Patents Assigned to The Code Corporation
  • Patent number: 8910871
    Abstract: A barcode reader includes a first set of characteristics that are optimized for reading an electronically displayed barcode. The barcode reader also includes a second set of characteristics that are optimized for reading a physically printed barcode. The first set of characteristics may include a first optical path that is optimized for reading the electronically displayed barcode. The second set of characteristics may include a second optical path that is optimized for reading the physically printed barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Garrett Russell, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 8864031
    Abstract: A computer includes an application that expects to receive data via a unidirectional communication interface. The computer also includes a background service having a first thread and a second thread. The computer additionally includes device management client software. A barcode reader scans one or more barcodes to generate scanned data. The scanned data is sent to the computer via the unidirectional interface. The first thread of the background service reads the scanned data from the unidirectional interface and sends the scanned data to the application. The second thread of the background service enables the device management client software to perform management operations on the barcode reader via a bidirectional communication interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 8864034
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a barcode reader, comprising a first illumination system that emits first illumination with a first illumination spectrum, and a second illumination system that emits second illumination with a second illumination spectrum. The second illumination spectrum is broader than the first illumination spectrum. The barcode reader also comprises a first lens assembly with a first optical path through the first lens assembly to a first image sensor section. The first optical path includes a first filter configured to pass an acceptance spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and attenuate an attenuated spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The first illumination spectrum is primarily composed of the acceptance spectrum. The barcode reader also comprises a second lens assembly with second optical path through the second lens assembly to a second image sensor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell
  • Patent number: 8857720
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a barcode reader that includes a bright field illumination system, a dark field illumination system, and an additional illumination system that is better able to illuminate an area of the reader's field of view between the far zone (where bright field illumination is optimal) and the close zone (where dark field illumination is optimal). In this “center zone,” the dark field illumination may not be bright enough and the bright field illumination may not be diffuse enough for reading a barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell
  • Patent number: 8820643
    Abstract: A barcode reader may be configured to capture at least one test image of at least a portion of a barcode. The at least one test image may include a plurality of window images. Each window image may be smaller than a full photo sensor array image. Illumination for each window image may be provided by a distinct one of the plurality of illumination systems. The barcode reader may also be configured to determine a selected illumination system. The selected illumination system may be the illumination system that yielded a window image having highest quality among the plurality of window images. The barcode reader may also be configured to cause the photo sensor array to capture a subsequent image using the selected illumination system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler
  • Publication number: 20140166756
    Abstract: A graphical code reader may include means for capturing an image frame in accordance with a rolling shutter technique, and means for changing illumination while the image frame is being captured in order to perform glare correction. The graphical code reader may also include means for detecting characteristics of glare in a previously captured image frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Paul Hepworth, Ryan Hyde, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 8714453
    Abstract: A multi-functional cable apparatus for a barcode reader supplies electrical power to the barcode reader, provides data communication capability for the barcode reader, and performs at least one additional function that is relevant to the operation of the barcode reader. The at least one additional function may include supporting the barcode reader in a fixed position without a user having to hold the barcode reader in place. Alternatively, the at least one additional function may include facilitating efficient cable management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Garrett Russell, Frank Clegg
  • Publication number: 20140099526
    Abstract: An accessory for a hand-held electronic device includes a protective case and a battery. The electronic device is insertable into the protective case. The battery may be utilized to provide auxiliary power to the electronic device. The battery may be replaceable without having to remove the electronic device from the protective case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Garrett Russell, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 8464930
    Abstract: A system for decoding machine-readable graphical codes is provided. The system includes a graphical code reading device configured to read a graphical code and generate reference encoded source data. The reference encoded source data includes a first reference identifier and a second portion. The system also includes a computing device in electronic communication with the graphical code reading device. The computing device also includes a reference decoder configured to effect conversion of the reference encoded source data into source data. The source data includes first affiliated data in place of the first reference identifier. The first affiliated data may be longer in length than the first reference identifier. The source data also includes the second portion. The computing device also includes a software application configured to use the source data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Hepworth, Dimitri V. Yatsenko
  • Patent number: 8448862
    Abstract: A method for glare reduction may be implemented by a graphical code reader. The method may include illuminating a target area using a plurality of light sources. The method may also include capturing images of the target area using at least one image sensor that operates in accordance with a rolling shutter technique. The method may also include determining that glare is present in at least one captured image. The method may also include determining which of the light sources are responsible for the glare. The method may further include taking corrective action to reduce the glare in subsequent images based on which of the light sources are responsible for the glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Paul Hepworth, Ryan Hyde, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 8418924
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel optical reader device and method for calibrating the device. The device executes a calibration module that locates the actual coordinates for a targeting symbol in a captured image. The coordinates are stored as calibration coordinates in the memory. During normal operation of the reader device, the stored calibration coordinates are used to locate a target, such as a bar code. In order to locate the targeting symbol, the calibration module may overlay a template on clusters that may be the targeting symbol. A reasonable accurate comparison identifies the cluster as the targeting symbol. Alternatively, the calibration module may approach a cluster from four frames of the image and identify the cluster's tangents and perimeter. Geometrical calculations are used to identify the center of an identified targeting symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Hepworth, Mario Miyojim, Morgan Taylor
  • Patent number: 8336778
    Abstract: A graphical code reader that provides sequenced illumination for glare reduction may include a plurality of light sources that illuminate a target area. The graphical code reader may also include at least one image sensor that captures an image of the target area using a rolling shutter technique. The graphical code reader may also include an illumination controller that sequences illumination of the light sources so that the light sources that are providing the normal component of the illumination to an active portion of the target area are turned off, and so that the light sources that are not providing the normal component of the illumination to the active portion of the target area are turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Paul Hepworth, Ryan Hyde, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 8240569
    Abstract: An imaging engine in accordance with the present disclosure includes a first image sensor section, a second image sensor section, an optics barrel, a first lens carriage that includes at least one lens, and a second lens carriage that includes at least one lens. The first lens carriage is positioned within the optics barrel so that there is a first optical path through the lens(es) in the first lens carriage to the first image sensor section. Similarly, the second lens carriage is positioned within the optics barrel so that there is a second optical path through the lens(es) in the second lens carriage to the second image sensor section. Advantageously, the position of the first lens carriage within the optics barrel and the position of the second lens carriage within the optics barrel are both independently adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Hyde, Frank Clegg, Randy Nate
  • Patent number: 8215554
    Abstract: A method for adaptively varying resolutions of captured images may include capturing images and processing the captured images. The method may also include determining brightness information about the captured images. The method may also include varying the resolutions of the captured images based on the brightness information that is determined about the captured images. The method may also include determining intended brightness information corresponding to the captured images, and the resolutions of the captured images may be varied based on the intended brightness information as well as the brightness information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Hepworth, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler
  • Publication number: 20120137348
    Abstract: A system for decoding machine-readable graphical codes is provided. The system includes a graphical code reading device configured to read a graphical code and generate reference encoded source data. The reference encoded source data includes a first reference identifier and a second portion. The system also includes a computing device in electronic communication with the graphical code reading device. The computing device also includes a reference decoder configured to effect conversion of the reference encoded source data into source data. The source data includes first affiliated data in place of the first reference identifier. The first affiliated data may be longer in length than the first reference identifier. The source data also includes the second portion. The computing device also includes a software application configured to use the source data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Hepworth, Dimitri V. Yatsenko
  • Publication number: 20120031975
    Abstract: A system for reading graphical codes includes a graphical code reader. The graphical code reader includes an imaging engine and illumination control circuitry. The imaging engine includes a light source. The system also includes an illumination block that is removably connected to the graphical code reader. The illumination block includes a supplemental light source. The illumination control circuitry is configured to activate the light source of the imaging engine and the supplemental light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Paul Hepworth, Ryan Hyde, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 8109441
    Abstract: A system for decoding machine-readable graphical codes is provided. The system includes a graphical code reading device configured to read a graphical code and generate reference encoded source data. The reference encoded source data includes a first reference identifier and a second portion. The system also includes a computing device in electronic communication with the graphical code reading device. The computing device also includes a reference decoder configured to effect conversion of the reference encoded source data into source data. The source data includes first affiliated data in place of the first reference identifier. The first affiliated data may be longer in length than the first reference identifier. The source data also includes the second portion. The computing device also includes a software application configured to use the source data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Hepworth, Dimitri V. Yatsenko
  • Patent number: 8011584
    Abstract: A method for glare reduction may be implemented by a graphical code reader. The method may include illuminating a target area using a plurality of light sources. The method may also include capturing images of the target area using at least one image sensor. The method may also include determining that glare is present in at least one captured image. The method may also include determining glare information that indicates which of the light sources are responsible for the glare. The method may further include taking corrective action to reduce the glare in subsequent images based on the glare information that is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Paul Hepworth, Ryan Hyde, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 8001550
    Abstract: Object identifier readers that are configured to automatically send and/or store data read from an object identifier are disclosed. An exemplary object identifier reader includes a communication port for communicating with a host computing device. The object identifier reader also includes a storage medium. The object identifier reader also includes a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. Instructions are stored in the memory. The instructions are executable to implement a method that involves reading an object identifier to obtain data. The data may be stored in the storage medium. Alternatively, or in addition, an attempt may be made to send the data to the host computing device. The method also involves attempting to send stored data in the storage medium to the computing device if the object identifier reader is connected to the host computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Hepworth, George Powell
  • Patent number: 7798406
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a graphical code reader is disclosed that includes an image capture component that is configured to capture images at different resolutions. The graphical code reader also includes a processor, and memory in electronic communication with the processor. Instructions are stored in the memory. The instructions are executable to implement a method that involves providing a sequence that defines how resolutions of the captured images are varied. The method also involves capturing the images. The method also involves varying the resolutions of the captured images according to the sequence. The method also involves attempting to decode graphical codes within the captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Paul Hepworth