Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: A positioning method of a photoelectric conversion device (an imaging device) includes irradiating an optical member with light and receiving light which passes through an opening of a light shielding member and the optical member with the photoelectric conversion device. The photoelectric conversion device is moved in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical member and a first position at which the photoelectric conversion device detects a side of an opening and a second position at which the photoelectric conversion device detects another side opposing the side are acquired. A position of the photoelectric conversion device at which a center of the opening and a center position of the photoelectric conversion device are aligned based on the first position and the second position is determined. The photoelectric conversion device is fixed at the determined position.

Abstract: Software is provided for functioning in conjunction with a plurality of mission stores and for assisting a pilot of a vehicle with release of the mission stores to achieve a specified number of mission objectives. Each of the plurality of mission stores may be designated for communication with a separate mission reference point or target. The targets may be grouped within a common target area. The software provides processor-executable instructions for determining acceptable timing and location for release of the plurality of mission stores, such as within the common target area, and such that the mission stores achieve communication with the respective mission reference points. The processor-executable instructions calculate and identify a common release area within the common target area, such as a composite launch acceptability region of overlap of separate target regions of each mission store, in addition to identifying an entrance and exit point of the composite region.

Abstract: A network accessible node facilitates management of a fleet of portable communication devices (EIR terminal), including portable data terminals and/or barcode readers, by directing performance of software upgrade and/or configuration update actions by one or more members of the fleet of EIR terminals. The node can be configured for use in managing the reprogramming of the one or more EIR terminals. In one embodiment, the node can be disposed in a common local facility and connected to a common local area network with the at least one EIR terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for reading code symbols using a code symbol reading system having a programmable decode time-window filter mode of operation. During this mode of operation, only decoded code symbols that have been scanned within a selected (e.g. central) portion of the laser scan line field are processed according to a special decode time-window filtering function. In particular, if the decoded bar code symbol is a programming-type bar code symbol, then the system controller applies the function represented by the programming-type bar code symbol; and if the decoded bar code symbol is a non-programming-type bar code symbol, then the system controller either transmits symbol character data associated therewith to the host system or stores the symbol character data within memory aboard the bar code symbol reading system.

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: Retroreflective articles comprise a substrate and a bar code provided on the substrate. The bar code comprises at least one human-readable information which provides framing information and a machine-readable information which provides variable information. The human-readable information is visible under a first condition and invisible under a second condition, and the machine-readable information is invisible under the first condition and visible under the second condition.

Abstract: To prevent misreading of barcodes and to allow accurate outputting of bar data even when an element is damaged or blurred, an optical information reading device containing a computation means 23a for adding widths of 6 elements containing a bar and a space that are adjacent within one character to derive respective patterns of 2- through n-element added widths and for converting each of the patterns of 2- through n-element added widths into the module number for one character to obtain the module numbers of the patterns of the 2- through n-element added widths; an extraction means 23b for narrowing down the target characters to extract a candidate character wherein the target character is that each module number of the 2- through n-element widths is an integer with an error equal to or less than 1; and a search means 23d for comparing the extracted candidate character, having the module numbers of the patterns of the 2- through n-element added widths with the expected value character for evaluating the candid

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the likelihood of false positive decodes within a set of barcodes are disclosed. The method can be implemented in a computing device, which includes: providing a list of barcode configurations that meet damage tolerance criteria; reducing, if possible, each configuration list to barcode configurations that have a compatible configuration pair between sets; and comparing all possible combinations of barcode type configurations to find at least one set of configurations that are resistant to false positives decodes between barcode types during decoding processes.

Abstract: Sharing data between applications includes a first application converting data from a first format useable by the first application to a second format useable by a second application and the first application providing editing restrictions to restrict the second application from editing at least some of the data in the second format. At least some of the editing restrictions may prohibit editing at least some of the data by the second application. The user may receive a notification in connection with attempting to edit at least some of the data indicating that editing is prohibited. At least some of the restrictions may provide a warning to a user of the second application. The user may choose to edit the restricted data after receiving the warning.

Abstract: In a system and method of estimating and classifying a barcode using heuristic and statistical measures, a classification determination is generated for each of a plurality of estimated barcode digits that correspond to a decoded barcode estimation. The classification determination is selected from one of a first classification determination and a second classification determination. The first classification determinations among a plurality of estimation determinations are aggregated. The aggregated first classification determinations are compared to a first predetermined threshold to determine a validity of the decoded barcode estimation.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a system and method for reading symbology, and more typically linear barcodes (“symbols”) that employs trained attributes that remain invariant between scans of different barcodes during runtime to tune various aspects of the procedure for locating and decoding such barcodes. The procedure relies upon a training step in which one or more exemplary barcodes are decoded and the invariant attributes for such barcodes, including, but not limited to, size, shape, relative angle in the image field of view and resolution are stored. The runtime decoding procedure then employs these attributes to constrain the search for subsequent, scanned barcodes and then decode it according to a plurality of tuned steps.

Abstract: In a system and method of recognizing a barcode from a stream of video frames, a processor-implemented camera module receives a stream of video frames, with at least one video frame including a barcode. A processor-implemented barcode blur estimate module estimates an amount of defocus blur in a video frame. The processor-implemented barcode blur estimate module further estimates an identity of the barcode. A processor-implemented barcode localization module identifies a region of the video frame containing the barcode. A processor-implemented barcode geometric modeler module generates a geometric model of the barcode that includes an identified barcode deformity. A processor-implemented barcode decoder module decodes the barcode from the video frame using the estimated amount of defocus blur, the estimated identity of the barcode, and the geometric model of the barcode.

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 for scanning and decoding encoded symbols comprises processing low resolution image data from a full field of view and/or high resolution image data from one or more windowed segments of the field of view to provide imaging that is easily adaptable to different types of symbols and varying environmental conditions. The scanning method can be switched between the low resolution mode and the high resolution mode automatically based on whether the low resolution data is sufficiently accurate to decode the symbol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating and resolving multi-mode barcodes comprise: inputting graphical data representing a barcode pattern into memory; translating the graphical data into barcode information according to a standard for translating a particular type of barcode pattern into barcode information; detecting the presence of multiple, distinct data items of different types in the barcode information, wherein each data item specifies an action to be taken by the scanning device; identifying a data item in the barcode information for which the scanning device is capable of taking the action specified by the data item; and performing the action specified by the data item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting a request are disclosed. The systems and methods may include one or more steps, such as receiving, by an electronic device, request information from an entity. The request information may include a request for approval by a user. The steps may further include transmitting, by the electronic device, data containing the request information to a computing device, receiving, by the electronic device, a symbology corresponding to the request information from the computing device and presenting, by the electronic device, the symbology to the user.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for decoding optical codes using symbol-based algorithms are described. In one example, a method includes acquiring a signal representative of light reflected from an optical code comprising one or more symbols of a finite set of symbols and applying a decoding model to the signal. The decoding model may relate measured signals to the finite set of symbols, such that each of the symbols of the finite set of symbols are associated with a respective encoded character of a finite set of encoded characters. The method may also include determining, by a processor, a sequence of one or more of the encoded characters based on the application of the decoding model to the signal. In this manner, the optical code may be decoded by directly fitting an acquired signal from the optical code to possible symbols within the optical code and the associated encoded characters.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for identifying regions of interest in an image and identifying a barcode in a degraded image are provided. A region of interest is identified by pre-processing an image, generating a binary image based on a metric calculated on the pre-processed image, and analyzing regions of the image identified using connected components and other analysis. A barcode is identified by searching a population of barcodes, degrading ideal image intensity profiles of candidate barcodes, and comparing the degraded ideal image intensity profiles to an image intensity profile of the degraded image.

Abstract: An image capture and processing system supports a multi-tier modular software, and plug-in extendable, architecture. The image capture and processing system can be realized as an image-capturing cell phone, a digital camera, a video camera, mobile computing terminal and portable data terminal (PDT), provided with suitable hardware platform, communication protocols and user interfaces. A third-party customer can write and install a software plug-in into the application layer so as to enhance or modify the behavior of the image capture and processing system without any required knowledge of the hardware platform, communication protocols and/or user interfaces.

Abstract: A barcode reader includes a first set of characteristics that are optimized for reading an electronically displayed barcode. The barcode reader also includes a second set of characteristics that are optimized for reading a physically printed barcode. The first set of characteristics may include a first optical path that is optimized for reading the electronically displayed barcode. The second set of characteristics may include a second optical path that is optimized for reading the physically printed barcode.

Abstract: An information terminal includes an acquiring unit which scans a symbol to acquire a symbol image; a storage unit which stores configuration information on a decoding method of the symbol for each of applications; a specifying unit which specifies an application of the applications; a reading unit which reads, from the storage unit, the configuration information on the decoding method for the specified application; a setting unit which sets the decoding method in accordance with the read configuration information; and a decoding unit which decodes the symbol image acquired by the acquiring unit on the basis of the set decoding method to acquire symbol data.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for generating and recognizing a barcode in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus for generating and recognizing a barcode in a portable terminal includes a barcode generator for dividing a barcode into a symbol region, in which data is stored, and a pattern region, in which information on a position of the barcode and the data stored in the symbol region is stored, and positioning a plurality of groups of error correction blocks while interconnecting a plurality of error correction blocks belonging to a same group in the symbol region; and a barcode recognizer for extracting information on the position of the barcode and the data stored in the symbol region through the pattern region of the barcode and searching for a symbol in the symbol region to extract data from the searched symbol.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: A playlist and a digital advertisement are received. The digital advertisement is output to a screen on the basis of information in the playlist. A code is generated based on the information in the playlist and the generated code is output to the screen. The generated code is output to the screen by flashing the generated code on the screen at a predetermined flash frequency and for a predetermined flash time so that the generated code is visually imperceptible or barely detectable to a human viewer. A suitable equipped electronic device may detect the code and utilize information encoded in the code in various ways.

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 character recognition accuracy from an image in which a graphic code and at least one character are in a given positional relationship is improved. An image acquisition section (20) acquires the image including the graphic code and the at least one character positioned outside the graphic code, which are in the given positional relationship. A deformation rule identification section (26) identifies a deformation rule for deforming the graphic code, which is included in the image acquired by the image acquisition section (20), to a graphic of a known type. A deformation processing execution section (28) executes, on the at least one character included in the image acquired by the image acquisition section (20), deformation processing based on the deformation rule identified by the deformation rule identification section (26).

Abstract: An imaging reader for, and a method of, imaging symbols of different symbologies and a receipt acknowledgment, include a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbols of different symbologies and the receipt acknowledgment over a field of view, and a controller operatively connected to the imager. The controller is automatically configured for detecting a symbol having a specific symbology, for decoding the symbol having the specific symbology, for processing the receipt acknowledgment only when the symbol having the specific symbology has been detected and decoded, and for decoding symbols having symbologies different from the specific symbology when the symbol having the specific symbology has not been detected.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: This invention provides a vision system camera, and associated methods of operation, having a multi-core processor, high-speed, high-resolution imager, FOVE, auto-focus lens and imager-connected pre-processor to pre-process image data provides the acquisition and processing speed, as well as the image resolution that are highly desirable in a wide range of applications. This arrangement effectively scans objects that require a wide field of view, vary in size and move relatively quickly with respect to the system field of view. This vision system provides a physical package with a wide variety of physical interconnections to support various options and control functions. The package effectively dissipates internally generated heat by arranging components to optimize heat transfer to the ambient environment and includes dissipating structure (e.g. fins) to facilitate such transfer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating images of an object having a known object velocity include imaging electromagnetic radiation from the object onto a sensor array of an imaging system, adjusting at least one of a shutter rate and a shutter direction of the imaging system in accordance with an image velocity of the image across the sensor array, and sampling output of the sensor array in accordance with the shutter rate and the shutter direction to generate the images. Systems and methods for generating images of an object moving through a scene include a first imaging system generating image data samples of the scene, a post processing system that analyzes the samples to determine when the object is present in the scene, and one or more second imaging systems triggered by the post processing system to generate one or more second image data samples of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading a multi-modal barcode is provided. The apparatus includes a camera, an edge detector, wherein the edge detector comprises a filter to read a secondary image, a quantization component, and a barcode processor.

Abstract: An information terminal includes an acquiring unit which scans a symbol to acquire a symbol image; a storage unit which stores configuration information on a decoding method of the symbol for each of applications; a specifying unit which specifies an application of the applications; a reading unit which reads, from the storage unit, the configuration information on the decoding method for the specified application; a setting unit which sets the decoding method in accordance with the read configuration information; and a decoding unit which decodes the symbol image acquired by the acquiring unit on the basis of the set decoding method to acquire symbol data.

Abstract: A portable data terminal including a multi-core processor having at least a first core and a second core, at least one illumination assembly and at least one imaging assembly and data storage means configured to store a plurality of program instructions, the program instructions including at least one one-dimensional decoder and at least one two-dimensional decoder.

Abstract: A method for collecting and processing information bearing indicia (IBI) comprising the steps of: converting light reflected off an IBI into IBI signals representative of the IBI; running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a first processor if the IBI is of a first type; and running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a second processor if the IBI is of a second type, wherein the first processor and second processor are configured to run in parallel.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to read a bar code or other optical code using a laser device and an image capture device. Using both devices improves the probability that a bar code is read on the first pass while still allowing a high pass by speed. In addition, using both devices improves the probability of reading a damaged or partially obscured bar code.

Abstract: Optical reading system and methods having multiple modes of operation, for example: omnidirectional and single-code picking; fixed and handheld reading; 1D and 2D code reading. In one configuration, an image-based system obtains input data via an area sensor (e.g., a 2D CCD array) with only data corresponding to a pattern of virtual scan lines being stored and processed. A user may implement different operating modes such as a first mode reading codes in any location or orientation and a second mode reading only a code oriented along a particular virtual scan line or group thereof. Alternately, the data reader is operable to switch between handheld mode selecting a first pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode and a fixed mode selecting a second pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode. Virtual scan patterns in either mode can change within or between frames.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide time-varying barcodes for information exchange. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for communicating information between electronic devices via a time-varying barcode image sequence. In a typical embodiment, information to be transmitted is divided into packets. A barcode image is generated from each packet. Each barcode image is displayed sequentially with varying display times based on the complexity of the barcode image. A second electronic device reads and decodes the barcode image sequence until the entire information is received.

Abstract: A device obtains a video and a matrix code (such as a QR code) to divide into portions and interlace with the video. The device generates a modified interlaced video by including at least a first portion in a first but not a second field of a first frame, a second portion in a second but not a first field of a second frame, and so on such that all of the portions of the matrix code are included in the modified interlaced video. Subsequently, the device transmits the modified interlaced video to a display. When the modified interlaced video is displayed, the matrix code is present but not visually perceptible. A matrix code reader detects and/or records and analyzes the displayed modified video to identify the portions of the matrix code included therein, extract such portions, and combine the extracted portions to form the matrix code.

Abstract: Systems and processes for tracking the status of an item are disclosed. Systems and processes for decommissioning identifying information from pharmaceutical product containers are disclosed.

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: A method for collecting and processing information bearing indicia (IBI) comprising the steps of: converting light reflected off an IBI into IBI signals representative of the IBI; running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a first processor if the IBI is of a first type; and running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a second processor if the IBI is of a second type, wherein the first processor and second processor are configured to run in parallel.

Abstract: A method of making an ordered element list includes providing a plurality of machine-readable codes, each machine-readable code encoding a corresponding element or a reference to a corresponding element, and wherein each element of the plurality of elements forms a portion of a plurality of different ordered lists, each ordered list enabling a function having one or more operations; using a receiver to receive in order a digital image of each of a plurality of the machine-readable codes; using a processor to extract the elements received or referenced by the received digital images of the machine-readable codes; arranging the extracted elements in the received order to form an ordered list; and using a processor to perform the function enabled by the ordered list.

Abstract: A digital imaging based symbol reading system has the capacity to automatically read both visible and invisible symbols in the same application environment. Typically, the system reads the symbols in a user-transparent manner. The system may employ visible/invisible illumination switching during operation. The system may include LED illumination sources. A method for reading both visible and invisible symbols using a single device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical code symbol reading system including a housing having a light transmission aperture, and at least one sound port formed in the housing. The system includes an optical code symbol reading subsystem for optically reading a code symbol in the field external to the light transmission aperture, and generating symbol character data representative of the read code symbol. An electro-acoustic transducer is disposed in the housing for producing sonic energy. Also, an acoustic-waveguide structure is disposed in the housing, for coupling the sonic energy produced from the electro-acoustic transducer, to the at least sound wave port formed the housing, to audibly signal the reading of a code symbol to the operator of the optical code symbol reading system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a handheld code reader that has a plurality of operating characteristics where each operating characteristic can have a plurality of different states wherein a recipe includes a specific set of states of at least first and second characteristics, the method for switching between recipes and comprising the steps of specifying a circumstance set including at least one of reader orientation and a threshold movement level for the reader, monitoring at least one of movement and orientation of the reader, determining when the circumstance set occurs and changing from a current recipe to a next recipe when the circumstance set occurs.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for processing a low quality captured image of a barcode of any type having a large amount of data is provided. An image processing application on a computing device acquires the captured image of the barcode, determines the type, for example, format, shape, etc., of the barcode in the acquired image of the barcode, and creates a gray barcode image from the acquired image of the barcode by gray shading over an entirety of the acquired image of the barcode. The image processing application modularizes the created gray barcode image based on the type of the barcode and binarizes the created gray barcode image based on the type of the barcode by comparing an average gray level intensity of each of multiple grids of pixels or by comparing gray level intensities of individual pixels in the created gray barcode image, with a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of improving multi-type barcode recognition efficiency using continuous sampling is applicable to a barcode recognition apparatus. According to the method, each barcode type is given with a corresponding weight value, and a total weight threshold is set in the barcode recognition apparatus. A barcode pattern is sampled with a limited number of times, and each sampled image sample is only compared with a part of the supported barcode types. When the comparison matches, a weight value is assigned to the matched barcode type, and the weight value is accumulated to acquire a total weight value of the matched barcode type. When comparison of all image samples is finished, the barcode type with the total weight value reaching the total weight threshold is the barcode type of the barcode pattern, and a recognition result of the barcode pattern is output according to the barcode type.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for prioritizing an order in which to process a plurality of sub-regions of an acquired image of an optical code. A method of processing an optical code in a data reader comprises the steps of receiving data corresponding to a plurality of sub-regions of an acquired image of an optical code, processing according to a processing order the plurality of sub-regions for decodable data corresponding to the optical code, determining based on the step of processing the plurality of sub-regions whether one or more of the plurality of sub-regions contains decodable data, and if it is determined that a sub-region contains decodable data, increasing the processing priority associated with said sub-region. If one or more of the sub-regions having the highest processing priority contains decodable data, the remaining sub-regions do not need to be processed, which may save processing resources and increase the read throughput.