Patent ID: 7293711

Claim:
A combination barcode imager/decoder and video capture system comprising: a barcode scanner having an imager wherein the barcode scanner is operated in at least two modes, and when operated in each mode of the at least two modes the imager generates at least one image, said barcode scanner configured for being positioned at a first and a second location; and a switching mechanism in operative communication with a processing unit of the barcode scanner, said switching mechanism configured to generate and transmit a signal to the processing unit for effecting a switching of a mode of operation of the barcode scanner in accordance with the location of the barcode scanner, between a video capture mode for generating a stream of images and a barcode imaging and decoding mode for generating at least one image including a barcode and for processing the imaged barcode, wherein the first and second locations are different, and wherein processing of a barcode for the purpose of decoding thereof is performed only when operating the barcode scanner in the barcode imaging and decoding mode of the two modes which include the video capture mode and the barcode imaging and decoding mode.