Bar Code With Bars Of More Than Two Colors (e.g., Multicolored Bar Code, Multilevel Gray) Patents (Class 235/462.04)
  • Patent number: 11775782
    Abstract: A method of auxiliary data capture control includes: storing, at a data capture device, a trigger condition and a baseline value captured by a sensor; controlling the sensor to obtain captured data; determining, based on the captured data and the baseline value, whether the trigger condition is satisfied, wherein the trigger condition includes whether the captured data exceeds the baseline value and whether a variance in the captured data over a configurable time period is below a variance threshold; and when the trigger condition is satisfied, controlling an auxiliary data capture sensor to obtain auxiliary captured data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Abhilash Gururaja, Christopher J. Fjellstad, David R. Turturro
  • Patent number: 11755854
    Abstract: Various implementations disclosed herein include multi-scale visual markers that convey information in multiple sets of markings using different respective appearance attributes. In some implementations, the appearance attribute of the markings of a first set of markings corresponds to a first encoding parameter and the appearance attribute of markings of a second set of markings corresponds to a second encoding parameter different from the first encoding parameter. In some implementations, the first set of markings encode first data and the second set of markings are different than the first set of markings and encode second data. In some implementations, the different appearance attributes are different scales (e.g., different sizes, different numbers of markings per unit of space, different contrast, different color characteristics, different wavelengths, different image sensor types, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo Di Febbo, Chaminda N. Vidanagamachchi, Waleed Abdulla, Yohan Rajan
  • Patent number: 11727539
    Abstract: Techniques for deblur kernel calibration are provided. A first distribution of decode counts is determined for a plurality of deblur kernels. The plurality of deblur kernels are ranked based on the first distribution. An input image depicting a label is received, and a first deblur kernel of the plurality of deblur kernels is selected based on the ranking. The input image is processed using the first deblur kernel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harish Kashyap Krishnamurthy
  • Patent number: 11636279
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to color localizing machine-readable indicia (e.g., a 1D or 2D barcode) found in imagery, and related image processing technology. One implementation involves locating regions associated with a first color and locating regions associated with a second color and creating a centroid for each of the located regions. A metric can be established for a color region couple comprising a located first color region and a located second color region, the metric including: i) a distance between a located first color region centroid and a located second color region centroid, and ii) a ratio of areas of the located first color region and the located second color region. Of course, other implementations, technology and combinations are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Vojtech Holub, Vahid Sedighianaraki
  • Patent number: 11361182
    Abstract: Disclosed are barcode scanners and methods for scanning a barcode. The barcode scanners and methods for scanning a barcode may include receiving a raw image from a scanner. Channel information may be extracted from each pixel of the raw image. A composite image may be created using the channel information from each pixel of the raw image. Finally, product information may be extracted from the composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Janry Corpuz Amada, Andrew Jeremy Adamec, Kenneth Joseph Fabian
  • Patent number: 11342943
    Abstract: Techniques to improve storage, transmission and security of data are included. One or more methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture employ one or more color-channels, ultraviolet layers, infrared layers, and/or luminance layers to encode data on or along a physical medium, where the encoding includes utilizing one or more of those layers to encode an error-correcting code (ECC), such as a Hamming code with the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Austin Grant Walters, Jeremy Edward Goodsitt
  • Patent number: 11334964
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing color imaging processing on the fly for barcode readers are disclosed herein. An example method includes color image processing in a barcode reader to identify one of raw image data or processed image data and further decoding indicia in the identified raw or processed image data. The method includes receiving a raw image data of an image of an object, performing image processing on the raw image data, analyzing the raw image data and the processed image data, and identifying which of the raw image data or processed image data to communicate to a decoder for further decoding. The decoder then identifies, in the identified raw image data or processed image data, indicia corresponding to an object, and decodes the identified indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Vinogradov, Mark Drzymala
  • Patent number: 11308300
    Abstract: Methods are provided for generating a barcode with embedded colour palette for colour correction of a captured image in digital format. These methods comprise: generating an initial barcode according to a barcode standard and formed by light colour and dark colour encoding units jointly encoding a reference to storage location; splitting a predefined set of reference colours into reference dark and reference light colours depending on contrast threshold; modifying the initial barcode by replacing dark colour encoding units by reference dark colours and light colour encoding units by reference light colours; and updating the storage location with data representing the reference colours included in the modified barcode and positions of said reference colours in the modified barcode. Methods are provided for colour correction based on a barcode determined by said methods. Computer programs and systems are provided which are suitable for performing said barcode generation methods and colour correction methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA
    Inventors: Ismael Benito Altamirano, Olga Casals Guillen, Cristian Fàbrega Gallego, Juan Daniel Prades García, Andreas Hans Wilhelm Waag
  • Patent number: 11295185
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a code detection unit configured to detect a code image included in the input image, a pixel value determination unit configured to determine whether a pixel value of each pixel included in the code image corresponds to an intermediate color between a color of code elements constituting the code image and a color of a space between the code elements, and a pixel value converting unit configured to convert a pixel value of a separated pixel that is separated from the code elements by k pixels or more, among intermediate color pixels that are pixels determined to correspond to the intermediate color, into a pixel value brighter than the intermediate color, wherein k is an integer of 2 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masaya Usui
  • Patent number: 11257243
    Abstract: A shot detection system can include a shooting target that is made of paper and printed to include fiducials, borders and a bar code together with a scoring region and markings. A method of camera adjustment control can find and lock onto a target. A target acquisition procedure can include extracting a region of interest (image of the shooting target), calibrating the region of interest and then target locking. The real-time target locking procedure can include correcting an image of the region of interest to account for tilt, rotation and skew. A methodology of shot detection can include acquiring probable and confirming shot candidates and then verifying the probably shot candidate with the confirming shot candidates to substantially eliminate falsely identified shots candidates, thereby significantly improving performance and experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen Wiley, Phillip Schweiger, Sih-Ying Wu
  • Patent number: 11238252
    Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an apparatus having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include monochrome pixels and color sensitive pixels. The monochrome pixels can be pixels without wavelength selective color filter elements. The color sensitive pixels can include wavelength selective color filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Ynjiun P. Wang
  • Patent number: 11210487
    Abstract: An example system includes a stage identification portion to determine a stage in a progression of a progressive identifier, and an identifier encoding portion to encode or read the progressive identifier. A number or percentage of bits of the progressive identifier encoded, or read as encoded, by the identifier encoding portion is uniquely associated with the stage in the progression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Malgorzata M. Sturgill, Steven J. Simske, A. Marie Vans
  • Patent number: 11182572
    Abstract: A method of auxiliary data capture control includes: storing, at a data capture device, a trigger condition and a baseline infrared value captured by an infrared sensor; controlling the infrared sensor to obtain captured infrared data; determining, based on the captured infrared data and the baseline infrared value, whether the trigger condition is satisfied, wherein the trigger condition includes whether the captured infrared data exceeds the baseline infrared value and whether a variance in the captured infrared data over a configurable time period is below a variance threshold; and when the trigger condition is satisfied, controlling an auxiliary data capture sensor to obtain auxiliary captured data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Abhilash Gururaja, Christopher J. Fjellstad, David R. Turturro
  • Patent number: 11177032
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a circuitry configured to provide a slide image including a sample image and a label image which are obtained by shooting a slide, generate a first image that a specific area of the slide image is concealed, output a thumbnail image, wherein the thumbnail image is one of the slide image and the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kyusojin, Seiji Miyama, Naoki Tagami
  • Patent number: 11165939
    Abstract: A portable image capturing electronic device includes a main body, an image capturing lens assembly and a light source assembly. An accommodating chamber is disposed inside the main body. The accommodating chamber includes a top portion and a bottom portion disposed opposite to each other. The image capturing lens assembly is disposed on the top portion and faces toward the bottom portion to capture an image corresponding to an object disposed at the bottom portion. The light source assembly includes a plurality of first light sources. The light source assembly is disposed on the top portion, and the plurality of first light sources face toward the bottom portion to provide illumination for the object and are disposed nearby the image capturing lens assembly. The present application facilitates illumination control when capturing the image, which can effectively reduce errors in image processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: AVISION INC.
    Inventor: Shao-Lan Sheng
  • Patent number: 11120238
    Abstract: A method of decoding a color barcode involves simultaneously illuminating the color barcode with three light zones in a manner that illuminates each bar of the color barcode with each of the three spatially separated light zones, where the three light zones are each illuminated by a different one of three colors; capturing a monochrome image of light reflected off of the color barcode that includes each of the bars in the barcode illuminated by the three light zones; and for each bar in the color barcode, determining a color of the bar by analysis of the intensity of the light captured in the image of the reflected light intensity in each of the three light zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jie Ren, Jun Yin, Li Liu, Haiming Qu, HongJian Jin, Rui Hou, ZhiPeng Teng, Miansong Chen
  • Patent number: 11024256
    Abstract: Techniques to improve detection and security of a displayed image on a screen of a computer device, such as a device, and in response to environmental changes, including formation and detection of matrix-based images that may be dynamically altered and optimized as a result of environmental changes. Some techniques include logic to process image data, generate one or more colorspaces associated with that data, and perform colorspace conversions based on the generated colorspace. The logic may be further configured to generate an image based on the colorspace conversions, including but not limited to a matrix bar code. The logic may further be configured to alter the displayed image based on environmental changes and optimize the newly generated image utilizing one or more colorspace conversions in relation to a new environment generated as a result of the environmental changes. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Austin Grant Walters, Jeremy Edward Goodsitt, Fardin Abdi Taghi Abad
  • Patent number: 10896306
    Abstract: Disclosed are barcode scanners and methods for scanning a barcode. The barcode scanners and methods for scanning a barcode may include receiving a raw image from a scanner. Channel information may be extracted from each pixel of the raw image. A composite image may be created using the channel information from each pixel of the raw image. Finally, product information may be extracted from the composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Janry Corpuz Amada, Andrew Jeremy Adamec, Kenneth Joseph Fabian
  • Patent number: 10885413
    Abstract: New identifying code for labeling products to certify sources has Color Holographic Quick Response code by superimposing multiple layers of red, green and blue quick response codes using holographic imaging and creating layers of features that are extremely difficult to replicate. Multidimensional quick response code is provided in a hologram that cannot be copied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: HNU Photonics LLC
    Inventors: James F. Scholl, Riley Aumiller, Daniel G. O'Connell, William Goodman
  • Patent number: 10796211
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes technologies related to generating authentication image to verify a two-dimensional (2D) code offline. In some implementations, a 2D code is parsed to identify a plurality of black pixels and a plurality of white pixels. A target image is parsed to identify a plurality of black pixels and a plurality of white pixels. The plurality of black pixels and the plurality of white pixels of the images are converted to a first plurality of binary arrays and a second plurality of binary arrays based on a predetermined rule. At least a portion of the first plurality of binary arrays and a portion of the second plurality of binary arrays are compared, and an authentication image including a plurality of black pixels, a plurality of white pixels, and a plurality of transparent pixels is generated based on comparison results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventor: Wei Guo
  • Patent number: 10761405
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an image inspection device capable of uniformizing an irradiation solid angle of light to be radiated to each point on a target and being downsized. An image inspection device includes a photographing portion that images a target, and an illumination portion disposed between the target and the photographing portion. The illumination portion includes a surface light source, and a plurality of sets each including first to n-th optical members arranged along a light emitting surface of the surface light source. n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. The first to n-th optical members are disposed to face the light emitting surface, and transmit light emitted from the light emitting surface toward the target. Wavelengths and solid angles of light emitted from the first to n-th optical members toward the target are different from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Kato
  • Patent number: 10715183
    Abstract: Techniques to improve storage, transmission and security of data are included. One or more methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture employ one or more color-channels, ultraviolet layers, infrared layers, and/or luminance layers to encode data on or along a physical medium, where the encoding includes utilizing one or more of those layers to encode an error-correcting code (ECC), such as a Hamming code with the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Austin Grant Walters, Jeremy Edward Goodsitt
  • Patent number: 10425554
    Abstract: To generate a security mark, a system prints test pattern marks of varying frequencies on a first substrate. The system copies the test pattern marks onto a second substrate. The system analyzes the copy to identify a frequency or period range for test patterns that exhibit a high level of contrast as compared to the original. It then uses the identified range to generate an array of cells having pantograph marks of various foreground/background frequencies/periods. The system prints the array and generates polygons that contain cells in which the foreground is visually distinguished from the background. The system identifies the polygon having an inner point having a largest range to edge. It identifies the frequency/period of the background pattern and of the foreground pattern of the cell that contains the inner point. It then generates a pantograph mark having a background and foreground that correspond the identified frequencies or periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Edward N. Chapman
  • Patent number: 10304214
    Abstract: Provided are an electronic device and an operating method for communication using a two-dimensional (2D) color code. The electronic device includes a memory storing instructions and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions to obtain an image including a 2D color code in which a plurality of cells are located, the plurality of cells comprising base cells and data cells, detect an outline in the image including the 2D color code, based on a first figure of the base cells, a color of the base cells, and a second figure whose vertex is defined by the base cells, detect the base cells among objects that are identified based on the detected outline, detect the 2D color code in the image based on the detected base cells in the 2D color code and decode colors of the data cells included in the 2D color code to obtain data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mizuno Hiroki, Sang-on Choi
  • Patent number: 10275847
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to advanced signal processing technology including signal encoding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Trent J. Brundage, Vojtech Holub
  • Patent number: 10235547
    Abstract: A system and method for error correction for machine-readable symbols having data codewords, and having error correction (EC) codewords derived from the data codewords and redundantly indicating the location and data contents of the data codewords. The symbols use Reed-Solomon (RS) error correction to retrieve damaged codewords. RS error correction normally requires two EC codewords to identify both the location and data contents of a data codeword. The present system and method performs optical contrast analysis on the codewords, identifying those codewords with the lowest contrast levels (that is, the least difference between the reflectance of the black or white cells and the black/white threshold). Codewords with the lowest contrast levels are flagged as optically ambiguous, thereby marking, in the EC equations, the locations of the codewords most like to be in error. As a result, only a single EC codeword is required to retrieve the data for a flagged data codeword.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: H. Sprague Ackley
  • Patent number: 10229302
    Abstract: A barcode reading accessory may be configured to produce a targeting pattern in a target area when the accessory is secured to a mobile device. A frequency range of the targeting pattern may correspond more closely to a first band of illumination emitted by a light source of the mobile device than to a second band of illumination or a third band of illumination. A color image captured by the mobile device's camera may include a first sub-image providing information about the first band of illumination, a second sub-image providing information about the second band of illumination, and a third sub-image providing information about the third band of illumination. The barcode reading application may dynamically control brightness of the white light source based on detectability of the targeting pattern in the first sub-image and saturation of at least one of the first sub-image, the second sub-image, and the third sub-image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell
  • Patent number: 10099489
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for trimming a print sheet and registering the location of an image on the print sheet. The apparatus may include a sensor system arranged to detect a guide line on the print sheet to align the print sheet relative to a cutter. The sensor system emits first and second light beams through the print sheet, and a controller is configured to detect the presence of the guide line through the light beams to align the guide line on the print sheet relative to the cutter. The apparatus may also include a vacuum chamber extending through a plate, with a float positioned within the vacuum chamber. In a first configuration, a vacuum is drawn in the chamber moving the float within the vacuum chamber away from the base such that a print sheet is moveably receivable between the plate and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: GP Squared Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Porat
  • Patent number: 10095903
    Abstract: A block decoding method includes: storing a received two-dimensional code image in an image data backup register; binarizing the received two-dimensional code image; searching for a boundary line of the two-dimensional code image; segmenting each of the regions into bit regions each of which corresponds to one bit data; re-acquiring the received two-dimensional code image stored in the image data backup register; calculating an average gray-scale value of all the pixels in the bit region as a gray-scale value of the bit region; calculating a gray-scale threshold of each of the bit regions n using the Otsu method; binarizing the bit region so as to obtain a binarized two-dimensional code image; and decoding the binarized two-dimensional code image. A system for a two-dimensional code is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIAN LANDI COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shengzhang Jiang, Weidong Wu
  • Patent number: 10055627
    Abstract: Performance and size improvements in indicia readers are disclosed. The improvements provide for the integration of a barcode image scanner in a size restricted mobile computer device, such as a slim mobile data terminal or a smart mobile phone, and provide for the ability for the indicia reader to read direct product marking (DPM) type of barcodes. The improvements include the incorporation of an illumination module or bar that can generate dark field and bright field illumination. The illumination module can be designed to match the front end of a smart mobile phone and maintain a low profile design. Symmetric arranged multi-field, multi-color illuminator with close-up corrective lens and near coaxial aimer optics provide illumination and aiming support for the DPM scanning. The improvements allow the indicia reader, assembled in a slim mobile data terminal, to read direct product marking (DPM) type of barcodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen Feng, Tao Xian, Jie Ren, Paul Poloniewicz
  • Patent number: 10049247
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques to enhance an in-counter sweep-style data reader, having frame buffer memory and an imager defining a read zone, so as to improve a likelihood of decoding an optical code appearing in initial image frames by managing utilization of the frame buffer memory according to a prioritization of different categories of image frames captured by the imager as an object bearing an optical code is passed through the read zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Datalogic USA, Inc.
    Inventor: WenLiang Gao
  • Patent number: 9913344
    Abstract: Interactive lighting effect devices configured by an interactive lighting effect control system in an automated wireless manner on a mass scale are provided. RF data bursts are captured to illuminate interactive lighting effect devices selectively in accordance with a matched data. The matched data is formed by combining a pattern-related data of lighting effect extracted from a QR code of the event ticket with an identification address extracted from a QR code of the interactive lighting effect device, the pattern-related data of lighting effect includes a zone code. Improvisational illuminating color control change for any zone assignment for color control signal can be generated and converted to set of RGB color codes to be transmitted by the interactive lighting effect control system for broadcasting as data bursts to the interactive lighting effect devices. Different types of data acquisition interfaces are provided for obtaining the matched data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: LUMIC TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Ying-Ko Lu, Ta-Wei Huang, Ta-Jen Lin, Chih-Ming Chang, Wen-Chih Wang
  • Patent number: 9858518
    Abstract: A method for generating two-dimensional barcode, including: obtaining a data block including a first data codeword and an error correction codeword, the first data codeword having first information, the error correction codeword being capable of detecting and correcting an error of the first data codeword; and obtaining a replaced data block in which a part of the data block is replaced with a second data codeword, the second data codeword having second information; and generating a two-dimensional barcode based on the replaced data block. A method for reading a two-dimensional barcode including: reading a two-dimensional barcode; extracting a second data codeword from a predetermined position in a replaced data block; obtaining the second information from the extracted second data codeword; obtaining the first data codeword based on the replaced data block; and obtaining the first information from the obtained first data codeword.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Toppan TDK Label Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutao Nishizaki
  • Patent number: 9854133
    Abstract: Multiple measurement images are formed in a test chart. Reflected light from the test patterns is received by light receiving elements of a color sensor for an accumulation time that is determined for the respective test patterns. The lengths of the test patterns in the conveyance direction of the test chart are determined according to the lengths of the accumulation times for the respective test patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taichi Takemura
  • Patent number: 9827780
    Abstract: A color discriminating apparatus reads a plurality of colored dots placed on computer readable media. The plurality of colored dots represents encoded data that has a plurality of non-binary digits where each non-binary digit has at least three possible digit values. Each non-binary digit is represented by a single colored dot from the plurality of colored dots, and each possible digit value is represented by a different color so that a color of each colored dot indicates a digital value represented by the colored dot. The color discriminating apparatus detects a color of each colored dot in the plurality of colored dots. A module correlates the color of each colored dot in the plurality of colored dots detected by the color discriminating apparatus to recover an original digital value represented by each colored dot in the plurality of colored dots and to recover the encoded data that is represented by the plurality of non-binary digits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Hao-Jan Chang
  • Patent number: 9832471
    Abstract: Systems and methods for encoding information in a graphic information unit. The methods comprise: determining an outer contour of the graphic information unit; and encoding information with an at least two-dimensional code in at least one area located solely within the outer contour. The encoding is applied to image elements of the graphic information unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Angewandter Informatik E.V.
    Inventors: Michael Ahrweiler, Daniel Herfert
  • Patent number: 9613327
    Abstract: Systems and methods for adapting an incremental information object (IIO) to accommodate a change in a workflow are provided. A method includes analyzing an IIO, wherein the IIO comprises a plurality of tiles, and wherein the plurality of tiles comprise a code. The code is confirmed and, if the confirmation is successful, a determination is made as to whether the workflow has changed. If the workflow has changed the IIO is modified to change the information density of the IIO, a new code comprising a bitstream is generated, and the bitstream is overwritten on the plurality of tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven J Simske, Marie Vans
  • Patent number: 9607197
    Abstract: A method for performing an optimization process on a two-dimension code picture may include the follows. A color filtering process is performed on an obtained two-dimension code picture, and a color-filtered two-dimension code picture is obtained. A median filtering process is performed on the color-filtered two-dimension code picture, and a median-filtered two-dimension code picture is obtained. A binarization process is performed on the median-filtered two-dimension code picture, and a binary image is obtained, such that a two-dimension code in the two-dimension code picture may be effectively identified by utilizing the binary image, and accuracy for identifying the two-dimension code may also be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Chao Deng
  • Patent number: 9454688
    Abstract: A 2D color barcode decoding method is disclosed. The barcode includes a 2D array of data cells, corner locators, and border reference cells. Each data cell and reference cell has one of four primary colors (e.g. CMYK or CMWK). The reference cells, which have known colors, are used to calculate the channel offset (a spatial offset) of each primary color and the reference color values of each primary color. The reference cells are also used to calculate a color conversion matrix between color intensity (RGB) values and the primary color. Pixel-color probabilities are calculated from the pixel color intensity values using the color conversion matrix. The color of each data cell is determined using the pixel-color probabilities, the pixel color intensity values, the reference color intensity values, and the channel offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA LABORATORY U.S.A., INC.
    Inventor: Gang Fang
  • Patent number: 9430726
    Abstract: A 2D color barcode layout is disclosed. The barcode includes a 2D array of data cells, four corner locators, and border reference cells forming four borders between the corner locators that substantially surround the array of data cells. Each data cell and border reference cell has one of four primary colors (e.g. CMYK). Most border reference cells have the same size as the data cells, except for yellow ones which are longer. The border reference cells form a repeating color sequence along the borders, and are used during decoding to calculate (1) the channel offset (a spatial offset) of each primary color at different locations along the borders and (2) the reference (average) color values of each primary color. During decoding, the color values of each data cell is measured while taking into account channel offset which is calculated by interpolating the channel offset of the border reference cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA LABORATORY U.S.A., INC.
    Inventor: Gang Fang
  • Patent number: 9367782
    Abstract: A 2D color barcode layout is disclosed. The barcode includes a 2D array of data cells, four corner locators, and border reference cells forming four borders between the corner locators that substantially surround the array of data cells. Each data cell and border reference cell has one of four primary colors (e.g. CMYK). Most border reference cells have the same size as the data cells, except for yellow ones which are longer. The border reference cells form a repeating color sequence along the borders, and are used during decoding to calculate (1) the channel offset (a spatial offset) of each primary color at different locations along the borders and (2) the reference (average) color values of each primary color. During decoding, the color values of each data cell is measured while taking into account channel offset which is calculated by interpolating the channel offset of the border reference cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA LABORATORY U.S.A., INC.
    Inventor: Gang Fang
  • Patent number: 9269034
    Abstract: Symbologies for encoding data, as well as methods of encoding and decoding thereof are described. The symbologies may have a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of patterns on or in a substrate. Furthermore, each of the plurality of pixels may have one or more optical properties that each provides one or more types of non-interacting data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keoni Manion, Christopher John Buntel
  • Patent number: 9147097
    Abstract: A coupon management system includes a synthetic barcode phone. The synthetic barcode phone comprises light management components and a controller. The light management components include both an optical receiver (e.g., camera or light sensor) and an optical emitter (e.g., display elements). A processor decodes drive data from audio files corresponding to barcodes. The decoded data is used to drive the controller which causes the emitter to emit light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode to communicate the coupon barcode optically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Randy McGill
  • Patent number: 9141900
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding, in a simultaneous multiple security application, independently encrypted security data elements within a single matrix of blocks in a progressive barcode. The method and apparatus including, encoding information of a first data element within the matrix using black modules and, encoding information of a second data element within the matrix using color modules. The barcode being configured to be overprinted as it progresses through progressive states. The progressive barcode, resulting from the overprinting through the progressive states, masking the ability to conclusively determine the barcode in a previous state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven J. Simske, Marie Vans, Helen Balinsky
  • Patent number: 9129198
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an information code and an information code reader. In information code, a plurality of light-colored modules exhibiting the reflective characteristics of light color when light of a second wavelength band different from light of a first wavelength band is radiated and a plurality of dark-colored modules exhibiting the reflective characteristics of dark color when the light of a second wavelength band is radiated are arranged in a code region. The information code includes a masked portion disposed in a predetermined region of the code region in which light is intercepted and prevents the corresponding information code from being read, and configured to, when the light of a second wavelength band is radiated, allow light reflected from the modules of the corresponding code region to pass therethrough and thereby interrupt the light of a first wavelength band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Manabu Miyazaki, Takao Ushijima, Koji Konosu, Atsushi Tano
  • Patent number: 9064203
    Abstract: There are provided a region specifying unit configured to specify a region containing a barcode which is a target to be subjected to density reduction processing and is constituted by black and image data other than the barcode constituted by a color different from black in original data; a color determiner configured to determine whether or not each pixel is black in the region specified by the region specifying unit; a density reduction processor configured to apply density reduction processing to the pixel determined by the color determiner to be black; and a print data creating unit configured to create the print data on the basis of the original data subjected to the density reduction processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: RISO KAGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 9038909
    Abstract: A method includes generating a machine readable code using each ink color implemented at a printer, printing the machine readable code on a first side of the medium, analyzing the machine readable code printed on the first side of the medium at a verification unit and detecting a side mismatch if the verification unit does not verify the machine readable code printed on the first side of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: InfoPrint Solutions Company LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Goddard Price, James A. Krack, Samuel Neely Hopper
  • Patent number: 9004362
    Abstract: The invention uses three-dimensional printing techniques to lay down a three-dimensional black and white grid (or “4-dimensional” grid, if color is used). To read and decode a three-dimensional bar-code, a light-field camera is used to capture the whole three-dimensional structure and the focus levels are then determined for a predetermined number of vertical levels. Adding color adds another degree of freedom (dimension) in the number and difficulty of encoding and decoding the three-dimensional bar-codes. These bar-codes cannot be simply made or copied, providing a level of security thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Susan Leeds Kudo
  • Publication number: 20150090790
    Abstract: The invention uses three-dimensional printing techniques to lay down a three-dimensional black and white grid (or “4-dimensional” grid, if color is used). To read and decode a three-dimensional bar-code, a light-field camera is used to capture the whole three-dimensional structure and the focus levels are then determined for a predetermined number of vertical levels. Adding color adds another degree of freedom (dimension) in the number and difficulty of encoding and decoding the three-dimensional bar-codes. These bar-codes cannot be simply made or copied, providing a level of security thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Susan Leeds Kudo
  • Publication number: 20150090791
    Abstract: Binarization method and system for two dimensional code images is provided. Each block region has a different grayscale threshold. Thus, for each block region, whether a pixel in the block region is determined as black or white restoring process is not solely based on the grayscale value of the pixel itself, but also an average grayscale value of a predetermined area specified for a block region where the pixel locates. That is to say, when the predetermined area in which the block region locates has generally a larger grayscale value, the grayscale threshold corresponding to the block region may become larger, and vice versa. Because the grayscale threshold of a block region is closely related to grayscale values in a background of this block region, external circumstance interference may be prevented from an obtained binary result, producing a clear binary image accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicants: FOUNDER MOBILE MEDIA TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD., PEKING UNIVERSITY FOUNDER GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ling Zhang, Chao Guan, Zhenhua Liu, Gezhang Liu, Wanyi Che