Synthetic barcode system and method

A synthetic barcode module detects the presence of a barcode reader and emits light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode. Decoded output from a conventional barcode optical scanner that receives the light pulses will be the same as the decoded output generated by scanning the emulated barcode. One or more light pipes may be utilized to facilitate receipt and transmission of an incident scanning beam to an optical sensor/emitter. A sensor/emitter, which may be an LED, may sense input light and emit light pulses to emulate a scanned barcode. A microcontroller governs sensing and emitting. The module may be programmable to emulate various barcodes.