Abstract: Provided is a method for marking an item comprising the steps of providing a first predetermined marking on the item; providing a second predetermined marking on the item at least partially overlapping with the first marking; and determining information dependent on a relationship between the first marking provided on the item and the second marking provided on the item. Further is provided an apparatus for providing a marking on an item, an apparatus for reading a marking on an item, a computer program, and a computer program product.

Abstract: An illumination device for an optical system of a reader apparatus, comprising a light source (3) disposed concentrically around an annular hollow body (2), an external light reflector (5) for redirecting light to illuminate a zone at its distal end (5b), and a reflector element (8) with a mirror finish outer surface (8a). The internal wall (6) of the external light reflector (5) is made of reflective material, having a first portion (6a) with increasing cross sections from a proximal end (5a) to a first region (6b) with maximum cross section, and a second portion (6c) with decreasing cross sections from the first region (6b) to a second region (6d) with minimum cross section. The reflector element (8) is arranged in front of the light source (3) to redirect light towards the first portion (6a) of the external light reflector (5). The illumination device (1) achieves, in a reduced space, high optical efficiency and uniform illumination on the mark to read, avoiding specular reflection.

Abstract: An illumination device for an optical system of a reader apparatus, comprising a light source (3) disposed concentrically around an annular hollow body (2), an external light reflector (5) for redirecting light to illuminate a zone at its distal end (5b), and a reflector element (8) with a mirror finish outer surface (8a). The internal wall (6) of the external light reflector (5) is made of reflective material, having a first portion (6a) with increasing cross sections from a proximal end (5a) to a first region (6b) with maximum cross section, and a second portion (6c) with decreasing cross sections from the first region (6b) to a second region (6d) with minimum cross section. The reflector element (8) is arranged in front of the light source (3) to redirect light towards the first portion (6a) of the external light reflector (5). The illumination device (1) achieves, in a reduced space, high optical efficiency and uniform illumination on the mark to read, avoiding specular reflection.

Abstract: Provided is a method for marking an item comprising the steps of providing a first predetermined marking on the item; providing a second predetermined marking on the item at least partially overlapping with the first marking; and determining information dependent on a relationship between the first marking provided on the item and the second marking provided on the item.

Abstract: A printing ink having a first fluorescent dye acting as donor and a second fluorescent dye acting as acceptor. The first fluorescent dye, upon excitation by electromagnetic radiation falling within an excitation wavelength range ?1a of the first fluorescent dye, is capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation in at least one first emission wavelength range ?1e, said first emission wavelength range ?1e of the first fluorescent dye overlapping with at least one excitation wavelength range ?2a of the second fluorescent dye, to thereby excite the second fluorescent dye to emit electromagnetic radiation in a second emission wavelength range ?2e.

Abstract: A method for identifying a one- or two-dimensional barcode in input image data, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining first image data of a first image of the object, said first image being acquired using a first illumination wavelength; obtaining second image data of a second image of the object, said second image being acquired using a second illumination wavelength being different from said first illumination wavelength; calculating a weighting factor based on a statistical processing of pixel values of the first image data and pixel values of the second image data; and generating third image data by calculating a weighted combination using the pixel values of said first image data, the pixel values of said second image data, and said weighting factor.

Abstract: A method for identifying a one- or two-dimensional barcode in input image data, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining first image data of a first image of the object, said first image being acquired using a first illumination wavelength; obtaining second image data of a second image of the object, said second image being acquired using a second illumination wavelength being different from said first illumination wavelength; calculating a weighting factor based on a statistical processing of pixel values of the first image data and pixel values of the second image data; and generating third image data by calculating a weighted combination using the pixel values of said first image data, the pixel values of said second image data, and said weighting factor.