Optical reader processing two-dimensional electronic representations

In a reading apparatus for scanning and decoding image data that is encoded in one of a plurality of types of optically readable indicia, in combination:

• an imaging assembly including a solid state image sensor reading said indicia and generating image data indicative of the data encoded therein;
• a parameter memory space storing a list of parameters including a plurality of parameters that define the operating modes of said apparatus, said list of parameters including a plurality of code options that identify the decoding programs that are and are not enabled for use during decoding;
• a menuing memory space storing a menuing program which enables a user at least to modify said list of parameters;
• an I/O device through which a data source external to the reading apparatus may transmit reprogram requests and program data to said apparatus;
• processing means for executing a plurality of decoding programs in an attempt to decode said image data, said processing means being programmed to respond to a reprogram request initiated by said external data source and to receive program data communicated by said external data source;
• whereby said external data source may modify at least one of said list of parameters, said menuing program and said decoding programs.

In a reading apparatus for scanning and decoding image data that is encoded in one of a plurality of types of optically readable indicia, in combination:

• an imaging assembly including a two-dimensional solid state image sensor reading said indicia and generating image data indicative of the data encoded therein;
• a parameter memory storing a list of parameters including a plurality of parameters that define the operating modes of said apparatus, said list of parameters including a plurality of code options that identify the decoding programs that are and are not enabled for use during decoding;
• a menuing memory space storing a menuing program which enables a user at least to modify said list of parameters;
• an I/O device through which a data source external to the reading apparatus may transmit reprogram requests and program data to said apparatus;
• processing circuit for executing a plurality of decoding programs in an attempt to decode said image data, said processing circuit being programmed to respond to a reprogram request initiated by said external data source and to receive program data communicated by said external data source;
• whereby said external data source may modify at least one of said list of parameters, said menuing program and said decoding programs.

A reading apparatus for scanning and decoding bar code image data that is encoded in one of a plurality of types of bar code symbologies, said reading apparatus comprising:

• an imaging assembly including a solid state two dimensional image sensor, said imaging assembly including optics for focusing an image of a bar code symbol onto said solid state two dimensional image sensor;
• a housing shaped to fit into a human hand, said reading apparatus being constructed so that components of said imaging assembly are supported within said housing;
• a trigger for actuation by a user of said reading apparatus;
• a memory for storing image representations of said bar code symbol corresponding to said image focused onto said solid state image sensor, said memory further storing a plurality of bar code symbology decoding programs;
• a processing circuit configured to execute said plurality of bar code symbology decoding programs for attempting to decode said image representations;
• a user interface facilitating selection by user between a first and second operating modes,
• wherein said reading apparatus is configured so that when said first operating mode is selected by a user, said apparatus is configured to store a fixed number, M, of said image representations into said memory within a time period T after actuation of said trigger;
• wherein said reading apparatus is further configured to control said imaging assembly so that when said second operating mode is selected by a user, said apparatus is configured to store a variable number, N, of said image representations into said memory within said time period T after actuation of said trigger.

A reading apparatus for scanning and decoding bar code image data that is encoded in one of a plurality of types of bar code symbologies, said reading apparatus comprising:

• an imaging assembly including a solid state two dimensional image sensor, said imaging assembly including optics for focusing an image of a bar code symbol onto said solid state two dimensional image sensor;
• a housing shaped to fit into a human hand, said reading apparatus being constructed so that components of said imaging assembly are supported within said housing;
• a trigger for actuation by user of said reading apparatus;
• a memory for storing image representations of said bar code symbol corresponding to said image focused onto said solid state image sensor, said memory further storing a plurality of bar code symbology decoding programs;
• a processing circuit configured to execute said plurality of bar code symbology decoding programs for attempting to decode said image representations;
• a user interface facilitating selection by user between a first and second operating mode,
• wherein said reading apparatus is configured so that when said first operating mode is selected by a user said apparatus stores a fixed number, M, of said image representations into said memory within a time period T after actuation of said trigger independent of a speed with which reading apparatus attempts to decode said image representations;
• wherein said reading apparatus is further configured so that when said second operating mode is selected by a user a number of said image representations that said apparatus stores into said memory within said time period T after actuation of said trigger varies depending on a speed with which said apparatus attempts to decode said image representations.