A method for processing scanned code data, including a plurality of strings, to determine whether the scanned code data is part of a valid code begins by examining a first string of a first scanned code data. A cluster is opened with the first string if the first string contains a start pattern. At least one valid middle portion of the first string is identified and a transition position count associated with the at least one valid middle portion is stored. A second scanned code data is searched for a second string matching at least part of the first string in the cluster. If a match is found, then the second string is added to the end of the cluster. The cluster is closed upon detection of a stop pattern and is then decoded.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/798,117 filed Mar. 2, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,091, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/482,893, filed on Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,289, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/902,574, filed on Jun. 22, 1992, which issued on Nov. 14, 1995 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,921, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/586,545, filed on Sep. 21, 1990, which issued on Jun. 23, 1992 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,538, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/237,517, filed on Aug. 26, 1988, which issued on Jul. 2, 1991 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,772.
