Claims
- 1. A method for decoding a linear bar code, the method comprising:
capturing image data with a one dimensional image sensor, the image data comprising a plurality of pixel values along a scanning line oriented across a width of a linear bar code, the image data comprising an analog intensity value for each pixel; converting the analog intensity value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels into a corresponding plurality of digital values each represented by an N-bit value, where N is an integer greater than 1; identifying the plurality of N-bit values as a sequence; and decoding the plurality of N-bit values to extract information encoded in the linear bar code.
- 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the decoding step is performed in real time.
- 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the decoding step is performed directly on the sequence of N-bit values.
- 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the plurality of N-bit values in a memory.
- 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising repeatedly analyzing the stored plurality of N-bit values.
- 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of repeatedly analyzing the stored plurality of N-bit values comprises performing analysis using a plurality of algorithmic procedures.
- 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of performing analysis using a plurality of algorithmic procedures comprises performing the plurality of algorithmic procedures sequentially.
- 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of performing analysis using a plurality of algorithmic procedures comprises performing at least two of the plurality of algorithmic procedures simultaneously.
- 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the value of N is 2 raised to a positive integer.
- 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the decoding step further comprises using digital signal processing methods to offset known optical distortions.
- 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the decoding step further comprises using digital signal processing methods to resolve a geometrical position of a feature of a symbol to be decoded to greater resolution than is possible based solely on the resolution of physical dimensions based on a physical dimension of a pixel of a detector and an optical component used therewith to observe the symbol.
- 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the decoding step further comprises applying fuzzy logic operations to the plurality of N-bit values.
- 13. An apparatus for decoding a linear bar code, the apparatus comprising:
a one dimensional image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels for capturing image data along a scanning line oriented across a width of a linear bar code, the captured image data comprising an analog intensity value for each pixel; an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the one-dimensional image sensor, the analog-to digital converter configured to convert the analog intensity value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels into a corresponding plurality of digital values each represented by an N-bit value, where N is an integer greater than 1; and a data processor coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, the data processor configured to identify the plurality of N-bit values as a sequence, and to decode the plurality of N-bit values to extract information encoded in the linear bar code.
- 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a memory for storing the plurality of N-bit values, the memory being coupled to the data processor.
- 15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a display for displaying a result to a user.
- 16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising an I/O device for transmitting data to and from a processor external to said apparatus.
- 17. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising an enunciator for communicating an audible signal to a user.
- 18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the value of N is 2 raised to a positive integer.
- 19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the data processor comprises a signal processing module that is configured to offset known optical distortions.
- 20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the data processor comprises a signal processing module that is configured to resolve a geometrical position of a feature of a symbol to be decoded to greater resolution than is possible based solely on the resolution of physical dimensions based on a physical dimension of a pixel of a detector and an optical component used therewith to observe the symbol.
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/385,597 filed Aug. 30, 1999, which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/839,020 filed Apr. 23, 1997, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,863 on Oct. 12, 1999, which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/697,913, filed Sep. 3, 1996, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,613 on May 4, 1999, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This application is related to the applications enumerated below, all of which are being filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office contemporaneously herewith on Jan. 9, 2003 by Express Mail, and all of which are subject to assignment to the same assignee of this application, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: Ser. No. ______ Attorney Docket Number 283-354.01, entitled “Housing for an Optical Reader;” Ser. No. ______ Attorney Docket Number 283-368, entitled “Analog-to-Digital Converter with Automatic Range and Sensitivity Adjustment;” Ser. No. ______ Attorney Docket Number 283-374.01, entitled “Decoder Board for an Optical Reader Utilizing a Plurality of Imaging Modules;” Ser. No. ______ Attorney Docket Number 283-374.02, entitled “Manufacturing Methods for a Decoder Board for an Optical Reader Utilizing a Plurality of Imaging Formats;” and Ser. No. ______ Attorney Docket Number 283-377, entitled “Optical Reader Having Position Responsive Decode Launch Circuit.”
Continuation in Parts (6)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
09385913 |
Aug 1999 |
US |
Child |
10339424 |
Jan 2003 |
US |
Parent |
08839020 |
Apr 1997 |
US |
Child |
09385913 |
Aug 1999 |
US |
Parent |
08697913 |
Sep 1996 |
US |
Child |
08839020 |
Apr 1997 |
US |
Parent |
09385597 |
Aug 1999 |
US |
Child |
10339424 |
Jan 2003 |
US |
Parent |
08839020 |
Apr 1997 |
US |
Child |
09385597 |
Aug 1999 |
US |
Parent |
08697913 |
Sep 1996 |
US |
Child |
08839020 |
Apr 1997 |
US |