Patents by Inventor Donald G Chandler

Donald G Chandler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6223988
    Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader includes a laser scanning module and a two dimensional image sensor and processing for reading a bar code. The laser scanner assists the 2D image processing by providing information on location, type, range, reflectivity, and presence of bar code for 2D reading. Additionally, the 2D imaging reading operation is improved by using the laser scan as a spotter beam for aiming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Omniplanar, Inc
    Inventors: Eric P Batterman, Donald G Chandler
  • Patent number: 5856844
    Abstract: A method for determining degrees of freedom of an object, and in particular, to a device for determining up to six degrees of freedom of a head mount display and a handle. A first camera is attached to a head mount display and senses an optically modulated target. The first camera's video output signal is processed with a digital computer to determine the position and orientation of the head mount display. A second camera is attached to a head mount display and senses an optically modulated target attached to a handle. The second camera's video output signal is processed with a digital computer to determine the position and orientation of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Omniplanar, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Batterman, Donald G. Chandler, Robert H. Dunphy
  • Patent number: 5832139
    Abstract: A method for determining up to six degrees of freedom of a camera relative to a reference frame comprises sensing an optically modulated target with the camera and processing the camera's video output signal with a digital computer. The target may have a single pattern, multiple patterns, or patterns of varying size. Multiple targets may also be used. A very wide field of view camera may be used in conjunction with a method for removing geometric distortion from the camera's view. Target patterns may be transmissive, reflective, or retroreflective, or may actively emit light. Asymmetric patterns are used to eliminate ambiguity in the recovery of the degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Omniplanar, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Batterman, Donald G. Chandler, Robert H. Dunphy
  • Patent number: 5512739
    Abstract: A bar code reader includes a first and second memory arrangement in which a two dimensional image containing the image of a bar code symbol at a random location and orientation is stored in a first memory. Thereafter, the contents of the first memory is processed by a specialized controller to determine whether any portion of the stored image is likely to contain a bar code symbol, and if so, at what location. If a bar code symbol is located, then the portion of the image stored in the first memory which has been identified as likely to contain a bar code symbol is transferred to a second memory. In the second memory, the stored image is processed by a digital signal processor in order to orient, filter and scan the stored bar code image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Omniplanar, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Chandler, Eric P. Batterman
  • Patent number: 5378883
    Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader with a two dimensional image sensor for omnidirectional bar code reading, includes variable imaging optics, and flash illumination with variable flash illumination optics. A spotter beam is provided for aiming the hand held bar code reader at a bar code symbol. The spotter beam is also used to measure the range to said bar code from said hand held bar code reader and to determine the focal length of said variable imaging optics and variable flash illumination optics. The imaging optics are adjusted automatically to provide the correct magnification and focus of a bar code regardless of range to the label. The variable focal length flash illumination optics are used to concentrate illumination energy only in the field of view of the bar code reader. The flash illumination energy is conserved by measuring the ambient light and setting the level of flash illumination energy in accordance with the measured level of ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Omniplanar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Batterman, Donald G. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5296690
    Abstract: A bar code reader includes an image capture means for storing a two dimensional image in memory, which stored image may include a bar code symbol within the field of view of said image. The present bar code reader further includes method and apparatus for determining the location and orientation of said bar code symbol within the field of view of said image, and then filtering said located and oriented bar code symbol along an axis perpendicular to said detected orientation. Thereafter, the filtered bar code symbol is scanned and applied to a decoder to produce a decoded bar code output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Omniplanar, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Chandler, Eric P. Batterman
  • Patent number: 5291564
    Abstract: An optical target is acquired by an optical scanning system according to an in-band target frequency in an input signal from an optical scanning device. Both the in-band energy level and the out-of-band energy level of the input signal from the optical scanning device are determined. These two energy levels are compared and a possible detection of the target is determined according to this comparison. A minimum threshold of in-band energy is required in order for the possible detection to be confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America
    Inventors: Govind Shah, David G. Shaw, Donald G. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5262623
    Abstract: A bar code reader utilizing a two dimensional image capture optical system, includes a method and apparatus for distinguishing a preferred bar code out a plurality of bar codes within the field of view of the bar code reader. The method and apparatus for distinguishing a preferred bar code includes placing a special pattern proximate to the bar code to be distinguished. In one embodiment, a predetermined pattern at a predetermined location and orientation relative to the bar code is placed on a label. The reader includes means for detecting the presence of the predetermined pattern after the bar code has been located. The bar code reader first locates each of the plurality of bar codes, and then checks each located bar code to determine whether the predetermined pattern is present. If the predetermined pattern is detected, then the corresponding located bar code is scanned and decoded as the preferred bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Omniplanar, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Batterman, Donald G. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5241166
    Abstract: A label and a process are provided for encoding target acquisition information and data information on an optically readable label at different resolutions. A multiplicity of cells is arranged in a regular pattern wherein each cell in the pattern may have one of at least two different optical properties to permit acquisition information encoding of the cells. Target acquisition information is encoded in the cells at a low resolution by assigning one of the plurality of optical properties to the cells in the pattern. The information-encoded cells are divided into a plurality of subcells. Data information is encoded at a high resolution in the subcells of the information-encoded cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Donald G. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5223701
    Abstract: A multiple resolution optically encoded label is readable at two or more optical resolutions, and is able to store two or more respective channels of optically encode information. Low resolution information is encoded in a plurality of large cells arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern. Each of the large cells includes a plurality of smaller cells for storing high resolution information. Method and apparatus are disclosed for encoding both high resolution data, and low resolution data, as well as for finding and reading both high resolution and low resolution data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Ommiplanar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Batterman, Donald G. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5189292
    Abstract: An optically encoded information bearing label containing a two dimensional array of data cells includes a finder pattern comprising a plurality of spots arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern substantially analogous to the predetermined geometric pattern of said two dimensional array of data cells. The finder pattern is detected by first scanning the image area to detect spots. The locations of detected spots are compared to the known geometry of the finder pattern in order to provide for rapid and reliable finding of the finder pattern and the information bearing label. Additionally, the detected finder pattern spots provide information for decoding the two dimensional data array in order to compensate for label magnification, tilt and other distortions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Omniplanar, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Batterman, Donald G. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5155343
    Abstract: A bar code reader includes an optical system for storing a two dimensional image in memory, which stored two dimensional image contains a bar code symbol. A method and apparatus is disclosed for detecting the location of said bar code image by computing the accumulated sum of the products of the derivatives of respective first and second scan lines as a location score for the image under consideration. The higher the location score, the higher the probability that the area under consideration contains a bar code image. Also, a method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the fine orientation of a located bar code image by the cross-correlation of interpolated scan line data. The bar code image is filtered by shifting interpolated scan line data in accordance with the detected peak of the cross-correlation and combining the shifted scan line data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventors: Donald G. Chandler, Eric P. Batterman
  • Patent number: 5153418
    Abstract: A multiple resolution optically encoded label is readable at two more optical resolutions, and is able to store two or more respective channels of optically encoded information. Low resolution information is encoded in a plurality of large cells arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern. Each of the large cells includes a plurality of smaller cells for storing high resolution information. Method and apparatus are disclosed for encoding both high resolution data, and low resolution data, as well as for finding and reading both high resolution and low resolution data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Omniplanar, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Batterman, Donald G. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5124537
    Abstract: An omnidirectional bar code reader uses a virtual scan of raster scan digital image memory to create the equivalent scanning pattern of a mechanical laser scanner. A two dimensional image of bar code symbol at any random orientation is captured in a memory. In one embodiment, the image memory is scanned to create a virtual scan equivalent to the scan pattern of a laser scanner. In another embodiment, the image memory is divided into plurality of memory segments, and simultaneous virtual scan is provided in each of the respective memory segments. In yet another embodiment, the memory is divided into a plurality of overlapping memory segments and simultaneous virtual scan is provided in each of the respective overlapping memory segments. The overlap between the memory segments is made large enough so that a bar code symbol of the expected size will be entirely included in one or the other of the overlapping memory segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Omniplanar, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Chandler, Eric P. Batterman
  • Patent number: 4998010
    Abstract: The article of the invention is an optically readable label for storing encoded information, said label comprising a data array of a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern, and said polygons having at least two different optical properties.a process for encoding information in an optically-readable data array comprised of information-encoded polygons by assigning optical properties to individual polygons in a predetermined pattern, ordering the polygons in a predetermined sequence, and printing the polygons with at least two optical properties.A process for retrieving information by optically scanning a data array of information-encoded polygons, preferably hexagons, creating an optical replica of the digital bit stream representative of the optical properties of the information-encoded polygons, decoding that optical replica and retrieving the decoded bit stream.A system for performing the foregoing encoding and decoding processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Chandler, Eric P. Batterman, Govind Shah
  • Patent number: 4995053
    Abstract: A system for remote control of electrical components in a building or an electrical appliance provides control of electric power flow in response to spread spectrum radio signals propagated through free space within the building. The spread spectrum signal receiver may be mounted entirely within a junction box of the building wiring or entirely within an appliance housing. The transmitter need not be connected to the building or appliance electrical wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Hillier Technologies Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond W. Simpson, Donald G. Chandler, John Bowers
  • Patent number: 4932037
    Abstract: A method of communicating digital information as a stream of binary chip values impressed on a transmitted signal during a series of discrete transmitter chip intervals. During a preamble period, the transmitter provides a predetermined transmitter clock signal having a series of different values during a series of crumb intervals, each such crumb interval being a rational fraction of one transmitter chip interval. The receiver generates plural series of receiver chip intervals offset in time from one another. During the preamble period, the receiver subdivides each chip interval of each such series into receiver crumb intervals. The receiver selects one series of receiver chip intervals for which the values of the detected signal best match a template corresponding to the transmitter clock signal. This selected series of receiver chip intervals is the series best synchronized with the transmitter chip intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Hillier Technologies Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond W. Simpson, Donald G. Chandler, John Bowers
  • Patent number: 4930139
    Abstract: The spread spectrum digital communication system includes data input devices for generating digital information signals to be transmitted using radio signals. A chip stream generator converts the data bits into chip streams that are either complemented or not complemented via an exclusive-OR gate, depending on the data bits. A scrambler further randomizes the chip stream for transmission. The receiver includes a descrambler and a correlator or digital matched filter for detecting the data signal. A modified receiver includes a sampler for sampling the scrambled signal at a rate which is the multiple of the chip rate thereby eliminating any need for recovering the chip clock. Another modified version includes a receiver having means for generating multi-level signals indicating the quality of the probable detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: O'Neill Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Chandler, Steve J. Nossen, Raymond W. Simpson
  • Patent number: 4896029
    Abstract: The article of the invention is an optically readable label for storing encoded information, said label comprising a data array of a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern, and said polygons having at least two different optical properties. A process for encoding information in an optically-readable data array comprised of information-encoded polygons by assigning optical properties to individual polygons in a predetermined pattern, ordering the polygons in a predetermined sequence, and printing the polygons with at least two optical properties. A process for retrieving information by optically scanning a data array of information-encoded polygons, preferably hexagons, creating an optical replica of the digital bit stream representative of the optical properties of the information-encoded polygons, decoding that optical replica and retrieving the decoded bit stream. A system for performing the foregoing encoding and decoding processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Chandler, Eric P. Batterman, Govind Shah
  • Patent number: 4874936
    Abstract: The article of the invention is an optically readable label for storing encoded information, said label comprising a data energy of a multiplicity of information-encoded hexagons contiguously arranged in a honeycomb pattern, and having at least two different optical properties.A process for encoding information in an optically-readable data array comprised of a honeycomb of contiguous hexagons encoded by assigning optical properties to individual hexagons in a predetermined pattern, ordering the hexagons in a predetermined sequence, and printing the hexagons with at least two optical properties.A process for retrieving information by optically scanning an information-encoded data array of contiguous polygons, preferably hexagons, creating an optical replica of the digital bit stream representative of the optical properties of the information encoded polygons, decoding that optical replica and retrieving the decoded bit stream.A stream for performing the foregoing encoding and decoding processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Chandler, Eric P. Batterman, Govind Shah