A computer program product includes a non-volatile computer readable medium and non-transitory program instructions embodied therein, the program instructions being configured to be executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform various operations. The operations may include obtaining first encoded data that encodes information of a first party, obtaining second encoded data that encodes information of a second party, performing a forward mashup algorithm on the first encoded data and second encoded data to form a third data set, and providing the third data set to the first party as a mashup two-dimensional barcode.

Indicia readers may be configured with two illumination light sources: a primary light source for illuminating primary indicia (e.g., a barcode) and a secondary ultraviolet (UV) light source for revealing secondary indicia (e.g., UV fluorescent watermarks) that are used to protect against counterfeit and fraud. Ultraviolet light can be harmful. The present invention embraces methods and a device for controlling the secondary UV light source to limit UV exposure. When an exposure risks is detected, the UV light source is deactivated.

A secure indicator includes a substrate, a barcode symbol that has a plurality of barcode modules provided on the substrate, and a security material positioned proximate the barcode symbol on the substrate. The security material is configured to be activated by irradiation at one or more predetermined activation wavelengths. Additionally, the barcode symbol is configured to be read (i) before the security material is activated and (ii) while the security material is activated.

A laser processing system includes: a first light irradiator including: a first light emitter to emit first laser light; and a first light scanner to scan a first region of a workpiece with the first laser light emitted from the first light emitter; a second light irradiator including: a second light emitter to emit second laser light; and a second light scanner to scan a second region different from the first region of the workpiece with the second laser light emitted from the second light emitter. The first light irradiator emits the first laser light to the first region of the workpiece in a first irradiation direction, the second light irradiator emits the second laser light to the second region of the workpiece in a second irradiation direction opposite to the first irradiation direction.

An optical code reader classifies a code depicted in input imagery, so that appropriate decoding actions can be invoked. This classification may identify, e.g., (a) whether the code is of a continuous tone or sparse mark variety, (b) which one of different reference signals it includes, and (c) which one of different protocols is used in expressing reference and payload signal components of the code. A great variety of other features and technologies are detailed as well.

Disclosed are a system and method to verify and authenticate an item. The system includes a memory and a processor. The processor includes a reader module, an optical character recognition (OCR) module, an image recognition module, a camera module, and an item digital passport (IDP) module. The reader module scans and processes a matrix barcode and other barcodes. The optical character recognition (OCR) module scans one or more of a micro size alphanumeric code, a nano size alphanumeric code, and a visible alphanumeric code present on a hologram that is embossed, printed, or lasered on the item and verifies the item by comparing the scanned data with the data corresponding to the item stored in the memory. The optical character recognition module authenticates the item if the scanned data matches with the data corresponding to the item stored in the memory. The optical character recognition module facilitates a user interface to display the comparison data and the authentication data. The image recognition module verifies and authenticates one or more of a micro size image, a nano size image, and a visible holographic image present on the hologram. The camera module analyzes the intricate details of one or more of the hologram features and elements, and a security print design features and elements captured by a camera lens. The camera module measures individual features and elements present in the hologram, and the security print design features and elements with an embedded ruler. The item digital passport (IDP) module captures data pertaining to the movement of the items from a source point to a destination point.

An information code that records information read by a first reader and a second reader, includes: a plurality of bar areas; and a plurality of space areas disposed between the plurality of bar areas. The plurality of the bar areas and the plurality of space areas provide a barcode for recording a first information recognized by the first reader. At least one of the plurality of bar areas and the plurality of space areas provide a second information recognized by the second reader in a format including a hash value with an arrangement of a plurality of colors defined so as not to change a discrimination between the bar areas and the space areas by the first reader.

A method for securely marking an object, comprising: a step of determining a maximum cell size (302) of a two-dimensional barcode (301), the cell size being defined by an area containing a number of dots (304, 305), a step of estimating a minimum number of dots of a predetermined colour referred to as the “main colour” in a cell such that the cell is detected as being said colour by a predetermined reader, a step of encoding a message in cells of a two-dimensional barcode by defining the main colour of each cell, said message representing at least one instance of access to a remote resource, for at least one cell, a step of defining an image (306) to be represented in the cell, the number of dots in the colour image defining the cell being greater than the estimated minimum number and a step of marking the object with the secure two-dimensional barcode.

Provided is an optical code that retains compatibility with existing optical codes and is used for recording information different from the information recorded under prescribed conditions. Also provided are a method and a device for reading the optical code. The optical code includes a plurality of light color modules of a light color and a plurality of dark color modules of a dark color to record first data. At least the light color modules or the dark color modules are made up of a first module and a second module having different reflectance for light of a predetermined wavelength. Second data is recorded in a pattern of the first and second modules.

A sales data processing system includes a first reader that reads a code symbol as a visible image included in image information output by an imaging unit, a second reader that reads a code symbol as an invisible image in the image information, and a third reader that recognizes a service image in the image information. The system includes a registrar that registers information as sales data on a commodity identified by the code symbol read by the first or second reader, and a standby processor that suspends reading by the second reader and waits for recognition of a service image by the third reader in response to a commodity being identified by the code symbol read by the second reader. The system includes a service processor that reflects a service in the sales data registered by the registrar in response to the third reader recognizing the service image.