Abstract: An embedded interaction code-enabled display includes: an outer transparency layer, an optional inner transparency layer, an optional infrared-reflection layer between the outer transparency layer and the inner transparency layer, an EIC dot pattern between the outer transparency layer and the infrared-reflection layer, and, optionally, transparency glue between the outer transparency layer and the infrared-reflection layer or the inner transparency layer. The outer transparency layer 1308 and the inner transparency layer may be glass, plastic, or a film. The EIC dot pattern may be printed on, or pressed onto, the inner side of the outer transparency layer. The EIC dot pattern may include an encoded surface identifier that identifies the embedded interaction code-enabled display. The encoded surface identifier may uniquely identify the embedded interaction code-enabled display.

Abstract: A document image processing method includes providing a document image, selecting fields, which is to be recognized, from the document image, and performing character recognition process for the selected fields.

Abstract: A notification system and method that enables mail recipients to easily identify mail items that require some action on their part, as well as easily ascertain the date by which the action must be taken, is provided. Mail items that require some action on the part of the recipient are identified, utilizing information contained on the mail piece, and the anticipated due date for such an action is computed. A notification of action required and the computed date due can then be printed on the mail piece in a conspicuous manner. Optionally, one or more notification messages and/or reminder messages can be sent via a communication network to a communication device associated with the recipient to notify and/or remind the recipient about the action due. Thus, the chance of the recipient not taking action by the required date is significantly decreased.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses that synchronize a paper document to an associated digital document by establishing a mapping. An embedded interactive code (EIC) Document is created as a digital file that serves as an intermediate tier between the paper document and the digital document. Both the paper document and the EIC document are generated while printing the paper document. The EIC document records the corresponding EIC array allocations and a unique document identification number. An image capturing pen may generate a stroke on any page of paper document. With the EIC document, the methods and apparatuses inform an application the page and location on the page of the stroke.

Abstract: A system for providing relevant information to a recipient of a facsimile contained in an e-mail in a FTM environment, which system includes receiving a facsimile from a sender, and digitizing said facsimile, processing the facsimile by optical character recognition (OCR) or similar software, analyzing the OCR'd facsimile content for keywords, submitting the keywords as obtained from the telefaxes to search engines and/or companies for identifying content relevant to the keywords, and thus the facsimile, and inclusion of some or all of the identified relevant content in the body of the email delivering the telefax to the recipient.

Abstract: A marking detection system detects markings on a printed medium, such as pencil markings in bubbles on the printed medium. The marking detection system includes a circuit board with a plurality of components thereon, including an optical subsystem and an electronic subsystem including circuitry. The marking detection system further includes a shroud for optically isolating a plurality of emitting and detecting elements of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for resolving non-address attributes on a mail piece. The present system uses a mail sorter for sorting and facilitating the obtaining of a scan of the mail piece. The image is then scanned by automatic means to determine whether the non-address attributes can be automatically resolved. In the event of an unsuccessful scan, the image is forwarded to a processor which makes a functional resolution of the non-address attribute, locates example attributes and ranks them, and creates a matrix with the example attribute in the cognitive zone. The matrix is displayed to a coder who then quickly identifies whether or not the attribute and example attribute match. In the event of a non-match, a matrix with a next highest rank example attribute is created and forwarded to the encoder until no more example attributes remain, wherein the entire image is forwarded to the encoder.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along one of its dimensions. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with a preselected dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: A method for detecting possible fraud in a document includes receiving an electronic image of the document and extracting data from the image that includes a plurality of printed characters. Next, one or more properties of the characters are measured, the properties are compared to at least one corresponding normative property to determine whether anomalies are present, and a determination is made as to whether to provide a fraud alert based on the anomalies, if any. Preferably, the method includes reporting the one or more anomalies, if any, to a classifier engine, wherein the classifier engine determines whether to provide the alert. Also, methods for determining character spacing ands/or acuity are provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods and consumer-readable media for providing content-aware document analysis and modification are provided. A system for analyzing document content according to the invention may include a rules server that stores a set of expressions. Such expressions may define predetermined confidential information and/or patterns of confidential expressions. The system may further include a communication plugin that provides a platform for incorporating the set of confidential expression patterns as part of a document-producing application. Following incorporation of the communication plugin, an inline document monitor module according to the invention may form part of the document-producing application. The inline document monitor may monitor for the occurrence of at least one of the set of confidential expression patterns in a document.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor illuminates a banknote as it passes through an evaluation channel in a manner to locate the banknote in the width of the channel. A photo sensor array receives reflected light from the surface of the banknote and has a series of responsive divisions across an illuminated banknote. These divisions are sampled and analysed according to the banknote position to determine the authenticity of the banknote. Both apparatus and method steps are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer peripheral apparatus (CPA) provided for connecting to a computer. The CPA includes a CPA processor to execute a CPA program to independently and directly carry out a document processing function without receiving an instruction from a computer. In an exemplary embodiment, the CPA includes a scanner for scanning a document and the CPA processor executes a optical character recognition (OCR) program to directly recognize characters included in the document scanned by the scanner. In another exemplary embodiment, the characters recognized by the OCR program further include instructions for instructing the CPA processor to execute a subsequent program to process the document scanned by the scanner. In another exemplary embodiment, the characters recognized by the OCR program further includes instructions for instructing the CPA processor to send a facsimile of the document scanned by the scanner to a facsimile destination.

Abstract: A scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) disposed at the distal end of a flexible, small diameter imaging probe is inserted through a relatively small opening and into a larger volume, such as the bladder. Actuators disposed adjacent to the distal end of the imaging probe are selectively activated to bend the distal end of the imaging probe to assist in positioning and orienting the SFE at a plurality of points selected to image substantially all of at least a desired portion of the interior surface of the volume. The insertion depth, bending arc, and rotational position of the imaging probe can be manually and/or automatically controlled. The user can inspect the images to determine if a desired portion of the surface has been imaged and can thus ensure that a tumor or other characteristic of the surface is not overlooked due to a failure to image it.

Abstract: A handheld electronic apparatus with a translation function comprises an image-capturing device, an image recognition device, a language translator and a display device. The image-capturing device, e.g., a digital camera, is configured to take an image having a text portion of one or more words or sentences, and the image may be shown on the display device. The image recognition device is configured to recognize the text portion to be in a first language. For example, the recognition uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology. The language translator is configured to translate the text portion in the first language into a second language, and the text portion in the second language is shown on the display device.

Abstract: An OCR apparatus includes an operation unit configured to receive an input operation such as specification of an area to be verified, a display unit configured to visually present information, a scanner unit configured to convert character information provided on a document into image information, an OCR-processing unit configured to generate new character information by adding information about the result of evaluating OCR accuracy to character information obtained by subjecting the image information to OCR processing, a sound-conversion unit configured to convert the new character information into sound information adapted to evaluate the accuracy of the OCR result, a sound-output unit configured to output the sound based on sound information, and a control unit 17 configured to control each of the above-described units.

Abstract: A method images an object (4) by means of a wide field optic onto a position resolving detector (6) for optical radiation with suppression of stray light. In this method, the object (4) is illuminated in at least one object plane (3) with at least two illumination patterns (26, 27) and corresponding images are detected for each of the illumination patterns (26, 27). The illumination patterns (26, 27) each have bright regions (26; 33; 37) and dark regions (27) in the object plane (3). When there is a superposition of the illumination patterns (26, 27) in the optic plane (3), the object (4) is completely covered. A dark image of the object is determined from the detected images. A bright image of the object (4) is generated and the dark image is subtracted from the bright image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanning module, which is capable of integrating optical paths of illuminating and imaging for size reduction, and improving the quality of scanned image by using optical polarizers for filtering, and further achieving the same effect as the “projection scanning” digital camera. The scanning module comprises: a light source, a first polarizer, a quarter-wave plate, a polarizing beamsplitter, an image detection device, and a second polarizer. The light from the light source consists of both a first-polarized and a second-polarized light. The first polarizer is placed in front of the light source that only allows the first-polarized light to pass through. The optics unit directs the first-polarized light to a scanning object and transforms the reflected light into the second-polarized light before receiveded by the image detection device for image acquiring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for generating and distributing multilingual documents. The multilingual documents are comprised of primary information consisting of human-readable text and secondary information consisting of machine-readable data such that a translation of the text is accomplished by converting the human-readable text into a second language through the use of the decoded machine-readable data. The machine-readable data is comprised of a code that describes a set of editing operations that can be applied to the human-readable text to convert it into at least a second language. In a preferred embodiment, the machine-readable data is embedded in the image using an unobtrusive code on the document such as Xerox DATAGLYPH codes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for inputting optical data. The optical data input apparatus includes an image sensor, a bundle of optical fibers, and a light emission device. One end surface of the bundle of optical fibers is arranged close to the image sensor, and the other end surface of the bundle of optical fibers is arranged close to an image acquisition surface. The light emission device radiates light onto the image acquisition surface. The end surface (light receiving surface) of the bundle of optical fibers, which is arranged close to the image acquisition surface, is spaced apart from the image acquisition surface. Optical signals radiated by the light emission device are radiated to a space between the image acquisition surface and the light receiving surface, are reflected or scattered on the image acquisition surface, and are received by the bundle of optical fibers.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for ensuring quality control over a group of test reports comprising identifying a plurality of areas within a test report that contain data elements, performing optical character recognition on the plurality of areas for each test report in the group of test reports to generate text corresponding to the content in the areas, comparing the content in the areas to corresponding data in a data file from a trusted source, and creating an output report based on the result of the comparison. The test reports may indicate educational test score results and personal identification information for test takers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing noise in images acquired with a scanning beam device are disclosed. A representative method may include scanning a beam of light over a surface in a scan with a variable velocity. Light backscattered from the surface may be detected at different points in time during the scan at a substantially constant rate. Reduced-noise representations of groups of the detected light that each correspond to a different position in an image of the surface may be generated. The reduced-noise representations may be generated for groups having multiple different sizes. The image of the surface may be generated by representing the different positions in the image with the reduced-noise representations of the corresponding groups. Other methods and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strobed image capture includes stroboscopic illumination synchronized with one or more cameras to improve a signal to noise ratio, reduce motion blur and avoid object damage in sensor systems used to analyze illumination sensitive objects.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of U.S. currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack comprises an input receptacle adapted to receive a stack of U.S. currency bills of a plurality of denominations to be evaluated. According to one embodiment, a transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle along a transport path at a rate of at least about 800 bills per minute. A denomination discriminating unit which includes a detector positioned along the transport path evaluates the bills. The device comprises a single denominated bill output receptacle positioned to receive bills whose denomination have been determined by the discriminating unit including bills of a plurality of denominations. A separate stacker bin is provided and a diverter positioned along the transport path routes bills whose denomination cannot be determined to the separate stacker bin.

Abstract: The form data extracting apparatus, even input form does not have a logical structure stored in the generic logical structure DB, by using logical elements in the existing logical structure and a registered form obtained on the basis of (a) the logical structure, (b) pieces of position information of the logical elements, and (c) a relation between the logical elements. A logical element and a logical structure are extracted from the input form, and the extracted logical structure can be defined as a new registered form or a new logical structure.

Abstract: A gray scale image cleaning algorithm for improved check code line OCR. An image processing system for processing a gray scale image is provided that includes: a system for generating a first thresholded black white image from the gray scale image; a system for generating a second thresholded black white image from the gray scale image, wherein the second thresholded black white image is generated with a higher threshold value than the first thresholded black white image; and a system for logically combining the first and second thresholded black white images to generate a composite image.

Abstract: A light measuring device is disclosed which can take in light from different portions of a plane light source efficiently to carry out measurement. The light measuring device for measuring light from a plane light source includes a spatial division device configured to carry out operation for successively taking in light from different portions of the plane light source. An optical condensing device condenses the light from the different portions of the plane light source taken in by the operation of the spatial division device. A detector receives the light condensed by the optical condensing device and outputs a signal corresponding to the received light.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses and methods for simultaneous viewing and reading top and bottom images from a workpiece. The present ID reader can comprise an enclosure covering a top and bottom section of the workpiece with optical elements to guide the light from the workpiece images to a camera. The optical element can be disposed to receive images from a high angle with respect to the surface of the workpiece. The present ID reader can further comprise a light source assembly to illuminate the image. The light source assembly can utilize a coaxial light path with the images, preferably for bright field illumination. The light source assembly can also utilize a non-coaxial light path, preferably for dark field illumination. In an embodiment, the simultaneous images reaching the camera are separate into two distinct images on two different sections of the camera. In another embodiment, the simultaneous images reaching the camera are superimposed into one image on the camera.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: plural image pickup elements which are arranged unidirectionally, each image pickup element including plural photoelectric transducers that convert reflected light from an original document into pixel signals, and a forwarding unit that serially forwards pixel signals acquired by the photoelectric transducers; a dividing unit that divides outputs of the photoelectric transducers into plural processing paths so that pixel signals acquired by photoelectric transducers located on both sides of a boundary between adjacent image pickup elements are included in the same division unit; and an interpolation unit that executes pixel interpolation, using the pixel signals acquired by the photoelectric transducers located on both sides of the boundary among the pixel signals divided by the dividing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for providing virtual scan lines in an imaging system that compensate for the optical distortion associated with the system. In some embodiments, the virtual scan lines may be curved or angled according to their position in the Field of View (FOV) of the imaging system to compensate for the distortion. Some embodiments may provide for virtual scan lines that are preconfigured to compensate for a typical or pre-selected level and type of optical distortion. Other embodiments may be configured to measure or otherwise ascertain the actual distortion of the optical lens and/or other components of the system and generate a virtual scan line pattern that compensates for the measured distortion.

Abstract: An edge detecting device for detecting a position of an edge of an object includes a measuring circuit for emitting an inspection light to a linear inspecting area including the object, and measuring first light quantity of a reflected light of the inspection light reflected from the inspecting area in a first state and second light quantity of a reflected light of the inspection light reflected from the inspecting area in a second state, a calculation circuit for calculating a difference of the first light quantity and the second light quantity measured by the measuring circuit for each pixel with a first predetermined length, calculating first total differences of reflected lights from pixels with a second predetermined length located adjacent to an objective dot in one direction by totalizing differences between the first and the second light quantity reflected from each of the pixels, and calculating second total differences of reflected lights from the other pixels with the second predetermined length lo

Abstract: Parameters to be set in an electronic device are generated with a simple operation, and further, safely in terms of security. For this purpose, upon generation of setting parameters for an electronic device having a radio LAN function and an image sensing function, first, parameters necessary for radio LAN communication are inputted. Then, a secret key for encryption of the input parameters is inputted. Thereafter, the input parameters are encrypted with the secret key, thus encrypted information is generated. A two-dimensional barcode image is generated from the encrypted information, and the image is visibly outputted to be subjected to image sensing utilizing the image sensing function.

Abstract: A method for increasing efficiency of interaction by an operator with data on a computer display includes presenting the data to the operator on the computer display, and providing multiple instances of an on-screen control at different locations on the display for selection by the operator using a pointing device linked to the display. The control is actuated responsive to the selection by the operator of any of the instances of the control on the display.

Abstract: A system for determining the image resolution of a check image using MICR characters. The disclosed system includes an extracting system for extracting a magnetic ink code recognition (MICR) code line from the document image, wherein the extracting system provides coordinate values for each of a plurality of MICR characters in the MICR code line; a calculating system for calculating a set of resolution values based on the coordinate values of the MICR characters; and a statistical analysis system that calculates a representative resolution value from the set of resolution values.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biological scanner for scanning biological growth plates. The biological growth plate is loaded into the biological scanner via motorized rollers, and an actuator presses the growth plate against a platen once the growth plate is drawn to a scanning position within the scanner. The biological scanner then generates one or more images of the growth plate. Moreover, sensors can be arranged to facilitate sensing and positioning of the growth plate in a plurality of locations for imaging different parts of the plate. Additional embodiments are directed to features such as a hinged door that facilitates access to the scanner, and footings disposed on various sides of the scanner to facilitate flip-over of the scanner for simplified use by right-handed or left-handed users.

Abstract: There is described a bar code reading device having an image sensor, a first operating state and an alternative operating state. In the first operating state the bar code reading device can be restricted from reading out image data corresponding to a maximum number of pixels of the image sensor. In the alternative operating state, the bar code reading device can be capable of reading out a maximum number of pixels of the image sensor. The bar code reading device can attempt to decode a bar code symbol represented in captured image data whether the first operating state or the alternative operating state is active.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging an arcuate surface of an object such as a bottle with a label thereon. Such bottle may be a wine bottle. In one embodiment, the bottle is placed into an imaging chamber. Preferably, space between the imaging chamber and the wine bottle is covered with a flexible material to exclude light from the chamber. A scanner, or imaging device, is moved either manually or under the control of a microprocessor with respect to the bottle to image the bottle label. Either the scanner travels along an arcuate path around the bottle or the bottle rotates on a turntable to cause the label to move past a stationary scanner. A controller is associated with the imaging device and/or the turntable to control movement of the imaging device or the turntable to cause imaging of the bottle label. The image of the scanned label may be stored in memory, sent to a printer, or wirelessly transmitted to remote storage and/or output devices.

Abstract: An image sensing device is disclosed. The image sensing device comprises a plurality of image sensor units disposed separately and a plurality of wave guiding units. Each wave guiding unit is disposed on each corresponding image sensor unit.

Abstract: A method of conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing text. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between an impression identity, absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) generating an input description for the scanned image; and (iv) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image. The page description is indexed with the impression identity and, further, the page description is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image.

Abstract: A flatbed scanner comprises: a platen for supporting a substrate and a carriage for traversing across a surface. The carriage comprises a pagewidth scanhead for scanning a pre-printed graphic image and a pagewidth printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto the surface. The flatbed scanner further comprises an ink supply and a processor configured for generating association data. The association data indicates an association between a scanned graphic image, an impression identity and a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A system for conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing text, the image having been scanned and had a position-coding pattern printed thereon, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the image, the system comprising a computer system configured for: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) generating an input description for the scanned image, the input description describing words of computer text and zones of corresponding text images in the scanned image; and (iv) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image, the page description being indexed with the impression identity, wherein the page description is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image.

Abstract: A method of conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing a URI text string. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between an impression identity, absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) identifying a URI text string in the computer text; (iv) generating an input description for the scanned image, and (v) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image. The page description is indexed with the impression identity and, further, is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image.

Abstract: A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image pre-printed on a surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe-scanner relative to the surface and swiping the scanner across the surface; (ii) capturing, during the swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the graphic image, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the graphic image; (iv) sensing, during the swipe, positions of the scanner; (v) using the sensed positions to control, during the swipe, printing of the position-coding pattern; (vi) using the sensed positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image; and (vii) generating association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and the scanned graphic image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and/or a digital camera providing a geometrical transformation of deformed images of documents comprising text, by text line tracking, resulting in an image comprising parallel text lines. The transformed image is provided as an input to an OCR program either running in a computer system or in a processing element comprised in said digital camera.

Abstract: An image processing terminal apparatus includes an image capture device configured to optically scan an intended area on a document by moving the terminal apparatus over the document and to capture image data of each of serial static images of the intended area for position calculation and image data of each of serial static images of the intended area for character recognition, alternately, and an image process device configured to calculate position information of the each of serial static images of the intended area for character recognition based on image data of predetermined areas in the each of serial static images of the intended area for position calculation.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source, rotational polygonal mirror, correction data calculating unit, modification computing unit, and adjustment unit. The adjustment unit adjusts drive current supplied to the light source using the correction data calculated by the correction data calculating unit when a first of a plurality of modes is selected or using the correction data calculated by the modification computing unit when a second of the plurality of modes is selected.

Abstract: The method and the system simplify moving interactions by means of virtual reference subjects and flux-based coordinate transformations in order to generate a changeable frame of reference.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing characters includes a text structure analyzing unit that analyzes an input image of text composed of mixed typed and handwritten characters and separates the input text image into predefined text imaging regions, a character clipping unit that clips characters one by one in each of the text imaging regions separated by the text structure analyzing unit, a feature vectors calculating unit that calculates feature vectors of the clipped characters for each of the text imaging regions, a feature vectors aggregating unit that aggregates the calculated feature vectors over a predefined range of the input text image, and a typed and handwritten character separation unit that separates characters involved in the input text image into the typed characters and the handwritten characters, based on a result of the aggregation by the feature vectors aggregating unit.

Abstract: An optical imaging system with dynamic buffer management is described. Embodiments of the optical imaging system include an image sensor, a buffer, and a buffer mode controller. The image sensor includes a pixel array to read out a plurality of pixel lines for a frame of an image. The buffer is configured to store a plurality of buffer values corresponding to a plurality of pixel values for each of the pixel lines. The buffer mode controller is configured to dynamically switch between an accumulation mode and an averaging mode. The accumulation mode facilitates a computation of each buffer value according to a sum value of the corresponding pixel value and a corresponding previous buffer value. The averaging mode facilitates a computation of each buffer value according to an average value of a normalized value of the corresponding pixel value and the corresponding previous buffer value.

Abstract: A method for reading a meter includes (1) capturing a first image of digits displayed by the meter, (2) roughly locating the digits by correlating the entire first image against symbols, (3) precisely locating the digits by correlating the digits against the symbols, which are now rotated, resized, and repositioned to maximize correlation, (4) determining and storing nominal centers of the digits in a nonvolatile memory. The method further includes (5) capturing a second image of the digits, (6) locating regions of interest in the second image according to the nominal centers, (7) determining vertical positions of full digits (or partial digits) in the regions of interest, (8) aligning symbols (or partial symbols) and the full digits (or the partial digits) according to the vertical position, and (9) correlating the symbol and the full digits (or the partial symbols and the partial digits).

Abstract: A form processing method for extracting data items from a form previously digitized in the form of a digital image, the method comprising prompting a user to indicate a location of one or more physical fields each physical field relating to a data item of specific type; receiving one or more indications provided by the user on the location of the physical fields; and identifying content and location of the data items of the physical fields using related data formats.