Abstract: A method and system for enhancing measurement of a bar code or other object includes storing a pixel image containing a bar code; determining bar code orientation relative to the stored pixel image; determining a scan track through the pixel image in a succession of pixel to pixel scan paths; determining the angle of each scan path relative to the bar code orientation; and adjusting the number of virtual pixels added to each scan path as a function of the scan path angle and the bar code orientation for equalizing the lengths, measured in pixels, of the scan paths though they are of different actual lengths due to differences in scan path angles.

Abstract: An indicia for marking on an object, such as a cartridge case, for representing selected information, such as identification indicia identifying the firearm that discharged the cartridge, and methods and apparatus for generating, imprinting and reading the identification indicia. An indicia includes a multi-dimensional array of encoded marks, including encoded marks determined by spectral encoding variables representing the selected information wherein each spectral variable is spectrally distinguishable from others of the spectral variables representing variables, and an encoded pattern of the encoded marks is determined by algorithmic transformation of the selected information. An indicia may also include hologram related artwork. An indicia may be an encoded hologram multi-dimensional barcode, an encoded hologram or an encoded concentric circular barcode and may be formed of a single indicia or as an array of indicia.

Abstract: Different aiming light patterns are generated to enable an imaging reader to be pointed directly at a target by employing non-interferometric optical components that are fabricated by molding and machining techniques.

Abstract: The tracking product images several coded data sources (41A–41C) concurrently to cause a track signal (12) which represents each of the several coded data source locations and represents each of the several coded data source identities.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: A search method is disclosed for finding bar code symbols and various two-dimensional symbols, regardless of orientation, that is efficient, robust, and easy to use. The method works well on cluttered backgrounds, on skewed symbols, when symbols are almost touching, and when symbols are adjacent to text. The method includes choosing a candidate start region in the image, and then determining whether the candidate start region includes at least a portion of a candidate oriented encoded signal. Next, an approximate orientation of the candidate oriented encoded signal is determined. Then, the candidate start region is grown, using the approximate orientation, so as to form a candidate symbol region that encloses an entire candidate code symbol, including at least a portion of the candidate start region. The method is finely responsive to orientation.

Abstract: A method of identifying a face of an object having a plurality of faces with each face having coded data disposed thereon or therein. The coded data includes a plurality of coded data portions provided at respective positions on each face. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the object. The method includes the steps of sensing at least one coded data portion, generating, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the object identity, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The generating step of the method also preferably produces at least one of: a position of the sensed coded data portion; a position of the sensing device relative to the face; an orientation of the sensed coded data; and, an orientation of the sensing device relative to the face.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes using mobile device. Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device. After the barcode image has been acquired, software located on the mobile device enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The barcode information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device.

Abstract: An information system for storing, retrieving, processing and displaying information captured about objects passing an information capture system. The captured and processed object information may include, for example, a visual representation of the object, a height representation of the object, an identification code from the object, dimensional information about the object, chemical signature information from the object, temperature information, date and time information, and a three dimensional model of the object. The various types of information can be accessed by users via a software interface.

Abstract: A method of determining an orientation of a respective object having an interface surface with coded data. The coded data includes a plurality of coded data portions provided at respective positions on the interface surface. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the object. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the object identity. The method also includes generating indicating data indicative of one or more of: a position of the sensed coded data portion, a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, an orientation of the sensed coded data, or an orientation of the sensing device relative to the interface surface. Furthermore, the indicating data is transferred to a computer system being responsive to the indicating data to determine the orientation of the object.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing an encoding scheme for a scrolling display comprising a plurality of sequences of bar codes, each sequence of bar codes identifying a corresponding display on a moving scroll, each sequence of bar codes comprising a “start reading” code and an associated data code, the associated data code identifying uniquely the corresponding display.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining selected image information from a digital image and providing that selected image information for selective handling. In one aspect, the present invention automatically locates and segments an item identifier from an image caught by a digital camera and provides image information related to the item identifier for processing. Alternatively, a user can designate what areas of an image comprise the item identifier of interest for further viewing or processing.

Abstract: A data collection device for reading barcodes, matrix codes, acoustical tags, radio frequency identifier (RFID) tags, and other data carriers. The data collection device includes components to determine an actual position of the data collection device with respect to a target data carrier. The data collection device further includes visual indicators to indicate the determined actual position relative to an optimal position of the data collection device relative to the target data carrier. The determined actual position can be at least one of an actual distance or an actual orientation of the data collection device relative to the target data carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for rapidly capturing images in an automated identification system to effectively extend one dimension of a field of view of an image system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the image system captures and processes multiple images of at least a portion of a surface of a component in the automated identification system in response to a trigger signal communicated from a triggering device configured to sense a location of the component. Various embodiments of the invention include multiple sources for capturing images, and/or multiple user-specified schemes for effectively extending the field of view of the image system along the axis of component travel in the automated identification system.

Abstract: A scanner system and method for improving capture rate of reading labels with associated second labels or add-ons without sacrificing throughput with respect to non-add-on labels, the scanner including a mode in which the scanner in conjunction with the host (point-of-sale terminal) “learns” over time which base label codes will have associated second labels or add-ons. As the scanner successfully reads both a base label and its add-on data, the base label data is stored in a list in the scanner's memory. The required number of reads of base label or the timeout timer value may be adjusted based upon whether add-ons are expected or not corresponding to future scans of a base label corresponding to that of one in the list store. Base label statistics on successful base label and associated add-on reads, as well as ordering and selective storage of base label information based on frequency of base label occurrence may also be provided.

Abstract: A method of reading a plurality of bar codes during a scanning motion across a bar code scanner which enhances scanner operation. The method includes the steps of obtaining data from a detector in the bar code scanner, determining position information associated with the data, distinguishing data associated with each bar code using the position information, and assembling the bar codes from the data.

Abstract: A printer for receiving document data from a computer system and printing an interface onto a surface. The interface is based on the document data, which includes identity data indicative of at least one identity. The identity is, in turn, associated with a region of the interface. The interface also includes coded data. The printer includes a coded data generator configured to generate the coded data based at least partially on the identity data. A printing mechanism in the printer prints the interface onto the surface, including printing the coded data using an ink including an infrared-absorbing dye.

Abstract: A subarray of a CMOS imaging sensor array is addressed to detect when a target symbol is fully within a field of view of an imaging reader to improve reader performance at high swipe speeds.

Abstract: An extractor extracts a part that is apparently a bar-code signal from a signal that is subjected to opto-electric conversion. A narrow-band differential processor forms a waveform of an edge by differentiating by using a module frequency. The module point extractor extracts the module point from the waveform. The maximum likelihood judgment processor 5f performs ternarizing based on a maximum likelihood method by using broader information.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and computer program product for the evaluation of data recorded by measuring instruments, which is particularly applicable to the precise localization of non-reflecting marks on a reflecting medium by means of a light-sensitive receiver and can be especially applied in precision positioning devices.

Abstract: A barcode detection device is disclosed which captures an image; examines the image in a plurality of grids; obtains a profile of the image along the sides of the grids; determines the number of transitions in the profile of each side; compares the number of transitions in each adjacent pair of sides with the number of transitions in the opposing adjacent pair of sides, respectively, and identifies a potential barcode data bearing grid when the count of transitions on one pair of adjacent sides matches the count of transitions on the opposing pair of adjacent sides.

Abstract: An XML processing system for use in a barcode printer apparatus includes a computer system operatively coupled to the barcode printer apparatus. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label.

Abstract: Systems and methods of extracting from an input image a graphical bar code containing graphically encoded information are described. In one aspect, a document template is matched to the input image. The document template is selected from a set of document templates each having a respective predetermined page layout corresponding to a respective document type and including a predetermined graphical bar code location. The input image is cropped based on information relating to the graphical bar code location in the page layout of the document template matched to the input image to produce a cropped graphical bar code candidate for decoding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a scan pattern to a two dimensional bar code having parallel rows of codewords. The two dimensional bar code is scanned with a scanning pattern oriented such that a plurality of lines thereof cross the bar code rows. A determination if there is a non-zero angle between at least one of the plurality of lines and the rows by decoding codewords in rows intersected by the at least one line is made and the orientation of the scanning pattern is adjusted to reduce the absolute value of the angle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining the orientation of documents based upon the acquisition of images of the documents and the detection of barcode images from the documents. A document transport conveys documents along a selected path of movement. A document imaging system is provided along the path of movement for imaging a document conveyed along the path of movement to generate image data representative of the document. A system controller processes the image data to detect the presence of a barcode image. The location and/or orientation of the barcode image is then used to determine the orientation of the document along the path of movement. A document orientor may be provided along the path of movement to orient documents into desired orientations along the path of movement based upon the location and/or orientation of the detected barcode images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel optical reader device and method for calibrating the device. The device executes a calibration module that locates the actual coordinates for a targeting symbol in a captured image. The coordinates are stored as calibration coordinates in the memory. During normal operation of the reader device, the stored calibration coordinates are used to locate a target, such as a bar code. In order to locate the targeting symbol, the calibration module may overlay a template on clusters that may be the targeting symbol. A reasonable accurate comparison identifies the cluster as the targeting symbol. Alternatively, the calibration module may approach a cluster from four frames of the image and identify the cluster's tangents and perimeter. Geometrical calculations are used to identify the center of an identified targeting symbol.

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

Abstract: A printer for receiving document data from a computer system and printing an interface onto a surface. The interface is based on the document data, which includes identity data indicative of at least one identity. The identity is, in turn, associated with a region of the interface. The interface also includes coded data. The printer includes a coded data generator configured to generate the coded data based at least partially on the identity data. A printing mechanism in the printer prints the interface onto the surface.

Abstract: A system is provided for dispensing pharmaceuticals or other material dispensed in prepackaged containers. The container includes a symbol such as a barcode to identify the contents of the container. The system uses a label having a first portion having an outer edge and a second portion that extends out from one side and above the top of the first portion. The second portion includes an indicium such as a barcode that is printed on the second portion that describes the desired contents of a container on which the label is intended. The symbol and the indicium are electronically read after the label is affixed to the container to determine if the label is on a container having the identified contents.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a novel method and device that combines one of more coordinate scanners which can digitize and communicate to a computer the exact location of the placement of a pointer on any designated surface and perform a variety of preprogrammed responses. More specifically, the invention relates to the methods and apparatuses used to identify specific points of indicia on a surface in front of the scanner. This surface is identified to a computer by identifying indicia such as a bar code or other manner of specifically identifying the surface. The computer will perform preprogrammed designated audio or visual or other electronic responses to identified points on the surface by matching the identified point on the surface with an electronic version of the surface in memory and a preprogrammed task for such a match. The designated surface may be flat or it may consist of a contoured surface in a wide variety of sizes and materials.

Abstract: An alignment indication is provided in an optical scanner for reading a two-dimensional optical code by varying the scanning beam to provide a region of apparent greater brightness. In the case of a PDF417 bar code symbol, an elongated brighter region may be oriented so that it is parallel with rows of the PDF417 symbol. The apparent greater brightness may result because of the persistence of the scanning pattern in the user's vision. The region of apparent greater brightness may be achieved by providing a greater density of scan lines in the region. Because of the persistence in the user's vision, multiple scan lines appear simultaneously, and thus a region with a greater density of scan lines appears as a brighter region. The region of apparent greater brightness may also be achieved by providing a differently shaped scanning spot in the region (e.g., a larger, or more elongated spot).

Abstract: A method for improving the readability of composite images by determining available areas on a document where no text or graphics will be printed in visible ink and printing one or more 2-D bar code with invisible ink at a size pre-determined based on the available areas. The one or more auxiliary 2-D bar codes are printed in luminescent ink, either invisible or lightly colored when viewed under white light.

Abstract: There are provided an identification code creating method and an identification code creating program capable of excellently printing or displaying an identification code regardless of a resolution of a printer or display screen in creating the identification code of a bar code, a two-dimensional symbol or the like by a server apparatus in accordance with a request and an instruction from a client apparatus connected thereto via a network of an intranet, the internet or the like and printing or displaying the identification code by the printer or the like or the display screen connected to the client apparatus, for example, the identification code is created by the server apparatus based on an identification code creating data transmitted from the client apparatus, a program of drawing the identification code, a program of acquiring the resolution of the printer and the like are provided to the client apparatus along with a parameter file thereof.

Abstract: Barcode data communication methods, barcode embedding methods, and barcode systems are described. According to one embodiment, a barcode data communication method includes accessing a composite image comprising a disguised barcode image incapable of being directly read from a base image by a barcode reader, extracting data corresponding to the barcode image from the composite image, modifying the data to provide the barcode image in a state wherein the barcode image may be directly read by a barcode reader, and reading the barcode image using the barcode reader after the modifying.

Abstract: A method of measuring an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation using a measuring device that bears an integral identification mark, comprising the steps of: providing a support; disposing on the support a first region capable of measuring an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation; disposing on the support a second region that bears integral identification mark; exposing at least the first region to a dose of ionizing radiation; and reading the signal from the first region.

Abstract: A bar code reader missing link detection system for detection of missing, defective or misaligned chain links in assembled or in-process chains includes a light source for illuminating one or more chain links of a chain, a light sensitive diode array for detecting an image of a fixed scan line, produced by the light source, and a lens system for focusing incoming light produced by the light source onto the diode array, wherein the system is arranged such that the bar code reader reflects light from one or more of the chain links onto the diode array, and the diode array is continuously scanned, digitized, and the data obtained thereby interpreted to detect missing chain links.

Abstract: In a system for identifying an object having a bar code symbology, a measurement and input unit measure a height and a length of the object and input the measured values into the system. An object image and search region image storage unit stores an image of the object and images of at least two sub blocks from the object. A search region setting unit sets a size of the sub blocks. A region of interest (ROI) generation unit sets a weight and a characteristic value of the sub block. A bar code symbology identification unit searches vertically a bar code region from the ROI and generates a bar code edge region. An information interpretation unit interprets object information corresponding to the bar code edge region. A result process and storage unit processes and stores the interpreted object information.

Abstract: The operating environment of a moving laser beam in a flying spot, electro-optical reader is simulated in a solid-state, sensor-based imaging reader by turning a visible line produced by a light emitting diode on and off prior to capturing a two-dimensional image of a target.

Abstract: When a two-dimensional code having data cells (referred to as DC) comprising two-dimensional data, positioning finder patterns (referred to as FP) and an alignment pattern (referred to as AP) is input, the positions of FP are detected by evaluating the proximity from patterns in three horizontal, vertical and inclined directions. The position of AP is detected by conducting the template matching after the rotation correction of part of the input image. The version of the code is determined by calculation of the number of cells from the widths and positions of FP. Coordinate conversion expressions for converting the positions of DC into their coordinate positions based upon the positions of FP and AP and the version are determined and DC are cut out. The array of the cut out DC is decoded for reading the two-dimensional code.

Abstract: The invention relates to: A method of providing an electronically readable item of information (725) on a medication cartridge (70). The invention further relates to a cartridge (70) containing an electronically readable item of information (725), a support (75) for reading the information (725) on the cartridge (70), a medication delivery device adapted to use a cartridge (70) and a support (75) according to the invention and a label (72) containing an electronically readable item of information (725). The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method of generating an electronically readable item of information on a cartridge which method is simple and improves safety in reading. The problem is solved in that said item of information is redundantly provided (725, 726). The invention may e.g. be used in connection with medication delivery devices for self-treatment of a disease, e.g. diabetes.

Abstract: A numeric code has 10 characters in its set, each character having two dark bars in nine modules or a “Two of Nine Code”. All bars or gaps of this code are a minimum of two modules in width. Each numeric digit may have and OCR digit embedded into the barcode digit to make it human and machine readable.

Abstract: For reading bar and stacked codes, transitions between code elements are determined by crossing points between a sampled video signal, representative of the intensity of light diffused by a code along a scan line thereof, and a low-pass filtered version thereof, or between two low-pass filtered versions thereof. The method is suitable to be implemented through analog or digital hardware, and via software.

Abstract: A still image of a moving object is restored from portions including the object in an image by using a movement distance of the object during an exposure time and the difference value between output values of adjacent pixels, the movement distance being calculated as a number of pixels. Therefore, especially in cases where a moving bar code is imaged, even if the image of the bar code is blurred as a result of the movement of the bar code during imaging, a still image of the bar code in which the outlines of the black portions and white portions of the bar code are clear can be obtained. Accordingly, bar code information can be read out from the imaged bar code.

Abstract: Techniques for using imaging information computed from examining a scanner signal are described. When one or more objects passes within a field of view of a scanner, scan patterns emerging from one or more scanner windows and reflected from the objects back into the scanner windows produce one or more scanner signals. The scanner signals are processed to obtain beam position and beam length information to improve the accuracy of bar code decoding and to compute imaging information for objects within the field of view of the scanner. The imaging information for the objects is compared with bar code information for the objects. The expected number, size and shapes of objects indicated by the bar code information is compared with the actual number, size and shapes of objects in order to determine if valid scans occurred or if missed, double or otherwise erroneous scans occurred.

Abstract: Imaging optical code readers and imaging systems are disclosed for measuring or deriving physical parameters of objects in a field of view such as object dimensions and weights. A projected pattern and weight responsive platform maybe used in such measurements.

Abstract: A commissioning system incorporates a commissioning station for mounting a controller to be commissioned by the action of loading data into a writable memory of the controller. The station has a label reader for reading a label attached to the controller. Preferably the label is readable by the label reader only when the controller is mounted on the commissioning station. Data encoded in a code pattern on the label specifies commissioning parameters to be loaded into the controller memory. The label reader reads the code pattern and generates a signal encoding the code pattern data. The commissioning system receives this signal and transmits a commissioning signal to the controller encoding the commissioning parameters, which are then loaded into the controller memory. In one embodiment the commissioning station has a configuration that cooperates with the controller to create an access barrier to the label reader scanner surface when the controller is mounted on the station.

Abstract: In the present invention, a bar code reader captures an initial image map corresponding to a scene, then subjects the initial image map to an interpolation step wherein values for constructed pixels positionally intermediate pixel values of the initial image map are interpolated as a function of the initial image map pixel values bordering the constructed pixels. After an interpolated image map is constructed, the interpolated image map is subjected to a binarization step wherein grey scale pixel values of the interpolated image map are converted into binary (1 or 0) pixel values by way of a thresholding process. In the thresholding process, grey scale pixel values are compared to a threshold in the grey scale range, then set to 1 if they are above the threshold and set to 0 if below the threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for reading a two-dimensional barcode symbol on a mailpiece. The barcode symbol may be distorted during the printing process or the image acquiring process, rendering it difficult to recognize by a conventional template matching method. Typically, a two-dimensional barcode symbol is composed on a two-dimensional array of visually contrasting blocks. Any group of four adjacent blocks sharing a common corner may form an identifiable pattern. These patterns can be used as internal landmarks. When the barcode symbol is distorted, the distances between the internal landmarks change accordingly. Using an Lp-norm algorithm to measure the distances in the transform domain, distortion can thus be determined and the global geometry of the barcode symbol restored based on the distance measurements.

Abstract: To facilitate the decoding of a 2D symbol (e.g., PDF417), a plurality of positioning lines are attached to the 2D symbol. Depending on implementation, these substantially parallel positioning lines may be provided on at least one side of the symbol or superimposed on the symbol. A scanning device is provided to capture an image of the symbol together with these positioning lines that are then detected to determine an orientation of the 2D symbol. In some cases, these positioning lines are used to correct images with distortion.