Abstract: Various algorithms are presented that enable an image of a data matrix to be analyzed and decoded for use in obtaining information about an object or item associated with the data matrix. The algorithms can account for variations in position and/or alignment of the data matrix. In one approach, the image is analyzed to determine a connected region of pixels. The connected region of pixels can be analyzed to determine a pair of pixels, included in the connected region of pixels, that is separated a greatest distance wherein a first pixel and second pixel of the pair of pixels is associated with image coordinates. Using the image coordinates of the pair of pixels, a potential area of the image that includes the visual code can be determined and the potential area can be analyzed to verify the presence of a potential data matrix.

Abstract: An information code generation method producing information code by an information code generation apparatus is provided. Cells are arranged inside a predetermined code area of the information code. The cells function as a unit of information. The information code generation method includes providing a specific pattern region and a data recording region inside the code area, the specific pattern region being disposed with a specific pattern having a predetermined shape, the data recording region storing a data using multiple kinds of cells; and showing at least a part of the code area using a shape, a pattern, a color, or a combination of the shape, the pattern, and the color. The shape, the pattern, the color, or the combination of them identifies a classification regarding a code content of at least either a record content stored in the code area or a display content shown in the code area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus collecting blood from patients and managing blood donations are provided, which may include any number of features. One feature is a blood collection device configured to collect blood from a patient and periodically transmit blood collection data from the device to a control system. Another feature is a system and method for updating firmware on a plurality of blood collection devices. In one embodiment, a software interface with a blood collection control can be used to specify a blood collection protocol, and the blood collection protocol can be then transmitted to one or more blood collection devices.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and device for processing visual graphics codes of mobile terminal. The method mainly includes: monitoring an action of shooting or recording digital images by the mobile terminal; identifying a focusing action during the process of shooting or recording the digital images by the mobile terminal; recording the digital images obtained after the mobile terminal finishes the focusing action; analyzing the digital images obtained after the focusing action is finished, and obtaining visual graphics codes in the digital images; decoding the visual graphics codes, and processing decoded information obtained after decoding. The invention can efficiently and conveniently obtain the visual graphics coding of the digital images caused by the focusing action, and avoid complicated operations of re-installing a visual graphics coding software, and opening the visual graphics coding software by the user.

Abstract: A method of identifying a two-dimensional bar code in digital image data of the bar code having first and second type elements arranged in an ordered grid and an outline that includes an L-shape solid line without transitions between the first and second type elements. The method includes calculating a gradient field from the digital image data, specifying a gradient of the pixel value in the digital image data; calculating gradient magnitude data from the gradient field; performing a thresholding operation on the calculated gradient magnitude data and obtaining edge segment image data; detecting linear segments in the edge segment image data; identifying pairs of the detected linear segments; and sampling partial digital image data and detecting a presence of the first and second type elements in partial digital image data.

Abstract: A method for locating markers in an image captured by a mobile device moving about an operating space. The method includes preprocessing an image to generate a set of image data, locating fixed features of markers by tracing edges of the fixed features, and extracting variable data payloads of each of the markers associated with the located fixed features. The fixed features of each of the markers may include a pair of parallel lines extending along opposite sides of a data area containing the variable data payload, and each of the lines extends a distance beyond each exposed end of the data area to avoid missing data when markers are not arranged orthogonally to the scan direction. The preprocessing involves rotating or skewing the image to provide rotated or skewed versions of the image to facilitate locating markers regardless of their angular orientation in the image.

Abstract: In various disclosed examples, an identifier is selected from a first set of identifiers, the selected identifier having a representation of at least two different characters. An indication of a difference between the representation of the selected identifier and representations of one or more identifiers from a second set of identifiers is calculated, and the selected identifier is determined to be an eligible identifier if the indication of the difference satisfies a threshold criteria.

Abstract: Methods and devices for batch scanning 2D barcodes are provided by using a 2D barcode positioning process to determine a barcode area corresponding to each 2D barcode of a plurality of 2D barcodes in an image. According to the barcode area corresponding to each 2D barcode, the image containing the plurality of 2D barcodes can be segmented to provide a plurality of 2D barcode images with each barcode image corresponding to one 2D barcode of the plurality of 2D barcodes. Each barcode image of the plurality of 2D barcode images corresponding to the plurality of 2D barcodes can be decoded to obtain data contained in each barcode image. An exemplary device can include a positioning module, a segmenting module, and a decoding module.

Abstract: A consumer user can perform a number of augmented reality shopping operations using a local client shopping application executable on a mobile device. Features related to implementations of the current subject matter can include, but are not limited to, the ability to view an augmented reality depiction of a shopping display using the mobile device and to execute various “e-commerce” functions accessible via the augmented reality depiction. Other features of the current subject matter can relate to preparation of the necessary three dimensional models and two dimensional projections of such models for viewing as an augmented reality view of the shopping display. Related methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and the like are described.

Abstract: There is provided a barcode reader that decode of a barcode is possible with easy processes even in a case where reflectivity around the barcode is higher than reflectivity at bright portions of the barcode. The barcode reader comprises: an edge deleter configured to delete the position information and polarity information on an unnecessary edge which arises due to a difference between a strength of a reflected light from a quiet zone of the barcode and a strength of a reflected light from an adjacent portion of the quiet zone, wherein, on detecting two successive edges which have the same polarity, the edge deleter determines an edge which is closer to an end portion of a scan as the unnecessary edge and deletes the position information and polarity information on the unnecessary edge.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for enhancing an edge of a non-saturated object are disclosed. For example, the method detects a plurality of transition pixels, determines a gray value for one or more of the plurality of transition pixels is greater than a threshold value, identifies one or more edge pixels from the one or more of the plurality of transition pixels that has the gray value greater than the threshold value when the one or more of the plurality of transition pixels is not within an input block of pixels having all of the pixels in the input block with a respective gray value greater than the threshold and applies an edge enhancement to each one of a plurality of input blocks containing the one or more edge pixels.

Abstract: A method of identifying a two-dimensional bar code in digital image data of the bar code, the bar code comprising first and second type elements arranged in an ordered grid and having an outline that comprises an L-shape clock line with transitions between the first and second type elements and an L-shape solid line without transitions between the first and second type elements, wherein approximate corners in the digital image data determine a first and a second pair of opposite edge segments along the outline, the method comprising scanning in the digital image data a first edge segment of the first pair and counting transitions between the first and second type elements along the first edge segment of the first pair; if no transitions were counted along the first edge segment of the first pair, then scanning in the digital image data the second edge segment of the first pair and counting transitions between the first and second type elements along the second edge segment of the first pair; scanning in the d

Abstract: Providing access to digitally published data includes creating a note having at least a portion that is handwritten by a first user, converting handwriting of the note into a content access identifier that varies according to the portion that is handwritten by the first user, associating the content access identifier with the digitally published data, and making the digitally published data available to a second user by making the note available to the second user. The digitally published data may be written to a public database and/or a private database. A portion of the note may be pre-printed. A pre-printed distinguishing pattern on the note may indicate that handwritten content corresponds to a content access identifier. The pre-printed portion may be a regular dotted pattern. The note may have a known identifiable color and size.

Abstract: In a method, whether there is a first bar having a width and located at at least one of both ends of a first black and white pattern is determined. The width of the bar is greater than a maximum width of a second bar. The maximum width of the second bar appears in a second black and white pattern assuming that the black and white pattern is part of the first barcode. The first black and white pattern is determined as readout data of the second barcode when it is determined that there is the first bar having the width greater than the maximum width of the second bar and located at at least one of both ends of the first black and white pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method to identify a region of an image including a barcode based on, at least in part, an entity specific feature associated with the barcode; detect a codeword boundary for the barcode based on, at least in part, an adaptive boundary determination mechanism; and decode the codeword based on, at least in part, a plurality of metrics associated with the entity.

Abstract: Tracking speeding violations and the use of at least one destination location are disclosed. Initially, two or more first images are received from a first camera, two or more second images are received from a second camera having a different field of view, and two or more third images are received from a third camera having a field of view overlapping with the field of the view of the second camera. Next, a speed of the first vehicle at a first time is determined. It is determined that the first vehicle exceeded a first predetermined speed limit at the first time. A unique identifier of the first vehicle and the speed of the first vehicle at the first time are then indicated. Next, it is determined that the second vehicle is stopped in the at least one destination location at a second time and that the second vehicle has left the at least one destination location at a third time that is after the second time.

Abstract: An optical code scanner is presented that includes image capture technology to read optical codes. The optical code scanner captures an image of an optical code and then generates multiple reduced resolution versions of the image. Multiple techniques are applied to the different images to identify a region of interest, enhance the contrast of the image, perform a non-linear local geometrical distortion correction and minimize the spatial resolution required to read the optical code. The techniques reduce the raw processing power and time required to identify and read an optical code.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reading a machine-readable optical code encoding information formed in an image that is presented to a user. The method includes using a processor to receive the image with the machine-readable optical code; using a graphic user interface to visually present the received image on a display; using the graphic user interface to receive a user selection of the machine-readable optical code; using a processor to decode the selected machine-readable optical code; and using the graphic user interface to present information referenced by the decoded information on the display.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided to facilitate sharing of content between various computing devices. In the context of a method, an image of an external apparatus is received that includes information presented upon a display of the external apparatus. The method may also cause a content request to be provided that requests content upon which the information presented upon the display of the external apparatus is based. In response to the request, the method may receive the content upon which the information presented upon the display of the external apparatus is based.

Abstract: A laser scanning bar code symbol reading system having a scanning window, from which blue/red beam-waist-extended laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within an extended depth of field (DOF) defined adjacent the scanning window. In the illustrative embodiment, the laser scanning bar code symbol reading system includes a laser scanning subsystem having: a dual laser sources for producing a laser beams having blue and red spectral components; a collimating lens for collimating the laser beams; an aperture stop for shaping the cross-sectional dimensions of the collimated the laser beams; and beam-waist extending optics (e.g. axicon-lens) for extending the waist of the laser beam having a red characteristic wavelength.

Abstract: An optoelectronic apparatus is set forth for measuring structural sizes or object sizes which has a light reception element for converting received light into image data, a reception optics arranged before the light reception element as well as an evaluation unit which is configured to identify structures or objects in the image data, to determine its dimensions in picture elements and to convert the dimensions into absolute, in particular metric, units of length with reference to a scaling factor, wherein the scaling factor can be determined in a calibration procedure. In this respect, the evaluation unit is configured to locate code regions in the image data and to read out code information from the code regions and to calculate the scaling factor during the calibration procedure from dimensions of a calibration code whose code information includes a size indication for the calibration code in the absolute units of length.

Abstract: A system and method of determining an initial point for a scan path may include acquiring, using a mobile device, an image of an object, the image comprising decodable indicia. Using the mobile device, data is decoded from the decodable indicia. Indicia dimensions of the decodable indicia are determined based on the data, and image dimensions of the decodable indicia in the image are determined. An initial location of the mobile device is calculated relative to the decodable indicia based on a geometric relationship between the indicia dimensions of the decodable indicia and the image dimensions of the decodable indicia in the image.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for data reading, which in one example configuration is directed to an automated optical code data reader in the form of a tunnel or portal scanner having an open architecture configured with front and rear inverted U-shaped arches, a plurality of cameras (some or most of which have multiple fields of view) in each of the arches for reading the top live sides of an item being passed by a conveyor through a read region formed by the arches, and a bottom reader including one or more cameras under the conveyor for reading a bottom side of the item through a gap in the conveyors as the item is passed over the gap. Also disclosed are specific imaging schemes for providing effective views of the items with a minimum number of cameras.

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

Abstract: A selected target from a picklist having a plurality of targets is electro-optically read, by image capture, over a range of working distances, by capturing an image of the picklist in the range over an imaging field of view, by storing coordinates of a trajectory of an aiming light pattern in the imaging field of view over the range, by processing the captured image along the trajectory to find and identify a target, by determining whether the target covers the trajectory, and by determining that the target is the selected target when the target at least partially covers the trajectory.

Abstract: A data entry and scanning apparatus that includes a commercially available mobile device wherein said commercially available mobile device with a touch screen display, a processor, and a wireless communications network access point, a scanning device, an interface, and a power source that external to the commercially available mobile device and connected to the interface, and a casing that does not cover the touch screen display.

Abstract: An automated system for reading optical codes includes a conveyor system to automatically transport objects and an object measurement system positioned along the conveyor system to measure the transported objects. In one configuration, the object measurement system generates model data representing three-dimensional models of the objects; multiple image capture devices positioned along the conveyor system capture images as the objects are transported to enable an optical code reading system to read optical codes that are captured in the images. An exception identification system associates optical codes with the three-dimensional models to determine whether an exception has occurred.

Abstract: A system for selectively reading code symbols includes a code-symbol-capturing subsystem for acquiring information about code symbols within the code-symbol-capturing subsystem's field of view. The system also includes a code-symbol-decoding processor that detects a marked region of interest within the code-symbol-capturing subsystem's field of view. After initialization, the code-symbol-decoding processor decodes only those code symbols falling within the marked region of interest.

Abstract: A method for locating an optical identification on a cuvette includes providing a cuvette comprising an axial locating bar with a fixed bar width with a fixed geometric relationship with an identification. A laboratory analyzer is provided comprising a cuvette chamber, a cuvette rotating device, and a digital camera with an axial resolution of more than 10 lines. The digital camera is associated with the cuvette chamber. At least four respective non-adjacent lines of the digital camera are read in. The identification is searched for. If at least three mutually successive read-in lines comprising approximately axially in-line reflection signals of the axial locating bar with the fixed bar width are registered, the cuvette is rotated by an angle corresponding to the fixed geometric relationship so that identification is aligned with the digital camera. The identification is read in by reading out a plurality of adjacent lines of the digital camera.

Abstract: Method for inserting a barcode image in a document including receiving a request to encode one or more properties about the document as a barcode image in the document, the request being received through a document editor, generating the barcode image based on the properties, wrapping the barcode image inside a container object, and inserting the container object into the document.

Abstract: A method of producing barcode locations within a document comprising providing an original digital image of the document; using a processor for producing a normalized image from the original digital image; producing a gradient image from the normalized image; producing a plurality of bounding boxes from the gradient image; and producing bounding box test results by testing each bounding box for the presence of a barcode; and producing barcode locations within the document from the bounding box test results.

Abstract: An invisible ink management method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor data associated with an image to be duplicated and a duplication command enabling reproduction of the image. The computer processor receives a command for enabling a duplication prevention functionality and generates a first copy of the image. The computer processor enables an invisible ink spray nozzle. In response, the invisible ink spray nozzle sprays a plurality of invisible images on the first copy. The plurality of invisible images are invisible under first lighting conditions and are visible under second lighting conditions.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, enhancing performance of an imaging reader for imaging symbols to be read, include a solid-state imager supported by the reader and having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from a symbol as pixel data over a field of view, and a controller operatively connected to the imager, for mapping a virtual scan line in the field of view, for determining whether the virtual scan line extends entirely over the symbol, for remapping the virtual scan line as a remapped virtual scan line that extends entirely over the symbol upon determining that the virtual scan line extends partially over the symbol, and for decoding the pixel data that lies on the remapped virtual scan line.

Abstract: A system (10) for generating an incrementally completed 2D security mark (20??) includes a computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program. The computer program has computer readable code for selecting a symbology for the 2D security mark (20??), computer readable code for selecting a scrambling technique for data to be placed into a carrier object (20, 20?, 20?, 20??) of the 2D security mark (20??) at each stage in the workflow, and computer readable code for selecting a manner in which a state change of the carrier object (20, 20?, 20?, 20??) at each stage in the workflow results in a predictable change in the 2D security mark (20??). The system the system further includes memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A navigation system and method for determining a location of a navigator in a navigation environment using coded markers located within the navigation environment. In one example, the navigation system includes a camera apparatus configured to obtain an image of a scene containing images of at least one coded marker in a navigation environment, video analytics configured to read the at least one coded marker, and a processor coupled to the video analytics and configured to determine a position fix of a navigator based on a known location of the at least one coded marker.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method to identify a region of an image including a barcode based on, at least in part, an entity specific feature associated with the barcode; detect a codeword boundary for the barcode based on, at least in part, an adaptive boundary determination mechanism; and decode the codeword based on, at least in part, a plurality of metrics associated with the entity.

Abstract: A symbol information reader may include an imaging device configured to image the medium; an image memory configured to store image data of the medium; and a position detection processor configured to retrieve the image data and detect the position of symbol information recorded on the medium. The position detection processor may include a temporary area judging unit; a correlation map creating unit; a labeling unit configured, and a position determining unit configured to detect the position of the symbol information recorded on the medium. When searching the correlation map for a predetermined basic pattern and labeling, the labeling unit judges whether the basic pattern is present or not according to the ratio of high correlation area to the area subject to judgment or the position of high correlation area in the basic pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing erroneous weighing of items such as by detecting items extending beyond a periphery of a weigh platter whereby in one configuration, the system employs a light guide for routing a light beam to a detector operative to detect interruption of the beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the platter. In another configuration, the scale includes a perimeter gap between the platter outer edge and scanner housing frame or checkout counter, a light beam directed angularly upward through the gap is partially obstructed by the frame and platter whereby light exits the gap forming a light plane, wherein an object placed on the platter extending across the gap intersects the light plane thus scattering light rays, some of which are sensed by a detector. Various indicators for alerting the operator of off-scale detection are also described.

Abstract: An XML system is configured to encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive and process a format template, associate the XML data contained in the XML input data stream and the format template, a formatting engine configured to format the associated XML data according to a format governed by the format template, and/or generate encoding information for an RFID device.

Abstract: A method for expediting the barcode interpretation process implemented on conventional optical imaging barcode readers. The method involves interrupting the mainline processing of the conventional barcode detection, obtaining a copy of the captured image, scaling the image, locating the barcode in the scaled image, scaling the image back to normal proportions, calculating the location of the barcode in the scaled up image, and reporting the barcode location back to the mainline processing for decoding of only the region of interest. The mainline processing of the optical imager may then proceed with barcode interpretation in the area identified by the method of the present invention without wasting time applying complicated decoding algorithms to areas within the image that do not contain any barcode information.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, after a rasterizer checks resolution of raster data, if the resolution of the raster data is lower than a predefined resolution, a barcode detector analyzes the raster data and detects a barcode area. If there is a barcode area, a barcode direction determining unit determines barcode direction, and a resolution convertor enhances resolution of the barcode on black planes in a direction perpendicular to the bar direction of the barcode.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments include a test element operable to receive a sample and to provide an indication of an analyte of the sample to a meter. In one form test element comprises a substrate and an optically readable pattern provided on the substrate which encodes information relating to the test element.

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: Systems and methods for data reading, which in one example configuration is directed to an automated optical code data reader in the form of a tunnel or portal scanner having an open architecture configured with front and rear inverted U-shaped arches, a plurality of cameras (some or most of which have multiple fields of view) in each of the arches for reading the top five sides of an item being passed by a conveyor through a read region formed by the arches, and a bottom reader including one or more cameras under the conveyor for reading a bottom side of the item through a gap in the conveyors as the item is passed over the gap. Also disclosed are specific imaging schemes for providing effective views of the items with a minimum number of cameras.

Abstract: Disclosed is a barcode reader, comprising: a scanner unit which scans a barcode by emitting laser beam and receiving reflection light thereof to obtain image data; a judgment unit which judges a portion of the image data corresponding to each end portion of a swing width of the laser beam as a data unstable range and judges a portion of the image data other than the data unstable range as a data stable range; and a decoding unit which sets a tolerance of error of the image data low against a threshold in the data unstable range, the threshold being used to judge data width of black bars and white spaces of the barcode, to decode the data unstable range, and sets the tolerance of error of the image data high against the threshold in the data stable range to decode the data stable range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding codes applied to objects for use with a camera and a conveyor system wherein the camera includes an image sensor having a two dimensional field of view (FOV), the method comprising the steps of providing a processor programmed to perform the steps of obtaining images of the FOV, for each image identifying code candidates in at least portions of the image, ordering at least a subset of the code candidates for decoding in a candidate order wherein the candidate order is determined at least in part as a function of a first direction of travel through the FOV, attempting to decode code candidates in the order specified by the direction of travel and when a new image event occurs, foregoing attempts to decode at least a portion of the identified code candidates.

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

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

Abstract: A method of mapping the location of at least one object in three dimensional space, relative to an initial point in three dimensional space by an EIR terminal which contains a microprocessor, memory, a scanning device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The method includes scanning a signal of decodable indicia located at a pre-defined area of a physical object, locating the decodable indicia within this signal, decoding the decodable indicia into a decoded message. The decoded message is an identifier for said physical object, which is then displayed. After receiving an interface command, the EIR terminal is placed in mechanical contact with the pre-defined area of the physical object and a first spatial position is stored as a point of origin in the EIR terminal.