Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating an optimized exposure time for an imaging-based barcode scanner. The method includes (1) determining a SNR decodability function that enables a decodability value be determined from a signal-to-noise ratio; (2) determining a blur decodability function that enables a decodability value be determined from a blur value; (3) measuring a blur and a signal-to-noise ratio for an image captured with a first exposure time; and (4) determining an optimized exposure time based on the measured blur, the measured signal-to-noise ratio, and a combined decodability function that depends upon both the SNR decodability function and the blur decodability function.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects, at a first device both an indication of data to be copied and a request to perform graphical copying of the data is received. The data is graphically encoded to generate an image that is displayed by the first device. In a second device, a request to perform graphical pasting of data is received. The second device captures the image displayed by the first device and decodes data graphically encoded in the image. The decoded data is pasted to a location of the first device.

Abstract: A system for verifying the connection status of couplable elements employs a code member having a pattern defining a machine-readable optical code disposed thereupon. The code member is physically divided into a number of separate segments each having a portion of the pattern defined thereupon. These segments are affixed to a series of couplable elements so that when those elements are appropriately coupled together, the code segments will be in an aligned relationship so as to form a particular optically readable pattern of data indicative of proper coupling of the elements. Further disclosed are methods employing the system.

Abstract: A method of and system for setting and switching user preferences between system operators, to provide a higher return on investment (ROI) and a more satisfying work environment. The system allows operators to easily select and implement particular customizable system configuration parameters (SCPs) in a code symbol reading system, based on personal preferences of the system operator, which can lead to more effective scanning performance. A different set of customizable SCPs are programmably stored in system memory (e.g. EPROM) for each system operator/user registered to use the system, to improve the quality of the working environment and increase worker productivity.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for incorporating primary components of an EAS system into hand-supportable and countertop-supportable bar code symbol reading systems having a housing with a light transmission window covered by an optically transparent faceplate having outer dimensions closely matched to the light transmission window. About the optically transparent faceplate, a faceplate bezel is mounted embodying a coil of electrically conductive wire having terminals connected to an electrical interface circuit, which is connected to a flexible EAS cable extending from the electrical interface circuit. The flexible EAS cable extends towards electrical drive circuitry associated with the EAS subsystem, for powering the coil during EAS tag deactivation operations controlled by the host computer system.

Abstract: A method of tagged bar code data interchange includes creating electronic and/or printed documents with tagged bar coded information, capturing and decoding the tagged bar coded information, caching the tagged bar coded information, parsing the bar coded data tags, stripping the data tags, and inputting/storing the bar coded information. Business can be conducted on-line using e-mail transmissions of video displayed tagged bar coded information. Such tagged bar coded information can be stored and/or input into style sheets that are in common or company-specific formats. Further, companies can receive consumer information in a format that is easily accessible by any portion, affiliate, subsidiary, or related entity of the company, no matter what software system is running.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of encoding and decoding data on a matrix code symbol. The method of encoding data on a matrix code symbol includes receiving the data in the form of a table of data elements and converting the table of data elements into a string of characters. Thereafter, the string of characters is encoded on the matrix code symbol. Further, the method of decoding data from the matrix code symbol includes retrieving a string of characters from the matrix code symbol and converting the string of characters into a table of data elements representing the data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polychromatic barcode or portable data file symbology, image, system, method, and apparatus enabling virtually unlimited information density. In a preferred embodiment, ASCII characters are assigned to unique identifiers, which identifiers are in turn assigned to unique colors. Color blots are sequentially arranged in a symbol so as to match the sequence of corresponding identifiers to be encoded, and then the symbol is applied to a surface. To decode, the symbol is scanned, colors translated into identifiers, and identifiers translated into content. Also disclosed are blots dedicated to calibration. Information density is further enhanced through an external reference function achieved through commands included in the barcode itself, by which function infinitely high information density is achieved. Licensing information is available through www.inventerprise.com.

Abstract: An electronic device identifies that it will transmit a matrix code to a display. Then, the device may transmit a signal to a matrix code reader. The signal instructs the reader to perform a matrix code capture action such as playing an alert, powering an optical reader, launching a capture application, and so on. The device may evaluate one or more conditions before transmitting and the reader may evaluate one or more conditions before performing the action. The device may transmit the signal to any reader within a communication range, only to readers on a matrix code reader list, and so on. Additionally, a reader may transmit a confirmation message to the device when the reader captures a matrix code after receiving a related signal confirming that the matrix code was captured successfully.

Abstract: A remote monitoring of the daily dispensing of prescription drugs by at-home care, an elderly or clinical trial patient is proposed. The system consists of a dispensing unit equipped with weight sensing mechanism such as scale or balance which communicates with the monitoring application residing in the wireless terminal, such as cellular phone over the Personal Area Network (PAN) wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth. The monitoring application provides supervision over the medication dispensing process as well as communication with unauthorized medical supervisor using wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) connection to the Internet.

Abstract: The specification describes a two-dimensional symbol code for representing binary data, which symbol code is constructed from a plurality of graphical symbols arranged next to one another, wherein the symbol code is formed from precisely two different symbols having the same surface area which differ in their areal brightness distribution and each code a value from a binary data word. The symbols have a complementary brightness distribution. In a method for reading this two-dimensional system code, the system code has a filter applied to it which matches the brightness distribution of one of the two complementary symbols, wherein in the event of a match one symbol is recognized and in the event of no match the other symbol is recognized.

Abstract: A system and method is provided wherein a device can be reprogrammed utilizing one or more programming symbols. A device subject to reprogramming can be a portable device. In one embodiment a device subject to reprogramming can be a portable symbol reading device capable of reading programming symbols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar code reading device for reading 1D or 2D bar code symbols. The bar code reading device, in one embodiment, can receive a command to disable symbology reading. In another embodiment, a bar code reading device can have a timercount and an image memory. In one embodiment, a bar code reading device can be configured to read bar code symbols of more than one bar code symbology.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory communicatively coupled to the CPU, an EIR device, and a wireless communication interface communicatively coupled to the CPU. The EIR device can be selected from the group consisting of a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and a card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to perform one of: outputting raw message data containing an encoded message, outputting decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can comprise a first logical communication interface operating on a first frequency channel and a second logical communication interface operating on a second frequency channel. The wireless communication interface can be configured to transmit infrastructure mode beacons. The infrastructure mode beacons can include a service set identifier.

Abstract: The characteristic variations of a printer largely influence the recognition precision of code information, and the recognition precision of code information appended to printed matter cannot often be guaranteed depending on printers. To solve this problem, a printer forms a predetermined chart, and the image forming characteristics of the printer are detected from the code information recorded on the chart. A generation method of generating code information obtained by encoding information to a regular sequence of a pixel cluster is controlled in accordance with the image forming characteristics.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a first document (270) including content (271) and a barcode (272). The barcode (272) comprising barcode elements each having a predetermined form. A plurality of the barcode elements of the barcode are detected in a representation of the first document (270). A visual difference between each of the detected barcode elements and the predetermined form of the barcode element is determined. The barcode (272) is decoded to determine a second document. The first document (270) and the second document are compared based on the determined visual difference, in order to authenticate the first document (270).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes encoding sequence information into a sequence of display frames for display on a display device. An example of encoding sequence information includes generating the sequence of display frames, inserting monitor flags within each display frame, each monitor flag being capable of moving between a first state and a second state, setting the state of monitor flags within each display frame to a predetermined configuration, and encoding sequence information in the sequence of display frames such that neighboring display frames in the sequence have different predetermined configurations.

Abstract: The security of an authentication system using a one-time password is increased, a shift from an authentication system using a fixed password is simplified, and a range of use is increased. An authentication system wherein a one-time password is synchronized with time, or an authentication system wherein a one-time password is synchronized with the number of online service authentication requests, is provided. When a one-time password client 9 downloads a one-time password for online service authentication from a one-time password server 2, current time information or a current value of the number of online service authentication requests is made to coincide between the client and server, and an online service authentication request is authenticated as long as the downloaded one-time password for online service authentication is valid. The one-time password may also be synchronized with service usage details contained in the online service authentication request.

Abstract: Provided is a code reading device capable of reducing a time from start of reading of a symbol code until a decoded result is transmitted to an external device. The code reading device includes first and second CPUs that access a shared memory, an imaging element that optically reads the symbol code to generate a read image, and a DMAC that transfers the read image from the imaging element to the shared memory. The first CPU decodes the read image in the shared memory based on a command of the second CPU. The second CPU selectively executes any one of an imaging control task, a decode control task, and a decoded result transmission task, in which the imaging control task is given priority over the decode control task, and the decode control task is given priority over the decoded result transmission task.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decoding a matrix code symbol is disclosed. The apparatus includes an image processor configured to process an image corresponding to the matrix code symbol. The apparatus further includes a decoder configured to retrieve one or more encoded values from the matrix code symbol in response to the processing of the image corresponding to the matrix code symbol. The one or more encoded value includes one or more modified encoded values. The decoder is further configured to map each of the one or more modified encoded values with a corresponding predefined encoded value. A modified encoded value includes two or more digits of a corresponding predefined encoded value. The corresponding predefined encoded value is decoded by the decoder to determine a corresponding character.

Abstract: Disclosed is an identification symbol and system and method for reading in accordance with the present invention is preferably a two-dimensional, rectangular or square bar code symbol having a solid border, a tick-mark region adjacent to the solid border, a omni-directional reading and error detection and correction capability.

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: Method and apparatus for initializing a system configured in a programmable logic device (PLD) is described. In some examples, the method includes: initializing memory elements in the system with first data; executing a first iteration of the system to process the first data; partially reconfiguring the PLD, during execution of the first iteration, to initialize shadow memory elements in the PLD with second data, the shadow memory elements respectively shadowing the memory elements in the system; transferring the second data from the shadow memory elements to the memory elements; and executing a second iteration of the system to process the second data.

Abstract: A document including a two-dimensional barcode recorded therein is scanned, the two-dimensional barcode of the scan image is decoded, a text recorded in the document is extracted, the extracted text or a document produced by a document editing unit is attached to an e-mail, and the e-mail is transmitted. The text attached to the e-mail can be viewed at the side of a receiver. Since the document can be edited using at least one of the position, the size, the color and the arrangement of the text, readability of the text can be improved. Accordingly, it is possible to search the received text to easily find a desired document at the side of the receiver.

Abstract: In order to increase the preamble information capacity of the QR code and avoid decoding errors, a method of embedding preamble information into a standard quick response (QR) code symbol is provided to generate a first QR code symbol. The method includes generating a preamble pattern according to a user definable data; and embedding the preamble pattern into a standard position detection pattern of the standard QR code symbol to generate a first position detection pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a bar code encoding system and a bar code decoding system. The bar code encoding system includes a method for compressing the original data and adding data for error detection and correction to the compressed data to generate a large capacity 2-dimensional color bar code so as to be used as prints in an off-line environment and a large capacity 2-dimensional bar code pattern. The decoding system includes a method for receiving the prints including the 2-dimensional bar code generated by the encoding system through an input device such as a scanner and a camera, searching the 2-dimensional bar code to recognize it, performing color correction and error detection and correction, decompressing the compressed data to decode the original data.

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: Systems and methods consistent with embodiments of the present invention provide for a method for preserving and maintaining document integrity. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the contents of a document, or contents of a document layer may be encoded into a machine-readable form. In some embodiments, the encoded information may be represented using a 2-dimensional bar code. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the machine-readable code is printed along with contents of the document based on space available in the document. In some embodiments, a printed document containing the machine-readable code may be scanned and digitized, and content extracted from the scanned data. In some embodiments, the machine-readable code printed on the document is used to recreate layer data from the printed document.

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment is an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules. In one method for operating a multiple imaging module reader of the invention, a second frame of image data captured via actuation of a second imaging module is automatically captured and subjected to decoding in the case an attempt to decode using a frame of image data captured via actuation of a first imaging module fails. In another embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. In another embodiment, frames of image data captured via actuation of image sensors of spaced apart modules are combined. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with embodiments of the present invention provide for a method for preserving and maintaining document integrity. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the contents of a document, or contents of a document layer may be encoded into a machine-readable form. In some embodiments, the encoded information may be represented using a 2-dimensional bar code. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the machine-readable code is printed along with contents of the document based on space available in the document. In some embodiments, a printed document containing the machine-readable code may be scanned and digitized, and content extracted from the scanned data. In some embodiments, the machine-readable code printed on the document is used to recreate layer data from the printed document.

Abstract: An exemplary matrix-type two-dimensional (2D) barcode decoding chip includes a data storage, a matrix-type 2D barcode identifying modules, and a master-control logic module. The data storage is configured for storing a barcode image. The matrix-type 2D barcode identifying modules are configured for processing the barcode image in parallel. The master-control logic module is configured for controlling operational statuses of the matrix-type 2D barcode identifying modules so that the matrix-type 2D barcode identifying modules calling the barcode image stored in the data storage in sequence.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of one- and two-dimensional indicia and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager. Dedicated hardware assistance and computation resources are allocated to decode multiple, continuous and simultaneous video streams from multiple imagers at the workstation.

Abstract: An fixed form image reading apparatus includes an imaging portion for taking an image of a fixed form image formed in accordance with a predetermined rule so as to deliver image data, a luminance detecting portion that detects an accumulated value of luminance of a plurality of predetermined areas in the fixed form image as reference luminance data, an interpolation coefficient generating portion that generates an interpolation coefficient for performing interpolation so that luminance of the image data of the fixed form image becomes a predetermined level by using the reference luminance data, and a luminance correcting portion that corrects luminance of the image data of the fixed form image based on the interpolation coefficient.

Abstract: A method for detecting a two-dimensional code in which three position detection patterns are provided in positions corresponding to respective apices of a right angled isosceles triangle, and a data region is provided in a region defined by the position detection patterns is provided. The method includes detecting plural position detection patterns included in an image; identifying center points of the detected position detection patterns; selecting, from among the center points that positions are identified, three center points that constitute apices of a right angled isosceles triangle; extracting a feature as a two-dimensional code from a two-dimensional code region defined by the position detection patterns corresponding to the selected center points, or the peripheral region thereof; and in case where the feature as a two-dimensional code is extracted, determining that a two-dimensional code exists in the two-dimensional code region.

Abstract: A method of identifying or authenticating a product by providing an analog identification indicia including a randomized pattern of identification features on a first part of the product wherein one or more attributes of the randomized pattern of identification features correspond to an item identifier. A digital identification record is provided on a second part of the product including an encoded digital version of the item identifier. The product is viewed from two angles and confirmation of the information from both angles assures product authenticity.

Abstract: A network accessible node that facilitates management of a fleet of portable communication devices (EIR terminal), including portable data terminals and/or barcode readers, by directing performance of software upgrade and/or configuration update actions by one or more members of the fleet of EIR terminals.

Abstract: A code reading device includes an acquisition section, a derivation section and a correction section. The acquisition section reads a two-dimensional code image and acquires image information representing the two-dimensional code image. The derivation section derives an image characteristic quantity representing a ratio between a number of white pixels and a number of black pixels for a pre-specified region of the image information acquired by the acquisition section. The correction section, on the basis of a result of comparison of the image characteristic quantity derived by the derivation section with a reference value corresponding to the pre-specified region, applies correction to the image information to bring the image characteristic quantity closer to the reference value.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce a processing time and make a printed image look better in appearance in processing of printing a two-dimensional code again. In order to achieve the above-described object, an apparatus according to the present invention includes decoding unit for decoding a non-upright two-dimensional code in a manuscript image, and synthesis unit for creating a two-dimensional code by using information obtained by the decoding, to synthesize the two-dimensional code in an upright state onto the manuscript image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a bar code encoding system and a bar code decoding system. The bar code encoding system includes a method for compressing the original data and adding data for error detection and correction to the compressed data to generate a large capacity 2-dimensional color bar code so as to be used as prints in an off-line environment and a large capacity 2-dimensional bar code pattern. The decoding system includes a method for receiving the prints including the 2-dimensional bar code generated by the encoding system through an input device such as a scanner and a camera, searching the 2-dimensional bar code to recognize it, performing color correction and error detection and correction, decompressing the compressed data to decode the original data.

Abstract: A system for enabling a user to wirelessly download desired information in the form of a offline website without having to maintain a live Internet connection. Information is delivered from an active or passive source to a device via short-range wireless communication. This information is automatically interpreted by the device to form an offline version of a full-scale Internet website. The user may view the offline version of the website, and if additional information is desired, download or upload additional information at a time more convenient to maintain a live Internet connection.

Abstract: A method of reading indicia having encrypted data provided therein comprising the steps of: scanning indicia utilizing an indicia reader; recognizing the presence of encrypted data in the indicia; retrieving an appropriate encryption key for decrypting the encrypted data; decrypting the data utilizing the encryption key; and, decoding the decrypted data.

Abstract: A system for verifying the connection status of couplable elements employs a code member having a pattern defining a machine-readable optical code disposed thereupon. The code member is physically divided into a number of separate segments each having a portion of the pattern defined thereupon. These segments are affixed to a series of couplable elements so that when those elements are appropriately coupled together, the code segments will be in an aligned relationship so as to form a particular optically readable pattern of data indicative of proper coupling of the elements. Further disclosed are methods employing the system.

Abstract: A method for providing news content includes receiving, through a computer system, news content from a sender, and printing the news content in a document (print media) including coded data, the coded data including an indication of the identity of the news content and at least one reference point on the document. The method also includes using a sensing device to capture images of at least some of the coded data, when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the document. Indicating data generated by the sensing device is then received in the computer system. The indicating data includes information regarding the identity of the news content and at least one action of the sensing device in relation to the document using at least some of the coded data.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code generation system including: a data acquisition section which acquires size data of the two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, and given binary design data; an unused data region determination section which specifies an unused data region of the two-dimensional code depending on an amount of the original data, based on the size data and the original data; a binary design data conversion section which calculates a bit code by inversely converting the binary design data corresponding to the unused data region based on format information of the two-dimensional code; and a two-dimensional code generation section which converts the calculated bit code and a bit code of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code to generate the two-dimensional code.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring a machine-readable symbol are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises receiving at least one scan line of a codeword row, determining a number of codewords of the codeword row, and collapsing an initialization symbol matrix into a partially-collapsed machine-readable symbol matrix based upon the determined number of codewords. Once the number of rows in the machine-readable symbol are determined, the partially collapsed machine-readable symbol matrix is further collapsed to the determined number of codeword rows.

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: Each printed sheet product includes a core of flexible, microvoided polymer sheet material and a planar RFID assembly encoded with a unique electro/magnetic code permanently and integrally joined together with the core. The microvoided sheet material collapses around the core so the sheet product remains planar. Scoring defines one or more individual identification elements removable from a remainder of the sheet product that include at least a first element with RFID assembly but only part of the core. A separate magnetic strip storing its own unique data magnetically can be provided on the first removable element even at least partially overlying the RFID assembly for independent identification operation.

Abstract: A radio frequency communication device includes a receiver; a transmitter; an interface for receiving one or more sensor signals based on sensor-acquired data that is indicative of a predetermined condition; and electronic components. The electronic components are arranged and configured such that the device operates in at least two states. In the first state, the device responds to a Present Broadcast by making a Present Response. In the second state, the device does not respond to a Present Broadcast with a Present Response. The electronic components further are arranged and configured such that the device enters the second state from the first state upon responding to a Present Broadcast with a Present Response, and such that the device enters the first state from the second state upon receiving, through the interface, one or more sensor signals based on sensor-acquired data that is indicative of a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A segmented 2D matrix symbol may be formed by dividing data into a plurality of segments, separately encoding the plurality of segments as corresponding arrays of cells, and arranging the arrays of cells in an abutting relationship. The segmented symbol may be reproduced, for example by receiving a bitmap corresponding to the formed symbol followed by printing; by copying a printed symbol; or by scanning a printed symbol and printing a copy. The reproduced symbol may be scanned, and data from only decoded segments, for example audio data, may be output.

Abstract: Techniques for enhancing the reliable and efficient decoding of images of computer-readable symbols, which represent information encoded using a one- or two-dimensional visual symbology, are discussed. In accordance with one technique, prior to attempting to decode a particular image, a likelihood of successfully decoding the visual symbology from the image is determined based on a success metric. The success metric is calculated based on the blurriness of the image, or the tilt of the camera that captured the image, or both. Levels of blurriness or tilt, and the likelihood of decoding success, are ascertained with respect to predetermined reference values associated with generally decodable images. In accordance with another technique, image-sharpening algorithms are applied at select locations within the image.