Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and systems for using a barcode reader to read multiple barcodes positioned on an object. The barcode reader attempts to locate a first priority barcode within an image using first priority information. The priority information may define a region of interest within the image. The barcode reader may search only the region of interest for the first priority barcode. The priority information may define one or more characteristics of the first priority barcode. Based on the results of attempting to locate the first priority barcode, the barcode reader determines whether to attempt to locate a second priority barcode within the image. The barcode reader may discard the image if the barcode reader fails to locate the first priority barcode or the results of attempting to locate the first priority barcode indicate that the image is unlikely to contain a decodable second priority barcode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus, a computer-implemented method, and a computer program product for branding a quick response code onto a surface. Aspects of the invention include a branding device having a plurality of thermoelectric devices on a substrate. Each of the thermoelectric devices is arranged on the substrate as a single bit in a quick response pattern. Each of the thermoelectric devices includes an n-type thermoelectric element electrically coupled to a p-type thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric elements can be individually heated or cooled using the Peltier effect.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinating processing of a funds transfer transaction between a transaction requestor and a transaction responder over a communications network. The transaction system comprises receiving a funds amount, requestor identification information, and responder identification information, such that at least one of the funds amount, the requestor identification information, or the responder identification information is encoded in symbology information embodied in a barcode. The system also decodes the symbology information into unencoded information using a coding scheme of the barcode and generates a funds transfer request for the funds transfer transaction, such that the funds transfer request has content including the unencoded information decoded from the symbology information. The system also sends the funds transfer request to a transaction processing system for subsequent settlement, as well as receives transaction confirmation messages.

Abstract: A symbol information reader may include an imager; an image memory configured to save image data of a recording medium; and a position detecting processor configured to retrieve the image data and detect the positions of symbols on the recording medium. The position detecting processor may be configured to calculate the amount of change in luminance value of scanning lines in a predetermined area of the image data and discriminate a provisional area possibly corresponding to the symbol, acquire correlations of the provisional area with neighboring areas and create a map showing an area with high correlation values, search the correlation map for the presence of the symbols and label on areas judged having the symbols, set an area for each of the multiple symbols and makes divisions, and detect positions of the symbols printed on the recording medium.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinating processing of a funds transfer transaction between a transaction requestor and a transaction responder over a communications network. The transaction system comprises receiving a funds amount, requestor identification information, and responder identification information, such that at least one of the funds amount, the requestor identification information, or the responder identification information is encoded in symbology information embodied in a barcode. The system also decodes the symbology information into unencoded information using a coding scheme of the barcode and generates a funds transfer request for the funds transfer transaction, such that the funds transfer request has content including the unencoded information decoded from the symbology information. The system also sends the funds transfer request to a transaction processing system for subsequent settlement, as well as receives transaction confirmation messages.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinating processing of a funds transfer transaction between a transaction requestor and a transaction responder over a communications network. The transaction system comprises receiving a funds amount, requestor identification information, and responder identification information, such that at least one of the funds amount, the requestor identification information, or the responder identification information is encoded in symbology information embodied in a barcode. The system also decodes the symbology information into unencoded information using a coding scheme of the barcode and generates a funds transfer request for the funds transfer transaction, such that the funds transfer request has content including the unencoded information decoded from the symbology information. The system also sends the funds transfer request to a transaction processing system for subsequent settlement, as well as receives transaction confirmation messages.

Abstract: An invisible ink management method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor data associated with an image to be duplicated and a duplication command enabling reproduction of the image. The computer processor receives a command for enabling a duplication prevention functionality and generates a first copy of the image. The computer processor enables an invisible ink spray nozzle. In response, the invisible ink spray nozzle sprays a plurality of invisible images on the first copy. The plurality of invisible images are invisible under first lighting conditions and are visible under second lighting conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying, tracking, and/or authenticating objects that is simple to apply and to use by an intended user, but is extremely difficult to counterfeit or compromise by an unintended user. Also disclosed is a multi-color, co-planar indicium made of a combination of printed patterns of multiple inks. The printed patterns may be modified by software-generated masks to ensure that the patterns are co-planar. The indicium is undecipherable unless irradiated with specified wavelengths of light radiation, filtered through specified spectral filters, and read and decoded by an electronic image reader. The indicium may be visible or covert. The indicium encodes unique true information about the object and may encode nonsensical or intentionally incorrect information as a further deterrent to unauthorized use. The method permits the indicia to be applied to objects at high processing speeds possible with inkjet printing.

Abstract: A character recognition accuracy from an image in which a graphic code and at least one character are in a given positional relationship is improved. An image acquisition section (20) acquires the image including the graphic code and the at least one character positioned outside the graphic code, which are in the given positional relationship. A deformation rule identification section (26) identifies a deformation rule for deforming the graphic code, which is included in the image acquired by the image acquisition section (20), to a graphic of a known type. A deformation processing execution section (28) executes, on the at least one character included in the image acquired by the image acquisition section (20), deformation processing based on the deformation rule identified by the deformation rule identification section (26).

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.

Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device. The image can include a representation of a signature.

Abstract: A locker system includes one or more banks of electronic lockers. Each locker has a door lock that releasably retains the door in the closed position. The locker system also includes at least one barcode scanner selectively unlocks the door of at least one of the lockers. A locker manager is coupled to each of the electronic lockers via an electronic network. The locker manager stores a list of unique barcodes that are each associated with a locker rental plan including at least one locker account. Each locker account includes an activation indication, a use indication, a locker type indication, and a duration. The unique barcodes are printed or otherwise included on wristbands, which may be scanned at the barcode scanner to gain access to one or more of the lockers.

Abstract: An image forming method includes receiving an image, detecting a text area from the image, transforming the detected text area into a binary image and calculating an asymmetry parameter of the binary image, and detecting orientation of the image based on the calculated asymmetry parameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe an electronic method for processing stranded payments and lockbox payments at the same designated payment location. The method includes receiving a stranded payment at a non-designated payment location, and electronically scanning the stranded payment at the non-designated payment location. The scanned information is transmitted, in a secure manner, to a designated payment location remote from the non-designated payment location. The stranded payment and a lockbox payment are cleared, in the same electronic workflow, the transmitted information is used in the clearing process. Embodiments of the invention also include updating, for each stranded and lockbox payment, the accounts receivable system of the customer receiving the stranded or lockbox payment, and transmitting a response indicating the final status of the clearing of the stranded payment to the non-designated payment location.

Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device. The image can include a representation of a signature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a camera that includes a field of view (FOV), the method for selecting a portion of the field of view for analysis and comprising the steps of placing at least a portion of a first object within the field of view of the camera, providing a light source separate from the camera, directing the light source toward the first object within the field of view of the camera so that the light forms an aiming pattern that is one of on and proximate a first location of interest on the first object, obtaining an image of the portion of the first object within the field of view including the aiming pattern, identifying the location of the aiming pattern in the obtained image and using the aiming pattern in the obtained image to perform a processing function.

Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device.

Abstract: An electronic document is distributed for use as a form wherein users can fill in characters in selected fields. The electronic document contains an embedded program for printing a bar code that represents the characters entered in the fields. The embedded program generates commands for making a printer print basic geometrical elements (such as polygons) that form configurations that represent the characters (or compactions of characters etc.). Thus on one hand bar codes can be generated in the distributed document after the user has entered data and on the other hand the author of the document retains full control over how the entered characters will be converted into a bar code. Preferably, the embedded program has the capability to adapt the configuration of geometrical elements that is used to represent the characters dependent on factors other than the data values that can be decoded from the bar code.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for printing a new postal authority code on a mail piece prepared by and received from an inserter or wrapper. A barcode post-processing system receives a mail piece from an inserter and communicates with the image capture equipment. The barcode post-processing system during performs various functions. The functions can include receiving legacy address block information from the mail piece from the image capture equipment, processing the captured legacy address block information to determine one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code to create processed data, and supplementing the captured legacy address block information data with the one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code received from one or more data source.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a barcode processing apparatus comprises a reading unit configured to read an image of a barcode configured by a plurality of bars laid out at a predetermined interval, each bar being formed by a plurality of ink dots, and a barcode recognition unit configured to filter the read image using a mask which has a width smaller than the predetermined interval and larger than a width of one bar, and corresponds to a length of one bar so as to extract a group of a plurality of ink dots, to couple the plurality of ink dots in the extracted group, to detect one bar based on the coupling result, and to recognize a barcode configured by a plurality of detected bars.

Abstract: The security of an authentication system using a one-time password is increased, a shift from an authentication system using a fixed password is simplified, and a range of use is increased. An authentication system wherein a one-time password is synchronized with time, or an authentication system wherein a one-time password is synchronized with the number of online service authentication requests, is provided. When a one-time password client 9 downloads a one-time password for online service authentication from a one-time password server 2, current time information or a current value of the number of online service authentication requests is made to coincide between the client and server, and an online service authentication request is authenticated as long as the downloaded one-time password for online service authentication is valid. The one-time password may also be synchronized with service usage details contained in the online service authentication request.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bar code generator which improves a print quality of a bar code and further enhances reading precision thereof, as to both vertical and horizontal bar codes. In this bar code generator, bar width information is set independently for each of the vertical and horizontal bar codes, as a precondition for printing the vertical and horizontal bar codes, selectively. When the bar code is printed (S802), it is determined whether the bar code is vertical or horizontal (S803), and according to the result of the determination, the bar width information of the determined bar code orientation is read out for drawing an image of the bar code (S804, S805, and S806). The result being drawn is transmitted to the printer, and the bar code is printed.

Abstract: This invention describes an efficient super-resolution method for image enhancement that leverages prior knowledge about the specific task for which detail information is recovered. The particular case of barcode scanning is considered. The barcode localization and decoding algorithm of the present invention employs a subpixel-accurate search algorithm which allows for estimating barcode bit values at a higher resolution than that available in the image data itself. It thus allows for the synthesis of image detail from multiple frames with the result containing more detail than any of the input frames. For efficiency, it leverages special properties of the quadrilateral target object as well as prior knowledge about constant patterns in the barcodes of interest. This allows for real-time software implementations on portable devices such as camera-equipped cell phones where super-resolution helps to overcome some of the typical camera resolution and processing power constraints.

Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device. The image can include a representation of a signature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe an electronic method for processing stranded payments and lockbox payments at the same designated payment location. The method includes receiving a stranded payment at a non-designated payment location, and electronically scanning the stranded payment at the non-designated payment location. The scanned information is transmitted, in a secure manner, to a designated payment location remote from the non-designated payment location. The stranded payment and a lockbox payment are cleared, in the same electronic workflow, the transmitted information is used in the clearing process. Embodiments of the invention also include updating, for each stranded and lockbox payment, the accounts receivable system of the customer receiving the stranded or lockbox payment, and transmitting a response indicating the final status of the clearing of the stranded payment to the non-designated payment location.

Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device. The image can include a representation of a signature.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a first image reading unit configured to read an image from an object to be read by visible light, a second image reading unit configured to read an image from the object to be read by invisible light, a first detection unit configured to detect a background image from a first read image read by the first image reading unit, a registration unit configured to register feature information indicative of a feature of the background image detected by the first detection unit, and a second detection unit configured to detect an image indicative of code information from a second read image read by the second image reading unit on the basis of the feature information registered in the registration unit.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides an apparatus. The apparatus includes a writing element having a first portion operable to discharge a first marking substance on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element over the surface and a second portion operable to discharge a second marking substance on the surface in response to a controller. The apparatus also includes the controller operable to encode information corresponding to a context of the apparatus by regulating the discharge of the second marking substance.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method, and a device A device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface corresponding to a movement of the writing element over the surface. The device also includes a controller operable to digitally encode information in the mark.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code on a target object features: a housing supporting a plurality of transparent windows and defining an interior region, a target object being presented to the plurality of windows for imaging a target bar code; an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior position. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing a field of view of the camera assembly onto the sensor array. One or more processors prioritize an order of image capture or interpretation based upon user tendencies.

Abstract: A self-configuring verifier for performing standardized evaluation and verification of the print quality of a data carrying graphical symbol is structured with a plurality of illumination sources and at least one imaging device. The verifier is capable of automatically determining the symbology of the graphical symbol to be evaluated, and establish a pre-defined illumination pattern and possibly other settings, as required, to satisfy pre-defined evaluation standards. Once the illumination pattern is established and setup is complete, the verifier may fully evaluate and report on the quality of at least one data carrying graphical symbol imaged by the imaging device of the verifier. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An application for generating a printable barcode object representing data from within a software application includes converting the data into a symbol string based on a barcode standard and assembling a plurality of block code characters from a font into the printable barcode object. The block code characters representing the symbol string are any two or more Unicode characters selected from the group consisting of 960010, 960410, 960810, 961210, 961610, 961710 and 3210.

Abstract: A sheet material for producing packages of food products and having a succession of optically detectable register mark; each mark, has a first and a second segment parallel to each other and perpendicular to a feed direction of the material, and a sloping segment interposed between the parallel segments, so as to define a broken, to substantially Z-shaped line, which may be used to determine the position of the material both in the feed direction and in a perpendicular direction.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading two-dimensional symbols of different heights, includes a scanner for scanning the symbols with light in a raster scan pattern of an adjustable height, and for detecting light scattered from the symbols to generate electrical signals indicative of the detected light. A controller not only decodes the electrical signals to read the symbols, but also controls the scanner to adjust the height of the raster scan pattern, and optionally the rate of height adjustment, upon a determination that a symbol being scanned is a two-dimensional symbol, and that the two-dimensional symbol has not been read after a predetermined time period has elapsed. The controller can also be programmed to read symbols only of a certain height.

Abstract: A method and system for reading various codes, such as codes imprinted on an item, includes a first and a second code reader that each scan the code on the item to read the code. The data obtained by the first and the second code reader is merged to reconstruct the code on said item. The position of the code readers may be adjusted such that the maximum reading efficiency of said code by each code reader occurs at different points of the scanned code. The method and system may be employed with different types of codes including various forms of bar codes.

Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.

Abstract: A method for reading symbols having data identifying characteristics is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a nose portion that forms part of a symbol capture device. The nose portion has a plurality of spaced apart light sources that are adapted to put images on a surface. The images can be used to ascertain proper positioning and focal plane of the device.

Abstract: A data utilization installation has various components such as a management computer, a mobile computer system, an access point, a printer, and application software. The management system collects status information from the components, and evaluates whether the components necessary for a particular user e.g. of the mobile computer system, to carry out a task, are ready for use. Status information is communicated to the user based on the evaluation by the management system. The management system of the utilization installation may be located remote from the other components of the installation, and communicate via the Internet or other wide area medium, or the management system may be located locally to the user, e.g. in a branch management station, or in one of the devices to be employed by the user, including the mobile computer system that at least in part may be worn or otherwise carried by the user.

Abstract: A bar code reader includes a first circuit board on which a photodiode, which receives light reflected from a bar code, is installed and a second circuit board on which a processing unit that processes a signal output from the photodiode. The position at which the first circuit board is placed can be decided irrespective of the position at which the second circuit board is placed. The first circuit board is placed at a position that is most suitable for receiving light reflected from the bar code.

Abstract: A barcode scanning system is provided, which comprises an amplitude compensation circuit to change the amplitude of signals corresponding to each location on the barcode such that all the signals have the same amplitude. The changing of the amplitude may be determined according to an angular position or an oscillating velocity of an mirror. Preferably, the cutoff frequency of a low pass circuit in the barcode scanning system is variable according to the oscillating velocity or the angular position of the mirror too.

Abstract: Samples and dry chemical analysis elements, which are necessary for analyses of the samples, are loaded on a sample tray. Each sample is sucked with a spotting nozzle of a spotting unit and spotted onto one dry chemical analysis element. Analysis information, which contains information representing a type of analysis, is appended to each dry chemical analysis element. The analysis information is read with a reading device located such that, when a certain sample is located at a position for sample suction by an operation of the sample tray, the reading device reads the analysis information, which has been appended to a next dry chemical analysis element to be used for the analysis of the certain sample, at a position at which the next dry chemical analysis element is located.

Abstract: An optical code reader system is provided for reading a presented optical code having first and second sets of elements, the first set of elements including a plurality of elements having a first reflective property and the second set of elements including a plurality of elements having a second reflective property. The system includes a photo sensor module which senses incident light reflected from the presented optical code and generates electrical signals corresponding to the sensing. The system further includes a software decoder module executable on a processor for uncompensating the presented optical code by adjusting a relative measured dimension of individual elements of the first set of elements in accordance with a predetermined adjustment factor for uncompensating the first set of elements without uncompensating the second set of elements for generating an uncompensated optical code.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. There is described an optical reader that can associate an acquired color image with additional data.

Abstract: An optically variable device (OVD) is provided that includes a barcode rendered from a three-dimensional barcode. To increase the readability of the barcode rendered in the OVD, the bars of the three-dimensional barcode may have tapered sidewalls and depths that are small compared to their heights and widths. The barcode may be rendered in the OVD such that it is viewable only at certain angles or using certain wavelengths of light. Also provided is a barcode of multiple portions where a portion is rendered in an OVD and another portion is otherwise provided (e.g., printed). Such a barcode may have portions that are readable as independent barcodes and are also readable together as a single, compound barcode. Also provided is a method where a plurality of OVDs with unique images are associated with products, e.g., packaged together, so that receipt of a package of products with non-unique images indicates counterfeiting.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying a mailpiece in an identification code sorting system using an identification code. In one embodiment, an identification code is marked on a mailpiece. In this embodiment, the identification code is linked to an identification file containing identification information uniquely corresponding to the mailpiece.

Abstract: A printed barcode including first basic barcode information stored in a first basic mode of printed data storage, and second additional enhanced barcode information stored in a second enhanced mode of printed data storage. The second information is printed, at least partially, as a component of the first information. The first information is adapted to be read by a basic barcode reader. The second information is adapted to be read by an enhanced barcode reader and cannot be read by the basic barcode reader.

Abstract: A gaming voucher is printed with first and second machine readable indicia. The first machine readable indicia represents a unique gaming voucher number. The monetary value of the gaming voucher and additional information about the gaming voucher is stored in a database remote from the gaming machine in association with the unique gaming voucher number. The second machine readable indicia represents the asset number of the gaming machine that produced the gaming voucher, the value of the gaming voucher, and a portion of the unique gaming voucher number. The gaming voucher is self-validating during a counting process in a count room, and thus no access to the remote database is required to initially verify the authenticity of the gaming voucher. The information encoded in the first and second machine readable indicia may also be used in conjunction with the data in the remote database during a voucher redemption process to verify the authenticity of the gaming voucher.

Abstract: A system for bar code error detection in large volume mailings against a print run which prints the bar code on a mail piece. The system checks the print quality of the bar code and compares it with pre-selected standards. The bar code is then decoded, and compared to a database in the computer to confirm that the bar code is valid. The system then prints out a report to certify the sampling, comparisons and error rate for all verification tests. The report may be used by the United States Post Office to expedite bulk mailing by a direct mailer.