Abstract: The invention relates to a bar code reading device of the type having an imaging assembly including a two dimensional image sensor and which may be moved between varying positions, orientations and angles relative to a substrate. In one embodiment a bar code reading device can be used to obtain an area electronic representation of a substrate including bar code indicia and a signature, and can output an area representation including a representation of a signature. In another embodiment, the bar code reading device can process and output a processed area electronic representation to an output destination. In one embodiment an output destination to which a bar code reading device outputs a processed area electronic representation is a display.

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

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

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a rolling-reset imager that forms an electronic image of an object, a light source illuminating the object with pulsed light, and a bandpass optical filter disposed between the object and the rolling-reset imager. The pulsed light has an illumination frequency spectrum and an illumination pulse width defining an effective exposure time for forming the image of the object. The bandpass optical filter has a frequency pass band permitting transmission of a significant portion of the illumination frequency spectrum while at least approximately inhibiting transmission of at least some light having frequencies outside the illumination frequency band. An imaging method illuminates an object with light in a given frequency range, so that the illumination light reflects from the object along with background light. The method filters the reflected light so as to attenuate at least some of the background light by a greater attenuation factor than the illumination light.

Abstract: A method of locating and decoding a two-dimensional machine-readable symbol in a digital image, where the symbol has three finder patterns adjacent respective corners of the symbol, takes into account the possibility of skew and pitch when delineating the symbol in the digital image by estimating the unknown fourth corner based on lines passing through known symbol edge points. On the basis of the delineating, a reference grid is mapped to the digital image and a bit stream is extracted based on the mapping.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system comprising a system housing having an imaging window, a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging subsystems disposed in the system housing. Each coplanar illuminating and linear imaging station includes a dual-type coplanar linear illumination and imaging engine that supports automatic image formation and detection along each pair of coplanar illumination and imaging planes generated by the coplanar illuminating and linear imaging station. Each pair of coplanar illumination and imaging planes are projected into the 3D imaging volume, for capturing of linear digital images of objects moved therewithin, and subsequent processing thereof for recognizing information graphically represented in the captured linear digital images, and automatic imaging-processing based object motion and velocity detection within the 3D imaging volume.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying unique composite indicia or markings to a succession of articles, in which each unique composite indicium comprises two or more indicia. At least part of each of the indicia may be co-located at a predetermined location on the article with such co-location being unique or distinct for each composite indicium for each article. The indicium may be overprinted with one or more images, logos or color-schemes. A code (e.g. an alphanumeric string) that is stored in a database may be derived from the composite indicium from one or more mathematical properties. The code may be later accessed for identifying or verifying the article with the indicium.

Abstract: An imaging system (20) for an imaging-base bar code reader (10) having a housing (11) and a window (17). The imaging system (20) includes a dual camera assembly (22) having a first camera assembly (24) and a second camera assembly (26) mounted within the housing (11) to image a target object (14a, 14b). The first camera assembly (24) includes a first field of view (FOV1) and the second camera assembly (26) including a second field of view (FOV2). The imaging system (20) further includes a fold mirror (36, 37) and positioned within the bar code reader housing (11) to intersect and direct the field of view of at least one of the first and second camera assemblies (24, 26) such that the first and second fields of view (FOV1, FOV2) pass through the exit window (17) and are substantially congruent exterior of the housing (11).

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for producing a plurality of coplanar linear illumination and imaging planes which intersect within a 3D imaging volume defined relative to an imaging window. Each station includes an array of planar illumination modules (PLIMs) for producing at least one substantially planar illumination beam (PLIB), and a linear image detection array having a field of view (FOV) on the linear image detection array and extending in substantially the same plane as the PLIB, to provide a coplanar illumination and imaging plane (PLIB/FOV). The PLIB/FOV is projected through the 3D imaging volume, for capturing linear (1D) digital images of an object passing therethrough, for subsequent processing and recognition of information graphically represented in the linear digital images.

Abstract: An omni-directional digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for producing a plurality of coplanar linear illumination and imaging planes which intersect within a 3D imaging volume. Each coplanar illumination and imaging station includes a linear image detection array, a linear illumination array, and an object motion and velocity detection subsystem for automatically detecting the motion and velocity of an object that passes through at least a portion of one coplanar linear illumination and imaging plane, and automatically adjusting one or more parameters relating to the exposure and/or illumination control within the coplanar illumination and imaging station. By virtue of the present invention, it is possible to capture and process high quality digital images of objects passed through 3D imaging volumes, at point-of-sale (POS) retail stations and like environments.

Abstract: A digital-imaging based code symbol reading system comprising an image sensing array with a field of view (FOV), an illumination subsystem with an LED illumination array, an automatic illumination measurement subsystem, an illumination control subsystem, and programmed imager processor supporting an image-processing based illumination metering program. The automatic illumination measurement subsystem automatically measures the illumination level at a particular region of the FOV and determines the illumination duration necessary to achieve a desired spatial intensity in the detected digital image. The illumination metering program automatically analyzes and measures, in real-time, the spatial intensity distribution of the digital image and determines whether or not a corrected illumination duration is required or desired when detecting the next or subsequent digital images, during the current or subsequent object illumination and imaging cycle.

Abstract: A scan engine (15) includes illumination sources (48, 50) for projecting a light beam (40) upon a target object, a focusing lens (44) that receives a reflected light (34) of the target object and focuses a reflected image (35) as it passes through the focusing lens (44) along an optical axis (A-A), and a linear sensor (46) that receives the reflected image (35) from the focusing lens (44). The linear sensor (46) provides a signal (59) representing the reflected image (34). A circuit board (16) is integrally connected to the illumination sources (48, 50) and the linear sensor (46).

Abstract: A cellular camera telephone is provided with aiming, illumination, and decoding functionality to enable the economical and ergonomic reading and decoding of bar code symbols. The aiming and illumination are preferably a single system to minimize power consumption, such as by projecting a rectangle of light to both frame and illuminate the image area containing the target bar code. The cell phone is further provided with a lens system that permits switching between the ‘normal’ picture-taking focal range of from a few feet to infinity, and a bar code-reading focal range on the order of from a few to several inches. The lens system may involve, or combine, conventional autofocus/autozoom technology, fluid or adaptive lens technology, and liquid crystal lens technology. The cell phone may both acquire information from scanning bar codes, and transmit information by creating and displaying bar codes.

Abstract: An imaging system for use in an bar code reader for imaging a target bar code. The imaging system includes a 2D sensor array generating a series of image frames and The sensor array can be selectively operated in a rolling shutter mode of operation or a pseudo global shutter mode of operation. The imaging system further includes an imaging lens assembly to focus light from the field of view onto the sensor array and an image analysis system for analyzing the series of image frames generated by the sensor array for image brightness and, based on image brightness, operating the sensor array in a selected one of the rolling shutter mode of operation and the pseudo-global shutter mode of operation.

Abstract: A code reader comprising an integrated light source for the illumination of a reading region, a sensor matrix and an optical receiving system positioned in front of the latter, wherein the light emergence surface of the light source is located in or closely in front of the depth of field zone of the optical receiving system.

Abstract: An imaging system for acquiring images of multiple indicia, such as symbols and non-symbols, on a target, such as a label, comprises a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing light from the indicia on the target over a field of view, and a controller having a stored template that identifies details of the indicia on the target, for controlling the imager to capture the light from the indicia based on the details identified by the template.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a rolling-reset imager that forms an electronic image of an object, a light source illuminating the object with pulsed light, and a bandpass optical filter disposed between the object and the rolling-reset imager. The pulsed light has an illumination frequency spectrum and an illumination pulse width defining an effective exposure time for forming the image of the object. The bandpass optical filter has a frequency pass band permitting transmission of a significant portion of the illumination frequency spectrum while at least approximately inhibiting transmission of at least some light having frequencies outside the illumination frequency band.

Abstract: Optical systems and methods of data reading with collection systems having improved depth of field. One configuration is directed to an image-based optical reading system with a plurality of sensor arrays, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) arranged in a compact configuration to minimize the overall package size while providing extended read range. In an example configuration, two CCD arrays are placed back to back to minimize height and overall package size with fold mirrors providing the optical path to a backward facing array.

Abstract: A tag reader and the tag are disclosed. The tag comprises a barcode pattern layer and horizontal line segments, which are connected to form an RF antenna. The antenna is further electrically connected to an RF chip, wherein an RF chip data is recorded in the RF chip. The tag reader comprises an RF signal transmitter for transmitting an RF transmitting signal to detect a tag. When an RF reflecting signal has been received, a light source module is enabled to shoot a scanning light source for scanning the tag; therefore, a tag comparing signal can be obtained. Thus, the advantages of the barcode and RFID tag can be integrated, the application field of the tag will be broadened, and the reliability of tag data reading is enhanced due to the double check mechanism.

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: An optical data code reader includes an illuminator device for illuminating an optical data code to be read out, an image-taking device for taking an image of this optical data code, a readout device for decoding the optical data code by processing image data generated by the image-taking device and an adjustment device for carrying out an adjustment process. The adjustment device adjusts an illumination condition of the illuminator device and/or an image-taking condition for the image-taking device such that the image data become suitable for being read out. The adjustment device serves to set areas on image data outputted by the image-taking device, to extract a variation amplitude of brightness in each of the areas and to carry out the adjustment process by using the image data of at least one of the areas in which the extracted variation amplitude is greater than a specified threshold value.

Abstract: A digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading device employing an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem having an optical axis which is coincident with the field of view (FOV) of a digital imaging area-type sensing array. The bar code symbol reading device including a system for detecting image light intensity reflected off an object in the FOV of the digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading device, having image formation optics including a beam splitter with a surface of a known reflection/transmission ratio.

Abstract: Systems and methods for 2-D barcode recognition are described. In one aspect, the systems and methods use a charge coupled camera capturing device to capture a digital image of a 3-D scene. The systems and methods evaluate the digital image to localize and segment a 2-D barcode from the digital image of the 3-D scene. The 2-D barcode is rectified to remove non-uniform lighting and correct any perspective distortion. The rectified 2-D barcode is divided into multiple uniform cells to generate a 2-D matrix array of symbols. A barcode processing application evaluates the 2-D matrix array of symbols to present data to the user.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (22) that includes an optical system (28) for detecting a terminal overlay or artifact.

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

Abstract: A computer assembly having a host computer and a detachably attached computer expansion module. The computer expansion module includes a 2D imaging module, and may include short range imaging optics. In a “picture taking” mode actuated by input into the host computer, the expansion module captures an image, and without launching a decoding algorithm, sends the captured image to the host computer which displays the image on an integrated display of the host computer. In a “decode” mode actuated by input to the host computer, the expansion module captures an image, executes a decoding algorithm, and sends a decoded out message to the host computer, which displays the decoded out message on an integrated display of the host computer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decoding dataforms comprising integrating a dataform decoding module into a video processing system. In an embodiment of the invention, video data is analyzed for dataforms as it is being prepared for display on a mobile computer screen. Packaging a dataform decoding algorithm as a video display module allows many hardware devices to easily add dataform decoding capabilities.

Abstract: A method of printing a two-dimensional barcode by tilting the print head, which results in tilted barcode, and methods of detecting various types of attempts to forge the tilted barcode including: (i) a low level forgery that consists of a simple scan and reprint of the barcode, (ii) a low level forgery that consists of a reproduction (i.e., a read and regeneration) and subsequent printing of the barcode using a printer with a non-tilted print head by a fraudster that is not aware of the tilt in the original barcode, and (iii) a higher level forgery by a fraudster that is aware of the tilt in the original barcode and that digitally tilts/shears an image of the barcode and prints the digitally tilted/sheared image using a printer with a non-tilted print head in an effort to mimic the tilt present in the legitimate barcode.

Abstract: A portable wireless device that is adapted to image a machine readable code such as a bar code, decode the bar code, send the bar code data over the Internet to a resolution server that will return an associated URL that will link the portable wireless device to content on an information server. Thus, by taking a picture of a bar code symbol, the portable wireless device will automatically retrieve content from the Internet that has been linked to that bar code via the present invention.

Abstract: There is described a bar code reading device capable of operating in a first image capture operating mode and a second image capture operating mode. The bar code reading device has a faster frame rate when operating in the first image capture operating mode than when operating in the second image capture operating mode.

Abstract: A product has a coding pattern on its surface. The coding pattern may include symbols representing at least two different values and where each symbol comprises a raster point and at least one marking. The raster point is included in a raster that extends over the surface and the value of each symbol is indicated by the placement of the marking in relation to the raster point. The markings may each have a spatial extent that, in combination, may at least partially form the image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a mobile service with the use of a code pattern is disclosed In one embodiment, the method comprising: taking a photograph of a code pattern image, decoding the photographed code pattern image so as to obtain code information, extracting uniform resource locator (URL) information corresponding to the code information, transmitting a content information request message to a service provider server corresponding to the URL information, and receiving content information corresponding to the URL information from the service provider server. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and convenient mobile services to mobile terminal users using a mobile terminal, having a camera, and a code pattern containing the URL information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus comprising: an image acquiring means for acquiring an objective image; an identification information recognizing means for recognizing, of the objective image acquired by said image acquiring means, identification information corresponding to a specific image pattern; a decision means for deciding whether said identification information recognized by said identification information recognizing means is local identification information for starting processing previously registered for each terminal or global identification information for starting processing common to all terminals; a local executing means for executing, if said identification information is decided as the local identification information by said decision means, the processing previously registered for each terminal; a global processing requesting means for requesting, if said identification information is decided as the global identification information by said decision means, a specific

Abstract: One type of code that cannot be decoded in a certain apparatus is converted into another type of code that can be decoded in the certain apparatus. More specifically, a first type of code in an image obtained by reading a sheet including the first type of code is decoded to obtain information. The information is encoded to form a second type of two-dimensional code.

Abstract: A method of reading bar code symbols using a digital-imaging based code symbol reading system employing an event-driven multi-tier modular software architecture and supporting automatic operating system login and loading of a bar code symbol reading application.

Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.

Abstract: Systems, methods and storage mediums are disclosed for processing images and two-dimensional barcodes for two-way verification of document data. In one exemplary embodiment, image data of a document is obtained, processed and rendered into a barcode for incorporation into a reproduction of an original image of the document. The resolution of the barcode may be higher than the resolution of the original image which allows the size of the barcode to be reduced. Moreover, the amount of data associated with the original image may be decreased which allows for smaller data storage requirements and faster data transfer of the document.

Abstract: A method of printing a two-dimensional barcode by tilting the print head, which results in tilted barcode, and methods of detecting various types of attempts to forge the tilted barcode including: (i) a low level forgery that consists of a simple scan and reprint of the barcode, (ii) a low level forgery that consists of a reproduction (i.e., a read and regeneration) and subsequent printing of the barcode using a printer with a non-tilted print head by a fraudster that is not aware of the tilt in the original barcode, and (iii) a higher level forgery by a fraudster that is aware of the tilt in the original barcode and that digitally tilts/shears an image of the barcode and prints the digitally tilted/sheared image using a printer with a non-tilted print head in an effort to mimic the tilt present in the legitimate barcode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for reading a bar code symbol with an optical reader. The method includes the step of scanning the bar code symbol to obtain a plurality of scan lines. Each of the plurality of scan lines includes a linear array of N-pixel values. Adjacent pixels in the linear array of N-pixel values are separated by a sample separation distance. A reconstructed scan line is generated that interleaves the N-pixel values from selected scan lines of the plurality of scan lines. A reconstructed pixel sample separation distance of adjacent interleaved pixels is an integer fraction of the pixel sample separation distance.

Abstract: Systems, methods and storage mediums are disclosed for processing images and two-dimensional barcodes for two-way verification of document data. In one exemplary embodiment, image data of a document is obtained, processed and rendered into a barcode for incorporation into a reproduction of the document image. The barcode may overlap the document image which allows it to be placed anywhere in the document. Moreover, the barcode may overlap certain portions such that it conceals confidential information while maintaining the integrity of the confidential information within encoded data of the barcode.

Abstract: An imaging-based bar code reader that includes an item guide to guide movement of an item including a target bar code such that target bar code passes through a field of view of the reader in a straight line. The reader further includes an imaging and decoding system to: 1) capture a series of images which include at least a part of the target bar code as the bar code is moved through the field of view of the reader; 2) sequentially analyze the series of captured images, for each captured image, identifying areas of the captured image representative of an image of the target bar code and decode decodable portions of the imaged target bar code; and 3) combining the decoded portions of the imaged target bar code using a sequence stitching method to obtain a full decode of the target bar code.

Abstract: A bar code symbol driven system for accessing information resources from information servers connected to communication networks, including the Internet. The system includes a bar code symbol reader (7a) for reading bar code symbols encoded with information representative of information resources stored in information servers connected to the Internet and supporting the TCP/IP standard. A computing platform (6) is provided for supporting an Internet browser. A telecommunication modem is operably connected to the computing platform in order to establish a two way telecommunication link between the Internet browser and an Internet service provider (ISP) connected to the Internet. In response to reading bar code symbols (8), the Internet browser automatically accesses information resources from Internet information servers (2) using the information encoded in bar code symbols read by the bar code symbol reader (7a).

Abstract: A method of providing a copy of at least a portion of a document (2) comprising providing the document (2) with at least one document identifying indicia identifying at least a portion of the document, comprising the following steps, providing an indicia reader (8) to read the indicia on the document, reading the indicia with the indicia reader (8) and generating indicia data representative of the indicia, identifying the document (2), and/or portion thereof, from the indicia data generated by reading the indicia; and obtaining an electronic copy of the document and/or portions thereof identified by the indicia data.

Abstract: Techniques for transmitting data between devices based on two-dimensional symbols are disclosed, where the devices are generally not equipped with the traditional networking capabilities, or at least these traditional networking capabilities are not used for the data communication. According to one aspect of the techniques, two devices communicate with each other by displaying one or more two-dimensional symbols. Data is encoded into one or more symbols that are displayed on one of the devices. Images of the symbols are taken by another one of the devices to receive the data. These images are sequentially processed and decoded so that the data is now received. To accommodate various environments, the system is configured to adjust parameters pertaining to the symbols to achieve an optimum transmission rate.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a base capable of receiving a camera including a lens, and a projector coupled to the base and adapted to project a plurality of beams of light onto a plane positioned at a focus distance from the base, wherein the projections of the beams of light on the plane are geometric shapes, and wherein an intersection of the geometric shapes is at the center of the field of view of the lens when the lens is installed on the base. In addition, an apparatus is disclosed comprising a base capable of receiving a camera including a lens, an image processor capable of being coupled to the camera for processing an image of a target captured by the camera, and a confirmation projector coupled to the image processor, wherein the projector projects a confirmation beam onto the plane of the target when the image processor signals the confirmation projector that it has processed the image.

Abstract: An imaging scanner with a two dimensional array of sensors analyzes data from a segment of the array to detect if one or more indicia conditions is present that would prevent a successful decode based on data in the segment. In this manner, if decoding the indicia using data from the segment of array data is not possible, an enlarged frame of array data can be sought for decode when necessary while one-dimensional and simple two-dimensional barcodes can be quickly processed by loading and decoding only the segment of the array.

Abstract: There is described a pixel value adjustment method and apparatus. In one embodiment, pixel values can be adjusted by execution of an algorithm for adjusting pixel values. In one embodiment, an apparatus capable of executing an algorithm for adjusting pixel values is capable of operating in a decoding operating application. In one embodiment, an apparatus capable of executing an algorithm for adjusting pixel values is capable of operating in a video display operating application.

Abstract: This present invention discloses one type of two-dimensional bar code and its encoding and decoding method. The two-dimensional bar code is represented as circular element modules (CEMs), between which there are spaces. As a CEM remains a CEM after deep defocusing imaging, it can be restored well to be the same shape as that of a CEM after the filtering by the Unsharp Mask. This design enables the image processing algorithm to become insensitive to the selection of the binarization threshold value. Since there is space between modules, it is less likely that the adjacent modules will stick together after binarization so that each module can be positioned independently. The present invention is very reliable for reading and decoding even under imaging conditions of deep defocusing and low illumination. Its features include easy-to-read, strong error correction capability and low requirement for reading devices, which makes it a potential popular application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading a target object with an image reader that includes an illumination source that illuminates an area corresponding to an indicia area when the imager is acting within an operating range of the indicia, a two-dimensional array sensor capable of collecting data from a captured image corresponding to an image reflected from the indicia area by the illumination source when the imager is acting within the operating range of the indicia, a starting coordinate located substantially about the center of the captured image, and a processing source including a search routine originating at the starting coordinate capable of analyzing the captured image by employing a plurality of scan paths associated to an algebraic equation.

Abstract: A combination barcode imager/decoder and real-time video capture system is provided. The system is configured for being implemented at a POS location for performing the functions of barcode imaging and decoding, and real-time video capture for video surveillance purposes. The system includes an imager or imaging sensor and a switching mechanism for switching and operating the imager between a barcode imaging and decoding mode for imaging and decoding barcodes positioned in proximity to the imager, and a real-time video capture mode for capturing real-time video for video surveillance purposes.