Abstract: A remote code reader system sends a code read by a code reader to an appropriate function by utilizing identification information assigned specific to a client in order to select a function. A barcode reader and a host computer connected to a network are included therein. An ID (pen ID) of the barcode reader 1 and a barcode as read are transmitted to the host computer through a terminal connected to the network. The host computer decodes the received pen ID to select a CGI which conforms to the pen ID, and sends the barcode to the CGI 9 as selected in order to make the CGI process it.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) and a corresponding process for identifying an object (20) with an article dependently upon a piece of barcode information detected from a barcode (30) with which the object (20) is identified. Here a number of article numbers are stored in a memory (60) which are assigned, on the one hand, to a number of articles and on the other hand to a number of different article number types. According to the invention, the piece of barcode information detected is compared with article numbers stored in the memory (60) dependently upon a specified sequence of article number types. In the case of the piece of barcode information detected corresponding with one of the stored article numbers, the object (20) is identified with the article assigned to this article number.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide time-varying barcodes in an active display for information exchange. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for communicating information between electronic devices via a barcode image sequence. In a typical embodiment, a barcode image sequence is displayed on the display screen of a first electronic device. A second electronic device reads and decodes the barcode image sequence. The second electronic device displays an acknowledgement on the display screen of the second electronic device. The acknowledgement is read by the first electronic device.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an EIR device, and a wireless communication interface. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and/or a card reading device. The wireless communication interface can comprise a first logical communication interface operating on a first frequency channel and a second logical communication interface operating on a second frequency channel. The wireless communication interface can be configured to transmit infrastructure mode beacons. The infrastructure mode beacons can include a service set identifier. The wireless communication interface can be further configured to transmit ad-hoc mode beacons on the second frequency channel. The ad-hoc mode beacons can include an identifier of a mesh path selection protocol.

Abstract: A method for multi-type barcode recognition is provided for recognizing a current barcode, so as to determine a barcode type of the current barcode among supported barcode types and the corresponding barcode information. In the method, a record table is loaded in advance for recording the matching frequency that each supported barcode type matches the barcode type of recognized barcodes. According to the matching frequency these supported barcode types are sorted in a recognizing sequence to be utilized to recognize the current barcode according to the recognizing sequence. Every time a current barcode is to be recognized, the supported barcode type utilized to recognize the current barcode is picked up according to the recognizing sequence, so as to determine the barcode type of the current barcode. The supported barcode type that most frequently matches the recognized barcode will be picked up at first, therefore, the barcode recognition efficiency is improved.

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: An apparatus, system and method are presented for scanning items presented to an assisted hybrid optical code scanner where the scanner includes a handheld imaging scanner located on the customer side of the hybrid scanner. When docked with the hybrid scanner, the handheld imaging scanner is used with a fixed laser scanner to read optical codes. When undocked, the handheld imaging scanner is used to scan items not easily presentable to the hybrid scanner.

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: Embodiments herein include a method, service, apparatus, etc., that sets at least one integrated circuit board (that has programmable elements) to a programming state. When such programmable elements are set to the programming state, they are capable of being changed. Once the programmable elements are set to be changed, at least one printed sheet is scanned. The scanning can be preformed using any scanner that is operatively connected to the integrated circuit board through, for example, a processor. Again, the printed data (e.g., the barcodes or glyphs or other computer-only readable markings) on the printed sheet comprises the reprogramming data. The processor reads the barcodes or glyphs from the bitmap generated by the scanner, and executes the reprogramming data to change the logical instructions and data maintained within the programmable elements.

Abstract: A configuration system for configuring a barcode symbol scanning terminal using a two-dimensional barcode is provided. The configuration system includes a two-dimensional imager terminal including an image sensor configured to collect an image representative of a two-dimensional barcode, wherein the two-dimensional imager terminal is configured to determine programming data based upon the image representative of the two-dimensional barcode and to transmit the determined programming data. The configuration system further includes a barcode symbol scanning terminal, wherein the barcode symbol scanning terminal receives the determined programming data from the two-dimensional imager terminal, wherein the barcode symbol scanning terminal is operative to be configured based upon the determined programming data.

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: Scanning multiple barcodes, storing different code types, in a single scanning operation and automatically recording the data derived from the barcodes. The data can be stored in a form or database having designated locations for each different code type. In some embodiments, the present technology is useful in conducting a retail transaction and facilitates a simplified transaction when the product for purchase has multiple barcodes printed thereon.

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: Apparatus and methods are described for ensuring that blood transfused into a patient is the correct blood for that patient, is transfused in the correct manner and that a complete audit trail is created that will allow later tracing of blood from donation through to ultimate transfusion.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for printing a new postal authority code on a mail piece prepared by and received from an inserter or wrapper. A barcode post-processing system receives a mail piece from an inserter and communicates with the image capture equipment. The barcode post-processing system during performs various functions. The functions can include receiving legacy address block information from the mail piece from the image capture equipment, processing the captured legacy address block information to determine one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code to create processed data, and supplementing the captured legacy address block information data with the one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code received from one or more data source.

Abstract: A configuration system for configuring a barcode symbol scanning terminal using a two-dimensional barcode is provided. The configuration system includes a two-dimensional imager terminal including an image sensor configured to collect an image representative of a two-dimensional barcode, wherein the two-dimensional imager terminal is configured to determine programming data based upon the image representative of the two-dimensional barcode and to transmit the determined programming data. The configuration system further includes a barcode symbol scanning terminal, wherein the barcode symbol scanning terminal receives the determined programming data from the two-dimensional imager terminal, wherein the barcode symbol scanning terminal is operative to be configured based upon the determined programming data.

Abstract: Method of and system for reading visible and/or invisible code symbols in a user-transparent manner using visible/invisible illumination switching during data capture and processing operations.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory communicatively coupled to the CPU, an EIR device, and a wireless communication interface communicatively coupled to the CPU. The EIR device can be selected from the group consisting of a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and a card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to perform one of: outputting raw message data containing an encoded message, outputting decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can comprise a first logical communication interface operating on a first frequency channel and a second logical communication interface operating on a second frequency channel. The wireless communication interface can be configured to transmit infrastructure mode beacons. The infrastructure mode beacons can include a service set identifier.

Abstract: The security of an authentication system using a one-time password is increased, a shift from an authentication system using a fixed password is simplified, and a range of use is increased. An authentication system wherein a one-time password is synchronized with time, or an authentication system wherein a one-time password is synchronized with the number of online service authentication requests, is provided. When a one-time password client 9 downloads a one-time password for online service authentication from a one-time password server 2, current time information or a current value of the number of online service authentication requests is made to coincide between the client and server, and an online service authentication request is authenticated as long as the downloaded one-time password for online service authentication is valid. The one-time password may also be synchronized with service usage details contained in the online service authentication request.

Abstract: A medium storing a program to make a computer to function as a code detecting device, the code detecting device comprises a base line specifying section to extract edges from a scan image obtained by a process of scanning a printed matter in which at least a one-dimensional bar code or a two dimensional code are printed, to extract straight lines from the extracted edges, and to specify the longest straight line as a base line among the extracted straight lines; and a code detecting section to perform a pattern matching for the scan image based on the base line and to detect the one-dimensional bar code or the two dimensional code.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window, and an image formation and detection subsystem, disposed in the housing, having an area-type image detection array supporting a single snap-shot mode of image acquisition and a periodic snap-shot mode of image acquisition during object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an illumination subsystem, with an illumination array, for producing a field of illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV, so that the illumination reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the light transmission aperture and onto the image detection array to form the 2D digital image of the object.

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: 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: In order to increase the preamble information capacity of the QR code and avoid decoding errors, a method of embedding preamble information into a standard quick response (QR) code symbol is provided to generate a first QR code symbol. The method includes generating a preamble pattern according to a user definable data; and embedding the preamble pattern into a standard position detection pattern of the standard QR code symbol to generate a first position detection pattern.

Abstract: Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.

Abstract: An exemplary matrix-type two-dimensional (2D) barcode decoding chip includes a data storage, a matrix-type 2D barcode identifying modules, and a master-control logic module. The data storage is configured for storing a barcode image. The matrix-type 2D barcode identifying modules are configured for processing the barcode image in parallel. The master-control logic module is configured for controlling operational statuses of the matrix-type 2D barcode identifying modules so that the matrix-type 2D barcode identifying modules calling the barcode image stored in the data storage in sequence.

Abstract: A method of illuminating objects on a countertop surface using an automatically-triggered digital image capture and processing system having a single array of LEDs disposed near and behind the upper edge portion of its imaging window, which is provided with an illumination-focusing lens structure integrated therein.

Abstract: A network accessible node that 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.

Abstract: Scanning multiple barcodes, storing different code types, in a single scanning operation and automatically recording the data derived from the barcodes. The data can be stored in a form or database having designated locations for each different code type. In some embodiments, the present technology is useful in conducting a retail transaction and facilitates a simplified transaction when the product for purchase has multiple barcodes printed thereon.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system capable of illuminating the entire field of view (FOV) of the system using a linear LED-based illumination array. The system includes a housing having an imaging window with a refractive-type illumination-focusing lens component integrated therewithin. The area-type image formation and detection subsystem, also disposed in the housing, has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and onto an area-type image detection array, for forming and detecting 2D digital images of an object in the FOV, during object illumination and imaging operations. The linear LED-based illumination array is disposed immediately behind the refractive-type illumination-focusing lens component, for producing a field of wide-area illumination illuminating substantially the entire FOV over the working distance of the system.

Abstract: A system and method of reading an indicia and rejecting ambient light is disclosed. An imaging signal and an ambient signal are received by the system where the imaging signal corresponds to indicia information and a first portion of the ambient light, and the ambient signal corresponds to a second portion of the ambient light. The imaging signal and the ambient signal are mathematically manipulated to subtract the contribution of the first portion of the ambient light from the imaging signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-threaded operation of an image-based symbology reader is provided. In the method of the invention, acquired images of an encoded symbol are attempted to be decoded using a plurality of decoding engines asynchronously and substantially simultaneously in a multi-threaded processing environment. Each of the decoding engines can be directed to a specific symbology type to achieve an improved response time when reading multiple symbol types.

Abstract: A method of integrating barcode information and EDID firstly inputs barcode information and temporarily stores the information in a first storage device; reads a pre-stored barcode rule and a pre-stored check code from a second storage device, wherein the barcode rule is defined with relevant data of plural codes included in the barcode information; then, respectively stores the plural codes included in the barcode information into corresponding storage spaces of the first storage device according to the barcode rule; next, determines whether a specific code of the barcode information matches with the check code; if the specific code of the barcode information matches with the check code, reads a pre-stored EDID from an EDID burning device, and integrates the EDID with the plural codes of the barcode information so as to generate a new EDID; finally, performs a burning operation to a display device based on the new EDID.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a camera barcode reader includes a processing element configured to process an input image for an attempt to decode the input image using a current barcode reading method, to determine whether the processing of the input image is successful, to switch to one of a different barcode reading method or processing a new frame of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being unsuccessful, to attempt a decode of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being successful, and to perform a switch to the different barcode reading method in response to a failure of the attempt to decode the input image using the first barcode reading method.

Abstract: A method of reading indicia comprising the steps of: displaying a plurality of information data bearing indicia seriatim on a display; reading and decoding the displayed plurality of information data bearing indicia utilizing an indicia reader; and establishing a relationship of data provided in the plurality of information data bearing indicia utilizing a portion of the data provided in each of the plurality of information data bearing indicia.

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: A method for multi-type barcode recognition is provided for recognizing a current barcode, so as to determine a barcode type of the current barcode among supported barcode types and the corresponding barcode information. In the method, a record table is loaded in advance for recording the matching frequency that each supported barcode type matches the barcode type of recognized barcodes. According to the matching frequency these supported barcode types are sorted in a recognizing sequence to be utilized to recognize the current barcode according to the recognizing sequence. Every time a current barcode is to be recognized, the supported barcode type utilized to recognize the current barcode is picked up according to the recognizing sequence, so as to determine the barcode type of the current barcode. The supported barcode type that most frequently matches the recognized barcode will be picked up at first, therefore, the barcode recognition efficiency is improved.

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: The present invention relates to an indicia reading terminal operative to capture and process a succession of frames of image data during an operator activated read attempt. The succession of frames can comprise alternating frames, wherein the alternating frames can have first and second frame featurizations. The frames having the first frame featurization can have a first window position and the frames of the second featurization can have a second window position. In one embodiment, exposure of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first exposure control process and exposure of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to a second exposure control process. In one embodiment, gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first gain control process and gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to second gain control process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of decoding a first barcode and a second barcode, different from the first barcode. The barcodes have typically been printed on a page and are derived from image scanning. The first barcode comprises a plurality of marks modulated about a first grid to redundantly encode data and the second barcode comprising a plurality of marks modulated about a second grid. The method estimates (810) the first grid from a bitmap representation (805) of at least a portion of the page, using modulated marks contained therein. The method determines (820) a first barcode region from the first grid, the first barcode region being a portion of the first barcode, followed by estimating a second grid from the bitmap representation, using modulated marks contained therein.

Abstract: A method is provided for reading distorted optical symbols using known locating and decoding methods, without requiring a separate and elaborate camera calibration procedure, without excessive computational complexity, and without compromised burst noise handling. The invention exploits a distortion-tolerant method for locating and decoding 2D code symbols to provide a correspondence between a set of points in an acquired image and a set of points in the symbol. A coordinate transformation is then constructed using the correspondence, and run-time images are corrected using the coordinate transformation. Each corrected run-time image provides a distortion-free representation of a symbol that can be read by traditional code readers that normally cannot read distorted symbols. The method can handle both optical distortion and printing distortion. The method is applicable to “portable” readers when an incident angle with the surface is maintained, the reader being disposed at any distance from the surface.

Abstract: Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.

Abstract: A network accessible node that 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.

Abstract: An imaging module is supported by a housing of a reader for electro-optically reading indicia. The imaging module includes a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the indicia during reading. A laser scanning module is also supported by the housing and includes a scanner for scanning at least one of a laser beam from a laser and a field of view of a light detector in a scan pattern across the indicia during reading. A controller is operatively connected to the modules, and is operative for preventing reading interference between the modules during reading.

Abstract: Some embodiments include observable properties triggered upon interrogation of RFIDs. The RFIDs can be passive RFIDs, and the observable properties can be visible changes that require little power to generate, and little or no power to maintain. The visible information can include information about items tracked with the RFIDs, such as shipping information. Some embodiments include passive RFIDs utilizing a single antenna to power an integrated-circuit chip and a visual identifier. Some embodiments include methods of locating interrogated RFIDs. Some embodiments include methods of tracking items.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window. A printed circuit (PC) board is mounted in the hand-supportable housing, and has front and rear surfaces and a light transmission aperture formed centrally therethrough. An image formation and detection subsystem has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and an area-type image detection array for forming and detecting 2D digital images of the object during object illumination and imaging operations. A first FOV folding mirror is supported above the rear surface of the PC board over the light transmission aperture, and a second FOV folding mirror is supported above the rear surface of the PC board and over the area-type image detection array. These mirrors fold and project the FOV through the light transmission aperture and the imaging window.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides an apparatus. The apparatus includes a writing element having a first portion operable to discharge a first marking substance on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element over the surface and a second portion operable to discharge a second marking substance on the surface in response to a controller. The apparatus also includes the controller operable to encode information corresponding to a context of the apparatus by regulating the discharge of the second marking substance.

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: 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.