Automatically identifying decode apparatus

An automatically identifying decode apparatus comprising a decoder unit and a counter, wherein:

• said decoder unit further comprises a plurality of decoders each for decoding digital data of a certain type among a plurality of different digital-data types and a decoder selector for sequentially selecting one of said decoders;
• said counter is used for sequentially advancing a process of selecting said decoders of said decoder unit;
• bar code data is supplied directly to said decoders of said decoder unit;
• one of said decoders successfully decoding said digital data outputs decoded data;
• and
• a selected decoder failing to decode said digital data transmits an error signal to said counter, requesting said counter to advance said process of selecting said decoders by one decoder;
• wherein said apparatus further comprises:
• a decode order setting means between said decoder unit and said counter for changing a decoder selecting order according to which said decoders of said decoder unit are to be sequentially selected;
• a decode selection order switching means between said decoder unit and said counter for selecting either a value presently output by said counter or a value output by said counter in a previous successful decoding operation;
• and
• a decoded-data comparing means on the output side of said decoder unit for comparing decoded data presently output by said decoder unit to decoded data output by said decoder unit in a previous successful decoding operation.