Abstract: A programmable camera includes a camera control device, an optical sensor, a volatile data memory, a flash memory, and an interface to a data bus, e.g., a CAN bus. The camera is configured to optically receive and read in program data in a programming mode with the aid of an optical code, e.g., a barcode, and to program the flash memory using the received program data.

Abstract: A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products by splitting the field of view of each imager into a plurality of subfields that simultaneously extend through each window over regions of the product. A plurality of energizable illuminators, one for each subfield, illuminates each subfield with illumination light over an adjustable illumination time. The illumination light returned from the indicia in each subfield is captured along respective optical paths from each window to each imager. A plurality of exposure sensors, one for each subfield, and located externally of each imager, senses the returned illumination light in each subfield. A controller energizes each illuminator to illuminate each subfield, deenergizes each illuminator when the returned illumination light sensed by the respective exposure sensors exceeds a threshold, and processes the captured illumination light in at least one of the subfields.

Abstract: A structure (10) for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover (40) with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element (44) adjacent each opening (42) engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: A portable health data tool permits a health care provider to assimilate and display a plurality of health care data from a patient and to associate the data with patient identifying information all stored in a memory contained in the tool. The tool includes a code reader for reading patient information into the tool from a bar code or other coded tag. The tool is associated with a plurality of different data assimilation devices stored with the tool's housing, including but not limited to, instruments for measuring, temperature, blood pressure, two-finger or lead wire ECG data, pulse oximetry data, sound data and picture data obtained from an optional digital camera integrated within the housing. The tool further includes data receiver and/or transmitter ports, which may be wireless or cable ports, for transferring data between the health data tool and a separate computer system that stores patient records.

Abstract: A key fob includes a biometric sensor including a fingerprint area sensor having a surface for receiving a finger, and a controller includes at least one processor configured to authenticate a user of the key fob based on biometric information obtained with the biometric sensor and stored biometric information for an individual. The key fob includes a RF transmitter for communicating stored transaction information to a reader upon authentication of the user and a housing. The housing includes a base for supporting the biometric sensor and a cover sleeve slidably engaged with the base to allow for extension from and retraction into the sleeve by the base, thereby permitting selective exposure of the fingerprint area sensor under user actuation.

Abstract: A method for automatically sorting undeliverable as addressed (UAA) mail includes capturing an image of a first UAA mail piece with a camera connected to an automated mail sorter to create first image data, printing an id-tag on the mail piece, and classifying the first UAA mail piece as one of finalized or non-finalized. The method includes outputting a first label result to a label printer and printing a new label on the first UAA mail piece if the first UAA mail piece is classified as finalized.

Abstract: A method for locating an optical identification on a cuvette includes providing a cuvette comprising an axial locating bar with a fixed bar width with a fixed geometric relationship with an identification. A laboratory analyzer is provided comprising a cuvette chamber, a cuvette rotating device, and a digital camera with an axial resolution of more than 10 lines. The digital camera is associated with the cuvette chamber. At least four respective non-adjacent lines of the digital camera are read in. The identification is searched for. If at least three mutually successive read-in lines comprising approximately axially in-line reflection signals of the axial locating bar with the fixed bar width are registered, the cuvette is rotated by an angle corresponding to the fixed geometric relationship so that identification is aligned with the digital camera. The identification is read in by reading out a plurality of adjacent lines of the digital camera.

Abstract: Extracting card data comprises receiving, by one or more computing devices, a digital image of a card; perform an image recognition process on the digital representation of the card; identifying an image in the digital representation of the card; comparing the identified image to an image database comprising a plurality of images and determining that the identified image matches a stored image in the image database; determining a card type associated with the stored image and associating the card type with the card based on the determination that the identified image matches the stored image; and performing a particular optical character recognition algorithm on the digital representation of the card, the particular optical character recognition algorithm being based on the determined card type. Another example uses an issuer identification number to improve data extraction. Another example compares extracted data with user data to improve accuracy.

Abstract: An optical device has a tube including a tube wall defining a viewing bore. A light source is in communication with the viewing bore for illuminating an aim point visible in the viewing bore. A control system includes a circuit board supported by the tube exterior of the viewing bore. The control system is in communication with the light source for controlling brightness of the illuminated aim point. The control system includes a light sensor mounted to the circuit board and extending from the circuit board through the tube wall into the viewing bore for sensing light in the viewing bore.

Abstract: A data reader including one or more imagers or imager assemblies that capture two-dimensional images of an object disposed in a view volume, the data reader having fold mirrors and other component arrangement that enable compact and efficient component configuration.

Abstract: An optical code scanner is presented for assembling an image of a document from multiple images captured by the optical code scanner. A document is presented to the optical code scanner which captures multiple images where each image includes only a portion of the document. Once every part of the document has been captured in at least one image, the optical code scanner processes the images to generate a single image of the entire document.

Abstract: Color chart characterization and techniques related therewith are described herein. In an example, an image including a reproduction of a color chart may be received by a computing system. Data associated with the color chart may be received. The data is encoded in an encoding element located in a substrate including the color chart. The color chart may be automatically characterized based on the received data.

Abstract: Laser scanning module employing a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stationary stator structure. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a silicone frame having a pair of silicone torsional hinges (i.e. posts) aligned along a scan axis and a supported by a pair of support elements associated with the stator structure, to support the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly. When the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly is rotated about its scan axis, by forces generated by an electromagnetic coil structure acting on the permanent magnet mounted on silicone frame, the silicone torsional hinges are elastically distorted and generate linear restoring forces which return the rotor subassembly back to its home position about the scan axis.

Abstract: Differences in the output of the printed barcode caused by differences interpreting the barcode generating code of an application program are absorbed so that the barcode desired by the user can be printed. The printer driver 32 of the host computer 11 extracts the character data contained in plural blocks of input barcode generation data, combines the extracted character data to generate a character data array, and based on the generated character data array generates and outputs a single barcode generation command CMB to the printer 12.

Abstract: A barcode decoding method includes obtaining a plurality of scanning lines defining a second set of scanning lines which also comprises a predetermined scanning line. Each scanning line has a first set of pixels, each identified by a first and by a second index. The pixels that are part of the second set of scanning lines define a third set of pixels and, from the pixels of the third set of pixels, it is possible to select a fourth set of pixels to construct an oversampled profile of the barcode, ordering intensity values calculated from the intensity values of the pixels of the fourth set. The pixels of the fourth set include pixels of the predetermined scanning line and further pixels of the third set that do not belong to the predetermined scanning line, to obtain a subpixel resolution that is able to decode the barcode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to document processing, and more particularly to systems and methods that can utilize relative positions between the content of the document and a decodable indicia affixed to the document. In one embodiment, indicia reading terminals are provided that include an imaging module for capturing a frame of image data of a document. The document can include one or more decodable indicia such as a form barcode and various content fields, which delineate particular content of the document. The form barcode can include information respecting the form design and form design data. This information can be used to process the content of the document such as by providing coordinates or similar location and positioning metrics for use in processing the content of the document.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining the illumination field of view of a barcode reader. The method includes (1) generating an illumination with an illumination source; (2) directing the illumination with an illumination lens to pass through an aperture to generate an illumination pattern directed toward a target object and to define an illumination field of view with the aperture; and (3) focusing light reflected from the target object onto a photosensor array with an imaging lens in an imaging system.

Abstract: A method for retrieving information encoded in a structured illumination pattern including selecting an encoded structured illumination pattern having a variable intensity; providing an object with a surface having a 3D relief pattern; selecting at least one portion but not all of the object's surface including the 3D surface relief pattern; projecting the selected structured illumination pattern onto the selected portion of the surface; using a digital camera to capture an image of the reflected structured light pattern from the selected portion of the surface; storing the image in a memory; and processing the image of the detected reflected structured light pattern using a processor responsive to the detected reflected structured light pattern and the selected structured light pattern to retrieve the encoded information, wherein the encoded information is based on the geometrical and material properties of the 3D surface relief pattern and is distinct from the object, surface, or relief pattern.

Abstract: A reader device includes a mounting surface on which a passport with a page to be read is placed, a light source for illuminating the page to be read, and a camera for picking up an image of the page to be read. The light source is arranged outside a front area of the page to be read. The page to be read contains a near-edge code positioned close to an edge of the page to be read. The light source includes an infrared LED array and a white LED array. An infrared LED and a white LED included in the infrared LED array and the white LED array, respectively, and located at a near-edge code position corresponding to the near-edge code are arranged closer to the page to be read than the other infrared LEDs and white LEDs in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing sales or customer support using a telephone having a camera to capture at least a partial image of a product or service; wherein the at least partial image is used to select a database updated by one or more knowledgeable persons on the product or service.

Abstract: A checkout system for electro-optically reading targets includes a host, a workstation reader, and an auxiliary reader operatively connected to the workstation reader. The workstation reader captures data associated with the targets, and communicates its captured data with the host over a predetermined communications protocol. The auxiliary reader also captures data associated with the targets independently of the workstation reader. The workstation reader automatically integrates the auxiliary reader in the system by automatically detecting the protocol of the auxiliary reader, and by automatically configuring the detected protocol of the auxiliary reader to conform to the predetermined communications protocol of the workstation reader, thereby enabling the auxiliary reader to communicate its captured data with the host.

Abstract: A system for transferring medical data includes a computer network upon which an electronic medical record of a patient is stored. A mobile computer presents a bar code on a graphical display. A medical device is communicatively connected to a bar code scanner and receives patient information and mobile computer information from the bar code scanner. The medical device further performs a medical test to generate test result data. The test result data is transmitted to the mobile computer based upon the received mobile computer information. A method of medical data transfer includes receiving a medical data transfer request. A bar code is scanned to input the patient information and mobile computer information into the medical device. A medical test is performed with the medical device to produce test result data that is transmitted to the mobile computer based upon the mobile computer information.

Abstract: Validation of the identity of the user is performed with the use of a card associated with intelligence that identifies the user. Validation of the document involves one or more of: validating the presence of a signature; validating the amount of the monetary transaction document including a manual entry of the amount by the user; validating CAR against the LAR; and validating the banking system parameters and rules for the customer and/or the transaction. To assist in the automatic analysis of data on monetary transactional documents or on remittance documents, the user is prompted to provide a bounding box about the data. An image touch screen may be touched by the user to locate the bounding box and the user may magnify the data to fill the boundary box to exclude other data from analysis. After document and person validation, the system will dispense money or transfer monies to a savings account, a checking account, a smart card, or the like. The system will also write money orders or wire transfer money.

Abstract: An imaging lens assembly captures return light from a target, and projects the captured light onto a solid-state imager during electro-optical reading of the target. One plastic lens and one glass lens, together having a relatively low negative optical power, are situated at one side of an aperture stop. Another plastic lens and another glass lens, together having a relatively high positive optical power, are situated at the opposite side of the aperture stop. An aperture extends along an optical axis through the opposite sides. Each plastic lens is configured with opposite aspheric nearly concentric surfaces to widen and flatten the field of view of the imager, and to reduce sensitivity to manufacturing and assembly tolerances. A holder holds the lenses and the aperture stop in spaced relation along the optical axis relative to the imager.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reading a data pattern from or writing a data pattern to a storage medium are described. During reading a pattern retrieval stage retrieves a test pattern and the data pattern from the storage medium. A decoder, which is trained with pattern elements of the retrieved test pattern by a training stage, decodes the retrieved data pattern by performing a comparison between topologies of the retrieved data pattern and representative patterns derived from the test pattern during training of the decoder.

Abstract: A laser scanning system with sufficient power to drill very small holes or marks in materials. The holes or marks are so small that they cannot be seen with the human eye. These holes and marks can be arranged in an ID matrix barcode or other barcode that can be detected with a specially designed barcode reader.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an EIR device including a two-dimensional imaging device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to detecting a pre-defined pattern in a first plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, to store in the memory a point of origin equal to a first spatial position of the EIR terminal. The EIR terminal can be further configured, responsive to detecting a user interface command, to determine, based on a second plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, a second spatial position of the EIR terminal relative to the point of origin, and to acquire an image of the object. The EIR terminal can be further configured to determine the image scale factor based on at least the second spatial position.

Abstract: A method for decoding decodable indicia includes sensing the polarization of light from a plurality of orientations in connection with the decodable indicia, and controlling at least one of energizing an illumination subsystem based on the sensed polarization indicating a generally randomly polarized light, and inhibiting energization of the illumination subsystem based on the sensed polarization indicating a generally linearly polarized light. One or more images are captured, and an attempt is made to decode the decodable indicia using at least one of the one or more images.

Abstract: A connection setting method using a barcode pattern, a connection setting system and user equipment (UE) thereof are provided. The method includes the following steps. A connection application is installed in each of at least two pieces of UE respectively. First UE performs setting for connecting to an electronic device by a default mode and generates the barcode pattern accordingly. Then, an image capture unit of second UE is activated to capture the barcode pattern. The barcode pattern is analyzed by the connection application of the second UE, so as to obtain a plurality of parameters of connection setting in regard to the electronic device. Connection setting is performed automatically according to the parameters, such that the second UE connects to the electronic device and performs data transmission.

Abstract: A wireless Bluetooth® paired connection is established between a Bluetooth® module in an electro-optical, handheld reader and a Bluetooth® module in a mobile terminal via a human interface device (HID) profile. Data capture from a target is initiated upon one type of manual actuation, e.g., a single pull, of a trigger on the reader. A soft keyboard is caused to appear on a display on the terminal, either immediately, or after a predetermined event, after the establishment of the Bluetooth® paired connection. The soft keyboard is caused to disappear upon manual actuation of the trigger with a different type of manual actuation, e.g., a double pull, of the trigger. Another double pull of the trigger will cause the soft keyboard to reappear.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and software are disclosed for an adaptive video capture decode system that efficiently manages a stream of image frames between a device display screen and a processor performing decode attempts on decodable features in the image frames. In an illustrative embodiment, a device assigns frames of image data from a stream of frames of image data to either a display subsystem or a decode subsystem. The display subsystem is operative for rendering the frames of image data on a display screen. The decode subsystem is operative for receiving frames of image data and performing an attempted decode of a decodable indicia represented in at least one of the frames of image data. None of the frames of data are assigned to both the display subsystem and the decode subsystem.

Abstract: A decoder 20 of a code scanner 1 measures a distance to a baggage 4 based on a reflection light by the baggage 4 of a laser light 15a outputted by a laser light generator 15, which is detected by a CMOS image sensor 13, adjusts focus of a focus lens 11 and irradiation light amount of illumination by a pulse LED 14 at image pickup based on the measured distance, analyzes the image including a code symbol 5 on the baggage 4 whose image is picked up under conditions after the adjustments, and decodes information indicated by the code symbol.

Abstract: Coding flake or film including at least two chiral liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) layers with a first CLCP layer that has a first detectable parameter and a second CLCP layer including a second detectable parameter; at least one additional layer including a third detectable parameter, the at least one additional layer comprising a material that is not a chiral liquid crystal polymer; and wherein at least the third detectable parameter is different from each of the first detectable parameter and the second detectable parameter.

Abstract: A method for restoring an image of a blurred barcode includes capturing the image, restoring the image by selecting one Optical Transfer Function (OTF) in a database and performing deconvolution on the image, decoding the barcode in the restored image to return numbers represented by the barcode, and displaying the returned numbers.

Abstract: A checkout workstation includes a generally planar platter having a contact region, a generally horizontal window integrated with the platter, a data capture arrangement for capturing through the horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a support structure for supporting the platter in a generally horizontal plane on a plurality of bottom supports during product checkout. The bottom supports are asymmetrically mutually arranged about a periphery of the platter to enable the platter to tilt to a tilted plane that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane when a downward force is exerted on the contact region of the platter for cleaning the horizontal window.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code display system has a display unit which can display a two-dimensional code representing predetermined information by plural cells arrange in a matrix, and a control unit which changes the display form of the two-dimensional code. For example, after 0.5 second has elapsed since the display unit starts displaying the image of a logo mark, the control unit controls the display unit to change the display from the image of the logo mark to a two-dimensional code. After 2.0 seconds has elapsed since the display unit starts displaying the two-dimensional code, the control unit controls the display unit to change the display from the two-dimensional code to the image of the logo mark. By repeating such control, the control unit can control the display unit to display alternately the image of the logo mark and the two-dimensional code.

Abstract: Information is stored in an optical element in the form of a glass or plastic body embodied as spectacles lens, spectacles lens blank or spectacles lens semi-finished product. The information in the form of data is stored on or in the glass or plastic body by creating at least one marking with a marking system. The marking can be read by a reading apparatus. The marking system has an interface for reading information individualizing the optical element. The marking is created permanently by the marking system on or in the optical element at a definition point of a local body-specific coordinate system set by two points on or in the optical element. In this body coordinate system, the manufacturer specifies the position of the lens horizontal and/or the far and/or the near and/or the prism reference point.

Abstract: In a system and method of recognizing a barcode from a stream of video frames, a processor-implemented camera module receives a stream of video frames, with at least one video frame including a barcode. A processor-implemented barcode blur estimate module estimates an amount of defocus blur in a video frame. The processor-implemented barcode blur estimate module further estimates an identity of the barcode. A processor-implemented barcode localization module identifies a region of the video frame containing the barcode. A processor-implemented barcode geometric modeler module generates a geometric model of the barcode that includes an identified barcode deformity. A processor-implemented barcode decoder module decodes the barcode from the video frame using the estimated amount of defocus blur, the estimated identity of the barcode, and the geometric model of the barcode.

Abstract: A card reader for use with a card having a magnetic stripe may include a card path through which the card having the magnetic stripe is transferred, a magnetic head placed in the card path, and card position detecting sensors for detecting a position of the card. The card position detecting sensors may be located at positions where the magnetic stripe passes through in the card path.

Abstract: In a system and method of estimating and classifying a barcode using heuristic and statistical measures, a classification determination is generated for each of a plurality of estimated barcode digits that correspond to a decoded barcode estimation. The classification determination is selected from one of a first classification determination and a second classification determination. The first classification determinations among a plurality of estimation determinations are aggregated. The aggregated first classification determinations are compared to a first predetermined threshold to determine a validity of the decoded barcode estimation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing graphical indicators and interactive systems for utilizing the graphical indicators. On the surface of an object, visually negligible graphical indicators are provided. The graphical indicators and main information, i.e. text or pictures, co-exist on the surface of object. The graphical indicators do not interfere with the main information when the perception of human eyes are concerned. With the graphical indicators, further information other than the main information on the surface of object are carried. In addition to the main information on the surface of object, one is able to obtain additional information through an auxiliary electronic device or trigger an interactive operation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for electronically correcting votes made on voter-marked paper ballots. An optical scan system may image a paper ballot and allow vote modification by the voter following the imaging. Such a modification may be necessary, for example, if a voter has improperly voted (e.g., voted for two candidates for one office), if a definitive determination of the intention to cast a vote cannot be made (e.g., partially filed-in bubble associated with a candidate, erasure, stray marks), if a write-in candidate is included on the ballot, or if a voter has changed their mind or otherwise wishes to cast a different vote than initially indicated. After correction, the corrected ballot may be re-imaged.

Abstract: A reader device includes a mounting surface on which a passport with a page to be read is placed, a light source for illuminating the page to be read, and a camera for picking up an image of the page to be read. The light source is arranged outside a front area of the page to be read. The page to be read contains a near-edge code positioned close to an edge of the page to be read. The light source includes an infrared LED array and a white LED array. An infrared LED and a white LED included in the infrared LED array and the white LED array, respectively, and located at a near-edge code position corresponding to the near-edge code are arranged closer to the page to be read than the other infrared LEDs and white LEDs in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support, a multi-directional optical reader, and a control system. The multi-directional optical reader is secured to the patient support and configured to detect a first indicia having a predetermined pattern. The control system includes a processor in communication with the multi-directional optical reader, a transmitter in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory stores an identifier associated with the patient support apparatus. The processor receives a signal from the multi-directional optical reader indicative of data from the first indicia detected by the multi-directional optical detector. In response to receiving the signal, the processor performs a set of instructions.

Abstract: An optical indicia reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an image sensor integrated circuit including a two-dimensional image sensor, and a hand held housing encapsulating the two-dimensional image sensor. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to output a plurality of digital signals, each digital signal being representative of light incident on at least one pixel of the two-dimensional image sensor. The optical indicia reading terminal can be configured to store in the memory a frame of monochrome image data by selectively acquiring a plurality of luminance signals from the plurality of digital signals. Each luminance signal of the plurality of luminance signals can be representative of luminance of light incident on at least one pixel of the two-dimensional image sensor. The optical indicia reading terminal can be configured to process the frame of image data for decoding decodable indicia.

Abstract: A method and system to enable a laser scanner to scan specially-located segments of retro-reflective tape. The tape segments are adhered to an external aircraft surface such as the underside of a high-wing aircraft or the upper-side of a low-wing aircraft. The tape segments can be located in patterns similar to or identical to linear, matrix, or composite barcode patterns, such that they are readily decoded by processing means tailored for such decoding. The special locations of the tape segments take into account the angle between the normal to the surface and the line of sight from the scanner to the tape segments, as well as the distances from the scanner to the tape segments, such that the tape segments present to the scanner a decodable pattern. The pattern processing means can issue notifications that correspond to particular icing conditions. Edge detection target tape segments add additional capabilities.

Abstract: This invention relates primarily to a method and apparatus of visualization accomplished by utilizing an imaging device, whether as a dedicated apparatus or a standalone device such as a smartphone, or an imaging device connected to other devices such as to a personal computer with attached monitor. The imaging device of the visualization process and/or apparatus images and recognizes a machine-recognizable graphic, whether a machine-readable code or other mark or other recognizable feature and, based on instructions pre-loaded into the associated computing device, displays an image signaled by such instructions. The invention further allows the user to change the display through signals generated by the user by moving the imaging device in certain preprogrammed manners relative to the machine-recognizable graphic. The imaging device thereby becomes an input device for purposes of navigating and visualizing a wealth of details related to a base display such as a map.

Abstract: A biometric scanner comprising a fingerprint module, a first plurality of fingerprint sensors, and a sensor circuit within the fingerprint module. The first plurality of fingerprint sensors is ergonomically positioned on the fingerprint module to accommodate a second plurality of fingertips of a human hand. The sensor circuit is coupled to the first plurality of fingerprint sensors wherein fingerprints of the second plurality are captured simultaneously by the sensor circuit. A biometric scanner system and a method of manufacturing a biometric scanner are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing erroneous weighing of items such as by detecting items extending beyond a periphery of a weigh platter whereby in one configuration, the system employs a light guide for routing a light beam to a detector operative to detect interruption of the beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the platter. In another configuration, the scale includes a perimeter gap between the platter outer edge and scanner housing frame or checkout counter, a light beam directed angularly upward through the gap is partially obstructed by the frame and platter whereby light exits the gap forming a light plane, wherein an object placed on the platter extending across the gap intersects the light plane thus scattering light rays, some of which are sensed by a detector. Various indicators for alerting the operator of off-scale detection are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method read a target by capturing return light from the target with a solid-state monochrome imager operative for generating an output data stream in a monochrome format having a plurality of slots containing pixel data indicative of an image of the target, and with a color controller for receiving the output data stream in a color format different from the monochrome format. A converter circuit converts the monochrome format into the color format and includes an input formatter for formatting the output data stream to have additional slots, a buffer for receiving auxiliary pixel data related to the image of the target, and an output formatter for inserting the auxiliary pixel data from the buffer into the additional slots and for processing both the pixel data and the auxiliary pixel data to enhance the reading of the target.