Patents by Inventor Erik Van Horn
Erik Van Horn 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).
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Patent number: 11394891Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide implementations for controlling flicker, for example caused by a plurality of light sources, in a multi-sensor environment. Various embodiments provided utilize a broadest illuminator source for capturing image data objects for processing. The broadest illuminator source minimizes the number of activation changes required between the various illuminator sources. One example embodiment includes activating a broadest illuminator source of a plurality of illuminator sources; determining, based on a plurality of image sensors and an sensor activation sequence, a chosen image sensor of the plurality of image sensors for an image processing operation; and activating a chosen illuminator source of the plurality of illuminator sources, the chosen illuminator source associated with the chosen image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Tao Xian, Ka Man Au, David M. Wilz, Gennady Germaine, Patrick Anthony Giordano, Erik Van Horn, Michael Vincent Miraglia, Benjamin Hejl, Thomas A. Sweet
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Publication number: 20220198169Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to imaging devices and indicia reading devices. An imaging apparatus comprises an image sensor, an optical window positioned in front of the image sensor and a light source enclosing a perimeter of the optical window such that an illumination cone of the light source overlaps a portion of a near field of view cone of the imaging apparatus. The portion of the near field of view cone extends from a surface of the optical window to a threshold distance from the optical window. The light source is configured to produce a first illumination along a first direction extending towards a scene to be imaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Erik Van Horn, Gregory Rueblinger
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Patent number: 11282323Abstract: Existing currency validation (CVAL) devices, systems, and methods are too slow, costly, intrusive, and/or bulky to be routinely used in common transaction locations (e.g., at checkout, at an automatic teller machine, etc.). Presented herein are devices, systems, and methods to facilitate optical validation of documents, merchandise, or currency at common transaction locations and to do so in an obtrusive and convenient way. More specifically, the present invention embraces a validation device that may be used alone or integrated within a larger system (e.g., point of sale system, kiosk, etc.). The present invention also embraces methods for currency validation using the validation device, as well as methods for improving the quality and consistency of data captured by the validation device for validation.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Erik Van Horn, Gennady Germaine, Christopher Allen, David J. Ryder, Paul Poloniewicz, Kevin Saber, Sean Philip Kearney, Edward Hatton, Edward C. Bremer, Michael Vincent Miraglia, Robert Pierce, William Ross Rapoport, James Vincent Guiheen, Chirag Patel, Patrick Anthony Giordano, Timothy Good, Gregory M. Rueblinger
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Publication number: 20220051504Abstract: Existing currency validation (CVAL) devices, systems, and methods are too slow, costly, intrusive, and/or bulky to be routinely used in common transaction locations (e.g., at checkout, at an automatic teller machine, etc.). Presented herein are devices, systems, and methods to facilitate optical validation of documents, merchandise, or currency at common transaction locations and to do so in an obtrusive and convenient way. More specifically, the present invention embraces a validation device that may be used alone or integrated within a larger system (e.g., point of sale system, kiosk, etc.). The present invention also embraces methods for currency validation using the validation device, as well as methods for improving the quality and consistency of data captured by the validation device for validation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Erik VAN HORN, Gennady GERMAINE, Christopher ALLEN, David J. RYDER, Paul POLONIEWICZ, Kevin SABER, Sean Philip KEARNEY, Edward HATTON, Edward C. BREMER, Michael Vincent MIRAGLIA, Robert PIERCE, William Ross RAPOPORT, James Vincent GUIHEEN, Chirag PATEL, Patrick Anthony GIORDANO, Timothy GOOD, Gregory M. RUEBLINGER
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Patent number: 11212460Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to flicker reduction in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for producing a near-field illumination using a near-field illuminator, the near-field illumination produced at a defined pulse train. A near-field image sensor may be exposed near the start of a near-field illumination pulse, and a far-field image sensor may be exposed between pulses of the near-field illumination. Some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, are configured for detecting an illuminator switch event, deactivating the near-field illuminator source, and producing, using a far-field illuminator source, a far-field illumination. Upon switching the illuminator source, some such embodiments are configured for exposing a far-field illuminator near the start of the far-field illumination pulse, and exposing a near-field image sensor near the start of the next available far-field illumination pulse.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Hejl, Ka Man Au, Erik Van Horn, David M. Wilz, Michael V. Miraglia, Patrick Giordano
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Publication number: 20210400183Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to flicker reduction in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for producing a near-field illumination using a near-field illuminator, the near-field illumination produced at a defined pulse train. A near-field image sensor may be exposed near the start of a near-field illumination pulse, and a far-field image sensor may be exposed between pulses of the near-field illumination. Some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, are configured for detecting an illuminator switch event, deactivating the near-field illuminator source, and producing, using a far-field illuminator source, a far-field illumination. Upon switching the illuminator source, some such embodiments are configured for exposing a far-field illuminator near the start of the far-field illumination pulse, and exposing a near-field image sensor near the start of the next available far-field illumination pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin HEJL, Ka Man AU, Erik VAN HORN, David M. WILZ, Michael V. MIRAGLIA, Patrick GIORDANO
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Publication number: 20210274084Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to flicker reduction in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for producing a near-field illumination using a near-field illuminator, the near-field illumination produced at a defined pulse train. A near-field image sensor may be exposed near the start of a near-field illumination pulse, and a far-field image sensor may be exposed between pulses of the near-field illumination. Some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, are configured for detecting an illuminator switch event, deactivating the near-field illuminator source, and producing, using a far-field illuminator source, a far-field illumination. Upon switching the illuminator source, some such embodiments are configured for exposing a far-field illuminator near the start of the far-field illumination pulse, and exposing a near-field image sensor near the start of the next available far-field illumination pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin HEJL, Ka Man Au, Erik Van Horn, David M. Wilz, Michael V. Miraglia, Patrick Giordano
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Publication number: 20210243349Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide implementations for controlling flicker, for example caused by a plurality of light sources, in a multi-sensor environment. Various embodiments provided utilize a broadest illuminator source for capturing image data objects for processing. The broadest illuminator source minimizes the number of activation changes required between the various illuminator sources. One example embodiment includes activating a broadest illuminator source of a plurality of illuminator sources; determining, based on a plurality of image sensors and an sensor activation sequence, a chosen image sensor of the plurality of image sensors for an image processing operation; and activating a chosen illuminator source of the plurality of illuminator sources, the chosen illuminator source associated with the chosen image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Tao XIAN, Ka Man AU, David M. WILZ, Gennady GERMAINE, Patrick Anthony GIORDANO, Erik VAN HORN, Michael Vincent MIRAGLIA, Benjamin HEJL, Thomas A. SWEET
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Patent number: 11019276Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide implementations for controlling flicker, for example caused by a plurality of light sources, in a multi-sensor environment. Various embodiments provided utilize a broadest illuminator source for capturing image data objects for processing. The broadest illuminator source minimizes the number of activation changes required between the various illuminator sources. One example embodiment includes activating a broadest illuminator source of a plurality of illuminator sources; determining, based on a plurality of image sensors and a sensor activation sequence, a chosen image sensor of the plurality of image sensors for an image processing operation; and activating a chosen illuminator source of the plurality of illuminator sources, the chosen illuminator source associated with the chosen image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Tao Xian, Ka Man Au, Dave M. Wilz, Gennady Germaine, Patrick Anthony Giordano, Erik Van Horn, Michael Vincent Miraglia, Benjamin Hejl, Thomas A. Sweet
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Publication number: 20210152725Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide implementations for controlling flicker, for example caused by a plurality of light sources, in a multi-sensor environment. Various embodiments provided utilize a broadest illuminator source for capturing image data objects for processing. The broadest illuminator source minimizes the number of activation changes required between the various illuminator sources. One example embodiment includes activating a broadest illuminator source of a plurality of illuminator sources; determining, based on a plurality of image sensors and a sensor activation sequence, a chosen image sensor of the plurality of image sensors for an image processing operation; and activating a chosen illuminator source of the plurality of illuminator sources, the chosen illuminator source associated with the chosen image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2019Publication date: May 20, 2021Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Tao XIAN, Ka Man AU, David M. Wilz, Gennady Germaine, Patrick Anthony Giordano, Erik Van Horn, Michael Vincent Miraglia, Benjamin Hejl, Thomas A. Sweet
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Patent number: 10935367Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a method for calibrating a dimensioner. An example method includes receiving two or more previously captured images of a common field of view of the dimensioner, and identifying at least one static object in the common field of view. The method further includes determining one or more reference dimensions of the at least one static object. Thereafter, the method includes detecting an event on the dimensioner, and when an event is detected, determining one or more updated dimensions of the at least one static object. The method includes comparing the one or more updated dimensions to the one or more reference dimensions to determine whether the one or more updated dimensions satisfy a predefined dimension error range. When the one or more updated dimensions fail to satisfy the predefined dimension error range, the method includes modifying one or more parameters associated with the dimensioner.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventor: Erik Van Horn
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Patent number: 10896304Abstract: An indicia reader that utilizes its image sensor for more than one function is disclosed. The image sensor's functionality is derived by designating areas on the image sensor according to function and then filtering the light focused onto each area according to the area's particular function. The data (i.e., pixel information) from each area may then be processed accordingly to facilitate a variety of functions such as image capture and object detection.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Gennady Germaine, Erik Van Horn
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Patent number: 10753802Abstract: A system and method of determining if a surface contains print or is a screen of a device is provided. The method is comprised of the steps of: acquiring a spectral wavelength signature of the surface; comparing the spectral wavelength signature of the surface to RGB triple-peak emission spectra; scanning the surface with an image-based scanner in non-illumination mode based upon the spectral wavelength signature of the surface corresponding to the RGB triple-peak emission spectra, and scanning the surface with an image-based scanner in illumination mode based upon the spectral wavelength signature of the surface not corresponding to the RGB triple-peak emission spectra.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Patrick Anthony Giordano, Stephen J. Colavito, Timothy Good, Erik Van Horn, Sean Philip Kearney
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Publication number: 20200158491Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a method for calibrating a dimensioner. An example method includes receiving two or more previously captured images of a common field of view of the dimensioner, and identifying at least one static object in the common field of view. The method further includes determining one or more reference dimensions of the at least one static object. Thereafter, the method includes detecting an event on the dimensioner, and when an event is detected, determining one or more updated dimensions of the at least one static object. The method includes comparing the one or more updated dimensions to the one or more reference dimensions to determine whether the one or more updated dimensions satisfy a predefined dimension error range. When the one or more updated dimensions fail to satisfy the predefined dimension error range, the method includes modifying one or more parameters associated with the dimensioner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2020Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventor: Erik VAN HORN
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Patent number: 10563971Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a method for calibrating a dimensioner. An example method includes receiving two or more previously captured images of a common field of view of the dimensioner, and identifying at least one static object in the common field of view. The method further includes determining one or more reference dimensions of the at least one static object. Thereafter, the method includes detecting an event on the dimensioner, and when an event is detected, determining one or more updated dimensions of the at least one static object. The method includes comparing the one or more updated dimensions to the one or more reference dimensions to determine whether the one or more updated dimensions satisfy a predefined dimension error range. When the one or more updated dimensions fail to satisfy the predefined dimension error range, the method includes modifying one or more parameters associated with the dimensioner.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Erik Van Horn
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Publication number: 20200003547Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a method for calibrating a dimensioner. An example method includes receiving two or more previously captured images of a common field of view of the dimensioner, and identifying at least one static object in the common field of view. The method further includes determining one or more reference dimensions of the at least one static object. Thereafter, the method includes detecting an event on the dimensioner, and when an event is detected, determining one or more updated dimensions of the at least one static object. The method includes comparing the one or more updated dimensions to the one or more reference dimensions to determine whether the one or more updated dimensions satisfy a predefined dimension error range. When the one or more updated dimensions fail to satisfy the predefined dimension error range, the method includes modifying one or more parameters associated with the dimensioner.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2018Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventor: Erik VAN HORN
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Patent number: 10506516Abstract: Systems for power management of a fleet of devices through information storage sharing are described. According to one embodiment, each one of a group of networked devices offloads information to a substantially powered hub device before entering a low power consumption mode and receives the respective information back from the hub device upon wake. Another embodiment describes a system of networked devices in which each one of the networked devices offloads information to a selected networked device before entering a sleep mode and receives the respective information back from that selected networked device after entering a wake mode. Another embodiment describes a system whereby the original selected networked device then backups to a new selected networked device if the original selected networked device needs to enter a low power consumption mode, and the other networked devices receive the respective information back from the new selected networked device.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Erik Van Horn, Sean Philip Kearney, Patrick Anthony Giordano
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Publication number: 20190272696Abstract: Existing currency validation (CVAL) devices, systems, and methods are too slow, costly, intrusive, and/or bulky to be routinely used in common transaction locations (e.g., at checkout, at an automatic teller machine, etc.). Presented herein are devices, systems, and methods to facilitate optical validation of documents, merchandise, or currency at common transaction locations and to do so in an obtrusive and convenient way. More specifically, the present invention embraces a validation device that may be used alone or integrated within a larger system (e.g., point of sale system, kiosk, etc.). The present invention also embraces methods for currency validation using the validation device, as well as methods for improving the quality and consistency of data captured by the validation device for validation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Erik Van Horn, Gennady Germaine, Christopher Allen, David Ryder, Paul Poloniewicz, Kevin Saber, Sean Philip Kearney, Edward Hatton, Edward C. Bremer, Michael Vincent Miraglia, Robert Pierce, William Ross Rapoport, James Vincent Guiheen, Chirag Patel, Patrick Anthony Giordano, Timothy Good, Gregory Rueblinger
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Patent number: 10366380Abstract: A point of sale system capable of operating in an indicia-reading mode or a verification mode is disclosed. In the indicia-reading mode, the point of sale system configures its illumination, imaging, and processing to read indicia as part of a normal checkout process. If triggered by a user or by an event, the point of sale system may operate in a verification mode. In the verification mode, the point of sale system enables the necessary illumination, imaging, and processing to verify an item. This verification includes illuminating the item in a way that causes a noticeable response from a security mark (or marks) on the item. An image of the response may be captured and processed to authenticate/verify the item. The point of sale system may then respond to the verification and/or may store the image/results as a record of the verification.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Erik Van Horn, Sean Philip Kearney, Patrick Anthony Giordano, Timothy Good, Chandler Dickinson, Ka Man Au, David Wilz, Sr., John A. Furlong, Benjamin Hejl, Joseph A. Walczyk, Larry Coyle, James Rosetti, Thomas Haggerty
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Patent number: 10325436Abstract: Existing currency validation (CVAL) devices, systems, and methods are too slow, costly, intrusive, and/or bulky to be routinely used in common transaction locations (e.g., at checkout, at an automatic teller machine, etc.). Presented herein are devices, systems, and methods to facilitate optical validation of documents, merchandise, or currency at common transaction locations and to do so in an obtrusive and convenient way. More specifically, the present invention embraces a validation device that may be used alone or integrated within a larger system (e.g., point of sale system, kiosk, etc.). The present invention also embraces methods for currency validation using the validation device, as well as methods for improving the quality and consistency of data captured by the validation device for validation.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Erik Van Horn, Gennady Germaine, Christopher Allen, David Ryder, Paul Poloniewicz, Kevin Saber, Sean Philip Kearney, Edward Hatton, Edward C. Bremer, Michael Vincent Miraglia, Robert Pierce, William Ross Rapoport, James Vincent Guiheen, Chirag Patel, Patrick Anthony Giordano, Timothy Good, Gregory Rueblinger