Abstract: The invention is a microprocessor-based decoder board for an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules that provide frames of image data having a plurality of formats. In one method for operating the decoder board of the invention, and a multiple imaging module reader comprising the decoder board, a frame of image data captured by a selected imaging module is decoded. The decoder board determines the format of the frame of image data from information about which of the plurality of imaging modules provided the frame of image data or from information about the frame of image data, activates as necessary a command to prepare the decoder board to decode the frame of image data according to the format provided by the imaging module, and performs the decoding.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: An optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for analyzing and decoding image data captured with a one dimensional image sensor using N-bit mathematical methods. The analysis comprises converting a sequence of analog pixel data values to a corresponding sequence of data in an N-bit digital format and processing the data. The data can be analyzed using any or all of filtering, adaptive threshold determination, edge position interpolation, searching for distinctive barcode patterns, and detailed barcode decoding and checking. In alternative embodiments, the data is manipulated using a pre-scan of stored sequences of values. In another embodiment, the data is directly scanned and processed for qualifications, searching for, and decoding barcode patterns.

Abstract: The invention is a method of manufacturing a microprocessor-based decoder board for an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules that provide frames of image data having a plurality of formats. In one method for operating the decoder board of the invention, and a multiple imaging module reader comprising the decoder board, a frame of image data captured by a selected imaging module is decoded. The decoder board determines the format of the frame of image data from information about which of the plurality of imaging modules provided the frame of image data or from information about the frame of image data, activates as necessary a command to prepare the decoder board to decode the frame of image data according to the format provided by the imaging module, and performs the decoding.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader (10) and a host processor (900). In one aspect of the invention, the host processor (900) may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor (900) to remotely control the reader (10). The optical reader (10) subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by optical reader (10) has the same effect as the reader trigger (52) being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader (10) and a host processor (900). In one aspect of the invention, the host processor (900) may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor (900) to remotely control the reader (10). The optical reader (10) subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by optical reader (10) has the same effect as the reader trigger (52) being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autodiscriminating and decoding any of a plurality of 1D linear bar code symbols which use different 1D symbologies and of 2D matrix bar code symbols which use different 2D finder patterns and 2D symbologies. A processor stores a plurality of 1D decoding programs, a plurality of 2D decoding programs, and a parameter table that specifies which of said programs are to be enabled. During 1D autodiscriminating, the processor makes not attempt to decode unknown symbols in accordance with 1D decoding programs that are not enabled. During 2D autodiscrimination, the processor makes not attempt to decode unknown 2D symbols in accordance with 2D decoding programs that are not enabled.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor which is adapted for reprogramming the reader and for other interactions with the reader. In one aspect of the invention the host processor may be configured to read a parameter table stored in a memory space of the reader, execute commands to edit the parameter table and write the edited parameter table back to the reader memory space, or to another location such as to a bulk storage device for use in reprogramming additional readers. In another aspect of the invention, the host processor may be in communication with a host memory space that stores a plurality of candidate parameter tables, and may be configured to read and edit the candidate parameter tables from the host memory space.

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus for scanning and decoding data encoded in any of a plurality of types of 1D and 2D bar code symbols. A scanner generates successive blocks of scan data for storage in a scan memory. The scan memory stores at least one complete block of scan data in one address space thereof while a more current block of scan data is being stored in another address space thereof. A processor selects and decodes blocks of scan data in accordance with a selectable one of a plurality of scanning-decoding relationships, at least one of which is a tracking relationship.

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus which is adapted to operate in the manner indicated by the enabled ones of the parameters stored in a parameter table. A processor stores at least a menuing program and a decoding program. If the apparatus decodes a symbol in accordance with the parameter table and determines that it is a menu symbol, the menuing program is invoked to execute at least one of a change in the parameter table and the performance of a menu symbol specified task. If the apparatus decodes a symbol in accordance with the parameter table and determines that it is a data symbol, the data is output in the manner indicated by the parameter table.

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus adapted to scan and decode data in accordance with the enabled ones of the parameters stored in a parameter table. The reader is equipped with random access and erasable read only memories, and with a processor having a menuing program that allows the contents of the parameter table to be changed by user presented menu symbols. The processor is programmed to respond to a reprogram command, generated by a data source external thereto, by allowing that external data source to change any one or more of the parameter table and the menuing program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autodiscriminating and decoding any of a plurality of 1D linear bar code symbols which use different 1D symbologies and of 2D matrix bar code symbols which use different 2D finder patterns and 2D symbologies. A processor stores a plurality of 1D decoding programs, a plurality of 2D decoding programs, and a parameter table that specifies which of said programs are to be enabled. During 1D autodiscrimination, the processor makes no attempt to decode unknown symbols in accordance with 1D decoding programs that are not enabled. During 2D autodiscrimination, the processor makes no attempt to decode unknown 2D symbols in accordance with 2D decoding programs that are not enabled.