameters.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention is a method of compiling a register for processing a transaction. The method includes: providing a scanner having a housing with a first and second side that are opposite each other; providing a data capture device that is configured to capture data contained in a target being swiped past the housing; providing a controller operably connected to the data capture device, and operable to maintain the register and identify a direction of the target being swiped; adding an item associated with the target to the register by swiping the target past the housing and the data capture device in a first direction from the first side to the second side; and removing the item from the register by swiping the target past the housing and the data capture device in a second direction from the second side to the first side.