Patent ID: 7159779

Claim:
A barcode scanning apparatus for reading barcodes on serially fed objects, the objects having barcodes in a consistent location on the objects, the apparatus comprising: a transport for moving barcode bearing objects through the apparatus in a predetermined path; a first fixed barcode scanner located contiguous to a path of travel of the barcodes on the objects transported in the predetermined path, the first fixed barcode scanner generating a first barcode signal based on barcodes scanned as they pass by the first fixed barcode scanner; a second fixed barcode scanner located contiguous to the path of travel of the barcodes on the objects transported in the predetermined path, the second fixed barcode scanner generating a second barcode signal based on barcodes scanned as they pass by the second fixed barcode scanner; and a controller receiving the first and second barcode signals, the controller interpreting the scanned barcodes in accordance with a predetermined algorithm that is a function of both the first and second barcode signals; wherein the controller further generates a control signal for use in automated processing of the objects based on the interpreted first and second barcode signals; wherein the objects are documents and the control signal controls automated processing of the documents; wherein the predetermined algorithm used by the controller comprises: determining whether one of the first or second barcode signals is readable; if the one of the first or second barcode signals is readable, then generating the control signal to control automated processing of the documents in accordance with information in the one of the first or second barcode signals; if the one of the first or second barcode signal is not readable, determining whether the other of the first or second barcode signals is readable; if the other of the first or second barcode signals is readable, then generating the control signal to control automated processing of the documents in accordance with information in the other of the first or second barcode signals; and if neither of the first or second barcode signals is readable, then the controller generates an error signal.