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: An automated system can be used for tracking facade elements such as panels, glazing, or related structures, such as to help facilitate processing (e.g., fabrication) of such elements. Such a system can also facilitate management of other aspects of a life-cycle of a facade element, such as including one or more of design management or field monitoring. Such a system can include generating a unique identifier that is specific to a particular article, such as a panel or frame member, for example. Such a unique identifier can be used to track the article through the fabrication process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an acquirer, a storage, and a controller. The acquirer acquires supplies-specific information uniquely attached to supplies used or consumed in image formation. The storage stores apparatus-specific information. The controller generates a one-time code as authentication information and also generates application code information for applying for apparatus use permission using the one-time code, the supplies-specific information, and the apparatus-specific information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for three-dimensional imaging are disclosed. A three-dimensional imaging system may include a light source to emit a light pulse. The divergence of the light pulse may be configurable by the system. For example, the system may also include a receiving lens having a field of view and configured to receive a portion of the light pulse reflected or scattered by a scene. The system may configure the light source so that the divergence of the light pulse matches or approximates the field of view of the receiving lens.

Abstract: This application discloses method, an apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device for bar code generation and display. The method includes: obtaining a target code by compiling a source code, the target code being self-contained executable code comprising target computer readable instructions and comprising logic functions, wherein the target computer readable instructions are executable by a processor; and generating a target bar code embedded with the target code by encoding the target code, wherein the target code comprises at least one of the following logical functions: a first logical function for allowing a scanning device with a read permission to run the target code, a second logical function for allowing the target code to be run within a validity period, and a third logical function for calling and configuring target hardware in the scanning device to execute a target operation.

Abstract: There is provided a media player device for use with a text medium having a plurality of pages each having a plurality of words, the media player device comprising an audio output, a memory storing a text medium application software; and a processor configured to execute the text medium application software to receive a first signal emitted from a wireless communication element embedded in the text medium, the first signal including a text medium ID uniquely identifying the text medium, and play an audio, via the audio output and in response to receiving the text medium ID, wherein the audio corresponds to the text medium ID and the audio pronounces the plurality of words in a same sequence appearing in each of the plurality of pages.

Abstract: A computer program product includes a non-volatile computer readable medium and non-transitory program instructions embodied therein, the program instructions being configured to be executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform various operations. The operations may include obtaining first encoded data that encodes information of a first party, obtaining second encoded data that encodes information of a second party, performing a forward mashup algorithm on the first encoded data and second encoded data to form a third data set, and providing the third data set to the first party as a mashup two-dimensional barcode.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a communication system where a user can use a smart phone to scan a tag, such as a QR code, to retrieve a weblink. The weblink is unique and associated with the location of the tag, which may also be the location of an unpersonalised device, such as a video projector or other A/V equipment. Therefore, when the mobile phone connects to the weblink, the webserver can retrieve information associated with this particular unique code. This information is now specific to the location of the tag and may even include information about the unpersonalised device. The operator receives the information when the communication channel is established and therefore knows exactly what the subject of the call will be. Further, the call can be automatically routed to the most appropriate operator without audio menus to be navigated by the user.

Abstract: A multi-function transaction card may include a card body having dimensions that are in accordance with a standard for transaction cards, an output device on the card body, and a secure element within the card body. The multi-function transaction card may pair, via a wireless connection, the multi-function transaction card with a terminal. The multi-function transaction card may receive, from the terminal, information associated with a transaction. The multi-function transaction card may generate, based on the information associated with the transaction, and using a cryptographic key, an authorization request cryptogram (ARQC), wherein the cryptographic key is stored in the secure element. The multi-function transaction card may generate, based on the ARQC, a machine-readable code. The multi-function transaction card may display, using the output device, the machine-readable code.

Abstract: Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft can provide opportunities to incorporate aerial transportation into transportation networks for cities and metropolitan areas. However, VTOL aircraft can be sensitive to uneven weight distributions, e.g., the payload of an aircraft is primarily loaded in the front, back, left, or right. When the aircraft is loaded unevenly, the center of mass of the aircraft may shift substantially enough to negatively impact performance of the aircraft. Thus, in turn, there is an opportunity that the VTOL may be loaded unevenly if seating and/or luggage placement is not coordinated. Among other advantages, dynamically assigning the VTOL aircraft payloads can increase VTOL safety by ensuring the VTOL aircraft is loaded evenly and meets all weight requirements; can increase transportation efficiency by increasing rider throughput; and can increase the availability of the VTOL services to all potential riders.

Abstract: Systems and methods for user choice of barcode scanning ranges are provided. This is achieved through the identification of a predetermined pixel-per-module threshold range. The pixel-per-module of a barcode being read by a reader is compared to the predetermined pixel-per-module threshold range, and a successful decode of the barcode is carried out only if the pixel-per-module of the barcode falls within the predetermined range. Thus, a user may select a desired reading distance range such that barcodes within a working distance range may not generate successful decodes if such barcodes are outside of the desired reading distance range.

Abstract: A system including a deck of playing cards. A randomly generated number is printed on each playing card in the deck. An activation device is also provided, which contains a data file of each randomly generated number of the playing cards in the deck, and the order of each playing card in the deck. A playing card dealing shoe is also provided. The shoe includes a sensor for detecting the randomly generated number on a playing card as the playing card is drawn from the shoe. The shoe is associated with a processor, which is in communication with the sensor and the activation device to receive information therefrom. The processor determines whether a playing card drawn from the shoe is expected based on the information from the sensor and the activation device, and disables the shoe when the drawn playing card is not the expected playing card.

Abstract: Technology for generating, reading, and using machine-readable codes is disclosed. There is a method, performed by an image capture device, for reading and using the codes. The method includes obtaining an image, identifying an area in the image having a machine-readable code. The method also includes, within the image area, finding a predefined start marker defining a start point and a predefined stop marker defining a stop point, an axis being defined there between. A plurality of axis points can be defined along the axis. For each axis point, a first distance within the image area to a mark is determined. The distance can be measured from the axis point in a first direction which is orthogonal to the axis. The first distances can be converted to a binary code using Gray code such that each first distance encodes at least one bit of data in the code.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to imaging devices and indicia reading devices. An imaging apparatus comprises an image sensor, an optical window positioned in front of the image sensor and a light source enclosing a perimeter of the optical window such that an illumination cone of the light source overlaps a portion of a near field of view cone of the imaging apparatus. The portion of the near field of view cone extends from a surface of the optical window to a threshold distance from the optical window. The light source is configured to produce a first illumination along a first direction extending towards a scene to be imaged.

Abstract: A transparent substrate that encodes data therein having optically readable identification indicia corresponding to identifying information regarding the substrate. The optically readable identification indicia may be readable from the transparent substrate by altering the reflectivity of the transparent substrate in indicia portions that may be read by a scanner or reader (e.g., a barcode reader). The optically readable identification indicia may be provided on a common surface with a data zone in which data is encoded in the transparent substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the optically readable identification indicia may be provided on another, different surface than the surface on which the data is encoded in a data zone.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing content associated with an information item on a distribution item using a computing device. In one aspect a method includes identifying an image of an information item on a distribution item. The method further includes processing, in a processor the image, to generate a data item determined by the information item. The method further includes decoding the data item to determine a set of attributes of the distribution item. The method further includes retrieving content associated with the distribution item using at least one of the attributes in the set of attributes. The method further includes delivering content associated with the distribution item.

Abstract: A marking system (1) for marking a marking object (2) comprises a marking device (13) for attaching a marking (20) on a marking object (2), a detection device (15, 16) for detecting identification information (300) associated with the marking object (2), and a control device (10) for controlling the marking device (13), the control device (10) being designed to authenticate identification information (300) detected by the detection device (15, 16) and to control the marking device (13) on the basis of the authentication. In this way, a marking system for marking a marking object is provided, which makes reliable marking of permitted marking objects possible.

Abstract: A symbol reading device includes a reading unit to read a code symbol attached to a commodity and a control unit. The control unit is configured to determine whether start button or the like for the reading unit has been pressed, allow the reading unit to read a first symbol within a first predetermined time after pressing of the button, and allow the reading unit to read a second symbol within a second predetermined time if the reading unit reads the first symbol. Registration processing is executed based on the first symbol and the second symbol when read. Symbol reading is ended when either the reading unit does not read the first symbol within the first predetermined time or the reading unit does not read the second symbol within second predetermined time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in facilitating fund transfers between source accounts and destination accounts. One exemplary method includes capturing a computer-readable indicia representative of: a destination account identifier specific to a destination account of a first party and a name of the first party associated with the destination account and, in response to the captured indicia, displaying the name of the first party as a confirmation that the first party is associated with the destination account. The method also includes identifying a source account identifier associated with a source account based on a selection of the source account or on the source account being a default account, and compiling and transmitting a transfer request for a fund transfer based on: the destination account identifier, the source account identifier associated with the identified source account, and a payment amount for the fund transfer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using barcodes to determine item dimensions are disclosed herein. An example method includes a scanner identifying a barcode in an image of an object, and determining a datum associated with the barcode. A physical feature of the object located outside of the barcode is identified. A comparison of the datum associated with the barcode to the physical feature is made; and, in response, at least one dimension of the object is determined.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a self-checkout system including a base and a scan gate extending over at least a portion of the base, the scan gate having a field of view that encompasses 360-degree coverage of the items such that the scan gate is able to obtain and read encoded data on any surface of the item passing through the scan gate. The base may include one or more rails positioned along the periphery to help retain items on the surface of the base once they have been passed through the scan gate.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, a wireless communication card and a wiring structure of an identification mark are provided. The integrated circuit includes a power supply wiring, a ground wiring and at least one identification mark pattern. Each identification mark pattern has a first conductive wiring and a second conductive wiring that overlap each other, wherein the first conductive wiring is electrically connected to the power wiring, and the second conductive wiring is electrically connected to the ground wiring.

Abstract: In some examples, a movement range indicating a geospatial boundary for executing delivery of a package including a delivery tag may be received by a user device. The delivery tag can include a modifiable display area including first identification information. Location information related to the user device or related to the delivery tag can also be received. A position of the user device or the delivery tag with respect to the geospatial boundary can be determined. Based on the position, the modifiable display area of the delivery tag can be modified to include second identification information.

Abstract: The first image data is converted into the second image data defined by a color space that depends on an output apparatus that outputs image data. Additional information is multiplexed on the converted second image data by using a multiplex parameter.

Abstract: Provided is a Device, a System, applications and an associated Ecosystem for the consistent and reliable production, creation, generation, management and utilization of two-dimensional (‘2D’) barcodes (‘Codes’) featuring embedded Images, designating the alignment position and alignment size of the embedding Images in 2D Codes and enabling the corresponding outputted Code files by the Device System to be downloaded and or showcased digitally within all forms of digital advertising, media, television, mobile telephony and the world wide web as well as integrated with the production processes for consumer products and packaged goods, printed products, merchandise and other items featuring such 2D Codes creating a public telecommunications platform and or private intranet services featuring a searchable database, directory and or registry of the 2D Codes with embedded Images that have been created by, produced by and outputted by the Device or System.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, data is exchanged between two devices where the transmitting device displays a barcode (e.g., a Quick Response “QR” code) and the receiving device captures the barcode with a camera. Each of the devices may alternate between being the transmitting device and the receiving device. Therefore, bidirectional exchange of data between the devices can be achieved. No electrical or radio connections, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cables, or the Internet, etc., are required between the devices for the transmission to take place.

Abstract: An engagement by a user with respect to an interactive component is detected. The interactive component is embedded in a first display area of an electronic device. The first display area displays a plurality of fields of an online merchant checkout page. A second display area is launched in response to the detected engagement of the interactive component. The second display area contains information with respect to a payment provider. User input is received via the second display area. The user input contains information regarding an account that the user has with the payment provider. The user is authenticated based on the user input. User account information pertaining to the payment provider is accessed. At least a portion of the user account information is tokenized. At least one of the fields of the online merchant checkout page is automatically populated with the tokenized portion of the user account information.

Abstract: A method for reading optical codes (12) with distortions caused by an uneven background of the code (12), the method comprising the steps of acquiring image data including the code (12), locating a region including the code (12) in the image data, and reading the code content of the code (12) from image data in the region, wherein the code (12) is read from image data at sampling points arranged in a sampling pattern corresponding to the distortions.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a connector recording system or platform that includes a recording system designed to interact with a connector system to read an indicia and then transfer, store, and display information associated with the positioning of the connector system in the installed component or device. The connector system includes a male housing assembly, a female housing assembly coupled to the male housing assembly in a connected state, and a connector position assurance assembly with the indicia and a locking member that is movable between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the locking member secures the male housing assembly to the female housing assembly and the indicia can be read by the scanner to signal that the connector position assurance assembly is in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the indicia is in a state that does not allow the scanner to obtain information from the indicia.

Abstract: Techniques for token-based control of item transport operations are described. In some examples, a Transport Rules Broker (“TRB”) receives a selection of transport rules associated with a user. The transport rules control operations that are performed by a carrier when the carrier transports an item from, for, or to the user. The TRB generates a token that is associated with the transport rules and/or the user. In a typical scenario, the user provides the token to a merchant computing system when ordering an item. Having received the token, the merchant computing system provides it (directly or indirectly) to the carrier computing system. The token controls operations that are performed by the carrier when the carrier transports the item to the user or other destination. In particular, the token causes the carrier to transport the item in accordance with the selected rules that are associated with the token.

Abstract: The present specification provides a two-dimensional code identification method and device, and a two-dimensional code positioning and identification model establishment method and device. The two-dimensional code identification method includes: obtaining a to-be-identified two-dimensional code, and performing global feature positioning detection on the to-be-identified two-dimensional code by using a pre-established two-dimensional code positioning and identification model; performing focus adjustment, based on a predetermined image resolution, on the to-be-identified two-dimensional code on which positioning detection is performed; and decoding the to-be-identified two-dimensional code on which focus adjustment is performed. The present specification can improve the identification accuracy of two-dimensional codes shot in complex scenarios.

Abstract: A process in which both an optical coating, for example, an AR coating, and an ETC coating are deposited on a glass substrate article, in sequential steps, with the optical coating being deposited first and the ETC coating being deposited second, using the same apparatus and without exposing the article to the atmosphere at any time during the application of the optical coating and ETC coating.

Abstract: Techniques facilitating blockchain ledgers of material spectral signatures for supply chain integrity management are provided. In one example, a computer-implemented method comprises validating, by a device operatively coupled to a processor, spectral signature data associated with a material, resulting in validated spectral signature data; and generating, by the device, a set of information corresponding to a transaction of the material in a blockchain associated with the material, wherein the set of information is related to the validated spectral signature data. In some embodiments, the computer-implemented method further comprises authenticating, by the device, a first party device associated with a first party to the transaction and a second party device associated with a second party to the transaction and including identities of the first party and the second party as indicated by the respective party devices in the set of information.

Abstract: A machine-readable code rendering device may include an electronic paper display and a machine-readable code rendering module that dynamically renders machine-readable codes on the electronic paper display. The electronic paper display may be configured so that the machine-readable codes are read by a light-based code reader off of the electronic paper display.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a system that includes a scanner that captures images of a package. The scanner processes the image to identify a destination for the package. For example, the scanner may transmit bar code data identified in the image to an inventory tracking system which issues commands to an item-sortation machine for routing the package to its destination. The images of the package captured by the scanner may include private information that is not needed or used to determine the destination of the package. To protect private information in the package, the scanner assigns an obfuscated ID to the package which the scanner, inventory tracking system, and item-sortation machine can use to pass messages corresponding to the package. After processing the image to identify the destination (e.g., data encoded in a bar code), the scanner can erase the image.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a medication container that may be locked using a locking mechanism. In one exemplary method, a request from a user may be received by a medication provider for a medication. The medication may be placed in a medication container with a locking mechanism that is operable to lock and unlock the medication container. The medication container may be locked using the locking mechanism. The locked medication container with the medication within may be provided to the user. Subsequent to providing the locked medication container to the user, a request may be received from the user to access the medication in the medication container. A credential may be sent to the user that is usable, via the locking mechanism, to unlock the medication container. The user may then input the credential into the locking mechanism to unlock the medication container and access the medication therein.

Abstract: A device for defining a flap geometry of a flap for laser treatment of a human eye comprises a control unit programmed to evaluate ablation profile data of an ablation profile for a laser ablation treatment of a human cornea and to define the flap geometry based on this evaluation.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining a first image of a random distribution of particles overlaying an encoded region of an object identification tag, wherein the first image is obtained according to a first image capture configuration comprising a first image capture angle. The first image is associated with a decoded message determined according to the encoded region resulting in an association between the object identification tag and the first reflection pattern. A second image of the random distribution of particles is obtained according to a second image capture configuration including a second image capture angle, and an authenticity of the object identification tag is determined according to the association, the first image, and the second image. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An example method includes determining, by a controller of an image capture system, a plurality of sets of exposure parameter values for one or more exposure parameters. The plurality of sets of exposure parameter values are determined at an exposure determination rate. The method further includes capturing, by an image capture device of the image capture system, a plurality of images. Each image of the plurality of images is captured according to a set of exposure parameter values of the plurality of sets of exposure parameter values. The method also includes sending, by the controller of the image capture system to an image processing unit, a subset of the plurality of images. Each subset of images is sent at a sampling rate, and the sampling rate is less than the exposure determination rate.

Abstract: A bioptic barcode reader is disclosed for selective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data. The bioptic barcode reader includes a housing and a primary imager positioned within the housing, configured to scan a target object during a first time period. The bioptic barcode reader further includes a primary illumination source positioned within the housing configured to emit primary illumination in a primary wavelength range during the first time period. The bioptic barcode reader further includes a secondary imager configured to capture one or more images of a target object during a second time period. The bioptic barcode reader further includes a secondary illumination source configured to emit secondary illumination in a secondary wavelength range during the second time period, wherein the second time period and first time period are interleaved and the secondary wavelength range is different from the primary wavelength range.

Abstract: Cantilever-Free Scanning Probe Lithography (CF-SPL) techniques are used to enable generation of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-D information containing patterns in a mask-free manner that, in turn, enables instantaneous change of pattern design.

Abstract: A sensor-augmented two-dimensional barcode includes a layer provided on a substrate comprising a two-dimensional error-correcting barcode symbol. The bar code symbol further includes a barcode region, an empty region, and a dynamic region. The barcode region includes a plurality of modules in a static color state and the empty region has an area. Additionally, the dynamic region is provided on the substrate and positioned within the area of the empty region. The dynamic region includes a dynamic indicator having a chemistry that is configured, responsive to the occurrence of an environmental condition, to undergo a chemical or physical state change between an initial state and an end state, causing a change in the color state of the dynamic indicator. Additionally, the color state indicates exposure to the environmental condition.

Abstract: A method manufacturing a three-dimensional article having readable indicia includes three-dimensionally printing the article and post-processing that following the printing. The three-dimensional printing forms the three-dimensional article in a layer-by-layer manner. The resultant three-dimensional article includes an outer portion of build material defining a plurality of enclosed internal channels, an encapsulated support material containing a phosphor component defining the indicia disposed within the channels, and unencapsulated support material that provides structural support to otherwise unsupported portions of the build material during the three-dimensional printing. The post-processing removes the unencapsulated support material form the build material but leaves the encapsulated build material.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a mount body by which the apparatus is secured to a structure. A camera assembly includes an image sensor adapted to capture images within its field of view. A lighting assembly houses one or more light sources including a directional light source. A control-board assembly fixed to the mount body, houses control boards including one or more processors configured to acquire information about an object, to associate a location within the field of view of the image sensor with the object, to point light emitted by the directional light source at the location associated with the obj ect by rotating the lighting assembly and turning the laser assembly, and, based on an image acquired from the camera assembly, to detect change within the field of view of the image sensor corresponding to placement or removal of the object.

Abstract: Data sharing between a first user and a second user includes receiving a scan code from the first user; associating the scan code with a first profile of the first user; receiving, from a second user, an indication that the second user scanned the scan code; identifying, for the first user, the second user as a potential contact; sending, to the first user, a first request to share first user data with the second user; and receiving, from the first user, a response to the first request to share the first user data with the second user. Managing a directory of contacts includes creating the directory of contacts; receiving an event-based joining tag for the directory; adding a contact; and responsive to an event-based joining tag being active, adding the contact to the directory of contacts.

Abstract: A barcode reader may include barcode reading hardware, which may include an image sensor. The image sensor may capture an image of a barcode within a field of view. The barcode reading hardware may also include a communication interface for output of decoded data to a remote computing system. The barcode reader may also include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may include start-up instructions. The barcode reader may also include a processor. The processor may be configured to, upon power-up of the barcode reader, execute the start-up instructions to obtain firmware for operating the barcode reader from a remote configuration server, load the firmware to the volatile memory, and commence execution of the firmware to commence barcode reading functions of the barcode reader without performing a re-boot operation.

Abstract: In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modelled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. Logos may be identified and used—or ignored—in product identification. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: An activatable quality label operative to provide an indication of exceedance of a temperature threshold following activation thereof at a temperature less than or equal to an activation temperature, including a readable indicator located on the quality label and operative, following activation of the quality label at or below the activation temperature, to readably indicate exceedance of the temperature threshold, an actuator element operative to activate the quality label and indicia at least partially formed by thermochromic ink, the thermochromic ink having a first visual appearance at temperatures less than or equal to the activation temperature and a second visual appearance at temperatures above the activation temperature, such that a visual appearance of the indicia is indicative of whether the quality label is at a temperature less than or equal to the activation temperature and hence may be activated.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a lossless protection procedure may be applied to control distribution of a print geometry of an industrial asset item. For example, an item definition data store may contain electronic records defining a geometry of the industrial asset item. A signature identifier encoder platform may determine a unique signature identifier associated with the industrial asset item and modify the geometry of the industrial asset item to encode therein information about the unique signature identifier. In some cases, for example, this may be done by adjusting a scanning pattern of a fill region (e.g., stripe, checkerboard, etc.) or a support structure of the industrial asset item. An authentication platform may then receive, from a sensor (e.g., an X-ray), a measured characteristic parameter of an item to be authenticated and determine a signature identifier of the item (which can be used to authenticate the item).