Patents by Inventor Michael A. Ehrhart
Michael A. Ehrhart 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: 7104456Abstract: A programmable optical reader in one embodiment can include a program loading component and a program execution component operative to execute an externally generated program, whereby executing the externally generated program includes replacing a portion of the optical reader program. A programmable optical reader in another embodiment can include a two-dimensional image sensor, an image frame memory storing two-dimensional electronic images, and can be configured to be reprogrammed by any one of receipt of reprogramming data from a local host processor or receipt of programming data from an external remote off-site processor.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: James A. Parker, Jeffrey Pine, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre Jr., Robert M. Hussey, George S. Smith
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Patent number: 7080786Abstract: There is provided a system and method for programming bar code reading devices. A method in one embodiment includes encoding a bar code symbol, displaying a bar code symbol, and reading the displayed bar code symbol. A system and method in another embodiment includes a first bar code reading device configured to initiate a command to print a bar code symbol which when read by a second bar code reading device can cause the second bar code reading device to operate in the manner of the first bar code reading device. A bar code reading device in another embodiment includes reprogramming circuitry enabling the bar code reading device to be reprogrammed either by way of receipt of programming data over a radio frequency communication line or by way of processing memory stored image data.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Jr., Michael A. Ehrhart, Thomas J. Koziol, Robert M. Hussey, James A. Parker
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Patent number: 7077317Abstract: There is provided a bar code reading apparatus having a one-dimensional image sensor. The bar code reading apparatus can include a one-dimensional image sensor comprising a certain number of pexels, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the sensor, and a processor coupled to the analog-to-digital converter. The analog-to-digital converter in one embodiment can be configured to convert the analog intensity value for each pixel into a digital value represented by an N-bit value, where N is an integer greater than 1. The processor in one embodiment can be configured to extract information encoded in a bar code.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Jr., Robert M. Hussey, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart
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Patent number: 7077321Abstract: An optical reader is provided that can be reprogrammed. In one method a plurality of commands are encoded into a plurality of optical symbols, at least one of the optical symbols is displayed on a display, and the at least one displayed optical symbol is read to reprogram an optical reader. In another method an optical reader is coupled to a computer having a plurality of computer programs. The computer can receive an identifier from the optical reader to determine reader compatibility, and select a compatible optical reader program. In another method, a plurality of parameters are encoded into at least one bar code symbol. The at least one bar code symbol can be output in such form that an optical reader can read the at least one bar code symbol, and the at least one barr code symbol can be read to download the plurality of parameters to an optical reader.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Jr., Michael A. Ehrhart, Thomas J. Koziol, Robert M. Hussey, James A. Parker
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Patent number: 7059525Abstract: An apparatus is described for use in reading bar code symbols. The apparatus can acquire two dimensional image representations. In one embodiment the apparatus can include an image sensor and can be configured to have an adjustable frame rate. The apparatus in another embodiment can include an image sensor and can have decoding circuitry processing two dimensional image representations having a number of picture elements different from the number of picture elements of the image sensor. In another embodiment an apparatus can calculate a rate of change of a plurality of image data element. An apparatus in another embodiment can be used to determine whether a candidate symbol region is present utilizing gray scale image data elements. In another embodiment an apparatus can be used to determine whether a finder pattern is represented in an image representation and select a finder pattern in accordance with an identified finder pattern.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Robert M. Hussey, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart
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Publication number: 20040262399Abstract: A bar code reading device processing electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which includes an illumination assembly and a solid state image sensor. The bar code reading device may have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Michael A. Ehrhart, Thomas J. Koziol, Robert M. Hussey, James A. Parker
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Publication number: 20040262394Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code symbologies such as PDF 417 code symbology and UPC code symbology. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Michael A. Ehrhart, Thomas J. Koziol, Robert M. Hussey, James A. Parker
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Publication number: 20040262395Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code symbologies such as PDF 417 code symbology and UPC code symbology. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Michael A. Ehrhart, Thomas J. Koziol, Robert M. Hussey, James A. Parker
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Publication number: 20040262392Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code symbologies such as PDF 417 code symbology and UPC code symbology. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Michael A. Ehrhart, Thomas J. Koziol, Robert M. Hussey, James A. Parker
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Publication number: 20040256464Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code types such as PDF 417 code and UPC. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Michael A. Ehrhart, Thomas J. Koziol, Robert M. Hussey, James A. Parker
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Publication number: 20040206821Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code symbologies such as PDF 417 code symbology and UPC code symbology. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Michael A. Ehrhart, Thomas J. Koziol, Robert M. Hussey, James A. Parker
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Publication number: 20040182928Abstract: The present invention related to lottery game tickets and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, a wavelength-sensitive addition is incorporated in game ticket play area. In another embodiment, reflectance characteristics of a game ticket play area are controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Michael A. Ehrhart, Robert M. Hussey, Todd A. Dueker, Cayetano Sanchez, Walter Szrek, John C. Abraitis, Claude Lambert, Francois Gougeon, Robert Boulay, Denis Mondou
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Patent number: 6752319Abstract: The present invention relates to lottery game tickets and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, a wavelength-sensitive addition is incorporation in game ticket play area. In another embodiment, reflectance characteristics of a game ticket play area are controlled.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Ehrhart, Robert M. Hussey, Todd A. Dueker, Cayetano Sanchez, III, Walter Szrek, John C. Abraitis, Claude Lambert, Francois Gougeon, Robert Boulay, Denis Mondou
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Publication number: 20040094627Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: Welch Allyn Data Collection, Inc.Inventors: James A. Parker, Jeffrey Pine, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Robert M. Hussey, George S. Smith
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Patent number: 6698656Abstract: An optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: James A. Parker, Jeffrey Pine, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Jr., Robert M. Hussey, George S. Smith
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Publication number: 20040004128Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for analyzing and decoding image data captured with a one dimensional image sensor using N-bit mathematical methods. The analysis comprises converting a sequence of analog pixel data values to a corresponding sequence of data in an N-bit digital format and processing the data. The data can be analyzed using any or all of filtering, adaptive threshold determination, edge position interpolation, searching for distinctive barcode patterns, and detailed barcode decoding and checking. In alternative embodiments, the data is manipulated using a pre-scan of stored sequences of values. In another embodiment, the data is directly scanned and processed for qualifications, searching for, and decoding barcode patterns.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: John Pettinelli, Michael A. Ehrhart, Robert M. Hussey, John Izzo, Thomas J. Koziol, Andrew Longacre, Timothy P. Meier
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Publication number: 20030218067Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: November 27, 2003Applicant: Welch Allyn Data Collection, Inc.Inventors: James A. Parker, Jeffrey Pine, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Robert M. Hussey, George S. Smith
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Publication number: 20030146283Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader (10) and a host processor (900). In one aspect of the invention, the host processor (900) may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor (900) to remotely control the reader (10). The optical reader (10) subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by optical reader (10) has the same effect as the reader trigger (52) being manually pulled by a reader operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Robert M. Hussey, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart
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Patent number: 6578766Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Welch Allyn Data Collection, IncInventors: James A. Parker, Jeffrey Pine, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Jr., Robert M. Hussey, George S. Smith
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Publication number: 20030085282Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Welch Allyn Data Collection, Inc.Inventors: James A. Parker, Jeffrey Pine, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Robert M. Hussey, George S. Smith