Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically acquiring and verifying, relative to pre-established rules, information affixed to relatively flat articles transported along a transport path comprises a weighing device for measuring weight of articles being processed, an image acquisition device for acquiring a representation of indicia appearing on an article, a thickness detecting device for measuring the thickness of articles being processed, a processing device for recognition of the indicia appearing on an article, and a processing device for verifying acquired data against the pre-established rules. A number of reports are generated after processing to provide the results of the processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for verification of the identity of a patient undergoing treatment administered by a medical treatment practitioner in a treatment room. An identifying element such as patient chart or patient photograph is provided for the patient which includes a patient identifier, e.g., a barcode, capable of being read by a reader device located within the treatment room. In use, the patient identifier is read by the reader device in the treatment room and a characteristic audio signal, previously assigned to the patient and known to the patient, is generated in response to the reading of the identifying element when there is a match between the patient identifier and a stored identifier for the patient. Treatment of the patient is at least temporarily withheld if any audio signal generated in response to reading of the patient identifier by the reader device is not the characteristic audio signal assigned to the patient. A special patient chart with a removable identifier can be used.

Abstract: A postage meter indicia verification apparatus and method includes, in a postage meter system for printing postage indicia, a postage meter device with a print head for printing postage indicia on media. A sensor is connected to the postage meter device for determining the presence of postage indicia printed on the media by the print head. A control device is connected to the postage meter device for controlling the operation of the postage meter device in accordance with the results of the sensor determination.

Abstract: An article including a substrate and an invisible symbol on the substrate is disclosed. The invisible symbol is formed by a compound which includes a cyano group and has an infrared absorption wavelength apart from that of the substrate when heated.

Abstract: A method for data management in an analytical laboratory and a data management system include containers provided for the laboratory analysis of biological specimens. Each container is associated with its own identification code. A patient code is associated with a patient to be subjected to analysis. For each container used for a patient, a combination of a patient code and the identification code of the corresponding container is generated in a data processing system. At least one analyzer is used to carry out at least one analysis on the container or containers used for the patient. The analyzer enters the results of the analysis, combined with the identification code of the container or containers, into the data processing system.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an apparatus and method for automatic gain control during scanning. The apparatus comprises an optical detector to receive an optical signal reflected from a symbol positioned within a scan window by an optical beam scanned from a leading edge of the scan window to a trailing edge of the scan window; and a processor coupled to the optical detector to adjust the gain of the optical detector during the beam scan. The process comprises receiving an optical signal using an optical detector, wherein the optical signal comprises optical energy reflected from a symbol positioned in a scan window as an optical beam scans from a leading edge of the scan window to a trailing edge of the scan window, and adjusting the gain of the optical detector during receipt of the optical signal.

Abstract: A scanning device adapted to scan an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the product item, the product item being provided in a sensing region, the scanning device including: a beam generator for emitting at least one beam; first and second acousto-optic deflectors for deflecting the beam in first and second orthogonal directions to thereby generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch; a sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data on the interface surface of the product item as the product item passes through the sensing region; and a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyze the performance of a mechanical system having two identical rotating members therein. Light is directed from two identical light sources to intercept encoded portions of the rotating members. A portion of the light is reflected from the encoded portions of each rotating member. The reflected portion of the light can be then detected to recover performance data maintained therein, wherein the performance data contains performance characteristics of the mechanical system. A reflected portion of the light can be detected to recover performance data. The light sources can be configured as Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSEL). The encoded portions of rotating members thereof can include a bar code. Images from a first encoded surface may interact with an image from a second encoded surface after the light beams are reflected off the first and second rotating surfaces to produce Moirè fringes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically acquiring and verifying, relative to pre-established rules, information affixed to relatively flat articles transported along a transport path comprises weighing means for measuring weight of articles being processed, image acquisition means for acquiring a representation of indicia appearing on an article, thickness detecting means for measuring the thickness of articles being processed, processing means for recognition of the indicia appearing on an article, and processing means for verifying acquired data against the pre-established rules. A number of reports are generated after processing to provide the results of the processing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler for printing and applying labels and for printing tags. The labeler has a keyboard, a display, a scanner, and a battery-containing handle. The labeler is user-friendly and compact. The labeler can be easily loaded with label and tag webs of different widths. The labeler has a discharge chute for the carrier web which can be slid to a position outside the labeler for easy cleaning.

Abstract: A business card reader includes a scanning module, a USB detecting/switching unit and two USB ports. The business card reader is connected to at least one of a personal computer and a PDA through the two USB ports, respectively. The USB detecting/switching unit controls the data transmission path among the scanning module, the personal computer and the PDA. The business card reader has a socket electrically connected to an external power source for charging a PDA connected to one USB port.

Abstract: To provide an information code which copes with the lack of the number of displayable items of commodities and the number of sub-items allotted to each item, without enlarging the information code, which lack is imposed due to the limit of the quantity of displayable information by a monochromatic information code such as a bar code. The information code is formed by arranging three or more types of display areas in a predetermined arrangement, the display areas being different in color (reflected or radiated wavelength characteristic), and the wavelength characteristics of the display areas in the arrangement are combined to form a unit for displaying information.

Abstract: An image reader comprises a light source illuminating an original, an optical guide system configured to guide a light beam reflected from the original and conveying information about an image on the original, a light-receiving unit configured to receive the light beam guided by the optical guide system and to convert the information about the image into electric signals, a stay member holding the light-receiving unit, a balance weight configured to act on the stay member and to reduce oscillation of the light-receiving unit, and a balance-weight holding structure configured to hold the balance weight in an unrestrained state with respect to the stay member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reading and decoding information extracted from a form. In the system of the present invention, packages are randomly placed on a conveyor belt, with their labels facing a two-camera subassembly. As the conveyor belt moves, the two-camera subassembly continuously takes images of the belt underneath the overhead camera. The design of the camera permits it to take a high resolution image of a non-singulated, unjustified package flow. A digital image of the packages within the field of view of the camera is then transferred to the processing system for analysis. The processing system identifies individual packages in the image, extracts them and then analyzes the information written on the package labels. The analysis process utilizes conventional Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) techniques to evaluate the information written on the package label.

Abstract: A system and method of cross-selling products and increasing fuel sales at a fuel service station. A price-per-unit (PPU) discount for fuel is associated with a purchase of a non-fuel product. A display screen at the dispenser then informs the customer of the PPU discount and that a future purchase of fuel can be currently made at today's price, or may be purchased over the Internet at a later time. The system determines whether the customer ordered a non-fuel product or future fuel, and records the customer's orders. The system then accepts the customer's payment for the non-fuel product and the future fuel, and discounts the PPU of the fuel by the amount associated with the purchase of the non-fuel product during a current fuel purchase by the customer.

Abstract: A golf data entry card includes a first printed region for entering a member identification code and a second printed region for entering the number of strokes played for each hole. The card is designed to be read by an optical mark reader so that the information may be processed by a processor. Processor may be connected to a central processor which may receive data and perform processing. A golf statistics data entry card includes a first printed region for entering a member identification code and a second printed region for entering player statistical information. Golf statistical information may be generated based upon the player statistical information alone or in combination with historical player statistical information.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for monitoring a location. The system may include a scanner having a digital imager, a processor and a communication device. The scanner is situated at the location. The system also may include a computing arrangement for accessing the scanner. The processor detects when the scanner is in a scanning mode in which information encoded on a scanned item is decoded. When the scanner is detected not to be in the scanning mode, the processor controls the digital imager to operate in a monitoring mode in which images of the location are generated for output to the computing arrangement via the communication device.

Abstract: For receiving clear image data of symbols applied to the front surface or back surface of an article that is moved by, for example, a conveyor and for which the reading distance is constantly changing, a symbol reading device is provided with an image data input focus point control section that outputs position data of the article from a front surface/back surface position detector to an image data input focus point modifier such that the focus point of a camera or waist position of a laser beam for image data input can be constantly matched to the front surface or back surface of the article.

Abstract: A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal (i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transactions related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal.

Abstract: An inventory control and identification apparatus uses a storage space with a plurality of inventory items. Identification labels are positioned in physical correspondence with the inventory items. Each of the identification labels provides a unit and an LCD label. The label is enabled with an electronic pictorial display for identification of the inventory. A coordinate network of further units are set in a fixed position relative to the storage space and are enabled for wireless communication with the identification labels. A data processer is enabled for wireless communication with the coordinate network and the identificaton labels so as to remotely change the displays on the labels and to identify the locations of the labels.

Abstract: A scanner system and method for improving the capture rate of reading labels with add-ons without sacrificing throughput with respect to non-add-on labels, the scanner including a mode in which the scanner “learns” over time which base label codes will have associated add-ons. At first, the required number of reads of base label information is set to a programmable number that is very low, and is preferably one. As the scanner successfully reads both a base label and its add-on data, the base label data is stored in a list in the scanner's memory and the required number of reads of this particular base label is increased to a second programmable number which is higher than the first and preferably high enough to obtain a reasonable add-on capture rate.

Abstract: A writing pen that forms a line of ink from a sequence of small line segments of at least two lengths in a pattern that encodes information in the line. The information includes the location and time of writing, a pen identifier, and a pen usage counter. This allows a signature to be authenticated by scanning the signature, extracting the information, and comparing it to known times, locations, and pen uses of a claimed signatory. Autographs of famous persons can be authenticated this way. The pen has an ink jet head that produces the encoded line under control of a logic and data processor. A global positioning system, internal clock, pressure-sensing stylus, pen motion detector, event counter, and pen identification number, all in the pen body, provide inputs to the processor. The rate of production of the line segments is proportional to the writing speed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler for printing and applying labels and for printing tags. The labeler has a keyboard, a display, a scanner, and a battery-containing handle. The labeler is user-friendly and compact. The labeler can be easily loaded with label and tag webs of different widths. The labeler has a discharge chute for the carrier web which can be slid to a position outside the labeler for easy cleaning.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for monitoring a location. The system may include a scanner having a digital imager, a processor and a communication device. The scanner is situated at the location. The system also may include a computing arrangement for accessing the scanner. The processor detects when the scanner is in a scanning mode in which information encoded on a scanned item is decoded. When the scanner is detected not to be in the scanning mode, the processor controls the digital imager to operate in a monitoring mode in which images of the location are generated for output to the computing arrangement via the communication device.

Abstract: A full color image of a target and/or a monochrome image of an optical code are captured by an imaging array in which each sensor measures red, green and blue signals. Optical codes are electro-optically read with higher resolution, sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving performance of optical code readers.

Abstract: A method dynamically identifies a badge in a sequence of images of a scene acquired by a camera. Each image in the sequence includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a color and an intensity. Each image is scanned to detect a border pixel. Adjacent pixels to the border pixel are connected to determine a connected region of pixels. An inner boundary of the connected region is determined, and an ellipse is fitted to the inner boundary. The internal pixels inside the ellipse are distorted to a circular form, and a plurality of spokes are fitted to the distorted internal pixels to identify colored segments. Then, an unique identity is associated with each badge according to the colored segments.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an image reading apparatus which can reselect a film type after prescanning, and after confirming the result on the monitor, perform actual scanning. To achieve this object, a film scanner selects from a color table storage a color table corresponding to the type of film, sets the color table in an image data converter, and performs prescanning. If the user reselects a film type after prescanning, the color table set before prescanning and a color table selected after prescanning are transferred to a confirmation image changing unit where the difference between the two tables is calculated. Prescanned image data is transferred from a memory to the confirmation image changing unit, added to the difference, and returned to the memory. The color table selected after prescanning is set in the image data converter, and scanning for obtaining a high-resolution image is executed.

Abstract: In combination with an inkjet printer having a glossy topcoat deposition feature, a method for printing security marks on an inkjet-printed sheet which includes the step of modulating the deposition of the topcoat layer, rather applying it uniformly to the imaged surface of the sheet. Modulated deposition results in variations in gloss which are visible when the document is viewed at an angle. Three alternatives for modulation are possible: the topcoat layer may be applied to the entire sheet, but with the amount thereof deposited per unit area over the surface of the document alternating between a low value and a high value; the topcoat layer may be applied to the entire sheet, but with the amount thereof deposited per unit area varying over the surface of the document as a continuous function between a low value and a high value; or the topcoat layer may be applied to only portions of the document surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for the establishment of position of readable information applied to a specimen collection container. Preferably, the readable information is provided by way of a scannable bar code label applied to the container. The label may be adhesively applied to the container, and includes a non-adhesive portion which results in that portion of the label protruding from the container. The container is then supported within a container holder. The holder itself has a projection which becomes engaged with the protruding portion of the label. The container holder is agitated to effect movement of the container to place the protruding portion of the label into engagement with the projection, and thereby prevent further movement of the container and establish the position of the readable information contained on the label.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for scanning a surface. An optical system generates a light beam to illuminate a surface. A carrier supports the surface for reciprocating motion with respect to the light beam to form one axis of a raster. A propulsion system moves the carrier at a substantially constant speed and a position sensor provides an output signal representing the surface position with respect to the light beam. A control system responsive to the output signal modulates a sample period reciprocally to carrier speed to achieve substantially constant scan length per sample and to control data acquisition timing.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically acquiring and verifying, relative to pre-established rules, information affixed to relatively flat articles transported along a transport path comprises weighing component device for measuring weight of articles being processed, image acquisition device for acquiring a representation of indicia appearing on an article, processing device for recognition of the indicia appearing on an article, and processing device for verifying acquired data against the pre-established rules.

Abstract: A lottery identification and recording method comprising providing a central information data base. A remote lottery machine, having an indicia reader capable of reading bar codes, is electronically linked to a central information data base. Next provided is coupled to the lottery machine. The user inputs lottery information and value amounts of a lottery purchase, which is transmitted to the central data base. The data base identifies the lottery selection and transmits an approval or disapproval the ticket purchase, which the user can accept or reject. If accepted, the financial card account is charged the purchase price of the lottery sequence selection. The lottery machine then prints a ticket with the user's individual sequence and a data base identifying sequence. The lottery is determined by the selection of the winning lottery sequence. The winner is determined from the information in the central data base and the winning ticket purchaser is notified of his or her winning the lottery.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a scanning device for reading a tag disposed upon a cooking item, which tag includes cooking instructions, and a network connection for receiving updated information relative to a respective cooking item. Circuitry is coupled to the scanning device and to the network connection for updated and implementing the cooking instructions.

Abstract: An inventory control and management method provides a combination mobile device for communication and for reading labels (R&C). The R&C reads an inventory label affixed to an item of inventory in the stores. A data file is created corresponding to the label reading and includes a time stamp taken at the time of the reading. The data file is imported into a computer data processor. A network of fixed distributed communication nodes (transceivers) is positioned over the inventory store for receiving temporal cyclic signature pulses from the R&C. At least three of the communication nodes are used to perform a triangulation for locating the R&C, and the location and the corresponding time is recorded. By comparing the time of a given reading of the label with a corresponding time of the triangulation, it is possible to determine where any item is located within the stores.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal(i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transactions related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal.

Abstract: A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal (i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transaction related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal.

Abstract: A system for reading and writing indicia on a medium including a light source for producing a light beam; a reading element for directing the light beam at the medium so as to scan indicia disposed on a first portion of said medium, detecting at least a portion of the light of variable intensity reflected off the indicia, and generating an electrical signal indicative of the detected light intensity; and a writing element for directing the light beam at the medium in a pattern on a second portion of the medium so as record information on the medium. The light beam is preferably a laser beam generated by a semiconductor laser, and a mirror is used to scan the beam both for reading and writing.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes a light source; memory circuitry that stores data; optical scanning circuitry that uses the light source to optically scan an image and to generate data corresponding to the image to be stored in the memory circuitry; an optical transmitter using the light source to optically transmit data in the memory circuitry; a selector connected with the light source to provide one of a first input signal modulated according to the data stored in the memory circuitry and a second input signal that is constant, and a controller that controls the selector to supply the second signal to the light source when a scanning mode is selected and to supply the first signal to the light source when a data transmission mode is selected.

Abstract: A multiple play gaming ticket, such as a pull-tab ticket 10 or “instant winner” lottery ticket, and a coordinating validation system. To deter fraud, a validation code 24 is provided which uniquely identifies the pull-tab ticket 10 and is not merely a representation of the indicia 22. The pull-tab ticket 10 is validated by a combination of validator machine 30 and a host computer 100. The validator machine reads the validation code and relays it the host computer to check for legitimacy (i.e., proper form and availability) and to correlate it to a stored record of gaming indicia 22. The gaming ticket of the present invention can be used in connection with fixed payouts, progressive jackpots or both. The progressive jackpot is increased by a predetermined amount each time a gaming ticket is inserted into a validation machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the distribution of age controlled merchandise or services based upon inputting personal information data encoded on an identification document, such as a driver's license, to determine whether the transaction is legal.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol hereon. The mathematical models area analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogenous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: An illumination system for projecting a line of light includes a linear array of diode lasers having a fast and a slow axis and an optical system aligned with the linear array and having different optical power in the fast and slow axes. The optical system is arranged to focus fast-axis diverging rays from the array in a fast axis focal plane of the optical system, and arranged to form slow axis diverging rays of the array into a plurality of bundles of parallel rays, one for each diode-laser, in the array. The bundles of parallel rays intersect in the fast-axis focal plane, such that light from the diode-lasers is formed into a line of light in the fast-axis focal plane. The line of light has a width in the fast axis and a length in the slow axis. The illuminator is useful as an illuminator for a linear spatial light modulator array.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biochip reader for reading image information appropriate for a plurality of samples with an optical detector, by emitting a plurality of light beams onto a biochip on which the plurality of samples are arranged in spots or linear arrays. The biochip reader is configured so that the spatial positions of the plurality of samples and the plurality of light beams agree with each other. Since this biochip reader configuration requires no scanning, it is possible to read image information from multiple samples at high speed. Furthermore, as long as a comparison is made with reference to the same duration of reading, the required level of light intensity decreases as the number of beams increases. Thus, there is no need for emitting high-intensity beams of laser light as seen in the prior art. Consequently, there is virtually no risk of bleaching fluorescent stain.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating delivery of fuel to a customer site with a delivery truck. A hand-held device captures an identifier specific to the given customer. A zero flow of fuel being transferred from the delivery truck to a customer storage tank is sensed, and the fuel delivery is tagged for billing to the customer based upon when the zero flow is sensed in relation to when the identifier is captured. The hand-held device is used to log the identifier and an identification time at which the identifier is captured. A computer is provided on-board the delivery truck, and logs zero flow indications and the respective zero flow times. The system determines which ones of the zero flow times are after the identification time but before a next occurring identification time at which the hand-held device captures a next identifier.

Abstract: A display apparatus (18) capable of sequentially displaying a plurality of annotated image prints (36), each image print having audio data encoded (54) and made integral its back surface (46), thereby providing a convenient way to both display image prints and play back audio data associated with image prints. In one aspect of the present invention, the display apparatus (18) also records audio data for a plurality of image prints and provides a handwritten means to electronically associate a particular image print with its respective audio recording.

Abstract: A bar code reader having two reading windows, i.e., a bottom window and a side window. An increased number of scanning lines are used for constituting scanning patterns for scanning bar codes, and the arrangement of the optical system is contrived to decrease the whole size of the bar code reader and, particularly, to decrease the depth of the bar code reader. A source of laser light, a splitter for splitting the laser beam emitted from the laser light source into two, a reflection mirror for transmitting one beam from the splitter to a polygon mirror, the polygon mirror which rotates to scan the incident laser beam, a mirror system for emitting the beam reflected by the polygon mirror through the reading window, and a focusing member for focusing the beam reflected by the bar code onto a detector that detects the beam reflected by the bar code, are arranged on the same line in the bar code reader. By using a concave mirror, furthermore, the beam reflected by the bar code is folded back to one detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for the contactless scanning of labels, arranged on a support material which is moved relative to the sensor, the sensor including a transmitter arranged at a distance to the labels for emitting transmission light beams which penetrate at least partially the labels and the support material, and also comprising a receiving element, located opposite the transmitter and an evaluation unit for being coupled to at least the receiving element, wherein the receiving element comprises at least two receivers, wherein when the transmission light beams fully strike a label or the support material, the transmission light beams run between the receivers and when a portion of the transmission light beams is deflected at an edge of a label, and is conducted inside of said label, said portion strikes one of the receivers and is evaluated in the evaluation unit for detecting the edges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for the establishment of position of readable information applied to a specimen collection container. Preferably, the readable information is provided by way of a scannable bar code label applied to the container. The label may be adhesively applied to the container, and includes a non-adhesive portion which results in that portion of the label protruding from the container. The container is then supported within a container holder. The holder itself has a projection which becomes engaged with the protruding portion of the label. The container holder is agitated to effect movement of the container to place the protruding portion of the label into engagement with the projection, and thereby prevent further movement of the container and establish the position of the readable information contained on the label.

Abstract: A method of operating a bar code reader (16) in which one or more bar codes (25,26) are detected at different positions (X1, X2) within a scanning range of the bar code reader (16) by the latter, the scanning distance (d1, d2) between the bar code reader (16) and the respectively detected bar code (25,26) is found anf the position (X0, Y0, Z0) and/or the scanning angle (&agr;, &bgr;, &ggr;) of the bar code reader (16) is foubd from the respectively found scanning distance (d1, d2) and from known position data (X1, X2)of the detected bar code (25,26).