Techniques for decoding images of barcodes

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 7886978
APP PUB NO 20090078772A1
SERIAL NO

11903178

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Abstract

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Techniques for enhancing the reliable and efficient decoding of images of computer-readable symbols, which represent information encoded using a one- or two-dimensional visual symbology, are discussed. In accordance with one technique, prior to attempting to decode a particular image, a likelihood of successfully decoding the visual symbology from the image is determined based on a success metric. The success metric is calculated based on the blurriness of the image, or the tilt of the camera that captured the image, or both. Levels of blurriness or tilt, and the likelihood of decoding success, are ascertained with respect to predetermined reference values associated with generally decodable images. In accordance with another technique, image-sharpening algorithms are applied at select locations within the image. Such locations generally correspond to centers of modules within the visual symbology of the computer-readable symbol, which are assigned values based on grayscale values of proximate pixels in the image.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCREDMOND, WA32034

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Loomis, Anne Seattle, US 2 42
Ofek, Eyal Redmond, US 148 2459

Cited Art Landscape

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
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NCR CORPORATION (1)
7059527 Methods and apparatus for using imaging information to improve scanning accuracy in bar code scanners 8 2004
 
SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (2)
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Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (1)
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Nippondenso Co., Ltd. (1)
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WELCH ALLYN DATA COLLECTION, INC. (1)
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INTERMEC IP CORP. (1)
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NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY (1)
2007/0013,767 Two dimensional (2D) code and code size indication method 2 2005
 
PA CONSULTING SERVICES, INC., A NJ CORP. (1)
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Neorex Co., Ltd. (1)
5283699 Micro-bar code reader system 14 1992
 
PSC SCANNING, INC. (1)
6073851 Multi-focus optical reader with masked or apodized lens 124 1998
 
SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (1)
6685095 Apparatus and method for decoding damaged optical codes 222 2001
* Cited By Examiner

Patent Citation Ranking

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Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (2)
* 8950661 Realizing desktop metaphors on a computer 0 2012
* 2014/0091,134 REALIZING DESKTOP METAPHORS ON A COMPUTER 0 2012
 
VIDEO EXPRESSIONS LLC (5)
9167314 Embedding information in an image 0 2013
* 9438964 Capturing video of an image with embedded code to access content 0 2013
9226043 Displaying content associated with code embedded in an image 1 2013
* 9055349 Displaying video retrieved from embedded code in a still image 0 2013
* 2014/0348,325 DISPLAYING VIDEO RETRIEVED FROM EMBEDDED CODE IN A STILL IMAGE 0 2013
 
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY (2)
8807435 Decoding multi-resolution optical codes 2 2011
8439275 Multi-resolution optical codes 1 2011
 
Fujian Newland Computer Co., Ltd. (2)
* 8550351 Matrix type two-dimensional barcode decoding chip and decoding method thereof 3 2011
* 2011/0290,878 MATRIX-TYPE TWO-DIMENSIONAL BARCODE DECODING CHIP AND DECODING METHOD THEREOF 9 2011
 
MONUMENT PEAK VENTURES, LLC (1)
8646691 Apparatus and method for using machine-readable codes 0 2011
 
Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc. (2)
8936194 Methods and systems for using two-dimensional matrix codes associated with panel component and equipment information and quality control 4 2013
9047279 Methods and systems for using two-dimensional matrix codes associated with panel component and equipment information and quality control 0 2014
 
COGNEX CORPORATION (5)
9027838 System and method for expansion of field of view in a vision system 1 2012
8794521 Systems and methods for operating symbology reader with multi-core processor 1 2012
9244283 System and method for expansion of field of view in a vision system 0 2014
9857575 System and method for expansion of field of view in a vision system 0 2015
9892298 System and method for expansion of field of view in a vision system 0 2015
* Cited By Examiner

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