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: In some implementations, a system may receive, from a user device, a service request for a vehicle experience. The system may obtain qualification information associated with the driver. The system may provide, based on the qualification information and to the user device, a verification code for authenticating a driver for the vehicle experience. The system may provide a notification that indicates that the driver requested the vehicle experience. The notification may include driver information and vehicle information associated with a vehicle involved in the vehicle experience. The system may authenticate, based on scan data of the verification code, the driver for the vehicle experience. The scan data may be received from an agent device that is associated with the location management system. The system may provide authentication information to the agent device to facilitate authentication of the driver for the vehicle experience.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reconstructable visual code. A visual code may be separated into a plurality of individual portions. The plurality of individual portions may be configured to transform between two or more states. In a first state, the plurality of individual portions may be spaced apart to form a non-functional visual code. In a second state, the plurality of individual portions may be moved relative to each other to form a functional visual code.

Abstract: Communication systems described herein may include a wireless charging device with a plurality of charging stations. The wireless charging device may communicate with a first battery pack via at least one of a wireless communication device and a first battery pack detection sensor of a first charging station. The wireless charging device may communicate with a second battery pack via at least one of the wireless communication device and a second battery pack detection sensor of a second charging station. The wireless charging device may determine that the first battery pack was manufactured by a different manufacturer than the second battery pack. The wireless charging device may communicate status information to an external device for display by the external device. The status information may include a first manufacturer of the first battery pack and a second manufacturer of the second battery pack that is different than the first manufacturer.

Abstract: An indicia reading system and associated methods discriminate between types of media upon which encoded indicia is rendered. Encoded indicia rendered upon a medium are imaged using different sets of image acquisition parameter settings. An attempt to decode the encoded indicia that are imaged is made and the image acquisition parameter settings corresponding to successfully decoding the encoded indicia are identified. A type of the medium upon which the encoded indicia is rendered is determined based on which of the sets of image acquisition parameter settings correspond to the encoded indicia being successfully decoded.

Abstract: An operating method of an electronic apparatus for detecting misdelivery may comprise: monitoring a location of a courier terminal using at least one of first location information, second location information, and third location information; obtaining delivery completion information from the courier terminal; and detecting misdelivery of an item by a courier based on a delivery address and the location of the courier terminal. Accordingly, the electronic apparatus may induce correct delivery to the courier by determining misdelivery of the item based on the location of the courier and the delivery address.

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: A barcode-reading device can transmit data to a remote server when a decoding problem is detected. The data transmitted to the remote server can include captured images, barcode-reading device settings, and decoding metadata. The remote server can process the data and determine one or more potential causes of the decoding problem based at least in part on the results of processing the data. The processing performed by the remote server can involve the use of machine learning models that have been trained to identify image characteristics corresponding to decoding problems. Once a potential cause for a decoding problem has been determined, the remote server can perform at least one action to address the decoding problem. For example, the remote server can send one or more messages to notify certain individuals about the decoding problem and the potential cause that has been identified.

Abstract: A periphery recognition support system for a personal watercraft includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to: receive position related data related to a positional relation between a personal watercraft and a peripheral object around the personal watercraft; determine based on the position related data whether or not a predetermined warning condition is satisfied; and output a predetermined warning signal when it is determined that the warning condition is satisfied.

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: Techniques to improve detection and security of images, including formation and detection of matrix-based images. A histogram may be used to determine a most prevalent plurality of colors associated with an environment. A related plurality of colors may be determined based on the most prevalent plurality of colors. A matrix barcode may be generated based on the related plurality of colors.

Abstract: A displacement detection method, performed by a computer, includes: obtaining (i) a first three-dimensional (3D) model representing a region at a first timing by 3D points and including first objects and (ii) a second three-dimensional model representing the region at a second timing by 3D points and including second objects, the second timing being different from the first timing; detecting, by use of attribute information of the first objects and the second objects, (i) first 3D points included in the first 3D model and (ii) second 3D points included in the second 3D model and associated with the respective first 3D points; performing alignment of the first 3D model and the second 3D model by use of the first 3D points and the second 3D points; and detecting displacement between the first 3D model and the second 3D model after the alignment.

Abstract: An apparatus to perform or control obtaining or causing obtaining an image of at least a part of a surface of a sealed unit. The apparatus derives or causes to derive a representation of the at least a part of the surface from the image. The representation includes a set of values representing height levels of corresponding sections of the part of the surface. The apparatus generates or causes generating a string of characters based on the representation of the part of the surface. The string of characters includes a first portion representative of the set of height levels and a second portion generated based on a function of the representation and/or of the first portion of the string of characters. The apparatus associates or causes associating information representing the string of characters with identification information of the sealed unit.

Abstract: A LIDAR illuminator includes a plurality of laser sources, each comprising an electrical input that receives a modulation drive signal that causes each of the plurality of laser sources to generate an optical beam. A controller having a plurality of electrical outputs, where a respective one of the plurality of electrical outputs is connected to an electrical input of a respective one of the plurality of laser sources, generates a plurality of modulation drive signals that cause the plurality of laser sources to generate a plurality of optical beams that form a combined optical beam. A peak optical energy of the combined optical beam in a measurement aperture at a measurement distance is less than a desired value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating indirect bonding trays are disclosed. Physical models of a patient's teeth can be created with non-functional placeholder brackets, impressions of which can be transferred to indirect bonding trays. This can create wells in which functional brackets can be placed into, reducing errors created from transferring functional brackets from the physical model onto the indirect bonding trays.

Abstract: A greeting card having a scannable code with a unique identifier representative of a unique location on a computer network with the unique location having a first response with a first set of data. The scannable code can be scanned, a first time, to display a first response having a first set of data. The first response can be replaced by a second response having a second set of data.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method includes obtaining environmental data corresponding to a physical environment. In some implementations, the method includes determining, based on the environmental data, a bounding surface of the physical environment. In some implementations, the method includes detecting a physical element located within the physical environment based on the environmental data. In some implementations, the method includes determining a semantic label for the physical element based on at least a portion of the environmental data corresponding to the physical element. In some implementations, the method includes generating a semantic construction of the physical environment based on the environmental data. In some implementations, the semantic construction of the physical environment includes a representation of the bounding surface, a representation of the physical element and the semantic label for the physical element.

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: According to one embodiment, a data processing apparatus includes a data processing unit and an acquisition unit. The data processing unit is configured to perform data processing on measurement data according to a distance to a marker, the measurement data being obtained by a ranging sensor attached to a moving object and measuring the marker of which surface includes a pattern with different reflection characteristics. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire operation information of the moving object based on data obtained by the data processing.

Abstract: Data match coding system for orthodontic appliances are disclosed. One variation of a data match code apparatus may generally comprise a three-dimensional model corresponding to a patient dentition and a platform extending from the three-dimensional model. The platform may define a data match code having a plurality of through-holes which are positioned relative to one another in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method for activating and/or deactivating the phosphorescence of a structure is disclosed. The structure may include a first and a second material, wherein a phosphor is admixed with the first material and oxygen is present in the region of the phosphor. The second material may be oxygen-impermeable at an ambient temperature and, in the oxygen-impermeable state, act as an oxygen barrier between the first material and a surrounding environment. To activate the phosphorescence, in a first activation step, oxygen present in the structure is photochemically deactivated by irradiating the structure with light of a first characteristic, and, in a second activation step, the phosphorescence is activated by irradiating the structure with light of a second characteristic. To deactivate the phosphorescence, oxygen is introduced into the structure by heating the structure and/or by irradiating the structure with light of a third characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an authenticating apparatus, system and a method for authentication of an object or product having a secure glyph thereon. The invention is also directed to the use of the object or product in a machine wherein the secure glyph has an intellectual property protected feature and a machine readable feature.

Abstract: An improved data bearing card includes a card body, personalization data unique to the data bearing card, and non-visible production indicia, separate from the personalization data, disposed on the card body and indicative of production-related information not otherwise provided on the data bearing card. The non-visible production indicia may be indicative of a corresponding piece of production equipment and/or an operator thereof utilized in connection with the data bearing card, or of a location of a corresponding region of a sheet assembly from which the corresponding card body was separated during production, or of other production-related information. The non-visible production indicia facilitates remedial action in the event that a defect or near-defect is found in the card body or other components of the data bearing card, and may otherwise facilitate card tracking during the production process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of authenticating a magnetically induced mark applied on a substrate including magnetically oriented partially reflective platelet-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, with a portable device equipped with a light source operable to deliver visible light, an imager, a processor and a memory, the method comprising calculating, with the processor, a corresponding average intensity I of the light reflected by the partially reflective platelet-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles and collected by the imager at corresponding viewing angle ?, storing the calculated average intensities of the reflected light and corresponding viewing angles to obtain a reflected light intensity curve I(?), comparing the stored reflected light intensity curve I(?) with a stored reference reflected light intensity curve Iref(?) for said magnetically induced mark, and determining whether the magnetically induced mark is genuine based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure can include a server that can determine transport routes for individual objects based on rules. The transport routes can include an intermediary at which the individual objects are to be consolidated into a single container. The server can also receiving a request from a client computer for an object label corresponding to one of the individual objects. In response to receiving the request, the server can determine the intermediary based on a transport route for the object, generate the object label based on the intermediary, and transmit the object label to the client computer for causing the object label to be printed with a printer and coupled to the object.

Abstract: According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium on which is stored instructions that may cause the processor to create a 2D reference mesh for an image of a curved visual mark, establish correspondences between finder pattern points in the curved visual mark and points of the 2D reference mesh, and determine a curved 3D mesh having a radius that results in a minimal reprojection error of a projective transform estimated for correspondences between the 2D reference mesh and the curved 3D mesh while the radius remains below a predefined upper limit. The instructions may also cause the processor to sample components of the curved visual mark in elements of the determined curved 3D mesh to form a 2D planar image of the curved visual mark and analyze the 2D planar image of the curved visual mark to read the curved visual mark.

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: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to flicker reduction in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for producing a near-field illumination using a near-field illuminator, the near-field illumination produced at a defined pulse train. A near-field image sensor may be exposed near the start of a near-field illumination pulse, and a far-field image sensor may be exposed between pulses of the near-field illumination. Some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, are configured for detecting an illuminator switch event, deactivating the near-field illuminator source, and producing, using a far-field illuminator source, a far-field illumination. Upon switching the illuminator source, some such embodiments are configured for exposing a far-field illuminator near the start of the far-field illumination pulse, and exposing a near-field image sensor near the start of the next available far-field illumination pulse.

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: 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: 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.