Bar code scanner and method

A method of scanning a bar code located on a card using a electrically powered scanner having an electronic imaging component communicating with a processor having memory and software, comprising the steps of:

• taking a first image of a bar code on a card with an electronic imaging component as said card moves along a defined path in a scanner, from an entry point to a termination point;
• communicating said first image to a processor having memory and software for determining if a captured image is complete image;
• having said processor determine if said first image is a complete image or incomplete image;
• removing said card from said scanner once it reaches said termination point;
• if said processor determines said first image is not complete, taking a second image with said electronic imaging component as said card moves from said termination point to said entry position during removal;
• having said processor assemble said complete image from portions of both said first image and said second image;
• having said processor turn off unneeded electrical power to said scanner if the first image yields said complete image when said card reaches said termination point.

An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica on a side surface of a card, comprising:

• a body;
• a cover dimensioned to cover said body and having a top surface with a slot therein, said slot sized to accommodate a card for insertion therethrough;
• a defined path into said body for said card in line with said slot, said defined path starting at said top surface and ending at a termination point;
• an electronic imaging component, said electronic imaging component mounted adjacent to said defined path;
• a first switching means for activating said electronic imaging component when said card is inserted into said slot and thereby capture a first image of indicia on said card;
• a processor communicating with said electronic imaging component, said processor having software therein capable of determining if said first image is a complete image or an incomplete image;
• and
• a second switching means to signal said processor said card has reached said termination point;
• and
• means for activating said electronic imaging component when said card is removed along said defined path if said processor determines said first image is incomplete, whereby said complete image may be achieved by either of said first image or said first and said second image should said first image be incomplete.