Patents by Inventor Michael Ehrhart

Michael 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).

  • Publication number: 20110284638
    Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110121076
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in optical reading can comprise an image sensor and a circuit board, and can further comprise a support assembly. An apparatus for use in optical reading can also comprise a light source and imaging optics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Robert J. Hennick, Charles P. Barber, Eric Coleman, Michael Ehrhart, Colleen P. Gannon, Robert C. Gardiner, William H. Havens, Vivian L. Hunter, Melvin D. McCall, Thomas Ruhlman
  • Publication number: 20100176201
    Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device. The image can include a representation of a signature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100001073
    Abstract: There is provided an image capture apparatus and method. An image capture device can be used in the decoding of a decodable indicia, e.g., bar code symbols and/or text characters and can further be used in the capture of one or more images that may or may not be subjected to decoding processes. In one embodiment, an image captured with use of an image capture device is an image of an item bearing a decodable indicia. In one embodiment, an image capture device can have a plurality of user selectable modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Ehrhart
  • Publication number: 20090045259
    Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. A two dimensional image sensor can be a color image sensor adapting the hand held device for use in obtaining a color image having color imaging data. Color imaging data obtained can be subject to processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, JR.
  • Patent number: 7413127
    Abstract: An optical reader that is configured for classifying an image. The optical reader includes an image analysis component that is configured for classifying the image by evaluating a result of attempting to locate and process a portion of the image as graphical symbol, and configured for classifying the image as an image including a graphic symbol if and when attempting to locate and process a portion of the image as graphical symbol is successful, and configured for classifying the image as an image excluding a graphic symbol if and when attempting to locate and process a portion of the image as graphical symbol is unsuccessful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7287697
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. There is described an optical reader that can associate an acquired color image with additional data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7270274
    Abstract: An imaging module can comprise an image sensor and first and second circuit boards. A support assembly can also be included in the imaging module. Further included in the imaging module can be a support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Hennick, Charles P. Barber, Eric Coleman, Michael Ehrhart, Colleen P. Gannon, Robert C. Gardiner, William H. Havens, Vivian L. Hunter, Melvin D. McCall, Thomas Ruhlman
  • Publication number: 20070051814
    Abstract: An optical reader that is configured for classifying an image. The optical reader includes an image analysis component that is configured for classifying the image by evaluating a result of attempting to locate and process a portion of the image as graphical symbol, and configured for classifying the image as an image including a graphic symbol if and when attempting to locate and process a portion of the image as graphical symbol is successful, and configured for classifying the image as an image excluding a graphic symbol if and when attempting to locate and process a portion of the image as graphical symbol is unsuccessful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre
  • Publication number: 20070040034
    Abstract: An optical reader can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an optical reader can be configured to have different operating modes, the different operating modes optimizing the reader for reading different indicia. In another embodiment an optical reader can comprise a multiple color emitting light source. In another embodiment an optical reader can be provided in a specialized form factor including an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Hennick, Charles Barber, Eric Coleman, Michael Ehrhart, Colleen Gannon, Robert Gardiner, William Havens, Vivian Hunter, Melvin McCall, Thomas Ruhlman
  • Publication number: 20060278709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar code reading device for reading 1D or 2D bar code symbols. The bar code reading device, in one embodiment, can receive a command to disable symbology reading. In another embodiment, a bar code reading device can have a timercount and an image memory. In one embodiment, a bar code reading device can be configured to read bar code symbols of more than one bar code symbology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Robert Hussey, Thomas Koziol, Michael Ehrhart
  • Publication number: 20060255143
    Abstract: There is provided an image capture apparatus and method. An image capture device can be used in the decoding of a decodable indicia, e.g., bar code symbols and/or text characters and can further be used in the capture of one or more images that may or may not be subjected to decoding processes. In one embodiment, an image captured with use of an image capture device is an image of an item bearing a decodable indicia. In one embodiment, an image capture device can have a plurality of user selectable modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Ehrhart
  • Patent number: 7111787
    Abstract: The present invention is an imaging device which can be equipped with decode functionality and which can be configured to operate in at least one of four user selected modes. In a first, “message only” mode, the device stores into a designated memory location a decoded-out message corresponding to a decodable indicia. In a second, “image only” mode, the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation of a scene. In a third, “omage plu message” mode the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation comprising a representation of a decodable symbol and into the same or other memory location the decoded-out message decoded from the decodable indicia, or data corresponding to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Ehrhart
  • Publication number: 20060175413
    Abstract: A reading apparatus is provided for scanning and decoding image data encoded in one of a plurality of types of indicia. The apparatus can include a solid state image sensor and a memory space in which image data can be stored. The apparatus can also include a decode circuit for applying a plurality of decoding programs to image data stored in the memory space. A parameter table can be provided for storing a plurality of parameters which specify permitted operating modes of the reading apparatus. A menuing program can be provided for allowing parameters of the parameter table to be changed in response to a reading of a menu symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Michael Ehrhart, Thomas Koziol, Robert Hussey, James Parker
  • Patent number: 6942151
    Abstract: The present invention is an imaging device which in one embodiment is equipped with decode functionality and is configured to operate in at least one of four user selected modes. In a first, “message only” mode, the device stores into a designated memory location a decoded-out message corresponding to a decodable indicia. In a second, “image only” mode, the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation of a scene. In a third, “image plus message” mode the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation comprising a representation of a decodable symbol and into the same or other memory location the decoded-out message decoded from the decodable indicia, or data corresponding to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Welch Allyn Data Collection, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Ehrhart
  • Publication number: 20050161511
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: James Parker, Jeffrey Pine, Thomas Koziol, Michael Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Robert Hussey, George Smith
  • Publication number: 20050001035
    Abstract: An optical reader having a picture taking mode and a decode mode. In a picture taking mode, the reader captures and outputs a frame of image data without attempting to decode a decodable symbol in the frame. In the decode mode, the reader captures a frame of image data and attempts to decode a decodable symbol represented in the frame. The reader may have a decode mode in which light from an aiming light source is received by an image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Hawley, Michael Ehrhart, Timothy Meier, Andrew Longacre, Robert Hussey
  • Patent number: 6834807
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. An image analysis circuit determines if the acquired image should be characterized as a color photograph or as including a graphical symbol. A processing circuit processes the imaging data based on the image analysis circuit's determination of whether the image is a graphical symbol or a color photograph. The present invention allows a user to acquire and process both color images and graphical symbols, such as bar codes, text, OCR symbols or signatures. The optical reader of the present invention is also configured to associate an acquired image with at least one other acquired image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6832725
    Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes at least one multiple color emitting light source comprising a plurality of different colored LED dies each independently driveable so that the overall color emitted by the light source can be controlled and varied. The multiple color emitting light source can be controlled so that the color emitted by the light source is optimized for imaging or reading in a present application environment of the module. Further, the module can be configured so that control of the multiple color emitting light source automatically varies depending on a sensed condition, such a color present in a field of view of the module, the distance of the module to a target, and/or a predetermined criteria being met so that feedback is provided to a user. The module in a further aspect can include illumination light sources and aiming light sources which project light in different wavelength emission bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Gardiner, Charles P. Barber, Eric Coleman, Michael Ehrhart, Colleen P. Gannon, Robert J. Hennick, William H. Havens, Vivian L. Hunter, Melvin D. McCall, Thomas Ruhlman
  • Publication number: 20040155110
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for managing mail/parcel item delivery. The mail/parcel item includes an optical indicia disposed thereon. The method includes capturing a first color image of the item. The first color image is stored in an electronic memory. A second color image of the optical indicia is captured. The optical indicia is decoded to thereby generate decoded data. The first color image is associated with the second color image and/or the decoded data. As a result, the first color image and the second color image and/or the decoded data are linked in the electronic memory. An image is displayed that includes the first color image and at least the decoded data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre