Patents by Inventor George Powell

George Powell 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).

  • Host device for obtaining operating instructions for a barcode reader from a remote server
    Patent number: 9576170
    Abstract: A host device is configured to (i) establish a point-to-point connection with a barcode reader via a point-to-point communication interface, (ii) determine that the barcode reader is in a state wherein executable instructions necessary for providing decoded data to the host device are not present within memory of the barcode reader, (iii) use the network interface to connect to a configuration server and to receive, from the configuration server, executable instructions required for the barcode reader to be capable of providing the decoded data to the host device, (iv) provide the executable instructions to the barcode reader via the point-to-point connection, and (v) receive from the barcode reader, via the point-to-point communication interface, the decoded data only after the executable instructions have been loaded to volatile memory of the barcode reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Steve Pierce
  • PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE WITH HIBERNATE MODE
    Publication number: 20170045926
    Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device includes a processor, a removable battery pack, a battery detection unit, and an internal power-supplying unit. The battery detection unit detects removal of the battery pack from the portable computing device. The internal power-supplying unit provides operating power to the portable computing device after the battery pack is removed from the portable computing device. The battery detection unit may generate an interrupt signal to the processor upon detection of removal of the battery pack such that the processor may begin executing a hibernation routine. The internal power-supplying unit may be a super capacitor or an internal battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: George Powell
  • Barcode reader and barcode reading system having an age verification capability
    Patent number: 9552505
    Abstract: A barcode reader and a barcode reading system having an age verification capability are disclosed. The barcode reader may capture a barcode pattern on an identification (ID) card of an individual presented within a field of view of the barcode reader, extract date of birth information from the barcode, and verify an age of the individual. The barcode reader may provide an approve signal if it is verified that the age of the individual is greater than a high threshold or a deny signal if it is verified that the age is less than a low threshold. The low threshold is distinct from the high threshold. The age may be verified by a host computer. The barcode reader may extract a product ID and send the product ID to the host computer. The host computer may then prompt age verification operation if the product is an age-restricted product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventor: George Powell
  • BARCODE-READING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170004340
    Abstract: This patent specification describes operations of a mobile device with barcode-reading capabilities and a barcode-reading enhancement accessory securable to the mobile device. A mobile device may include a barcode-reading application downloaded from an application server. At least one function of the barcode-reading application may not be operative if the mobile device is not coupled to the barcode-reading enhancement accessory. The barcode-reading application may operate in a base mode or an enhanced mode. In the base mode, the barcode-reading application may obtain a license code from a license server or from the barcode-reading enhancement accessory. In the enhanced mode, the barcode-reading application may implement at least one enhanced barcode-reading function which corresponds to the operating permission authorized by the license code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: George Powell, John Deal
  • DIFFUSE BRIGHT FIELD ILLUMINATION SYSTEM FOR A BARCODE READER
    Publication number: 20160342822
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a barcode reader that includes a bright field illumination system, a dark field illumination system, and an additional illumination system that is better able to illuminate an area of the reader's field of view between the far zone (where bright field illumination is optimal) and the close zone (where dark field illumination is optimal). In this “center zone,” the dark field illumination may not be bright enough and the bright field illumination may not be diffuse enough for reading a barcode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell
  • BARCODE-READING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160342874
    Abstract: A barcode reader is disclosed. The barcode reader may include a semiconductor package and an optic system. The semiconductor package may include a plurality of silicon dies stacked vertically and interconnected by through-silicon vias (TSVs) or wires. A first die positioned on top of the plurality of stacked silicon dies includes a photo sensor array and image read-out circuitry. The image read-out circuitry is coupled to the photo sensor array and configured to generate a frame of image data, wherein the frame of image data is a sequence of values, each value representing an intensity of illumination focused on one of the photo sensors. The optic system is configured to focus an image of a barcode on the photo sensor array. The optic system includes a lens assembly and a mirror. The mirror folds an optical path behind the lens assembly onto the array of photo sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: George Powell, Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ACCESS TO PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICES
    Publication number: 20160342817
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling access to portable computing devices are disclosed. Identification information of a user is obtained and a portable computing device to be assigned to a particular user is selected from the plurality of portable computing devices. An association of the user and the selected portable computing device is recorded within a database. The selected portable computing device is then unlocked for use by the user. The portable computing devices may be secured in a multi-bay charging station with each bay including a mechanical lock which is controlled independently of the mechanical lock for each of the other bays. The checked-in portable computing device may be locked in the multi-bay charging station and the user and the checked-in portable computing device may then be dissociated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: John Deal, Garrett Russell, George Powell, Paul Graham Timmerwilke
  • BARCODE-READING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160321483
    Abstract: This patent specification describes a barcode-reading system for a mobile device. The mobile device includes a camera and a white illumination source on the backside of the mobile device. The system includes a barcode reading accessory with at least one reflective surface folding both the field of view of the camera and the field of illumination of the mobile device towards a target area beyond the top side of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Phil Utykanski, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler
  • BARCODE-READING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160321485
    Abstract: This patent specification describes a barcode-reading system for a mobile device. The mobile device includes a camera and a white illumination source on the backside of the mobile device. The system includes a barcode reading accessory with at least one reflective surface folding both the field of view of the camera and the field of illumination of the mobile device towards a target area beyond the top side of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Phil Utykanski, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler
  • BARCODE READER AND BARCODE READING SYSTEM HAVING AN AGE VERIFICATION CAPABILITY
    Publication number: 20160275284
    Abstract: A barcode reader and a barcode reading system having an age verification capability are disclosed. The barcode reader may capture a barcode pattern on an identification (ID) card of an individual presented within a field of view of the barcode reader, extract date of birth information from the barcode, and verify an age of the individual. The barcode reader may provide an approve signal if it is verified that the age of the individual is greater than a high threshold or a deny signal if it is verified that the age is less than a low threshold. The low threshold is distinct from the high threshold. The age may be verified by a host computer. The barcode reader may extract a product ID and send the product ID to the host computer. The host computer may then prompt age verification operation if the product is an age-restricted product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: George Powell, Anthony Woodard
  • BARCODE READER AND BARCODE READING SYSTEM HAVING AN AGE VERIFICATION CAPABILITY
    Publication number: 20160275324
    Abstract: A barcode reader and a barcode reading system having an age verification capability are disclosed. The barcode reader may capture a barcode pattern on an identification (ID) card of an individual presented within a field of view of the barcode reader, extract date of birth information from the barcode, and verify an age of the individual. The barcode reader may provide an approve signal if it is verified that the age of the individual is greater than a high threshold or a deny signal if it is verified that the age is less than a low threshold. The low threshold is distinct from the high threshold. The age may be verified by a host computer. The barcode reader may extract a product ID and send the product ID to the host computer. The host computer may then prompt age verification operation if the product is an age-restricted product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventor: George Powell
  • Diffuse bright field illumination system for a barcode reader
    Patent number: 9430687
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a barcode reader that includes a bright field illumination system, a dark field illumination system, and an additional illumination system that is better able to illuminate an area of the reader's field of view between the far zone (where bright field illumination is optimal) and the close zone (where dark field illumination is optimal). In this “center zone,” the dark field illumination may not be bright enough and the bright field illumination may not be diffuse enough for reading a barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell
  • System and method for setting a real-time clock of a barcode reading device
    Patent number: 9418268
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for setting the time for an internal clock function of a barcode reader and enabling the barcode reader to associate time, as determined by the internal clock function, with production barcodes read during operator use of the barcode reader and delivery of the combination of production barcodes and the associated time to a host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Michiel Lexmond, George Powell
  • Barcode reader having multiple sets of imaging optics
    Patent number: 9411999
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a barcode reader including a second set of imaging optics having a larger effective depth of field than a first set of imaging optics and requiring a larger amount of time to process a resulting image of a barcode into a decodable format. The barcode reader also includes a processor providing a decoded output based on an image acquired with the second set of imaging optics if an image acquired with the first set of imaging optics is not decodable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell
  • Graphical code readers that are configured for glare reduction
    Patent number: 9411998
    Abstract: A method for glare reduction may be implemented by a graphical code reader. The method may include illuminating a target area using a plurality of light sources. The method may also include capturing images of the target area using at least one image sensor. The method may also include determining that glare is present in at least one captured image. The method may also include determining glare information that indicates which of the light sources are responsible for the glare. The method may further include taking corrective action to reduce the glare in subsequent images based on the glare information that is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Paul Hepworth, Ryan Hyde, Ryan Hoobler
  • BARCODE-READING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160188934
    Abstract: This patent specification describes a barcode-reading enhancement accessory for a mobile device having a barcode-reading capability. The accessory may include an outer case and an inner carriage. A mobile device is encased in the inner carriage, and the combination of the inner carriage and the mobile device may be accommodated in the outer case. The inner carriage is configured to accommodate a mobile device of a particular size such that a mobile device of a different size may be accommodated in the outer case using a different inner carriage. The accessory may also include an optic system to fold an optical path of a field of illumination of a light source of the mobile device and/or a field of view of a camera of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: George Powell, Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler
  • BARCODE-READING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160188932
    Abstract: This patent specification describes a barcode-reading enhancement accessory for a mobile device having a barcode-reading capability. The accessory may include an outer case and an inner carriage. A mobile device is encased in the inner carriage, and the combination of the inner carriage and the mobile device may be accommodated in the outer case. The inner carriage is configured to accommodate a mobile device of a particular size such that a mobile device of a different size may be accommodated in the outer case using a different inner carriage. The accessory may also include an optic system to fold an optical path of a field of illumination of a light source of the mobile device and/or a field of view of a camera of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: George Powell, Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler
  • BARCODE-READING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160188933
    Abstract: This patent specification describes a barcode-reading enhancement accessory for a mobile device having a barcode-reading capability. The accessory may include an outer case and an inner carriage. A mobile device is encased in the inner carriage, and the combination of the inner carriage and the mobile device may be accommodated in the outer case. The inner carriage is configured to accommodate a mobile device of a particular size such that a mobile device of a different size may be accommodated in the outer case using a different inner carriage. The accessory may also include an optic system to fold an optical path of a field of illumination of a light source of the mobile device and/or a field of view of a camera of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: George Powell, Ming Lei, Ryan Hoobler
  • REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF A BARCODE READER
    Publication number: 20160171266
    Abstract: A computer includes an application that expects to receive data via a unidirectional communication interface. The computer also includes a background service having a first thread and a second thread. The computer additionally includes device management client software. A barcode reader scans one or more barcodes to generate scanned data. The scanned data is sent to the computer via the unidirectional interface. The first thread of the background service reads the scanned data from the unidirectional interface and sends the scanned data to the application. The second thread of the background service enables the device management client software to perform management operations on the barcode reader via a bidirectional communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Mark Ashby
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SETTING A REAL-TIME CLOCK OF A BARCODE READING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20160171265
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for setting the time for an internal clock function of a barcode reader and enabling the barcode reader to associate time, as determined by the internal clock function, with production barcodes read during operator use of the barcode reader and delivery of the combination of production barcodes and the associated time to a host system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Michiel Lexmond, George Powell