Abstract:
A scanning system for reading coded indicia on merchandise for providing input data to an automated retail sales station in which the scanning mechanism is hand held in fixed relationship to the item bearing the indicia by a salesclerk or operator who is provided with an indication of a successful transfer of the data.
Abstract:
The invention concerns composing systems including techniques and apparatus for achieving justification of columnar data. In one version, Method A, the system derives columnar data from a source media, such as the familiar ''''Presswire'''' paper tape having pairs of text columns arranged in successive justified lines, recognizes the occurrence of a code in the media identifying the center of the line between the two columns, if such occurs within a certain range, compares the line center code with a predetermined range about the center location of a previously entered line measure, and develops the necessary justification routines to insure that each of the double columns in successive lines is justified to a standard width thereby insuring that the gutter (or white space) between the column segments is of a uniform width and has straight edges. In a second version, Method B, data derived from the tape media is also scanned to determine the occurrence of the line center in successive lines, but the necessary justification routines for insuring a uniform placement of the gutter (or white space) is based upon a comparison of the center indicating code with a range about the center of the fixed width of both column segments in an individual line. The system readily accommodates a number of column segments greater than two in individual lines and column segments that differ in width. Also, it is receptive to input data derived from sources other than a paper tape media, and the output of the system, rather than being a printer, as described herein, can be any one of a number of composing entities, recording units, communicating units, or the like.