Patents Examined by Karl D. Frech
  • Methods and systems for adjusting mobile-device operating parameters based on housing-support type
    Patent number: 9697393
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for adjusting mobile-device operating parameters based on housing-support type. In an embodiment, a mobile device includes a housing; a data-acquisition device disposed in the housing; a sensor module configured to detect at least one housing-support element in a housing support, and to communicate a mode-identification signal indicative of the detection; and a processor coupled to the sensor module, configured to receive the mode-identification signal, to determine (a) whether the housing is positioned in a housing support and (b) a housing-support type, and to adjust one or more operating parameters of the mobile device based at least in part on the determined housing-support type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian J. Stagg, Richard M. Martin, Jaeho Choi, Ian R. Jenkins, Chandra M. Nair, Konstantinos D. Tsiopanos
  • Using reactive coupling of a printed RFID chip on a strap to allow the printed material to be over-laminated with a barrier film against oxygen and moisture ingress
    Patent number: 9697455
    Abstract: An RFID device using a printed electronic circuit (PEC) is disclosed. The PEC or electronic circuit which includes printed elements is coupled to a conductor structure, such as an antenna, by reactive means, such as an electric field, a magnetic field, or a combination of both. The RFID device comprises a base layer and a conductive layer (antenna structure) disposed over the base layer. A dielectric layer is then disposed over at least a portion of the conductive layer. A barrier layer is then disposed over the dielectric layer and fully covers the PEC to protect against oxygen and moisture ingress. Further, the PEC is typically attached to a carrier or strap to facilitate coupling between the antenna structure and PEC. In another embodiment, the barrier layer can be replaced with an adhesive layer that acts as both the barrier layer and the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Ian James Forster
  • Payment cards and devices with displays, chips, RFIDs, magnetic emulators, magnetic encoders, and other components
    Patent number: 9697454
    Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other card or device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. User interfaces are provided in a number of different configurations in order to achieve a number of different functionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DYNAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Mullen, Bruce Cloutier
  • Secure-transaction notifications
    Patent number: 9697514
    Abstract: To facilitate conducting a secure transaction via wireless communication between a portable electronic device (such as a smartphone) and another electronic device (such as a point-of-sale terminal), the portable electronic device may, after a final command is received from the other electronic device, determine a unique transaction identifier for the secure transaction. In particular, the final command may be specific to an applet, stored in a secure element in the portable electronic device, which conducts the secure transaction. The secure element may generate the unique transaction identifier based on financial-account information associated with the applet, which is communicated to the other electronic device. Next, the secure element may provide, to a processor in the portable electronic device, an end message for the secure transaction with the unique transaction identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ahmer A. Khan, Zachary A. Rosen, Joakim Linde
  • Filtering inventory objects using images in an RFID system
    Patent number: 9690964
    Abstract: A method for filtering scanned objects displayed on a reader is provided. The reader may scan one or more transponders, and obtain, from a database, an image for each scanned transponder. Each transponder may be associated with an object (e.g., an item of retail inventory). The obtained image for each object may be presented on an interface, and a selection of an object category may be received using the obtained images. A determination may be made as to which objects are associated with the selected object category. A display screen may display data associated with only the objects associated with the selected object category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Vargas, Tom Plocher, Sriharsha Putrevu, Ynjiun Wang
  • Authentication on mobile device using two-dimensional code
    Patent number: 9684900
    Abstract: A two-dimensional code generated from encrypted original authentication data can be displayed on an authentication device. The code is read and decrypted by an authentication application on a mobile device. This can generate and display a new two-dimensional code. The new code can contain additional information, and the new two-dimensional code is read by the two-dimensional code reading unit of an authentication device. It is then authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Motoki, Dan Tateno
  • Animal tag
    Patent number: 9675046
    Abstract: A tag for attachment to an animal including: a transponder casing (40) housing a transponder; a cartridge (12) for housing the transponder casing; a female component (10) and a male component (28) adapted to engage one another; said male component (28) having a pair of penetrating members (32, 34) and said female component (10) having a pair of apertures (14, 16), each aperture arranged to receive and retain a respective penetrating member when applied by an applicator through skin of the animal; wherein the cartridge (12) and transponder casing (40) are encapsulated within said tag to prevent dislodgment, movement or damage to the transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Enduro Tags Pty LTD
    Inventors: John James Steinfort, Kurt Edmund Schnepf, William John Hendriks
  • System for data card emulation
    Patent number: 9679233
    Abstract: An improved system and method for data card emulation involves a portable electronic device that can emulate any one of multiple data cards corresponding to multiple entities. The portable electronic device includes a memory for storing bar code information corresponding to data cards of the multiple entities. It provides an interface for identifying an entity and a display for displaying a bar code corresponding to a data card of the entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Cedar Ridge Research LLC
    Inventors: Lance P. Lawson, Marla Miller, Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts
  • Imaging device for producing high resolution images using subpixel shifts and method of using same
    Patent number: 9674430
    Abstract: An imaging device for producing a high resolution image of a target with an imaging sensor and a method using the same is provided. The method is comprised of the steps of: determining, from the target size, resolution requirements of the image to be produced; capturing multiple individual low resolution images of the target, a minimum number of individual images captured being based upon the resolution requirements determined in the determining resolution requirements step; moving the OIS module to specific positions between the capturing of the individual low resolution images in the capturing multiple low resolution images step, the specific positions being based upon the resolution requirements in the determining resolution requirements step; and processing the multiple low resolution images to produce a high resolution image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nianyi Li, Scott McCloskey
  • Information medium reading apparatus and method for reading information medium
    Patent number: 9672391
    Abstract: An information medium reading device may include a magnetic head to read magnetic datum and output an analog magnetic signal; an image sensor to take a photo of image datum and output an analog image signal; an analog switch unit to select one of the analog magnetic signal and the analog image signal and output the selected one; an analog front-end unit having an analog/digital (A/D) conversion function for converting an analog signal to a digital signal, while using a voltage according to a black reference voltage at the time of image reading, as a bottom voltage, within a predetermined converted voltage range; a level adjustment unit to make a level adjustment; and a timing control unit. The analog magnetic signal may be input into the analog front-end unit, and an A/D conversion may be carried out for converting an analog signal to a digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takato Tokunaga
  • Paper money temporary storage device and paper money storage method therefor
    Patent number: 9670024
    Abstract: A banknote temporary storage device and a banknote storage method thereof are provided. The banknote storage device includes a signal collecting unit including a coded disk, a coded disk signal sensor and a rubber wheel, where the coded disk and the rubber wheel are arranged between the storage roller and the belt standby roller via a same rotating shaft, and the coiling belt tightly engages with the rubber wheel and drives the rotation of the rubber wheel. The real-time radius of the storage roller or the belt standby roller is obtained and the angular speed of the drive motor can be adjusted according to the real-time radius, thereby ensuring that the coiling belt uniformly moves at the target speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Zhang, Wenqing Wu, Zhiqiang Sun
  • Protective window for medical device faceplates
    Patent number: 9655687
    Abstract: Devices are provided that include a protective window integrated with a faceplate for a medical device. In embodiments, a machine-readable identifier adapted to be affixed to an interior portion of a medical device is viewable via a window of a faceplate. Accordingly, the machine-readable identifier is protected from damage during use of the medical device. And, in embodiments, the machine-readable identifier encodes medical-device identifying information to enable tracking the medical device to which it is affixed. As such, should the faceplate require repair or be changed, the machine-readable identifier remains intact and affixed to the medical device. Further embodiments include a device including a faceplate that has a visual signifier of an interiorly placed radio-frequency identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Neff, Alan Portnoy
  • Printing and extraction of 2D barcode on 3D objects
    Patent number: 9659202
    Abstract: A method for printing and extracting of a barcode for an object includes dividing a barcode into disjointed regions and assigning the disjointed regions to different locations on an object. The disjointed regions are printed on the object at the different locations wherein the disjointed regions are printed visibly or invisibly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Kamijo, Masaharu Sakamoto
  • Card locking
    Patent number: 9652640
    Abstract: A chip-enabled card is detected within a card reader. The card reader locks the chip-enabled card in the card reader until an indication is received indicating that a card transaction with the chip-enabled card has ended and preventing the chip-enabled card from being removed while the chip-enabled card is locked in the card reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Arnold White
  • System and method for offline and online substation switching
    Patent number: 9651976
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may use GPS, barcodes, RF signals, or other electronic technologies, individually or in combination, to identify a location of a substation at which a switching operation is to occur. At the substation location, a device camera or other optical or radio frequency reading apparatus may be used to scan a barcode or other visible indicia to confirm that the correct device or component is being switched before progressing to the next step in the switching order. RF identification, magnetic striping, and other technologies may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Florida Power & Light Company
    Inventors: Greg Williams, Lina Tejada-Cook, Nelson Melendez, Richard Lingenfelder, Sengoda Shanmugham
  • Card reader of a point-of-sale system
    Patent number: 9652641
    Abstract: A card reader for a point-of-sale system that is configured to accept both magnetic strip-type and integrated circuit (IC) chip-type payment cards. The card reader is a component of a point-of-sale system including a portable computing device in communication with the card reader that is configured to present a first graphical user interface (GUI) when a magnetic stripe-type card is detected and a second GUI when an IC chip-type card is detected in the card reader. The card reader comprises a slot configured to receive the payment card, a magnetic reading device and an IC chip reading device. The card reader also includes a discriminator contact disposed within the slot that is configured to conduct across a surface of a metal pad of the IC chip-type card prior to the CI chip reading device making contact with the IC chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Lamfalusi, Kartik Lamba
  • Photosensitive multi-resonator chipless RFID
    Patent number: 9640855
    Abstract: A chipless RFID transponder is disclosed. The transponder comprises an antenna and a plurality of resonant structures that together define a spectral signature of the RFID transponder. Each of the resonant structures comprises conductive portions separated by interstitial regions. A photo-polymerizable filler is disposed in the interstitial regions of the resonant structures between the conductive portions. The photo-polymerizable filler is positioned so as to shift the spectral signature of the RFID when exposed to radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: George A. Gibson, James R. Larson
  • Financial transaction based on device-to-device communications
    Patent number: 9626673
    Abstract: The systems, devices and techniques disclosed provide a credit card type device which is integrated with active electronics to perform credit card type financial transactions. In one aspect, a credit card type device includes a device-to-device communication port to wirelessly communicate with another device in an attempt to complete a financial transaction. The credit card type device includes an authentication mechanism to authenticate access to the credit card type device for the initiated financial transaction. The credit card type device includes controller circuitry to control operations of the device-to-device communication port and the authentication mechanism. The credit card type device includes an output device to display information associated with the access authentication and the financial transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Shenzhen Huiding Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi He, Bo Pi
  • Quantification and inventory management of expressed human breast milk
    Patent number: 9623160
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for milk expression are provided. In one aspect, a system includes an expression apparatus having an interface configured to engage a breast and an actuation assembly operably coupled to the interface. Actuation of the actuation assembly causes the interface to apply vacuum pressure against the breast to express milk from the breast. The system also includes various sensors for quantifying characteristics of the expressed milk, and a unique identifier allows inventory management of the expressed milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Naya Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Janica B. Alvarez, Nathaniel Gaskin, Polina A. Segalova
  • Provisioning mobile device with time-varying magnetic field
    Patent number: 9626611
    Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Tyfone, Inc.
    Inventors: Siva G. Narendra, Thomas N. Spitzer, Prabhakar Tadepalli