Abstract: The invention provides methods and appartaus for analysis of images of two-dimensional (2D) bar codes in which a model that has proven successful in decoding of a prior 2D image of a 2D bar code is utilized to speed analysis of images of subsequent 2D bar codes. In its various aspects, the invention can be used in analyzing conventional 2D bar codes, e.g., those complying with Maxicode and DataMatrix standards, as well as stacked linear bar codes, e.g., those utilizing the Codablock symbology. Bar code readers, digital data processing apparatus and other devices according to the invention be used, by way of non-limiting example, to decode bar codes on damaged labels, as well as those screened, etched, peened or otherwise formed on manufactured articles (e.g., from semiconductors to airplane wings).

Abstract: This present invention discloses a system and method for enhancing images of barcodes and other similar objects taken by the digital camera connected to or embedded in a mobile device. This filter works by converting the image into its equivalent gray scale. The algorithm then divides the image into sections and finds the pixels of minimum intensity in each section of the image. This minima is used to calculate cut-off values for thresholding. After thresholding, the image is reassembled from its divided sections.

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

Abstract: A two-dimensional bar code printed on a piece of paper is photographed by the area sensor. A reading method of this bar code includes a process for correcting the distortion of the image of the two-dimensional bar code obtained from the area sensor by the projection transform, a process for correcting bright spots appearing in the image, and a process for decoding the two-dimensional bar code based on the image data of the two-dimensional bar code corrected by the two processes. This invention enables size-reduction of the reading device of the two-dimensional bar code and also achieves a higher reading speed of the reading device.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code recognition processing method for recognizing a two-dimensional code lade of a plurality of square cells arranged in accordance with predetermined layout rules. The method comprises the steps of: generating binary data from image information acquired externally in accordance with a predetermined threshold value; detecting a reference cell serving as a reference in recognizing the two-dimensional code based on the binary data generated in the binary data generating step; detecting corner cells each located in a predetermined search range with respect to the reference cell detected in the reference cell detecting step, on the basis of the binary data generated in the binary data generating step; and detecting code data assigned to the two-dimensional code existing inside an area of a code part enclosed by the reference cell and by the corner cells on the basis of the binary data generated in the binary data generating step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scan, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.

Abstract: Actuator systems are provided for automatically focusing an optical image reader. Techniques are also provided which are applicable to the design of imaging engines and imaging lens systems associated with image readers of various types. More specifically, the present invention relates to lens guidance assemblies and actuator systems for automatically focusing an objective lens associated with an imaging system of an optical image reader. The optical image reader is preferably an optical code image reader for imaging optical codes, such as bar codes.

Abstract: An imaging engine includes a plurality of linear imaging arrays, image formation optics, one or more illumination module and supporting circuitry that are embodied within a modular engine housing. The plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics are mounted on an optical bench and provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. The one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. The imaging engine can compensate for aspect ratio distortions that result from variations in velocity of engine with respect to target object(s). The engine can adjust the optical power level and/or illumination time period for the illumination that overlaps one or more of the FOVs of the linear imaging arrays of the engine for speckle reduction/constant white levels.

Abstract: A method for operating optical sensors, particularly code readers, which have a light receptor that receives light reflected and/or returned from an object. A picture is generated from the received light and the content of the picture, such as a code, is read. At least some pictures are compressed with a picture compression algorithm of the sensor. To improve the operation of such optical sensors, especially code readers, and to improve the analysis of error detection from knowing the causes for errors, only pictures which have error information are compressed and stored. The code reader is constructed to perform these functions.

Abstract: A barcode with enhanced visual quality may be used with an item such as a document. The barcode includes a background field having an embedded graphic. The background caries data related to the item. The embedded graphic may obscure some background data. A bar coding apparatus, system and a corresponding method involve two basic functions: encoding and decoding. The encoding function uses an encoding algorithm to generate the barcode. The graphic is then embedded onto the barcode and the thus-generated enhanced visually significant barcode is placed on the item. Decoding involves machine-reading the barcode using a decoding algorithm. The decoding algorithm can operate with or without an original bit map that was used to generate the graphic. The graphic may be enhanced in a manner that may make at least a portion of the encoded information within the graphic readable by a human.

Abstract: A method for detecting a copy of a composite image that includes a first image and a second image that has information embedded in the second image that will change in appearance when the first and second images are scanned or photocopied. The foregoing is accomplished by scanning the first and second images, and detecting a change in appearance of the second image that indicates the first and second images were scanned or photocopied.

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

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

Abstract: An optical information reader for settling a commercial transaction reads and decodes with certainty a quick response (QR) code displayed on a buyer's mobile telephone display. A QR code 11 is displayed on the display a plurality of times at a prescribed time interval. The QR code is rotated by 90° every time. Therefore, a part of the QR code which could not have been decoded due to a mirror reflection, stains or scratches on the display can be decoded at the second, third or fourth display, because the QR code 11 is displayed four times at different angles.

Abstract: A bill payment system consistent with the invention comprises a biller generating at least one invoice for at least one customer, the invoice comprising a unique bar code comprising data identifying at least the customer and the biller, and a scanning apparatus configured to scan the bar code and, based on the identifying data of the bar code, to effect payment to the biller in a predetermined amount. In method form, a bill payment method consistent with the invention comprises: generating an invoice for at least one customer, said invoice comprising a unique bar code, said bar code comprising data identifying at least said customer and said biller; and permitting a third party to scan said bar code and, based on the identifying data of said bar code, to effect payment to said biller in a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to easily set a camera attachment distance of an image pick-up optical system, a combination of close-up rings and the like. When a user designates a specification of a desirable two-dimensional code such as a code type, a data type, a data volume, a printable space, or printing precision, a cell size and a symbol size of the two-dimensional code and the like are calculated in accordance therewith. Furthermore, an attachment condition of an image pick-up section such as an attachment distance limitation of the image pick-up section or a shift tolerance of a two-dimensional code label is specified. By inputting and calculating the condition for setting the image pick-up optical system of a two-dimensional code reader, thus, an appropriate camera attachment distance, a type of a close-up ring and a standard of a scale of a focusing ring are calculated automatically.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: A data structure encoded on a surface of an object, and a method of generating such a data structure. The data structure includes a plurality of block data regions. Each of the block regions includes an encoded data region containing data in encoded form, a clock mark structure located adjacent a first peripheral portion of the encoded data region, and a target structure located adjacent the clock mark structure. Each of the block data regions further includes an orientation data structure indicative of an orientation of the data structure.

Abstract: A method for use in processing an analog signal from a laser scanning bar code reader containing information representative of reflected light from indicia including regions of different light reflectivity, and including narrow and wide elements of the same reflectivity of the indicia, by locating edge transitions between narrow and wide elements; estimating the edge shift associated with such transitions; and changing the edge position to correct for convolution distortion.

Abstract: A novel tamper-indicating barcode methodology is disclosed that allows for detection of alteration to the barcode. The tamper-indicating methodology makes use of a tamper-indicating means that may be comprised of a particulate indicator, an optical indicator, a deformable substrate, and/or may be an integrated aspect of the barcode itself. This tamper-indicating information provides greater security for the contents of containers sealed with the tamper-indicating barcodes.

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

Abstract: An information providing system comprises a two-dimensional encoding section which converts at least the information to be provided to the user into two-dimensional codes, a printed sheet producing section which prints the two-dimensional codes on paper, an image reading device which optically reads the two-dimensional codes printed on the paper, and a CPU which restoring the information to be provided to the user based on the two-dimensional codes read by the image reading device.

Abstract: A generic data package template is described that allows data to be encoded and printed in any arbitrary shape using an arbitrary encoding scheme. The template comprises an arbitrary shaped constant background pattern that is read to locate and orient a data area. The data are contains a plurality of dots that are decoded to extract the stored information.

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

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

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

Abstract: 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: Described are a system and method for monitoring a location. The system may include a scanner having a digital imager, a processor and a communication device. The scanner is situated at the location. The system also may include a computing arrangement for accessing the scanner. The processor detects when the scanner is in a scanning mode in which information encoded on a scanned item is decoded. When the scanner is detected not to be in the scanning mode, the processor controls the digital imager to operate in a monitoring mode in which images of the location are generated for output to the computing arrangement via the communication device.

Abstract: A method for printing a large invisible luminescent bar code on a mail piece addresses the problem of obscuration of modules by printed text such as the address. The bar code is printed large enough so that the line width of the characters is substantially less than the module size of the bar code components. Overprinting does not then completely obscure any module and so the bar code is still readable. The readability is especially enhanced by the high contrast of the luminescent image. When a fluorescent bar code is viewed under UV illumination, the bar code emits fluorescence in the areas of printed modules without text overprinted. Because the modules are wider than the text line width, the text does not completely obscure any module. The contrast of the bar code is reversed in fluorescence—that is, printed areas emit light.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code for recognizing data in high speed and recording large amount of data in a limited space. The two-dimensional code was designed by locating one solid line that covers four corners of the area for matrix data element in order to obtain information of physical size of the two-dimensional code easily, and by arranging capture lines on the solid line to make a structure to obtain data density for capturing the two-dimensional code by high resolution CCD(Charged Coupled Devices) image scanner, and it can be presented that can store large amount of data in a limited size and generation of code with high density becomes possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a process for acquiring bichromatic bar codes, with a two-dimensional sensor with electronic scanning. The height Hy of the scanned portion is modified between at least two successive scanning operations. Thus, the device is or may be adapted to the type and/or to characteristics not known in advance of the code to be read.

Abstract: A method is provided for decoding data stored in a partial area of a coding pattern on a surface, based on a recorded image of the partial area. The coding pattern contains elements which each have at least two possible decoding values. The method identifies in the image a plurality of elements. The method further calculates, for each identified element, an associated value probability for each possible decoding value that the element has this decoding value. Additionally, the method performs the decoding of data based on the decoding values and the corresponding value probabilities. A device and a memory medium storing a computer program with instructions for performing such a data decoding technique are also provided.

Abstract: A method for locating a barcode in an image includes dividing the image into a plurality of tiles, and scanning each of the tiles so as to detect a pattern of stripes associated with the barcode in at least one of the tiles. The pattern of stripes is analyzed so as to determine an angle of orientation of the barcode. Responsive to the determined angle, bounds of the barcode are defined in alignment with the pattern of the stripes.

Abstract: A barcode with enhanced visual quality may be used with an item such as a document. The barcode includes a background field having an embedded graphic. The background caries data related to the item. The embedded graphic may obscure some background data. A bar coding apparatus, system and a corresponding method involve two basic functions: encoding and decoding. The encoding function uses an encoding algorithm to generate the barcode. The graphic is then embedded onto the barcode and the thus-generated enhanced visually significant barcode is placed on the item. Decoding involves machine-reading the barcode using a decoding algorithm. The decoding algorithm can operate with or without an original bit map that was used to generate the graphic. The graphic may be enhanced in a manner that may make at least a portion of the encoded information within the graphic readable by a human.

Abstract: A retroreflective optical scan module, including first and second selectable light sources having different beam characteristics for directing a selected light beam to a symbol to be read, an optical assembly including a light collecting portion which collects and redirects the light reflected from the symbol along an optical path to a sensor, and a selector for selecting which light source to use depending on whether a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional symbol is being scanned.

Abstract: Techniques are described for distributed production of license plates, such as license plates for motor vehicles, in a secure manner. License plates may be printed at a local branch office subject to the control of a client computer. A server computer may regulate the operations of the client computers at the branch offices. The production system includes any of several security features to deter forgery and counterfeiting. For example, the security components that make up a finished license plate may be separately secured with unique security elements. The finished license plate may also have a unique security element.

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.

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: 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: Methods and systems for encoding and decoding a 2D symbol is disclosed. According to one aspect of the 2D symbol, the following characteristics are realized: 1) variable symbol widths and height; 2) variable print resolution, 3) multiple damage protection levels; 4) large information storage; 5) high redundancy; 6) readable by line based scanning devices; 7) recognizable by either contact scanning or non-contact scanning devices. In addition, a set of positioning lines are attached 2D symbol for guiding scanning devices to decode the 2D symbol with proper resolution.

Abstract: A portable hand-held reader unit includes a photosensor array, optics for focusing optical indicia on the array, a decoder for remotely decoding optical indicia, and a communication link between the hand-held reader and the decoder for communication between the reader and the decoder. In an additional embodiment, the portable hand-held reader unit includes a marker source disposed adjacent the optical reader unit for projecting marker onto a surface region exterior of the predetermined area so as to delineate the predetermined area and the information contained therein.

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

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

Abstract: A data encoding/decoding scheme includes a plurality of bar code symbols each carrying a portion of the data in which improved error correction capabilities are incorporated. According to one aspect, once data codewords have been derived to form the symbols, a first set of data correction elements are derived from a first field, then a second set of error correction elements are derived from the data elements and the first set of error correction elements using a second, wider field.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code recognition processing method for recognizing a two-dimensional code made of a plurality of square cells arranged in accordance with predetermined layout rules. The method comprises the steps of: generating binary data from image information acquired externally in accordance with a predetermined threshold value; detecting a reference cell serving as a reference in recognizing the two-dimensional code based on the binary data generated in the binary data generating step; detecting corner cells each located in a predetermined search range with respect to the reference cell detected in the reference cell detecting step, on the basis of the binary data generated in the binary data generating step; and detecting code data assigned to the two-dimensional code existing inside an area of a code part enclosed by the reference cell and by the corner cells on the basis of the binary data generated in the binary data generating step.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture 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, attempts to decode for a decodable 1D symbol which may be represented in the image data, and captures a full frame of image data if the image data reading reveals a 2D symbol is likely to be present in a full field of view of the 2D image sensor.

Abstract: An analog scan data signal processor is disclosed, in which a time-domain non-linear substrate noise filter is provided before a first derivative signal generation stage so as to produce, as output, a substantially fixed zero-reference signal level whenever a signal level indicative of a bar code substrate is detected, and the signal level analog scan data signal, whenever a signal level indicative of a bar code element is detected. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to reduce the level of substrate noise signals within input analog scan data signals, prior to deriving first derivative signals for subsequent signal processing. Consequently, the accuracy of binary signal level detection within such analog scan data signal processors can be significantly improved, thereby improving the performance of bar code symbol reading systems within which such analog scan data signal processors are employed.

Abstract: A two-dimensional bar code reading method and apparatus search the finder pattern in a scanned image of a two-dimensional bar code symbol, find orientation modules, find data modules, and convert the symbol to data characters as part of the decoding process for the scanned image of a MaxiCode symbol. In the data module search part of a MaxiCode symbol decoding process, position and shape information is calculated for data modules on an orientation axis, assuming an orientation axis passing the finder pattern center point, inside orientation module center point, and outside orientation module center point (step to S1801). Based on pixel data corresponding to the calculated location of the center point in each module, a bit pattern is generated where black data cells are 1 bits and white cells are 0 bits (S1802). The locations of MaxiCode symbol data modules in the area between orientation axes are then calculated (S1803).

Abstract: A code reader for color images, which can simultaneously accept a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code and data of a color image of a subject for management and which can record both the data in mapping with each other, is provided. The code reader comprises color image pickup means for picking up a code and also a color image of a subject for management as is specified by identification information contained in the code; code-recognizing-data extraction means for extracting luminance data from the color image data picked up by the color image pickup means, and for writing gray scale data into a first frame memory as data for recognizing the code; and recorded-image extraction means for extracting color data from the color image data picked up by the color image pickup means, and for writing the color data into a second frame memory as data for the original image of the subject for management.