Bar code dataform scanning and labeling apparatus and method

A method of generating a two dimensional bar code dataform for a product, the steps of the method comprising:

• a) scanning a first bar code dataform associated with the product;
• b) decoding the first bar code dataform to generate decoded data related to the product;
• c) storing the decoded data in a memory;
• d) selecting data to be included in the two dimensional bar code dataform including decoded data stored in the memory and additional data related to the product;
• e) retrieving the selected decoded data from the memory;
• f) obtaining the selected additional data;
• g) generating the two dimensional bar code dataform based on the selected data;
• and
• h) printing the two dimensional bar code dataform on a label for association with the product.

A method of generating a two dimensional bar code dataform label for a product using a scanning and labeling device, the two dimensional bar code dataform label incorporating decoded product-related data from a bar code dataform associated with the product and data relating to a sales transaction involving the product, the steps of the method comprising:

• a) scanning the product's bar code dataform label with the scanning and labeling device;
• b) decoding the scanned bar code dataform and storing at least a portion of the decoded data related to the product in a memory of the scanning and labeling device;
• c) selecting data for the two dimensional bar code including at least some of the decoded data and the sales transaction data;
• d) inputting sales transaction data specified in the selected data into the memory;
• e) retrieving the selected data from the memory;
• f) generating the two dimensional bar code dataform based on the retrieved data;
• and
• g) printing the two dimensional bar code on a label.

A bar code scanning and labeling apparatus for generating a two dimensional bar code dataform for a product incorporating selected data, the selected data including decoded product-related data from a bar code of the product scanned and decoded by the apparatus and additional data related to the product, the apparatus comprising:

• a) a microprocessor including data selection circuitry adapted to retrieve the selected data from a data storage means of the apparatus and to assemble the retrieved selected data into a format suitable for encoding by encoding/decoding circuitry into the two dimensional bar code;
• b) a scan engine electrically coupled to the microprocessor and, upon actuation, adapted to scan the bar code dataform;
• c) the encoding/decoding circuitry electrically coupled to the microprocessor and including:
• i) decoding circuitry for decoding the scanned bar code dataform into machine readable decoded data representing the scanned bar code;
• and
• ii) encoding circuitry for generating the two dimensional bar code dataform by encoding the selected data including the additional data;
• d) interface means coupled to the microprocessor or actuating the scan engine and for specifying the selected data;
• e) communication means electrically coupled to the microprocessor for transmitting data to and receiving data from a remote device at least a portion of the additional data being data received from the remote device;
• f) the data storage means electrically coupled to the microprocessor for storing the decoded data from the scanned bar code and data received from the remote device;
• and
• g) printing means for printing the two dimensional bar code dataform on a label.

A method of providing a two dimensional bar code dataform for an item having a first bar code dataform associated with it, the steps of the method comprising:

• a) scanning the dataform associated with the item;
• b) decoding the scanned dataform to generate decoded data related to the item;
• c) selecting data to comprise the two dimensional bar code, the selected data including at least a portion of the decoded data and additional data related to the item;
• d) encoding the selected data to produce the two dimensional bar code dataform;
• and
• e) imprinting the two dimensional bar code dataform on a label adapted to be attached to the item.