Abstract: A scanner device includes a color measuring, a support surface for a measured object and a drive unit for moving the measuring head across the support surface and for adjusting the height of the measuring head in a direction perpendicular to the support surface. The measuring head is equipped with an illuminating channel and a collection channel. The illuminating channel has a light source and optical means for illuminating the measured object at a measurement site at a mean angle of incidence of 45°. The collection channel has optical means for capturing light emanating from the measured object at the measurement site at a mean collection angle of 0° and coupling it into a light guide, which directs the captured light to a wavelength-selective photoelectric transformer, which resolves it into a number of wavelength ranges and generates an electric measurement signal corresponding to each wavelength range.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method, and a device A device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface corresponding to a movement of the writing element over the surface. The device also includes a controller operable to digitally encode information in the mark.

Abstract: The prevention of counterfeiting labels for various products is addressed by introducing counterfeit proof labels having optically concealed security safety features and clues for consumer's self identification and verification. The images of groups of questions and answers are printed in a precise serial formation, parallel to the optical center of the micro lenticule at the focal plane of a high resolution micro optic array of the label at the location in relation to the optical centers of the micro lenticule and viewing angle, so that each of the questions and answers can be read at a specific viewing angle. For identification, gently tilling the label back and forth, at different angles, each group of the question and answers will be displayed on the label. If the answers correctly match with the questions, the label is proved to be authentic; if one or more of the answers is wrong or not clear the label is a counterfeit. The label can be read under visible light source without any viewing aid.

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: The present invention is a reactive bar-code element which is unreadable prior to irradiation and readable after irradiation.

Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.

Abstract: A fully automatic table game player tracking system for Blackjack and other casino games wherein players have individual betting positions on the table is disclosed. An individual B&W CCD chip reading turret is placed inches in front of each player's betting position to scan wagered chips using ambient casino lighting. The turret also has a “comp” light to indicate to the player at the beginning of every hand that his bet was read credited for his complimentaries (meals, room, entertainment, etc.), thus delivering to the player extra gaming satisfaction every hand. Patterns of repeated coding around the playing chips' peripheral surface represent with light and dark contrasting colors the dollar value and particular casino issuer of the chips.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of one- and two-dimensional indicia and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager. Dedicated hardware assistance and computation resources are allocated to decode multiple, continuous and simultaneous video streams from multiple imagers at the workstation.

Abstract: A TTR time of a reading apparatus can also be reduced by designing an apparatus to exhibit a certain timing relationship between a receipt of a trigger signal and/or more of image capture and decoding. An apparatus in one embodiment can be configured to continuously capture frames of image data prior to receipt of a trigger signal and can further be configured so that an output decoded message is decoded from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to the time of receipt of a trigger signal. An apparatus configured to output a decoded message from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to a time of receipt of a trigger signal can have a TTR time of less than a frame capture period of the apparatus.

Abstract: The laser scanning system includes a laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within a housing mounted in or on a countertop at the POS station. The mechanism generates first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes which (i) intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined outside of the housing, and (ii) generate a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within the 3-D scanning volume. The plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes form a complex omni\-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within the 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of any object including a six-sided rectangular box-shaped object, presented within the 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at the POS station so as to provide six-sided 360-degree omni-directional bar code symbol scanning coverage at the POS station.

Abstract: A novel control device and a method for using the device for the calorimetric quality assurance of photographic documents or any color and monochrome products printed on any type of supports. The inventive control device is embodied in the form of an improved reflective spectrophotometer which also makes it possible to read bar codes. The use of the novel control device requires the use of a novel method which enables any user of a production machine to be assigned with an unique alpha digital identifier for any arbitrary product configuration leading to an arbitrary chromatic response (reflectance spectrum or colour spectrum obtained according to a printed file values) which are considered by the competent user as desirable and retainable for certain products.

Abstract: A method of identifying a product includes generating a code unique to the product, said code being provided by a multitude of individual identifiers, applying the multitude of the identifiers of the code to the packaging of the product as a pattern to identify the product. The method also involves applying a sub-set of two or more of the multitude of the identifiers of said code to the product, said sub-set of the multitude of the identifiers of the code being applied so they will be presented in the same pattern order as they appear in the pattern order of the multitude of the identifiers of the code applied to the packaging. The product can be identified with a reasonable likelihood of being a genuine product by determining that a presented pattern order of the sub-set of the multitude of the identifiers applied to the product corresponds to a presented pattern order within the multitude of the identifiers applied to the packaging.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polychromatic barcode or portable data file symbology, image, system, method, and apparatus enabling virtually unlimited information density. In a preferred embodiment, ASCII characters are assigned to unique identifiers, which identifiers are in turn assigned to unique colors. Color blots are sequentially arranged in a symbol so as to match the sequence of corresponding identifiers to be encoded, and then the symbol is applied to a surface. To decode, the symbol is scanned, colors translated into identifiers, and identifiers translated into content. Also disclosed are blots dedicated to calibration. Information density is further enhanced through an external reference function achieved through commands included in the barcode itself, by which function infinitely high information density is achieved. Licensing information is available through www.inventerprise.com.

Abstract: A multiple resolution readable color array printed for labeling or displayed electronically achieves readable data at multiple optical resolutions. The array has a hierarchy of cells, where cells at a lower level of resolution include spatially adjacent smaller cells at a higher level of resolution. Colors are encoded in redundant cells within the hierarchy so that overall color assigned to a lower resolution cell depends on the colors encoded in the included data cells at a higher resolution.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method is employed to read an overprinted barcode. An RGB pixel map is obtained from an overprinted color barcode that contains a plurality of disparate colors. A pixel map is allocated for each of the colors detected and each pixel is classified in the one or more pixel maps according to color. One or more barcodes are extracted from the overprinted barcode that correlates to each color detected. Each of the extracted barcodes are then filtered, decoded and read.

Abstract: A circular bar code includes at least one circular data ring having a plurality of data cells arranged side-by-side in a circle, a circular locator ring of a solid color and conveying the location and size of the bar code to a reading device; and a locator cell conveying the orientation of the bar code to the reading device. The locator ring and the at least one data ring have a finite width, and are concentric, without any gap between adjacent rings. The locator ring can be either inside or outside of the at least one data ring. The locator cell is defined by a gap in the locator ring and a single data cell located in a data ring adjacent the locator ring. The circumferential and radial dimensions of the locator cell convey the data cell size to the reading device.

Abstract: A color barcode can record much more amount of information than black white barcode. However, the problem of the color barcode is that it is easy to lose integrity or authenticity in printing and copy generation. This invention provides an apparatus and a method to keep the integrity or authenticity of the color barcode. Such is accomplished by the color reference portion of the color barcode including reference color tiles filled with colors which are used in a data portion of the color barcode and an apparatus and a method for producing, reproducing and reading such color barcode.

Abstract: A color barcode can record much more amount of information than black white barcode. However, the problem of the color barcode is that it is easy to lose integrity or authenticity in printing and copy generation. This invention provides an apparatus and a method to keep the integrity or authenticity of the color barcode. Such is accomplished by the color reference portion of the color barcode including reference color tiles filled with colors which are used in a data portion of the color barcode and an apparatus and a method for producing, reproducing and reading such color barcode.

Abstract: Techniques for enhancing the reliable and efficient decoding of images of computer-readable symbols, which represent information encoded using a one- or two-dimensional visual symbology, are discussed. In accordance with one technique, prior to attempting to decode a particular image, a likelihood of successfully decoding the visual symbology from the image is determined based on a success metric. The success metric is calculated based on the blurriness of the image, or the tilt of the camera that captured the image, or both. Levels of blurriness or tilt, and the likelihood of decoding success, are ascertained with respect to predetermined reference values associated with generally decodable images. In accordance with another technique, image-sharpening algorithms are applied at select locations within the image.

Abstract: A two-dimensional barcode includes a plurality of macro modules arranged in a two-dimensional array in a spiral sequence, each of macro modules includes a predetermined number of data unit modules for storing data codewords of a predetermined binary stream of bits, a predetermined number of cluster unit modules for storing a predetermined cluster number representing a location of the macro module, and a predetermined number of rim unit modules which possess a predetermined color to form a rim of the macro module. The rim unit modules of two adjacent macro modules are contrasting with each other to enhance identification of the respective macro module.

Abstract: A two-dimensional color barcode using gradations of color is disclosed. The barcode includes a black and white configuration block that encodes configuration information about the barcode and a plurality of color data blocks that encodes data. Each tile in the data blocks has one of the-predefined recoverable gradation values of the RGB, CMY or other color sets. The number of recoverable gradation values for each color used in the color data block is specified in the configuration block. The barcode also includes a corner marker consist of a column and a row of black abutting the configuration block which is located in the top left corner, three additional corner markers and a plurality of block separators along the sides of barcode. Also described are methods for generating and decoding such a 2d color barcode. The methods include transforming data values to be encoded into the color space and vise versa.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing the principles of axial chromatic aberration for auto-focusing an image onto an image sensor are provided. The system and method are particularly suitable for incorporation within an optical code reader. A signal processor analyzes data signals representative of the intensity or magnitude of wavelength components of an impinged image onto the image sensor for determining a value indicative of the focus quality of the impinged image. An actuator controls movement of a lens in accordance with the determination until obtainment of a desired focus quality. A decoder decodes the image having the desired focus quality.

Abstract: A toy or game piece for producing color includes a housing formed in the shape of a toy; a color reader to read a sample and generate data; a processing device to process the generated data and determine a color of the sample based on the generated data; and a light emitting element to produce light corresponding to the determined color. The light emitting element may include two or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colors. The processing device controls the intensity of each LED to cause the light emitting element to produce the corresponding color that is substantially similar to the determined color.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for reading a color symbol, which comprises a matrix of color filters arranged in front of a detector. Light received from the filters of some colors is used to locate the color symbol, while light received from all the filters is used to read and decode the located symbol. Preferably, the filters used for locating the symbol are of the colors to which the detector is most sensitive. Preferably, the filters for locating the symbol are dominant in number.

Abstract: A coded target used in photogrammetry, the target being circular and including at least two concentric coding rings with at least two equal angular sectors, arranged around a central area including a central disk with a uniform color surrounded by a ring with a complementary color, itself surrounded by a ring the same color as the central disk. A photogrammetry process automatically detects and identifies targets.

Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.

Abstract: A method of generating an interface surface is provided, in which machine-readable coded data is generated in a computer system in accordance with a layout and is printed onto a surface with a printer in communication with the computer system. The layout has at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, and encodes a fault tolerant orientation codeword comprising a sequence of an integer multiple m of n symbols, where m is one or more. Each encoded symbol is distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the orientation codeword. Each representation has a different cyclic shift of the orientation codeword and is indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine readable code of a set of distinguishable symbols including at least a first symbol for encoding zeroes and a second symbol for encoding ones, wherein the first symbol exhibits a first color during machine reading and the second symbol exhibits a second color during machine reading, wherein the first color and the second color are detectably different under machine reading conditions.

Abstract: Samples and dry chemical analysis elements, which are necessary for analyses of the samples, are loaded on a sample tray. Each sample is sucked with a spotting nozzle of a spotting unit and spotted onto one dry chemical analysis element. Analysis information, which contains information representing a type of analysis, is appended to each dry chemical analysis element. The analysis information is read with a reading device located such that, when a certain sample is located at a position for sample suction by an operation of the sample tray, the reading device reads the analysis information, which has been appended to a next dry chemical analysis element to be used for the analysis of the certain sample, at a position at which the next dry chemical analysis element is located.

Abstract: A two-dimensional color barcode using gradations of color is disclosed. The barcode includes a black and white configuration block that encodes configuration information about the barcode and a plurality of color data blocks that encodes data. Each tile in the data blocks has one of the-predefined recoverable gradation values of the RGB, CMY or other color sets. The number of recoverable gradation values for each color used in the color data block is specified in the configuration block. The barcode also includes a corner marker consist of a column and a row of black abutting the configuration block which is located in the top left corner, three additional corner markers and a plurality of block separators along the sides of barcode. Also described are methods for generating and decoding such a 2d color barcode. The methods include transforming data values to be encoded into the color space and vise versa.

Abstract: A visual code system wherein camera-equipped mobile phones (or similar devices, such as wireless PDAs) are used to identify and decode images that contain one or more “visual codes.” By recognizing a code tag, the device can determine a bit pattern or an integer number encoded in the tag (the code value), the targeted object or image element, as well as additional parameters, such as the viewing angle of the camera. Code recognition is performed on the mobile device itself. When the mobile device is equipped with a wireless communication channel, it can be used to retrieve online content or to access information on the Internet based on the sensed code and its parameters. The retrieved content can then be presented on the mobile device.

Abstract: Machine-readable coded data disposed on or in a substrate in accordance with a layout, the layout having at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout encoding an orientation codeword comprising a sequence of an integer multiple m of of n symbols, where m is one or more, each encoded symbol being distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the orientation codeword, each representation comprising a different cyclic shift of the orientation codeword and being indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout, and wherein the orientation codeword is fault tolerant.

Abstract: A printed barcode including first basic barcode information stored in a first basic mode of printed data storage, and second additional enhanced barcode information stored in a second enhanced mode of printed data storage. The second information is printed, at least partially, as a component of the first information. The first information is adapted to be read by a basic barcode reader. The second information is adapted to be read by an enhanced barcode reader and cannot be read by the basic barcode reader.

Abstract: A color bar code system includes a camera reader to read at least one color bar code having a subset of N bar code colors, a color association unit and an identifier. The color association unit associates each point in a color space with one of the bar code colors. The color association unit is calibratable to the range of colors that the camera reader is expected to produce given at least one environmental condition in which it operates. The identifier uses the color association unit to identify an item associated with the bar code from the output of the camera reader.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.

Abstract: A barcode symbol having an encoded symbology is provided with color or shades of gray to add additional information at the time of printing. The color or shades of gray provides the current barcode symbology with a third dimension of information. The color or shades of gray can encode information over a specific one-dimensional or two-dimensional symbology. White spaces can be replaced with colors or shades of gray to add coded information to the standard one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes. The number of colors and how they are distributed or arranged can provide the basic backbone of information. A barcode reader that can detect the different color spectrums, can be employed to decode the information. Furthermore, color is not limited to white spaces, but can be implemented into black spaces. Additionally, colored background information can provide additional information to the current symbology.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a barcode system that includes an encoder configured to create a two-dimensional color barcode representing data defined by a first data layer and a second data layer, wherein the first data layer is preserved and the second data layer is lost during black and white copying of the color barcode.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus, when a white LED is made to emit light onto a color image so that the reflected light can be detected, changes a color measuring condition in adaptation to a reflectance predicted for the image from the forming condition of the color image to be detected. The amount of reflected light is detected by photodiodes, and the image forming condition is adjusted, based on the detected amount of reflected light of each color image. Thereby, irrespective of the reflectance of each color image, the color measurement of each color image is effected with good accuracy, and the hue and density of the color image to be detected are accurately detected, thereby to form a color image with excellent color reproduction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an identification document is provided. A substrate is provided that is constructed and arranged to receive printing thereon. A first variable indicium is printed on the substrate, where the first variable indicium is not visible to the human eye in ambient light but is visible to the human eye when viewed using a first type of light.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for printing and verifying postage stamps on demand via a personal postage stamp printer. The indicia by which the stamp is printed includes a color bar sequence and a data field including data that corresponds to the color bar sequence. To authenticate the stamp, the data field is read and the color bar sequence data included in the data field is compared with the data generated by detecting the color bar sequence itself.

Abstract: A color bar code system includes a camera reader to read at least one color bar code having a subset of N bar code colors, a color association unit and an identifier. The color association unit associates each point in a color space with one of the bar code colors. The color association unit is calibratable to the range of colors that the camera reader is expected to produce given at least one environmental condition in which it operates. The identifier uses the color association unit to identify an item associated with the bar code from the output of the camera reader.

Abstract: An optical code reading system and method are provided for reading and decoding an optical code. The system includes a plurality of light sources, a color image sensor, a processor and a decoder. Each light source produces a unique wavelength/color of light to illuminate the optical code, such as a direct mark optical code. The image sensor detects the reflected light from the optical code and generates an integrated multi-colored image. The processor separates the integrated image into individual color channels, where each color channel includes data representative of the imaged optical code in one color. The processor analyzes the contrast for each color channel and determines which color channel has the optimum contrast. The data corresponding to the color channel having the optimum contrast is then decoded by a decoder.

Abstract: Providing interaction between a user with remote data stored on a network is disclosed. A physical medium has at least one hot spot encoded with linking data enabling access to remote data. The linking data is encoded according to a spectral encoding scheme. At least part of the linking data is visible and is blended with and appears to comprise at least part of an un-encoded graphic or text visible on the physical medium such that it is not apparent to a viewer of the physical medium that said linking data is encoded in said at least one hot spot. A sensor measures the hot spot and decodes the linking data. A transmitter coupled to the sensor transmits the linking data to a remote computer system. The remote computer system responds to the linking data to retrieve the remote data and present the remote data to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recognizing a code from a code image that is expressed physically or electronically and extracting data represented in the code image is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a raw image in which a code image is contained, detecting a background image included in the raw image, extracting a code image region in which a background image is excluded, recognizing the shape and type of the code image and the color or shade represented in each of cells, converting the color or shade recognized from each of the cells into a corresponding character, number, or symbol and generating code data. The code image in which predetermined data are represented as colors or shades are received, and original colors or shades can be precisely discriminated regardless of an environment in which the code image is recognized.

Abstract: A code reader for color images, which can simultaneously accept a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code and data of a color image of a subject for management and which can record both the data in mapping with each other, is provided. The code reader comprises color image pickup structure for picking up the code and also a color image of a subject for management as is specified by identification information contained in the code; code-recognizing-data extraction structure for extracting luminance data from the color image data picked up by the color image pickup structure, and for writing gray scale data into a first frame memory as data for recognizing the code; and recorded-image extraction structure for extracting color data from the color image data picked up by the color image pickup structure, and for writing the color data into a second frame memory.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.

Abstract: Machine-readable coded data disposed on or in a substrate. The coded data includes a layout having order n rotational symmetry, formed from n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotation. The layout encodes a first codeword formed from a sequence of a multiple m of n first symbols, with each sub-layout defining respective positions for each of m first symbols, such that the m first symbols uniquely identify each sub-layout. Decoding the first symbols provided at one or more of the respective locations within each sub-layout is therefore indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout.

Abstract: A method for color bar codes includes selecting N bar code colors for a color bar code system to be generally distinct from each other given the range of colors that a camera reader is expected to produce given at least one environmental condition in which the camera reader is expected to operate.

Abstract: The level of light that impinges upon a CCD is construed to be low when a high-sensitivity image sensing mode has been set. Gain for high-sensitivity image sensing is set in a gain adjusting circuit (color balance adjusting circuit) and a color balance adjustment is performed based upon the set gain. Thus an appropriate color balance adjustment is carried out even if light having a low level impinges upon the CCD.

Abstract: A machine readable assaying system including an assay card having a machine readable assaying indicia located upon a surface of the card. At least one analysis element is provided with the assaying indicia, and is capable of monitoring a parameter to detect and optically signal the presence or absence of a desired state. The analysis elements composing, at least in part, an assaying mechanism in the form a pattern of elements, generally additionally including at least one fixed element, and or at least one blank region.