Abstract: In an optical bar-code reader, an optical scanner optically scans a bar code to obtain optical power of light reflected from white bars and black bars of the bar code, a differentiation unit calculates a differential of the optical power to obtain a differential waveform, a dividing unit divides the differential waveform into a positive waveform and a negative waveform, a bar-code correcting unit calculates correct widths of black bars in the bar code from the positive waveform and the negative waveform to create corrected bar-code data, and a converter converts the corrected bar-code data into character data that is an array of numerals and alphabets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recognizing a code from a code image that is expressed physically or electronically and extracting data represented in the code image is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a raw image in which a code image is contained, detecting a background image included in the raw image, extracting a code image region in which a background image is excluded, recognizing the shape and type of the code image and the color or shade represented in each of cells, converting the color or shade recognized from each of the cells into a corresponding character, number, or symbol and generating code data. The code image in which predetermined data are represented as colors or shades are received, and original colors or shades can be precisely discriminated regardless of an environment in which the code image is recognized.

Abstract: A printer for receiving document data from a computer system and printing an interface onto a surface. The interface is based on the document data, which includes identity data indicative of at least one identity. The identity is, in turn, associated with a region of the interface. The interface also includes coded data. The printer includes a coded data generator configured to generate the coded data based at least partially on the identity data. A printing mechanism in the printer prints the interface onto the surface.

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: Briefly stated, the operating depth of field for a bar code scanner, preferably a laser scanner, is increased by placing a cubic phase mask (CPM) in the scanning beam. The masked beam is then scanned and reflected off a bar code and received by a photodetector. The received signal is then processed to recover the original unperturbed representation of the bar code pattern. The processed signal has an increased depth of field over an unmasked scanner signal.

Abstract: A micro bar code and a recognition system and method thereof are provided. The micro bar code is provided with a plurality of nanounits disposed in a predetermined arrangement. The nanounits are provided with nanomolecules having different sizes respectively. In the recognition system and method, a sensing module senses the arrangement of the nanounits and the sizes of the nanomolecules on the micro bar code. The sensing result from the sensing module is transmitted to an operating module and then inputted to a bar code database that stores information corresponding to arrangement of each set of nanounits and sizes of each set of nanomolecules, so as to recognize the information on the micro bar code to be recognized. Finally, the recognition result is transmitted back to the operating module for recording. The micro bar code has advantages of small size and large data storage capacity.

Abstract: A method of detecting interactions among objects associated with RFID tags implemented in computer software operating in a services gateway, the services gateway including server software installed and operating upon a computer. The method includes reading, through an RFID reader, a first RFID identification code from a first RFID tag associated with a first object; reading a second RFID identification code from a second RFID tag associated with a second object; and inferring from an interactions database an interaction between the objects. The interactions database includes an interactions record representing the interaction between the objects, the interactions record comprising an interaction identification field having a value identifying the interaction between the objects and at least two RFID identification fields.

Abstract: There are provided an identification code creating method and an identification code creating program capable of excellently printing or displaying an identification code regardless of a resolution of a printer or display screen in creating the identification code of a bar code, a two-dimensional symbol or the like by a server apparatus in accordance with a request and an instruction from a client apparatus connected thereto via a network of an intranet, the internet or the like and printing or displaying the identification code by the printer or the like or the display screen connected to the client apparatus, for example, the identification code is created by the server apparatus based on an identification code creating data transmitted from the client apparatus, a program of drawing the identification code, a program of acquiring the resolution of the printer and the like are provided to the client apparatus along with a parameter file thereof.

Abstract: A method of packaging print media in combination with a printing device enables the printing device to automatically determine the type of media, and its characteristics and attributes, loaded in a media input tray. The print media package includes a pre-cut or perforated line which allows the removal of one end of the package forming a partial package exposing one end of sheets of the print media and encasing the print media. The print media is loaded in the media input tray encased in the partial package with the exposed ends of the print media sheets accessible to the printing device feed roller. The print media package includes an identifying code imprinted on an outside surface of the package located on the remaining portion of the package when the package end has been removed. The media input tray includes a sensor mounted in a location accessible to the identifying code when the print media encased in the partial package is loaded in the media input tray.

Abstract: A numeric code has 10 characters in its set, each character having two dark bars in nine modules or a “Two of Nine Code”. All bars or gaps of this code are a minimum of two modules in width. Each numeric digit may have and OCR digit embedded into the barcode digit to make it human and machine readable.

Abstract: A method for printing a large invisible luminescent bar code on a mail piece addresses the problem of obscuration of modules by printed text such as the address. The bar code is printed large enough so that the line width of the characters is substantially less than the module size of the bar code components. Overprinting does not then completely obscure any module and so the bar code is still readable. The readability is especially enhanced by the high contrast of the luminescent image. When a fluorescent bar code is viewed under UV illumination, the bar code emits fluorescence in the areas of printed modules without text overprinted. Because the modules are wider than the text line width, the text does not completely obscure any module. The contrast of the bar code is reversed in fluorescence—that is, printed areas emit light.

Abstract: A tube is provided for biological fluids that includes a closed bottom, an open top and a cylindrical sidewall extending therebetween. An alignment key is formed at a selected circumferential position on the tube. An array of machine-readable information is provided on the tube at a specified angular position relative to the alignment key. The alignment key functions to position the tube in a laboratory apparatus at a rotational position that will ensure proper alignment between the array of information and a portion of the apparatus that is operative to read the array of information. The array of information may be in the form of a magnetic strip or optically readable information such as a bar code.

Abstract: A method for rapid and precise detecting of an omnidirectional postnet bar code on an object by digital signal processing is provided. In order to rapidly and accurately detect omnidirectional postnet bar codes, a two-dimensional digital image containing the postnet bar code is acquired, filtered and dilated to form a block dominated by a plurality of black-colored pixels. Then a down sampled image is provided and match filtered with a two-dimensional matched filtering output to indicate a best-matched filter, thus determining a postnet bar code location and orientation by associating matched filters with an orientation angle of the omnidirectional postnet bar code.

Abstract: Authenticating an object includes marking the object with a mark containing at least two markers wherein each marker fluoresces when illuminated with one of UV and IR, but does not fluoresce when illuminated with visible light. The marking may be in the form of a bar code containing a number or alphanumeric codes uniquely identifying the object to be marked with the particular mixture of markers used. A spectral analysis of the marking ink or the code is used to define spectral peaks for use as part of the authentication signature. The authentication signature may be defined using the identified peaks and logical conditions imposed upon them such as minimum threshold amplitude values and ratio values among peaks.

Abstract: A method of packaging print media in combination with a printing device enables the printing device to automatically determine the type of media, and its characteristics and attributes, loaded in a media input tray. The print media package includes a pre-cut or perforated line which allows the removal of one end of the package forming a partial package exposing one end of sheets of the print media and encasing the print media. The print media is loaded in the media input tray encased in the partial package with the exposed ends of the print media sheets accessible to the printing device feed roller. The print media package includes an identifying code imprinted on an outside surface of the package located on the remaining portion of the package when the package end has been removed. The media input tray includes a sensor mounted in a location accessible to the identifying code when the print media encased in the partial package is loaded in the media input tray.

Abstract: An encoded binder strip having an adhesive matrix and an encoded pattern formed on a surface of the matrix to identify the type of binder strip. The encoded pattern includes relatively high reflectivity regions and relatively low reflectivity regions. Preferably, the encoded pattern is read as the binder strip is fed into a binding machine, with the encoded pattern controlling operation of the machine.

Abstract: A system for detecting and decoding a supplemental barcode accompanying a primary barcode. A supplemental barcode is affixed to a product in the vicinity of a primary barcode. A scanner in a barcode reading system, such as a point of sale system, scans for a primary barcode. Upon detection of a primary barcode, the system inserts a delay while attempting to detect a supplemental barcode. Upon detection of a secondary barcode, the primary and supplemental barcode information is processed, for example by sending the information to a terminal connected to the scanner. Upon expiration of the delay without detection of a supplemental barcode, the primary barcode information is processed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus utilizing visually distinctive bar code symbols are described. An article is provided with a bar code symbol including a bar code. The bar code comprises a sequence of first and second element types. The bar code symbol is made visually distinctive through one of the following features: a) at least one bar code element is not a single straight line segment; b) a contour of a bounding shape of the smallest area encompassing the bar code has at least two adjacent sides that are not perpendicular; or c) a contour of a bounding shape of the smallest area encompassing an encoding region has no side such that one end of all the bar code elements within the region touches that side. A selectable resolver is used to identify a resource for the encoded value. The resolver may access the resource to provide additional information about the article.

Abstract: A microwave barcode system is provided wherein the barcode comprises a plurality of conductive wires, mounted on a surface, or embedded beneath the surface of the object. A transmitter, comprising a dipole antenna, radiates microwave signals in the direction of the surface, and a microwave reader, comprising a dipole antenna positioned to receive the microwave signals passing through the surface, senses an attenuation of the microwave signal caused by a resonant interaction between the microwave signals and the conductive wires. The conductive wires of the present invention can be mounted in a stand-up fashion, wherein each wire is mounted adjacent to and parallel to, but not touching, its at least one neighbor, or in a lay-down fashion, wherein each wire is mounted coincident with an imaginary line which is also coincident with the remaining wires, and wherein the wires are mounted end-to-end with a gap surrounding each wire end.

Abstract: A system for creating a label design for a parcel shipping or conformance label, according to a specification of the label design and a specification of a target printer type. The system includes a label specification encoder into which a user provides inputs corresponding to a label design specification. The label specification encoder provides a so-called neutral language specification of the label, i.e. a specification suitable for automatic translation into control codes and printer commands for various types of label printer. The system also includes a label design generator, responsive to the neutral language specification, and further responsive to a target printer type provided as an input by a user. The label design generator provides a printer-specific label design. Capability for printing a two-dimensional bar code is provided, along with a capability for generating a check digit for a bar code.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically analyzing and reading a barcode present in an electronically stored and transferred file, and/or printed on a printable substrate, such as a sheet of paper. Such a barcode can be used to store a large amount of information in a small area. Various uses of the disclosed system and method are possible, for example in order to authenticate and/or identify a document. In addition, such a barcode could be used to transmit information which could be automatically read and analyzed. This provides a single solution to the combined problems of data authentication and verification for electronically stored and transferred data, as well as of automatic reading and analysis of data printed on a printable substrate. Although the implementation in which the data is printed onto paper or other physical substrate material is particularly preferred, the overall flexibility of the disclosed system and method enable them to be employed in a variety of embodiments.

Abstract: A color symbology, such as a bar code symbology, employs three or more colors to encode elements of one or more integer-widths. A light source or an appropriate filter of a color matched to one color of the symbology produces peaks in a reflectance signal produced from a light sensor, which receives light reflected from the symbol. Another, unmatched, color in the symbology produces valleys in the reflectance profile. A third or intermediate color produces a reflectance signal in a middle portion of the reflectance profile. By identifying the peaks and valleys in the profile, the portions corresponding to the intermediate color, may be found by measuring distances between centers of the peaks and valleys in the reflectance profile. As a result, all elements, of all colors in the symbol, may be decoded using a simple data collection reader, such as a laser scanner, employing only a single color laser.

Abstract: This invention is related to a system and a method for reading high precision printed barcodes and their specification verification. The presented invention has a technique of reading both logistic sorting barcode (one or two dimension) and multi-layered structure barcode such as four-state barcode for automatic postal matter sorting. The invention also investigates height of high densely reduced barcodes in more than 3 steps, and precisely measures and reads the values of black bars thickness and white spaces. Previous techniques used laser beam for reading barcodes, but could not read barcodes, which have print density of less than 1/100 mm˜1/1,000 mm unit, and, it was also impossible to read precise specification values in case that barcode specification was composed of length unit indexes. The presented invention overcomes the previous said problems by using a laser diode array.

Abstract: At the time of delivery of an article for which payment is to be made by using the locker, conventionally, the resident later utilizes a bank or a post office to transfer money to the trader. Therefore, the resident has to go to the bank or post office, and hence there is a problem in that the procedure is troublesome. An auto settlement system using a locker comprising: a card reader 12c for reading a trader identifier decided beforehand by a contract between a proprietary company of the locker and a trader; operation keys 12b for inputting a recipient identifier or the like; a sensor 12d for detecting whether there is an article or not in a box 11 of the locker; an electric lock 12h for locking a door of the box when the sensor detects said article; and a central control unit 12a for storing the recipient identifier and transmitting such data to the control center.

Abstract: A system for synchronization of the angular position of a rotating optical assembly in a bar code scanner having a rotating optical assembly. The optical assembly is rotated by a motor which produces a fixed number of pulses per rotation, the pulses occurring at equal intervals such that each pulse indicates a degree of angular rotation of the motor. The pulses are continuously monitored and counted. Timing is simultaneously monitored. A synchronization label is placed in the scanner such that light directed through the rotating optical assembly will strike the synchronization label and be reflected back to the rotating optical assembly when the rotating optical assembly is at a particular angular position, thus establishing an initial angular position of the rotating optical assembly. Once the initial angular position is established, timing is continuously monitored and pulses are continuously monitored and counted.

Abstract: A demodulated data storage buffer is stored with bar width data sets obtained by scanning a coupon code with a scan optical system. A CPU first executes a demodulating process on these bar width data sets in accordance with a demodulation algorithm in a WPC code system. If an end guard bar (RGB) of the WPC code is contained in the demodulated data by the demodulating process, the demodulating process is executed on the same bar width data sets in accordance with a demodulation algorithm in a CODE 128 code system.

Abstract: An image input section enters a document image including a bar code, and converts the document image into a binary image. A small pattern removing section removes small patterns from a binary image sent from the input section. A labeling section separates the binary image into labeled regions and calculates the feature quantity including a center position of each labeled region. A region detecting section makes a group of labeled regions spaced at a predetermined positional relationship based on their feature quantities and detects a bar code candidate region. A decoding section decodes the bar code based on the feature quantity involved in the bar code candidate region.

Abstract: An object or an article for a detector or reader has a latent illuminance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits illuminance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted illuminance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification and/or authentication of different types or generations of objects or articles.

Abstract: The disclosed techniques for reading postal code are adapted for processing data from an optical imager and identifying and decoding various types of postal code found in such data. A baseline is employed.