Patents by Inventor Mark Ashby

Mark Ashby has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190087618
    Abstract: A barcode reader may perform image processing functions to generate distinct image data records from the frame of image data of a barcode, select an image data record from the distinct image data records and decode the selected image data record. Each image data record may be generated by applying a distinct image processing function to the frame of image data. The barcode reader may capture multiple frames of image data in sequence based on image capture parameters. At least one of the multiple frames of image data may be captured with a distinct parameter value. The image capture parameters may include an exposure setting, a gain setting, a resolution setting, and/or an illumination setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Ming Lei, Mark Ashby, Ryan Hoobler
  • Publication number: 20190083756
    Abstract: A deflation catheter device, comprising: a catheter tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a stylet disposed within the catheter tube; a stylet handle attached to the stylet; and a y-connector disposed near a proximal end of the catheter tube, configured to provide fluid communication from the distal end of the catheter tube and a suction port, and configured to provide access for the stylet from the proximal end of the catheter tube to the distal end of the catheter tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Pecor, Jason Kwok, Mark Ashby
  • Publication number: 20190073504
    Abstract: A barcode reader may include an image sensor array, an optic system, an image buffer, and a plurality of pre-processing circuits implemented in hardware. The optic system may be configured to focus an image of a barcode onto the image sensor array. The plurality of pre-processing circuits may collectively implement a plurality of different image processing functions. Each pre-processing circuit may be configured to receive as input an image frame from the image sensor array or an image data record from the image buffer. The image data record may be derived from the image frame. Each pre-processing circuit may also be configured to perform an image processing function with respect to the image frame or the image data record, thereby generating a new image data record. A decoder may use at least one image data record to decode the barcode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 10223564
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attachment for a smartphone. The smartphone may include i) a camera with an image sensor and a focusing lens located on a back side of the smartphone for capturing an image of a target area; and ii) a white light source on the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may include a targeting optic system. When the attachment is secured to the back side of the smartphone, the targeting optic system may receive illumination emitted by the white light source and direct the illumination towards the target area from a location that is not directly in front of the camera's image sensor. The location may be farther from the focusing lens than the white light source when measured parallel to the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may also direct the illumination into the target area via the targeting optic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Garrett Russell, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 10192086
    Abstract: A barcode reading enhancement system for a mobile device may include an optic system aligning with a camera lens of the mobile device to define a barcode reading lens system. The barcode reading lens system may be defined by a combination of the camera lens and the optic system. The barcode reading lens system may provide a system field of view that is different from a camera field of view of the camera lens. The barcode reading enhancement system may also include an illumination optic system aligning with an illumination torch of the mobile device to define an exposure illumination system. The exposure illumination system may emit a system illumination field with a system angular size that is different from a torch angular size of a torch illumination field emitted by the illumination torch. The system field of view and the system illumination field may substantially overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Garrett Russell, Ming Lei, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 10133902
    Abstract: A barcode reader may perform image processing functions to generate distinct image data records from the frame of image data of a barcode, select an image data record from the distinct image data records and decode the selected image data record. Each image data record may be generated by applying a distinct image processing function to the frame of image data. The barcode reader may capture multiple frames of image data in sequence based on image capture parameters. At least one of the multiple frames of image data may be captured with a distinct parameter value. The image capture parameters may include an exposure setting, a gain setting, a resolution setting, and/or an illumination setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, Mark Ashby, Ryan Hoobler
  • Publication number: 20180332142
    Abstract: A barcode reader may include barcode reading hardware, which may include an image sensor. The image sensor may capture an image of a barcode within a field of view. The barcode reading hardware may also include a communication interface for output of decoded data to a remote computing system. The barcode reader may also include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may include start-up instructions. The barcode reader may also include a processor. The processor may be configured to, upon power-up of the barcode reader, execute the start-up instructions to obtain firmware for operating the barcode reader from a remote configuration server, load the firmware to the volatile memory, and commence execution of the firmware to commence barcode reading functions of the barcode reader without performing a re-boot operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Steve Pierce
  • Patent number: 10121041
    Abstract: A barcode reader may include an image sensor array, an optic system, an image buffer, and a plurality of pre-processing circuits implemented in hardware. The optic system may be configured to focus an image of a barcode onto the image sensor array. The plurality of pre-processing circuits may collectively implement a plurality of different image processing functions. Each pre-processing circuit may be configured to receive as input an image frame from the image sensor array or an image data record from the image buffer. The image data record may be derived from the image frame. Each pre-processing circuit may also be configured to perform an image processing function with respect to the image frame or the image data record, thereby generating a new image data record. A decoder may use at least one image data record to decode the barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 10117766
    Abstract: Inflation devices for inflating intragastric devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an inflation device can include a tube, an inner detent, and an outer detent. The tube can extend from a proximal portion of the inflation device to a distal portion of the inflation device, and can include a handle at the proximal portion and a barb at the distal portion. The barb can have a cross-sectional dimension greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a corresponding inflation port of an intragastric device. The inner detent can be positioned over the barb and can include a mating interface. The outer detent can be positioned over the inner detent, and can be configured to attach over a proximal cap of the intragastric device. The tube can be longitudinally advanceable relative to at least one of the inner and outer detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: ReShape Medical LLC
    Inventors: Outhit Bouasaysy, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 10033834
    Abstract: A barcode reader may include barcode reading hardware, which may include an image sensor. The image sensor may capture an image of a barcode within a field of view. The barcode reading hardware may also include a communication interface for output of decoded data to a remote computing system. The barcode reader may also include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may include start-up instructions. The barcode reader may also include a processor. The processor may be configured to, upon power-up of the barcode reader, execute the start-up instructions to obtain firmware for operating the barcode reader from a remote configuration server, load the firmware to the volatile memory, and commence execution of the firmware to commence barcode reading functions of the barcode reader without performing a re-boot operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Steve Pierce
  • Patent number: 9987470
    Abstract: A deflation catheter device, comprising: a catheter tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a stylet disposed within the catheter tube; a stylet handle attached to the stylet; and a y-connector disposed near a proximal end of the catheter tube, configured to provide fluid communication from the distal end of the catheter tube and a suction port, and configured to provide access for the stylet from the proximal end of the catheter tube to the distal end of the catheter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ReShape Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Pecor, Jason Kwok, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 9922221
    Abstract: A barcode reading enhancement system includes an attachment for a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or a hybrid combination thereof, with a camera. The attachment may include an optics system that cooperates with the mobile device camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The optics system may increase the camera's depth of field, increase ratio of focal length to entrance pupil diameter, and/or decrease the angular size of the field of view of the camera. The system includes a mobile barcode reading application for setting a camera lens of the camera to one of a plurality of predetermined focus positions or enabling autofocus of the camera within a limited range of focus positions less than a full range of focus positions of the camera. The application may cause the camera to capture an image of a barcode and decode the image of the barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler, Garrett Russell, George Powell, Mark Ashby
  • Publication number: 20180060627
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attachment for a smartphone. The smartphone may include i) a camera with an image sensor and a focusing lens located on a back side of the smartphone for capturing an image of a target area; and ii) a white light source on the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may include a targeting optic system. When the attachment is secured to the back side of the smartphone, the targeting optic system may receive illumination emitted by the white light source and direct the illumination towards the target area from a location that is not directly in front of the camera's image sensor. The location may be farther from the focusing lens than the white light source when measured parallel to the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may also direct the illumination into the target area via the targeting optic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Garrett Russell, Mark Ashby
  • Publication number: 20170344775
    Abstract: A barcode reader may include an image sensor array, an optic system, an image buffer, and a plurality of pre-processing circuits implemented in hardware. The optic system may be configured to focus an image of a barcode onto the image sensor array. The plurality of pre-processing circuits may collectively implement a plurality of different image processing functions. Each pre-processing circuit may be configured to receive as input an image frame from the image sensor array or an image data record from the image buffer. The image data record may be derived from the image frame. Each pre-processing circuit may also be configured to perform an image processing function with respect to the image frame or the image data record, thereby generating a new image data record. A decoder may use at least one image data record to decode the barcode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler
  • Publication number: 20170324839
    Abstract: A barcode reader may include barcode reading hardware, which may include an image sensor. The image sensor may capture an image of a barcode within a field of view. The barcode reading hardware may also include a communication interface for output of decoded data to a remote computing system. The barcode reader may also include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may include start-up instructions. The barcode reader may also include a processor. The processor may be configured to, upon power-up of the barcode reader, execute the start-up instructions to obtain firmware for operating the barcode reader from a remote configuration server, load the firmware to the volatile memory, and commence execution of the firmware to commence barcode reading functions of the barcode reader without performing a re-boot operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Steve Pierce
  • Patent number: 9811703
    Abstract: An attachment for a smart phone includes a targeting optic system which, when the attachment is secured to the backside of the smart phone, receives illumination emitted by the white light source and directs the illumination towards the target area from a location that is not directly in front of the camera's image sensor. The attachment directs illumination from the white light source in a direction parallel to the backside of the smart phone to a distance farther away from the camera's image sensor than a distance between the white light source and the camera's image sensor, and from that distance farther away from the camera's image sensor, directs the illumination into the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Garrett Russell, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 9808278
    Abstract: The present disclosure is a method and apparatus to prepare a tissue tract having a handle member with a centerline, and a scalpel member fixedly attached to the handle member having a blunt tip, wherein the handle member has a first side positioned at a first positive angle relative to the centerline, and a second side opposite the first side positioned at a second positive angle relative to the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Eduardo Chi Sing
  • Publication number: 20170239072
    Abstract: Inflation devices for inflating intragastric devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an inflation device can include a tube, an inner detent, and an outer detent. The tube can extend from a proximal portion of the inflation device to a distal portion of the inflation device, and can include a handle at the proximal portion and a barb at the distal portion. The barb can have a cross-sectional dimension greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a corresponding inflation port of an intragastric device. The inner detent can be positioned over the barb and can include a mating interface. The outer detent can be positioned over the inner detent, and can be configured to attach over a proximal cap of the intragastric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Outhit Bouasaysy, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 9734374
    Abstract: A barcode reader may perform image processing functions to generate distinct image data records from the frame of image data of a barcode, select an image data record from the distinct image data records and decode the selected image data record. Each image data record may be generated by applying a distinct image processing function to the frame of image data. The barcode reader may capture multiple frames of image data in sequence based on image capture parameters. At least one of the multiple frames of image data may be captured with a distinct parameter value. The image capture parameters may include an exposure setting, a gain setting, a resolution setting, and/or an illumination setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 9716773
    Abstract: A host device is configured to (i) establish a point-to-point connection with a barcode reader via a point-to-point communication interface, (ii) determine that the barcode reader is in a state wherein executable instructions necessary for providing decoded data to the host device are not present within memory of the barcode reader, (iii) use the network interface to connect to a configuration server and to receive, from the configuration server, executable instructions required for the barcode reader to be capable of providing the decoded data to the host device, (iv) provide the executable instructions to the barcode reader via the point-to-point connection, and (v) receive from the barcode reader, via the point-to-point communication interface, the decoded data only after the executable instructions have been loaded to volatile memory of the barcode reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Steve Pierce