Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) system, device, and method for reducing energy usage by monitoring and determining optimal control settings for conditions within a building. Sensors embedded in AR devices worn by workers performing job duties are utilized to detect and measure physical conditions such as visible light intensity and air temperature. Location, time/date, and worker occupancy data is also provided to the AR system. A time- and location-based data profile of environmental conditions within the building is created and regularly updated to track changes in environmental conditions over time. Algorithms running on a processor calculate and provide optimal control settings to building lighting and climate control systems. Optimal control settings take into account energy reduction goals, worker comfort, and regulatory compliance. The system utilizes the data profile to determine initial, reduced-energy control settings based on expected physical conditions within the building.

Abstract: An EEG POS system has an EEG device that detects electrical signals representing brain waves. A database of brain wave profiles represents a plurality of items to be identified. A live signal analyzer compares electrical signals from the EEG device with stored brain wave profiles in the database to identify entries in the database representing items that match the electrical signals from the EEG device, where items whose stored brain wave profiles match the electrical signals are considered identified items. A POS terminal is coupled to the live signal analyzer in order to log and tally items for a transaction.

Abstract: A system for reading code symbols includes an imaging subsystem that includes a focusing module and an image processor. The image processor selects an initial, predicted focal distance for the imaging subsystem's focusing module with respect to a code symbol. The focal distance for each successfully decoded code symbol is stored in memory, and a weighted average of a pre-selected number of memorized focal distances is used to calculate the next initial, predicted focal distance.

Abstract: A self-disinfecting device includes a housing with translucent material and an internal light source that is used to reduce surface pathogens on the translucent material. The device includes a processor and a light source positioned within the housing. At least a portion of the housing is translucent to radiation, and the light source emits radiation at a wavelength and an intensity that kills pathogens residing on the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: Methods for dimensioning a 3D item are described. A FOV is mapped over three spatial dimensions, each of the three spatial dimensions oriented orthogonally in relation to each of the others and graduated according to a linear scale. The 3D item is scanned relative to the mapped FOV. Each of the 2D surfaces of the scanned 3D item is identified. A dimension is measured for each of the identified 2D surfaces of the scanned 3D item. A perspective-correct representation of the measured dimension is rendered, in real time or near real time, with respect to the measuring the dimension step, onto each of the identified 2D surfaces of the scanned 3D item.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a system, device, and method for adding lighting effects to augmented reality (AR) content (i.e., virtual objects). Light sensors in an augmented reality (AR) system monitor an environment's lighting conditions to acquire lighting data that can be used to create (or update) virtual light sources. Depth sensors in the AR system sense the environment to acquire mapping data that can be used to create a 3D model of the environment while tracking the system's location within the environment. Algorithms running on a processor may then add the virtual light sources to the 3D model of the environment so that, when AR content is created, lighting effects corresponding to the virtual light sources can be added. The resulting AR content with virtual lighting effects appear more realistic to a user.

Abstract: Indicia-reading systems that interface with a user's nervous system include a device with electrodes capable of detecting electromagnetic signals produced in the brain or skeletal muscles of a user. The systems also include a computer with a processor and memory. The computer is configured to monitor the electromagnetic signals that are detected by the electrodes. The computer is also configured to perform operations in response to certain monitored electromagnetic signals. The computer may be an indicia-reading device configured to acquire indicia information in response to certain detected electromagnetic signals. The computer may also be a vehicle-mounted computer configured to sound an alarm in response to certain detected electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: Indicia-reading systems that interface with a user's nervous system include a device with electrodes capable of detecting electromagnetic signals produced in the brain or skeletal muscles of a user. The systems also include a computer with a processor and memory. The computer is configured to monitor the electromagnetic signals that are detected by the electrodes. The computer is also configured to perform operations in response to certain monitored electromagnetic signals. The computer may be an indicia-reading device configured to acquire indicia information in response to certain detected electromagnetic signals. The computer may also be a vehicle-mounted computer configured to sound an alarm in response to certain detected electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device, system, and method utilizing augmented-reality (AR) for safety. The AR safety system generates hazard-response messages in response to sensor data in order to help users understand and response to hazards in work environments in an intuitive and effective way. The AR safety system fuses a plurality of technologies. These technologies include person location/tracking, hazard detection/tracking, and augmented reality (i.e., AR).

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the injection of barcode scan data into an application running on a smart device is provided. The system includes a running application on a smart device. The running application has text fields with text field properties. The text field properties designate to either accept access or restrict access to the text fields from barcode scan data. The system further includes a keyboard buffer and a scan wedge having access to the keyboard buffer. The scan wedge is provided with means to discriminate between access and restricted access designations in the text field properties. The means to discriminate is configured to interrogate the text field properties to determine if the text field permits access to barcode scan data. The scan wedge is also configured to begin a barcode scan operation if the text field permits access to barcode scan data and to load barcode scan data into the keyboard buffer.

Abstract: Customers would like to minimize the time waiting in lines; however, it is often difficult to understand which lane to choose. The present invention embraces a device, system, and method to help customers understand which lanes are open and operating most efficiently. The invention utilizes Bluetooth-low-energy (BLE) transmitters located at each lane to transmit updated information related to (i) the lane's status (e.g., open or in-use) and (ii) the lane's quality (e.g., throughput efficiency). Portable electronic devices used by customers may receive the BLE signals and understand (e.g., using augmented reality) which lane would be most likely to provide a quick process.

Abstract: A data decoding system can comprise one or more computers communicatively coupled to a network. The computers can execute at least one decoding process. The decoding process can be configured, responsive to receiving a decoding request comprising an image of decodable indicia, to locate the decodable indicia within the image, and to decode the decodable indicia into a decoded message. The decoding process can be further configured, responsive to completing a decoding operation, to transmit to the client the decoded message and/or the decoding operation completion code.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a camera, a user interface system, and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera and the user interface system. The processor is typically configured for running a first application. The first application is typically configured for (i) accessing the camera, (ii) upon the initialization of the first application, initializing the camera, and (iii) maintaining the camera in an initialized state as long as the first application is running. The application may be further configured for focusing the camera and maintaining the camera in a focused state as long as the first application is running.

Abstract: A data decoding system can comprise one or more computers communicatively coupled to a network. The computers can execute at least one decoding process. The decoding process can be configured, responsive to receiving a decoding request comprising an image of decodable indicia, to locate the decodable indicia within the image, and to decode the decodable indicia into a decoded message. The decoding process can be further configured, responsive to completing a decoding operation, to transmit to the client the decoded message and/or the decoding operation completion code.

Abstract: Customers would like to minimize the time waiting in checkout lines; however, it is often difficult to understand which checkout lane to choose. The present invention embraces a device, system, and method to help customers understand which checkout lanes are open and operating most efficiently. The invention utilizes Bluetooth-low-energy (BLE) transmitters located at each checkout lane to transmit updated information related to (i) the lane's status (e.g., open or in-use) and (ii) the lane's quality (e.g., throughput efficiency). Portable electronic devices used by customers may receive the BLE signals and understand (e.g., using augmented reality) which lane would be most likely to provide a quick checkout.

Abstract: A mobile bar code scanning device with a pinch-to-window feature includes an embedded camera and a user interface system having a visual display. The user interface system enables the user to access features of the mobile barcode scanning device with touch gestures. The mobile barcode scanning device also includes a barcode scanning application initialized by a user of the mobile barcode scanning device. The mobile barcode scanning device also includes an operating system communicatively coupled to the embedded camera, the barcode scanning application, and the user interface system. The visual display provides a viewfinder for the embedded camera in the barcode scanning application. The user-defined pinch-to-window feature is real-time adjustable in size, orientation, and position by at least a two-point touch gesture.

Abstract: A method of simulating a virtual out-of-box experience of a packaged product with an electronic device is disclosed. The packaging of the product has a computer-readable code which is scanned with a camera on the electronic device. A product demonstration application is retrieved for the product from the internet. Surfaces of the packaging are recognized by the application. An image of a virtual representation of the product is rendered on an image of the packaging to make a combined image, which is displayed to the user on the display of the electronic device wherein the combined image simulates X-Ray vision into the packaging, revealing the product. The method further updates the combined image as the user manipulates the product in front of the camera, revealing different view of the product, a three-dimensional view of the product may further be displayed outside the packaging, and features demonstrated of the virtual product.

Abstract: A method of predicting the location of a region of interest within an image of a scannable object comprising providing a scanner having a processor and an image sensor; sensing in a viewing direction toward a scannable object, with an imaging plane being perpendicular to the viewing direction; capturing an image of the scannable object with the image sensor; sensing motion of the scanner within a motion sensor plane relative to the scannable object, the motion sensor plane being parallel to the imaging plane; outputting a velocity and a movement direction corresponding to the velocity; locating a region of interest in said captured image in response to the velocity and the movement direction; and scanning the captured image beginning with the region of interest.

Abstract: A user authentication system includes an augmented reality device with a gesture analyzer configured for recognizing a user's gestures. The augmented reality device also includes an object renderer in communication with the gesture analyzer. The object renderer is configured for (i) rendering a virtual three-dimensional object for display to the user (ii) modifying the shape of the virtual three-dimensional object based upon the recognized gestures.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining an image of a device having an augmented reality target viewable in the image of the device, generating an augmented reality image, and displaying the augmented reality image on the image of the device responsive to the augmented reality target to provide an augmented reality view.