Reader Processing Circuitry Patents (Class 235/462.25)
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Patent number: 8002183Abstract: A scanner flipper integrity checking method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the method powers a motor for a predetermined amount of time. After the predetermined time has expired a wave is received indicative of the frequency of the oscillation of the flipper. Thereafter, the method uses the wave signal to determine whether there are two consecutive transitions indicative of movement by said flipper. In another embodiment, an apparatus is also provided which performs the similar features recited by the above method.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Blake, Donald T. Hudrick
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Patent number: 8002187Abstract: A device for processing image data relating to bar codes is described. In one embodiment a bar code verification device is provided having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Biss, William H. Havens, Michael D. Robinson, Paul Balschweit, Timothy R. Fitch, Melvin D. McCall, Garrison Gomez, Mark A. McClaude, Andrew Longacre, Jr., Eunice Sonneville
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Patent number: 7997492Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit, an image forming unit, a determining unit, an analyzing unit and a control unit. The receiving unit receives image data. The image forming unit performs a predetermined image forming process based on the image data received by the receiving unit. The determining unit determines as to whether or not the image data contains a barcode pattern. When the determining unit determines that the image data contains the barcode pattern, the analyzing unit analyzes as to whether a drawing direction of the barcode pattern is a vertical direction or a horizontal direction. The control unit that controls, based on an analyzing result of the analyzing unit, the predetermined image forming process being performed for the barcode pattern by the image forming unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kaoru Koike, Mitsuru Iioka, Yasuo Komatsu, Kiyoshi Une, Jun Koyatsu
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Patent number: 7980472Abstract: A data converter and its converting method having both the functions of barcode technology and RFID technology, and conforming with related regulations of international civil aviation are disclosed. The data converter includes a barcode reading module, a processing module, and a reading module.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Institute of Transportation, Ministry of Transportation and Communications Taiwan R.O.C.Inventors: Hui-Chuan Chen, Chen-Ying Kao, Hong-Ming Kuo
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Publication number: 20110163163Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a biometric measurement on an individual. A purported skin site of the individual is illuminated under a plurality of distinct optical conditions during a single illumination session. Light scattered beneath a surface of the purported skin site is received separately for each of the plurality of distinct optical conditions. A multispectral image of the purported skin site is derived from the received light. A biometric function is performed with the derived multispectral image.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: LUMIDIGM, INC.Inventor: Robert K. Rowe
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Publication number: 20110139874Abstract: An apparatus for performing multimedia-based data transmission includes an image capturing device and a processing circuit. The image capturing device is a peripheral device for a user to capture images. In addition, in a situation where the apparatus is utilized as a target apparatus, the image capturing device is arranged to capture at least one multi-dimensional barcode image carrying data. Additionally, the processing circuit is arranged to control operations of the apparatus, wherein in the situation where the apparatus is utilized as the target apparatus, the processing circuit is arranged to extract the data carried by the multi-dimensional barcode image for further use. In particular, the aforementioned at least one multi-dimensional barcode image may represent a plurality of multi-dimensional barcode images. An associated method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: Chih-Ming Fu, Yu-Pao Tsai
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Patent number: 7946491Abstract: An apparatus for providing a camera barcode reader includes a processing element configured to process an input image for an attempt to decode the input image using a current barcode reading method, to determine whether the processing of the input image is successful, to switch to one of a different barcode reading method or processing a new frame of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being unsuccessful, to attempt a decode of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being successful, and to perform a switch to the different barcode reading method in response to a failure of the attempt to decode the input image using the first barcode reading method.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Adrian Burian, Jari A. Kangas, Markku Vehvilainen
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Publication number: 20110114730Abstract: A method and apparatus for time stamping an image file generated by an imaging based barcode reader. The method includes initializing a current time and date on the barcode reader and tracking the current time and date using an oscillator of the barcode reader. The date and time value are set whenever the barcode reader is powered on. The method further includes capturing an image of a target object using the imaging based barcode reader and time stamping the captured image using the time tracked by the oscillator. The time stamped image is then transmitted to a host device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Chris J. FJELLSTAD, James P. Greenrose, Artur K. Kasperek, Thomas E. Lackemann
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Patent number: 7934657Abstract: An encoder home position sensing system and method is disclosed, which includes the use of an analog quadrature encoder reader and either a code wheel or a code strip. The code wheel possesses an optical track comprised of annular ring patterns, the thickness of which can be modulated by a sinusoidal function about the code wheel circumference, with one cycle of a sine wave corresponding to one encoder cycle. In one region of the optical track the amplitude of the sine function is changed to imbed an absolute reference home position. This region of the optical track can be sensed and used to determine an absolute system position. The linear code strip is similarly constructed with lines along the direction of motion, the thickness of which are modulated with a sine function, with one cycle of the sine wave corresponding to one encoder cycle, and the amplitude of the sine wave function changed to imbed an absolute reference home position in the optical track.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: David Douglas Martenson, David L. Knierim
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Publication number: 20110084142Abstract: A processing method of detecting a barcode from an original image includes: an edge processing process, a barcode positioning process and a projection modification process. The edge processing process is for converting an original image into a binarized input image. The barcode positioning process is for deriving position information of the barcode, and includes: deriving a plurality of luminance groups according to luminance values of all pixels of the input image; utilizing a determining circuit to determine whether each luminance group complies with an identification bar and to derive position information of the identification bars; and deriving position information of the barcode according to the position information of the identification bars. The projection modification process converts the original image into a modified image according to the position information of the barcode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Ting-Yuan Cheng
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Publication number: 20110073654Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor electrically coupled to a system bus, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, an encoded information reading (EIR) device, and a wireless communication interface. The EIR device can be selected from the group consisting of a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and a card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to perform outputting raw message data containing an encoded message and/or outputting decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can comprise a radio frequency front end configured to perform receiving a first radio signal and/or transmitting a second radio signal. The radio frequency front end can be electrically coupled to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) which can be electrically coupled to the system bus and/or to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) which can be electrically coupled to the system bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Ynjiun P. Wang, Huyu Qu, James T. Sauerwein
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Publication number: 20110073657Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a barcode like region contained in a target object. The method includes capturing an image of the target object, calculating a total confidence value for the captured image, and determining a presence of a barcode in the captured image based on the total confidence value, wherein the total confidence value is calculated as a function of at least one of a first, second, and third confidence values. The method of calculating the confidence values includes calculating the first confidence value based on a vertical projection signal of the barcode like region in the captured image, the second confidence value based on a horizontal projection signal of the barcode like region in the captured image, and the third confidence value based on a start and stop pattern of the barcode like region in the captured image.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Miroslav Trajkovic, Dariusz Madej
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Patent number: 7913922Abstract: A bar code includes a plurality of bar code elements arranged in an information-conveying arrangement. Each bar code element has a color selected from one of a group of colors in a painted pixel filter associated with a camera that will be used to read the bar code.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Joseph D Roth
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Patent number: 7913910Abstract: A method of programming a barcode label with a single programming barcode label. The method includes printing a single programming barcode label for implementing a plurality of program features by a computer, and scanning the single programming barcode label.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Steven J. Hammer
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Publication number: 20110068175Abstract: In a system and method of estimating and classifying a barcode using heuristic and statistical measures, a classification determination is generated for each of a plurality of estimated barcode digits that correspond to a decoded barcode estimation. The classification determination is selected from one of a first classification determination and a second classification determination. The first classification determinations among a plurality of estimation determinations are aggregated. The aggregated first classification determinations are compared to a first predetermined threshold to determine a validity of the decoded barcode estimation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: eBay Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Roger Powers, Vikas Muppiddi Reddy
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Publication number: 20110068173Abstract: In a system and method of recognizing a barcode from a stream of video frames, a processor-implemented camera module receives a stream of video frames, with at least one video frame including a barcode. A processor-implemented barcode blur estimate module estimates an amount of defocus blur in a video frame. The processor-implemented barcode blur estimate module further estimates an identity of the barcode. A processor-implemented barcode localization module identifies a region of the video frame containing the barcode. A processor-implemented barcode geometric modeler module generates a geometric model of the barcode that includes an identified barcode deformity. A processor-implemented barcode decoder module decodes the barcode from the video frame using the estimated amount of defocus blur, the estimated identity of the barcode, and the geometric model of the barcode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: eBay Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Roger Powers, Vikas Muppiddi Reddy
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Patent number: 7909257Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Ynjiun P. Wang, William H. Havens
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Publication number: 20110062238Abstract: Misreads in decodable indicia by terminals such as bar code scanners (e.g., laser, image sensors) can occur. Solutions can include increasing redundancy or screening out erroneous data. Embodiments of screening error reduction circuits, terminals, and/or methods for processing decodable indicia data are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Timothy Good
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Patent number: 7905412Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a first image reading unit configured to read an image from an object to be read by visible light, a second image reading unit configured to read an image from the object to be read by invisible light, a first detection unit configured to detect a background image from a first read image read by the first image reading unit, a registration unit configured to register feature information indicative of a feature of the background image detected by the first detection unit, and a second detection unit configured to detect an image indicative of code information from a second read image read by the second image reading unit on the basis of the feature information registered in the registration unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masaya Maeda, Bunpei Irie, Naotake Natori, Tomoyuki Hamamura
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Patent number: 7900837Abstract: Techniques for authenticating certificates of authenticity (COAs) are discussed. The techniques provide for a simplified authentication system that is easily utilized in a field setting. In described embodiments, COAs are attached to or otherwise associated with goods to be authenticated. The COAs incorporate random or pseudo-random arrangements of optically sensitive fibers to create unique identifiers. A COA reader device optically scans each COA and characterizes the COA according to its unique arrangement of optical activity. A COA reader device may also scan data (e.g., a barcode) that is associated with the COA. The data contains information about the COA to further strengthen the COA authentication process. Based on the scan, the goods associated with the COAs can be verified as genuine (i.e., not pirated).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Inventors: Michael J. Sinclair, Yuqun Chen, Behrooz Chitsaz
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Patent number: 7891570Abstract: An arrangement for improving performance of a sensor operative for collecting light from a target to generate a data signal in a presence of ambient light, includes a sample and hold circuit for operating the sensor during a sampling time period in which the sensor only collects the ambient light to generate an ambient signal, and during a holding time period in which the sensor collects both the ambient light and the light from the target to generate a composite signal comprised of the ambient signal and the data signal; and a subtracting circuit operative for subtracting the ambient signal from the composite signal to produce the data signal as an output.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Costanzo Difazio, Dmitriy Yavid, Miklos Stern, Chinh Tan, Askold Strat, Daniel Gonzalez
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Patent number: 7878407Abstract: A POS-based digital image capturing and processing system for illuminating objects using automatic object detection and spectral-mixing illumination technique. The system comprises an area-type illumination and imaging station for projecting a coextensive area-type illumination and imaging field (i.e. zone) into a 3D imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. The area-type illumination and imaging station includes an illumination subsystem for producing a first field of visible illumination from an array of visible LEDs, and producing a second field of invisible illumination from an array of infrared (IR) LEDs. wherein the first and second fields of illumination spatially overlap and intermix with each other and are substantially coextensive with the FOV of the image sensing array.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Timothy Good, Tao Xian, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Michael Veksland, Mark Hernandez, John Gardner, Steven Essinger, Patrick Giordano, Sean Kearney, Mark Schmidt, John Furlong, Nicholas Ciarlante, Yong Liu, Jie Ren, Xi Tao, JiBin Liu, Ming Zhuo, Duane Ellis
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Patent number: 7878400Abstract: Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Bartex Research, LLCInventor: Scott C. Harris
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Patent number: 7874485Abstract: There is described in one embodiment a method for use by an apparatus that can acquire an image. According to a described method, a method can include acquiring an image and can further include evaluating an image. According to a described method, an apparatus can acquire an image, can evaluate an image, and can provide parameters for utilization by the apparatus. In another embodiment, there is described an apparatus comprising a plurality of digitizers. In one example of an embodiment of an apparatus including a plurality of digitizers, the digitizers can be configured to run in parallel. In another example of an embodiment of an apparatus including a plurality of digitizers, the digitizers can be configured to run in series.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Meier, Andrew Longacre, Jr., Thomas Hawley, John Pettinelli, Robert M. Hussey
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Patent number: 7854384Abstract: Digital image capture and processing engine of modular design and employing an optical waveguide structure for collecting and guiding LED-based illumination during object illumination and imaging operations. The digital image capture and processing engine also includes apparatus for automatically controlling the duration of illumination produced from LED illumination arrays during object illumination and imaging operations. Such automatic illumination control involves measuring the amount of illumination to which the object be imaged has been exposed, and controlling the duration of illumination produced from the LED illumination arrays based on such measurements during each object illumination and imaging operation. By virtue of the present invention, the digital image capture and processing engine ensures the reliable formation and detection of high quality images in diverse application environments in the digital image capture and processing engine can be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Man Au, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
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Publication number: 20100314449Abstract: The present invention provides an image processor capable of preventing illegal copying of a document. The image processor first extracts information from a barcode in a first region of document image data. Then, the image processor extracts information from a barcode in a second region of the document image data if the information is extracted from the barcode in the first region. On the other hand, if the information is not extracted from the barcode in the first region, the image processor does not extract the information from the barcode in the second region of the document image data. This enables a copying operation for a document consisting of a plurality of pages to be efficiently controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Akari Matsumura
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Publication number: 20100308114Abstract: Optical reading system and methods having multiple modes of operation, for example: omnidirectional and single-code picking; fixed and handheld reading; 1D and 2D code reading. In one configuration, an image-based system obtains input data via an area sensor (e.g., a 2D CCD array) with only data corresponding to a pattern of virtual scan lines being stored and processed. A user may implement different operating modes such as a first mode reading codes in any location or orientation and a second mode reading only a code oriented along a particular virtual scan line or group thereof. Alternately, the data reader is operable to switch between handheld mode selecting a first pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode and a fixed mode selecting a second pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode. Virtual scan patterns in either mode can change within or between frames.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Rudeen, Bryan L. Olmstead
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Patent number: 7841533Abstract: A method of capturing processing digital images of an object, using a hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system having a trigger switch, an imaging window and a field of view (FOV) projected therethrough and onto an area-type image detection array. The method involves automatically detecting an object within the FOV, and generating a first trigger event indicative of automatic object detection within the FOV. In response to the generation of the first trigger event signal, the object targeting illumination subsystem automatically generates and projects a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV. The human operator aligns the visible targeting illumination beam with the object in the FOV, and then manually actuates the trigger switch to generate a second trigger event signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Xiaoxun Zhu, Michael Veksland, Ka Man Au, Patrick Giordano, Weizhen Yan, Jie Ren, Taylor Smith, Michael V. Miraglia, C. Harry Knowles, Sudhin Mandal, Shawn De Foney, Christopher Allen, David M. Wilz, Sr.
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Publication number: 20100296753Abstract: A burden of an operation of manually inputting identification information of an error bar-code ticket by using an external device can be reduced, and both image information and identification information of the error bar-code ticket can be transmitted to the external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2007Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventors: Osamu Ito, Hirofumi Ozaki
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Patent number: 7832643Abstract: A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reader includes: a hand-supportable housing having light transmission aperture; a linear image formation and detection module having a linear image detection array; and a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device having at least one visible laser diode (VLD) for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB). The code symbol reader further includes image grabber for grabbing digital linear images formed and detected by the image formation and detection module, an image data buffer for buffering the digital linear images grabbed by the image grabber and constructing a two-dimensional image from a series of buffered linear digital images, and an image processing computer for processing the buffered two-dimensional digital image so as to read code symbols graphically represented in the two-dimensional digital linear image.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Michael D. Schnee, Ka Man Au, Allan Wirth, Timothy A. Good, Andrew Jankevics, Sankar Ghosh, Charles A. Naylor, Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, William Svedas, Shawn Defoney, Edward Skypala, Pirooz Vatan, Russell Joseph Dobbs, George Kolis, Mark C. Schmidt, Jeffery Yorsz, Patrick A. Giordano, Stephen J. Colavito, David W. Wilz, Sr., Barry E. Schwartz, Steven Y. Kim, Dale Fisher, Jon Van Tassell
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Patent number: 7832641Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for determining if an optical scanner is moving. In one embodiment the method for sensing movement of an optical scanner comprises the steps of providing an oscillating system comprising a flexible member, a magnet coupled to the flexible member, a coil disposed within a magnetically effective distance from the magnet, and sense circuitry coupled to the coil; generating a first electrical signal from the oscillations of the flexible member; amplifying the generated electrical signal; analyzing the first electrical signal to determine if the generated signal is indicative of movement of the optical scanner.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Blake, Donald T. Hudrick, David M Wilz, Sr., Stephen Colavito
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Patent number: 7823789Abstract: An industrial reader is provided with an image formation system that is particularly adapted to read bar codes and two-dimensional symbols marked directly on objects. The image formation system includes illumination sources and illumination transmissive components that produce a combination of bright field and dark field illumination.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Cognex Technology and Investment CorporationInventor: Laurens Nunnink
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Patent number: 7823785Abstract: Provided is a planar light source device (300) having a planar light source with uniform luminance distribution by using a laser light source for outputting a beam-like luminous flux. The planar light source device (300) applies a laser beam from the side surface of a light guide plate (310) through a scanning mirror (330) and periodically scans the entire light guide plate. At that time, a light output (P(t)) of the laser light source (320) is modulated in synchronization with the scanning cycle so that the output is proportional to the temporal differentiation dS/dt of a scanning area (S(t)) from a search start within a scanning period. Thus, changes of the scanning speed and scanning length with time are eliminated and planar lighting with uniform luminance can be performed.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Yuusaku Shimaoka
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Patent number: 7815117Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting against counterfeit products and for methods and apparatus for providing counterfeiting protection for an object. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) accessing an object including an identifying mark having a first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion includes an encrypted feature; (b) reading the first portion to thereby obtain a first set of information; (c) transmitting the first set of information to a remote location; (d) receiving from the remote location a second set of information; and (e) reading the second portion using the second set of information to thereby determine the authenticity of the object.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: ChemImage CorporationInventors: David Tuschel, Wesley H. Hutchison, Thomas C. Voigt
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Patent number: 7817878Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an image sensor, and a plurality of operating states. Operation of the imaging apparatus can be differentiated between the operating states. In one operating state, the imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels of the image sensor. The operating states of the imaging apparatus can be user selectable.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Charles P. Barber, Carl W. Gerst, III, George S. Smith, II, Robert M. Hussey, Robert C. Gardiner, Matthew W. Pankow
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Publication number: 20100258634Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a hand scanner including a head section having a reading section configured to read a mark affixed to a commodity and a handle having width formed smaller than that of the head section, a fixing device including a holding section having, from a part of the periphery to the center thereof, an opening formed wider than the width of the handle and movable sections provided to be opposed to each other in the opening, arranged to have width therebetween smaller than the width of the handle, and configured to move until the width therebetween increases to width same as or larger than the width of the handle when the handle is inserted through the opening, and control unit configured to enable the reading section to read the commodity according to movement of the movable sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Nobuyuki Takahashi
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Patent number: 7775434Abstract: A bar-code reading apparatus includes a differential processor which generates a differential signal from an electric signal corresponding to an intensity of light reflected from a bar code, an extreme value detector which detects each extreme value of the differential signal and generates extreme value information including at least an electric signal value of the detected extreme value, a voltage difference calculator which calculates a voltage difference in electric signal between a target extreme value and at least one of extreme values adjacent thereto for each extreme value in the extreme value information, and an extreme value verifying unit which compares the voltage difference with a predetermined threshold value and determines the validity of the extreme value corresponding to the voltage difference for each voltage difference. Information encoded as the bar code is decoded by using extreme value information of the valid extreme value.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Tomomi Mashiko
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Patent number: 7770797Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method for processing barcode data from one or more barcode scanners. The decoded data is reformatted in accordance with selected reformatting instructions and thereafter supplied to a software application for subsequent use. Preferably, the reformatting instructions can be customized by the end users, thus permitting the end users to adjust their system to receive previously unknown barcode formats.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.Inventors: Herbert S. Weiner, Eric G. Petersen, Jon K. Fo
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Patent number: 7770796Abstract: A laser beam despeckling device including a laser diode for producing a laser beam having a central characteristic wavelength. The device includes diode current drive circuitry for producing a diode drive current to drive said laser diode and produce said laser beam. High frequency modulation (HFM) circuitry modulates the diode drive current at a sufficiently high frequency to cause said laser diode to produce spectral side-band components about the central characteristic wavelength, and reducing the coherence as well as coherence length of the laser beam. An optical beam multiplexing (OMUX) module is provided for receiving the laser beam as input beam, a generating as output, a plurality of laser beam components that are recombined to produce a composite laser beam having substantially reduced coherence for use in illumination applications where a substantial reduction in speckle pattern noise is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Timothy Good, Tao Xian, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Michael Veksland, Mark Hernandez, John Gardner, Steven Essinger, Patrick Giordano, Sean Kearney, Mark Schmidt, John A. Furlong, Nicholas Ciarlante, Yong Liu, Jie Ren, Xi Tao, JiBin Liu, Ming Zhuo, Duane Ellis
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Patent number: 7748629Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading a target object having areas of differing light reflectivity on the target such as a handheld bar code reader having a first illumination pattern, a detector for measuring a distance from the reader to a target object, a system threshold, and a comparator for evaluating the measured distance against the threshold. Should the reader's internal circuitry and/or software determine that the measured distance is greater than the threshold, a second illumination pattern is activated that has power effective illumination for increasing the operable reading distance between the reader and the target object. The second illumination pattern can be generated from a secondary illumination source or through a lens internal to the reader.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Brock
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Publication number: 20100163625Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, minimizing misdecodes of GS1 DataBar Limited (Databar-limited) symbols in a reader for electro-optically reading symbols of different symbologies, such as Universal Product Code (UPC) Version A (UPC-A) symbols, includes a data capture assembly for capturing light from a target symbol, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured light; and a controller for processing and decoding the electrical signal, and for determining whether the decoded signal is indicative of a Databar-limited symbol, and for determining whether the decoded signal has characteristics indicative of a different symbology, such as the UPC-A symbol, to indicate whether a misdecode of the Databar-limited symbol has occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Dariusz J. Madej, Joseph Cai, Duanfeng He, Miroslav Trajkovic, Dayou Wang, Michelle Wang
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Patent number: 7743990Abstract: An imaging engine includes a plurality of linear imaging arrays, image formation optics, at least one illumination module and supporting circuitry that are embodied within a modular engine housing. The plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics are mounted on an optical bench (which is integral to the engine housing) and provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. The at least one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. The supporting circuitry includes: timing signal generation circuitry that supplies timing signals to the linear imaging arrays in order to read out the row image data produced by such arrays and converts the row image data supplied thereto into digital form.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Schnee, Xiaoxun Zhu, C. Harry Knowles
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Patent number: 7740175Abstract: The laser scanning system includes a laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within a housing mounted in or on a countertop at the POS station. The mechanism generates first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes which (i) intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined outside of the housing, and (ii) generate a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within the 3-D scanning volume. The plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes form a complex omni\-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within the 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of any object including a six-sided rectangular box-shaped object, presented within the 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at the POS station so as to provide six-sided 360-degree omni-directional bar code symbol scanning coverage at the POS station.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Timothy Good
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Publication number: 20100147950Abstract: An image capture device, method and system where pixel data captured by the image capture device is read from the device in logical pixel rows. A logical pixel row is an externally defined row of pixels where the pixels that comprise the logical pixel row are read from parts of multiple physical rows of pixels. Logical pixel rows are at an angle to the physical rows of pixels that comprise the pixel array of the image capture device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventor: Sik Piu Kwan
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Publication number: 20100140356Abstract: An apparatus having an image sensor is provided. An image sensor of the apparatus can include a two dimensional image sensor. A lens assembly can be provided in combination with an image sensor. In one aspect, an apparatus can attempt to decode a decodable symbol representation. In one aspect an apparatus can output a frame of image data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hawley, Michael A. Ehrhart, Timothy P. Meier, Andrew Longacre, JR., Robert M. Hussey
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Patent number: 7726571Abstract: Described is a system and method for bar code decoding. The system comprises first and second digitizers and a processor. The first digitizer outputs a first digitized representation of a bar code. The second digitizer outputs a second digitized representation of the bar code. The processor compares the first and second digitized representations to yield a set of parameters. The processor selects one of the first and second digitized representations to be decoded as a function of the set of parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dariusz Madej
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Patent number: 7721967Abstract: In general terms, the present invention provides a method of automatically scanning an inventory field to allow the selection of a desired item for retrieval. A camera is positioned in the crane trolley located above the field. The camera continuously performs a scan of the field displaying an image to the operator of the items being scanned. This real-time image allows the operator to distinguish between items scanned in the field. The operator can subsequently choose the desired item triggering the camera system to automatically capture desired information from the item which is in turn communicated to an inventory control system. The camera system mitigates the requirement of a second individual to communicate information between the field and the operator.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Arcelormittal Dofasco Inc.Inventors: Robert Eric Mueller, Aly Shivji, Kan Li
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Patent number: 7717341Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanner system may scan a target based on a first derivative of a reflectance profile received from a scanned target. Positive and negative threshold values may comprise a static portion and a dynamic portion. The static portion may comprise a constant value, and the dynamic portion may be based at lest in part on a charge profile, or a discharge profile, of a capacitor. The threshold for generating the digital signal may be set lower when the amplitude of the first derivative is lower, and higher when the amplitude of the first derivative is higher.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventor: Gregory T. Gibson
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Patent number: 7717342Abstract: There is described a data collection device that can incorporate an encoded information reading unit that can operate within a system including an access point that is wireline connected to a server. The encoded information reading unit can include at least one of a bar code reading unit, an RFID tag reading unit and a credit/debit card reading unit. Further incorporated in the data collection device can be dynamic access module. The dynamic access communication module enables the data collection device to participate in a self organized network that supports multi-hop data packet transmissions between data collection devices and which further enables the device to transmit data received from a peer device to the system access point.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventor: Ynjiun Wang
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Patent number: 7708205Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system, and software development environment, that supports manufacturer-constrained system behavior modification and/or extension by end-users and third-parties through the development and installation/deployment of plug-in modules within the application layer of the system by persons other than the original system designers. By virtue of the present invention, the standard features and functionalities of such systems can now be flexibly modified and/or extended by end-users and third-parties (e.g. VARs, OEMs etc), and thus satisfy customized end-user application requirements, without possessing or acquiring detailed knowledge about the hard-ware platform of the system, its communication interfaces with the outside environment, and user-related interfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Xiaoxun Zhu