Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, electro-optically reading a target by image capture, employ an aiming assembly for projecting an aiming light pattern on the target that is located within a range of working distances relative to a housing, an imaging assembly for capturing an image of the target and of the aiming light pattern over a field of view, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured image, and a controller for determining a distance of the target relative to the housing based on a position of the aiming light pattern in the captured image, and for processing the electrical signal into information relating to the target when the target lies in a restricted zone within the range of working distances.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a decoding method thereof are disclosed. The decoding method comprises: capturing an image of a target barcode; invoking built-in decoding software to decode the target barcode; determining whether the decoding is successful, wherein if the decoding is successful, then barcode information of the target barcode is displayed and the process ends; and otherwise, if the decoding is unsuccessful, then the target barcode is sent to a decoding server; receiving barcode information obtained by the decoding server through decoding the target barcode; and displaying the barcode information of the target barcode. In this way, the present disclosure can decode various types of barcodes quickly and effectively so that the user can be informed of the barcode information of the various types of barcodes quickly and accurately.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and using 2-dimensional matrix code on tags or labels to identify panel components and associated information stored in and accessible from a data storage device or server or computer with a document management system (DMS). Related information can be encoded into an identifier using a URL with hyperlink onto a 2D matrix tag or label attached to specific panel component or wire. The information encoded in the 2D matrix code can be decoded using an interactive reader and data capture device such as a smart-phone or tablet computing device. Use the capture device's decoded information to provide interactive access and visual display to the interactive URL and hyperlink related information in the DMS. The capture device can be configured to provide immediate intelligence and functions with comparison and confirmation of quality, functionality, maintenance, status, and conformity with respect to panel components.

Abstract: An image capture and processing system supports a multi-tier modular software, and plug-in extendable, architecture. The image capture and processing system can be realized as an image-capturing cell phone, a digital camera, a video camera, mobile computing terminal and portable data terminal (PDT), provided with suitable hardware platform, communication protocols and user interfaces. A third-party customer can write and install a software plug-in into the application layer so as to enhance or modify the behavior of the image capture and processing system without any required knowledge of the hardware platform, communication protocols and/or user interfaces.

Abstract: A system for detecting reproduction of barcodes (12) includes providing a barcode which contains data; providing a copy-evident background (14); capturing an image of the barcode and the copy-evident background; locating and decoding the barcode; detecting copy introduced changes in the copy-evident background; and authenticating the barcode if the copy-evident background has not been copied.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for unassisted (i.e., customer controlled) exception handling in an automated data reader having a read zone. A first imager obtains a first image of an exception item in response to an exception generated in a read zone. An exception handling station receives the exception item, and a second imager located at the exception handling station obtains a second image of the exception item. An image processor receives the images, identities visual object recognition features from each image, and compares the features to determine whether the first and second images represent the same exception item. If so, the exception is cleared, and the item is added to a transaction list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a mobile service with the use of a code pattern is disclosed In one embodiment, the method comprising: taking a photograph of a code pattern image, decoding the photographed code pattern image so as to obtain code information, extracting uniform resourse locator (URL) information corresponding to the code information, transmitting a content information request message to a service provider server corresponding to the URL information, and receiving content information corresponding to the URL information from the service provider server. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and convenient mobile services to mobile terminal users using a mobile terminal, having a camera, and a code pattern containing the URL information.

Abstract: An electric device includes an imaging module, a detector and an output module. The imaging module takes an image which is output from another electric device. The detector detects a code designation from data of the image taken by the imaging module. The output module generates another code designation which is different from the code designation which is output from said another electric device, and outputs said another code designation to said another electric device, when the detector detects the code designation which is output from said another electric device.

Abstract: One or more processors, executing program instructions stored on a non-transitory storage medium, can populate event information of an event into a set of electronic calendar event information fields of an electronic calendar of a user. Each of the set of information fields is populated using the event information obtained from a single optical scan of a bar code for the event. The bar code can include the event information optically encoded within the bar code or can include a link encoded within the bar code to a Web source from which the event information is automatically obtained.

Abstract: This inventive method assures the authenticity of drugs or other valuable substances that reside within product containers, such as syringes. The method includes initially measuring the 3D topology of the glass surface while determining the distance to the glass surface. Thereafter, a desired 3D code is written below the glass surface with a pulsed laser system. The written 3D code is readable using optical coherence topography (OCT) or parallel optical coherence tomography (pOCT) to verify the authenticity of the product container. A system uses this method with a plurality of syringes held within a tray, and a writing apparatus that moves relative to the tray to write a predetermined 3D code on each of the syringes held in the tray, during processing of the syringes along a process line while in the tray.

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 device. The device includes an imaging circuit operable to acquire digital information encoded in a hand-formed analog expression marked on a surface by a handheld writing device. The device also includes a translator circuit operable to decode the digital information. The device further includes a correlation circuit operable to generate a signal indicative of the decoded digital information.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are presented for improving image scanning. A point of sale terminal apparatus, including an imaging scanner, provides information to an operator indicating the optimal scanning position for an optical code for efficient first pass scanning by the imaging scanner. The information includes real-time video from an image capture device of the imaging scanner displayed on an operator's display device.

Abstract: A stack barcode reader may include an imaging section configured to image the stack barcode in which character information is expressed with a bar and a space; an image memory configured to store image data of the stack barcode; a data processing section including a decoding unit and configured to decode the barcode of the stack barcode into the character information. The decoding unit may include a low-level decoding unit, a high-level decoding unit, and a decoded result selection unit for selecting a decoded result. The high-level decoding unit may include an error-correction unit. The decoded result selection unit may include a counter unit configured to count the number of error corrections and a selection unit configured to select a decoded result having the less number of corrections.

Abstract: A pattern for coding numerical a information item on a surface, including a specific arrangement of a plurality of symbols belonging to a set of symbols (ENS1), and each symbol in the arrangement being intended for the coding of a portion of said numerical information item, wherein each symbol includes at least one differential pair of elements (E1, E2) positioned in a specific way, each element being characterized by a parameter, the parameter of the first element of each differential pair having a first value and the parameter of the second element of each differential pair having a second value different from the first value.

Abstract: Systems and methods read machine readable symbols, the systems and methods capture multiple images of the symbol and can locate symbol data region(s) from an image even when the symbol data is corrupted and not decodable. Binary matrices are generated of the symbol data regions obtained from the multiple images and can be accumulated to generate a decodable image. A correspondence can be established among multiple images acquired on the same symbol when the symbol has moved from one image to the next.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing virtual customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) for solid ink customer replaceable units (CRUs) that are used in image forming devices, particularly in managed print service environments. Molded products, including solid ink elements, are marked to aid in generally effecting identification and/or authenticity verification, and/or in specifically effecting compatibility matching in an image forming device in which the solid ink CRUs are used. One or more ultraviolet (UV) ink based two dimensional 2D barcodes are provided on a solid ink CRU for identification of the solid ink CRU by a reading mechanism in an image forming device. The use of a UV ink that is not easily visually discernible provides a level of protection against easily detecting, and attempting to copy the identifying information. The image forming process would essentially consume the virtual CRUM on the solid ink CRU in image processing.

Abstract: A method for expediting the barcode interpretation process implemented on conventional optical imaging barcode readers. The method involves interrupting the mainline processing of the conventional barcode detection, obtaining a copy of the captured image, scaling the image, locating the barcode in the scaled image, scaling the image back to normal proportions, calculating the location of the barcode in the scaled up image, and reporting the barcode location back to the mainline processing for decoding of only the region of interest. The mainline processing of the optical imager may then proceed with barcode interpretation in the area identified by the method of the present invention without wasting time applying complicated decoding algorithms to areas within the image that do not contain any barcode information.

Abstract: A playlist and a digital advertisement are received. The digital advertisement is output to a screen on the basis of information in the playlist. A code is generated based on the information in the playlist and the generated code is output to the screen. The generated code is output to the screen by flashing the generated code on the screen at a predetermined flash frequency and for a predetermined flash time so that the generated code is visually imperceptible or barely detectable to a human viewer. A suitable equipped electronic device may detect the code and utilize information encoded in the code in various ways.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, after a rasterizer checks resolution of raster data, if the resolution of the raster data is lower than a predefined resolution, a barcode detector analyzes the raster data and detects a barcode area. If there is a barcode area, a barcode direction determining unit determines barcode direction, and a resolution convertor enhances resolution of the barcode on black planes in a direction perpendicular to the bar direction of the barcode.

Abstract: There is described a decodable indicia reading terminal which in one embodiment can capture and process a certain (e.g., a first) and a subsequent (e.g., a second) frame of image data, wherein the certain and the subsequent frames have different imaging attributes. In one embodiment the attributes between certain and subsequent frames are differentiated in that the certain frame represents light incident on pixels of a first image sensor and the subsequent frame of image data represents light incident on pixels of a second image sensor spaced apart from the first image sensor. Additionally, or in the alternative, the attributes between certain and subsequent frames can be differentiated in that the first frame represents light incident on an image sensor under a first illumination profile and the subsequent frame represents light incident on pixels of an image sensor under a second illumination profile.

Abstract: A POS-based system including (i) a system housing having a horizontal housing portion and a vertical housing portion. The vertical housing portion is configured substantially orthogonal with respect to the horizontal housing portion. At least one reading window is formed in the system housing. A support frame having a plurality of spaced apart support surfaces, supports the system housing when the system housing is position over the support surfaces. A convex weigh surface is integrated with the vertical housing portion, for supporting the weight of produce items supported thereon during weighing operations. A code symbol reading subsystem is disposed in the system housing, for optically reading code symbols on objects being transported through a 3D reading volume definable relative to at least one code symbol reading window, and producing symbol character data representative of the read code symbols.

Abstract: An apparatus includes (1) a first housing for housing therein a barcode reading arrangement and (2) an enclosed space for housing therein a battery configured to power the barcode reading arrangement located outside the enclosed space. The first housing includes a window made from one or more materials that has a lower flaming critical temperature than that of any material for making the enclosed space for housing the battery.

Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an imaging assembly that includes an image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a first set of pixels of the image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame or image data having image data corresponding to a second set of pixels of the image sensor.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system wherein information is communicated to and/or from an electrical component of the electrical distribution system using near-field communications. The information may be communicated to and/or from the electrical component using an electronic device such as a dedicated near-field device, a smartphone or a configuration card device. Also, a method of obtaining information from an electrical component of an electrical distribution system, such as a circuit interrupter, includes generating a machine readable element that comprises first information in encoded form, the first information relating to the operation and/or status of the circuit interrupter, displaying the machine readable element on the circuit interrupter, capturing an image of the machine readable element, obtaining the first information based on the image, and displaying second information based on the obtained first information.

Abstract: An imaging system which includes a housing for a radiation detector having a window disposed above and in axial alignment with the radiation detector, a variable aperture assembly which includes a base ring having a first opening and mounted on the radiation detector housing such that the first opening is in axial alignment with the window, a plate having a first aperture and adapted to engage the base ring such that the first aperture is disposed over the window, at least one aperture blade each operatively coupled to the base ring, and an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body. In addition, the imaging system includes an actuator assembly having an actuator and an actuator arm, the actuator arm disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing in proximity to the actuator coupling member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an identification symbol and system and method for reading in accordance with the present invention is preferably a two-dimensional, rectangular or square bar code symbol having a solid border, a tick-mark region adjacent to the solid border, a omni-directional reading and error detection and correction capability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding codes applied to objects for use with a camera and a conveyor system wherein the camera includes an image sensor having a two dimensional field of view (FOV), the method comprising the steps of providing a processor programmed to perform the steps of obtaining images of the FOV, for each image identifying code candidates in at least portions of the image, ordering at least a subset of the code candidates for decoding in a candidate order wherein the candidate order is determined at least in part as a function of a first direction of travel through the FOV, attempting to decode code candidates in the order specified by the direction of travel and when a new image event occurs, foregoing attempts to decode at least a portion of the identified code candidates.

Abstract: An exemplary Data Matrix barcode decoding chip, comprising: a characteristic searching unit configured for searching for a characteristic pattern in the barcode image to determine pixel coordinates of the characteristic pattern; a barcode parameter acquiring unit configured for acquiring a barcode parameter according to the pixel coordinates of the characteristic pattern; a correction characteristic acquiring unit configured for searching for a characteristic position in the barcode image and acquiring a correction characteristic according to the characteristic position; a module information processing unit configured for calculating a grayscale value corresponding to a module according to the barcode parameter and the correction characteristic; a binarizing unit configured for binarizing the module; a codeword extracting unit configured for extracting a codeword according to the binarized module; and an error correction and decoding unit configured for decoding the codeword.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: Techniques for ensuring maximum readability of barcodes displayed in pixel displays. The techniques use the characteristics of the pixel display to determine the form of the barcode in the pixel display. Determination of the form includes determining a size of the barcode which renders the barcode's elements easily readable by a barcode reader and a shape, and or orientation of the barcode in the display which permits the entire barcode to be displayed in the display. Additionally, in a barcode with redundant information, the amount of redundant information may be reduced in the displayed barcode. The techniques may be applied to both one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for display adaptation based on captured image feedback. Content that comprises a marker is displayed. An image of the content is captured by a mobile device. Whether the marker in the image is recognized is determined. The marker in the image is analyzed in response to a determination that the marker in the image is not recognized. The content is adjusted based on the analyzed marker. The adjusted content is displayed. The marker in the image is analyzed to determine at least one of a time and a location associated with capturing the image of the content in response to a determination that the marker in the image is recognized. Another content is displayed based on at least one of the time and the location determined by analyzing the marker.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading apparatus having an image sensor array. The indicia reading apparatus can have a first operator selectable configuration and a second operator selectable configuration.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for transferring data to a mobile device through animated barcodes. The mobile device scans, with a barcode reader, at least a first barcode and then scans at least a second barcode, whereby the barcodes are shown on a display. The display is in an open-loop relationship with the mobile device. The mobile device decodes the at least first and second barcodes to extract a first data portion and an associated first sequence identification, and a second data portion and an associated second sequence identification. The mobile device combines the first and second data portions according to the associated sequence identifications.

Abstract: An image reader can include an image sensor array. An image reader in one embodiment can include an optical system capable of directing light reflected from a target onto the image sensor array. An image reader can be used for reading a dataform.

Abstract: This disclosure defines systems, methods and apparatus for imaging systems for scanning barcodes and images in a manual distribution environment. In one aspect a method is disclosed for expanding the effective field of view of a camera used in an overhead scanning system. The method may include moving a mirror positioned relative to the input of a camera according to a determined pattern of movement and a determined speed and capturing a series of images with the camera while the mirror is moving such that the field of view defining each image captured by the camera changes based on the position of the mirror. The method may further include using combined image data from each of the images in the series of images to process machine readable information located on a target item being imaged.

Abstract: A method of processing documents includes receiving a stack of documents including currency bills and substitute currency media. Each substitute currency medium has at least one barcode. The method further includes transporting the stack of documents via a transport mechanism, one document at a time, along a transport path and denominating with a currency detector each of the currency bills in the stack of documents. The currency detector is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes scanning with a barcode scanner a barcode on each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents. The barcode scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes imaging with an image scanner each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents to generate a raw image file of the substitute currency medium. The image scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods, apparatus, and electronic devices for information obtaining, information management and 2D barcode generation. In an exemplary method implemented by an electronic device, a first two-dimensional (2D) barcode can be obtained. An image transformation can be performed on the first 2D barcode to obtain a virtual 2D barcode. Further, according to validity of the virtual 2D barcode, relationship information of the first 2D barcode can be obtained based on a mapping relationship of the virtual 2D barcode in a database.

Abstract: Storing an event from a printed source in an electronic calendar can include a barcoded event ID on the printed source. A printed source can be any non-interactive visual display. The event ID can be in the form of a linear or matrix printed bar code and can include encoded information such as, but not limited to, event time and date, and event location. Optionally, the event ID can also include information such as an event contact name and contact information, as well as a possible event RSVP method and address. The event ID can be in lieu of human readable or commonly typed alphanumeric or special text information. In another embodiment, the event ID can be encrypted requiring an individual to have a decryption key to access the event information. An electronic calendaring application can generate and store an event in an electronic calendar from information encoded in the event ID barcode from a printed source.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating a multiple raster-type scanning pattern by modulating a multi-cavity laser diode in such a way that it sequentially generates different laser beams synchronously during different laser scanning cycles, while the output laser beams are directed incident upon a rotating polygonal laser scanning element. The system does not require additional moving parts beyond the rotating polygon scanning element so as to reduce complexity and simplify construction of the laser scanning mechanism.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a code reading apparatus includes an image pickup section, a detecting section, a size recognizing section, and a reading section. The image pickup section picks up an image. The detecting section detects, from the picked-up image, a two-dimensional code obtained by converting information concerning a transaction of a commodity. The size recognizing section recognizes the size of the detected two-dimensional code. The reading section reads the information from the detected two-dimensional code if the recognized size of the two-dimensional code is different from the size of a two-dimensional code recognized immediately before the recognition of the size of the two-dimensional code in the same transaction processing.

Abstract: A method for processing a matrix barcode displayed in three dimensions to extract data represented thereby involves capturing the component images of the three-dimensional representation. The method includes receiving a first component image of the matrix barcode and receiving a second component image of the matrix barcode as the two images are displayed on a display device. After the two images have been received, the first component image and the second component image of the matrix barcode are captured on an image capture device. Then depth information between elements of the matrix barcode presented in the first and second component images is determined and additional data represented in such depth information is extracted.

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 and wherein the sensor array is read out at a predetermined frame rate. The predetermined frame rate of at least one camera assembly is less than the predetermined frame rates of the other camera assemblies.

Abstract: A compact hybrid imaging lens assembly captures return light from a target over a field of view of a linear array of image sensors of a solid-state imager, and projects the captured return light onto the array during electro-optical reading of the target. The assembly includes a plastic lens for optical aberration correction, a glass lens spaced away from the plastic lens along an optical axis, and an aperture stop between the lenses and having an asymmetrical aperture through which the optical axis extends. The glass lens has substantially all the optical power of the imaging lens assembly for thermal stability, and the plastic lens has substantially no optical power. A holder holds the lenses and the aperture stop away from the array. Alignment elements on the plastic lens align the asymmetrical aperture relative to the linear array.

Abstract: A compact, low-cost, high-performance, imaging engine for an imaging reader for, and a method of, imaging targets, include a single printed circuit board (PCB), an illumination light assembly supported by the PCB for illuminating a target, a single chassis mounted on the PCB, an imaging lens assembly supported by the chassis for capturing return light from the illuminated target, and a solid-state imager supported by the PCB for detecting the captured return light over a field of view, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured light. A controller is mounted on or off the imaging engine, and is operatively connected to, and controls the operation of, the imager and the illumination light assembly, for processing the electrical signal into data indicative of the target being imaged.

Abstract: A method of reading multiple two dimensional barcodes includes the steps of obtaining an image including a plurality of positioning patterns and the two dimensional barcodes, defining a reading area within the image according the positioning patterns, dividing the reading area into a plurality of reading blocks, which contain the two dimensional barcodes, respectively, and reading the two dimensional barcodes in the reading blocks individually.

Abstract: The method includes automatically adjusting a first control parameter in a device for capturing a first plurality of images, automatically adjusting a second control parameter in the device for capturing a second plurality of images such that automatic adjustment of the first control parameter is interspersed with, separate from, and obtained generally concurrently with the automatic adjustment of the second control parameter. The adjustment of the first control parameter being determined differently compared to adjustment of the second control parameter. The method may include attempting to decode a decodable indicia utilizing one or more images of the first and second plurality of images.

Abstract: A method of using a machine-readable code to extract information includes using an image-capture device to capture a digital image of a machine-readable code encoding information wherein the image-capture device is positioned at any of a plurality of angles relative to the machine-readable code; using a processor to extract the information encoded in the machine-readable code; using the processor to analyze the captured digital image of the machine-readable code and calculate the relative positioned angle at which the image-capture device was positioned when the image-capture device captured the digital image of the machine-readable code; and using the processor and the calculated relative positioned angle to determine information.

Abstract: Presented herein is a modular analyte measurement system. The analyte measurement system includes an analyte meter and at least one modular attachment. In one embodiment, a modular attachment is provided to communicate with, and transmit/receive data from, one or more medication delivery device. Embodiments of the present invention relate to modular components of the analyte measurement system.

Abstract: Methods for using an optical indicia reading terminal including a housing, a multiple pixel image sensor disposed within the housing, an imaging lens assembly configured to focus an image of decodable indicia on the image sensor, an optical bandpass filter disposed in an optical path of light incident on the image sensor, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal read out of the image sensor into a digital signal representative of the analog signal, and processor configured to output a decoded message data corresponding to the decodable indicia by processing the digital signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an indicia reading terminal that is operatively configured to decode visible and non-visible decodable indicia. The terminal can comprise an excitation illumination module for illuminating the decodable indicia with light that has a wavelength selected so as to permit the decodable indicia to emit light. The terminal can also comprise a filter module with an optical filter that has filter regions configured to pass certain wavelengths of light. The terminal can also comprise an image sensor module with an image sensor located so as to receive light emitted from the decodable indicia from the filter region.