SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY READING MULTIPLE FORMS

摘要

An optical reader with a single optical assembly that receives images from at least two different environments. For example, one environment may be constructed in a first chamber into which a document or bulk item (24') with a bar code (27') may be placed. The other environment may be constructed in a second chamber with an active drive mechanism (25) that transports a document (26') with optical readable markings to a reading location. The environments may be separated by a baffle (44) that prevents light from leaking between the environments, and the electronics (40) and software are constructed to read and decode information that is found in the images from both environments either sequentially or simultaneously.