Patents Assigned to Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
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Patent number: 9038911Abstract: A laser scanning symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Tao Xian, Ynjiun Paul Wang, Yong Liu, Chen Feng
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Patent number: 9038915Abstract: A fleet management system for managing a fleet of encoded information reading (EIR) terminals can comprise one or more computers, a fleet management software module, and a payment processing software module in communication with the fleet management software module. The fleet management software module can be configured, responsive to receiving a customer initiated request, to generate an unlocking message upon processing a payment by the payment processing software module. The unlocking message can be provided by a bar code to be read by an EIR terminal, or by a bit stream to be transferred to an EIR terminal via network. Each EIR terminal can be configured to perform not more than a pre-defined number of EIR operations responsive to receiving the unlocking message.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Taylor Smith
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Patent number: 9030964Abstract: Various wireless network components offer increased flexibility, ease of use, functionality and performance in many demanding applications in diverse fields of use. In particular, a wireless multi-function network device for use on a wireless communication network can serve multiple functions and dynamically switch and reconfigure from a network router into a network coordinator in the event that the originally designated network coordinator is permanently or temporally disabled.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Steven Essinger, Xiaoxun Zhu, Michael Schnee, JiBin Liu, Xin Shen, LiangLiang Chen, Jun Lu
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Patent number: 9022288Abstract: A retail information network includes one or more POS scanning and checkout systems, each including (i) a bar code symbol reading subsystem, and (ii) a cash register computer subsystem interfaced with the bar code symbol reading subsystem and a network infrastructure, and each having access to product and price data maintained in a product/price database. The bar code symbol reading subsystem includes a local predictive error event (PEE) data store for logging and storing predictive error events (PEEs) detected within the bar code symbol reading system, wherein said PEEs are subsequently sent to POS information servers used to create predictive error alerts (PEAs) and corresponding instructions to maintain and/or repair certain aspects of the bar code symbol reading system.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: James Nahill, David M. Wilz, Sr.
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Patent number: 9016576Abstract: Method of and system for reading bar code symbols using a hand-supportable laser scanning bar code symbol reading system supporting an improved level control over the length and intensity characteristics of laser scan lines projected onto scanned objects, at any instant in time, in a manner dependent the detected location, distance or range of the scanned object in the scanning field of the system during system operation. The system includes a laser scanning module that projects the laser scanning beam through a light transmission window, and across a laser scanning field in which an object is located, while the laser scanning beam is blanked out during the laser scanning cycle according to a laser source blanking function that is determined by the estimated distance, or data representative thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Robert Hugh Brady, Stephen Colavito, David Wilz, Sr., Zhipeng Teng, Myron Levon Dixon
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Patent number: 8998091Abstract: A hybrid-type bi-optical bar code symbol reading system has a vertical housing section with a vertical scanning window and a horizontal housing section with a horizontal scanning window from which laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within a 3D scanning volume defined between the vertical and horizontal scanning windows. An automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem is provided for detecting the entry and exit of objects at the edge of the 3D scanning volume and generating control signals in response thereto. A digital imaging subsystem is supported within the system housing and automatically projects a field of view (FOV) within the 3D scanning volume in response to control signals generated by the automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem and timer settings managed by a system controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Shane Michael Edmonds, Sean Philip Kearney
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Patent number: 8985456Abstract: A strobe illumination control process for use in a digital image capture and processing system includes illuminating an object in the field of view with different pulses of illumination over a pair of consecutive video image frames, detecting digital images of the illuminated object over these consecutive image frames, and decode processing the digital images. In a first illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the exposure time is adjusted during subsequent image frames. In a second illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the energy level of the illumination is adjusted during subsequent image frames.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Ynjiun Paul Wang
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Patent number: 8985459Abstract: A decodable indicia reading terminal can comprise a laser-based scanner, an imager-based scanner, a central processing unit (CPU), and an illumination assembly. The laser-based scanner can include a laser source, a photo-detector, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The laser source can be configured to emit a laser beam onto a substrate bearing decodable indicia. The photo-detector can be configured to receive a beam of a variable intensity reflected by the decodable indicia, and to output a first analog signal representative of the variable intensity. The A/D converter can be configured to convert the first analog signal into a first digital signal. The imager-based scanner can include a multiple pixel image sensor, an imaging lens, and an A/D converter. The imaging lens can be configured to focus an image of the decodable indicia on the image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Sean Philip Kearney, Patrick Anthony Giordano, Charles Joseph Cunningham, Desmond Bond, Thomas Amundsen
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Patent number: 8976030Abstract: A checkout system is provided for carrying out a two-factor authentication process where coded products are purchased and theft activity might be pursued. The system typically includes an identification code reader for reading product identification codes (e.g. UPC bar code symbols or EPC-encoded RFID tags) on products that are passed through the point of sale (POS) and a security code detector/reader for automatically detecting/reading a security code (e.g. implemented as an EAS tag or an RFID tag) at the POS. During product checkout operations, the identification code reader reads identification codes, and the security code detector/reader detects or reads security codes applied to products. Collected identification and security data is automatically processed using identification and security data stored in a database to determine whether or not each product being purchased at the POS is in compliance or not in compliance with a two-factor authentication process supported by the checkout system.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Charles Cunningham, Timothy Good, Sean Philip Kearney, Michael Miraglia, Thomas Amundsen, Patrick Giordano, Yujiun Paul Wang, Xiaoxun Zhu
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Patent number: 8942480Abstract: A system is provided to correlate a medication package with a prescribed medication for a patient. The medication package accommodates an intended patient medication. The system includes an optical imager adapted to read an encoded symbol character comprising encoded patient information and further adapted to image an attribute of the medication package. The optical imager comprises a two-dimensional image sensor array and an imaging lens for focusing an image on the two-dimensional image sensor array. The two-dimensional image sensor array has a plurality of pixels formed in a plurality of rows and columns of pixels. The optical imager further includes a digital link to transmit a segment of data. The segment of data includes the patient information encoded in the encoded symbol character and the attribute of the medication package.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Duane Ellis
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Publication number: 20150001301Abstract: An optical indicia reading terminal (100) can comprise an image sensor (62,1032), an imaging lens (1110) configured to focus an image of decodable indicia (15) on the image sensor (62,1032), an analog-to-digital converter (1037) configured to convert an analog signal read out of the image sensor (62,1032) into a digital signal representative of light incident on the image sensor (62,1032), a hand held housing (52) encapsulating the image sensor (62,1032), a microprocessor (1060) configured to output a decoded message data corresponding to the decodable indicia (15) by processing the digital signal, and an illumination assembly (1207). The illumination assembly (1207) can include at least one visible spectrum illumination source (322a-322z) and at least one invisible spectrum illumination source (324a-324z). The visible spectrum illumination source (322a-322z) can be configured to emit a light having a wavelength belonging to a visible spectrum region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Yunxin Ouyang
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Patent number: 8915439Abstract: Laser scanning module employing a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stationary stator structure. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a silicone frame having a pair of silicone torsional hinges (i.e. posts) aligned along a scan axis and a supported by a pair of support elements associated with the stator structure, to support the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly. When the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly is rotated about its scan axis, by forces generated by an electromagnetic coil structure acting on the permanent magnet mounted on silicone frame, the silicone torsional hinges are elastically distorted and generate linear restoring forces which return the rotor subassembly back to its home position about the scan axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Chen Feng, Gregory Rueblinger, Ynjiun Paul Wang
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Patent number: 8910875Abstract: An indicia reading terminal can comprise an image sensor integrated circuit having a two-dimensional image sensor, a hand held housing encapsulating the two-dimensional image sensor, and an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto the two-dimensional image sensor. The two-dimensional image sensor can include a plurality of pixels arranged in repetitive patterns. Each pattern can include at least one pixel sensitive in a first spectrum region, at least one pixel sensitive in a second spectrum region, and at least one pixel sensitive in a third spectrum region. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to capture a frame of image data by reading out a plurality of analog signals. Each read out analog signal can be representative of light incident on a group of two or more pixels of the plurality of pixels.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Jin Ren, Ynjiun Paul Wang, Yong Liu, Timothy Meier, Stephen Patrick Deloge
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Patent number: 8844822Abstract: An image capture and processing system supports a multi-tier modular software, and plug-in extendable, architecture. The image capture and processing system can be realized as an image-capturing cell phone, a digital camera, a video camera, mobile computing terminal and portable data terminal (PDT), provided with suitable hardware platform, communication protocols and user interfaces. A third-party customer can write and install a software plug-in into the application layer so as to enhance or modify the behavior of the image capture and processing system without any required knowledge of the hardware platform, communication protocols and/or user interfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Xiaoxun Zhu
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Patent number: 8844823Abstract: A laser scanning system having a laser scanning field, and a laser beam optics module with an optical axis and including: an aperture stop disposed after a laser source for shaping the laser beam to a predetermined beam diameter; a collimating lens for collimating the laser beam produced from the aperture stop; an apodization element having a first and second optical surfaces for extending the depth of focus of the laser beam from the collimating lens; and a negative bi-prism, disposed after the apodization element, along the optical axis, to transform the energy distribution of the laser beam and cause the laser beam to converge to substantially a single beam spot along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field, and extend the depth of focus of the laser beam along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Bernard Fritz, James Allen Cox, Peter L. Reutiman
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Patent number: 8822848Abstract: A POS-based checkout/scale system including system housing having a vertical housing section with a vertical scanning window, and a horizontal housing section. An electronic weigh scale subsystem is integrated with the system housing, and has a weigh platter supported above the horizontal housing section by a pair of cantilever-type weigh scale arms operably connected to an electronic load cell module. During a first mode of operation a powered support mechanism allows the cantilever-type weigh scale arms to bear the full weight of the weigh platter and any items supported thereon so that the electronic load cell module can accurately measure the weight of items on the weigh platter, and generate weigh data for transmission to the host computer system. During a second mode of operation, the powered support mechanism automatically prevents the electronic load cell module from experiencing the weight of items placed on the weigh platter.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Mark Meagher
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Patent number: 8807432Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for managing and redeeming bar-coded coupons that are displayed from a light emitting display surface of an information storage and display device, such as a cell-phone, a smart-phone, or a data communication device. The linear (1D) bar code symbols, associated with bar-coded store coupons, are displayed on the light emitting display surface using in a pulse code modulation (PCM) format, wherein a substantial portion of the pixels on the light emitting display surface are energized and de-energized to emit red-wavelengths of light energy, at a rate which temporally corresponds to the spatial frequency of the bars and spaces of the linear bar code symbol, so that a laser scanning bar code symbol reading device is capable of reading the PCM formatted bar code symbol displayed from the light emitting display surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Erik Van Horn, Daniel James Olson
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Patent number: 8798367Abstract: A system is provided to correlate a medication package with a prescribed medication for a patient. The medication package accommodates an intended patient medication. The system includes an optical imager adapted to read an encoded symbol character comprising encoded patient information and further adapted to image an attribute of the medication package. The optical imager comprises a two-dimensional image sensor array and an imaging lens for focusing an image on the two-dimensional image sensor array. The two-dimensional image sensor array has a plurality of pixels formed in a plurality of rows and columns of pixels. The optical imager further includes a digital link to transmit a segment of data. The segment of data includes the patient information encoded in the encoded symbol character and the attribute of the medication package.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Duane Ellis
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Patent number: 8789757Abstract: A POS-based system including (i) a system housing having a horizontal housing portion and a vertical housing portion. The vertical housing portion is configured substantially orthogonal with respect to the horizontal housing portion. At least one reading window is formed in the system housing. A support frame having a plurality of spaced apart support surfaces, supports the system housing when the system housing is position over the support surfaces. A convex weigh surface is integrated with the vertical housing portion, for supporting the weight of produce items supported thereon during weighing operations. A code symbol reading subsystem is disposed in the system housing, for optically reading code symbols on objects being transported through a 3D reading volume definable relative to at least one code symbol reading window, and producing symbol character data representative of the read code symbols.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Henri Jozef Maria Barten
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Patent number: 8789759Abstract: A laser scanning code symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned code symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Tao Xian, Ynjiun P. Wang, Yong Liu, Chen Feng