Abstract: A method for displaying live video of a tooth identifies a tooth tissue region in a viewable image frame obtained from a video stream and processes pixel data within the tooth tissue region to identify a suspected caries site. Intensity values for pixels that correspond to the suspected caries site are modified and a highlighted viewable image frame is formed as a combination of the modified intensity values corresponding to the suspected caries site and other pixel values in the viewable image frame. The highlighted viewable image frame is displayed in video form.

Abstract: A method for authenticating security markers includes capturing an image of a region of interest on a product with a camera; storing image data in a two-dimensional array on a microprocessor; counting a number of pixels at or above a predetermined brightness level in the image data with the microprocessor to determine a first score; establishing an area within the image; counting a number of pixels within the area to determine a second score; calculating a ratio of the second score to the first score; and if the ratio is above a predetermined threshold the security marker is authenticated.

Abstract: A method for detecting authorized security markers includes capturing an image of a region of interest on a product with a camera; storing image data in a two-dimensional array on a microprocessor; counting a number of pixels at or above a predetermined brightness level in the image data with the microprocessor to determine a first score; eroding the image data; counting the pixels which remain at or above the predetermined brightness level after erosion to determine a second score; calculating a ratio of the second score to the first score; and producing a first authentication signal if the ratio meets a first predetermined criteria.

Abstract: An apparatus for eliminating background noise from a security marker authenticating system including a first sensor for capturing an image of a background of the security marker; a light source for illuminating the security marker; the first sensor or a second sensor or both captures a plurality images of the optical response of the security marker; a computer which averages the plurality of optical response images; the computer smoothes the background image; and the computer subtracts the smoothed background image from the average of the plurality of optical response images.

Abstract: A method of eliminating background noise from a system for authenticating security markers includes capturing an image of a background of the security marker; illuminating the security marker; capturing a plurality of images of the optical response of the security marker; averaging the plurality of optical response images; smoothing the background image; and subtracting the smoothed background image from the average of the plurality of optical response images.

Abstract: A method for authenticating security markers includes capturing an image of a region of interest on a product with a camera; storing image data in a two-dimensional array on a microprocessor; counting a number of pixels at or above a predetermined brightness level in the image data with the microprocessor to determine a first score; establishing an area within the image; counting a number of pixels within the area to determine a second score; calculating a ratio of the second score to the first score; and if the ratio is above a predetermined threshold the security marker is authenticated.

Abstract: An apparatus for eliminating background noise from a security marker authenticating system including a first sensor for capturing an image of a background of the security marker; a light source for illuminating the security marker; the first sensor or a second sensor or both captures a plurality images of the optical response of the security marker; a computer which averages the plurality of optical response images; the computer smoothes the background image; and the computer subtracts the smoothed background image from the average of the plurality of optical response images.

Abstract: A method for detecting authorized security markers includes capturing an image of a region of interest on a product with a camera; storing image data in a two-dimensional array on a microprocessor; counting a number of pixels at or above a predetermined brightness level in the image data with the microprocessor to determine a first score; eroding the image data; counting the pixels which remain at or above the predetermined brightness level after erosion to determine a second score; calculating a ratio of the second score to the first score; and producing a first authentication signal if the ratio meets a first predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A method of eliminating background noise from a system for authenticating security markers includes capturing an image of a background of the security marker; illuminating the security marker; capturing a plurality of images of the optical response of the security marker; averaging the plurality of optical response images; smoothing the background image; and subtracting the smoothed background image from the average of the plurality of optical response images.

Abstract: A method for displaying live video of a tooth identifies a tooth tissue region in a viewable image frame obtained from a video stream and processes pixel data within the tooth tissue region to identify a suspected caries site. Intensity values for pixels that correspond to the suspected caries site are modified and a highlighted viewable image frame is formed as a combination of the modified intensity values corresponding to the suspected caries site and other pixel values in the viewable image frame. The highlighted viewable image frame is displayed in video form.

Abstract: A docking station for reading and writing an electronically writable return reminder tag located on a surface of a rental item, the rental item or the return reminder tag having locating features and the return reminder tag including an electronically writable bistable display, a machine readable code identifying the rental item, and a plurality of conductive pads located on the front side of the tag for writing to the display, includes a body defining complementary locating features for locating the rental item bearing the return reminder tag with respect to the docking station; a scanner for scanning the machine readable code on the return reminder tag; and a plurality of contact pins for contacting the conductive pads of the return reminder tag.

Abstract: A docking station for reading and writing an electronically writable return reminder tag located on a surface of a rental item, the rental item or the return reminder tag having locating features and the return reminder tag including an electronically writable bistable display, a machine readable code identifying the rental item, and a plurality of conductive pads located on the front side of the tag for writing to the display, includes a body defining complementary locating features for locating the rental item bearing the return reminder tag with respect to the docking station; a scanner for scanning the machine readable code on the return reminder tag; and a plurality of contact pins for contacting the conductive pads of the return reminder tag.