Abstract: There is provided an encoding and decoding method and an information recognition device using the same. A code block includes a center coding region and a peripheral coding region arranged around the center coding region. The encoding and decoding method uses the feature of at least one microdot included in the center coding region as codes. The encoding and decoding method uses the feature of at least one microdot included in the peripheral coding region as codes. The encoding and decoding method uses the relative feature between the center coding region and the peripheral coding region as codes. The information recognition device compares the read feature with pre-stored features to decode information such as position codes, object codes, parameter codes and control codes.

Abstract: An augmented binary code symbol (100) includes a perimeter, first and second data regions (20) along adjacent sides of the perimeter, first and second utility regions (30) along adjacent sides of the perimeter opposite the first and second data regions (20), first and second finder cells (40) at opposite comers of the rectangle, and inner and outer quiet regions distinguishing the first and second data regions, the first and second utility regions (30), and the first and second finder cells (40) from their background. Each data region and each utility region has at least one row (22) of a plurality of data cells (24) and utility cells, respectively, which encode data and have well-defined edges, enabling the number of data and utility cells to be increased, so as to increase the density of the encoded data. The data and utility cells are marked using a short wave length laser in order to create the well-defined edges.

Abstract: Optical identification and/or authentication of a document or item with the help of a marking comprising a random distribution of circular polarized light reflecting particles, the marking being applied to the document or item through an ink, and the reading device exploiting circular polarization to discriminate the flakes from the background.

Abstract: A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling and decoding a plurality of registration symbols contained in the imaged portion; (c) determining an orientation from the decoded registration symbols; and (d) using the determined orientation to sample and decode tag data.

Abstract: An encoding and decoding method for a microdot matrix includes the steps of: forming a plurality of microdots by encoding based on Reflected Gray Codes in a data region included in each of a plurality of microdot blocks included in a microdot matrix, wherein the microdots corresponding to lower order bits of the Reflected Gray Codes are formed as the outmost microdots in the data region; scanning the microdot matrix to fetch an image and recognizing a microdot group in the date region of each microdot block in the image; and decoding a corresponded coordinate of the image on the microdot matrix according to the microdot block to which the microdot group containing lower order bits of the Reflected Gray Codes belongs.

Abstract: There is provided a method of, and interface system for, enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation by interacting with graphical information and coded data printed on a first interface surface using a sensing device which generates indicating data indicative of the operation by sensing the coded data. In the method, and interface system, the computer system receives the indicating data from the sensing device, the computer system performs the operation indicated by the indicating data, and in response to performing the operation, a second interface surface is printed with graphical information relating to the performed operation and coded data.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code includes a polygonal exterior region distinguishable from a background on the basis of brightness or color and an interior region disposed at a predetermined distance from the perimeter of the exterior region. The interior region is divided into cells of a predetermined size so that information is represented by brightness or color of each of the cells. The cells, each having the shape of a hexagon, are disposed so as to abut each other.

Abstract: A method of reading and decoding scrambled and encoded two-dimensional data represented on a sheet of media as a dot matrix includes the step of detecting a data area on the sheet of media by detecting targets on the sheet of media. A bit pattern represented by the dot matrix is detected and written to generate a byte pattern. The byte pattern is descrambled to generate coded data and the data is decoded.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a judgement section and a generation section. A latent image, which would be retained or eliminated by photocopying, is to be superposed with machine-readable code images, which are encoded supplementary information, to generate a superposed image. The judgement section judges overlapping of the latent image with the machine-readable code images. The generation section, on the basis of judgement results from the judgement section, determines an arrangement of the machine-readable code images and generates the superposed image.

Abstract: A machine readable symbol includes a data field of arranged data cells. Each data cell is assigned a data pattern value or a finder pattern value. Preferably, at least some of the data cells, or even all of the data cells, include at least one data pattern value and a finder pattern value which are overlapping. A color corresponding to the data pattern value, finder pattern value, or overlapping data pattern value and finder pattern value is assigned to each data cell. A finder pattern is discernable when the symbol is placed under a first color filter, or exposed to a first color, or the symbol image is processed by a first software color filter of an electronic device. A data pattern is discernable when the symbol is placed under a second color filter, or exposed to a second color, or the symbol image is processed by a second software color filter.

Abstract: A region having coded data thereon, wherein at least some of the coded data includes data indicative of a functional attribute of a part of the region. A sensing device for use with such a region, the sensing device for sensing and reacting to data indicative of a functional attribute of a part of the region.

Abstract: Two-dimensional Code having superior decoding property which is possible to control the level of error correcting codes, and method for encoding and decoding the two-dimensional Code is provided. The two-dimensional code includes finding pattern area comprised finding patterns for discriminating the code area from whole image, timing pattern area comprised timing patterns for checking a position of data area from the whole code and positions of each cells of the data area, and data area inputted various kinds of data and decoding information of data itself.

Abstract: A product with stored non-sequential data may be provided using a method that codes the data to a coding pattern using at least one sequence with symbols. The coding pattern may be configured such that an arbitrary subsequence of a predetermined magnitude of the sequence unambiguously defines the position of the subsequence in the sequence. The coding pattern may be reproduced on a product. An apparatus may be adapted to record and decode the coding pattern.

Abstract: Described is a method of determining a choice made by a user by analyzing marks made on a response sheet by the user. The method employs a response sheet having response areas in which a user is directed to make marks indicating choices. The marked response sheet is then scanned to produce a digital image and associated data of each response area. That data is analyzed for characteristics according to a set of predetermined principles. These principles are based on the form of the response areas on the response sheet. The presence of certain characteristics in the data determines whether a mark was made in the response area and whether the mark constitutes a choice by the user.

Abstract: A code reading apparatus main body optically reads a code from a recording medium, recording it as optically readable code, and stores the outcome of the reading operation and the parameters acquired during the reading operation in the data RAM of an application program storing cartridge. When a program processing apparatus reads the outcome of the reading operation as stored in the data RAM, it provides randomness to the outcome of the reading operation according to the parameters stored in the data RAM.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate has a peculiar crystal defect. Crystal defects in a fixed area of a substrate can be treated as data acquired by coding the distribution of the crystal defects. The coded data is utilized for certificate data of an IC card by identifying a semiconductor substrate itself.

Abstract: An optical mark reader includes a housing formed by a base and an upper housing assembly. A scanner is associated with the upper housing assembly for performing scanning operations on cards that are input into the housing. The base and the upper housing are detachably connected to each other by a quick connect/disconnect fastening system which permits easy access to the lens of the scanner, whereby the lens can be cleaned as needed. In addition, the housing includes a unique card path defined, in part, by a pair of guide walls on the base. The card path includes an inlet that is tapered both vertically and horizontally make insertion of cards into the housing easier. Further, a single, offset drive wheel is used to transport cards through the housing.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a unique type of form to be used with an optical mark sensing device known as a mark read scanner for reading marks on the form. Form characteristics are defined by “graphic switches” printed near the lead edge of the form. Each “graphic switch” has four distinct settings. The expense of completely replacing the internal program of a scanner when a user requests a variation of a test form that had not been pre-programmed into the original specification of the scanner is eliminated.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code recognition processing method for recognizing a two-dimensional code made of a plurality of square cells arranged in accordance with predetermined layout rules. The method comprises the steps of: generating binary data from image information acquired externally in accordance with a predetermined threshold value; detecting a reference cell serving as a reference in recognizing the two-dimensional code based on the binary data generated in the binary data generating step; detecting corner cells each located in a predetermined search range with respect to the reference cell detected in the reference cell detecting step, on the basis of the binary data generated in the binary data generating step; and detecting code data assigned to the two-dimensional code existing inside an area of a code part enclosed by the reference cell and by the corner cells on the basis of the binary data generated in the binary data generating step.

Abstract: A dot code contains a plurality of data dots arranged according to the data to be recorded and markers providing data dot read reference points for reading the data dots and showing a predetermined relationship relative to the data dots in terms of a predetermined physical characteristic quantity, the data dots and the markers being arranged to show a predetermined positional relationship according a predetermined format. The parameter setting section determines parameters necessary for the marker detecting section to detect markers from the dot code image stored in the image data storage section. The parameters are determined on the basis of the relationship between the markers and the data dots in terms of the predetermined physical characteristic quantity in such a way that markers are detected firstly without detecting data dots.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code includes a plurality of cells arranged in a predetermined two-dimensional pattern. The code comprises an information recording region constituted by a plurality of blocks. Each block involves a recording mode designating code indicating a recording mode of the information recorded in each block. Partial decode processing is performed for decoding the recorded information in each block in accordance with the recording mode specified by the recording mode designating code. And, the information in the information recording region is read based on the partial decoding result of the plurality of blocks.

Abstract: A dot code recorded on an information recording medium consists of a data code corresponding to the contents of multimedia information to be reproduced, and a pattern code for determining a read reference point for the data code. The pattern code consists of pattern dots arranged at predetermined positions with respect to the data code, and markers arranged at predetermined positions with respect to the pattern dots and used to detect the pattern dots. In an information reproduction system for optically reading and reproducing a dot code from an information recording medium on which such a dot code is recorded, the dot code is imaged by an image input section. A data read reference point determining section then recognizes the pattern code from the picked-up image, and determines a data read reference point for reading the data code. A data reading section reads the data code on the basis of the data read reference point determined by the data read reference point determining section.

Abstract: The two symmetrical halves of halftone shapes that have a central axis of symmetry are selectively intensity modulated for accenting human readable information that is embedded in halftone patterns that are composed of halftone cells having fill patterns conforming to such shapes. This human readable information is defined by clustering these halftone fill patterns so that their accented portions visually blend to form alphanumeric character shapes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor, in particular a bar code reader, with an optical receiving system positioned in front of a light receiver for the deflection of a light beam reflected from an object, in particular a bar code, onto the light receiver. Through the provision of aperture diaphragms, or a plurality of light receivers, or regions with different image forming characteristics in the optical receiving system, a situation is achieved in which the receiving characteristics of the overall system, which result by reason of the shape of the sensing laser beam, as a result of the characteristics of the electronic evaluation system and as a result of different light intensities of the light returned, for example from a bar code, are optimized for different sensing distances.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code reading apparatus uses the image of a reference pattern of a known shape in the two-dimensional code to compute areas, shapes and positions of cells in the image of the two-dimensional code and corrects these computed values using correction values obtained by identifying cells isolated from cells of the same type in at least one direction whenever they appear and extracting their actual boundary coordinates directly from the image data. As a result, even if there is distortion in the image of the two-dimensional a reading scope for each cell to be read is set to a suitable area and the reading position of each cell is determined accurately in correspondence with the distortion and the content of the two-dimensional code is thereby read correctly.

Abstract: A data card or display device has a display region of non-volatile, display medium, which is re-writable with humanly legible characters and an indexing track composed of a machine readable, coded pattern of indicia is marked along a datum edge thereof. A read-write terminal has a read head aligned with the indexing track and a write head which includes individual write elements extending laterally of a path of travel of the card or display device therethrough, thereby to erase and write pixels forming humanly legible characters at preselected longitudinal positions on the display region determined by indicia of the indexing track as detected by the read head. The pattern of indicia comprises two rows of identical, repeating indicia displaced by one quarter pitch.

Abstract: The issue of bingo paper as controlled by producing packages of multiple sheets each including multiple bingo cards, with each card provided with a uniformly located machine readable index number, the index number of cards on a sheet, and on sheets within a package being related to each other and to a matrix of numbers appearing on each card such that the index number of each card uniquely identifies a number matrix appearing on that card, and that of other cards within the sheet, as well as the sheet and package to which it belongs, checking each package into inventory, machine reading the index numbers of sufficient of said cards as they are sold to identify which cards have been sold, and placing the said cards in play. Verification of cards is provided by machine reading the index number of a card claimed to be a winning card, verifying that it is a card in play, and identifying the number matrix carried by the card to verify that it is a winning card.

Abstract: On an information recording medium, multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information, and text data is recorded as an optical readable code. The code is constituted by arranging a plurality of blocks, and each block has a data dot pattern including a plurality of dots arranged in correspondence with the data contents, and a marker which is arranged to have a first predetermined positional relationship with respect to the data dot pattern and determines a reference position required for reading the data dot pattern. The dots of the data dot pattern and the markers are recorded on the information recording medium so that the dots, the markers, and the information recording medium have different predetermined reflectances or transmittances. More specifically, in order to reduce code redundancy, the dot code is recorded as follows.

Abstract: A code read apparatus optically reads, by manual scanning, a two-dimensional code recorded on a recording medium. The code comprises a plurality of blocks having dot patterns arranged in accordance with multimedia information. An area sensor of an imaging section of the code read apparatus outputs an image signal in accordance with a clock signal generated by a clock generator. The area sensor is constructed and the clock signal is determined such that a maximum scan speed V of 160 mm/s to 200 mm/s, at which the code can be read at the time of manual scanning, is achieved, the maximum scan speed being given by ##EQU1## where m=the number of blocks in one imaging screen in the scan direction, lm=the length of one block in the scan direction, and t=the imaging cycle.

Abstract: An optically readable matrix (100) has four intersecting sides of approximately equal length defining a perimeter and includes a binary code formed from light and dark squares of substantially equal sizes located within the perimeter. The matrix (100) comprises first and second orientation squares (105, 110) included in the light and dark squares and located in opposite corners of the matrix (100). Each of the orientation squares (105, 110) preferably includes a contrasting circular area (115, 120) located in a predetermined position within the orientation square (105, 110) and having a predetermined size relationship with the orientation square (105, 110). Such a matrix (100) may be formed on a printed circuit board (505) for use in an electronic device (500) to convey information about the printed circuit board (505). An apparatus (600) for decoding the matrix (100) includes an optical scanner (610) for scanning the matrix (100) and for locating the orientation squares (105, 110).

Abstract: An identification code sheet includes of codes of merchandise, a character string or a document etc. The sheet can be read by a sensor. The identification code sheet including a representation area defined by both a X-axis and a Y-axis intersecting mutually either orthogonally or skewedly and sub-areas of identification code printed in are representation area. The said representation area is divided into sixteen or more sub-areas, in each of which an identification code of encoded indicia is recorded. With the coding and method much more informations relative to the conventional techniques may be handled and more particularly much more Kana-Kanzi, Arabic and Chinese letters etc. as well as numerical characters, symbols, and alphabets may be represented which can be easily read.

Abstract: An identification code sheet for representing codes for merchandise, or the like and a method for reading the identification code sheet. The identification code sheet for identification of merchandise or the like, according to the invention, comprises a representation area defined by both a X-axis and a Y-axis intersecting mutually either orthgonally a skewedly and sub-area of identification code printed in said representation area. According to the invention, said representation area is divided into sixteen or more sub-areas, in each of which an identificiation code of signal codes of binary type is recorded. In this manner, more information may be stored compared to conventional techniques and more particularly more Kana-Kanzi, Arabic and Chinese letters etc. as well as numerical characters, symbols, and alphabets may be represented and easily read.

Abstract: A scannable fraud preventing coupon or the like, comprising a first panel having a plurality of parallel bars providing a coded scannable image on a first surface thereof; a second panel secured to said first panel and including a portion thereof overlying said image; said image being scannable through said first and second panels; a series of lines disposed on said at least a portion of said second panel altering said image whereby scanning of said image is disrupted is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic still camera is disclosed having an optical system, a transducer in the form of CCD image sensors for producing image representing signals responsive to an image focused on the sensors by the optical system, an actuable shutter control and circuits in the camera for transmitting image representing signals from the transducer to a recording device having a plurality of individual no-volatile integrated circuit memory units. A controller means in the form of a microprocessor is operated by a shutter control and controls the transmission of image representing signals from the transducer through the circuits to record only a separate single image in each of the individual memory units.

Abstract: A punched card reader for use in systems such as bulk fuel terminal dispensing systems, automated unattended bank teller machines and the like includes security provisions to prevent operation of such systems by counterfeit cards. Specifically, the system operates with a punched card made of laminated plastic or the like having a rectangular plate made of magnetic material sandwiched between the card layers. This plate is located in an area of the card adjacent the portion encoded with the variable data uniquely identifying the card and the controlling its function, etc. The card entry throat of the tape reader is modified to have a pair of spaced-apart, magnetically actuated reed switches on one side of the card entry slot. On the opposite side of the card entry slot a pair of corresponding permanent magnets are located.

Abstract: An improved optical card reader is disclosed which is adapted for use with processing means for providing on-the-fly decoding of multibit data words from a card that is inserted therein. The card reader has two sets of light emitting means and two sets of light detecting means and the light detecting means are interconnected to provide a single set of outputs to comparators which measure the signal levels and provide distinct digital outputs. Selective energization of the light emitting means provides effective multiplexing of two multibit data words from a single set of outputs.

Abstract: A pattern recognition system for protecting against the theft of automobiles, the unauthorized opening of doors, the unauthorized opening of other items such as brief cases and the like is disclosed. The system of this invention includes a matrix card having a matrix array, a card reader and a comparator. Elements of the array on the card are perforated to provide a coded pattern on the card. The reader senses these perforations and senses those elements of the array that are not perforated. The output of the reader is applied to the comparator which is pre-set according to the code on the matrix card. If the pre-set code in the comparator matches the code on the card, the comparator provides a positive recognition output signal.

Abstract: A card having randomly-oriented optical ports and a system having a card reader for reading the card and having a keyboard for entering secret user-identification data are disclosed for securing the user-identification data entered into the system. The system includes a logic unit for controlling the keyboard, and for applying data to the card via the card reader. The system may also include a physical data collector or transducer for collecting fingerprint or voice-print data, or the like, from a user and for applying such data in digital form to the card via the logic unit and the card reader. The card operates in conjunction with the logic unit of the system to transform the applied data and to improve the security of said data. A method of fabricating the card and a method of securing entered data using the card are also disclosed.

Abstract: The directory includes a reader for a code punched card comprising a first portion including a first plurality of compartments having a given orientation. A single light emitting device is disposed in each of the first plurality of compartments and reflective material lines all the walls of each of the first plurality of compartments to diffuse light emitted by the light emitting device throughout the first plurality of compartments. A second portion of the automatic calling directory includes a second plurality of compartments having an orientation orthogonal to the said given orientation. A single light detecting device is diposed in each of the second plurality of compartments and reflective material lines all the walls of each of the second plurality of compartments to reflect the diffused light that pass through the punched holes in the card to the single light detecting device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for registering and filling customer orders for merchandise at fast food restaurants or other retail stores. The system includes an opaque card of predetermined size which includes therein a data matrix of punch-out blanks for being removed by the customer from the card to form data apertures therein which represent the items and quantities ordered. The order card is then removably inserted into a frame such that the data matrix is in stationary registration with a matrix of photosensitive detectors, each located adjacent to a corresponding one of the punch-out blanks of the card for generating a data signal responsive to being illuminated by light passing through the data aperture from a source of light. A data processor is provided for sequentially receiving the data signals and responsive thereto generating order signals representative of the items and quantities ordered.