Abstract: A method and system for generating a visual key enables improved security and user-friendliness in defining a humanly readable visual code of characters. The method includes generating a random or pseudo random first arrangement of a plurality of symbols. An analysis is then conducted of the first arrangement to determine that no character of a predetermined character set is defined by the first arrangement. Next, an analysis is conducted of the first arrangement to determine that characters of the predetermined character set can be generated when the first arrangement is aligned with a second arrangement of a plurality of the symbols. A determination is then made, based on the above analyses, that the first arrangement is acceptable as a visual key.

Abstract: A method for reading and using partial data from a portable data carrier includes reading data from a portable data carrier, determining if any data is missing, and if any data is missing, restructuring the data for use, such as for running an audio decoder and expander. A method for writing data to a portable data carrier having limited capacity includes receiving a data file and optimizing at least one encoding parameter to fit at least a portion of the data file into the portable data carrier.

Abstract: Articles and methods for growing or analyzing tissues and organs using bioreactors or other devices and components are provided. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is configured to provide a growth chamber having one or more inlets, outlets, sensors, organ attachment sites, and/or organ identifiers.

Abstract: A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof is disclosed. The coding pattern has target elements and data elements. The target elements define a target grid with cells. The data elements are contained in respective cells and include registration symbols identify the coding pattern as being one of a first or second coding pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to manage contents in a network, and a web server used thereto. A memory is configured to store a code output with a printed matter and mapping information of contents, which are executed by a reader reading the code. A receiver is configured to receive a request from the reader to transmit the mapping information. A transmitter is configured to transmit the mapping information to the reader. When the code outputted to the printed matter is read, the contents executed in the reader are changed into various contents such that the changed contents are used. In addition, a product user and a product seller obtain the learning information of a learner through the reader, or product application information.

Abstract: A method for marking an article with an identification pattern which may include information relating to the article and/or to the use thereof, the method including: defining an alphabet of a plurality of symbols; defining, for each symbol, at least two valid states and at least one invalid state; developing a reference pattern including a set of symbols from the alphabet; developing at least one representation of the reference pattern by allocating a specific valid state to each symbol of the reference pattern; and applying a marking, reproducing the representation of the reference pattern, onto the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bank card (100) comprising a presentation surface of a pictogram (120) coding at least one item of information for executing a transaction.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a cover, a sheet support member, a plurality of separate sheet members, and an account identifier. Each of the plurality of separate sheet members transition between folded and unfolded configurations. Each of the plurality of separate sheet members is coupled to the cover via the sheet support member. In the folded configuration, each separate sheet member is maintained within a footprint of the cover. In the unfolded configuration, each separate sheet member extends beyond the footprint of the cover. When one separate sheet member is in the unfolded configuration others of the plurality of separate sheet members are in the folded configuration and substantially hidden from view via the sheet support member. The account identifier is statically connected to one of the cover, the sheet support member, and the plurality of separate sheet members and links the transaction product to a financial account.

Abstract: A server apparatus having a one-time scan code issuing function, a user terminal having a one-time scan code recognizing function, and a method for processing a one-time scan code are provided so as to safely and conveniently transmit one-time information used for key-exchange-scheme-based encryption, using a scan code such as a bar code and a QR code.

Abstract: A method for encoding and decoding color barcodes to increase their data capacity. The encoding steps include determining a shape, a foreground color and a background color for each data cell, wherein a combination of the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell is chosen from a plurality of such combinations in accordance with a value of the digital data to be encoded; and coloring some pixels in the data cell with a foreground color and other pixels with a background color, in accordance with the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell determined above. The decoding steps include segmenting the data cells, recognizing a shape, a foreground color of the shape and a background color of the data cell, and obtaining digital data from a combination of the shape and foreground and background colors in each data cell.

Abstract: A method and program for encoding and decoding color barcodes to increase their data capacity. The encoding steps include determining a shape and a color for each data cell to encode digital data, wherein a combination of the shape and the color for the data cell is chosen from a plurality of combinations of shapes and colors in accordance with a value of the digital data to be encoded, and coloring a subset of the plurality of pixels in each data cell in accordance with the shape and the color for the data cell determined above. The decoding steps include segmenting the data cells in a color barcode, recognizing a shape formed by a subset of pixels in each data cell and the color of the shape, and obtaining digital data from a combination of the recognized shape and color in each data cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security tag made by randomly distributing a mixture of large numbers of multicolored objects into a unique, non-reproducible geometric array and encapsulating it onto a substrate. The 3-D aspect of the objects will prevent printing or 2-D copying of the stamp. The data, saved to a secure database, can be processed and quantities can be calculated from the field of binary data and can be affixed to the part that the stamp is affixed to. For one level of authentication, the array can be read out by scanner and compared to values printed on the part. For an additional level of authentication, the array can be read out by optical scanner and compared to the data stored in the secure database. The security tag is capable of replacing 2-D barcodes while containing only information capable of being scanned by 2-D barcode scanners.

Abstract: A method for encoding information in structured illumination pattern (120) includes selecting information to be encoded; characterizing a relief pattern (130) of an object's (115) surface; selecting at least one portion of the object's surface including the surface relief pattern; creating at least one structured illumination pattern responsive to the selected surface relief pattern and the selected information; and storing the structured illumination pattern.

Abstract: Tagging apparatus associated with applying and reading a tag adapted to store a number. The tag comprising a plurality of substantially identical two dimensional arrays of dots, each array being indicative of the number for improving tag detection; each arrays comprise a plurality of clusters, each cluster representing a predetermined symbol being indicative of a part of the number. An etching apparatus, for creating a pattern of dots, comprising a plurality of laser sources held in a manifold defining any one or more of a vector grid, or array grid. A tagging reading apparatus comprising a lens element being adapted to control focus, zoom and ingress light; an image capture element for obtaining image data; a processor element adapted to apply one or more digital processing functions to the image; the processor element being adapted to calculate code data indicative of the tag number.

Abstract: A two dimensional barcode with default background and foreground colours uses other foreground colours, to make separate means of encoding data, used by decoding hardware and software, or by an observer's perception. The new colours show text or graphics. A barcode on a dynamic display shows a progress indicator for an operation started by a user who imaged the barcode with her phone. Or it shows the number of votes for users who picked it with their phones. The barcode could show scrolling text. A barcode on a computer screen simulates a pushbutton; pressed when the user takes a photo of it with a cellphone. Suppose a barcode has a symbol drawn on its foreground rectangles, and the barcode encodes a URL. The URL is crafted to maximise the number of foreground rectangles that the symbol intersects, helping a human interpolate the symbol from fragments.

Abstract: A code is applied to a part of the retail item or its packaging/label. The code is applied in a repeat pattern. The code is presented in an optical machine-readable format. Code markers are arranged at pre-defined positions within a matrix. An optical machine-readable orientation device indicates the correct orientation of the matrix, so that the position of the code markers within the correctly orientated matrix corresponds to a pre-defined sequence of code integers. The code corresponds to an existing barcode number for the retail item. The code is presented in a manner discreet enough to be part of the printed design of a label or packaging for the retail item, without changing the overall appearance of the printed design.

Abstract: A method of improving multi-type barcode recognition efficiency using continuous sampling is applicable to a barcode recognition apparatus. According to the method, each barcode type is given with a corresponding weight value, and a total weight threshold is set in the barcode recognition apparatus. A barcode pattern is sampled with a limited number of times, and each sampled image sample is only compared with a part of the supported barcode types. When the comparison matches, a weight value is assigned to the matched barcode type, and the weight value is accumulated to acquire a total weight value of the matched barcode type. When comparison of all image samples is finished, the barcode type with the total weight value reaching the total weight threshold is the barcode type of the barcode pattern, and a recognition result of the barcode pattern is output according to the barcode type.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for generating and authenticating barcodes and in particular generating trusted barcodes. In one embodiment, a method, performed by a certificate authority for creating a trusted content, comprises receiving, via a receiver, a target content and verifying the target content to determine whether the target content is safe or appropriate. Further, the method comprises, based on a result of the verifying, generating and storing, in a storage medium, response data; generating, via a processor, and storing in the storage medium an identifier corresponding to the response data; generating, via the processor, resolution data, the resolution data including the identifier and an address of the certificate authority; and transmitting, via a transmitter, the resolution data as the trusted content.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a two-dimensional code generating apparatus includes a two-dimensional code generating unit. The two-dimensional code generating unit that generates a two-dimensional code including a plurality of region symbols, a plurality of first pattern symbols, a plurality of second pattern symbols, and an information pattern. The region symbols represent a rectangular region in which one unit of the two-dimensional code is disposed, the rectangular region having a first side and a second side opposed to the first side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for creating and utilizing hidden tags on goods, associated labels and/or associated promotional materials related to such goods or to certain services that are only visible through the use of a viewing device.

Abstract: A non-linear strain gage includes a target for association with an object for which at least one of strain and fatigue damage is to be measured, a sensor, and a computer. The target incorporates a nested binary code symbol for perimeter-based deformation and strain analysis and emits a detectable physical quantity. The binary code symbol includes a boundary binary code symbol having a perimeter constructed of line segments and at least a core code symbol that provides encoded data. The core code symbol is nested within and concentric with the boundary binary code symbol. A method of measuring strain on an object directly using the non-linear strain gage is also provided.

Abstract: A method to submit a payment using a mobile device, including receiving, from a user of the mobile device, input to change a first code to a second code, where the first code includes a payment account number stored in the mobile device, obtaining, in response to the input of the user, the first code from a first output buffer storing data for transmission in a first transmission mode, converting the first code stored in the first output buffer into the second code, storing the second code in a second output buffer for transmission in a second transmission mode, and transmitting the second code to the POS device in the second transmission mode, wherein the payment account number is extracted from the second code by the POS device for completing the payment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting offline commerce transactions that use a barcode as an alternative means for personal identification. The user represented in the bar code format, User ID Barcode, is generated from a number that uniquely identifies the user. Numbers such as a cell phone number or a credit card number may be used to generate the User ID Barcode. These numbers are prefixed with a special character before they are converted to the barcode format. Prefixing a special character is necessary so that the bar code generated can be distinguished from any bar code representing products being sold. If a credit card number is used, the User ID Barcode is printed on the back of the credit card which then becomes a 2 and 1 credit card.

Abstract: A grayscale two-dimensional barcode may be converted to a two-dimensional color barcode. The color barcode includes a set of sub-regions, and the cells in each sub-region exhibits a color pattern that corresponds to pattern of binary, grayscale cells. The two-dimensional color barcode may be decoded by comparing the pattern for each sub-region to a known grayscale pattern. The two-dimensional color barcode may be used for error correction by first decoding the barcode in grayscale form based on the luminance without reference to color, then decoding the barcode based on its color and comparing the results.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an information converting unit and an output unit. The information converting unit converts information into an information expression image formed by a dot arrangement pattern in which information is expressed by arranging a given number or less of dots in a unit display area which is an information unit. The output unit arranges the converted information expression image. The output unit superimposes the converted information expression image on image information. The output unit outputs the superimposed information expression image. In the dot arrangement pattern, the arrangement of the dots is determined so that the number of the dots denoting 1 or 0 of a bit sequence of a given error correction code word is a subset equal to or smaller than the given number, and the dot arrangement pattern is readable by a machine.

Abstract: A method for separating and categorizing documents includes receiving a scanned batch of documents. The batch includes scanned documents to which document separator stamps have been applied before scanning. Each stamp includes machine recognizable patterns applied on a same page of a document, spaced by a designated field for receiving a user-applied category code. The scanned batch of documents is processed to identify pages that contain a document separator, including identifying at least one of two spaced patterns. For a document page for which a document separator is identified, the the corresponding designated field is located and the category code associated with the designated field identified. The document containing the is separated from other documents in the batch based the identified separator and a document category is assigned to the document, based on the identified category code.

Abstract: A method for creating a security campaign includes generating, via a first source, a first security deterrent for at least one non-security purpose; and generating, via a second source, a second security deterrent for a security purpose. The first and second deterrents are incorporated into a single security campaign.

Abstract: Data transfer with of bar codes including presenting a plurality of bar codes making up the data transfer, displaying a unique sequence identification for each bar code and the total number of bar codes making up the data transfer; reading a plurality of bar codes; reading, for each bar code read, the unique sequence identification of the bar code and the total number of bar codes making up the data transfer; determining, in dependence upon the number of bar codes read and the total number of bar codes making up the data transfer whether all of the bar codes making up the data transfer have been read; and providing to a user a positive notification if all of the bar codes have been read; or providing to the user a negative notification if all of the bar codes making up the data transfer have not been read.

Abstract: A printing device includes a processor, an attribute managing part configured to be activated by the processor to communicate with a host device and to control an authentication printing job received from the host device, a memory configured to store authentication printing job data and user information extracted from the authentication printing job data, and a deleting part configured to delete the authentication printing job data and the user information stored in the memory based on predetermined results of communication between the attribute managing part and the host device. As a result, the user is not required to consider whether the time for which the authentication printing data is stored should be extended.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading a multi-modal barcode is provided. The apparatus includes a camera, an edge detector, wherein the edge detector comprises a filter to read a secondary image, a quantization component, and a barcode processor. Also provided is a multi-modal barcode including a single-dimensional grayscale structure, wherein the structure is stretched in a perpendicular direction to its single-directional axis.

Abstract: A card comprises a body with a precut microcircuit card, characterized in that a token is also precut in the body of the card, adjacent to the microcircuit card.

Abstract: A system and method for the encoding of schedule data on a computing device and the retrieval, sharing and presentation of the schedule data on mobile computing devices is presented. The recurrent static portion of the schedule data is encoded by the computing device in a first two dimensional barcode image. Dynamic event data is encoded by the computing device in a second two dimensional barcode image, the second image containing only numeric data. The first and second images are acquired for processing by the mobile computing device which may display the barcode images for subsequent acquisition and processing by a second mobile computing device.

Abstract: A method and system for certifying contact information is described. The method includes embedding the contact information in a format and encoding the format into a matrix barcode. The encoded matrix barcode is digitally signed to certify the contact information. Further, the format includes a vCard format and the matrix barcode includes a quick response code.

Abstract: A method includes applying coded personal information for an individual on a rear surface of a card, printing personal information for the individual on a printed product, and adhering the rear surface of the card to an exterior surface of the printed product. The printed product can be mailed without protective packaging covering the card.

Abstract: A machine-readable optical code formed on a substrate includes a first code having a plurality of first elements formed on or in the substrate, the first code specifying first information, wherein one or more of the first elements includes a second code on or in the substrate, the second code including a plurality of second elements specifying second information, and wherein the first code and the second code are machine-readable optical codes.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a housing and a transaction card. The housing defines a storage chamber and a substantially planar surface. The substantially planar surface defines a perimeter portion and a recessed portion surrounded by, spaced from, and extending substantially parallel to the recessed portion to define a recess. The housing includes opposing tabs extending from the perimeter portion, toward each other, and partially across the recessed portion. The transaction card includes a machine-readable account identifier linking the transaction card to an account or record remote from the transaction product and having a value available for use as payment toward a purchase. The transaction card defines two opposing edges each selectively secured between the recessed portion of the substantially planar surface and a different one of the opposing tabs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the automated generation of QR codes with embedded images therein are provided. The QR code has an active, machine-readable portion and a background portion. An example system comprises an image identification module to identify a human-readable image. A primitive creation module generates a primitive QR code. The primitive QR code comprises a machine-readable QR code having the image embedded in the QR code. An overlay interface module generates an intermediate QR code by modifying the active portion of the QR code using a first modification and modifying the background portion using a second modification.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering and activating a virtual gift card includes storing in a database at least one data item for use in creating a virtual gift card. A server creates a unique identifier for the virtual gift card and sends the unique identifier to the virtual gift card recipient. The unique identifier identifies a location for the recipient to retrieve the virtual gift card, but does not include the virtual gift card. In response to receiving a request from a recipient device to present the virtual gift card, the server generates the gift card, instructs a gift card processor to activate the gift card and transmits the virtual gift card to the recipient. The gift card may then be redeemed by the recipient at the corresponding merchant. The recipient thereby activates the gift card using a single action.

Abstract: A designer-adaptive visual code (32, 32?, 32?) includes a user-selected set glyphs (36, 36?, 36?, 36??), a user-selected set of allowable glyph orientations relative to a user-selected reference angle, and a user-selected spatial arrangement of the glyphs (36, 36?, 36?, 36??). The user-selected set of glyphs (36, 36?, 36?, 36??) has a size sufficient to recover geometric characteristics of at least one repeating code portion so as to generate an analyzable image when captured via a camera-equipped mobile device (26). The user-selected spatial arrangement of the glyphs (36, 36?, 36?, 36??) includes the at least one repeating code portion (34) to be visible on a surface from at least two different areas of the surface.

Abstract: A negotiable instrument such as a check includes a unique microprint identifier that allows for authentication while preventing unauthorized reproduction and alternation. A printing system generates the identifier after receiving a customer order for printing a plurality of negotiable instruments, to allow inclusion of information that is specific to the customer order and/or the printing process. In various embodiments, the identifier is unique to each or each subset of the plurality of negotiable instruments and facilitates authentication of each of the negotiable instruments when needed.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code having a rectangular region is provided. In the rectangular region, there are a plurality of code blocks, a first specific pattern, and error-correction code blocks. Each code block is composed of a plurality of cells aggregated together and formed to have both a specified corner in the rectangular region and the plurality of code blocks arranged in the rectangular region. The specific pattern is used to specify the positions of the cells. The error-correction code blocks are contained in the code blocks and formed to correct an error. The error-correction code blocks are arranged contiguously to part of the borders of the rectangular region. The part of the borders is displaced from the first specific pattern. Compressed data code blocks are also arranged in the same way as the error-correction code blocks.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or encoded indicia images. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: A system and method of securely delivering and verifying a mobile boarding pass which validates the mobile boarding pass. An example method includes receiving boarding pass data for a traveler, creating a digital certificate containing the boarding pass data, encrypting the digital certificate, encoding a series of different encrypted digital certificates into a series of different two-dimensional barcodes, providing the series of different two-dimensional barcodes to a mobile communication device of the traveler in advance of arrival at a security checkpoint, receiving decoded barcode data in one or more of the two-dimensional barcodes from a barcode reader at the security checkpoint, decrypting the decoded barcode data using the plurality of different tokens, and identifying a valid digital certificate containing boarding pass data in the decoded barcode data.

Abstract: A device is described for the hiding and subsequent recovery of visual information. The device comprises two or more tokens (1), each containing a mask (2,3) of coloured pixels (4), are overlaid (5), so that when the pixels are aligned, hidden information, invisible in the individual tokens. The hidden information consists of one or more recognisable alphabetic, numerical or pictorial characters (6). During token overlay and alignment, the information becomes recognisable because it is made up of pixels whose colour is differentiated from the other pixels in the overlay. The information is hidden by adding pixels of certain colours. When the tokens are overlaid and the pixels aligned, the added pixels are effectively subtracted, revealing the hidden information. The tokens may be printed on various media, or may be displayed on an electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing a first document image and a second document image in a size and producing output images on a single sheet, the apparatus including: a creating unit configured to create a code containing information with a higher security level selected from first information contained in a code of the first document image and second information contained in a code of the second document image; and a unit configured to add the code created by the creating unit to the output image.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code publishing program that provides display of beautiful two-dimensional codes with homogeneity and a high sense of design, and a two-dimensional code decoding program that decodes bit strings expressed as two-dimensional codes in various situations. In a display of cells having a color with a low visibility against the blank area surrounding the two-dimensional code, a contrast is set between the gradation of the color component having a gradation close to that of the blank area and/or in a display of cells having a color with a high visibility against the blank area surrounding the two-dimensional code, the contrast is reduced between the gradation of the color component having a gradation far from that of the blank area.

Abstract: To realize a dot pattern which can be read even by a frame buffer of which algorithm for search is simple and of which resolution is low without sacrificing an information dot for defining a direction of a block. There is provided a dot pattern, wherein a plurality of reference points is provided in an area of a block having a predetermined information dot arranged thereon; a plurality of virtual reference points to be defined is arranged from the reference points (for example, a central point of a grid area); an information dot is arranged, of which information is defined by a distance and a direction from the virtual reference point; and at least the information dot at the predetermined position is made into a direction dot showing the direction of the block by a direction from the virtual reference point.

Abstract: An electronic device may generate a matrix code that includes information for performing an interactive activity related to content, combine the matrix code with the content, and transmit the combination of the matrix code and the content to a display device. Subsequently, the displayed matrix code may be captured by a matrix code reader in order to initiate performance of the interactive activity. In some implementations, the content may be a sporting event and capture of the matrix code may initiate performance of an activity corresponding to a fantasy sporting event league associated with the sporting event. In various implementations, the matrix code reader's initiation of performance of the interactive activity related to the content may utilize one or more other electronic devices located in a user location.

Abstract: A technique detects counterfeit products having appearances similar to authentic products with high accuracy. A cholesteric liquid crystal layer in which hologram is processed and circularly polarized light of primary rotating direction having specific central wavelength can be selectively reflected and a code forming layer in which code printed pattern that is an objective of reading is formed, are arranged in this order seen from a side from which reading is performed. The hologram image that inhibits reading of information of the code while an optical reading device reads it together with the code, and it is formed by the hologram processing.

Abstract: A process for decoding coded data is provided. The coded data has a plurality of layouts which each have order n (at least two) rotational symmetry and encode a codeword of a sequence of n symbols distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the respective layout such that decoding the symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the codeword. Each representation is a different cyclic shift of the codeword and is indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout. The process involves, at the computer system, identifying a layout from an image including the coded data, decoding the identified layout to determine a codeword representation, and determining a degree of rotation of the layout from the determined representation.