Decoding system and methods in a bar code scanning system

Abstract

In a bar code scanning systems, a variety of decoding methods may be systematically implemented to effect decoding of label information from scans of label data. Differently aggressive decoding methods may be selected, either manually or automatically (such as by programming in a variety of manners) to decode label symbologies. In a first aspect, decoding of a digital representation of an input signal may be attempted first with decoding of part or all of the analog signal being undertaken only after a number of attempts at the digital signal prove unsuccessful. In this manner, system resources and decoding time may be saved. In a further aspect, levels of decoding techniques varying in aggressiveness are programmed such that more secure, less aggressive techniques are attempted first with less secure, more aggressive techniques being implemented sequentially and systematically until successful decoding is obtained. Beginning and/or starting aggressiveness may be programmed for specific symbologies or scanning conditions. Alternatively, the system may be programmed to learn the preferred levels of decoding aggressiveness to be attempted in relation to specific symbologies or scanning conditions. In a still further aspect, feedback from decoding may be utilized to adapt subsequent signal processing parameters to enhance decoding efficiency. Information regarding aggressiveness levels required for decoding specific labels may further be utilized as a basis for reporting the quality of labels being scanned.