Patents Examined by Sonji Johnson
  • Patent number: 10031274
    Abstract: A light guide plate includes a diffusing surface that diffuses incident light having a concave cylindrical surface shape with curvature in a first direction, and an exit surface having a convex cylindrical surface shape with curvature in the first direction. The light guide plate is constituted such that a pattern provided behind the diffusing surface is visible from the exit surface side. The light guide plate has an incident surface on at least one end of the light guide plate in the first direction, and prisms that are formed in the diffusing surface and reflect visible light from a light source that enters the light guide plate from the incident surface toward the exit surface. Each prism has a reflecting surface oriented toward the incident surface side, and an angle between the reflecting surface and the diffusing surface increases, the further the prism is from the incident surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Muraoka, Takeshi Kakinuma, Yoshihiko Takagi
  • Patent number: 10019530
    Abstract: A method used to authenticate an item using an identification tag is provided. At the time of manufacture, the tags are created with various hardware attributes (HA), including a unique identifier (UID); and encoded with a signature of a message that includes a URL, and optionally a serial number associated with a product to which the tag is to be attached. The URL embeds various data such as one or more of the HAs, a serial number, etc., which can be used to verify the authenticity of the tag when verifying the signature. When a tag is read, the message including the URL is recovered and the signature is verified by the processor of the reader. This can be done to ensure that the URL in the message is one designated by the signer. The data in the signature can then be used to verify the authenticity of the tag and/or to detect tampering. The results of the verification can also be displayed to a user, e.g., using an available display on the electronic device including or otherwise acting as the tag reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ETAS Embedded Systems Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Rosati, Jason Smith
  • Patent number: 10013586
    Abstract: An information processing system includes an information bearing medium and an information reading unit. The information bearing medium has a two-dimensional array of unit data zones. Marks are provided on some of the unit data zones so as to form a digital code. Mark patterns of any two Y-directional adjacent unit data zone strings based on the arrangement of marks in an X-direction differ from each other. The information reading unit generates a data string on the basis of a unit signal formed from a plurality of signals output from a group of detection units that detect the marks in synchronization and recognizes the digital code of the information bearing medium on the basis of a group of the data strings sequentially obtained from the array of the unit data zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Bandai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Matsui, Shinnosuke Terai, Hirotaka Hatayama, Haruhisa Saito
  • Patent number: 10013651
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making an electronic module having an integrated circuit chip connected to an antenna. The method includes the steps of producing a module having electrical interconnection areas, a chip connected to the interconnection areas and a protection element covering at least the chip and part of the interconnection areas, and a radio antenna connected to the chip and arranged above the chip. The method includes a step of producing the entirety or part of the antenna, or the tracks thereof for coupling same with the interconnection areas, in three dimensions directly on the protection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GEMALTO SA
    Inventors: Stephane Ottobon, Jean-Christophe Fidalgo, Laurent Audouard, Frederick Seban
  • Patent number: 10001254
    Abstract: In an illuminating device (A), in particular for a motor vehicle, light emitted by an area light source (K) is projected as distributed light by an optical arrangement (E). The optical arrangement (E) comprises at least a first and a second optical component (L1, L2) axially one after the other, as seen along a longitudinal axis (x). In order to adjust the position thereof in the axial direction, an adjusting device (C) is provided for the optical components (L1, L2), said device having a first adjusting ring (G1), which can be rotated about the longitudinal axis (x) and is connected to an extension piece (J1) via a transmission connection, which converts rotation of the first adjusting ring (G1) in relation to the extension piece (J1) into axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: ZKW GROUP GMBH
    Inventor: Matthias Mayer
  • Patent number: 10002275
    Abstract: An optical element is disclosed. The optical element comprises: a first phase shift mask formed on a first optical material and constituted to generate a positive phase shift, and a second phase shift mask formed on a second optical material and constituted to generate a negative phase shift, wherein the phase shift masks are arranged serially on an optical axis, and wherein a refractive index of at least one of the first and second optical materials varies with the temperature at a rate of at least 50×10?6 per degree Kelvin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Shay Elmalem, Emanuel Marom, Harel Haim, Naim Konforti
  • Patent number: 9996840
    Abstract: An item can be authenticated based on a first, second, third, and fourth identifier, wherein the identifiers are incorporated into various parts of product packaging. In some embodiments, the first, second, and fourth identifiers can be a QR code, a bar code, a serial number, any RFID tag, or a combination thereof, and the third identifier can be an image type, for example, a type of animal, and image location, for example, a quadrant. The identifiers can be scanned or inputted manually by a user. When the four identifiers are authenticated, the product is deemed to be authentic, whereas when the four identifiers are not authenticated, the product is deemed to be counterfeit. In some implementations, a user can authenticate the items using a smart phone, smart phone app, tablet, tablet app, website, web-based application, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Covectra, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Wood, Richard Smith, Terrence P. O'Neill, Ronald Guido
  • Patent number: 9994054
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for generating an identity document obtain unique machine data related to an identity document generation system. The apparatus and methods obtain personalization data related to an intended holder of the identity document. The apparatus and methods generate a unique machine and personalization data object that includes values of the unique machine data and the personalization data. The apparatus and methods digitally sign the unique machine and personalization data object. The apparatus and methods incorporate the signed unique machine and personalization data object into the identity document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Entrust, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Joynes, Gregory James Wetmore, Gordon William Coulson, Sharon Marie Boeyen
  • Patent number: 9996833
    Abstract: There is provided a mobile subscriber unit for a financial transaction token. The subscriber unit interfaces with a financial token or card that is in communication with the subscriber unit. The financial token or card has an onboard energy source so that the card token may operate away from proximity to a merchant terminal (e.g.; a POS terminal). In one implementation, the onboard power storage device includes a rechargeable battery or capacitor such as a thin-film capacitor that stores sufficient energy to power the subscriber unit's onboard electronics and/or the electronics of a financial token in communication with the subscriber unit. The subscriber unit may be a component of another consumer device such as a computing device, communications device, an item of clothing, an item of jewelry, a cell phone, a PDA, an identification card, a money holder, a wallet, a purse, a briefcase, or a personal organizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: VISA U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Faith, Ayman Hammad
  • Patent number: 9990632
    Abstract: A device may determine that a verification method associated with a transaction card is to be modified from a first verification method to a second verification method. The first verification method and the second verification method may use different types of verification information. The device may provide a set of instructions to the transaction card after determining that the verification method is to be modified. The set of instructions may cause the transaction card to modify the verification method from the first verification method to the second verification method. The device may provide information identifying a modification to the verification method to a transaction backend device to notify the transaction backend device that the verification method associated with the transaction card has been modified from the first verification method to the second verification method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Koeppel, Robert Perry
  • Patent number: 9989952
    Abstract: A digital image is captured. The captured digital image includes a calibration pattern. The calibration pattern includes displayed information about the calibration pattern. The displayed information is read to obtain calibration information about the captured digital image. A new image is generated. The calibration information is stored with the new image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Pixameter Corp.
    Inventor: Mansoor Ghazizadeh
  • Patent number: 9958686
    Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an illumination module, a first structured light generation module, a second structured light generation module and a beam splitting unit. The beam splitting unit is arranged between the illumination module, the first structured light generation module and the second structured light generation module. When a source beam from the illumination module is received by the beam splitting unit, the source beam is split into a first light beam and a second light beam. The first light beam is propagated in a direction toward the first structured light generation module. The second light beam is propagated in a direction toward the second structured light generation module. After the first light beam passes through the first structured light generation module, a first structured light is generated. After the second light beam passes through the second structured light generation module, a second structured light is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Everready Precision Ind. Corp.
    Inventors: Jyh-Long Chern, Chih-Ming Yen
  • Patent number: 9953354
    Abstract: A system and method of associating an NFC tag to a product and transmitting information about the product are described. An electronic device is used to scan a generic NFC tag affixed to a product to obtain a unique ID code as well as other indicia identifying the product itself, such as a bar code. The unique ID and bar code are then transmitted to a central server, where they are associated with one another and stored in a database. Once associated, a customer may use a separate electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, to scan a product of interest, transmit the unique ID code to the central server, and retrieve from the central server information about the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NOOK DIGITAL, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Pallakoff, Harold Edward Cohn
  • Patent number: 9911119
    Abstract: Example embodiments provide a multi-currency cart and checkout. In example embodiments, a currency accepted and a payment option for each item in a multi-currency cart is identified. A plurality of currency groups is generated based on the currency and payment options, whereby each currency group comprises one or more items having a same payment option and accepting a same currency. A multi-currency checkout user interface (UI) is presented on a client device that presents the plurality of currency groups and a pay selector for each of the plurality of the currency groups. An updated multi-currency checkout UI is presented in response to processing payment for a selected one of the plurality of currency groups. The updated multi-currency UI comprises a confirmation for payment for the selected one of the plurality of currency groups and remaining currency groups of the plurality of currency groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Malathi Jivan, Mica Merce
  • Patent number: 9911071
    Abstract: The disclosed method, and corresponding system, for controlling items on a production/distribution line relies on secure identification of items transported arranged in a given disposition along a transport path at a site of collection and packaging of the items, and association of ID data of some of the packed items with corresponding packaging ID data so as to ensure reliable identification of package content delivered on the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SICPA HOLDING SA
    Inventors: Yvan Collombet, Daniel Cotsford, Rodrigo Lorca, Luciano Torres, Christian Fefin
  • Patent number: 9911014
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of transferring data using a tag, said tag comprising an RF interface unit, a host interface unit and a memory, the method comprising: the RF interface unit connects the tag to an RF device; the host interface unit connects the tag to a host device; the tag enters into a pass-through mode; in said pass-through mode, the tag transfers data, either in a first configured transfer direction, from the RF device to the host device, or, in a second configured transfer direction, from the host device to the RF device; in said pass-through mode, the tag buffers said data in the memory. Furthermore, a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding tag are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Sreedhar Patange, Nitin Labdhe
  • Patent number: 9904831
    Abstract: The method of detecting and referencing two-dimensional position of a cassette in a drawer of compartments distributed according to columns and rows includes positioning at least one inserted cassette with the upper face turned towards the top within a compartment. Systematic detection of all compartments is performed automatically by verifying the presence of a cassette and by verifying the presence of a cassette within each compartment. The detection can be optical and include displacing an optical sight relatively with respect to the top of the drawer according to at least one trajectory passing through all compartments. When detecting a cassette within a compartment, the two-dimensional position is identified by coordinates, according to column and row. If an error occurs during a first pass, the detection and reading are displaced directly to the position where the error occurrence was noted and previously recorded, without undertaking a new detection of all compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Dreampath Diagnostics
    Inventor: Valerie Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 9899207
    Abstract: A lamp for automotive front lighting and a vehicle headlight comprising the lamp are described, as well as a method of manufacturing the lamp. The lamp 10 comprises a base 12 for mechanical and electrical connection to an automotive headlight 50. A burner 14 is fixed to the base 12 and comprises a sealed transparent vessel 22. A first filament 34 is arranged within the vessel 22. A holding wire 30c is arranged within the vessel, and a baffle 40 is arranged proximate to the first filament 34 to partially shield light emitted from the first filament 34. The baffle 40 is fixed to the holding wire 30c. The transparent vessel 22 comprises a vessel wall including a cylindrical portion 24 surrounding the first filament 34. In order to obtain a lamp which may withstand vibration, a support member 38, 138, 238 is provided including at least a first part 39 fixed to the baffle 40 or to the holding wire 30c and a second part 43 which is in contact with the cylindrical portion of the vessel 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Markus Petter, Helmut Tiesler-Wittig, Bernd Schönfelder, Johannes Gerhard Möeller
  • Patent number: 9898731
    Abstract: An electronic, hand-held, and portable donation device and method are disclosed for collecting financial donations. The donation device may include a plurality of electronic payment processors, each payment processor corresponding to a different monetary amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Pod Giving LLC
    Inventors: Michael Stephens Yonke, Benjamin Thomas Royal
  • Patent number: 9892351
    Abstract: A Bluetooth low energy (BLE)-based asset tag transmits a code that identifies an asset. A device is attached to the asset. The code is scanned with a scanner supported by the device. An advertising beacon is transmitted in an advertising packet having a payload with a Bluetooth low energy (BLE)-based radio supported by the device. The scanned code is automatically loaded into the payload. The advertising packet with the scanned code in the payload is periodically transmitted as a series of beacon pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sean A Connolly, James R Giebel, Umberto R Scaramozzino