Abstract:
An automated system and method for processing vote-by-mail ballots. The method comprises electronically evaluating the ballots for validity and sorting them according to sort parameters and sort plan. Included in the invention is an apparatus, computer readable medium, and computer system for carrying out the ballot processing method.
Abstract:
In a method of detecting blemishes in the proximity of the perimeter of a CCD image, pairs of adjacent pixels in the proximity of the perimeter are sequentially considered. For each pair of adjacent pixels, a plurality of pixels, in a blemish detection pixel pattern extending toward the center of the image are considered. The sum of the four outer pixels in the pixel pattern are compared to the sum of the inner pixels and the variance is compared to selected minimum and maximum differences. When the variance is outside either the minimum or the maximum differences a blemish has been detected. When the difference is within the two differences no blemish has been found. The blemish pattern is moved one pixel toward the center of the image and the process repeated. The difference comparison is repeated for a selected plurality of times and if desired the differences can be changed for some of the comparisons.
Abstract:
The identification of permissible variations in a CCD image perimeter as blemishes is avoided by sequentially considering the adjacent pixels of a selected plurality of pixels. Pixel motions are defined between adjacent pixels and can be either straight or diagonal. Diagonal pixel motions are recorded as straight when the first and last pixel motions are diagonal in opposite directions and the intervening pixel motions are straight.
Abstract:
A system for high speed acquisition and decoding of a barcode symbol locates potential barcode candidates within a scanned image and filters the candidates to eliminate invalid data. The system permits computational resources to be focused on decoding information most likely to be an actual barcode symbol. Once a potential barcode candidate has been located, the barcode symbol is processed to determine the barcode orientation and symbology. Each element of the barcode symbol is then located, even if all elements are not visible in the original image, and the barcode symbol is decoded in accordance with the specific symbology.
Abstract:
A system for high speed acquisition and decoding of a barcode symbol locates potential barcode candidates within a scanned image and filters the candidates to eliminate invalid data. The system permits computational resources to be focused on decoding information most likely to be an actual barcode symbol. Once a potential barcode candidate has been located, the barcode symbol is processed to determine the barcode orientation and symbology. Each element of the barcode symbol is then located, even if all elements are not visible in the original image, and the barcode symbol is decoded in accordance with the specific symbology.
Abstract:
A camera mount is disclosed that includes a base clamp, with a pair of opposing adjustable gripping surfaces to engage an environmental support, such as a bookshelf or a tree branch. In the preferred embodiment, removably attached to the base, is an adaptor designed to receive the mast portions of the device. The adaptor has a plurality of apertures for receiving the first mast portion, thus increasing the possible angles at which the masts can be set relative to the base clamp. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, each of the mast portions has an integral ball joint that allows the mast to have a "zig-zag" shape through various angles, if desired. This allows the field of view of the camera to avoid intervening obstacles, and aids in concealment, if desired. In a second embodiment of the invention, the adaptor and masts are replaced by a resiliently deformable "goose neck" arrangement.
Abstract:
A method of processing a plurality of mail items in an automated system without isolating each mail item on a scale. The method includes creation of a mail item record that identifies the item and includes the weight. Mail items may be weighed by determining a first scale weight reading, introducing a mail item onto the scale, determining the mail item weight at one or more times within a time window, and finding the difference between each consecutive scale weight. Differences between scale weight readings not equal to zero are outputted. All outputted scale weight readings are totaled to obtain the mail item weight. Further disclosed are a mail processing system and a method of ceasing mail processing when invalid weights are detected.
Abstract:
An area of interest is scanned to produce pixels of the scanned area. The pixels are divided into a plurality of blocks. For each block, an orientation of a spanning line or a lack of orientation is determined. Contiguous ones of the blocks are clustered, when their orientation is within a certain tolerance level. Each cluster has a length and a width. The length is longer than the width. If the orientation of a cluster's block is perpendicular to the length of that cluster, that cluster is selected as a bar code candidate.
Abstract:
A system for high speed acquisition and decoding of a barcode symbol locates potential barcode candidates within a scanned image and filters the candidates to eliminate invalid data. The system permits computational resources to be focused on decoding information most likely to be an actual barcode symbol. Once a potential barcode candidate has been located, the barcode symbol is processed to determine the barcode orientation and symbology. Each element of the barcode symbol is then located, even if all elements are not visible in the original image, and the barcode symbol is decoded in accordance with the specific symbology.