Abstract: A method for printing defect detection includes processing and analyzing a difference image obtained by comparing an image scanned with a verifier to a reference image. The detected defects are grouped, and the grouping is refined. Confidence level values are then assigned to the refined groups, and analysis is performed to determine if one or more servicing actions should be taken.

Abstract: Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a method that includes receiving a plurality of images from an image capturing unit. Thereafter, an image evaluation process is executed on each of plurality of sections in each of the plurality of images. The image evaluation process includes performing optical character recognition (OCR) on each of the plurality of sections in each of the plurality of images to generate text corresponding to the plurality of respective sections. Further, the image evaluation process includes querying a linguistic database to identify one or more errors in the generated text. Further, the method includes modifying one or more image characteristics of each of the plurality of images and repeating the execution of the image evaluation process on the modified plurality of images until at least the calculated statistical score is less than a pre-defined statistical score threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for error correction for machine-readable symbols having data codewords, and having error correction (EC) codewords derived from the data codewords and redundantly indicating the location and data contents of the data codewords. The symbols use Reed-Solomon (RS) error correction to retrieve damaged codewords. RS error correction normally requires two EC codewords to identify both the location and data contents of a data codeword. The present system and method perform optical contrast analysis on the codewords, identifying those codewords with the lowest contrast levels (that is, the least difference between the reflectance of the black or white cells and the black/white threshold). Codewords with the lowest contrast levels are flagged as optically ambiguous, thereby marking, in the EC equations, the locations of the codewords most like to be in error. As a result, only a single EC codeword is required to retrieve the data for a flagged data codeword.

Abstract: Methods of managing a fleet of devices are provided, as are methods for configuring a standby device for a job in a workflow environment, and methods for performing a job in a workflow environment. Device information is analyzed, such as information pertaining to verification systems. Device instructions are sent to various locations on a device network in response to a deviation from a parameter value having been detected. The deviation from the parameter value may correspond to printed media and/or indicia produced by one or more devices. A workflow device and a standby device are provided, and the workflow device sends configuration data to the standby device. The standby device installs configuration data and is introduced into the workflow environment.

Abstract: A method is provided for Optical Character Recognition (OCR). A plurality of OCR decoding results each having a plurality of positions is obtained from capturing and decoding a plurality of images of the same one or more OCR characters. A recognized character in each OCR decoding result is compared with the recognized character that occupies an identical position in each of the other OCR decoding results. A number of occurrences that each particular recognized character occupies the identical position in the plurality of OCR decoding results is calculated. An individual confidence score is assigned to each particular recognized character based on the number of occurrences, with a highest individual confidence score assigned to a particular recognized character having the greatest number of occurrences.

Abstract: Images of items are evaluated. A first image of the item, having a view of two or more of its surfaces, is captured at a first time. A measurement of at least one dimension of one or more of the surfaces is computed and stored. A second image of the item, having a view of at least one of the two or more surfaces, is captured at a second time, subsequent to the first time. A measurement of the dimension is then computed and compared to the stored first measurement. The computed measurement is evaluated based on the comparison.

Abstract: A printer-verifier is provided for printing and verifying a printed indicium. Printer-verifier includes imaging module for capturing image of printed indicium on print media, memory communicatively coupled to imaging module and configured to store print quality verification program, and processor communicatively coupled to memory. Processor is configured by print quality verification program to evaluate print quality of printed indicium, determine if print quality meets print quality standard, reject printed indicium on print media as rejected printed media when print quality does not meet print quality standard, and one of output location-specific feedback about rejected printed media or send a command signal to cutting device to destroy rejected printed media. Location-specific feedback is in same language as language associated with printer-verifier. A printer and methods for verifying the printed indicium are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for error correction for machine-readable symbols having data codewords, and having error correction (EC) codewords derived from the data codewords and redundantly indicating the location and data contents of the data codewords. The symbols use Reed-Solomon (RS) error correction to retrieve damaged codewords. RS error correction normally requires two EC codewords to identify both the location and data contents of a data codeword. The present system and method perform optical contrast analysis on the codewords, identifying those codewords with the lowest contrast levels. Codewords with the lowest contrast levels are flagged as optically ambiguous, thereby marking, in the EC equations, the locations of the codewords most like to be in error. As a result, only a single EC codeword is required to retrieve the data for a flagged data codeword.

Abstract: A method for template matching can include iteratively selecting a template set of points to project over a centerline of a candidate symbol; conducting a template matching analysis; assigning a score to each template set; and selecting a template set with a highest assigned score. For example, the score can depend on proximity of the template points to a center and/or boundaries of a principal tracing path of the symbol. Additionally, one or more template sets having a top rank can be selected for a secondary analysis of proximity of the template points to a boundary of a printing of the symbol. The method can further include using the template with the highest score to interpret the candidate symbol.

Abstract: A printer-verifier is provided for printing and verifying a printed indicium. Printer-verifier includes imaging module for capturing image of printed indicium on print media, memory communicatively coupled to imaging module and configured to store print quality verification program, and processor communicatively coupled to memory. Processor is configured by print quality verification program to evaluate print quality of printed indicium, determine if print quality meets print quality standard, reject printed indicium on print media as rejected printed media when print quality does not meet print quality standard, and one of output location-specific feedback about rejected printed media or send a command signal to cutting device to destroy rejected printed media. Location-specific feedback is in same language as language associated with printer-verifier. A printer and methods for verifying the printed indicium are also provided.

Abstract: Images of items are evaluated. A first image of the item, having a view of two or more of its surfaces, is captured at a first time. A measurement of at least one dimension of one or more of the surfaces is computed and stored. A second image of the item, having a view of at least one of the two or more surfaces, is captured at a second time, subsequent to the first time. A measurement of the dimension is then computed and compared to the stored first measurement. The computed measurement is evaluated based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to signal encoding for containers such as shipping boxes, food containers, wrapped items such as pallets. One aspect of the technology relates to an image processing method for determining spatial dimensions of an encoded surface. The method comprises: obtaining an image depicting the encoded surface, in which the encoded surface comprises one or more raw data signal tiles printed thereon, with each tile comprising a side length N in inches or centimeters; detecting each of the one or more raw data signal tiles from the obtained image; determining a total number of tiles in a vertical direction, and determining a total number of tiles in a horizontal direction; determining a height and length of the encoded surface by multiplying each of the total number of tiles in a vertical direction and the total number of tiles in a horizontal direction by the side length N. Other aspects are described as well.

Abstract: A mobile dimensioning device, i.e. a mobile dimensioner, is described that uses a dynamic accuracy while still being compatible with the NIST standard. Even if the accuracy division is dynamic and not predetermined, a mobile dimensioning device of the present invention reports the actual dimensioning prior to measurement capture and can therefore be certified and used in commercial transactions.

Abstract: A printer-verifier system for providing print quality feedback and controlling print quality is provided. The printer-verifier system may include a printing mechanism configured to print a machine-readable indicia on a print media; a verifier device configured to optically scan the machine-readable indicia; and a print quality monitoring device in electronic communication with the printing mechanism and the verifier device.

Abstract: A method for template matching can include iteratively selecting a template set of points to project over a centerline of a candidate symbol; conducting a template matching analysis; assigning a score to each template set; and selecting a template set with a highest assigned score. For example, the score can depend on proximity of the template points to a center and/or boundaries of a principal tracing path of the symbol. Additionally, one or more template sets having a top rank can be selected for a secondary analysis of proximity of the template points to a boundary of a printing of the symbol. The method can further include using the template with the highest score to interpret the candidate symbol.

Abstract: Techniques for characterizing an optical system (for example, a printer verifier) are provided. In this regard, the optical system may be characterized for scanning a printed image. The characterization of the optical system includes determining an effective aperture size of the optical system, and correspondingly an effective resolution at which the optical system can be configured to scan a portion of the printed image according to verification requirements.

Abstract: Methods of managing a fleet of devices are provided, as are methods for configuring a standby device for a job in a workflow environment, and methods for performing a job in a workflow environment. Device information is analyzed, such as information pertaining to verification systems. Device instructions are sent to various locations on a device network in response to a deviation from a parameter value having been detected. The deviation from the parameter value may correspond to printed media and/or indicia produced by one or more devices. A workflow device and a standby device are provided, and the workflow device sends configuration data to the standby device. The standby device installs configuration data and is introduced into the workflow environment.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods may use a low current power source to charge an intermediate storage unit, providing sufficient electric power to perform various device functions. A voltage of the intermediate storage unit may be monitored using a voltage monitoring circuit, and a primary storage unit may be charged using current from the intermediate storage unit when the voltage of the intermediate storage unit meets a threshold.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a print quality of a printed document that is printed by a printer is provided. The printer comprises a pre-print image scanner, a post-print image scanner, and a printhead disposed between the pre-print image scanner and the post-print image scanner. The method comprises generating a pre-printing image of a print media, generating the printed document, generating a post-printing image of the printed document, generating a validation image by comparing the post-printing image with the pre-printing image, and comparing the validation image with the source image.

Abstract: Techniques for characterizing an optical system (for example, a printer verifier) are provided. In this regard, the optical system may be characterized for scanning a printed image. The characterization of the optical system includes determining an effective aperture size of the optical system, and correspondingly an effective resolution at which the optical system can be configured to scan a portion of the printed image according to verification requirements.