Optical reading apparatus having image sensor

Abstract

An optical reader for reading decodable indicia is provided. In one embodiment, the optical reader can include an image sensor. In one aspect, the optical reader can be configured to read bar codes such as 1D bar codes. Particular methods and apparatus for reading decodable indicia are described.

We claim: 
     
         1 . In an optical reading apparatus of the type including a parameter memory space for storing a plurality of parameters which specify the modes in which said reading apparatus may operate, in combination: scanning means, including a two dimensional image sensor, for controllably generating and storing image data representing information encoded in an optically encoded symbol; decoding means, including a plurality of decoding programs, for controllably decoding image data scanned by said scanning means; menuing means, including a menuing program, for selectably enabling a user to select which of said parameters will be enabled for use in controlling said modes; wherein said parameters include a plurality of scanning-decoding parameters which specify which of a plurality of scanning-decoding relationships will be established between said scanning means and said decoding means. 
     
     
         2 . An optical reading apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  in which said modes are selected by means of optically readable menu symbols presented to said reading apparatus by said user. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which said scanning-decoding parameters include at least a One Shot parameter and a Repeat Until Done parameter. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which at least one of said scanning-decoding parameters is a tracking parameter. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which at least one of said scanning-decoding parameters is a non-tracking parameter. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which at least one of said scanning-decoding parameters is a non-tracking parameter. 
     
     
         7 . An optical reading apparatus as set forth in  claim 4  in which said tracking parameters is selected from the group consisting of a Scan On Demand parameter and a Skip Scan tracking parameter. 
     
     
         8 . A method for reprogramming an optical reader, the method comprising: optically encoding an optical reader commands, the optical reader command having a corresponding optical symbol; displaying the optical symbol on a display so that the optical symbol is a displayed optical symbol displayed on a display; and reading the displayed optical symbol with the optical reader, the optical reader being reprogrammed in accordance with the optical reader command encoded by the displayed optical symbol. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the optical reader has a parameter table configured to define reader operating modes, and wherein the command is configured to modify the parameter table. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the optical reader command is a vector processing command.