Multiple Sensor Patents (Class 235/440)
  • Patent number: 8991705
    Abstract: A checkout system includes a clerk-operated, bi-optical workstation through which products associated with targets having target data to be electro-optically captured are passed, and a customer-operated, accessory reader having an accessory window and a data capture assembly for capturing additional target data of additional targets associated with transaction-related items. The accessory reader is supported by the workstation for movement relative to the workstation to enable the customer to readily position and aim the accessory window at the additional targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darran M. Handshaw, Mark E. Drzymala, Joseph D. Giordano, Sean D. Marvel
  • Patent number: 8991704
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively attaching sensor(s) or antenna(s) to a mobile device at a convenient location are provided. The mobile device includes a body and a processing unit housed within the body for running an application, where the body includes a forward end and a rearward end that supports engagement with a charging dock. In addition, the rearward end accepts engagement of a snap-on module that physically assembles to and electronically interfaces with the mobile device. The antennas or sensors are externally mounted to the mobile device at a location proximate to the forward end of the body. Further, these antennas or sensors are interconnected to the snap-on module using media-routing conduit(s) that are configured to carry signals from the antennas or sensors to the snap-on module for distribution as an input to the application running on the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventors: Scott R Hopper, Sander Lam
  • Patent number: 8985447
    Abstract: The invention relates to a smartcard reader, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of creating a card input/output interface that allows the smartcard reader to couple to a smartcard within a secure cavity. The secure cavity is mounted on an internal side of a system housing, i.e., a smartcard socket, included in the smartcard reader. An interface chip is further attached inside the secure cavity. When the smartcard is inserted to a designated position or depth inside the system housing, the secure cavity encloses the interface chip and its contact area with the smartcard. Mechanical contacts on the interface chip are thus aligned to and physically contact electrical connectors on the inserted smartcard, so as to electrically couple the interface chip and the smartcard. As a result, sensitive data within the smartcard may be protected from exposure to any tamper attempt and processed with an enhanced security level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Leigh Ardis, Tangkwai Ma, Robert Michael Muchsel
  • Publication number: 20150076230
    Abstract: The invention provides a chip-and-PIN reader device having a slot for accommodating a chip-and-PIN card, a set of electrodes adapted to come into contact with corresponding electrodes on the card when the card is inserted into the slot, and a means for ensuring correct registration between the electrodes on the card and the set of electrodes of the reader device. The means for ensuring correct registration may include two orthogonally disposed walls of the slot, against which the card is pushed. Alternatively, the means may include a pair of electrodes on each side of the set of electrodes of the reader, which are short-circuited when the chip electrodes are not correctly registered with the reader electrodes. The short-circuit is flagged to the user of the card. The reader may also be equipped to read an MSR-type device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Moss Woolf, David Paul Ingram, Daniel Maurice Wagner
  • Patent number: 8981792
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes an array of concatenated sensing nodes, with each sensing node being configured to have at least one of near-field and far-field RF coupling circuitry to interface with an adjacent sensing node. A respective device is coupled to each of the sensing nodes. A reader device is configured to have at least one of near-field and far-field RF coupling circuitry to interface with the array of concatenated sensing nodes to read data from the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Girlando
  • Publication number: 20150069123
    Abstract: A data reading system including one or more imagers and a lower main housing structure with a horizontal surface and a horizontal window, across which items to be read are passed. At least one or more of the imagers in the data reading system is a part of a top-down data reader having a generally downwardly-facing field of view projecting through a scan window and onto the horizontal surface and the horizontal window. The top-down data reader may be freely repositioned at a range of height positions and angular configurations for processing items of various dimensions. The data reading system may further include a calibration system for assisting in adjusting the field of view of the top-down data reader to ensure proper aim and focus of the top-down data reader after adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan B Thompson, Alan Shearin, Brett T Howard
  • Publication number: 20150069124
    Abstract: An interface device is for coupling a payment card to an electronic device so as to allow the electronic device to access the payment card. The interface device includes a housing, a switching unit movably connected to the housing, a circuit board brought to move relative to the housing by the switching unit, a card interface disposed on the circuit board, and a connecting interface to be coupled to the electronic device. The connecting interface and the circuit board cooperate to define a card slot for containing the payment card therein. The interface device is operable to switch between a retracted state, in which the connecting interface is contained in the housing, and an exposed state, in which the connecting interface protrudes from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Chien-Kang Yang
  • Publication number: 20150066779
    Abstract: Disclosed is a communication system, a method and a device for real time management, data analysis and geographic location of business deals. In one implementation, a system (100) for enabling a communication between at least two users (102) using said system (100), and a communication between at least one user and at least one payment processing server (110), using a specialized electronic card reader device (106) is disclosed. The system (100), a method (300), and the device (106) enabling team management, inventory management, payment processing and waste management tools to allow business owners, managers, employee and consumers to communicate within themselves and to the payment processing servers using single platform configured to allow business deals driven by real time management, data analysis and geographic location is disclosed. Further, the device (106) may be used for reading cards and the like and enabling multiple users to communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: SHAILESH UPRETI
  • Publication number: 20150060546
    Abstract: A card reader may include a card conveying mechanism structured to convey the card; a conveying passage; a magnetic head to abut a magnetic stripe formed on a card and read or record data on the card; a head moving mechanism to move the magnetic head; and an abutting part abutting with one end of the card. The card conveying mechanism may include a drive source, and a first conveying roller and a second conveying roller. The first conveying roller is disposed on one end side of the conveying passage. The second conveying roller is disposed on the other end of the conveying passage. The card conveying mechanism may include a first torque limiter disposed in a power transmission path from the drive source to the first conveying roller, and a second torque limiter disposed in a power transmission path from the drive source to the second conveying roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Ishikawa, Kazunori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8967473
    Abstract: A scanner, method and system are provided for processing images captured by an optical code scanner. The optical code scanner includes multiple image sensors each adapted to capture an image of an optical code, and a processor that processes the captured images from the multiple image sensors to read the optical code presented to the optical code scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Gregerson
  • Publication number: 20150048164
    Abstract: Method and apparatus of reading the screen of a mobile computing device. The apparatus is an imaging scanner that includes a NFC device having a NFC antenna. The imaging scanner also includes an illumination system operative to illuminate a target object with illumination light. Under a first condition that no NFC signal from the mobile computing device is received by the NFC device, the illumination system is configured to generate a first illumination light with a first intensity. Under a second condition that the NFC signal from the mobile computing device is received by the NFC device, the illumination system is configured to generate a second illumination light with a second intensity. The second intensity is less than the first intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Slutsky
  • Patent number: 8955663
    Abstract: A compact media processing device enables recording on a process medium and then processing the process medium based on the result of recording. The media processing device conveys a process medium and processes the conveyed process medium by a first process unit disposed to the conveyance path, and an operation selection unit then determines the content of the next operation based on the result of the first process. After the next operation is determined, the conveyance control unit conveys the process medium upstream to or upstream of the process position of a second process unit. A process control unit then applies the selected operation to the process medium by the second process unit that is disposed downstream from the first process unit on the conveyance path of the process medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuya Toshima
  • Patent number: 8950672
    Abstract: Techniques are addressed for control of an imaging scanner to supplement a laser scan line based scanner. Upon detection of the imaging scanner in a docked position, a lighting arrangement is automatically lit and the imager is triggered. Upon detection of the imaging scanner not in the docked position, the imaging scanner is not automatically lit, but rather is only lit upon manual trigger activation. As an alternative to the automatic lighting when docked, the lighting may be cued upon the imaging scanner being docked and an analysis of laser scan video detecting a barcode like object or upon detecting a barcode like object in the image field of the imaging scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Collins, John Crooks
  • Patent number: 8944322
    Abstract: A tri-optic scanner for checking out merchandise at stores includes first and second barcode scanners, and a third barcode scanner placed back-to-back to the second barcode scanner to face an opposite direction of the second barcode scanner. The tri-optic scanner is designed to allow the third barcode scanner to conveniently capture barcodes presented by a customer without a cashier touching barcode carriers that belong to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventor: K. Lee White
  • Patent number: 8933808
    Abstract: A system and method monitor skier behavior. An identifier is read from a lift access product when the lift access product is in the vicinity of a lift boarding area and a scan record containing the identifier, location information of the lift boarding area and a time stamp if generated. The scan record is processed to generate a location event record that is stored within a location database. The location database is processed to determine skier behavior based upon the location event records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Vail Resorts, Inc.
    Inventors: Sayan Chakraborty, Logan Bruns, Robert Urwiler, Tim April, Stephen Younge
  • Patent number: 8925815
    Abstract: A checkout system includes a clerk-operated bi-optical workstation through which products having target data are passed to a bagging area, and a customer-operated accessory reader having an accessory window facing the bagging area and a data capture assembly for capturing additional target data of additional targets associated with transaction-related items, particularly over a restricted range of working distances that terminates short of the bagging area, and for preventing the accessory reader from capturing the target data of the products in the bagging area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dariusz J. Madej, Miroslav Trajkovic, Igor R. Vinogradov
  • Publication number: 20150001299
    Abstract: An optical code scanner is presented that includes multiple scanning windows for reading an optical code where each scanning window can be optimized for reading optical codes presented in either printed or electronic form. The optical code scanner supports multiple scanning modes where each scanning mode is based on a different method of reading optical codes and each method offers different advantages. Each of the multiple scanning windows is assigned to use one of the scanning modes. The scanning mode for a window can also be reassigned at any time to a different mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventor: John F. Crooks
  • Patent number: 8919648
    Abstract: A barcode and RFID reading apparatus includes: a micro-controller; at least a RFID antenna configured to detect a RFID tag in a first area proximate to the reading apparatus; a RFID reader connected to the at least one antenna and controlled by the micro-controller, the RFID reader being configured to receive a RFID tag data from the at least one antenna and send the RFID tag data to the micro-controller; and a barcode reader controlled by the micro-controller, the barcode reader being configured to detect a barcode in a second area proximate to the reading apparatus and send a barcode data from the barcode to the micro-controller; the micro-controller is configured to check whether the barcode reader or the RFID reader ends a data-reading process; if one reader ends the data-reading process, the micro-controller switches off the one and switches on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Megabyte Limited
    Inventor: Chun Sing Matthew Man
  • Publication number: 20140374480
    Abstract: Tube holders for use in a lab environment include an optical device to allow the observation of barcode information on a sample tube. The optical device can include a lens or camera. Tube holders can also include reflective surfaces or mechanical mechanisms to allow the tube to be rotated such that reading a barcode does not require a strict initial orientation of the tube when placed in the tube holder. Arrays of tubes can include optical guides to allow barcodes to be read by an external imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin Samuel Pollack
  • Publication number: 20140367468
    Abstract: A method of capturing an image on a surface of an object by line sensor(s), wherein consecutive line images are taken from a plurality of surfaces or surface portions having a different inclination to a given reference plane with a predetermined frequency during a relative movement of the object with regard to the line sensor(s) and a two-dimensional first image of the surfaces or surface portions is formed from these line images, includes resampling the two-dimensional first image so as to reduce the surface resolution of an image or of images of one or more surfaces or surface portions with regard to a direction oblique to the direction of the lines corresponding to consecutive line images taken by a line sensor in such a way that differences in the surface resolution of images of surfaces or surface portions with different inclination to the reference plane are reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: DATALOGIC IP TECH S.R.L.
    Inventor: Claudio Saporetti
  • Patent number: 8899481
    Abstract: A checkout system for electro-optically reading targets includes a host, a workstation reader, and an auxiliary reader operatively connected to the workstation reader. The workstation reader captures data associated with the targets, and communicates its captured data with the host over a predetermined communications protocol. The auxiliary reader also captures data associated with the targets independently of the workstation reader. The workstation reader automatically integrates the auxiliary reader in the system by automatically detecting the protocol of the auxiliary reader, and by automatically configuring the detected protocol of the auxiliary reader to conform to the predetermined communications protocol of the workstation reader, thereby enabling the auxiliary reader to communicate its captured data with the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mariya Wright, Nina Feinstein, Christopher J. Fjellstad
  • Publication number: 20140346229
    Abstract: A trigger signal generating device outputs a trigger signal activating an IC tag. The trigger signal generating device includes first and second trigger coils placed at a predetermined separation distance and each having predetermined magnetic field intensity distribution. Each of the first and second trigger coils includes attenuating means for attenuating intensity of a magnetic field generated by the first and second trigger coils to a predetermined level that allows the ID tag to detect trigger IDs of the first and second trigger coils on a side on which the first and second trigger coils are provided, and that does not allow the ID tag to detect the trigger ID of the first trigger coil on an opposite side to the side on which the first and second trigger coils are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Takeshi Kawahara
  • Publication number: 20140346228
    Abstract: A card reader may include a card conveying mechanism structured to convey the card; a magnetic head which is structured to abut with the card and performs at least one of reading of magnetic data recorded on the card and recording of magnetic data on the card; a head moving mechanism structured to move the magnetic head in a longitudinal direction of the card; and an abutting part structured to abut with one end of the card in the short-side direction of the card. The head moving mechanism may be configured such that, while the card conveying mechanism holds the card in a state that the one end of the card in the short-side direction of the card is pressed against the abutting part, the magnetic head is moved in the longitudinal direction of the card to perform at least one of reading and recording of magnetic data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Ishikawa, Kazunori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8893972
    Abstract: The invention relates to an RFID reading tunnel for identifying objects by means of RFID having a screen for electromagnetic radiation which forms the tunnel and has side walls and a cover part, a cover device or conveying device for the object in or through the tunnel and at least one RFID reader having at least one RFID antenna. To provide an improved RFID reading tunnel which is less expensive and can be installed more easily, it is proposed that the screen is formed by modules which can be variably and releasably connected to one another and that the modules are selected from a kit of predefined modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Ralf Paske, Klemens Wehrle
  • Publication number: 20140339309
    Abstract: Systems and methods of optical code reading include production of image data by a color image sensor array and processing of the image data to decode an optical code. In one configuration, the color image sensor array includes first and second sets of sensor pixels sensitive to light having different wavelengths. Reflected light is focused by an optical system to form one or more images of an optical code on the color image sensor array. The optical system includes optics to form first and second images of an object bearing the optical code, where the first image excludes light of the second wavelength and the second image excludes light of the first wavelength, thereby enabling the first set of sensor pixels to sense the first image without substantially sensing the second image and the second set of sensor pixels to sense the second image without substantially sensing the first image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: WenLiang Gao
  • Patent number: 8888005
    Abstract: The present invention provides products, systems, and methods for the unique identification of individual drug dosage form units. The invention includes: random integrated optical identification marking of an individual drug unit; a lack of direct surface-to-surface contact between a marking instrument and the drug unit, i.e., deposition of a mark; drug unit image data based on the identification mark; a secondary product identifier associated with the individual drug unit; and comparing the marked drug unit to drug unit image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: David Prokop
  • Publication number: 20140332590
    Abstract: There is described a decodable indicia reading terminal which in one embodiment can capture and process a certain (e.g., a first) and a subsequent (e.g., a second) frame of image data, wherein the certain and the subsequent frames have different imaging attributes. In one embodiment the attributes between certain and subsequent frames are differentiated in that the certain frame represents light incident on pixels of a first image sensor and the subsequent frame of image data represents light incident on pixels of a second image sensor spaced apart from the first image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Ynjiun P. Wang, Edward C. Bremer, Chen Feng, Colleen P. Gannon, William H. Havens, Jianhua Li, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 8881982
    Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an EIR device including a two-dimensional imaging device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to detecting a pre-defined pattern in a first plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, to store in the memory a point of origin equal to a first spatial position of the EIR terminal. The EIR terminal can be further configured, responsive to detecting a user interface command, to determine, based on a second plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, a second spatial position of the EIR terminal relative to the point of origin, and to acquire an image of the object. The EIR terminal can be further configured to determine the image scale factor based on at least the second spatial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell Scanning & Mobility
    Inventors: Philip Zumsteg, Tom Plocher, Sriharsha Putrevu
  • Publication number: 20140306010
    Abstract: The present invention provides products, systems, and methods for the unique identification of individual drug dosage form units. The invention includes: random integrated optical identification marking of an individual drug unit; a lack of direct surface-to-surface contact between a marking instrument and the drug unit, i.e., deposition of a mark; drug unit image data based on the identification mark; a secondary product identifier associated with the individual drug unit; and comparing the marked drug unit to drug unit image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: David Prokop
  • Publication number: 20140306009
    Abstract: A checkout workstation includes a generally planar platter having a contact region, a generally horizontal window integrated with the platter, a data capture arrangement for capturing through the horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a support structure for supporting the platter in a generally horizontal plane on a plurality of bottom supports during product checkout. The bottom supports are asymmetrically mutually arranged about a periphery of the platter to enable the platter to tilt to a tilted plane that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane when a downward force is exerted on the contact region of the platter for cleaning the horizontal window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul LaLinde
  • Publication number: 20140299664
    Abstract: The invention relates to a smartcard reader, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of creating a card input/output interface that allows the smartcard reader to couple to a smartcard within a secure cavity. The secure cavity is mounted on an internal side of a system housing, i.e., a smartcard socket, included in the smartcard reader. An interface chip is further attached inside the secure cavity. When the smartcard is inserted to a designated position or depth inside the system housing, the secure cavity encloses the interface chip and its contact area with the smartcard. Mechanical contacts on the interface chip are thus aligned to and physically contact electrical connectors on the inserted smartcard, so as to electrically couple the interface chip and the smartcard. As a result, sensitive data within the smartcard may be protected from exposure to any tamper attempt and processed with an enhanced security level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, INC.
  • Publication number: 20140297540
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a dongle device with tamper proof characteristics for a secure electronic transaction. The dongle device comprises a housing which includes a first half comprising a main circuit board and a second half comprising a secondary circuit board, a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe card, a slot for inserting a contact type card, a communication module, a key pad, a connector, a cover for safeguarding the connector, a stylus, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a processor and a display. The processor continuously monitors a connection between the main circuit board and the secondary circuit board and kills the dongle device when processor detects a tampering. The first half and the second half of the dongle device are ultrasonically sealed together. The main circuit board and the secondary circuit board are electrically and electronically connected through a compressible connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Sanjay Swamy, Bhaktha Ram Keshavachar
  • Publication number: 20140291400
    Abstract: Systems and methods for data reading, which in one example configuration is directed to an automated optical code data reader in the form of a tunnel or portal scanner having an open architecture configured with front and rear inverted U-shaped arches, a plurality of cameras (some or most of which have multiple fields of view) in each of the arches for reading the top live sides of an item being passed by a conveyor through a read region formed by the arches, and a bottom reader including one or more cameras under the conveyor for reading a bottom side of the item through a gap in the conveyors as the item is passed over the gap. Also disclosed are specific imaging schemes for providing effective views of the items with a minimum number of cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Bryan L. Olmstead, Alan Shearin, Michael P. Svetal
  • Publication number: 20140297539
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a dongle device with rechargeable power supply for a secure electronic transaction. The dongle device comprises a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe card, a slot for inserting a contact type card, a rechargeable battery, a recharging circuit, a key pad, a key pad cover, a connector, wherein the connector is an audio jack, a cover for safeguarding the connector, a stylus, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a processor and a display. The rechargeable battery is powered by the recharging circuit when a residual battery level of the rechargeable battery falls below a preset value. The key pad is used to enter PIN and the key pad cover prevents an onlooker from viewing and learning the PIN entered by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: EZETAP MOBILE SOLUTIONS PROVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Sanjay Swamy, Bhaktha Ram Keshavachar
  • Patent number: 8847150
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a light emitting diode operative to emit mostly invisible light within an invisible bandwidth, and a scattering surface configured to scatter a first portion of the invisible light from the light emitting diode out of the window. The scattering surface is also partially transparent to allow a second portion of the invisible light from the light emitting diode to pass through the scattering surface and strike the reflector that is configured to reflect at least some of the second portion of the invisible light towards the window. The apparatus further includes a photodetector configured to detect returned invisible light from the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darran M. Handshaw, Mark E. Drzymala, Joseph D. Giordano
  • Patent number: 8844815
    Abstract: A workstation with a housing having a upright window and a horizontal window includes a printed circuit board having at least two imaging sensors thereon located in the housing, and a controller operative to read a barcode in a captured image. The workstation also includes a chassis firmly mounted on the printed circuit board, and two inserts each configured to hold steadily one of at least two lens assemblies. At least one of the two inserts includes multiple slots for attaching such insert to the chassis at a position that is laterally adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wittenberg, Thomas C. Mullaney
  • Publication number: 20140263645
    Abstract: Optical indicia reading apparatus can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, and a plurality of wafer level camera (WLC) modules. Each WLC module can comprise an image sensor and a focusing lens, and optionally, an optical band-pass filter (BPF) configured to pass light waves within a pre-defined wavelength range. Each WLC module can be configured to output a signal representative of the light incident on the image sensor. The optical axis of a first WLC module can be spatially disposed relatively to an optical axis of a second WLC module so that the fields of view (FOVs) of the WLC modules at least partially overlap. The depth of field (DOF) of a first WLC module can at least partially overlap with the DOF of a second WLC module. The optical indicia reading apparatus can be configured to generate an image frame by processing two or more signals of the plurality of signals outputted by the WLC modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Taylor Smith, Yong Liu
  • Publication number: 20140263644
    Abstract: A checkout system includes a clerk-operated, bi-optical workstation through which products associated with targets having target data to be electro-optically captured are passed, and a customer-operated, accessory reader having an accessory window and a data capture assembly for capturing additional target data of additional targets associated with transaction-related items. The accessory reader is supported by the workstation for movement relative to the workstation to enable the customer to readily position and aim the accessory window at the additional targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darran M. Handshaw, Mark E. Drzymala, Joseph D. Giordano, Sean D. Marvel
  • Publication number: 20140263646
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing and utilizing a tamper resistant 3D magnetic stripe reader integrated circuit in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a three-dimensional magnetic stripe reader integrated circuit (IC) includes at least one magnetic read sensor configured to generate a signal representative of information on a magnetic stripe, a decoding circuit configured to receive the signal from the at least one magnetic read sensor and generate a data signal, an encryption circuit configured to receive the data signal from the decoding circuit and generate an encrypted signal, a substrate layer, where the at least one magnetic read sensor, decoding circuit, and encryption circuit are mounted to the substrate layer, and IC packaging at least partially enclosing the at least one magnetic read sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MagTek, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid Manesh
  • Patent number: 8833657
    Abstract: A biometric scanner comprising a fingerprint module, a first plurality of fingerprint sensors, and a sensor circuit within the fingerprint module. The first plurality of fingerprint sensors is ergonomically positioned on the fingerprint module to accommodate a second plurality of fingertips of a human hand. The sensor circuit is coupled to the first plurality of fingerprint sensors wherein fingerprints of the second plurality are captured simultaneously by the sensor circuit. A biometric scanner system and a method of manufacturing a biometric scanner are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Willie Anthony Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140252094
    Abstract: A checkout system for electro-optically reading targets includes a host, a workstation reader, and an auxiliary reader operatively connected to the workstation reader. The workstation reader captures data associated with the targets, and communicates its captured data with the host over a predetermined communications protocol. The auxiliary reader also captures data associated with the targets independently of the workstation reader. The workstation reader automatically integrates the auxiliary reader in the system by automatically detecting the protocol of the auxiliary reader, and by automatically configuring the detected protocol of the auxiliary reader to conform to the predetermined communications protocol of the workstation reader, thereby enabling the auxiliary reader to communicate its captured data with the host.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mariya Wright, Nina Feinstein, Christopher J. Fjellstad
  • Patent number: 8827150
    Abstract: A method for processing a matrix barcode displayed in three dimensions to extract data represented thereby involves capturing the component images of the three-dimensional representation. The method includes receiving a first component image of the matrix barcode and receiving a second component image of the matrix barcode as the two images are displayed on a display device. After the two images have been received, the first component image and the second component image of the matrix barcode are captured on an image capture device. Then depth information between elements of the matrix barcode presented in the first and second component images is determined and additional data represented in such depth information is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Max Stephen Gratton, David S. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8820639
    Abstract: A reader and method to allow verification or access to an RFID component of a device using analog optical properties of the RFID device. In the method, a reader analyzes optical properties of the device, obtains information on these properties from the reader or from data on the device. These optical analog properties are required to be verified prior to access to the RFID data from the RFID component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: ASSA Abloy AB
    Inventor: Richard M. Haddock
  • Publication number: 20140224877
    Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a fill image of a bank note being processed. At least one magnetoresistive detector is employed to obtain line-scan sensings of a bank note as the note passes. A central processing unit obtains the sensing as magnetic pattern data which is subsequently stored in a database for processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Toshiba International Corporation
    Inventor: Sohail Kayani
  • Patent number: 8797145
    Abstract: Provided is an RFID system and method for maintaining a constant strength of a signal transmitted from an RFID tag to an RFID reader, regardless of a distance between the reader and tag. The RFID signal strength measuring reader measures a signal strength received from the RFID tag, creates control information used to set an amplification amount of the RFID tag by using a value of the measured strength to include the control information in an output signal, and sends the output signal to the RFID tag. The RFID tag, if the signal sent from the RFID reader is received, extracts internal information from the received signal, sends the information to the RFID reader as an output signal, and extracts the control information included in the signal sent from the RFID reader to adjust a strength of the output signal according to a value of the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-yong Jeon, Chang-seok Yoon, Sung-ho Cho
  • Publication number: 20140209681
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for managing multiple objects in an object zone. The system comprises multiple machine-readable object identification tags configured to be respectively attached to the multiple objects; a storage unit moving through the object zone to store the selected objects which are respectively attached with the machine-readable object identification tags; at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag attached to the storage unit; and multiple spaced reading units capable of remotely reading the multiple machine-readable object identification tags and the at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag, wherein the objects attached with the machine-readable object identification tags within a predefined spatial range defined based on the at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag are associated with the storage unit. A method thereof and a storage unit are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Pamela Chen, Rebecca LJ Chen, Chun-Lin Liao
  • Publication number: 20140203082
    Abstract: A card reader device using a mobile and the method thereof is introduced. The mobile is adopted to supply electric power through audio output jack, and to transmit card data applied from the card reader device via microphone input jack. The card reader unit is connected to the audio jack of the mobile, and offers card data read by the card reader units via microphone input of the mobile. The card reader device comprises a contact type card reader unit to read cards with magnetic strips, and a contactless type card reader unit for contactless smart cards. The card reader device of the present invention enables and simplifies card transaction through mobile devices, and the reader is combinable with any mobiles with audio jack only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: DAURI SOLUTION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Inghoo Huh
  • Patent number: 8781159
    Abstract: A method and configuration to estimate the dimensions of a cuboid. The configuration includes two image acquisition units offset from each other with at least one of the units positioned at a defined acquisition height above a background surface. Image processing techniques are used to extract a perimeter of a top surface of the cuboid, placed on the background surface, from pairs of acquired images. A height estimation technique, which corrects for spatial drift of the configuration, is used to calculate an absolute height of the cuboid. The absolute height of the cuboid is used, along with the extracted perimeter of the top surface of the cuboid, to calculate an absolute length and an absolute width of the cuboid. The height, length, and width may be used to calculate an estimated volume of the cuboid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Vision Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Sones, Kris Brumbaugh, Ryan Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140191032
    Abstract: A processing device for a medium may include magnetic heads which face a medium transport channel from a lower side, magnetic heads which face the medium transport channel from an upper side, pad rollers which are disposed so as to face each of the magnetic heads, a movement mechanism for evacuating pad rollers from the medium transport channel, and a movement mechanism for evacuating pad rollers from the medium transport channel. In the transport direction for the recording medium, the magnetic head and the magnetic head are offset from each other, and the distance between the magnetic head and the magnetic head in the direction is shorter than the length of the range for recording of magnetic data recorded upon a magnetic stripe of the recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshio Tatai, Keiji Ohta, Naohito Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20140191031
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling a dual interface smart card reader to be able to determine if data should be read from a smart card using wireless technology or touch technology, even when the data can be accessed through wireless technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CIRQUE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keith L. Paulsen