Multiple-input, mixed-type bar code processor with single decoder

Abstract

A multiple-input, mixed-type bar code processor, comprising: a plurality of retriggerable pulse generators, each having data inputs coupled to sources of potential representing fixed logic levels and each having at least one of a clear and a reset input coupled to a different one of a plurality of sources of input bar code data streams, for regenerating the input bar code data streams responsive to logic level transitions of the input bar code data streams, both when any input bar code data stream is logically low absent scanned data and when any other input bar code data stream is logically high absent the scanned data; a circuit for receiving all of the regenerated bar code data streams and generating a single output bar code data stream; and, a bar code data stream decoder coupled for receiving the single output bar code data stream. A method for processing multiple-input, mixed-type bar codes comprises the steps of: independently generating retriggerable pulses responsive to different ones of a plurality of input bar code data streams, at least one of which is logically low absent scanned data and at least one other of which is logically high absent scanned data; generating the retriggerable pulses with a width greater than a maximum time interval between logic level transitions within any of group of pulses in the bar code data streams corresponding to a single bar code read; and, combining all of the regenerated bar code data streams into a single output bar code data stream.