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Decoding bar codes from multiple scans using element replacement

  • US 5,262,626 A
  • Filed: 12/06/1989
  • Issued: 11/16/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/06/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a method for decoding bar code symbols in which a bar code reader and associated components scan a bar code symbol having a succession of linear elements of different light reflectivity, produce a representation of the symbol and attempt to decode the representation of the symbol in order to produce a legitimate data character message containing legitimate data characters which are decodable, all non-decodable characters being illegitimate, the improvement comprising the steps of:

  • storing a first representation of the bar code symbol corresponding to a first scan path through said symbol;

    decoding at least one of said data characters in said first representation to determine whether it includes any illegitimate data characters;

    determining that said first representation includes at least one illegitimate data character;

    storing a second representation of the bar code symbol corresponding to a second path through said symbol;

    decoding at least one of said data characters in said second representation to determine whether it includes any illegitimate data characters;

    comparing corresponding decoded characters of said first and second representations andreplacing at least one, but fewer than all, of the elements of an illegitimate data character of said first representation with at least one element of a corresponding data character of said second representation to form an improved representation.

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