Patent ID: 6073847
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A method of reading a bar code consisting of a predetermined number of code elements for generation of a binary signal with sequential high and low phases, the lengths of which correspond to the width of the sequential code elements, the method comprising:sensing the code elements by one or more sensing beams of a bar code reader along scanning lines extending substantially parallel to one another, wherein each region of a code element sensed by a scanning line forms a code element section;detecting, for substantially each scanning line, those codes segments that consist of a code element section or a plurality of sequential code element sections, which are recognized as permissible code segments on the basis of preset decision criteria;finding in each case a reference code element from mutually associated code element sections, each representing the same code element of the bar code for different scanning lines;storing detected permissible code segments in an image memory;after the detection and storing of the permissible code segments, freeing of distortion the segmented image of the bar code deposited in the image memory for allowing the forming of the reference code element;determining a shift between code elements detected for two adjacent scanning lines;shifting each code segment stored for a certain scanning line within the image memory by such an element of said shift that corresponds to the distance of said certain scanning line from said two adjacent scanning lines; andproducing the binary signal from the reference code elements.