Patents Examined by April Taylor
  • Pen digitizer
    Patent number: 9223418
    Abstract: In embodiments, a pen digitizer includes a light source that generates light. The pen digitizer also includes light guides, such as fiber optics, configured coaxial within the pen digitizer to transfer the light from the light source and focus the light around an imaging tip of the pen digitizer. A photo array optically-images reflected light from encoded bits in an encoded micro pattern, and a lens focuses the reflected light onto the photo array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David D. Bohn, Derek Leslie Knee
  • Trigger mechanism for hand held devices
    Patent number: 9224551
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism includes soft stops and an associated method activates a switch in a device or apparatus. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger receptacle, a trigger disposed in the trigger receptacle and movable between an un-actuated and an actuated position by a user depressing the trigger, and a soft stop comprised of at least one projection positioned to engage a resilient elastomeric insert. Moving the trigger from the un-actuated to actuated position compresses the elastomeric insert with the projection and activates the switch to provide a tactile sensation of the switch activation to the user. The switch may be an electric switch disposed in a hand held device, such as a barcode scanner in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Mark Rueblinger, Kai Wang, Daniel J. Olson, Mikhail L. Veksland
  • Aiming pattern shape as distance sensor for barcode scanner
    Patent number: 9202094
    Abstract: An imaging scanner includes an aiming light source configured to emit visible light through both the shape defining element and the aiming lens arrangement to generate an aiming pattern on a target object. The shape of the aiming pattern changes with the distance between the target object and the imaging scanner. For determining the distance, the shape of the aiming pattern in a pixel data is compared with the expected shape of aiming patterns at multiple distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Caihua Chen, Vladimir Gurevich, Ronald A Petrozzo, Miguel O Rodriguez Ortiz, David T Shi
  • Method and apparatus for detecting suspicious activity using video analysis
    Patent number: 9202117
    Abstract: A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and analyzing the video data to obtain at least one video transaction parameter concerning transactions associated with the transaction area. The transaction area can be a video count of items indicated in the video data as detected by an automated item detection algorithm applied to the video data. The system obtains at least one expected transaction parameter concerning an expected transaction that occurs in the transaction area, such as a scan count of items scanned at a point of sale terminal. The system automatically compares the video transaction parameter(s) to the expected transaction parameter(s) to identify a transaction outcome that may indicate fraudulent activity such as sweethearting in a retail environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Stoplift, Inc.
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal, Xiaowei Chen
  • Method and system for generating and sharing customized portable consumer devices
    Patent number: 9165306
    Abstract: A method for receiving and presenting user-generated designs and sets of terms for portable consumer devices. The method provides for allowing a first person to create a customized design for a portable consumer device, and share the design with other consumers via a host site. Similarly, the method provides for allowing a first person to create and share a customized set of terms for the portable consumer device. Methods for receiving and distributing feedback for customized designs and sets of terms are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Visa U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Michelle Winters
  • System and method to purchase applications by a point of sale terminal
    Patent number: 9135609
    Abstract: A system and method to allow users to purchase software applications for point of sale (POS) terminals from an application server via a network (e.g., the Internet) utilizing the POS terminal itself. One or more menus providing portals to available applications and their respective demonstration applications are provided to users on POS terminals. The demonstration applications may be directly downloaded from the application server onto the POS terminals. In addition, the user is able to purchase the application via the POS terminal either before or after the user has viewed/downloaded the demonstration application. After purchase, the application may be downloaded directly from the application server onto the POS terminal. Further, information associated with the demonstration applications downloaded to each POS terminal may be reported to a manufacturer of each demonstration application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: HYPERCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory Boardman, Robert D. Martin
  • System and method for recognizing deformed linear barcodes from a stream of varied focus video frames
    Patent number: 9117131
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: eBay, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Roger Powers, Vikas Muppiddi Reddy
  • Bar code symbol reading system employing EAS-enabling faceplate bezel
    Patent number: 9081995
    Abstract: An apparatus includes the primary components of an EAS system and a hand-supportable and countertop-supportable bar code symbol reading system having a housing with a light transmission window covered by an optically transparent faceplate having outer dimensions closely matched to the light transmission window. About the optically transparent faceplate, a faceplate bezel is mounted embodying a coil of electrically conductive wire having terminals connected to an electrical interface circuit, which is connected to a flexible EAS cable extending from the electrical interface circuit. The flexible EAS cable extends towards electrical drive circuitry associated with the EAS subsystem, for powering the coil during EAS tag deactivation operations controlled by the host computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Metrologice Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight L. Franz
  • RFID transponder and a method for fabricating the same
    Patent number: 9076092
    Abstract: The present application provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder and a method for fabricating the same. The RFID transponder, comprising: a microchip which is arranged to communicating with a reader; a battery which is arranged to provide an electrical power for operating the transponder, and is attached to the microchip by means of a conductive path; an antenna which is arranged to receive and backscatter radio frequency interrogation radiation; and a substrate, on which the microchip, the battery and the antenna are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: CONFIDEX LTD.
    Inventors: Matti Ritamaki, Antti Ruhanen, Jarkko Miettinen
  • Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
    Patent number: 9047728
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards. The card data is linked in at least one data store to data indicating that the card data corresponds to a financial account that is authorized to be used to conduct at least one transaction through use of the automated banking machine. The automated banking machine may be used to carry out financial transfers involving financial accounts by users who are determined to be authorized users of such accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems Division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Sathish Irudayam, Nicholas Schott, Willis Miller, Matthew Zaugg, James Block, H. Thomas Graef, Natarajan Ramachandran, Jeffrey M. Enright, Mark A. Douglass
  • Systems and methods for financial transaction through card reader in communication with third party financial institution with encrypted information
    Patent number: 9047598
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a transaction engine running on a mobile device. In response to a financial transaction between a buyer and a seller, the transaction uses the mobile device to accept information selected including but not limited to information from financial transaction or information pertaining to financial transaction card used by the buyer in the transaction. At least a portion of this information is communicated with a third party financial institution or payment network to authorize the transaction. Encrypted information is sent to the third party payment system authorizing a financial transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. McKelvey, Xuancong Wen, Jack Dorsey
  • Self-checkout terminal and control method therefor
    Patent number: 9033229
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a self-checkout terminal includes a reading unit and a light emitting unit. The reading unit reads commodity information from a commodity held over a reading position. The light emitting unit emits light in a first color to illuminate the reading position and emits light in a second color in response to the reading of the commodity information by the reading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaoru Matsuhisa, Toshiyasu Terahara, Yuuki Kawaguchi
  • Systems and methods for financial transaction through miniaturized card with ASIC
    Patent number: 9016572
    Abstract: A card reader device is provided with a housing having a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card to complete a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. A read head is in the housing reads data stored on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. An output jack is adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a mobile device for provides the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to the mobile device. A sourcing power device couples to an audio jack of the mobile device and sources power from the mobile device through the audio jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventors: Amish Rajesh Babu, Jim McKelvey, Sam Wen, Jack Dorsey
  • Multi-purpose credit card reader apparatus
    Patent number: 9016570
    Abstract: A credit card reader shields a credit card, stores data from one or more credit cards simultaneously and then selectively broadcasts data associated with one of the cards. A slim, electromagnetically shielding housing has a cavity and a card reader for reading data from a credit card received in the cavity. A processor connects the card reader to a memory component, and connects both to an RFID device, where the credit card data can be broadcast to an RFID reader. A control interface allows a user to initiate reading credit card data, to select a card data set to store in memory, or to broadcast a dataset. A display shows transaction information and stored card data. A retractable input/output plug can engage a socket on another device to transmit and receive data. A memory card device can selectively store credit card data and transaction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Adrian Gluck
  • Read head device with slot configured to reduce torque
    Patent number: 9004356
    Abstract: A read head system has a housing and a read positioned in the housing with a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card with the slot utilized to enable a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head includes an output jack configured to be coupled to at least one of a audio jack or microphone port of a mobile device. The read head provides the signal to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim McKelvey
  • Antenna module
    Patent number: 8991717
    Abstract: An antenna module includes an antenna element including coil patterns and via conductors coupling together two adjacent two coil patterns. At least one of the coil patterns has a spiral shape, is wound three or more turns parallel or substantially parallel to an outer edge of a principal surface of a multilayer body, includes a first partial pattern including an outer end portion, a second partial pattern extending parallel or substantially parallel with the first partial pattern and being adjacent to the first partial pattern with a first gap provided therebetween, and a third partial pattern extending parallel or substantially parallel with the second partial pattern and being adjacent to the second partial pattern with a second gap provided therebetween, the second gap being smaller than the first gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromi Murayama, Yuya Dokai, Tsuyoshi Mukai, Kazuaki Higashibata, Masato Nomura, Noboru Kato
  • Terminal including imaging assembly
    Patent number: 8967468
    Abstract: A terminal includes a housing, a touch screen, and an imaging assembly. The imaging assembly in one embodiment is disposed in the housing so that an imaging axis extends externally from the housing. The imaging assembly can be utilized for capture of images disposed externally to the housing. In one embodiment a frame of image data captured utilizing an imaging assembly can be processed for attempting to decode a decodable indicia. In one embodiment a frame of image data captured utilizing an imaging assembly can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrison Gomez, Timothy R. Fitch, Melvin D. McCall, James F. O'Donnell, George S. Smith, II, David Sperduti
  • Method and device for identifying an electronic code
    Patent number: 8955751
    Abstract: A method and device for reading an electronic code. An alternating electrical signal is brought to the code being measured with the aid of electrodes, and the current or voltage travelling through the electrodes is measured. The real and the imaginary components of the current or correspondingly the voltage are defined. The electrodes, being on an essentially lossless surface, an angle correction is made to the real and imaginary components of the current or the voltage in such a way that substantial changes in the current take place only in the imaginary component of the current or voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nicanti Oy
    Inventors: Heikki Seppä, Hannu Sipola, Anssi Rautiainen, Panu Helistö
  • Self-service terminal
    Patent number: 8955742
    Abstract: A self-service terminal includes a safety box, a main control module, an operating module, and a shielding member. The main control module includes a casing and a mounting frame mounted in the casing. The mounting frame is attached on the safety box. The casing includes a pair of side panels and a top panel connecting between the pair of side panels. The pair of side panels and the top panel is detachably attached to the mounting frame. The operating module is attached to a front side of the main control module. The shielding member is attached to the safety box and encloses the operating module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kun Shih, Yang-Jie Luo, Wan-Cheng Luo, Si-Long Li, Xiang-Xiong Xiao, Jie Peng
  • Mattress with mattress age indicator
    Patent number: 8939379
    Abstract: A mattress age indicating device includes an enclosure and an indicating assembly contained within the enclosure. The age indicating device may be configured to present an indication related to the mattress's age and may be coupled to the mattress or other bedding or seating product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Terrance L. Myers, John A. Garrett