Abstract: A reader device for identifying a color property in an area of interest and presenting content in response. The reader device comprises a light source unit for emitting a number of monochromatic lights having different wavelength bands toward the area of interest and a single photoelectric sensor for intercepting a reflection of the monochromatic lights from the area of interest, thereby providing the color property output and presenting the content according to the color property.

Abstract: A computer object such as text, graphics, mathematical formulas, images, audio, and other data and information handled inside a computer or through a computer in industry or daily life etc. is expressed, recorded, reproduced, and transmitted using color or a color numerical value. Color is used as a medium for expressing data or information taking note of the characteristics of color. This helps counter the ballooning amount of recording. Color can also be used to prepare codes.

Abstract: It is possible to linearly arrange cells and indicate particular data in the order of colors of respective sells. A code system uses an optical symbol decoding method capable of reading the color arrangement if the arrangement continuity and the linear shape are maintained. The data expression method may be other than “the order of colors.” For example, it is possible to employ a method for allocating a numeric value to each of the colors by one-to-one correspondence (R=0, B=1, etc.), a method for allocating data by a color transition (“CM”=“MY”=“YC”=0, “CY”=“YM”=“MC”=1, etc.), a method for allocating data for a combination of colors, and the like.

Abstract: On a display window that displays code patterns that are read at a time, a code reading device allows the code pattern that is successfully decoded to be visually confirmed with ease. In a handy terminal, when an image scanner reads code patterns at a time in response to a trigger operation, a CPU performs decoding processes for each code pattern and determines whether the decoding processes have been successfully completed or not based on the decoding results so as to display an identifying mark indicating the determination result in association with the image of each code pattern.

Abstract: A sheet recognizing device and method for precisely checking the authentication of a sheet by performing recognition of color and watermark of a sheet and detecting the subtle characteristic of a hue ink printed on one side of the sheet.

Abstract: It is possible to provide a code using an optical symbol which can be read with a high accuracy even under an environment of a low printing accuracy including printing on an article which can be easily deformed. Cells are arranged in a linear shape and particular data is indicated by a state of element in each of the cells (whether the element is colored). Especially a particular color is fixed to each of the elements and it is possible to use the two states whether the color is attached or note. This state can express the data. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a code system capable of ready data if the element sequence continuity and the form (topology) as the linear state are maintained.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing the principles of axial chromatic aberration for auto-focusing an image onto an image sensor are provided. The system and method are particularly suitable for incorporation within an optical code reader. A signal processor analyzes data signals representative of the intensity or magnitude of wavelength components of an impinged image onto the image sensor for determining a value indicative of the focus quality of the impinged image. An actuator controls movement of a lens in accordance with the determination until obtainment of a desired focus quality. A decoder decodes the image having the desired focus quality.

Abstract: A methodology for tracking objects includes receiving a multiplicity of objects to be tracked at a known location. Each multiplicity of objects has at least one imagable identifier affixed to it. The method also includes imaging the multiplicity of objects together at the known location to provide at least a partial image of the multiplicity of objects. The method also includes employing the partial image to determine an identification code for a plurality of the multiplicity of objects, as well as associating each identification code with a known location code.

Abstract: There is described a synthetic marker encoding data, the synthetic marker comprising an information payload represented by bits encoded along a spectrum, each of the bits having a priority level assigned thereto ranging from high to low, bits having lower priority levels being encoded along an end of the spectrum which is successively lost with progressively degrading marker viewing conditions compared to bits having higher priority levels.

Abstract: A 3-D dot code is embedded in a printed medium using an embedder that embeds data directly into the halftone dots of a selected file that is ready for printing. An extractor extracts the embedded bits by scanning the printed medium and then interprets the embedded data. A bleed-through elimination module in the extractor is able to eliminate adverse affects on the scanned input of the embedded data caused by bleed-through from the print on the opposite side of the page. The extractor may also include a module that compensates for a misaligned scanned input by automatically detecting the rotation and translation, and then registering the image so that the upper-left corner is located in a certain position. This operation expedites subsequent data retrieval, in which data is read by block matching.

Abstract: Provided is a portable security printed matter authentication device for authenticating security codes printed on security printed matter such as currency, vouchers, passports, and identification cards. The portable security printed matter authentication device includes: a housing including an observation hole at a top portion of the housing; a magnifying lens disposed to be close to the observation hole inside the housing; an optical filter disposed below the magnifying lens; and a plurality of LED (light-emitting diode) lamps which are disposed below the optical filter and illuminate light toward the security printed matter, wherein the LED lamps are a combination of two or more types of ultraviolet (UV) LED lamps, color LED lamps, and infrared (IR) lamps.

Abstract: A toy or game piece for producing color includes a housing formed in the shape of a toy; a color reader to read a sample and generate data; a processing device to process the generated data and determine a color of the sample based on the generated data; and a light emitting element to produce light corresponding to the determined color. The light emitting element may include two or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colors. The processing device controls the intensity of each LED to cause the light emitting element to produce the corresponding color that is substantially similar to the determined color.

Abstract: A system for tracking objects including visually sensible indicators on objects being tracked, at least one imager capturing images of the objects being tracked which images also show the visually sensible indicators and at least one image processor receiving outputs of the at least one imager and extracting from the outputs coded information indicated by the visually sensible indicators.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element and detects a mark on an object. Prior to the detection of the mark, a reference received light quantity level is sampled for the surface of an object not including the mark, for every color of light. A mark received light quantity level is then sampled for every color of light. The difference is obtained between the reference received light quantity level and the corresponding mark received light quantity level for each color of light. A ratio of the obtained difference to the reference received light quantity level is obtained. For the colors of light where the difference equals or exceeds a predetermined value, the color of light having the largest ratio is selected for emission from the light-emitting element in the detection of the mark.

Abstract: A barcode symbol having an encoded symbology is provided with color or shades of gray to add additional information at the time of printing. The color or shades of gray provides the current barcode symbology with a third dimension of information. The color or shades of gray can encode information over a specific one-dimensional or two-dimensional symbology. White spaces can be replaced with colors or shades of gray to add coded information to the standard one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes. The number of colors and how they are distributed or arranged can provide the basic backbone of information. A barcode reader that can detect the different color spectrums, can be employed to decode the information. Furthermore, color is not limited to white spaces, but can be implemented into black spaces. Additionally, colored background information can provide additional information to the current symbology.

Abstract: A machine readable code, a code encoding method and device and a code decoding method and device are provided. This machine readable code includes a data area made up of at least one data cell, in which different colors or shades are encoded and expressed depending on the content of the information, and a parity area made up of at least one parity cell, the parity area provided to determine whether colors or shades expressed in the data cells have been properly expressed depending on the content of the information. Since this code image includes a parity area for parity inspection, mal-recognition of colors due to differences between input devices such as cameras or between the environments such as light can be easily detected and corrected.

Abstract: A computer object such as text, graphics, mathematical formulas, images, audio, and other data and information handled inside a computer or through a computer in industry or daily life etc. is expressed, recorded, reproduced, and transmitted using color or a color numerical value. Color is used as a medium for expressing data or information taking note of the characteristics of color. This helps counter the ballooning amount of recording. Color can also be used to prepare codes.

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 structure for picking up the 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 structure for extracting luminance data from the color image data picked up by the color image pickup structure, and for writing gray scale data into a first frame memory as data for recognizing the code; and recorded-image extraction structure for extracting color data from the color image data picked up by the color image pickup structure, and for writing the color data into a second frame memory.

Abstract: A methodology for tracking objects includes receiving a multiplicity of objects to be tracked at a known location. Each multiplicity of objects has at least one imagable identifier affixed to it. The method also includes imaging the multiplicity of objects together at the known location to provide at least a partial image of the multiplicity of objects. The method also includes employing the partial image to determine an identification code for a plurality of the multiplicity of objects, as well as associating each identification code with a known location code.

Abstract: A method for color bar codes includes selecting N bar code colors for a color bar code system to be generally distinct from each other given the range of colors that a camera reader is expected to produce given at least one environmental condition in which the camera reader is expected to operate.

Abstract: The level of light that impinges upon a CCD is construed to be low when a high-sensitivity image sensing mode has been set. Gain for high-sensitivity image sensing is set in a gain adjusting circuit (color balance adjusting circuit) and a color balance adjustment is performed based upon the set gain. Thus an appropriate color balance adjustment is carried out even if light having a low level impinges upon the CCD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. An image analysis circuit determines if the acquired image should be characterized as a color photograph or as including a graphical symbol. A processing circuit processes the imaging data based on the image analysis circuit's determination of whether the image is a graphical symbol or a color photograph. The present invention allows a user to acquire and process both color images and graphical symbols, such as bar codes, text, OCR symbols or signatures. The optical reader of the present invention is also configured to associate an acquired image with at least one other acquired image.

Abstract: A printed media product, such as a trading card, that has a substrate and an encoded data element applied to a surface of the substrate containing information. The encoded data element includes first, second, and third data layers with first, second, and third patterns of encoded, colored dots defined by a binary encoding scheme. The dots of the first, second, and third layers are different colors separately resolvable by a scanner with decoding software. The colors of the dots are cyan, yellow, and magenta, and the layers are printed so that the dots overlap. The binary encoding scheme includes a two dimensional run length limited code. The printed media product includes a graphics element that can be interpreted by a human user, and typically, the information encoded in the encoded data element layers is related to the information in the graphics element.

Abstract: The level of light that impinges upon a CCD is construed to be low when a high-sensitivity image sensing mode has been set. Gain for high-sensitivity image sensing is set in a gain adjusting circuit (color balance adjusting circuit) and a color balance adjustment is performed based upon the set gain. Thus an appropriate color balance adjustment is carried out even if light having a low level impinges upon the CCD.

Abstract: A system and methodology for tracking objects including affixing at least one imagable identifier onto each of a multiplicity of objects to be tracked, imaging at least a portion of at least one of the multiplicity of objects at a known location to provide an at least partial image of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects, containing the at least one imagable identifier and employing the at least partial image of the object containing the at least one imagable identifier to provide an output indication of the location of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for managing mail/parcel item delivery. The mail/parcel item includes an optical indicia disposed thereon. The method includes capturing a first color image of the item. The first color image is stored in an electronic memory. A second color image of the optical indicia is captured. The optical indicia is decoded to thereby generate decoded data. The first color image is associated with the second color image and/or the decoded data. As a result, the first color image and the second color image and/or the decoded data are linked in the electronic memory. An image is displayed that includes the first color image and at least the decoded data.

Abstract: A print media has a visible image and a plurality of invisible encodements comprising data printed over it in a hierarchy order, wherein the encodement of the highest order represents a replacement or edited version of the data of lower order encodements. Apparatus and methods provide effectively editing of an existing invisible encodement printed on media with a material sensitive to a first light wavelength by printing an edited or replacement encodement over it with a material sensitive to a second light wavelength of higher order in the hierarchy. Apparatus and methods also provide for selectively reading the highest order encodement, all of the encodements or selected ones of the encodements.

Abstract: Optical media having markings that are non-interfering, or substantially non-interfering with readout of data from the optical media are disclosed. The optical media make use of certain formulations of color forming coatings described herein. Protective coatings used to enhance the color forming coatings are also presented. Methods for incorporating the coatings into the optical media are included. In preferred embodiments, the marking is formed in a photosensitive coating that is applied to the optical media, and then cured with a first light. A second light, having a substantially separate band of wavelengths from the first light, is used to image a marking into the coating. The coating is robust to many external influences, such as ambient environmental conditions, and physical wear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. An image analysis circuit determines if the acquired image should be characterized as a color photograph or as including a graphical symbol. A processing circuit processes the imaging data based on the image analysis circuit's determination of whether the image is a graphical symbol or a color photograph. The present invention allows a user to acquire and process both color images and graphical symbols, such as bar codes, text, OCR symbols or signatures. The optical reader of the present invention is also configured to associate an acquired image with at least one other acquired image.

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.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus is provided for a hand-held imager preferably to provide diffuse illumination for encoded symbology carried directly upon an article (component, etc) or upon a substrate carried by an article. The illumination apparatus is disposed proximate the front of the hand-held imager and is configured to permit light reflected from the target to pass through the illumination apparatus and onto a CCD image receiver. An array of unlensed LED's is disposed to cast approximately or substantially lambertian illumination in a direction away from the target to be imaged and into the hand-held housing to impinge upon surfaces of an illuminator to receive the illumination and, in turn, project efficient and diffuse dark field illumination through the array of unlensed LED's and towards and onto a location where a target to be imaged would be disposed.

Abstract: A method dynamically identifies a badge in a sequence of images of a scene acquired by a camera. Each image in the sequence includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a color and an intensity. Each image is scanned to detect a border pixel. Adjacent pixels to the border pixel are connected to determine a connected region of pixels. An inner boundary of the connected region is determined, and an ellipse is fitted to the inner boundary. The internal pixels inside the ellipse are distorted to a circular form, and a plurality of spokes are fitted to the distorted internal pixels to identify colored segments. Then, an unique identity is associated with each badge according to the colored segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. An image analysis circuit determines if the acquired image should be characterized as a color photograph or as including a graphical symbol. A processing circuit processes the imaging data based on the image analysis circuit's determination of whether the image is a graphical symbol or a color photograph. The present invention allows a user to acquire and process both color images and graphical symbols, such as bar codes, text, OCR symbols or signatures. The optical reader of the present invention is also configured to associate an acquired image with at least one other acquired image.

Abstract: An information code product (101) comprising a body (105) having a code-including image (104) formed thereon which includes at least one unit of information codes (103) with one or more specific color, wherein the unit of information codes is adapted to be obtained by extracting an image with the specific color from the code-including image. A user is authenticated by an authentication system (301) which comprises an authentication terminal (302) for reading data included in the product (101) and an authentication server (303) which is interconnected to the authentication terminal through a network (304).

Abstract: According to a digital watermark information extracting method, pixel data located at predetermined positions on X-Y coordinate used when digital watermark information is embedded are extracted from image data, and the data value of the pixel data is compared with a reference value to judge whether the watermark information is embedded in the pixel data concerned. This processing is repetitively executed while a geometrical deformation is applied to the image data until it is confirmed that the information is embedded in the pixel data.

Abstract: A system and a method for converting markings made on media with a marking agent into a digital form representing the markings. The system of the present invention includes a marking device and an illumination digital scanning device. The marking device can be a manual or machine marking device, each containing the marking agent. The marking agent is dispensed by the marking device onto the media. The marking agent is a chemical that emits a certain radiation frequency set when illuminated by an illumination frequency set. The illumination digital scanning device converts the markings of the marking agent into a digital form. The method of the present invention includes marking the media with the marking agent, illuminating the markings to cause the marking agent to radiate at the radiation frequency set and converting the radiation into a digital form representing the markings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. An image analysis circuit determines if the acquired image should be characterized as a color photograph or as including a graphical symbol. A processing circuit processes the imaging data based on the image analysis circuit's determination of whether the image is a graphical symbol or a color photograph. The present invention allows a user to acquire and process both color images and graphical symbols, such as bar codes, text, OCR symbols or signatures. The optical reader of the present invention is also configured to associate an acquired image with at least one other acquired image.

Abstract: A data carrier, such as a security card or bank card is disclosed having a stripe of machine readable markers formed on it. The markers (10, 12, 16, 18) are different colours, and more precisely, different spectra. By passing light through the markers and detecting the spectrum of a marker, information represented by different spectra can be decoded.

Abstract: A dual level encryption method, and document, for providing and obtaining a substantially increased amount of optically readable information from an otherwise conventional and highly visible printed bar code pattern area on a document without interfering with the conventional optical reading of the conventional information in the bar code, comprising integrally printing a second and very much finer pattern of encoded optically machine readable glyph code or other such indicia within the bar code pattern area, containing a much higher level of information, to provide two different levels of information within the same area. Scanning the bar code pattern with a conventional bar code reader extracts conventional bar coded information embedded in the bar code without interference from the second indicia. Scanning the same bar code pattern area with a different, higher resolution, optical scanner extracts the much greater amount of information from the second, much finer, optically readable indicia pattern.

Abstract: An optical target (1) including a positioning sub target (2) for determining position, and a plurality of identifying sub targets (3) for identifying one optical target (1) from another, each of which plurality of identifying sub targets (3) is a different color from the positioning sub target (2).

Abstract: A symbol reader employs an optical element having first and second optical axes positioned to image a same portion of a color coded symbol onto two different portions of an image sensor. The reader includes one or more filters to remove different color portions of the light reflected from the symbol to create color separations at the image sensor. Thus, the image sensor detects different intensities of light, corresponding to different color states. A comparator, such as a microprocessor, programmed general purposed computer, or digital logic circuit, can determine the position and color of the various symbol elements based on image data produced by the image sensors, and decode the color coded symbol.

Abstract: A label for a component is provided with a continuous color tone background at least in segments of the label that can be detected as to a configuration using selected colored light sources which reflect from the different color tones of the label. A sensor can be used for discriminating between the reflection patterns from the light sources. A continuous color tone on the label changing smoothly from one color to others is applied to make a uniform shading from one color at one end of the label to another color at a second end, with various colors between the two ends. As an added feature, a number of black appearing strips forming a bar code can be provided on the label, with some of the strips reflecting infrared light and others not reflecting infrared light, so an infrared detector can be utilized for determining the pattern of the bar code for further identification of the labeled component. The bar code pattern will not be identifiable with the naked eye.

Abstract: An optical system, such as a bar code scanner, illuminates an image with a multi-wavelength device. Under a first embodiment, a tunable laser is optically coupled with a prism or other wavelength separation device. As the laser beam wavelength varies, the transmission path through the prism changes, resulting in a scanning of the beam across an image. A photodetector captures light reflected from the image and sends it to a microprocessor for decoding. Under another embodiment, a broad band light source transmits light through a prism, thus shining a “rainbow” on the image. A spectrometer measures reflected light as a function of wavelength and sends the resultant signal to a microprocessor for decoding. Neither embodiment relies on moving parts to scan the image.

Abstract: A structure of a scanner includes a housing having a top provided with a glass window, a carriage mounted inside housing, the carriage including a a casing having a plurality of openings, a light source arranged within the casing for illuminating an object placed face down against the glass window above the carriage, and a plurality of mirrors fitted in the openings, whereby the scanner is compact in size and easy to assemble.

Abstract: A card, generally rectangular, for maintains a material in a fixed position is dimensioned to interact with the holding plate for use with a spectrophotometer. A pair of polygon windows within the card are aligned with the window of the holding plate which aligns with the window of the spectrophotometer. The card can be sealed to secure itself when folded and retain the material overlaying the window within the folded card. A fabric recess preferable encompasses one of the windows and a fabric adhesive, preferably releasable, maintains the fabric swatch in position. The fabric adhesive can be placed within the fabric recess or encompassing an opposing window. The cards are stored within a pocketed holder having pockets dimensioned to individually store multiple cards on a sheet. The holding plate is dimensioned to be received and affixed to a spectrophotometer. A slot, open at one end of the holding plate, retains the cards.

Abstract: A card reader method for color cells. Calibration and indicia cells are provided.

Abstract: A card reader for color cells, calibration and indicia cells are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of finding a reference object within a coded object having a plurality of regions. Each region has a plurality of subregions, and at least a majority of a first one of the subregions has a different color from a second one of the subregions. The reference object has a known relative position to other objects within the coded object so that the reference object is utilizable to locate the other objects within the coded object. A first one of the subregions within a selected one of the regions within the coded object is selected. A first region and a second region within the coded object are also selected. The selected first and second region form a plurality of subregion pairs. Each subregion pair includes a subregion from the seleced first region and a subregion from the selected second region. Luminosity values of the subregions within each subregion pair are compared.

Abstract: A code printing and recognition system for printing, reading, and decoding a code on an article while the article is rotated and conveyed along a predetermined path. The system includes a code printing unit for printing a code in a printing area of the article. The code printed on the article consists of a plurality of code signs, while the printing area is a portion of a circle having a predetermined radius and centered at the central point of the bottom surface portion or the top surface portion of the article. The printing area is divided into a plurality of concentric-circular portions, so that each code sign is encoded by placing a number of dots in a respective circular portion. The system also includes an image pickup unit for acquiring an image of the printing area of the article and a code recognition unit for detecting dots in each circular portion, counting the detected dots in each circular portion, and decoding each code sign on a basis of the dot count in a respective circular portion.

Abstract: A color barcode symbology is disclosed that can be accurately decoded despite severe distortions, misreads or altered symbols. This disclosed barcode is a color transition barcode having linear growth properties designed to resist the single or combined effects of: scaling distortions, perspective distortions, shear distortions, and wave distortions of both the uniform and non-uniform type distributed across the barcode's vertical or horizontal axis. This color barcode symbology is also resistant to missing symbols and altered symbols while offering, high security, error checking, and double error correcting capability.