Patents Assigned to Symbol Technologies
  • Control of specular reflection in imaging reader
    Patent number: 7762464
    Abstract: Electro-optical reading failure to read indicia due to specular reflection in the return light captured by a solid-state imager is prevented. An illuminator illuminates the indicia during reading with illumination light directed from an illuminating light source. In one embodiment, a controller is operative for detecting saturation in a captured image, and for reducing an intensity of the illumination light upon detection of the saturation. In another embodiment, the controller captures the return light in successive frames, and causes the illumination light to illuminate the indicia only during some of the frames. In yet another embodiment, the controller turns the illumination light on and off at a flash rate, and signals a user by changing the flash rate upon detection of the saturation to move a housing that supports the imager, illuminator and controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Goren, Vladimir Gurevich
  • Two position zoom lens assembly for an imaging-based bar code reader
    Patent number: 7762466
    Abstract: An imaging-based bar code reader including: an imaging system for imaging a target bar code within a field of view of the imaging system and projecting light from the field of view onto a sensor array, the imaging system generating image frames of the field of view of the imaging system; the imaging systems including an imaging lens assembly having a plurality of lens and a selection drive mechanism to select between a first optical zoom position defining a first focal length and a first field of view for imaging a target bar code at a close range and a second optical zoom position defining a second focal length and a second field of view for imaging a target bar code at a far range, the second focal length being greater than the first focal length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chinh Tan, Vladimir Gurevich, Rong Liu, Tsi David Shi, Igor Vinogradov, Ming Yu
  • Context-driven RFID tag and system content
    Patent number: 7760095
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for tracking an item having an associated radio frequency identification (RFID) tag are described. A change in a physical attribute of the item is detected. Information stored in the tag is updated based on the detected change. Information stored in a database may also be updated based on the detected change. In another aspect, a second tag associated with a person is determined to be located within a predetermined range of a first tag associated with an item. As a result, information is stored in the first tag regarding the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Judith Murrah
  • Bar code reader having multiple cameras
    Patent number: 7757955
    Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code on a target object features: a housing supporting a plurality of transparent windows and defining an interior region, a target object being presented to the plurality of windows for imaging a target bar code; an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior position. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing a field of view of the camera assembly onto the sensor array. One or more processors prioritize an order of image capture or interpretation based upon user tendencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward D. Barkan
  • Methods and systems for centralized cluster management in wireless switch architecture
    Patent number: 7760695
    Abstract: Wireless switch are monitored or configured on a cluster basis rather than being limited to configuration on an individual switches. A switch cluster is made up of two or more wireless switches that share a cluster number or other identifier. A command is received from a user interface module at a first node in the cluster, and an instruction related to the command is transmitted from the first node to the other nodes in the cluster. After receiving responses from at least some of the other nodes in the cluster as to the effect of the instruction, the first node provides an updated response to the administrator. The administrator is therefore able to configure or monitor each of the nodes in the cluster from a single administrative node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamatchi Soundaram Gopalakrishnan, Ajay Malik
  • Point-of-transaction workstation for electro-optically reading one-dimensional and two-dimensional indicia by image capture
    Patent number: 7748631
    Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of one- and two-dimensional indicia and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager. Dedicated hardware assistance and computation resources are allocated to decode multiple, continuous and simultaneous video streams from multiple imagers at the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehul M. Patel, Duanfeng He, Howard Shepard, Eugene Joseph, Edward Barkan
  • Extended working range illumination system for an imaging-based bar code reader
    Patent number: 7748629
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Brock
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING FAIR ASSOCIATION OF CLIENT DEVICES WITH ACCESS POINTS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20100165958
    Abstract: A method for facilitating association of a client device with an access point in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises the access point receiving at least one client parameter and required throughput from the client device. The access point computes an achievable transmission rate for the client device based on the client parameter. The access point then estimates throughput for the client device based on the achievable transmission rate. Thereafter, the access point computes a utility value considering an association with the client device. The utility value is based oil the estimated throughput and the required throughput of the client device. The access point then determines a possibility of an association of the client device based on the utility value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Soumya Roy, Shantanu Biswas, Anurag Goyal
  • Scan head rotation at different optimum angles
    Patent number: 7746511
    Abstract: A scan head adjustable for optimum ergonomic scan angles. The scan head can be rotated according to a user's preferred mode such that the angle of the scan engine can be mechanically adjusted to give the optimum angle for its use. In support thereof, a cam provides sufficient action to give the optimum angle. A rotating cam pin is utilized through the cam path in accordance with a predetermined height that adjusts to specific angles of the scan engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alistair Hamilton, Sudhir Bhatia, Jaeho Choi
  • Laser power control arrangements in electro-optical readers
    Patent number: 7743989
    Abstract: Laser power control arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of operating conditions not conforming to preestablished standards, and adjust power to the laser to enhance reader performance without violating prevalent safety standards. Dual monitors are used to independently monitor the output power of the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Gurevich, Heng (Jade) Zhang, David Tsi Shi
  • Terminal design with shock isolation assembly
    Patent number: 7743995
    Abstract: Systems and methodologies are disclosed for isolating a portable hand held electronic unit from external mechanical shocks and/or vibrations by dampening them at several levels. The system can absorb an external mechanical shock at three different levels by employing an external bumper system, elastic housing design features, and an internal frame isolation. Moreover, such isolation assembly simplifies production of the portable electronic unit by enabling a “build to order process” according to a customer's specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Wulff
  • TWO POSITION ZOOM LENS ASSEMBLY FOR AN IMAGING-BASED BAR CODE READER
    Publication number: 20100155485
    Abstract: An imaging-based bar code reader including: an imaging system for imaging a target bar code within a field of view of the imaging system and projecting light from the field of view onto a sensor array, the imaging system generating image frames of the field of view of the imaging system; the imaging systems including an imaging lens assembly having a plurality of lens and a selection drive mechanism to select between a first optical zoom position defining a first focal length and a first field of view for imaging a target bar code at a close range and a second optical zoom position defining a second focal length and a second field of view for imaging a target bar code at a far range, the second focal length being greater than the first focal length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chinh Tan, Vladimir Gurevich, Rong Liu, Tsi David Shi, Igor Vinogradov, Ming Yu
  • DUAL LASER AIMING PATTERNS FOR AN IMAGING-BASED BAR CODE READER
    Publication number: 20100155481
    Abstract: An aiming pattern assembly for an imaging-based bar code reader including: a laser assembly laterally offset from an imaging lens assembly optical axis, the laser assembly including a first laser light source and a second laser light source; and a focusing lens defining an optical axis and positioned proximate to the laser assembly, the focusing lens focusing the laser light generated by the first laser light source to generate a first aiming pattern traversing along a first beam path and focusing the laser light generated by the second laser light source to generate a second aiming pattern traversing along a second beam path, the first laser light source being aligned with the focusing lens optical axis and the second laser light source being laterally offset from the focusing lens optical axis resulting in the second beam path crossing the imaging lens assembly optical axis in a near working range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Vinogradov, Chinh Tan
  • System and method for locationing in a communications network
    Patent number: 7742456
    Abstract: Described is a method for locationing in a communications network. A wireless access point receives a signal corresponding to activity of a plurality of wireless devices on a predetermined bandwidth. The signal is processed to generate a plurality of subsignals using a predetermined signal processing procedure. An energy level of a particular subsignal of the plurality of subsignals is determined. A location of a corresponding wireless device is determined as a function of the energy level and a predetermined locationing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Kawaguchi, Vinh-Phuong Tra Le
  • Concatenated pointers for radio frequency identification tags
    Patent number: 7742348
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improved protection of radio frequency identification tag memory by using two or more “brownout-safe” pointer registers (instead of a single pointer register) that are logically concatenated to form a complete address for the boundary between a locked portion and an unlocked portion of the tag memory. A first pointer is a coarse pointer identifying a block of memory containing the boundary. A second pointer is a fine pointer identifying a specific location within the identified coarse block of memory. The coarse pointer may be a gray-coded or linear pointer. Similarly, the fine pointer may be a gray-coded or linear pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Schuessler
  • Method and system for image compression using image symmetry
    Patent number: 7742649
    Abstract: An image compression system and method is described, which makes use of the symmetry found in faces and heads to perform the compression. The image is divided along the line of symmetry, and pairs of corresponding pixels on the two divided sides are determined. A weighted average and a weighted variance of the pixel values of the pairs is computed, and is used to encode the image. A transform such as the Karhunen-Loeve transform is used to compute the weighted averages and variances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Tabesh, Duanfeng He
  • ELECTRONIC SHUTTER FOR A DUAL-MODE IMAGER
    Publication number: 20100147952
    Abstract: A method and imaging apparatus is provided for scanning and decoding a target object. The imaging apparatus (10) comprises a scanning arrangement (12) comprising a sensor assembly (22) for capturing an image from a target object. The sensor assembly (22) includes a sensor array (27) located within the sensor assembly. A programmable microprocessor (13) is located within and coupled to the scanning arrangement (12) that operates an electronic shutter (29) for controlling the exposure time of pixels (33) located in the sensor array (27). The electronic shutter (29) includes first and second modes of exposure. An image test control system (31) associated with the scanning arrangement (12) for evaluating lighting conditions surrounding the imaging apparatus (10) and selecting an optimum mode for imaging based on the evaluation between the first mode of exposure and the second mode of exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley S. Carlson
  • IMAGING OF NON-BARCODED DOCUMENTS
    Publication number: 20100147953
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a bar code reader 10 that can both interpret bar codes and image documents. The bar code reader includes a housing including a vertical and a horizontal transparent window H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. Cameras C1-C6 have image capture sensor arrays positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of an object within a camera field of view. Two specific cameras can capture the front and back images from a document such as a check 100 placed on the horizontal transparent window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward D. Barkan
  • Thermal management in imaging reader
    Patent number: 7735738
    Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading indicia, includes a solid-state imager including an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the indicia during reading, and a light source for generating and directing high intensity illumination light to the indicia with concomitant generation of excess heat. Thermal management procedures for dissipating the excess heat are performed to improve reader performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Barkan, Mark Drzymala, Bradley Carlson
  • Power over ethernet combiner
    Patent number: 7737573
    Abstract: A system includes (a) an access point; (b) a switch providing power for use in the access point; and (c) a combiner disposed between the switch and the access point. The combiner receives at least two power supplies from the switch. The combiner is configured to combine the at least two power supplies to generate a third power supply. The third power supply is transferred to power the access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie Hanh Phan, Eric Tokubo, Josh Rosenthal