Abstract: Methods and systems include using three-dimensional imaging apparatuses to capture three-dimensional images and analyze resulting three-dimensional image data to enhance captured two-dimensional images for scanning related processes such as object identification, symbology detection, object recognition model training, and identifying improper scan attempts or other actions performed by an operator. Imaging systems such as bi-optic readers, handheld scanners, and machine vision systems are described using three-dimensional imaging apparatuses and described capturing three-dimensional images and using with captured two-dimensional images.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device (1), comprising: a first housing section (3), a cover element (20) connected to the first housing section (3), a transparent and elastically expandable membrane (10) which is arranged in said first housing section (3), a container (2) having a volume (V), wherein the membrane (10) forms part of the container (2), and wherein said container (2) is arranged in said first housing section (3), a transparent fluid (F) residing in said volume (V) of the container (2), a lens shaping part (11) that is in contact with the membrane (10) for defining a curvature-adjustable area (10c) of the membrane (10), which area (10c) faces said cover element (20), a circumferential lens barrel (50) that holds at least one rigid lens (51) facing said container (2), wherein the lens barrel is arranged in said first housing section, an image sensor (52) facing the lens barrel and the container (2), a second housing section (4), wherein the image sensor is arranged on the second housing secti

Abstract: Various charcoal cartridges are provided herein, including a charcoal cartridge having a unitary charcoal slab and a combustible igniter layer extending across the unitary charcoal slab. In some instances, the charcoal cartridge may have a plurality of holes extending through the unitary charcoal slab and/or a flavor layer that includes wood chips.

Abstract: Systems and methods that comprise scanning, using a camera on a mobile electronic device, a target item coupled to a heating device. The heating device comprises: a transceiver that receives commands for controlling operations of the heating device to dispose of biohazard waste; and a target item that is coupled to or presented by the heating device, and includes heating device identification data. The methods also comprise: obtaining, using a mobile communication device including a circuit, the heating device identification data from the target item; accessing the heating device using the heating device identification data; and causing a graphical user interface to be presented that enables user-software interactions for communicating the commands from the mobile communication device to the heating device.

Abstract: An information presentation method according to the present disclosure includes: acquiring two or more monochrome images obtained by image-capturing a structure using a monochrome camera and one or more first color images obtained by image-capturing the structure using a color camera, the one or more first color images having a less amount of information than an amount of information of the two or more monochrome images; detecting a displacement that indicates a movement of the structure based on the two or more monochrome images; generating presentation information that includes one or more second color images that present information that indicates the displacement based on the two or more monochrome images and the one or more first color images; and outputting the presentation information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable or tuneable lens assembly where a deformable, non-fluid lens body is sandwiched between a bendable lens cover and a back window to form a lens. The lens assembly has an actuator system with a plurality of individually addressable actuators for applying force to the lens cover in direction along the optical axis to change an overall shape of the lens. The actuator system has a focus adjustment mode to adjust the optical power of the lens and an optical image stabilisation mode, which are configured to operate simultaneously by addressing each actuator to apply a force being at least substantially a sum of the forces that would be applied in these modes.

Abstract: An augmented reality system obtains sensor data depicting a first object in a scene. The identity of the first object is determined. The system estimates a size of the first object based on the determined identity. Based on the estimated size, the system estimates a scale of other objects depicted in the obtained sensor data. An augmented reality display is generated based at least in part on the size of a second object determined using the estimated scale.

Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating and/or inspecting one or more features of a unit under test (UUT) are disclosed herein. A system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a machine, one or more diffuser elements, and/or one or more light sources. The system can create and adjust brightfield illumination profiles (e.g., uniform, brightfield illumination profiles) on portions (e.g., on curved features) of the UUT by, for example, using the one or more light sources and/or the one or more diffuser elements to adjust diffuse and/or specular illumination projected onto the curved features of the UUT. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more darkfield light sources configured to project illumination onto second portions of the UUT to create a darkfield illumination profile. The system can capture data of the brightfield and/or darkfield illumination profiles and can thereby inspect portions of the UUT.

Abstract: A printing device prints an object on a medium by inkjet printing. The printing device includes: a glossy ink head that discharges ink droplets of a glossy ink having a glossy color; and a main scan driver that prompts the glossy ink head to perform main scans in which the glossy ink head discharges the ink droplets while moving in a predetermined main scanning direction. The glossy ink contains a glossy pigment. In the main scans, the glossy ink head discharges the ink droplets plural times while moving in the main scanning direction to form ink dots at positions on the medium aligned in the main scanning direction. The ink droplets discharged from the glossy ink head each have a volume constituting a size that allows for contact on the medium between any ones of dots formed in each one of the main scans.

Abstract: A scanning module (100) for a light scanner (99) comprises a base (141) and an interface element (142) which is configured to secure a mirror surface (151). The scanning module (100) also comprises at least one support element (101, 102) which extends between the base (141) and the interface element (142) and has an extension perpendicular to the mirror surface (151) which is no less than 0.7 mm. The base (141), the interface element (142) and the at least one support element (101) are integrally formed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a memory configured to store a scanned image obtained by scanning a document placement area, and a processor configured to detect an image of each original document from the scanned image, specify a placement state of each original document, and generate data in a data format corresponding to the placement state of each original document in the image.

Abstract: A method includes: determining, by a graphic code display device, a first tilted angle of an affine plane of the graphic code displayed by the graphic code display device relative to a horizontal plane; obtaining, by the graphic code display device, a prestored second tilted angle of a scanning window plane of a scanning device relative to the horizontal plane, wherein the graphic code is displayed for the scanning device to scan; and adjusting, by the graphic code display device according to the first tilted angle and the second tilted angle, the first tilted angle of the affine plane of the graphic code to reduce an angle between the affine plane of the graphic code and the scanning window plane of the scanning device. Adjusting the first tilted angle of the affine plane of the graphic code stretches the graphic code.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a barcode reader comprising a casing, a pane, the pane and casing defining an interior volume; a reading head, and a light source that is able to emit light beams. Each light source and the pane are arranged so that all the transmitted light beams emerge from an outer face of the pane with an angle (?) smaller than or equal to 35 degrees with said outer face. An inner face of the pane includes a peripheral entry face for incident beams, each light source being arranged opposite said peripheral face with its illumination direction perpendicular to said peripheral face, said peripheral face being inclined with respect to a direction normal to a plate of the pane and making up an angle (?) strictly larger than 48.19 degrees with said normal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterile surgical drape comprising a cover portion for a tracking reference array, wherein at least a part of the cover portion is formed inherently stable and has a form adapted to accommodate multiple tracking markers of a tracking reference array for computer-assisted surgery. Further, it relates to a surgical draping system and a medical navigation method using such a drape.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for wirelessly charging a barcode reader in a base station is disclosed. The barcode reader and base station each have an induction coil. The induction coil in the base station is electrically coupled to an electric power source, and generates an electromagnetic field. The induction coil in the barcode reader is electrically coupled to a power storage component. The barcode reader is configured to rest on the base station. When the barcode reader is resting on the base station, the induction coil in the barcode reader is exposed to the electromagnetic field, and a current is induced in the induction coil in the barcode reader. A positioning feature of the base station constrains movement of the barcode reader along a first plane, and permits rotation of the barcode reader about a vertical axis that is substantially normal to the first plane.

Abstract: An example system and method operate a wireless device in a first mode with power to operate a communication resource of the wireless device turned off. While operating the wireless device in the first mode, the system and method evaluates an attribute in a first portion of sensor data. Responsive to the evaluation of the attribute, the system and method transitions to the wireless device to operate in a second mode with power to operate the communication resource turned on. The system and method use the communication resource to establish a wireless connection and communicate packets via the wireless connection.

Abstract: A color image of a target is captured by a color sensor in an imaging reader. A color image processing pipeline processes the captured color image with a plurality of color image processing components to display the image of a target with high fidelity. One or more of the components are bypassed to decode the image of a symbol target to prevent degradation of reader performance.

Abstract: A contrast sensor for evaluating identification markings and a method of evaluating identification markings on detecting objects using a contrast sensor, having at least one light transmitter and at least one light receiver, with the light receiver having a single photodiode; having a control and evaluation unit for evaluating the light receiver signal of the light receiver, and having an output for a sensor signal that is formed by the control and evaluation unit on the basis of the light receiver signal, wherein the identification marking has lettering or a marking; an elongate illumination field is projected by the light transmitter onto a region of the identification marking narrow in the direction of movement; and the control and evaluation unit compares a reception signal sequence having a plurality of contrast transitions with a stored reception signal sequence and outputs the sensor signal in dependence on the comparison.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems involving sensor-equipped portable devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, are described. One particular embodiment decodes a digital watermark from imagery captured by the device and, by reference to watermark payload data, obtains salient point data corresponding to an object depicted in the imagery. Other embodiments obtain salient point data for an object through use of other technologies (e.g., NFC chips). The salient point data enables the device to interact with the object in a spatially-dependent manner. Many other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: A method may include displaying an image on an electronic device to a user of a system, the image comprising content downloaded from the system. The method may include determining a relationship between the content of the image and the user accessing the image based on information from the system, and then displaying an animation of panning the image. The panning of the image may include displaying at least a first portion of the image before a second portion of the image to the user accessing the image based on displaying a movement of the image that is determined based on the relationship between the content of the image and the user. The first portion of the image may be different from the second portion of the image.

Abstract: A code reader may include a housing configured to be adjustably oriented. The housing may include at least one orientation corresponding with a cleaning function. A scanner may be disposed within the housing, and be configured to scan a machine-readable indicia in a target area. An illumination source may be configured to emit an anti-microbial illumination. A processing unit may be in communication with the scanner and illumination source, and be configured to select the cleaning function to cause the illumination source to emit the anti-microbial illumination toward the target area to disinfect surfaces in the target area.

Abstract: A mobile device with wrist neutral data capture is provided. The device comprises: a housing; a data capture component configured to change an aiming pattern; a display; an orientation sensor configured to detect an orientation; one or more touch sensors at the housing; a memory storing wrist neutral touch data associated with a wrist neutral grip corresponding to predetermined grip position locations at the touch sensor(s); and a controller configured to: when touch data received at the touch sensor(s) matches the wrist neutral touch data stored in the memory, control the aiming pattern of the data capture component according to the orientation detected by the orientation sensor; and when the touch data does not match the wrist neutral touch data, control a notification device to provide an indicator of the housing being out of the wrist neutral grip.

Abstract: A system for confirming that a liquid product is to be dispensed into a storage tank from a tanker compartment before dispensing the liquid product is disclosed. A wand computing device generates a liquid product identification signal that identifies the liquid product contained in the storage tank when positioned within proximity of a storage tank tag associated with the storage tank. A dispense monitoring computing device attempts to match the liquid product identified by the liquid product identification signal to the liquid products identified as contained in tanker compartments. The dispense monitoring computing device generates a signal to notify the operator that an appropriate tanker compartment contains liquid product that is the same as the liquid product contained by the storage tank and can be dispensed into the storage tank when the liquid product contained by the storage tank matches the liquid product contained by the appropriate tanker compartment.

Abstract: This invention provides a data processing system located within a sterile field. The data processing system includes the elements of a computer with an image capture device configured to acquire information related to a unique device identifier positioned on a medical device located within a sterile field and a sterile enclosure configured to contain the computer with an imaging device. This invention, in one embodiment, provides a system for tracking, confirming and storing patient and procedure information using a unique device identifier hereinafter “a UDI”.

Abstract: A price tag assembly includes a price tag that may be attached to a shelf in a retail environment thereby facilitating the price tag to display a price of a corresponding item. A receiving unit is coupled to the price tag and the receiving unit selectively receives pricing information. The receiving unit displays a price of the corresponding item corresponding to the pricing information. In this way the receiving unit selectively alters the price displayed in accordance with the pricing information. A transmitting unit is provided and the transmitter is in discrete wireless communication with the receiving unit. In this way the transmitting unit selectively communicates the pricing information to the receiving unit. The transmitting unit is selectively placed in electrical communication with an extrinsic database thereby facilitating the transmitting unit to download the pricing information.

Abstract: This invention provides a data processing system located within a sterile field. The data processing system includes the elements of a computer with an image capture device configured to acquire information related to a unique device identifier positioned on a medical device located within a sterile field and a sterile enclosure configured to contain the computer with an imaging device. This invention, in one embodiment, provides a system for tracking, confirming and storing patient and procedure intimation using a unique device identifier hereinafter “a UDI”.

Abstract: An image display device according to the embodiment includes a display screen, an operation input unit, a control unit, and a notification unit. The display screen displays an image using a display mechanism in which scanning can be optically performed in a copy machine. The operation input unit is arranged at a position of being operated in a state in which a display screen is placed on a glass original document table so as to face the glass original document table of a copy machine, and receives an operation input of a user. When a plurality of images are set to display targets in the display screen, the control unit switches an image displayed on the display screen according to the operation input of a user with respect to the input operation unit. The notification unit notifies of switching of an image when the image displayed on the display screen is switched.

Abstract: A camera and drape assembly for use with tracking elements of a surgical system includes a camera unit and a drape covering the camera unit. The camera unit includes a casing presenting a face for facing the tracking elements. Optical sensors are supported by the casing and are exposed through the casing for detecting the tracking elements. The drape covers the camera unit such that light signals from the tracking elements can be received by the optical sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photosensitive printing form precursor and a method for forming a printing form from the precursor. The precursor includes a support and a layer of a photosensitive composition adjacent the support, in which at least one indicia is disposed between the support and the photosensitive layer. The indicia identifies the precursor, is retained throughout a multi-step process to convert the precursor into a printing form and in the end-use of the printing form.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating content is disclosed. A system and method also perform the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a capturing module that captures a live video of an image and an environment surrounding the image. The image has an embedded cryptographic representation of a code and the code corresponds to a unit of content. The apparatus includes a decoding module that decodes the embedded cryptographic representation of the code, a content retrieval module that retrieves the unit of content corresponding to the code from a storage location, and a display module that displays the unit of content on the live video of the image or the image environment.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an imaging apparatus having a lens assembly. The lens assembly can comprises a lens element having a first light transmissive substrate and a second light transmissive substrate, the first light transmissive substrate including a first electrode, the second light transmissive substrate including a second electrode. The lens element can further comprise liquid crystal material intermediate the first light transmissive substrate and the second light transmissive substrate.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an imaging apparatus having a lens assembly. The lens assembly can comprises a lens element having a first light transmissive substrate and a second light transmissive substrate, the first light transmissive substrate including a first electrode, the second light transmissive substrate including a second electrode. The lens element can further comprise liquid crystal material intermediate the first light transmissive substrate and the second light transmissive substrate.

Abstract: An indicia-reading system is provided that incorporates a hybrid approach to decoding indicia such as barcodes. An indicia-capturing subsystem acquires information about indicia within the indicia-capturing subsystem's field of view. An indicia-decoding module decodes indicia information acquired by the indicia-capturing subsystem. The indicia-decoding module includes a primary, basic signal processor for initially decoding indicia information, and a secondary, advanced signal processor for decoding indicia information that is not decoded by the primary, basic signal processor.

Abstract: A printer with integral scanner obtains a digital signature from an article as it is printed. The integral scanner has a coherent source which directs a light beam to illuminate the article and a detector arrangement to collect data points from light scattered from many different parts of the article to collect a large number of independent data points. The digital signature derived from the data points is stored in a database with an image of what was printed on the article. The authenticity of an article purported to be the originally printed article can be verified by scanning the purported genuine article to obtain its digital signature. The database is then searched, to establish whether there is a match. If a match is found, the image is displayed with the matched digital signature to allow a further visual check that the article is genuine.

Abstract: Machines, systems and methods for character recognition disambiguation are provided. The method comprises selecting a first set of characters that match a first visual profile based on results of a character recognition process applied to target content; selecting a subset of the first set based on criteria associated with at least one of confidence level with which characters grouped in the subset are recognized or fragmentation associated with the characters grouped in the subset; and disambiguating recognition results for the characters grouped in the subset by displaying the characters along with context information, wherein reviewing two or more of the characters on a display screen along with context information associated with said two or more characters allows a human operator to select one or more suspect characters from among the two or more characters.

Abstract: The invention discloses an authentication device for the visual authentication of a document or item comprising a circular polarizing security marking, said device comprising a light source and polarization filters for the either parallel or alternate illumination of said marking on said document with left- and right-circular polarized light. Corresponding methods for the visual and the automated authentication of the marking are disclosed as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security tag made unique by randomly distributing a mixture of large numbers of multicolored small objects, such as two colored glass balls, into a regular geometric array or pattern onto a substrate and encapsulating those objects. The objects in the regular array on the substrate will create a unique, non-reproducible pattern. The data, saved to a secure database, can be processed and calculated quantities can be derived from the field of binary data, which can be affixed to the document or manufactured part that the stamp is affixed to. The regular array can be read out by scanner, quantities calculated, and compared to the values printed on the part or document. Additionally, the regular array can be read out by optical scanner and parts or all of the data compared to the data stored in the secure database.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decoding and using data on cards are disclosed. According to one disclosed embodiment, a system for decoding and using data on cards includes: a network interface; a scanner configured to scan a passive data source on the identification card and transmit a scanner signal associated with the passive data source; a processor coupled to the scanner and the network interface, the processor configured to: receive the scanner signal; process the scanner signal and determine data stored in the passive data source.

Abstract: An accuracy-enhanced scanner provides (in response to a first user input) illumination of potential scan targets and scans (in response to a second user input) a selected scan target. The user uses the illumination to aim the scanner at the selected scan target in between providing the first and the second user inputs. The scanner has switches to communicate the user inputs, to specify an operating mode for the scanner, and/or to communicate information codes to a computing device. The scanner has one or more scan engines (such as a barcode reader or an RFID tag reader), and optionally communicates wirelessly with the computing device. A scanning system including the scanner optionally provides feedback to the user based on feedback from a host processor. The scanner is any of a Multi-Mode Ring Scanner (MMRS), a cordless hand scanner, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with an add-on scanner.

Abstract: An optical code scanner is presented that includes an improved user interface and an improved external computer interface. The user interface includes illumination devices that illuminate an air gap between the edges of a weigh plate and the top surface of the optical code scanner. The illumination devices provide guidance to the operator that allows the operator to optimize scanning performance. The external computer interface exposes controls that allow an external computer to determine what information is displayed to an operator.

Abstract: Machine-readable symbol readers and/or scan engines may subtractively impose an aiming pattern on an illumination field produced by a source of light or illumination. An optical component with a mask or filter are interposed in an optical path extending outwardly from the source of light or illumination. The mask or filter may have a defined shape or configuration to subtractively produce an aiming pattern with a desired shape or configuration. The mask or filter may, or may not, be wavelength selective or spectral. A wavelength selective mask or filter may produce an aiming pattern of a defined color, different from a color of an illumination field. Such may eliminate the need for a separate, distinct source of light or illumination for an aiming beam subsystem. The described structures and methods may reduce size, reduce parts count, and/or simplify manufacture.

Abstract: A computer system for decoding a signal of decodable indicia. The computer system includes a laser scanner configured that outputs a signal of decodable indicia and a microprocessor that include a camera sensor interface that is configured to receive the signal from the laser scanner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport unit for conveying items to a scanning unit or a self-service cash register system with a belt conveyor for transporting the items in a transport direction and with a marking unit assigned to the belt conveyor for identifying placement areas open for the placement of items on an item placement surface of the belt conveyor, where a detection unit is assigned to the belt conveyor for detecting a rear edge of the items, and a control unit cooperates in such a manner with the marking unit and the detection unit, and a restricted area not open for the placement of items is formed between a front placement surface, and a rear placement surface where the front face of said area, is defined by the rear edge of the item assigned to the front placement area.

Abstract: A signal is provided in response to moving contact of a device with an object. Electronic circuitry transitions from an inactive state to an active state in response to the signal and scans a machine-readable code borne by the object. A data signal including or encoding the machine-readable code is provided. The electronic circuitry may transition from the active state back to the inactive state after the data signal has been provided and the present code scanning operation is complete. Power consumption by code scanner devices, user input stylus, or other apparatus is reduced accordingly.

Abstract: A method of capturing an image on a surface of an object by line sensor(s), wherein consecutive line images are taken from a plurality of surfaces or surface portions having a different inclination to a given reference plane with a predetermined frequency during a relative movement of the object with regard to the line sensor(s) and a two-dimensional first image of the surfaces or surface portions is formed from these line images, includes resampling the two-dimensional first image so as to reduce the surface resolution of an image or of images of one or more surfaces or surface portions with regard to a direction oblique to the direction of the lines corresponding to consecutive line images taken by a line sensor in such a way that differences in the surface resolution of images of surfaces or surface portions with different inclination to the reference plane are reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A printer with integral scanner for obtaining a digital signature from a sheet of paper or other article as it is printed. The integral scanner has a coherent source which directs a light beam to illuminate the article and a detector arrangement to collect data points from light scattered from many different parts of the article to collect a large number of independent data points, typically 500 or more. The digital signature derived from the data points is stored in a database with an image of what was printed on the article. At a later time, the authenticity of an article purported to be the originally printed article can be verified by scanning the purported genuine article to obtain its digital signature. The database is then searched, to establish whether there is a match. If a match is found, the image stored in the database with the matched digital signature is displayed to the user to allow a further visual check that the article is genuine.

Abstract: A remote control device with excellent convenience, operability, and affinity, which can be intuitively operated and does not require much time to learn its operation, is provided.

Abstract: A terminal for decoding decodable indicia includes a plenoptic imaging subsystem comprising an image sensor array and plenoptic imaging optics operable to project a plenoptic image of a space containing the decodable indicia onto the image sensor array, a hand held housing encapsulating a least a portion of the plenoptic imaging subsystem, a trigger for initiating operation of the plenoptic imaging subsystem to obtain plenoptic image data of the decodable indicia, and an illumination source for projecting illumination onto the decodable indicia; an aimer for projecting an aimer pattern onto the decodable indicia. The terminal is operable, responsive to detecting that the trigger has been actuated by an operator, to obtain plenoptic image data from the image sensor array, to obtain first rendered image data based on at least a portion of the plenoptic image data, and to attempt to decode the decodable indicia represented in the rendered image data.

Abstract: A code reading device includes a neighbor searching and voting unit that, for each of a part of dot marks located in a matrix displaced from virtual lattice points, votes on coordinate values of four neighboring dot marks, using each of the part of the dot marks as a reference point, in a plane; a direction detecting unit that determines first and second directions from the voting results; an order determining unit that determines a raster order for the part of the dot marks based on the directions; and a code detecting unit that detects a relative position of each of lattice points determined based on coordinate values of the part of the dot marks and the raster order, to a closest dot mark among the part of the dot marks according to the raster order, thereby encoding the part of the dot marks to provide the positional information.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor with programmable sensing patterns is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a fingerprint sensing circuit having multiple I/O interconnects. The I/O interconnects are configured to sequentially drive a plurality of fingerprint sensing elements. A memory device may be operably coupled to the fingerprint sensing circuit. A programmable data structure, such as a table, file, character string, numeric value, array, or the like may be stored in the memory device to designate a pattern for driving the fingerprint sensing elements. The fingerprint sensing circuit is configured to drive the fingerprint sensing elements according to the designated pattern. In selected embodiments, the fingerprint sensing elements may include transmitting elements, receiving elements, or a combination thereof.