Patents Assigned to Symbol Technologies
  • Digitizing bar code symbol data
    Publication number: 20020023958
    Abstract: Processing an analog electrical signal containing information representative of reflected light from indicia including regions of different light reflectivity, wherein the analog electrical signal contains edge transitions corresponding to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia. The edge transitions of at least a part of the analog electrical signal are analyzed to determine a level of blur in that part of the electrical signal. Based on the determined level of blur, one of a plurality of different techniques is selected for processing that part of the electrical signal to produce a digitized electrical signal in which transitions in the digital level of the signal correspond to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Duanfeng He, Eugene Joseph
  • Retroreflective scan module for electro-optical readers
    Patent number: 6347744
    Abstract: An electro-optical, retroreflective scanning module has a base, a first circuit board, and a second circuit board mounted orthogonal to the first circuit board. The base supports a light emitter for producing a scanning beam. The beam reflects off a generally planar scan mirror affixed to a stationary concave collection mirror, to a reflector mounted on a drive for oscillation. A detector included in the module senses light reflected from an indicia scanned by the beam. The reflected light is reflected off the reflector and directed to the collection mirror before reaching the detector. The beam and the field of view of the detector are simultaneously scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Boris Metlitsky
  • Laser scanner for controlling the optical scanning of bar codes
    Patent number: 6348773
    Abstract: A scanner determines whether a target is a bar code symbol and, if so, whether that symbol is one-dimensional or two-dimensional. For two-dimensional symbols, the scanner aligns a scanning pattern with the symbol and expands the scanning pattern to reach only to the top and bottom edges of the symbol, not beyond. The scanner also has a microprocessor-control scanning engine that uses a coil to drive a scanning element and pick up feed back signals from the scanning element. A pulse-width-modulated regulator also provides fast and efficient operation for driving the coil. The scanning engine can also be designed to generate a pattern that precesses across the target, and a powerful interface to the scanning engine allows decoding and control logic to work efficiently with and independently of the scan engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dvorkis, Edward Barkan, Harold Charych, James Giebel, Stephen Osterweil, Sundeep Kumar, John Barile, Paul R. Poloniewicz, Anthony D. Biuso, Steven M. Chew
  • System for reading two-dimensional images using ambient and/or projected light
    Patent number: 6347163
    Abstract: A system for reading a two-dimensional image, and for comparing the two-dimensional image to stored data representative of a known image. The optical scanning device comprises a sensor for capturing the two-dimensional image, which sensor includes a light source for projecting an emitted light towards the two-dimensional image and an optical assembly for focussing light, which may be ambient and or emitted light from the light source, reflected from the framed two-dimensional image onto a CMOS or CCD detector for detecting the focussed light, the detector including a photodiode array for sensing the focussed light and generating a signal therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander R. Roustaei
  • Imaging engine and method for code readers
    Patent number: 6340114
    Abstract: An imaging engine and signal processing devices and methods are disclosed for reading various kinds of optical codes. The compact structure may include a two dimensional image sensor, apparatus for focusing images at different focal disclosures, an aiming system, a hi-low beam illumination system and related signal processing circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Correa, Rubin Gelles, Duanfeng He, Eugene Joseph, Yajun Li, Mehul Patel, Thomas M. Stankelis
  • Card reader and method for completing transactions
    Patent number: 6340115
    Abstract: A portable, hand-held reader reads a symbol associated with a product selected by a customer. A database of a host computer stores attribute data of many transactions. The database is accessed on a real-time basis to automatically retrieve the stored transaction attribute data. The retrieved data is displayed on a display associated with the reader. A card reading device is provided on the hand-held reader, for charging a customer's account, all at one location. A printer prints a written memorandum of the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome Swartz
  • Techniques for reading two dimensional code, including MaxiCode
    Patent number: 6340119
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for determining the presence, orientation and location of features in an image of a two dimensional optical code. The techniques are adapted for use in mapping data in an image pixel plane with grid locations in a grid-based two dimensional code to account for size, rotation, tilt, warping and distortion of the code symbol. Where such a code is a MaxiCode, techniques are disclosed for determining the presence and location of the MaxiCode bulls-eye, orientation modules, primary data modules and secondary data modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duanfeng He, Kevin Hunter, Eugene Joseph
  • Optical code reader for producing video displays and measuring physical parameters of objects
    Patent number: 6336587
    Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays and for use in motion detection surveillance using video compression and narrow band width communication links. An optical system including a plane parallel plate may be employed to change the system focal distance. The imaging optical code reader is also adapted for measurement of physical parameters of a target object including motion, distance, weight and dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duanfeng He, Eugene Joseph, Howard Shepard
  • Integrated scanner on a common substrate having an omnidirectional mirror
    Patent number: 6334573
    Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode omnidirectionally is formed an a common substrate. The scanner may include a mirror assembly or scan module, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yajun Li, Paul Dvorkis, Simon Bard, Raj Bridgelall
  • Audible indicators for optical code reading systems
    Patent number: 6332575
    Abstract: A system for reading optical codes, and more particularly to code reading systems with sound signal generators, modules a sound detector detects an ambient sound level in a vicinity of the system operator and the volume of the audible indicator is controlled in response to the detected ambient sound level. The sound may be produced by a transducer located in a raised rail adjacent the system operator. Various kinds of audio signals may be produced, for example, to distinguish the system's response from those of nearby optical code reading systems or to identify the kind of optical code symbology being read or its informational content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fredrick Schuessler, Edward Barkan, Ted Koontz, Cary Chu, Chin-Hung Jwo, Hal Charych
  • Integrated code reading systems including tunnel scanners
    Patent number: 6330973
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and techniques for reading optical codes, and more particularly to code reading systems with plural imaging or scanning modules pointed in various directions toward a target volume, which increase the likelihood that a code symbol on an arbitrarily oriented object in the target volume will be read. Other aspects of the invention relate to use and configuration of hand held readers, docking devices, operator side rails, arched tunnels and mirrors for increasing the coverage of the system, Additional aspects of the invention relate to components associated with point of sale installations or code reading terminals including integrated scales, input pads, system controls and displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raj Bridgelall, Howard Shepard, Edward Barkan, Robert Sanders, Mitch Maiman, Paul Dvorkis, Joseph Boriotti, Mark Krichever, Vladimir Gurevich, Alexander Breytman
  • System for reading data on different planes of focus based on reflected light
    Patent number: 6328212
    Abstract: A system for reading data stored on a target in two different viewing planes includes a laser light source for generating a laser light beam and mirrors for focusing the laser beam on the two spaced apart viewing planes. Sensors detect the light reflected from each of the two viewing planes and generates an electrical signal indicative of the detected light. A signal processor, processes and decodes the data associated with the viewing plane on which the beam is in focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Metlitasky, Jerome Swartz, Edward Barkan
  • Method of processing an analog electrical signal containing information representative of reflected light from coded indicia, wherein the electrical signal contains edge transitions
    Patent number: 6328213
    Abstract: Processing an analog electrical signal containing information representative of reflected light from indicia including regions of different light reflectivity, wherein the analog electrical signal contains edge transitions corresponding to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia. The edge transitions of at least a part of the analog electrical signal are analyzed to determine a level of blur in that part of the electrical signal. Based on the determined level of blur, one of a plurality of different techniques is selected for processing that part of the electrical signal to produce a digitized electrical signal in which transitions in the digital level of the signal correspond to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duanfeng He, Eugene Joseph
  • Scanner with shock-absorbing canopy overmolded with linear of housing
    Patent number: 6321990
    Abstract: Various optical components of an electro-optical system for reading coded indicia are mounted on a chassis snap-mounted in a housing. The optical components are supported by the chassis at an elevation relative to a printed circuit board snap-mounted to the chassis. The optical components are automatically adjusted in a test fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Giordano, Jean Tu, Yuri Gofman, Daniela Stratienco, Timothy Kehoe, Paul Severino, Howard Shepard, Edward Barkan, David Harder, Joel Kahn, Robert Sanders, John Barile, Chang-Hong Chen, Steven Chew, Robert Doran, Robert Grabowski
  • PORTABLE INTERNET SERVER TERMINAL
    Publication number: 20010043273
    Abstract: A data terminal includes a digital camera for capturing an image and data processing/storage/encoding means for processing the image information, together with an internal server for creating a web site at the terminal displaying the image. As a result high resolution image information is immediately accessible to authorized users and instantly recorded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: ALAN HERROD, MEHIL PATEL, JEROME SWARTZ
  • Compact bar code scanner
    Patent number: 6311896
    Abstract: A compact optical code reader is disclosed having multiple functions and a unique shape and configuration of actuators and indicators. A system including the reader also includes a cradle, interface and host terminal, capable of performing various data processing functions involving scanned data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Altaf Mulla, Edward Barkan, Lisa Fan, Gregory James, Margaret Hetfield, Joseph Giordano, Yuri Gofman, Robert Sanders, Daniella Strat
  • Methods for using a bar code reader for facilitating transactions and collecting a toll based on use
    Patent number: 6308893
    Abstract: A compact optical code reader is disclosed having multiple functions and a unique shape and configuration of actuators and indicators. A system including the reader also includes a cradle, interface and host terminal, capable of performing various data processing functions involving scanned data. The system includes user and supplier identifiers which are employed to facilitate sales transactions and allocate use-based tolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Waxelbaum, Altaf Mulla
  • Detachable battery pack for electro-optical scanners
    Patent number: 6308892
    Abstract: A battery pack is detachably secured by a snap-type action to a handle of a generally gun-shaped scanning head in a system for electro-optically reading coded indicia, such as bar code symbols. The battery pack includes a set of rechargeable batteries mounted in a casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Swartz, Howard M. Shepard, Eric F. Barkan, Mark J. Krichever, Boris Metlitsky, Edward Barkan, Alexander M. Adelson
  • Arrangement for and method of expediting commercial product transactions at a point-of-sale site
    Patent number: 6308888
    Abstract: A method of and arrangement for updating inventory markings include printing an updated label containing updated information such as price obtained from the data base of a host computer on a real-time basis. The updated label is applied to a product identified by a scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome Swartz
  • Integrated bar code reader and RF transceiver
    Patent number: 6305607
    Abstract: An integrated scanner/radio includes a bar code reader and an RF transceiver integrated on a semiconductor substrate. The bar code reader includes a light source, a scanner for directing light from the light source across a bar code symbol, and a detector for detecting the light reflected from the bar code symbol and creating an electrical signal representative of the detected light. The RF transceiver includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving modulated RF carrier signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Katz, Toan Vu, David Goren