Method and Apparatus for Detecting a Two Dimensional Data Matrix
First Claim
1. A method for detecting a two-dimensional bar code pattern using a bar code pattern reader, the bar code pattern being in the form of a matrix of rows and columns of data cells of either a first or second colour representing encoded data bits, and containing a set of at least two predetermined locating symbols at predetermined positions within the bar code pattern, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- receiving a two-dimensional image containing the pattern,analysing the image to identify potential occurrences of the locating symbols within the image,validating the potential occurrences of locating symbols by analysing the potential occurrences to identify any set of occurrences whose size and relative positions within the image are consistent with the predetermined positions of the locating symbols within the bar code pattern, thereby identifying a set of locating symbols, andidentifying the location of the bar code pattern within the image on the basis of the positions of the identified locating symbols.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for detecting a two-dimensional bar code pattern using a bar code pattern reader, the bar code pattern being in the form of a matrix of rows and columns of data cells of either a first or second colour representing encoded data bits, and containing a set of at least two predetermined locating symbols at predetermined positions within the bar code pattern, wherein the method comprises the steps of: receiving a two-dimensional image containing the pattern, analysing the image to identify potential occurrences of the locating symbols within the image, validating the potential occurrences of locating symbols by analysing the potential occurrences to identify any set of occurrences whose size and relative positions within the image are consistent with the predetermined positions of the locating symbols within the bar code pattern, thereby identifying a set of locating symbols, and identifying the location of the bar code pattern within the image on the basis of the positions of the identified locating symbols. An apparatus for carrying out the method, and systems which utilise the bar code pattern, are also disclosed.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. A method for detecting a two-dimensional bar code pattern using a bar code pattern reader, the bar code pattern being in the form of a matrix of rows and columns of data cells of either a first or second colour representing encoded data bits, and containing a set of at least two predetermined locating symbols at predetermined positions within the bar code pattern, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
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receiving a two-dimensional image containing the pattern, analysing the image to identify potential occurrences of the locating symbols within the image, validating the potential occurrences of locating symbols by analysing the potential occurrences to identify any set of occurrences whose size and relative positions within the image are consistent with the predetermined positions of the locating symbols within the bar code pattern, thereby identifying a set of locating symbols, and identifying the location of the bar code pattern within the image on the basis of the positions of the identified locating symbols. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 41)
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22. Electronic ticketing system comprising ticketing means for receiving orders and issuing electronic tickets relating to an event, the ticketing means being arranged to:
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designate certain tickets to the event as biddable, receive bids from users relating to the designated tickets in accordance with a predetermined bidding process, and allocate the tickets to selected users in accordance with the bidding process, generate an electronic ticket and transmit it to an electronic device associated with the selected user, wherein the electronic ticket is transmitted in the form of a message which, when displayed, takes the form of a two-dimensional bar code pattern, the system further comprising at least one bar code pattern reading apparatus, arranged to read a displayed bar code pattern presented by a user, and validate the electronic ticket represented by the bar code pattern, to allow the user to access the event. - View Dependent Claims (23, 39, 40)
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24. A money transfer system comprising one or more outlets at which users can make or receive a money transfer payment, each outlet comprising means for receiving a transfer request from a first user including information identifying a recipient, and receiving a corresponding payment from the first user, the information including an electronic device identifier for the recipient,
the system including means for generating a transaction code and transmitting a message to the electronic device associated with the recipient by using the device identifier, wherein the message, when displayed, either takes the form of a two-dimensional bar code pattern or contains information enabling the recipient to obtain such a two-dimensional bar code pattern code from a secure server, the bar code pattern representing the transaction code, at least one outlet being provided with a bar code reading apparatus, arranged to read a displayed bar code pattern presented by the recipient, and to validate the transaction code represented by the bar code pattern whereby to enable payment to the recipient in accordance with the transfer request, on validating the code.
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27. A retail promotion system comprising means for storing information relating to a customer, including an electronic device identifier associated with the customer,
the system further comprising processing means for generating promotional voucher information to be provided to the customer, generating an electronic code and transmitting a message to the electronic device associated with the customer by using the device identifier, wherein the message, when displayed, takes the form of a two-dimensional bar code pattern, the system further comprising at least one bar code pattern reading apparatus, arranged to read a displayed bar code pattern presented by the customer and to retrieve the voucher information to be provided to the customer, whereby to allow the customer to utilise the voucher information.
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33. An interactive television ticketing system comprising interactive television providing means for providing an interactive television service, said means arranged to:
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provide programming content to a user relating to a product or service; receive an input from the user to initiate an interactive session; and receive an electronic device identifier from the user as part of the interactive session; the system comprising processing means for receiving from the interactive television providing means the electronic device identifier and information identifying the product or service, generating an electronic ticket and transmitting it to the electronic device associated with the user by using the device identifier, wherein the electronic ticket is transmitted in the form of a message which, when displayed, takes the form of a two-dimensional bar code pattern, the system further comprising at least one bar code pattern reading apparatus, arranged to read a displayed bar code pattern presented by the user, and validate the electronic ticket represented by the bar code patter, whereby to allow the user to utilise the ticket. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification