Device and system for processing image data representing bar codes

A device for verification of a bar code disposed on a horizontal substrate, said device comprising:

• (A) an imaging assembly including a solid state image sensor;
• (B) a housing encapsulating a component of said imaging assembly, said housing having a plurality of surfaces that extend generally upward from said substrate when said device is positioned in a position to measure print quality of said bar code;
• (C) an illumination assembly at least partially disposed in said housing projecting illumination onto said substrate;
• (D) an image capture module configured to capture at least one frame of image data corresponding to a bar code symbol;
• (E) a bar code quality measurement module configured to determine at least one of:
• a value of contrast of said bar code symbol, a value of edge contrast of said bar code symbol, a value of modulation of said bar code symbol;
• (F) wherein said device is configured to automatically execute said image capture module and said bar code print quality measurement module;
• (G) an aperture formed on said housing, said aperture being formed on said housing in such position that an operator can view said bar code through said aperture when said device is positioned in said position to measure print quality of said bar code;
• and
• (G) at least one alignment formation for aiding alignment of said device relative to said bar code, said at least one alignment formation formed at a bottom of said device, said at least one alignment formation and said aperture being positioned so that an operator can view said at least one alignment formation through said aperture when said device is positioned in said position to measure print quality of said bar code.