Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090003722 | METHODS FOR LOCATING AND DECODING DISTORTED TWO-DIMENSIONAL MATRIX SYMBOLS - A method is presented for processing an image of a two-dimensional (2D) matrix symbol having a plurality of data modules and a discontinuous finder pattern, each distorted by “donut effects”. A resulting processed image contains an image of the 2D matrix symbol having a continuous finder pattern suitable for conventional 2D matrix symbol locating techniques, and having a plurality of data modules, each data module having a center more truly representative of intended data, and suitable for conventional 2D matrix symbol sampling and decoding. The method includes sharpening the distorted image of the 2D matrix symbol to increase a difference between low frequency and high frequency image feature magnitudes, thereby providing a sharpened image, and smoothing the sharpened image using a moving window over the sharpened image so as to provide a smoothed image, the moving window and a module of the 2D matrix code being of substantially similar size. | 01-01-2009 |
20090090781 | Decoding distorted symbols - A method is provided for reading distorted optical symbols using known locating and decoding methods, without requiring a separate and elaborate camera calibration procedure, without excessive computational complexity, and without compromised burst noise handling. The invention exploits a distortion-tolerant method for locating and decoding 2D code symbols to provide a correspondence between a set of points in an acquired image and a set of points in the symbol. A coordinate transformation is then constructed using the correspondence, and run-time images are corrected using the coordinate transformation. Each corrected run-time image provides a distortion-free representation of a symbol that can be read by traditional code readers that normally cannot read distorted symbols. The method can handle both optical distortion and printing distortion. The method is applicable to “portable” readers when an incident angle with the surface is maintained, the reader being disposed at any distance from the surface. | 04-09-2009 |
20090121027 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR READING PATTERNS USING MULTIPLE IMAGE FRAMES - This invention provides a system and method for decoding symbology that contains a respective data set using multiple image frames of the symbol, wherein at least some of those frames can have differing image parameters (for example orientation, lens zoom, aperture, etc.) so that combining the frames with an illustrative multiple image application allows the most-readable portions of each frame to be stitched together. And unlike prior systems which may select one “best” image, the illustrative system method allows this stitched image to form a complete, readable image of the underlying symbol. In an illustrative embodiment the system and method includes an imaging assembly that acquires multiple image frames of the symbol in which some of those image frames have discrete, differing image parameters from others of the frames. A processor, which is operatively connected to the imaging assembly processes the plurality of acquired image frames of the symbol to decode predetermined code data from at least some of the plurality of image frames, and to combine the predetermined code data from the at least some of the plurality of image frames to define a decodable version of the data set represented by the symbol. | 05-14-2009 |
20100025469 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING OMNIDIRECTIONAL LIGHTING IN A SCANNING DEVICE - A system and method is provided for selectively controlling the illumination, and particularly dark field illumination, applied to a symbol to be decoded, and for determining a suitable or optimized level of lighting for decoding the symbol. A ring-shaped illuminator is provided, and is segmented into a plurality of individually-controllable lighting portions which can be, for example, quadrants. Initially, illumination is provided to the symbol through an initial set of lighting conditions. Feedback from acquired image data is then used to determine whether the lighting is suitable for decoding the symbol and, if not, a controller varies the lighting applied to the symbol, and additional image data is acquired. This process is continued until suitable conditions are met. Alternatively, activation and deactivation of the lighting segments can be manually selected by an operator to provide suitable conditions. | 02-04-2010 |
20110101101 | Decoding distorted symbols - A method is provided for reading distorted optical symbols using known locating and decoding methods, without requiring a separate and elaborate camera calibration procedure, without excessive computational complexity, and without compromised burst noise handling. The invention exploits a distortion-tolerant method for locating and decoding 2D code symbols to provide a correspondence between a set of points in an acquired image and a set of points in the symbol. A coordinate transformation is then constructed using the correspondence, and run-time images are corrected using the coordinate transformation. Each corrected run-time image provides a distortion-free representation of a symbol that can be read by traditional code readers that normally cannot read distorted symbols. The method can handle both optical distortion and printing distortion. The method is applicable to “portable” readers when an incident angle with the surface is maintained, the reader being disposed at any distance from the surface. | 05-05-2011 |
20120116704 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VERIFYING TWO DIMENSIONAL MARK QUALITY - A method and system for applying a two dimensional mark on a first surface of a component and assessing mark quality, the method comprising the steps of positioning a component with a first surface at a first station, applying a two dimensional mark to the first surface at the first station wherein the applied mark is intended to codify a first information subset, obtaining an image of the applied two dimensional mark at the first station using a stationary camera that has a field of view that is centered along a trajectory that forms an obtuse angle with at least a portion of the first surface and that includes at least a portion of the first surface, performing a mark quality assessment on the obtained image and performing a secondary function as a result of the mark quality assessment. | 05-10-2012 |
20130194819 | Light Pipe Illumination System and Method - Systems and methods provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject. | 08-01-2013 |
20130233926 | Method and Apparatus for Providing Omnidirectional Lighting in a Scanning Device - Systems and methods are provided for selectively controlling the illumination, and particularly dark field illumination, applied to a symbol to be decoded, and for determining a suitable or optimized level of lighting for decoding the symbol. A method includes providing a light source comprising a plurality of individually-controllable lighting elements for providing low angle dark field illumination; activating an image sensor for detecting image data reflected from an encoded data symbol when the encoded data symbol is illuminated by the light source; and providing a controller connected to each of the individually-controllable lighting elements, the controller being programmed for: selectively activating the individually-controllable lighting elements to vary the direction of the low angle dark field illumination provided by the light source; and processing the image data detected by the image. | 09-12-2013 |
20150014415 | Method and Apparatus for Providing Omnidirectional Lighting in a Scanning Device - Systems and methods are provided for selectively controlling the illumination, and particularly dark field illumination, applied to a symbol to be decoded, and for determining a suitable or optimized level of lighting for decoding the symbol. A method includes providing a light source comprising a plurality of individually-controllable lighting elements for providing low angle dark field illumination; activating an image sensor for detecting image data reflected from an encoded data symbol when the encoded data symbol is illuminated by the light source; and providing a controller connected to each of the individually-controllable lighting elements, the controller being programmed for: selectively activating the individually-controllable lighting elements to vary the direction of the low angle dark field illumination provided by the light source; and processing the image data detected by the image. | 01-15-2015 |
20150016139 | Light Pipe Illumination System and Method - Systems and methods provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject. | 01-15-2015 |