Abstract: A method and apparatus to enable a position of an image to be identified and to enable the image to be recognized reliably even when the image is unclean or external disturbance light is irradiates the image. On a assumption that a binarization threshold value is calculated for every block based on the maximum and minimum values of the brightness values in code symbol data, plural adjacent blocks, the threshold values of which are calculated, are grouped to generate groups. The area of each of the groups thus generated is compared with a predetermined area for a comparison standard and if the area of each of the groups thus compared is larger than that, these groups are selected. The position of the selected groups is identified. Brightness value of the code symbol data are binarized using the threshold value for every block in the selected groups.

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: 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 mobile device is described. The mobile device includes a trigger control for activating an image capture function of the mobile device. An imager captures an image in the field of view of the imager upon activation of the trigger control. The image includes at least one barcode symbol. A display includes a touch screen for displaying the at least one barcode symbol. A user selects the at least one barcode symbol for decoding by contacting the touch screen at a location corresponding to a displayed location of the at least one barcode symbol.

Abstract: An exemplary barcode decoding chip includes a scan module, a boundary identification module, a direction identification module, a bar space boundary processing module, a symbol parameter identification module, a symbol character extraction module, and a decoding module.

Abstract: A barcode recognition method and a computer program product thereof are provided. In the barcode recognition method, at first, a foreground extraction step is performed to obtain a binary image of a barcode image. Thereafter, an alignment step is performed to calculate a center coordinate, corner coordinates, a shift vector, and a rotation angle of the target barcode in accordance with the barcode image, the binary image, the shift vector, and the rotation angle. Thereafter, positions of data space patterns, boundary patterns, and an alignment type of the target barcode are determined in accordance with the center coordinate, the corner coordinates, the shift vector, and the rotation angle of the target barcode. Then, values of the target barcode are determined in accordance with the positions of the data space patterns, the boundary patterns, and the alignment type of the target barcode.

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: 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.

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: 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: 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: A barcode recognition method and a computer program product thereof are provided. In the barcode recognition method, at first, a foreground extraction step is performed to obtain a binary image of a barcode image. Thereafter, an alignment step is performed to calculate a center coordinate, corner coordinates, a shift vector, and a rotation angle of the target barcode in accordance with the barcode image, the binary image, the shift vector, and the rotation angle. Thereafter, positions of data space patterns, boundary patterns, and an alignment type of the target barcode are determined in accordance with the center coordinate, the corner coordinates, the shift vector, and the rotation angle of the target barcode. Then, values of the target barcode are determined in accordance with the positions of the data space patterns, the boundary patterns, and the alignment type of the target barcode.

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: Methods for efficiently retrieving information from an image of a symbol are described. Symbols are described that contain detection patterns that facilitate the determination of location, alignment, size and orientation of the symbol in an image. Detection patterns are described that possess geometric shapes susceptible to efficient decoding using probabilistic detection algorithms. Detection patterns are described that are provided in colors, shapes and sizes different from the color, shape and sizes of modules carrying information in the symbol. Methods are described for identifying the location and size of detection patterns in images of the symbol and for locating modules in the symbol to facilitate extraction of information carried by the modules.

Abstract: A marker attaching apparatus attaches to an image a positioning marker for detecting a specific area in the image, and includes: an area size detection unit detecting a size of an area to which the positioning marker is attached; a marker adjustment unit adjusting the positioning marker depending on the detected size of the area; and a marker attaching unit attaching the adjusted positioning marker to the image.

Abstract: In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modelled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

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

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

Abstract: A method of retrieving information comprised in a barcode is disclosed. The method comprises detecting that the barcode is present in a first image having a first image quality and capturing a first region, acquiring, when it is detected that the barcode is present, a second image having a second image quality and capturing a second region, wherein the second image quality is higher than the first image quality, and wherein the second region at least partly overlaps the first region, and decoding the barcode based on the second image to retrieve the information. A corresponding program product and a corresponding arrangement are also disclosed along with a communication device comprising the arrangement.

Abstract: A method for fast locating a decipherable pattern in an input image, which is characterized in utilizing an overly downscaled binary image to not only reduce computation time but also facilitate extraction of skeletons for fast and accurately locating pattern, is disclosed. First, a pre-process is applied to an input image to acquire a binary image downscaled n times, from which at least one skeleton corresponding to a decipherable pattern is extracted. Coordinate values of at least one pixel of each skeleton are respectively enlarged n1/2 times and used as the central points on the original image plane for establishing a plurality of detecting blocks with the identical size. Subsequently, a grading mechanism is employed to determine the corresponding detecting blocks of the decipherable pattern.

Abstract: Barcode detection method and systems are typically configured for reading each barcode individually. However, it is often advantageous to read a plurality of barcodes (or a batch of barcodes) in a single scanning operation. Provided is a barcode detection method and system which is capable of scanning an area including one or more barcodes, detecting and decoding the barcodes in the scanned area and generating a batch of barcodes all in a single scanning operation.

Abstract: A method for identifying a QR code in an image includes inputting an image, and using one or more computer processor to identify edges in the image; create an edge count image; label connected regions in the edge count image; create a candidate region list; for each individual candidate in the candidate region list: find regions that overlap with the region in the individual candidate; group regions that overlap into a group of overlapped regions; for each group: merge the overlapped regions into a merged region; add each merged region to the candidate region list to form a new candidate region list; and perform decoding of a QR code in each region in the new candidate region list.

Abstract: Identification technology, in which a request related to generating conveyable information for a particular vendor is received based on user input provided by a particular user and mappings stored in a database are searched using an identifier associated with the particular vendor. At least one rule useful in generating conveyable information for the particular vendor is determined based on results of the searching and identification information for a type of conveyable information requested by the particular user is determined. Conveyable information is generated by applying the determined at least one rule to the determined identification information. A mobile device outputs the generated conveyable information to enable identification of the type of conveyable information requested by the particular user to a system of the particular vendor through the output of the mobile device.

Abstract: A data decoding system that includes a server-side proxy component and at least two back-end computers, where the server-side proxy component is configured, when it receives a decoding request from a client, to select a back-end computer to forward the decoding request to, based on either a pre-defined rule, load estimates for the at least two computers, estimated network throughputs across network paths to the two computers. In response to receiving this request, the back-end computer that is selected is configured to decode the request, which is an image of decodable indicia, by locating the decodable indicia within the image and decoding it into a decoded message. The decodable indicia was provided by a raw image byte stream, a compressed image byte stream, or a partial compressed image byte stream.

Abstract: A POS-based bar code symbol reading system that reads bar code symbols on objects being passed through the 3D imaging or scanning volume supported by the system, and employs one or more object motion sensors (e.g. imaging based, IR Pulse-Doppler LIDAR-based, ultra-sonic energy based, etc.) to (i) measure or estimate the speed of objects being manually passed through the 3D imaging or scanning volume by the system operator, and (ii) visually and/or audibly display object scanning speed measures or estimates to provide the system operator with feedback for optimizing system throughput. The POS-based bar code symbol reading system has a performance advantage that leads to quicker customer checkout times and productivity gain that cannot be matched by the conventional bar code symbol scanning technology.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a code reading apparatus includes: an image capturing section configured to capture an image picked up by an image pickup section; a code reading section configured to detect a Code symbol included in the captured image and read code information corresponding to the code symbol; and a display output section configured to output an image captured when the code information is read to a display device provided to face a customer.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for reading information from a disposable with an information carrier which comprises a code formed by graphic symbols for the machine-readable provision of information and an optical reading device for the code which has a light source and a sensor. Generally according to the embodiments of the present invention, the information carrier comprises a code applied to a transparent or translucent substrate which can be read under stationary transillumination by means of the light source as a shadow image projected onto the sensor.

Abstract: A precisely locating and address confirming method is provided. The method comprises: S1, a printing carrier is divided into several areas with equal interval, and the width of each area is set to be the same with the width of a shelf article depositing unit, and a main bar code containing article depositing position information is printed in the center of each area of the printing carrier; S2, the printing carrier is disposed on the shelf in such a way that each area corresponds to each shelf article depositing unit; S3, the article depositing position information contained in the main bar code is scanned and read when the scanning beam of a manipulator happens to be superposed with the main bar code of the area corresponding to the shelf article depositing unit so as to confirm the address of the article depositing position.

Abstract: A method for decoding a decodable symbol using an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture operating mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, and attempts to decode for a decodable bar code symbol which may be represented in the image data.

Abstract: A facsimile communication system includes a first facsimile device that transmits image data and a second facsimile device. The second facsimile device includes a first receiving unit that receives the image data; an image-forming unit that forms an image based on the image data on a recording medium having a first storing part that is configured to store stored data; and a notifying unit that notifies the first facsimile device of the stored data.

Abstract: Reliability of a decoded result on a barcode is improved without increasing a processing load and a processing time. While a medium transfer mechanism transfers a recording medium, an image capture section captures an image of a surface of the recording medium, and the image data captured is saved in an image memory. Next, a scanning line setup section sets a plurality of scanning lines for image data of a barcode, and meanwhile a decoding section decodes the barcode by making use of image data corresponding to the scanning lines. Subsequently, a judgment section calculates reading reliability according to the image data corresponding to the scanning lines, and makes a judgment on a scanning line having a highest reliability among the reading reliability values. Then, a decoded result for the scanning line corresponding to the judgment result is defined as decoded information for the barcode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing manned and automated utility vehicles, and for picking up and delivering objects by automated vehicles. A machine vision image acquisition apparatus determines the position and the rotational orientation of vehicles in a predefined coordinate space by acquiring an image of one or more position markers and processing the acquired image to calculate the vehicle's position and rotational orientation based on processed image data. The position of the vehicle is determined in two dimensions. Rotational orientation (heading) is determined in the plane of motion. An improved method of position and rotational orientation is presented. Based upon the determined position and rotational orientation of the vehicles stored in a map of the coordinate space, a vehicle controller, implemented as part of a computer, controls the automated vehicles through motion and steering commands, and communicates with the manned vehicle operators by transmitting control messages to each operator.

Abstract: A barcode decoding system and method for compensating for motion of between an image sensor and a barcode to improve decoding of the barcode. The barcode decoding system includes an imager for capturing an image of the barcode, a motion sensor for collecting acceleration data and a processor that is configured to determine a velocity of the image sensor during the exposure period based on the acceleration data and a periodic motion model. The determined velocity is used to adjust the edge detection algorithm used to detect the barcode features in order to decode the barcode. The orientation of the captured barcode can also be determined in order to determine the velocity in a direction perpendicular to the barcode features.

Abstract: Methods for efficiently retrieving information from an image of a symbol are described. Symbols are described that contain detection patterns that facilitate the determination of location, alignment, size and orientation of the symbol in an image. Detection patterns are described that possess geometric shapes susceptible to efficient decoding using probabilistic detection algorithms. Detection patterns are described that are provided in colors, shapes and sizes different from the color, shape and sizes of modules carrying information in the symbol. Methods are described for identifying the location and size of detection patterns in images of the symbol and for locating modules in the symbol to facilitate extraction of information carried by the modules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a location information service using a mobile code in a Mobile Station (MS). The method includes scanning, by an input device of the MS, a mobile code; analyzing identifier information of the scanned mobile code; determining whether the identifier information corresponds to other information stored in the MS; if the identifier information corresponds to other information stored in the MS, acquiring location information, to be matched on a first cyber map in the MS, corresponding to the identifier information; matching the acquired location information on the first cyber map and displaying the matched first cyber map on an output device of the MS; and calculating a moving distance and a path using at least one location corresponding to the acquired location information.

Abstract: System and method for surveying. In one embodiment, a process is provided including detecting a barcode associated with a position of interest. The barcode may be decoded to extract data associated with the position of interest. Additionally, decoded data associated with the position of interest can be presented to an operator of a surveying tool.

Abstract: A barcode detection device performs a barcode detection analysis operation of detecting and analyzing a barcode in image data to generate a barcode detection result. An image processor performs an image processing operation of applying image processing to the image data to generate processed image data when the barcode detection indicates an error in barcode detection or analysis. The controller causes the image processor and the barcode detection device to sequentially perform a plurality of retry operations each of which including a set of the image processing operation and the barcode detection analysis operation until one or more successful detection results are obtained, while causing the image processor to change a type of the image processing being applied for each retry operation.

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: A substrate having a first coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The first coding pattern comprises: a plurality of target elements defining a target grid, the target grid comprising a plurality of cells, wherein neighboring cells share target elements; a plurality of data elements contained in each cell; and a plurality of tags. Each tag is defined by a first set of contiguous cells. Each tag comprises respective tag data encoded by a respective set of the data elements. Each cell comprises one or more registration symbols encoded by a respective set of said data elements. Each of the registration symbols identifies the cell as being contained in the first set, and thereby contained in the first coding pattern.

Abstract: A barcode evaluation method for receiving an input image, performing an evaluation along a scanning direction upon the input image, and generating a barcode evaluation data includes: deriving at least one first luminance group in the input image according to a luminance threshold; documenting a plurality of characteristic values corresponding to the at least one luminance group, respectively; referring to a plurality of characteristic values of at least one specific first luminance group within the first luminance group to determine a distribution direction, and determining whether the specific first luminance group belongs to a barcode; and utilizing a processing element to generate the barcode evaluation data according to the input image, the distribution direction and the scanning direction.

Abstract: In a process for reading the barcodes on the cylindrical elements and a system therefor, the system includes a working table having a transferring path and an inspection area on the transferring path, a shifting means driving a plurality of the standing cylindrical elements to gradually move along transferring path into the inspection area, an element barcode adhered on the outer all of the cylindrical element, a transmission means driving the cylindrical elements to self-rotate a certain rotation angle, an element reader reading the barcodes of the self-rotating cylindrical elements in order to automatically identify and record the information of the cylindrical elements entering into the inspection area.

Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.

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: Methods for efficiently retrieving information from an image of a symbol are described. Symbols are described that contain detection patterns that facilitate the determination of location, alignment, size and orientation of the symbol in an image. Detection patterns are described that possess geometric shapes susceptible to efficient decoding using probabilistic detection algorithms. Detection patterns are described that are provided in colors, shapes and sizes different from the color, shape and sizes of modules carrying information in the symbol. Methods are described for identifying the location and size of detection patterns in images of the symbol and for locating modules in the symbol to facilitate extraction of information carried by the modules.

Abstract: The present invention patent application refers to a system and method for automatic tracking and decoding barcode image on the standard EAN-13 through portable devices equipped with digital cameras. Through this system it is possible to track the barcode in any position and orientation it is in and decode it automatically in real time. To make the tracking and decoding of barcodes, methods are applied on the captured image, seeking the guidance and location of the barcode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position and rotational orientation of an object within a predetermined area is disclosed. Position markers, encoded with their identity, are viewed with a camera, images are captured and processed, and the position and rotational orientation of the object are calculated. Three embodiments are disclosed; the first having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing linear bar codes are fixed in location, the second having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing two-dimensional bar codes are fixed in location, and the third having a position marker of either type affixed to the object while the camera is fixed in location.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first detecting unit and a second detecting unit. The first detecting unit detects a leading end portion of an information image based on a first criterion and a ratio of a width of a certain white image area in the information image to a width of a black image area being detected prior to the certain white image area. The second detecting unit takes one of the black image areas and white image areas as an image area of interest and detects a portion, other than the leading end portion, of the information image based on a second criterion and at least one of ratios of a width of the image area of interest to widths of black and white image areas being detected prior to the image area of interest.

Abstract: In a copy generation management on paper, the present invention aims to detect a falsification in embedded information and increase the capacity of embedded information while maintaining security. The image processing device embeds second additional information into document image data embedded with first additional information. The image processing device deletes a part where the first additional information is embedded in the document image data, and embeds the second additional information into the part of the first additional information thus deleted. The image processing device further embeds third information different from the first and second additional information at a position different from position at which the second additional information is embedded. Further, the embedding means embeds the third information at a position indicated by the second additional information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decoding a barcode or other optical code include identifying one or more sub-regions of image data that contain promising data based on a first set of edge detection parameters, transferring the promising data from a first memory location to a new memory location for further processing, and decoding the promising data based on a different set of edge detection parameters.