Abstract: Provided is a device (and program) for producing a 2D code with an embedded image for an automated machine generated process, comprising a processor that produces the 2D code with an embedded image. Also provided are methods of using this device to produce 2D codes with embedded images.

Abstract: An electronic screen capable of showing dynamic images is used to display a set of barcodes, where the barcodes are ‘played’ at the same location on the screen. The screen might also show other material. The data encoded in the barcodes is decoded by a user with a cellphone and camera, that can decode each barcode and combine the data from all the barcodes. This can be extended with the screen also showing static barcodes that encode URLs, where the URLs go back to a web server that also controls the screen. A user with a cellphone and camera scans one of these static barcodes and uses a browser to go to the decoded URL. The web server uses this visit to change what is being shown in the dynamic barcodes, or to change the conditions under which the latter are displayed.

Abstract: Provided is a two-dimensional code structured in such a way that the identification function for each of multiple components constituting the two-dimensional code, which have been concatenated and encoded in the form of structured append, has been enhanced. In a set of multiple two-dimensional codes that have been encoded in the form of structured append, wherein the two-dimensional code comprises an information area, an illustration area, and a parity area, each two-dimensional code which is a component of the set of multiple two-dimensional codes is a two-dimensional code having the same graphical illustration drawn in the illustration area.

Abstract: Provided is a Device, a System, applications and an associated Ecosystem for the consistent and reliable production, creation, generation, management and utilization of two-dimensional (‘2D’) barcodes (‘Codes’) featuring embedded Images, designating the alignment position and alignment size of the embedding Images in 2D Codes and enabling the corresponding outputted Code files by the Device System to be downloaded and or showcased digitally within all forms of digital advertising, media, television, mobile telephony and the world wide web as well as integrated with the production processes for consumer products and packaged goods, printed products, merchandise and other items featuring such 2D Codes creating a public telecommunications platform and or private intranet services featuring a searchable database, directory and or registry of the 2D Codes with embedded Images that have been created by, produced by and outputted by the Device or System.

Abstract: A bi-directional two-dimensional (2D) matrix barcode symbology for use with bar code, cell phones and other optical readers. A finder structure includes indicia for locating data blocks containing bytes of information encoded through bi-directional and orthogonal lines containing individual bits of information. Individual blocks contain error correction information, and are formed into 2×2 superblocks used to build larger codes. Intrinsic prefix information provides a redundant geometric identification for individual blocks within the overall structure, providing a built-in mapping of the overall structure, even when portions are missing or undecodable. The overall symbol has a second set of error correction parameters for further redundancy. The symbology is a versatile symbology in that the number of check data blocks is user selectable to provide the desired level of error correction.

Abstract: A dynamic multi-dimensional code generation and recognition apparatus in which time information and visual recognition information are combined, and a method thereof are provided. According to the present invention, a dynamic multi-dimensional code or a time-variant code including visual recognition information which is associated with source information and changed over time is provided. Accordingly, users may easily ascertain existence of the multi-dimensional code and intended contents of the source information.

Abstract: A user-computer-readable medium provides all or part of a product labeling system for engaging purchasers. Executables, data, or both are recorded in the medium embodied in a tag or other product labeling structure, in order to deliver to a consumer or purchaser engaging presentations of products, information, or registration templates. Purchasers may receive launchers, browsers, viewers, e-mail systems, facsimile centers, players, or the like. Entertainment, games, skill tests, and the like, recorded in the medium as a tag or label may execute to engage a purchaser and provide purchaser profiling information, product purchasing information, and the like to a vendor, while providing additional product information, warranty registrations, applications, entertainment, or the like, to a purchaser.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying, tracking, tracing and determining the authenticity of a good include an imaging system, a database, and an authentication center. The imaging system is configured to capture an image of a unique signature associated with a good. The unique signature can be, for example, a random structure or pattern unique to the particular good. The imaging system is configured to process the image to identify at least one metric that distinguishes the unique signature from unique signatures of other goods. The database is configured to receive information related to the good and its unique signature from the imaging system, and to store the information therein. The authentication center is configured to analyze the field image with respect to the information stored in the database to determine whether the unique signature in the field image is a match to the captured image stored in the database.

Abstract: A quadrangular or rectangular area on a medium surface of a printed material is defined as a block. A virtual straight line in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction each along an edge of the block are defined as reference grid lines. Virtual grid points are virtually provided at a predetermined interval on the reference grid lines. A reference grid point dot is placed on a virtual grid point lined in a horizontal direction among the virtual grid points. Virtual straight lines connecting the reference grid point dots and the virtual grid points lined in a vertical direction are defined as grid lines. A virtual intersection point of the grid lines is defined as a virtual grid point. A dot pattern is generated by arranging one or more information dots having a distance and direction on the base of the virtual grid point.

Abstract: A F/2F waveform generator has a comparator and an analog multiplexer. In a low-cost magnetic card reader application, a magnetic track signal is amplified, filtered, and compared with a threshold signal to create a digital signal output. The analog multiplexer detects changes in state of the digital signal. When a change of state is detected, the analog multiplexer switches among dynamically tunable threshold signals. The selected threshold signal is used for comparison with the magnetic track signal. Switching level detection enables accurate F/2F waveform generation from relatively noisy magnetic track signals, thus improving the robustness of magnetic card readers. The analog implementation eliminates the need for expensive A/D conversion and processing and the design can be readily implemented in a very compact and low-cost package.

Abstract: Multiple membership accounts can be managed using a single, unitary membership card.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for providing document certification and authentication using 2D barcodes.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires a repeated image read from a medium having the repeated image printed thereon, the repeated image being formed by repeatedly arranging an image representing a specific bit sequence; an information acquisition unit that acquires plural state information pieces respectively indicating reading states of plural images included in the repeated image acquired by the image acquisition unit; a detection unit that detects plural bit sequences respectively from the plural images included in the repeated image acquired by the image acquisition unit; and a determination unit that determines the specific bit sequence on the basis of the plural bit sequences detected by the detection unit and the plural state information pieces acquired by the information acquisition unit.

Abstract: A label for enabling verification of an object includes a scannable region that enables determination of auto-acquired unique spatial orientation of the scannable region with respect to a reference thereby enabling determination of a spatial orientation of the label with respect to the reference. The label is applied onto the object and a change in the spatial orientation of the label indicates tampering of the label, thereby enabling verification of the object. Further, a method for detecting tampering of an object includes providing label on the object. The label has at least a portion which is scannable region with a plurality of patterns and is associated with an external reference point. Further, the method includes determining a first and a second spatial orientations of the label based on computation between the patterns and the reference point, and generating an alert on noticing a change between first and second spatial orientations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an information code and an information code reader. In information code, a plurality of light-colored modules exhibiting the reflective characteristics of light color when light of a second wavelength band different from light of a first wavelength band is radiated and a plurality of dark-colored modules exhibiting the reflective characteristics of dark color when the light of a second wavelength band is radiated are arranged in a code region. The information code includes a masked portion disposed in a predetermined region of the code region in which light is intercepted and prevents the corresponding information code from being read, and configured to, when the light of a second wavelength band is radiated, allow light reflected from the modules of the corresponding code region to pass therethrough and thereby interrupt the light of a first wavelength band.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a first display operably coupled to the housing, and a second display comprising an electronic paper display operably coupled to the housing. A processor is operably coupled to the first display and to the second electronic paper display. A wireless receiver is coupled to the processor for receiving data comprising, for example, an electronic ticket having a scannable optical indicia, and the processor and the second electronic paper display are operable to display of the optically scannable indicia on the electronic paper display. The second electronic paper display is operable to display the optically scannable indicia such as a barcode with at least one of a lower reflectance, a higher resolution, and a higher contrast compared to display of the optically scannable indicia on the first display.

Abstract: An article having a visual code that can visually and directly convey a message to a human and accurately and indirectly convey information through an apparatus with an optical reading function. Visual code 1 is attached to an article. In visual code 1, symbol arrangement pattern 13, which indicates a message that can be visually recognized by a human, is formed by forming code space 11 by arranged multiple regions 12 in a grid, selecting one or more than one region 12 from among multiple regions 12 in code space 11, and placing pattern element 15 in each of selected regions 12. Each region 12 where pattern element 15 is placed so as to form symbol arrangement pattern 13 among multiple regions 12 in code space 11 indicates ON; each region 12 where pattern element 15 is not placed indicates OFF.

Abstract: The present invention fulfills an icon on a storage device accessed by one user and the icon's saved content, e.g., digital data saved in the storage device, displayed or a specific program corresponding to the saved content executed; as a result, the digital data in the storage device is quickly and effectively accessed by one user without any electronic data exchange device required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reading electronic certificates positioned in a document, each certificate comprising a support bearing an antenna linked to a microcircuit. The document has sheets of a determined format articulated around a hinge. The antennas are dimensioned to a format less than that of a half-sheet. The certificates are arranged at most in pairs on a sheet so that the antennas are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the sheet. The invention also relates to a set of certificates and the document containing the certificates.

Abstract: A method and optical reader system for label-independent detection as defined herein. The reader system includes: a launch beam; a first lens; a receptacle for receiving at least one optical biosensor article, the article having a mask on one face, and the mask having at least one aperture there through for receiving and transmitting radiation from the collimated launch beam; an angular separator; and an imager to record the image of the optical biosensor article.

Abstract: This is a method for custom designed software that adds educational value to any printed book past, present and future before it is printed, re-printed or reissued. Database driven, the author or editor (user) answers manuscript-related questions resulting in the selection of contextual keywords throughout the book's manuscript. Merging the user's answers with selected keywords determines the identification of compatible informational content. Once a match has been made and content providers selected, a customized-redirect two-dimensional (2D) barcode is generated. These barcode-indicia are returned to users for insertion into the manuscript prior to printing the book. The software also stores, updates and tracks all database entries, the 2D barcodes, and maintains, manages, collects and disburses funds to all participating alliances in a given transaction.

Abstract: A system is configured to read a prescription label and output audio information corresponding to prescription information present on or linked to the prescription label. The system may have knowledge about prescription labels and prescription information, and use this knowledge to present the audio information in a structured form to the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating and resolving multi-mode barcodes comprise: inputting graphical data representing a barcode pattern into memory; translating the graphical data into barcode information according to a standard for translating a particular type of barcode pattern into barcode information; detecting the presence of multiple, distinct data items of different types in the barcode information, wherein each data item specifies an action to be taken by the scanning device; identifying a data item in the barcode information for which the scanning device is capable of taking the action specified by the data item; and performing the action specified by the data item.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to provide an animated 2D barcode check that is used to securely and efficiently transmit financial information between mobile devices. The financial information includes a check written by a payer and transmitted to a merchant. The check includes account information of the payer and of the merchant with a payment service provider, a payment amount, and a cryptographic signature that has been certified by the payment service provider. The payer's mobile device encodes the check into a sequence of 2D barcodes and displays the sequence of 2D barcodes in a loop that is scanned by a camera on the merchant's mobile device. The merchant uses the cryptographic signature to verify the validity of the signature on the check without having Internet connectivity to the payment service provider. The merchant may later present the check to the payment service provider to receive payment.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, a dot pattern technique is provided with flexible length of data to be registered and with enhanced security by arranging a dot pattern to be disposed on a printed material, especially a block containing the dot pattern, on the basis of a new rule.

Abstract: A media asset system and method is provided comprising a portable reader having a sensor enabled to detect a part of a surface, with the reader having means for selecting an output action by correlating said detected part with a preselected outcome. Output also provided for presenting audio and video presentation. Output is responsive to the reader's selection of output action.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a paddle, a string, a ball, and an account identifier. The paddle defines an enlarged portion and an elongated handle extending from the enlarged portion. The paddle is formed as a single piece of material. The string defines a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the string is coupled to the paddle. The ball is coupled to the second end of the string and is configured to bounce on the paddle. The account identifier is statically connected to the paddle and links the paddle to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a substantially rigid housing, a pump assembly, and an account identifier. The substantially rigid housing defines a substantially liquid-tight reservoir, an outflow aperture, and an external surface. The substantially liquid-tight reservoir is configured to maintain a liquid therein. The pump assembly is enclosed within the substantially rigid housing and is in communication with the substantially liquid-tight reservoir and the outflow aperture. The pump assembly is configured to move liquid from the substantially liquid-tight reservoir, through the pump assembly, and out the outflow aperture and into an external environment surrounding the substantially rigid housing. The account identifier is statically connected to the external surface of the substantially rigid housing and links the substantially rigid housing to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A method is provided for advertising goods or services. The method includes the steps of (a) determining (603) the imaging schedule for imaging of a geographic region by an organization that captures images of geographic regions by aircraft or spacecraft, wherein the captured images are posted to a website; and (b) before and proximal to the scheduled imaging of the region, placing (605) a machine readable code in the region such that the machine readable code is present in at least one of the captured images as a machine readable artifact.

Abstract: A user-computer-readable medium provides all or part of a product labeling system for engaging purchasers. Executables, data, or both are recorded in the medium embodied in a tag or other product labeling structure, in order to deliver to a consumer or purchaser engaging presentations of products, information, or registration templates. Purchasers may receive launchers, browsers, viewers, e-mail systems, facsimile centers, players, or the like. Entertainment, games, skill tests, and the like, recorded in the medium as a tag or label may execute to engage a purchaser and provide purchaser profiling information, product purchasing information, and the like to a vendor, while providing additional product information, warranty registrations, applications, entertainment, or the like, to a purchaser.

Abstract: A print control apparatus includes a setting section and a print controlling section. The setting section enables or disables a first function of sorting paper by performing longitudinal printing in which printing is performed in longitudinal orientation for paper ejection in the longitudinal orientation and lateral printing in which printing is performed in lateral orientation for paper ejection in the lateral orientation alternately. The setting section further enables or disables a second function of barcode printing. The print controlling section controls printing in accordance with setting of each of the first function and the second function. When one of the first function and the second function is enabled, the setting section disables the other function.

Abstract: A substrate having a first coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The first coding pattern comprises: a plurality of target elements defining a target grid, the target grid comprising a plurality of cells, wherein neighboring cells share target elements; a plurality of data elements contained in each cell; and a plurality of tags. Each tag is defined by a first set of contiguous cells. Each tag comprises respective tag data encoded by a respective set of the data elements. Each cell comprises one or more registration symbols encoded by a respective set of said data elements. Each of the registration symbols identifies the cell as being contained in the first set, and thereby contained in the first coding pattern.

Abstract: A means for presenting variable information contained within a variable pattern displayed on a device with a graphical display capability, such as a liquid crystal display for example, is disclosed wherein the device presents the information by generating graphical patterns that contain information, such as a two-dimensional barcode for example. The information presented by the display can then be transferred to another device such as a mobile phone for example, by optical scanning of the pattern presented by the graphical display device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating and authenticating barcodes using digital signatures comprise: inputting graphical data representing a barcode pattern into memory; translating the graphical data into barcode information according to a standard for translating a particular type of barcode pattern into barcode information; extracting a message and a digital signature from the barcode information; and determining whether the message is authentic by determining whether the digital signature matches the message.

Abstract: An identification label with a three-dimensional wrinkled structure may be formed by depositing a hard film with a high elastic modulus on an elongated substrate of a lower elastic modulus. Wrinkles with defects develop as the substrate is subsequently allowed to relax. Defects such as ridge endings and ridge bifurcations are randomly distributed over the wrinkled surface, and allow to uniquely identify any given identification label with the high degree of accuracy. Since the formation of defects is a random process, the wrinkled structure cannot be reproduced or counterfeited. The labels are thus forgery-proof.

Abstract: A financial transaction device is disclosed. The device includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises a writable field enabling a writing instrument and/or a printing device to write on the first writable field. The writable field allows transaction device purchasers to include a custom note, picture, design, logo, pattern and/or any other indicia on the device. The writable field creates an added element of thoughtfulness to make the gift exchange more special.

Abstract: A method of interacting with a substrate and communicating with a computer system using an optical sensing device operable in a plurality of modes including a cursor control mode and a hyperlinking mode. The method includes the steps of: actuating a nib switch of the optical sensing device when a nib force exceeds a predetermined threshold; optically imaging coded data printed on the substrate; generating cursor control data when the optical sensing device is in said cursor control mode; generating interaction data using the imaged coded data when the optical sensing device is in the hyperlinking mode; and communicating the cursor control data or the interaction data to a computer system. The cursor control data initiates a cursor control response in the computer system while the interaction data initiates a hyperlinking response in the computer system.

Abstract: An account application product includes a package, an account identifier and a terms sheet. The package includes a first panel extending from a free edge to a first fold line, a second panel extending away from the first fold line to a second fold line, and a third panel extending away from the second fold line. The first panel is folded back along the first fold line toward a first surface of the second panel to define a storage area between the first panel and the second panel. The third panel is folded forward along the second fold line toward a second surface of the second panel. The account identifier indicates an account associated with the account application product and is configured to be machine readable. The terms sheet is selectively stored in the storage area and includes printed terms for the account. Associated packages and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for beautifying a human face in a digital image is adapted to beautify a face area of an input image. The method includes setting a selection window to select a partial image area in the input image; setting a target pixel in the selection window, and setting other pixels as comparison pixels; performing a detail checking process according to a variance between the target pixel; performing a luminance checking process on the target pixel to determine; performing a nonlinear filtering process to filter the target pixel by using a nonlinear filter to generate a filtered value, and providing a mixing ratio to mix the target pixel with the filtered value at the mixing ratio to generate a completed pixel; replacing the original target pixel with the completed pixel; and repeating the above steps until all pixels are completed.

Abstract: A nested binary code symbol (200) comprising a boundary binary code symbol (110) and at least a core code symbol (120) that provides encoded data, wherein the core code symbol (120) is nested within and concentric with the boundary binary code symbol (110) The boundary binary code symbol (110) is rectangular with a continuous outer perimeter, two data regions along adjacent sides of the rectangle, and a utility region adjacent each side opposite the data regions. Each data region is made up of a number of data cells, and each utility region is made up of utility cells with alternating appearance. There are two distinct finder cells on opposite corners of the rectangle, which can be used to orient the symbol. A non-linear strain gage for measuring the strain on an object under load include a target, a sensor, and a computer, wherein the target is a nested binary code symbol (200).

Abstract: On a two-dimensional optical identification device with same gray level, a plurality of two-dimensional optical identification codes are arranged, each having a plurality of data blocks and an outer positioning block. Each data block has a plurality of defined patterns, and each defined pattern is located in one of virtual areas produced by equally dividing the data block. The outer positioning block has a plurality of first positioning points and a first direction identification point, and is placed at two adjacent boundaries of the plurality of data blocks for defining the positions of the plurality of data blocks. A fixed position data block is selected as a data block coding indication block for indicating the coding of the other data blocks.

Abstract: A computing device and method for reading a barcode captured with a color image sensor is disclosed. The barcode can have features and background that have equal brightness and a substantially low chromacity deviation such that the barcode could not be easily perceptible and decoded with known greyscale decoding techniques. The method for reading the barcode includes receiving color image values for each pixel of a captured image of a target barcode from a color image sensor, determining chrominance values for each pixel from the color image values, detecting edges based on the chrominance values to generate an edge-detected image that is provided to a greyscale barcode decoder to decode the information in the target barcode. The chrominance values can be based on the blue and red difference components from the YUV image format, and the U and V values can be combined using color temperature information.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed. The printing system includes a first printer to print a first barcode on a medium including variable to be printed on the medium and a second printer to print the variable data to the medium based on the first barcode and to print a second barcode to the medium for verification that the variable data has been accurately printed to the medium.

Abstract: An image processing system, comprising: a pickup image unit configured to pickup an image contained a commodity and output the picked-up image data; a commodity recognition database configured to recognize the commodity and pre-store recognition data in association with commodity-related information; and a commodity-specified information output unit configured to extract the characteristic quantities of the commodity contained in the image corresponding to the picked-up image data, specify the one or more commodities contained in the image with reference to the recognition data stored in the commodity recognition database, and output the commodity-specified information corresponding to the specified commodity in a format that a settlement terminal apparatus can be readable.

Abstract: A method of decoding a two-dimensional enhanced-density barcode. A first and a second barcode are encoded in the enhanced-density barcode. The enhanced-density barcode includes a set of blocks. Each block includes a predefined number of sub-pixels. The blocks of the enhanced-density barcode being arranged relatively to each other in a geometrical lattice having a first and a second lattice direction. The method includes the steps of distorting of the enhanced-density barcode in the first lattice direction, resulting in a first distorted barcode, distorting of the enhanced-density barcode in the second lattice direction, resulting in a second distorted barcode, reconstructing the first barcode by low-pass filtering the first distorted barcode, reconstructing the second barcode by low-pass filtering the second distorted barcode.

Abstract: A system for detecting fraudulent documents comprises a barcode reader and a sensor arrangement. The output from the barcode reader and the sensor arrangement are used in conjunction to increase the accuracy of determining if a document is fraudulent.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for visual identification of valves in multi valve distribution and transmission systems, and particularly for municipal utility infrastructures such as mainline, connection, drain, pressure district, pressure regulating and pressure sustaining valves. In an embodiment, color coded valve box inserts are made to specifications, inserted and secured into place at the opening of multiple valve boxes to easily and accurately identify the different types or sizes of valves. Each color represents a different type or size of valve, as established by the municipality. A color coding chart identifying the different types or sizes of valves may be placed at each point of access to the valves to assist in identification of the different types of valves.

Abstract: Multisource fusion of data is used on a handheld device to create a portable analytical verifier, including the ability to verify based on product wrapping or using a re-turned code to check the product or wrapping. Data words are extracted from authentication media by testing to see whether particular taggants are present, using spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding symbols to be placed on a label of a product or apparatus are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for creating a unified symbology is provided that includes combining a first encoded symbol with a second encoded symbol to produce a third encoded symbol. The third encoded symbol is associated with first data that is associated with the first encoded symbol and with second data that is associated with the second encoded symbol.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for displaying visual codes using structural components, and a system and method is described for modifying the visual codes.