Abstract: Image processing technology embeds signal (e.g., digital watermarks) within imagery during a raster image process(or). One claim recites: an image processing method of embedding a signal within imagery using raster image processing (RIP), including: obtaining a plurality of elements representing a signal; determining edges within the imagery; using the determined edges as a reference, modulating a plurality of print structures within the RIP according to the plurality of elements to embed the signal within the imagery, in which one determined edge defines the signal to be at a predetermined angle in a set of dimensions comprising color and spatial frequency. Of course, other claims, combinations and technology are described too.

Abstract: In an example method, a set of source pixels corresponding to an image to be printed and a dot pattern of pixels including information to be encoded across the image are received. The dot pattern of pixels is mapped to a corresponding subset of the source pixels. A value of a clipping channel color in the subset of the source pixels is modified based on an original value of the clipping channel color for each pixel in the subset. The clipping channel color is used to detect the dot pattern of pixels. The image including the subset of pixels with modified clipping channel colors is printed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for providing user participatory design as a process to generate unique patterns on transaction cards are disclosed. For example, a system for providing an interactive design environment for designing a transaction card is disclosed. Accordingly, the system may provide for deeper customization of transaction cards through generative patterns curated by designers and informed by end-users. As a result, the patterns on transaction cards may be unique to every user, and these unique patterns may provide additional security functions to cardholders.

Abstract: Useful metadata can be embedded directly into dynamically rendered content in a way that is minimally perceptible to a viewer. Objects to be rendered for an application, such as backgrounds and gameplay elements for a gaming application, can have their appearance modified in order to embed specified metadata. The modifications can impact the color, patterns, configuration, or other aspects of the objects. The metadata can include any data useful for identifying a state, context, or configuration for the presentation of content, such as the state of a game at the time of rendering, as well as information about the player or device corresponding to a device-specific rendering of the content. A video segment including a representation of the rendered content can be analyzed to quickly identify and extract the metadata, which can help to quickly obtain the information needed to perform certain tasks, such as debugging or issue spotting.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for providing user participatory design as a process to generate unique patterns on transaction cards are disclosed. For example, a system for providing an interactive design environment for designing a transaction card is disclosed. Accordingly, the system may provide for deeper customization of transaction cards through generative patterns curated by designers and informed by end-users. As a result, the patterns on transaction cards may be unique to every user, and these unique patterns may provide additional security functions to cardholders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating information by: dividing the information into at least a first information portion and a second information portion; modulating a plurality of domain resources to encode the first information using an index or grammar; and encoding the second information by modulation of domain resources. Optionally, the plurality of domain resources may be modulated to encode the first information by allocating at least two different modulation types to a plurality of sub-carriers. The modulation type is allocated to domain resources according to the index or grammar, which applies meaning to which modulation type is allocated to which domain resource. The modulation may include encoding part of the first information portion using one or more domain resources of a first domain and another part of the first information portion using one or more domain resources of a second domain.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a subject; an image extraction unit configured to extract an image of a predetermined shape from a captured image being the image of the subject captured and output by the imaging unit; and a registration unit configured to, upon the image extraction unit extracting a first image identifying input data and a second image identifying a storage area, store the input data identified by the first image in the storage area identified by the second image.

Abstract: This patent document relates generally to encoded information and digital watermarking. One claim recites an image capture device comprising: an optical system; an image sensor on a substrate for capturing imagery provided by the optical system, in which captured imagery includes encoded information, and in which the captured imagery comprises first color information, second color information and third color information; means for compressing the captured imagery captured by said image sensor; means for detecting the encoded information from the captured imagery, in which said detecting utilizes different color information weightings so that at least the first color information and the third color information are weighted differently than one another for detection of the encoded information; and means for providing the encoded information for output or display, once the encoded information is detected. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device is used to decode a printed correlation mark. The device receives an image of a printed correlation mark, identifies a decoding template, applies the template to detect hidden content within the printed correlation mark, and outputs an image of the detected hidden content on the display. The device may enhance the image before presenting it on the display.

Abstract: For each pixel of an input image, a direction toward which variation in pixel value between the relevant pixel and its peripheral pixels is largest and an amount of the variation in pixel value are computed, where a direction unit vector that indicates the direction toward which the variation is largest and a variation vector that represents the amount of the largest variation in the pixel value are computed. For each pixel, a regularization strength is computed utilizing the direction unit vector, the variation vector, and a regularization strength computing formula so that the larger the amount of the variation in pixel value toward a direction indicated by the direction unit vector, the less the regularization strength. An optimization function is determined based on the input image and the regularization strength for each pixel thereof and assigns a value for each pixel, by which the determined optimization function has the minimum value, to the corresponding pixel of a restored image to be generated.

Abstract: Barcode decoding bypassing binarization is provided which relies on deformable templates to makes use of all the gray level information of each pixel in the barcode image. Parameterization of the deformable templates allow for efficiently performing maximum likelihood estimation independently on each barcode digit and enforcing spatial coherence across the barcode digits.

Abstract: A portable data carrier (1) includes a non-volatile memory (11), a processor (15) and a watermark application (131) executable by the processor (15) which is also stored on the data carrier (1). The watermark application (131) is configured to check (152) data (110, 140) stored on the data carrier (1) or data intended to be stored on the data carrier (1) as to the presence of a digital watermark, or to mark (151) such data (110, 140) with a digital watermark. The check (152) or marking (151) is carried out on the data carrier (1) and after the check (152) or marking (151) the checked or marked data (110, 140) are stored in the non-volatile memory (11) in order to remain there for an indefinite time.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for identifying an embossed character, light of one color is directed in one direction across the embossed character to illuminate certain character parts and light of another color is directed in another direction across the embossed character to illuminate other character parts. Image data for the two colors are captured and are subjected to separate image processing to detect edges highlighted by the directed light. The processed images are combined and supplemented with OCR analysis before being compared with predicted characters. Based on the comparison, a determination is made as to the probable identity of the character.

Abstract: A method of calculating a drop delay in a stream of a flow cytometer. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of determining a widths plot by measuring the width of a stream based on an image of the stream and setting drop delay based on the widths plot. In another aspect the invention relates to a flow cytometer system for automatically calculating drop delay. In one embodiment the flow cytometer system includes means for determining a widths plot based on an image of the stream; and means for calculating drop delay based on the widths plot.

Abstract: Visually encoded data is captured along with one or more visual elements, the encoded data is decoded and one composite view is displayed that incorporates information related to the decoding data, such as a decode confirmation or decoded data, and the visual elements. The recognition and decoding process may additionally provide for transforming the captured visual elements to accommodate the allocated display area of small sized display, such as the display associated with a handheld image capturing device. The invention is thus suited for capturing encoded data and branding elements, such as company or product logos, and displaying the branding elements in unison with data related to the decoded information.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a device. The device includes an imaging circuit operable to acquire digital information encoded in a hand-formed analog expression marked on a surface by a handheld writing device. The device also includes a translator circuit operable to decode the digital information. The device further includes a correlation circuit operable to generate a signal indicative of the decoded digital information.

Abstract: A method and system for analysis of immunoassays, and more specifically to an improved analysis of chromatographic assays, often referred to as a lateral flow assay is disclosed. These assays commonly employ a test strip utilizing visible particles as the labels for the analytes to be detected, where, as an additional feature, the analytical strip is removable for reading the quantity of analytes captured therein and for archival purposes. An image of the test strip is analyzed automatically.

Abstract: A method for generating individual glyphs, and a system and method for inspecting individual glyphs are disclosed. The system includes a true resolution imaging device configured to capture an image of a printed glyph. A registry service has a database for storing other glyphs and/or parameters of other glyphs. An analysis system, in selective communication with the registry service, includes computer software configured to receive the captured image; an image analysis program configured to perform forensic analysis on the received image to determine parameter(s) associated with the glyph; and an image comparison program configured to i) compare the glyph parameter(s) with parameters stored in the registry for other glyphs or with parameters determined, by image analysis program, for the other glyphs stored in the registry, and ii) generate a probability that the glyph and object are authentic based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A deployment pack containing a number of electric road flares is provided. The pack is attached to an emergency vehicle. The pack is adapted to deploy a single flare at a time. Each flare includes two, battery-operated, light emitting diodes (LEDs), pulsed at a predetermined rate. Each LED is placed adjacent reflective material to extend or direct the light pulsing from the LED. The pack provides battery charging means to each electric road flare while contained in the pack interior. The pack also provides means for activating each flare before it is deployed from the pack. Each flare contains two metallic roads providing means for flare retrieval by a magnetic pick-up tool.

Abstract: A method for encoding and decoding a video signal having frames with blocks comprised of pixels. The method reduces the complexity of the video signal to be encoded by applying a filter scheme to the input data stream in an encoder and later reversing the filter scheme in a decoder. A number of filter schemes may be tested to determine the best filter scheme that most reduces the number of distinct color values per color plane. The best filter scheme is used to filter the data to be encoded. Filter information of the best filter scheme is included in the encoded data to enable the decoder to identify the best filter scheme in order to apply the best filter scheme in reverse to re-create the original data stream.

Abstract: A character recognition accuracy from an image in which a graphic code and at least one character are in a given positional relationship is improved. An image acquisition section (20) acquires the image including the graphic code and the at least one character positioned outside the graphic code, which are in the given positional relationship. A deformation rule identification section (26) identifies a deformation rule for deforming the graphic code, which is included in the image acquired by the image acquisition section (20), to a graphic of a known type. A deformation processing execution section (28) executes, on the at least one character included in the image acquired by the image acquisition section (20), deformation processing based on the deformation rule identified by the deformation rule identification section (26).

Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for display adaptation based on captured image feedback. Content that comprises a marker is displayed. An image of the content is captured by a mobile device. Whether the marker in the image is recognized is determined. The marker in the image is analyzed in response to a determination that the marker in the image is not recognized. The content is adjusted based on the analyzed marker. The adjusted content is displayed. The marker in the image is analyzed to determine at least one of a time and a location associated with capturing the image of the content in response to a determination that the marker in the image is recognized. Another content is displayed based on at least one of the time and the location determined by analyzing the marker.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a two-dimensional matrix barcode decoding unit configured to decode a two-dimensional matrix barcode in an image of image data; and a restoration determining unit configured (a) to obtain an error detection rate and error detection position information detected while the two-dimensional matrix barcode is decoded, (b) to compare the error detection rate with a predetermined threshold value, (c) on the basis of the comparison result, to determine whether the two-dimensional matrix barcode should be restored, and (d) to adjust the threshold value according to an error detection position determined from the error detection position information.

Abstract: Image data, such as from a mobile phone camera, is analyzed to determine a colorfulness metric (e.g., saturation) or a contrast metric (e.g., Weber contrast). This metric is then used in deciding which of, or in which order, plural different image recognition processes should be invoked in order to present responsive information to a user. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a line information reception unit, a prediction determination unit, a feature amount calculation unit and a line determination unit. The line information reception unit receives a set of information indicating (i) information on an image having a possibility of being line and (ii) line element being a rectangular pixel lump constituting a line. The prediction determination unit determines whether or not a target line element matches a predicted value based on the received information. The predicted value indicates line element which is predicted when the target line element constitutes a line. The feature amount calculation unit calculates feature amount of the image when the prediction determination unit determines the target line element does not match the predicted value. The line determination unit determines whether or not the image is a line based on the calculated feature amount.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for identifying an embossed character, light of one color is directed in one direction across the embossed character to illuminate certain character parts and light of another color is directed in another direction across the embossed character to illuminate other character parts. Image data for the two colors are captured and are subjected to separate image processing to detect edges highlighted by the directed light. The processed images are combined and supplemented with OCR analysis before being compared with predicted characters. Based on the comparison, a determination is made as to the probable identity of the character.

Abstract: A barcode-embedding area is obtained in a color image based on expression possibility by the juxtaposed additive color mixture and possibility of reading of pixels separately by a barcode reader (S11), a color image in the barcode-embedding area is expressed by the juxtaposed additive color mixture, and color images for the code area and the background area, which are readable by the barcode reader, are created (S12, S13), a color-image-superimposed barcode image is created by using the color images for the code area and the background area, and the same color-image-superimposed barcode image is embedded in the barcode-embedding area (S14), and the color-image-superimposed barcode image and the original color image are corrected if necessary (S15, S16).

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.

Abstract: A device for detecting characters in an image includes a Hough transformer implemented to identify, as identified elements of writing, circular arcs or elliptical arcs in the image or in a preprocessed version of the image. The device further includes a character description generator implemented to obtain, on the basis of the identified circular arcs or elliptical arcs, a character description which describes locations of the identified circular arcs or elliptical arcs. In addition, the device includes a database comparator implemented to compare the character description with a plurality of comparative character descriptions which have character codes associated with them, so as to provide, as a result of the comparison, a character code of a detected character.

Abstract: Techniques for capturing images of business cards, uploading the images to a designated computing device for processing and recognition are disclosed. A mechanism is provided to update extracted data from the images when there are any changes. Depending on implementation, there are a number of ways to capture images of business cards (e.g., via a phone camera, a PC camera, or a scanning device). A transmission means is provided to transport the images to the designated computing device for centralized management of integrated contact information for individual users. As a result, a user may access his/her updatable integrated contact information database anywhere anytime from a chosen device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system and computer program product for performing a shopping activity in a shopping store through a wireless computing device of a customer. The wireless computing device is equipped with an imaging device. The customer uses his/her wireless computing device to select a product to be purchased from the shopping store and subsequently completes the purchase through the wireless computing device.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating an image printed at a predefined print resolution or in accordance with a predetermined print grid. The method includes the steps of scanning the image to produce digital data and segmenting the data into first and second groups corresponding, respectively, to first and second predefined sections of the image. Next, a determination is made concerning the anticipated spatial position of select columns of digital data from each of the first and second groups of data. By examining the data, differences may be identified between the anticipated and actual spatial position of the columns, to determine the authenticity of the image. The identified differences which may include (i) a rotary/linear displacement in the actual spatial position of the select columns. (ii) a change in beat frequency between sections of the image, and/or (iii) a phase shift in a beat frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for PTZ presets control analytic configuration in one aspect provides a camera that includes PTZ preset information and analytics configuration information to allow local, that is, within the camera, processing at each preset position. In one embodiment, the information is set-up or configured using, for example, a PC, PDA (personal digital assistant), or the like, etc., which may be remotely or locally connected to a camera. In one aspect, if a PTZ camera is being operated manually and is moved to a particular position, the PTZ automatically moves to the nearest preset position and operates under the conditions of the associated analytics configuration.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional barcodes at a product include service identifiers for the product so that an end user with a portable information handling system captures an image of the multi-dimensional barcode and extracts the service identifiers to obtain service information from a service network location. For example, a service identifier embeds a URL that links to a video demonstrating how to assemble the product. As another example, a service identifier links to a service network location and includes a unique identifier so that an end user retrieves warranty or purchase information for the product.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional barcodes at a product include service identifiers for the product so that an end user with a portable information handling system captures an image of the multi-dimensional barcode and extracts the service identifiers to obtain service information from a service network location. For example, a service identifier embeds a URL that links to a video demonstrating how to assemble the product. As another example, a service identifier links to a service network location and includes a unique identifier so that an end user retrieves warranty or purchase information for the product.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional barcodes at a product include service identifiers for the product so that an end user with a portable information handling system captures an image of the multi-dimensional barcode and extracts the service identifiers to obtain service information from a service network location. For example, a service identifier embeds a URL that links to a video demonstrating how to assemble the product. As another example, a service identifier links to a service network location and includes a unique identifier so that an end user retrieves warranty or purchase information for the product.

Abstract: A burden of an operation of manually inputting identification information of an error bar-code ticket by using an external device can be reduced, and both image information and identification information of the error bar-code ticket can be transmitted to the external device.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus, device, method, and computer program product. In an embodiment, a device includes a handheld writing device that includes a writing element, and a writing detector module operable to generate information indicative of a handwriting movement of the writing element. The device also includes a context detector module operable to generate information indicative of a content portion of a document proximate to the handwriting movement of the writing element.

Abstract: A method virtualizes an image sensor. The method comprises selecting one of at least two portions of a filter to use as a function of a mode of operation. The method comprises capturing an image using the selected one of the at least two portions. The method comprises executing a functionality using data extracted from the image. The functionality corresponds to the mode of operation.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus, device, method, and computer program product. In an embodiment, a device includes a handheld writing device that includes a writing element, and a writing detector module operable to generate information indicative of a handwriting movement of the writing element. The device also includes a context detector module operable to generate information indicative of a content portion of a document proximate to the handwriting movement of the writing element.

Abstract: An image processing method is disclosed that is capable of efficient information extraction when embedding information in an image by using plural information embedding methods. The image processing method includes steps of embedding target information in the image by using one or more methods selected from plural information embedding methods; and embedding identification information in the image for identifying the selected one or more methods. The identification information is embedded in a method allowing an amount of the embedded information to be less than an amount of the embedded information in each of the selected one or more methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processor capable of preventing illegal copying of a document. The image processor first extracts information from a barcode in a first region of document image data. Then, the image processor extracts information from a barcode in a second region of the document image data if the information is extracted from the barcode in the first region. On the other hand, if the information is not extracted from the barcode in the first region, the image processor does not extract the information from the barcode in the second region of the document image data. This enables a copying operation for a document consisting of a plurality of pages to be efficiently controlled.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for minimizing dot visibility in color marking devices capable of dot-on-dot printing. The present method achieves minimum dot visibility for a given dispersed-dot screen by performing a CMYK to CMYKRGB conversion which uses less visible dots as much as possible before more visible dots are introduced. The output color dot coverages are calculated sequentially to minimize the coverage of more visible dots in a decreasing order of brightness. Resulting images have noticeably reduced halftone graininess, particularly in the mid to darker tone areas. The present method is also computationally efficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image processing apparatus and an image processing program for dealing with inverted characters (outlined characters) constituted by white pixels on a black ground in a tree structure same as that of normal characters constituted by black pixels on a white ground. In the present invention, black pixel blocks and white pixel blocks are sampled recursively from a binary image, tree structure data indicating a positional relation between the sampled black pixel blocks and white pixel blocks is created, an inverted image is created by white-black-inverting the insides of black pixel blocks that can include inverted characters, of black pixel blocks included in the tree structure data, white pixel blocks and black pixel blacks are sampled from the created inverted image, and data regarding the sampled white pixel blocks and black pixel blocs is added to corresponding nodes of the tree structure data.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, shown in the form of a refrigerator, includes a cabinet within which is defined at least one compartment. A controller is mounted to the appliance for controlling various operating parameters of the appliance. The controller also includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters associated with a plurality of appliance models. The appliance has an identification element affixed thereto and a communication device that is operatively connected to the controller. The communication device receives signals that provide programming instructions to the controller to activate particular ones of the plurality of operating parameters associated with the respective appliance model. In this manner, a universal controller can be employed in any one of a wide range of appliance models.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for aligning a camera sensor to significant data which is text or barcode data to be recognized comprising the steps of:—capturing an image of the significant data by means of the camera sensor; —detecting a predominant alignment line of the significant data and detecting an angle thereof in relation to a horizontal line of the captured image; —determining image sections within the edge and line enhanced image which contain most likely significant data lines; —selecting a representative image section out of the determined image sections which is aligned with the predominant alignment line; —capturing a following image of the significant data; tracking the representative image section and determining the predominant alignment line out of the representative image section to achieve a fast calculation and audio or tactile feedback of the alignment quality to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting fraudulent identification tags, such as Universal Product Codes (UPC) applied to goods to be purchased is disclosed. Images of the goods to be purchased and corresponding feature models are stored in a database. When a customer desires to purchase an item containing a UPC, a scanned image of the item about to be purchased may be acquired and a feature model of the scanned image may be created. The system may retrieve from the database the image and feature model previously stored for the item associated with the just-scanned UPC. A variety of image processing techniques may be used to compare the scanned and database images and/or the scanned and database feature models. In one embodiment, these image processing techniques may include determining a geometric transformation that maps the features of the scanned image onto the features of a database model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying at least one photo from a set of photos, wherein use is made of tokens, the method comprising steps for:—making at least one subject image recording, such as a photo and/or a video, of a subject as part of a set of recordings by means of an image recording device with a image recording member,—making, as part of the set of recordings and by means of the image recording device, a token information recording of information identifiable by at least one token wherein it is the case that:—the at least one subject image recording can be identified by means of the information from a preceding or following token in the set of recordings.

Abstract: A classification scheme assigns samples of the watermarked media to classes based on classification criteria indicating a likely presence of a watermarked signal. Once classified, the scheme determines statistical characteristics of the media signal for the classes, and assigns a figure of merit to the samples in each class. A watermark decoder (e.g., reader and/or detector) use the figure of merit to adapt a watermark decoding function to the statistical features of the classes, such as weighting to samples to improve watermark decoding.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a piece of content, wherein the piece of content comprises a machine-readable identifier, identifying the machine-readable identifier in the piece of content, and associating the machine-readable identifier to the piece of media content.