Patents by Inventor Rodney C. Harris

Rodney C. Harris 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).

  • Patent number: 7433092
    Abstract: Transparency media adapter and methods of using the same. Implementations of a system may comprise an imaging device having a light source and at least one sensor. A media adapter operatively associated with the imaging device includes a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface arranged to shift light emitted by the light source to a predetermined focus point of the at least one sensor during an imaging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kurt E Spears, Rodney C. Harris, Eric Femandez
  • Publication number: 20080197263
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner comprising: a reflector component; means supporting the reflector component for pivoting with respect to the MCR to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; means for enabling the support means to provide controlled pivoting of the reflector component; a magnet component which causes pivoting of the reflector component when actuated; and means for actuating the magnet component to thereby cause pivoting of the reflector component. Also provided is a scanner comprising a reflective prism for providing a circularized scanning beam, a prism carrier and magnet suspension assembly, and flexure means connected to the assembly to enable the prism to controllably pivot: (1) with respect to the MCR axis to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; and (2) with respect to a pitch axis orthogonal to the MCR to provide an orthogonal scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicants: INPHASE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bradley J. SISSOM, Rodney C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20080192317
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner comprising: a reflector component; means supporting the reflector component for pivoting with respect to the MCR to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; means for enabling the support means to provide controlled pivoting of the reflector component; a magnet component which causes pivoting of the reflector component when actuated; and means for actuating the magnet component to thereby cause pivoting of the reflector component. Also provided is a scanner comprising a reflective prism for providing a circularized scanning beam, a prism carrier and magnet suspension assembly, and flexure means connected to the assembly to enable the prism to controllably pivot: (1) with respect to the MCR axis to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; and (2) with respect to a pitch axis orthogonal to the MCR to provide an orthogonal scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicants: INPHASE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Sissom, Rodney C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20080192318
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner comprising: a reflector component; means supporting the reflector component for pivoting with respect to the MCR to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; means for enabling the support means to provide controlled pivoting of the reflector component; a magnet component which causes pivoting of the reflector component when actuated; and means for actuating the magnet component to thereby cause pivoting of the reflector component. Also provided is a scanner comprising a reflective prism for providing a circularized scanning beam, a prism carrier and magnet suspension assembly, and flexure means connected to the assembly to enable the prism to controllably pivot: (1) with respect to the MCR axis to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; and (2) with respect to a pitch axis orthogonal to the MCR to provide an orthogonal scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicants: INPHASE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Sissom, Rodney C. Harris
  • Patent number: 7405853
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner comprising: a reflector component; means supporting the reflector component for pivoting with respect to the MCR to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; means for enabling the support means to provide controlled pivoting of the reflector component; a magnet component which causes pivoting of the reflector component when actuated; and means for actuating the magnet component to thereby cause pivoting of the reflector component. Also provided is a scanner comprising a reflective prism for providing a circularized scanning beam, a prism carrier and magnet suspension assembly, and flexure means connected to the assembly to enable the prism to controllably pivot: (1) with respect to the MCR axis to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; and (2) with respect to a pitch axis orthogonal to the MCR to provide an orthogonal scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Inphase Technologies, Inc., Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Sissom, Rodney C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20080080031
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner comprising: a base member; a scanning beam reflective member having a first tilt axis and a second tilt axis orthogonal to the first tilt axis; a mounting assembly for mounting the scanning beam reflective member on the base member for tilting of thereof along the first and second tilt axes; an actuator for tilting the scanning beam reflective member along the first and second tilt axes to provide a tilt orientation; a magnet assembly which generates one or more magnetic fields which are responsive and correlated to the tilt orientation; and a magnetic field sensor assembly for sensing the magnetic fields generated by the magnet assembly to thereby indicate the tilt orientation. The mounting assembly may comprise a suspension assembly having a tilt imparting assembly for imparting tilt to the reflective member, and a reflective member holder assembly for holding the reflective member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: InPhase Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: RODNEY C. HARRIS, KEITH W. MALANG
  • Publication number: 20080030826
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner comprising: a reflector component; means supporting the reflector component for pivoting with respect to the MCR to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; means for enabling the support means to provide controlled pivoting of the reflector component; a magnet component which causes pivoting of the reflector component when actuated; and means for actuating the magnet component to thereby cause pivoting of the reflector component. Also provided is a scanner comprising a reflective prism for providing a circularized scanning beam, a prism carrier and magnet suspension assembly, and flexure means connected to the assembly to enable the prism to controllably pivot: (1) with respect to the MCR axis to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; and (2) with respect to a pitch axis orthogonal to the MCR to provide an orthogonal scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: INPHASE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Sissom, Rodney C. Harris
  • Patent number: 7265881
    Abstract: A target, method, and apparatus are disclosed for measuring assembly and alignment errors in scanner sensor assemblies. The sensor assembly comprises at least two sensor segments. The target comprises edges defined by changes in reflectance. At least one vertical edge corresponds to each sensor segment, and can be detected only by its corresponding segment, even when the segments are misaligned to the maximum extent of their placement tolerances. The target may optionally comprise a horizontal edge spanning the sensor segments. The target is scanned, and the resulting digital image is analyzed to detect the apparent locations of the target edges. The apparent edge locations provide sufficient information to locate the sensor segments. The target may optionally be incorporated into a scanner, or into a separate alignment fixture. The analysis may be performed in a scanner, in a fixture, or in a host computer attached to a scanner or a fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Harris, Kurt E. Spears
  • Patent number: 7253427
    Abstract: An object plane detection system comprises a light source adapted to illuminate a media object to generate an image area on a photosensitive sensor. The system also comprises a detection module adapted to determine a location of an object plane corresponding to the media object based on a size of the image area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kurt E. Spears, Rodney C. Harris
  • Patent number: 7251062
    Abstract: End-of-travel focus shift in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment is an optical image scanner comprising a platen, a stop member at a first end-of-travel position, and an optical head. The optical head comprises a ramped surface such that when the optical head engages the stop member the distance between the optical head and the platen is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Harris, Kevin Youngers
  • Patent number: 7225984
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optically scanning multiple object planes are provided. One embodiment is a system for optically scanning multiple object planes comprising a platen and an optical head for scanning. The optical head comprises an optical delay element, a first optical sensor array positioned relative to a lens array along an optical path for receiving an optical signal corresponding to a first object plane located a first distance from the platen, and a second optical sensor array positioned relative to the lens array along another optical path for an optical signal corresponding to a second object plane located a second distance from the platen. The optical delay element is configured to increase the effective distance between the lens array and the second optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Rodney C. Harris, Kurt E. Spears
  • Patent number: 7208719
    Abstract: An assembly for an image capture device comprises an imaging lens, an optical spacer comprising at least one reflective surface and physically integrated with the imaging lens, and a photo-sensing system physically integrated with the optical spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kurt E. Spears, Rodney C. Harris
  • Patent number: 7147158
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing multiple object planes in an optical image scanner are provided. One embodiment is an optical head configured to scan an object, comprising a rod-lens array positioned to focus light reflected off the document, an optical sensor array for receiving light focused through the rod-lens, and a reflective surface variably positioned relative to the rod-lens array for reflecting light from the object to the rod-lens array. Another embodiment comprises a method for providing multiple object planes in an optical image scanner comprising positioning an optical head relative to a platen to locate a primary focal point of a rod-lens array at a first object plane and adjusting the position of an optical sensor array relative to the rod-lens array to relocate the primary focal point of the rod-lens array at a second object plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Harris, Kurt E. Spears
  • Patent number: 6906314
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optically scanning multiple object planes are provided. One embodiment is a method for providing multiple object planes in an optical image scanning environment comprising positioning a first optical sensor array to receive an optical signal corresponding to a first object plane located a first distance from the platen and positioning a second optical sensor array to receive an optical signal corresponding to a second object plane located a second distance from the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Harris, Kurt E. Spears
  • Publication number: 20040227059
    Abstract: An assembly for an image capture device comprises an imaging lens, a first optical component physically abutting and integrally coupled to the imaging lens, and a photo-sensing system physically abutting and integrally coupled to the first optical component. The imaging lens, first optical component, and photo-sensing system form a single physical unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt E. Spears, Rodney C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20040227058
    Abstract: An assembly for an image capture device comprises an imaging lens, an optical spacer comprising at least one reflective surface and physically integrated with the imaging lens, and a photo-sensing system physically integrated with the optical spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt E. Spears, Rodney C. Harris
  • Patent number: 6799717
    Abstract: This invention relates to digital transmitter cover sheets. Such systems of this type, generally, employ a cover sheet that authenticates the user of the digital transmitter, provides information regarding the auto-routing transmittal of the document to the desired recipient, and provides information regarding any post-processing of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Rodney C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20040170314
    Abstract: A target, method, and apparatus are disclosed for measuring assembly and alignment errors in scanner sensor assemblies. The sensor assembly comprises at least two sensor segments. The target comprises edges defined by changes in reflectance. At least one vertical edge corresponds to each sensor segment, and can be detected only by its corresponding segment, even when the segments are misaligned to the maximum extent of their placement tolerances. The target may optionally comprise a horizontal edge spanning the sensor segments. The target is scanned, and the resulting digital image is analyzed to detect the apparent locations of the target edges. The apparent edge locations provide sufficient information to locate the sensor segments. The target may optionally be incorporated into a scanner, or into a separate alignment fixture. The analysis may be performed in a scanner, in a fixture, or in a host computer attached to a scanner or a fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Rodney C. Harris, Kurt E. Spears
  • Publication number: 20040164223
    Abstract: Automatic object plane selection in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment is a method for optically scanning a document comprising generating a scanned image of a document at a first object plane located a first distance above a platen, generating a scanned image of the document at a second object plane located a second distance above the platen, and automatically determining which of the scanned images has better image quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Rodney C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20040164152
    Abstract: Object plane user selection in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment is a method for optically scanning a document comprising receiving a user selection of an object plane to be scanned, the user selection defining a distance above a platen, and adjusting an optical head based on the user selection to scan the object plane selected by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin J. Youngers, Rodney C. Harris, Kurt E. Spears, Robert G. Gann