Abstract: A plurality of weak discriminators output determinations results about a status of an apparatus. Weight values are individually assigned to the determination results. By performing majority vote of the weighted determination results, the status of the apparatus is determined. The determination results are displayed on a single status indicating screen such that portions corresponding to a normal status are indicated in white while portions corresponding to an anomalous status are indicated in one or more colors other than white. The areas of the portions differ from one another depending on magnitudes of weight assigned to the determination results corresponding to the portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a barcode image recognition system and associated method for hand-held device including an image processing module and a barcode recognition module for recognizing characters corresponding to a one-dimensional barcode image. The image processing module converts an image to a gray level distribution of the image or, to a black-and-white image, and retrieves a barcode region containing the one-dimensional barcode from the image. The barcode recognition module segments the barcode region into a plurality of code regions and identifies each of the characters corresponding to each of the barcode regions.

Abstract: A point-of-sale system includes a housing, processing device, and radio frequency card reader. The processing device and reader are disposed within the housing, which eliminates external electrical connections associated with the reader. The system may include a monitor and an interchangeable base, which receives the monitor and is selectively removable from the monitor. The interchangeable base houses the processing device. The housing may include the interchangeable base, which also houses electrical connections associated with the RF card reader. A method of displaying point-of-sale information includes providing a housing, disposing a processing device within the housing, and disposing a radio frequency card reader within the housing, thereby eliminating external electrical connections associated with the reader.

Abstract: Disclosed is a barcode reading apparatus including: a variable focus lens in which a focus position can be adjusted at a high speed according to applied voltage; an imaging section to generate image data by imaging a barcode through the variable focus lens; a control section to change a focus position of the variable focus lens and to obtain image data of a plurality of image areas with different focus positions in one frame from the imaging section when image data of one frame is obtained from the imaging section; and a decoding section to decode a barcode image included in the image data of the plurality of image areas obtained by the control section.

Abstract: A method of recovering a waveform representing a linear bar code, the method including the steps of: moving a sensing device relative to the barcode, said sensing device having a two-dimensional image sensor; capturing, using the image sensor, a plurality of two-dimensional partial images of said bar code during said movement; determining, from at least one of the images, a direction substantially perpendicular to the bars of the bar code; determining, substantially along the direction, a waveform fragment corresponding to each captured image; determining an alignment between each pair of successive waveform fragments; and recovering, from the aligned waveform fragments, the waveform. The method is performed only in the absence of a location-indicating tag in a field of view of the image sensor.

Abstract: A barcode recognition method is provided for recognizing a barcode to derive effective barcode information thereof. The barcode includes a plurality of segments. In the method, every time the barcode is scanned and recognized, any segment, in which a barcode information fragment carried therein is able to be derived, is recorded as an effective segment. And then the effective segments are selected and combined to generate a plurality of segment combinations. The information carried by the segment combinations is respectively verified by the checksum thereof, so as to find out the segment combination, which is successfully verified by the checksum thereof, to be the effective combination. Every time the barcode is scanned and recognized, only part of the segments of the barcode has to be successfully recognized, and the effective segments derived are combined and verified, so as to quickly recognize the barcode.

Abstract: A graphic representation of symbols encoding data, the graphic representation including a reference symbol having a top and a bottom, the reference symbol top and bottom defining opposing limits of a code line, at least one graphic symbol, representing encoded information regarding a static road condition for processing by a vehicle moving along the road, disposed between the opposing limits of the code line, wherein the information is represented by a ratio of a height of each graphic symbol to the height of the reference symbol and by each symbol's position relative to the opposing limits of the code line, and wherein the reference symbol indicates a beginning of encoded information and a direction for decoding the encoded information.

Abstract: A method of recovering a waveform representing a linear bar code, the method including the steps of: moving a sensing device relative to the barcode, said sensing device having a two-dimensional image sensor; capturing, using the image sensor, a plurality of two-dimensional partial images of said bar code during said movement; determining, from at least one of the images, a direction substantially perpendicular to the bars of the bar code; determining, substantially along the direction, a waveform fragment corresponding to each captured image; determining an alignment between each pair of successive waveform fragments; and recovering, from the aligned waveform fragments, the waveform.

Abstract: A bar-code reading apparatus includes a reading section to read a bar-code a plurality of times to obtain multiple pieces of bar-code image data; a storage section to store the pieces of bar-code image data; a detection section to detect a moving state of the reading section in a three-dimensional space during a reading operation of the bar-code; a correction section to correct the pieces of bar-code image data stored in the storage section into pieces of bar-code image data which are obtained if the bar-code is read when the reading section is at a preset reference position with respect to the bar-code, based on the moving state detected by the detection section; a synthesis section to synthesize the pieces of bar-code image data corrected by the correction section to produce synthesized image data; and a decode section to decode the synthesized image data.

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

Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an image sensor, and a plurality of operating states. Operation of the imaging apparatus can be differentiated between the operating states. In one operating state, the imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels of the image sensor. The operating states of the imaging apparatus can be user selectable.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method, and a device A device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface corresponding to a movement of the writing element over the surface. The device also includes a controller operable to digitally encode information in the mark.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.

Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of information reading, and more specifically, to an improved information reader in a validator which eliminates the requirement to insert an information source in a particular direction in an information reader.

Abstract: A method of operating a bar code scanning system adapted for assembling information bearing indicia (IBI) information from partial scans of IBI data which may comprise some undecodable characters, the method comprising the steps of: converting light reflected from a target into output signals representative thereof utilizing an image sensor; illuminating the target utilizing an illumination source; directing light from the target to the image sensor array utilizing receive optics; determining if information contained in IBI within the target derived from the output signals is not decodable; transmitting an image of the IBI to a host processor if the IBI is not decoded; and housing the processor, image sensor, receive optics, illumination source and display in a common housing for hand held operation.

Abstract: A two dimensional symbol is decoded by forming a binary image that includes the symbol. The binary is used to generate symbol margins for use in digitization. By using the binary image to determine the symbol margins, margins can be located efficiently and in the presence of symbol contrast variation caused by irregularities in the marked surface or light source angles. Digitization proceeds based on the determined margins.

Abstract: A method of identifying a product includes generating a code unique to the product, said code being provided by a multitude of individual identifiers, applying the multitude of the identifiers of the code to the packaging of the product as a pattern to identify the product. The method also involves applying a sub-set of two or more of the multitude of the identifiers of said code to the product, said sub-set of the multitude of the identifiers of the code being applied so they will be presented in the same pattern order as they appear in the pattern order of the multitude of the identifiers of the code applied to the packaging. The product can be identified with a reasonable likelihood of being a genuine product by determining that a presented pattern order of the sub-set of the multitude of the identifiers applied to the product corresponds to a presented pattern order within the multitude of the identifiers applied to the packaging.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for detecting a barcode within an image. An image processor may, for example, process an image to detect regions within the image that may be barcodes. The image processor may identify regions of the image that exhibit a high concentration of edges and a high concentration of pixels with low optical intensity co-instantaneously as potential barcodes. The image processor may identify the regions using a number of morphological operations. The image processor may then determine whether the identified regions are actually barcodes by verifying whether the region have unique barcode features. The barcode detection techniques described in this disclosure may be independent of barcode size, location and orientation within the image. Moreover, the use of morphological operations results in faster and more computationally efficient barcode detection, as well as lower computational complexity.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products that provide for generating a series of visual coded images, such as barcodes that are related to a data set, displaying the series of visual coded images in sequence on a display and capturing and decoding the displayed series of visual images in one continuous process. As such the present invention provides for large volumes of data to be transferred using images of visually coded data, which are typically limited to storing and transferring a relatively small volume of data.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improved imaging scanning. An imaging bar code scanner uses an imaging device to capture a bar code image, and combines multiple rows of image information. An image of a typical bar code will comprise multiple rows of similar or identical visual information so that the multiple rows of image information will include repetitions of the same image information, with differing or cancelling noise information. The combined information is processed to generate a scan signal, which will exhibit a higher signal to noise ratio compared to a scan signal based on a single row of image information. The scan signal can be analyzed to identify transitions between light and dark areas of the bar code.

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.

Abstract: A method of operating a bar code scanning system adapted for assembling information bearing indicia (IBI) information from partial scans of IBI data which may comprise some undecodable characters, the method comprising the steps of: converting light reflected from a target into output signals representative thereof utilizing an image sensor; illuminating the target utilizing an illumination source; directing light from the target to the image sensor array utilizing receive optics; determining if information contained in IBI within the target derived from the output signals is not decodable; transmitting an image of the IBI to a host processor if the IBI is not decoded; and housing the processor, image sensor, receive optics, illumination source and display in a common housing for hand held operation.

Abstract: In an apparatus including the detachable unit, when reading individual information of the detachable unit, a first label for generating a reference signal for reading individual information and a second label representing the individual information are arranged on a surface of the detachable unit, with a first label reading unit, the reference signal is generated while reading the first label in a predetermined direction, and with a second label reading unit, the individual information of the detachable unit contained in the second label is read in synchronous with the generated reference signal. Read individual information is stored, and whether a mounted detachable unit is new or used is recognized based on a comparison of individual information read from the detachable unit with stored individual information.

Abstract: Described is a method of locating a predetermined pattern. An image is divided into a predetermined number of areas. A search sequence indicative of an order in which the areas are to be analyzed for the predetermined pattern is determined. The areas in the search sequence are analyzed until either a predetermined time elapses or the predetermined pattern is detected. When the predetermined time has elapsed before the predetermined pattern is detected, a further image is obtained. Then, areas remaining in the sequence are analyzed in the further image beginning with an area to be analyzed immediately after a last analyzed area of the image until either the predetermined time elapses or the predetermined pattern is detected in one of the remaining areas.

Abstract: A device and a process for acquiring symbols by interleaving data samples in a plurality of data sets gathered during sampling of returns from a plurality of scanning passes. In one embodiment, the sampling frequency is proportional to the scanning frequency by a quotient of twice the number of samples in a representation and an integer such that the quotient is an irreducible fraction.

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: Disclosed is a bar-code reading apparatus including: a reading section to read a bar-code a plurality of times to obtain multiple pieces of bar-code image data; a storage section to store the pieces of bar-code image data; a detection section to detect a moving state of the reading section in a three-dimensional space during a reading operation of the bar-code; a correction section to correct the pieces of bar-code image data stored in the storage section into pieces of bar-code image data which are obtained if the bar-code is read when the reading section is at a preset reference position with respect to the bar-code, based on the moving state detected by the detection section; a synthesis section to synthesize the pieces of bar-code image data corrected by the correction section to produce synthesized image data; and a decode section to decode the synthesized image data.

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 method aligns a second image of an object taken at a second time with a first image taken at a first time, wherein the object experiences motion relative to an imager between the first and second times. The images are formed of sets of pixels arranged horizontally and vertically in a pattern. The method operates on the pixels of the second image by performing a series of operations to affect an affine transformation without performing matrix arithmetic, preferably by table look-up. The method shifts the pixels of the second image vertically by a constant vertical offset, shifts the pixels of the second image horizontally by a constant horizontal offset, shears the second image horizontally by a skew factor, shears the second image vertically by a skew factor, scales the second image horizontally by a horizontal scale factor; and scale the second image vertically by a vertical scale factor.

Abstract: Partial decode results that successfully decode a subset of bar code symbol components and a quality indicator associated with each component are stored. These partial decode results are combined based on the quality indicator to achieve an improved decode of the symbol.

Abstract: A method of recovering a waveform representing a linear bar code, the method including the steps of: moving a sensing device relative to the barcode, said sensing device having a two-dimensional image sensor; capturing, using the image sensor, a plurality of two-dimensional partial images of said bar code during said movement; determining, from at least one of the images, a direction substantially perpendicular to the bars of the bar code; determining, substantially along the direction, a waveform fragment corresponding to each captured image; determining an alignment between each pair of successive waveform fragments; and recovering, from the aligned waveform fragments, the waveform.

Abstract: A method and system for reading various codes, such as codes imprinted on an item, includes a first and a second code reader that each scan the code on the item to read the code. The data obtained by the first and the second code reader is merged to reconstruct the code on said item. The position of the code readers may be adjusted such that the maximum reading efficiency of said code by each code reader occurs at different points of the scanned code. The method and system may be employed with different types of codes including various forms of bar codes.

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: A method and system used in the barcode sensing process are disclosed, in which at least two instances of an optical signal are obtained from the same barcode in different time periods, and digitized by a first digitizer with a first threshold. The digitized results from the at least two instances are then applied with an AND algorithm to eliminate the noise, whereby create a correct digitized output. Preferably, the instances of the signal are also digitized by a second digitizer with a second threshold, which are used to synchronize the timing of the digitized results created by the first digitizer. The second threshold is preferably larger than the first threshold.

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 two dimensional symbol is decoded by forming a sub-sampled image that is used to generate symbol margins for use in digitization. The sub-sampled image is based on local levels of contrast in the symbol. By using a sub-sampled image derived from local levels of contrast in the symbol to determine the symbol margins, margins can be located efficiently and in the presence of symbol contrast variation caused by irregularities in the marked surface or light source angles. Digitization proceeds based on the determined margins.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for stitching together partial bar code segments to construct and decode information for a complete bar code. As a scanner operates to generate a scan pattern, information is maintained that can be used to identify a scan line being generated when an event of interest occurs. When a scan signal indicates that a terminal delimiter of a bar code is included in a bar code segment that has been transected by a scan line, information is noted that can identify the scan line. Subsequent transections of the bar code by the same scan line are noted, and information for overlapping bar code segments is stored. When a segment is detected that includes a delimiter opposite the delimiter appearing in the original segment, the stored information is retrieved and used to assemble the complete bar code.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recording a bar code comprising a plurality of base elements. A reading device generates a sequence of partially overlapping images which together reproduce the bar code. Images are analysed to produce information which describes the positions of the base elements in each image. The bar code is then reconstructed by putting together information that has been extracted from the subimages, so that the contents of the bar code can be interpreted. In reconstruction, the position information and the images are used. By using the image information, the putting together process can be made less calculation-intensive. The invention also relates to a corresponding device and a corresponding computer program.

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 improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device is electrically powered and features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate extracting of data from the bar code and immediate removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and if complete, data is extracted and if incomplete a complete image formed from the two individual scans. The device also employs a magnetic strip data reader to extract magnetically encoded data.

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: A method for processing scanned code data, including a plurality of strings, to determine whether the scanned code data is part of a valid code begins by examining a first string of a first scanned code data. A cluster is opened with the first string if the first string contains a start pattern. At least one valid middle portion of the first string is identified and a transition position count associated with the at least one valid middle portion is stored. A second scanned code data is searched for a second string matching at least part of the first string in the cluster. If a match is found, then the second string is added to the end of the cluster. The cluster is closed upon detection of a stop pattern and is then decoded.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading. The preferred system is directed to a scanner which includes a laser diode and a beam splitter for generating first optical beam and a second optical beam, the first optical beam being directed toward one side of a scanning optical element such as a rotating polygon mirror and to a first mirror array, the second optical beam is being simultaneously directed toward a second optical element such as another side of the rotating polygon mirror and then to a second and a third mirror array. The first mirror array is configured to generate a scan pattern through a vertical window and the second and third mirror arrays are configured to generate scan patterns passing through a horizontal window. In combination, the three mirror arrays generate three sets of scan lines so as to scan the bottom and all lateral sides of an object being passed through the scan volume.

Abstract: A device for reading and identifying a plate, with a camera means (100) with an optical device (110; 112, 114)) for digital image recording and an image processing device for the analysis of the image recorded by the camera means (100). In one embodiment, identification codes can be imaged from both sides of the plate (20)* by a mirror means (120; 122, 124, 126) onto the optical device (110; 112, 114) of the camera. The device is designed in such a way that each plate (40) can be recorded with two camera images, wherein a camera image is produced through the arrangement of several mirrors (122, 124, 126) of the mirror means (120) in such a way that one image half represents the right edge and the other image half represents the left edge of the plate (40) over a predetermined length.

Abstract: A scanner or other data reader is equipped with means for determining characteristics of an operator's scanning technique. In a preferred configuration, the scanner is integrated with a weigh scale for obtaining a dynamic weight of an item as the item is moved across the weigh scale. Weight data produced by the scanning/weighing process includes information about the amount of lifting the operator performs on scanned items, the rate of scanning by the operator, and rescanning information. The scanner may be connected to a PC-based training system which uses the scanning technique information to provide feedback to the operator indicating the effectiveness of the operator's scanning technique, and may also provide information to management for analysis. The technique information may be collected by a store controller or other suitable collection device for later analysis and reporting.

Abstract: A method of formatting digital data and a method of decoding the formatted digital data. User selectable format parameters vary the dimensions and other attributes of spots and the cells containing those spots as well as other features which the formatting process formats into a pattern. A method of encoding the formatted digital data using these format parameters allows for encoding a substrate optimally for any given printer or scanner. One embodiment provides for markers to facilitate determination of cell locations. In one embodiment the decoding process achieves a pyramid gain of knowledge by locating a landmark (801), which is located in a known position relative to a metasector (802), which contains information about the encoding process used to encode the main body of data (803), which the decoding process decodes to recover the original digital data. Further embodiments include encryption, transmission by facsimile, inclusion of human readable information, and automatic launches of computer files.

Abstract: A novel spread spectrum barcode methodology is disclosed that allows a barcode to be read in its entirety even when a significant fraction or majority of the barcode is obscured. The barcode methodology makes use of registration or clocking information that is distributed along with the encoded user data across the barcode image. This registration information allows for the barcode image to be corrected for imaging distortion such as zoom, rotation, tilt, curvature, and perspective.

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.

Abstract: An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device is electrically powered and features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and a complete image formed from the two individual scans. The device can also be used to compare photographs scanned from a card with the digital photograph scanned from a two dimensional bar code and to display both photos for viewing.