A graphical indicator comprising a plurality of first header blocks, a plurality of second header blocks and a plurality of data blocks for forming an indicator matrix is provided. Each of the first and second header blocks has a header graphical micro-unit, and each of the data blocks has a data graphical micro-unit. An array area is formed by the second header blocks and the data blocks. A first virtual line and a second virtual line are respectively formed by virtual centers of the first and second header blocks, and an included angle between the first and second virtual lines is less than 90 degrees.

Disclosed is a two-dimensional code having improved design characteristics, for which any image can be added. The disclosed two-dimensional code divides data displayed in binary code into cells, arranges same as a pattern in a two-dimensional matrix, and has a position detection pattern. The two-dimensional code has embedded design information that indicates the existence of design areas wherein any design can be arranged and, if a design area exists, the position of the design area.

A computer-implemented method includes determining a set of parameters defining an arrangement of a plurality of copies of a standard barcode in two or more of layers of a layered barcode encoding subject data. The layered barcode has a plurality of cells, and for each cell in the layered barcode, a combined value for the cell is determined, where the combined value of the cell indicates a respective value of each layer at the cell, and the combined value is mapped to a color corresponding to the combined value. The plurality of layers of the layered barcode are generated, such that, at each cell of the plurality of cells, the layered barcode includes the color corresponding to the combined value of the cell.

A computer-implemented method includes determining a set of parameters defining an arrangement of a plurality of copies of a standard barcode in two or more of layers of a layered barcode encoding subject data. The layered barcode has a plurality of cells, and for each cell in the layered barcode, a combined value for the cell is determined, where the combined value of the cell indicates a respective value of each layer at the cell, and the combined value is mapped to a color corresponding to the combined value. The plurality of layers of the layered barcode are generated, such that, at each cell of the plurality of cells, the layered barcode includes the color corresponding to the combined value of the cell.

In one aspect, the technology processes image data depicting a physical object to extract payload data that is encoded on the object in the form of tiled code blocks. The payload data is encoded in conjunction with an associated reference signal. To account for possible inversion of the imagery, the decoding includes determining spatial correspondence between the image data and the reference signal. A patch of the image data smaller than the block size is then selected, and correlated with a spatially-corresponding patch of the reference signal. From the correlation it may be concluded that the chosen patch exhibits inversion. In such case a subset of the image data is adjusted prior to decoding to compensate for the inversion. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Systems and methods for custom functional patterns for optical barcodes are provided. In example embodiments, image data of an image is received from a user device. A candidate shape feature of the image is extracted from the image data. A determination is made that the shape feature satisfies a shape feature rule. In response to the candidate shape feature satisfying the shape feature rule, a custom graphic in the image is identified by comparing the candidate shape feature with a reference shape feature of the custom graphic. In response to identifying the custom graphic, data encoded in a portion of the image is decoded.

Disclosed are various embodiments involving use of a multi-scale fiducial by an autonomously controlled aerial vehicle. A first image at a first location is captured, and a first fiducial at a first scale of a multi-scale fiducial is recognized within the first image. The autonomously controlled aerial vehicle is piloted relative to the multi-scale fiducial based at least in part on information contained within the first fiducial. A second image at a second location is captured, and a second fiducial at a second scale of the multi-scale fiducial is recognized within the second image. An action is then performed based at least in part on information contained within the second fiducial.

There are provided a data playback system, a data playback method, a data playback terminal, a printer, and a server which are capable of playing sound from a printout and viewing a favorable image.

Image data of an image printed on an instant film and sound data associated with the image data are stored in a data storage server. In a case where a two-dimensional code printed with the image on the instant film is read by a data playback terminal, access information to the image data of the printed image and the sound data associated with the image data is obtained. The data playback terminal accesses the data storage server based on the obtained access information, and downloads and plays the image data of the printed image and the sound data.

A reflective particle tag reader system includes a read head assembly having a camera, illuminators, and a rigid frame portion for supporting the camera and the illuminators. The illuminators illuminate a focal point located opposite the camera where a reflective particle tag is placed. A computer in data communication with the camera receives and store images of the reflective particle tag that are acquired by the camera. The computer is programmed to process video images and to quantify a positional alignment parameter and an angular alignment parameter of the reader with respect to the reflective particle tag. A rapid burst of image frames is obtained in response to the positional alignment and the angular alignment parameters being within a predetermined tolerance and identity of the reflective tag is established between a first image set and a second image set.

Systems and methods for custom functional patterns for optical barcodes are provided. In example embodiments, image data of an image is received from a user device. A candidate shape feature of the image is extracted from the image data. A determination is made that the shape feature satisfies a shape feature rule. In response to the candidate shape feature satisfying the shape feature rule, a custom graphic in the image is identified by comparing the candidate shape feature with a reference shape feature of the custom graphic. In response to identifying the custom graphic, data encoded in a portion of the image is decoded.