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.

Abstract: Method and system for decoding a two dimensional code is disclosed. In the binarization process of a two dimensional code image, through performing a dividing operation on the two dimensional code image, each block region has a different grayscale threshold. For each block region, whether a pixel in the block region is determined as black or white is not solely based on the grayscale value of the pixel itself, but also an average grayscale value of a predetermined area set for the block region where the pixel locates. When the predetermined area in which the block region locates has a larger grayscale value as a whole, the grayscale threshold corresponding to the block region may become larger, and vice versa.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment an imaging apparatus having an imaging assembly and an illumination assembly. The imaging assembly can comprise an imaging lens and an image sensor array. The illumination assembly can include a light source bank having one or more light source. The imaging assembly can define a field of view on a substrate and the illumination assembly can project light within the field of view. The imaging apparatus can be configured so that the illumination assembly during an exposure period of the imaging assembly emits light that spans multiple visible color wavelength bands.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying, tracking, and/or authenticating objects that is simple to apply and to use by an intended user, but is extremely difficult to counterfeit or compromise by an unintended user. Also disclosed is a multi-color, co-planar indicium made of a combination of printed patterns of multiple inks. The printed patterns may be modified by software-generated masks to ensure that the patterns are co-planar. The indicium is undecipherable unless irradiated with specified wavelengths of light radiation, filtered through specified spectral filters, and read and decoded by an electronic image reader. The indicium may be visible or covert. The indicium encodes unique true information about the object and may encode nonsensical or intentionally incorrect information as a further deterrent to unauthorized use. The method permits the indicia to be applied to objects at high processing speeds possible with inkjet printing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems, methods, and non-transitory computer program products for information exchange using color space encoded images. A color space encoded image can be displayed, for example on media such as posters, billboards, or paper, or on a display of a first device such as smartphone displays, palmtop displays, camera displays, tablet displays, or e-reader displays. A second device can acquire the displayed encoded image, for example by photographing the image. The second device can decode the color space encoded image or transfer the color space encoded image to a device that decodes the image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has an image read unit configured to form image data from a scanned original and an image processing unit configured to process the image data to identify a color barcode therein, convert the color barcode into a monochrome barcode, and generate new image data that contains the monochrome barcode in place of the color barcode.

Abstract: A method and program for encoding and decoding color barcodes to increase their data capacity. The encoding steps include determining a shape and a color for each data cell to encode digital data, wherein a combination of the shape and the color for the data cell is chosen from a plurality of combinations of shapes and colors in accordance with a value of the digital data to be encoded, and coloring a subset of the plurality of pixels in each data cell in accordance with the shape and the color for the data cell determined above. The decoding steps include segmenting the data cells in a color barcode, recognizing a shape formed by a subset of pixels in each data cell and the color of the shape, and obtaining digital data from a combination of the recognized shape and color in each data cell.

Abstract: A method for encoding and decoding color barcodes to increase their data capacity. The encoding steps include determining a shape, a foreground color and a background color for each data cell, wherein a combination of the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell is chosen from a plurality of such combinations in accordance with a value of the digital data to be encoded; and coloring some pixels in the data cell with a foreground color and other pixels with a background color, in accordance with the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell determined above. The decoding steps include segmenting the data cells, recognizing a shape, a foreground color of the shape and a background color of the data cell, and obtaining digital data from a combination of the shape and foreground and background colors in each data cell.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying, tracking, and/or authenticating objects that is simple to apply and to use by an intended user, but is extremely difficult to counterfeit or compromise by an unintended user. Also disclosed is a multi-color, co-planar indicium made of a combination of printed patterns of multiple inks. The printed patterns may be modified by software-generated masks to ensure that the patterns are co-planar. The indicium is undecipherable unless irradiated with specified wavelengths of light radiation, filtered through specified spectral filters, and read and decoded by an electronic image reader. The indicium may be visible or covert. The indicium encodes unique true information about the object and may encode nonsensical or intentionally incorrect information as a further deterrent to unauthorized use. The method permits the indicia to be applied to objects at high processing speeds possible with inkjet printing.

Abstract: The invention provides architecture of a multidimensional color barcode. The multidimensional color barcode includes a plurality of data cells and a plurality of palette cells which are placed in a predefined order on each side of the multidimensional color barcode. The multidimensional color barcode also includes one or more alternating black and white tic marks placed on two sides of the multidimensional color barcode. Data is encoded and decoded in the multidimensional color barcode using color assigned to each of the plurality of data cells and the plurality of palette cells.

Abstract: A method for detecting reproduction of barcodes (12) includes providing a barcode which contains data; providing a copy-evident background (14); capturing an image of the barcode and the copy-evident background; locating and decoding the barcode; detecting copy introduced changes in the copy-evident background; and authenticating the barcode if the copy-evident background has not been copied.

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.

Abstract: When an imaging device receives an image file that includes a color barcode, a processor of the imaging device and/or a remote processor may decode the barcode by identifying informational elements and calibration elements in the barcode. When the calibration elements are detected, one or more color model parameters are determined, and a color model is developed. When an informational element is then detected, a color value is determined for the informational element, the color model is applied using the color model parameters to yield an adjusted color value for the informational element, and the adjusted color value is used to decode the color barcode.

Abstract: A method for decoding digital data in a color barcode having a plurality of data cells, including the steps of: scanning the color barcode of the hardcopy document, separating color image of the color barcode into print primary color planes, computing peaks of each print primary color plane, projecting, for at least one of the print primary color planes, the data cells along a horizontal direction and a vertical direction at the peaks of the at least one of the primary color planes in each direction which represent data cell center locations respectively, and creating a grid where each of its intersection is a respective data cell center location, assigning a color to each grid intersection which corresponds to a respective data cell by examining values of the print primary color planes at such location, and decoding digital data from the data cells based on the respective color assigned to each data cell.

Abstract: A system (10) for generating an incrementally completed 3D security mark (20??) includes a computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program. The computer program has computer readable code for selecting a color transformation process at each stage in a workflow associated with the 3D security mark (20??); computer readable code for selecting a scrambling technique for data to be placed into a carrier object (20, 20?, 20?, 20??) of the 3D security mark (20??) at each stage in the workflow; computer readable code for selecting a manner in which a state change of the carrier object (20, 20?, 20?, 20??) at each stage in the workflow results in a predictable change in the 3D security mark (20??); and computer readable code for weighting writing schemes at each stage in the workflow. The system (10) further includes further includes memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the computer-readable medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can include systems, methods, and non-transitory computer program products for using color space encoded images to publish an entire book including text and images onto a single piece of paper, or onto few pieces of paper. In certain aspects, the present systems and methods allow users to perform data backup using color space encoded images. In other aspects, the present systems and methods allow users to self-publish desired content significantly cheaper by encoding the desired content using color space encoded images. In certain aspects, publishers or booksellers can include traditional books in combination with digital or electronic books distributed using color space encoded images. In other aspects, the present systems and methods allow users or administrators to compress and/or copy massive documents using color space encoded images.

Abstract: A two dimensional barcode with default background and foreground colors uses other foreground colors, to make separate means of encoding data, used by decoding hardware and software, or by an observer's perception. The new colors show text or graphics. A barcode on a dynamic display shows a progress indicator for an operation started by a user who imaged the barcode with her phone. Or it shows the number of votes for users who picked it with their phones. The barcode could show scrolling text. A barcode on a computer screen simulates a pushbutton; pressed when the user takes a photo of it with a cellphone. Suppose a barcode has a symbol drawn on its foreground rectangles, and the barcode encodes a URL. The URL is crafted to maximize the number of foreground rectangles that the symbol intersects, helping a human interpolate the symbol from fragments.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and device for automatically converting a sign and a method for automatically reading a sign. The method for automatically converting a sign comprises: disposing a first number of modules dispersedly within the sign, the first number being equal to a number of modules of a two-dimensional code that denote the sign; determining a mapping relation between the first number of modules and the respective modules of the two-dimensional code; and setting the first number of modules respectively to have same properties as the respective modules to which they are mapped of the two-dimensional code, so as to generate a converted sign. With the above method and device for automatically converting a sign, various signs can be automatically converted to machine readable signs, so that people and machines can easily understand these signs.

Abstract: In an apparatus for optically reading a graphic symbol composed of a plurality of optically identifiable unit sections of information, a first image pickup unit has a first photodetector and picks up a first optical image of the graphic symbol based on light detected by the first photodetector. A second image pickup unit has a second photodetector and configured to pick up a second optical image of the graphic symbol based on light detected by the second photodetector. A correcting unit corrects a light intensity level of at least one section of one of the first and second optical images based on a light intensity level of at least one section of the other of the first and second optical images. The at least one section corresponds to at least one of the unit sections of information of the graphic symbol.

Abstract: An additional layer of encoding is provided using conventional one-dimensional (“1-D”) bar code symbology. Dark bars of at least 2 heights are used (where the dark bars may be narrow or wide, and may be separated by a space that is narrow or wide) for 2-dimensional (“2-D”) encoding. Whereas the width of the dark bars is significant in the 1-D encoding, the height of the dark bars is significant for the 2-D encoding. In one approach, dark bars of a shortest height are used for encoding conventional 1-D data, while dark bars of other heights encode additional data in a 2-D portion of a bar code. In another approach, consecutive dark bars are used in combination, according to a mapping which correlates the various combinations of bar heights to respective characters. The 2-D encoding rules may be proprietary, providing a type of data privacy.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for covert bar code pattern design and decoding are described herein. One covert bar code includes detector code and decoder code. The detector code includes a combination of responsive absorptive material and responsive reflective material, and the decoder code includes a combination of responsive absorptive material and responsive reflective material.

Abstract: A roller laser encoding apparatus includes a barcode formed on a curved surface to form a curved barcode surface wherein the barcode is a sequence of different color laser reflectivity. When a laser transmitter emits a laser beam toward the curved barcode surface, the laser beam is reflected by the curved barcode surface to form a reflected laser beam. After the reflected laser beam is received by a laser receiver as a light signal, the optoelectronic converter converts the light signal of the reflected laser beam into a voltage signal. After the curved barcode surface is rotated in one revolution, an encoding processor collects the voltage signals from the optoelectronic converter in sequent and generates a sequence of voltage value in response to the sequence of different color laser reflectivity of the curved barcode surface so as to output a decoding signal of the curved barcode surface.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an imaging terminal operative for decoding of bar codes. In one embodiment the terminal can include a color imaging assembly having a color image sensor array. The terminal can be operative for capture of a color frame of image data. Responsively to the capture of the color frame of image data the terminal can convert the color image data to monochrome image data while maintaining the color image data. The terminal can utilize the monochrome image data to search for a color bar code finder pattern. The terminal can be operative so that if the color bar code pattern is found utilizing the monochrome image data the terminal can utilize the color image data for attempting to decode a color bar code.

Abstract: A method for decoding digital data in a color barcode having a plurality of data cells, including the steps of: scanning the color barcode of the hardcopy document, separating color image of the color barcode into print primary color planes, computing peaks of each print primary color plane, projecting, for at least one of the print primary color planes, the data cells along a horizontal direction and a vertical direction at the peaks of the at least one of the primary color planes in each direction which represent data cell center locations respectively, and creating a grid where each of its intersection is a respective data cell center location, assigning a color to each grid intersection which corresponds to a respective data cell by examining values of the print primary color planes at such location, and decoding digital data from the data cells based on the respective color assigned to each data cell.

Abstract: Techniques for ensuring maximum readability of barcodes displayed in pixel displays. The techniques use the characteristics of the pixel display to determine the form of the barcode in the pixel display. Determination of the form includes determining a size of the barcode which renders the barcode's elements easily readable by a barcode reader and a shape, and or orientation of the barcode in the display which permits the entire barcode to be displayed in the display. Additionally, in a barcode with redundant information, the amount of redundant information may be reduced in the displayed barcode. The techniques may be applied to both one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes.

Abstract: A micro marker is formed of geometric features having various colors to apply to an object. The micro marker includes a background having a first color, multiple localization features formed on the background having a second color, and multiple information encoding features, each information encoding feature having a color selected from multiple colors to represent digital values, the information encoding features being arranged proximate the localization features on the background.

Abstract: The method for authenticating a code with geometric areas whose shapes and/or colors vary according to a message includes: a step (115) in which the code with variable geometric areas is generated, according to a message, to provide geometric areas; a step (120 to 130) in which a digital authentication code is generated to provide numeric values and a step (135) in which an image of the geometric code areas is formed, including a part of the digital authentication code in at least some of its geometric areas and/or in at least one space between geometric areas.

Abstract: A micro marker is formed of geometric features having various colors to apply to an object. The micro marker includes a background having a first color, multiple localization features formed on the background having a second color, and multiple information encoding features, each information encoding feature having a color selected from multiple colors to represent digital values, the information encoding features being arranged proximate the localization features on the background.

Abstract: A method for interactive false checking of a product by using colored 2 dimensional bar codes comprises the steps of (a) generating a unique colored forgery-proof bar code 40, a fixed data 41 and a 2D variable bar code 42 by inputting a product related data and generating a database in the auto-bi-directional comparison and the responding system 6; (b) printing a colored 2D variable bar code containing the product data by a digital printing device; (c) printing the colored 2D variable bar code on a tag; (d) a consumer scanning the 2 dimensional variable bar code so as to get the product data which transferred to the system for comparison; (e) after comparison, a comparison result being transferred to the consumer's handset; and (f) the phone numbers of the phone or handset of the consumer for future using. A system for performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for acquiring a code image in a portable terminal includes an image recognizing unit for acquiring a picture including the code image and a code analyzing unit for verifying color information items for pixels with respect to the acquired picture, deleting a certain color information item according to a predetermined scheme when there are a plurality of color information items in order to recognize the code image having at least one of a QR code and a bar code.

Abstract: A method of extracting data from an identifiable monochromatic pattern. The method comprises separating a polychromatic optical signal, received from an object having identifiable monochromatic pattern, into a plurality of wavelength components, separately capturing each of the wavelength components, reconstructing a plurality of images each from a different wavelength component, detecting the identifiable monochromatic pattern in one or more of the images, and extracting data associated with or encoded by the detected identifiable monochromatic pattern. The images have different depths of field.

Abstract: A method for color extension of bar codes includes converting the white portions of a plurality of black and white bar codes to a color unique to each bar code; merging the converted bar codes together to form a combined color image; and producing a color bar code from the combined color image. The method may include rendering, scanning, and decoding the color bar code to recreate the black and white bar codes. The contents of the black and white bar codes may be utilized as data to store text, graphics commands, or music.

Abstract: The method and system for extending data limit of a mono-colored barcode is disclosed. The method divides the data into data chunks and assigns a unique color value to individual data chunks. Further the method encodes the data chunks based on the symbology. Then the method multiplexes the encoded data chunks to create a resultant image that contains all the encoded data or barcode. In the decoding process, the barcode reader captures the image and enhances the quality for data extraction. Then the de-multiplexer separates the enhanced image into individual mono colored barcodes. Further, the decoder decodes each individual barcodes into data chunks. Finally, the method merges the data chunks to obtain original barcode data.

Abstract: A fast image-based barcode detection and recognition technique allows a user of a device to analyze an image containing a barcode, locating the barcode containing region of the image automatically, without requiring a user to frame and align the image. In one embodiment, the technique may locate multiple omni-directional barcode regions simultaneously.

Abstract: A computing device and method for reading a barcode captured with a color image sensor is disclosed. The barcode can have features and background that have equal brightness and a substantially low chromacity deviation such that the barcode could not be easily perceptible and decoded with known greyscale decoding techniques. The method for reading the barcode includes receiving color image values for each pixel of a captured image of a target barcode from a color image sensor, determining chrominance values for each pixel from the color image values, detecting edges based on the chrominance values to generate an edge-detected image that is provided to a greyscale barcode decoder to decode the information in the target barcode. The chrominance values can be based on the blue and red difference components from the YUV image format, and the U and V values can be combined using color temperature information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining optimum color gradation levels used by a color gradation barcode in a system including a rendering device for rendering the barcode and a detector for detecting the barcode. The method includes: (a) obtaining input color gradation data; (b) rendering, by using the rendering device, a test pattern based on the input color gradation data, the test pattern comprising at least one color gradation pattern; (c) detecting, by using the detector, the rendered test pattern to generate detected color gradation data; (d) based on the detected color gradation data and the input color gradation data, determining a plurality of optimum color gradation levels to be used for a color gradation barcode; and (e) storing the plurality of optimum color gradation levels.

Abstract: A barcode-embedding area is obtained in a color image based on expression possibility by the juxtaposed additive color mixture and possibility of reading of pixels separately by a barcode reader (S11), a color image in the barcode-embedding area is expressed by the juxtaposed additive color mixture, and color images for the code area and the background area, which are readable by the barcode reader, are created (S12, S13), a color-image-superimposed barcode image is created by using the color images for the code area and the background area, and the same color-image-superimposed barcode image is embedded in the barcode-embedding area (S14), and the color-image-superimposed barcode image and the original color image are corrected if necessary (S15, S16).

Abstract: A variety of forms of machine-readable symbols are disclosed, as well as methods and systems of constructing machine-readable symbols, methods and systems of acquiring machine-readable symbols, and methods and systems of decoding machine-readable symbols.

Abstract: A document authenticating method is disclosed by which a plurality of two-dimensional barcode stamps are generated and printed on a back side of the document forming a color mosaic pattern. Each barcode stamp by itself is a binary barcode, but the plurality of barcode stamps as a whole are printed with different colors and/or color intensities. The barcode stamps collectively encode the content of the document to be used for document authentication.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology that specifies each of a plurality of two-dimensional codes in an image and reduces the processing time for judging color in each cell region in each specified two-dimensional code. Based on edge images generated from obtained images, candidate regions among these edge images are extracted, a judgment is made about whether or not a characteristic pattern is included in each of the corresponding regions in the original images that correspond to these extracted candidate regions, and then the two-dimensional code regions are detected from among the original images. The color is judged both for each pixel group that comprises each row of that region and for each pixel cell, in pixel array order. If it is determined that a certain number or more pixels in each row that corresponds to each cell region are included in the color judgment region, color judgment is omitted for the remaining pixels in that row.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has an image read unit configured to form image data from a scanned original and an image processing unit configured to process the image data to identify a color barcode therein, convert the color barcode into a monochrome barcode, and generate new image data that contains the monochrome barcode in place of the color barcode.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code with a logo, wherein a two-dimensional code that represents information by means of a cell dot distribution pattern formed by having a plurality of cells colored and a logo mark visually representing characters are superimposed. In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of the cell dot color area is smaller than the cell area while the two-dimensional code that represents the information by means of the cell dot distribution pattern that color codes the cells and the logo mark that visually represents the character are superimposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a layered two-dimensional code which can be considerably improved in the data capacity thereof without increasing the area thereof by integrating a plurality of two-dimensional codes by a predetermined correlation and expressing it as one two-dimensional code, a method of creating the layered two-dimensional code, and a method of reading the layered two-dimensional code. The layered two-dimensional code is formed as a surface layer by layering a plurality of code layers (for example, code layers 1, 2, and 3) each having information cells (1a?, 1a?, and the like) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and by integrating the plurality of code layers. An index information code 1c essentially including the information of an RGB value of each code layer is included at one part of the surface layer. When the information cells (1a? and 1a?) of the code layers 1 and 2 are superposed.

Abstract: A QR code processing method includes an edge processing process, a QR code positioning process and a projection modification process. The edge processing process converts an original image into a binarized input image. The QR code positioning process includes a group search process and a tag search process. The group search process includes: deriving a plurality of luminance groups according to luminance values of pixels within an input image; identifying a plurality of finder pattern groups complying with QR code finder pattern among the plurality of luminance groups according to a central point of each luminance group; and deriving position information of each finder pattern group. The tag search process derives position information of the QR code according to the position information of the finder pattern groups. The projection modification process converts the input image into a modified image according to the position information of the QR code.

Abstract: A method for noise removal from color barcode images includes acquiring a barcode image using a color imaging array and separating the barcode image into color channels. Weighting factors are associated with the color channels and at least one weighting factor is reduced. The weighting factors are applied to the color channels to produce a first transformed image. A portion of the first transformed image is analyzed to produce a first set of decoded data from the barcode.

Abstract: A barcode scanner device for reading a target barcode having a plurality of feature sections in a first color and a plurality of background sections in a second color. The device comprises: a light source for providing incident illumination onto the target barcode during reading of the target barcode, the light source having a plurality of independently selectable color wavelengths; a photodetector for receiving at least a portion of the incident illumination when reflected off the target barcode as reflected illumination, the reflected illumination used by the photodetector to capture a first color image of the target barcode when a first color wavelength is selected as the incident illumination and to capture a second color image of the target barcode when a second color wavelength is selected as the incident illumination.

Abstract: A fast image-based barcode detection and recognition technique allows a user of a device to analyze an image containing a barcode, locating the barcode containing region of the image automatically, without requiring a user to frame and align the image. In one embodiment, the technique may locate multiple omni-directional barcode regions simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and program for encoding and decoding color barcodes to increase their data capacity. The encoding steps include determining a shape and a color for each data cell to encode digital data, wherein a combination of the shape and the color for the data cell is chosen from a plurality of combinations of shapes and colors in accordance with a value of the digital data to be encoded, and coloring a subset of the plurality of pixels in each data cell in accordance with the shape and the color for the data cell determined above. The decoding steps include segmenting the data cells in a color barcode, recognizing a shape formed by a subset of pixels in each data cell and the color of the shape, and obtaining digital data from a combination of the recognized shape and color in each data cell.

Abstract: A method for encoding and decoding color barcodes to increase their data capacity. The encoding steps include determining a shape, a foreground color and a background color for each data cell, wherein a combination of the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell is chosen from a plurality of such combinations in accordance with a value of the digital data to be encoded; and coloring some pixels in the data cell with a foreground color and other pixels with a background color, in accordance with the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell determined above. The decoding steps include segmenting the data cells, recognizing a shape, a foreground color of the shape and a background color of the data cell, and obtaining digital data from a combination of the shape and foreground and background colors in each data cell.