Light Level Control Patents (Class 235/455)
  • Patent number: 12147869
    Abstract: This disclosure presents an indicia reader equipped with two distinct imaging assemblies and a pair of mirrors, one of which is dichroic. This reader can generate both two-dimensional and three-dimensional image data. The dichroic mirror is designed to pass light in a specific wavelength range while reflecting light in another range, effectively directing different light towards the appropriate imaging assembly. This novel design enables efficient packaging of essential hardware, enhancing the reader's functionality for industries that require item tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Barkan, Darran Michael Handshaw, Mark Drzymala
  • Patent number: 12139344
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inspecting bundles, wherein receiving containers equipped with containers are transported by a first transport device and wherein the containers each have a marking in their bottom regions which unambiguously identifies the containers, wherein an image recording device records at least one image of the bottom regions of the containers located in the receiving container and at least one information is output which is characteristic of the markings arranged on the containers and/or of at least one property of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Elisabeth Pilney, Katarina Mehringer, Eduard Rupp
  • Patent number: 12132557
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method at a network device. The method comprises receiving beam information obtained in a plurality of beam management procedures. The beam information comprises information on a plurality of preferred beams of the network device determined by the terminal device in the plurality of beam management procedures. The method further comprises determining speed information of the terminal device based on the beam information obtained in the plurality of beam management procedures. The method further comprises determining a resource configuration of a signal based on the speed information of the terminal device. The signal is a reference signal or a report signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Chunhui Liu, Qi Zhang, Wei Zhou
  • Patent number: 12108027
    Abstract: Camera pipeline exposure timestamp error determination methods and systems that detect latency in rolling shutter camera systems. The exposure timestamp error determination system includes a rolling shutter image sensor configured to capture an image and a processor. The processor determines timestamp error by capturing the image using the rolling shutter image sensor where the image includes a bar code encoded with a barcode timestamp. The processor then obtains a system exposure timestamp corresponding to capture of the image by the rolling shutter image sensor and the barcode timestamp by decoding the bar code. Pipeline exposure timestamp error is then determined for the rolling shutter camera system by comparing the obtained barcode timestamp to the system exposure timestamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Clemens Birklbauer, Alexander Kane, Dominik Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 12095958
    Abstract: An image-reading device, such as optical code readers used in retail environments to scan objects, is configured to select from various operational modes. The operational modes are selected based on an application of the image-reading device, such as optical code identification or image recognition. Red, white, and other color light sources are activated in patterns corresponding to an illumination sequence of the selected operational mode, while imagers are activated to capture an image based on an exposure pattern of the selected operational mode. Further, a repeating series of light pulses having different portions of light is provided. Various imagers are configured to capture images over one of the portions. This allows an operator to perceive one continuous light pattern, yet allows various imagers to capture an image under different light conditions used for different applications of the image-reading device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Datalogic USA, inc.
    Inventors: WenLiang Gao, Aric Brant Zandhuisen, Michael Jay Ahten, Robert W. Rudeen, Keith Layne Rogers, Brett Thomas Howard
  • Patent number: 12045686
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a fixed retail scanner including a data reader comprising a main board, one or more camera modules, and a multi-port network switch disposed within a housing of the data reader. The multi-port network switch is configured to provide a network backbone for at least some internal devices within the housing of the data reader and for at least some external devices positioned external to the housing of the data reader and operably coupled with the data reader through the multi-port network switch. Related systems may include a remote server operably coupled to the fixed retail scanner through the multi-port network switch such that image data to the remote server may be communicated via the multi-port network switch from at least one of the main board or the at least one camera coupled to the multi-port network switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Datalogic USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Howard, Ryan Thompson
  • Patent number: 11983541
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for configuring a device for a specific task or set of tasks thereby allowing the device to be used for more than one task or set of tasks while also enabling fine-grain control over how the device may be used. A device's file system can operate with a particular file system based on the task(s) that the device will perform. Further, the device can physically configure itself based on the task(s) that the device will perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Lowe's Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Balajee Thachakkadu Mohan, Dheeraj Kysetti, Saravanan Rajendran, Vighnesh S Kumar
  • Patent number: 11943547
    Abstract: An image capturing unit captures an image including an embedded image that is printed on the basis of image data in which at least a color component has been modulated according to additional information. An adjustment unit adjusts a white balance of the image captured by the image capturing unit on the basis of an adjustment value associated with the embedded image. A processing unit processes image data of the image captured by the image capturing unit whose white balance has been adjusted by the adjustment unit to read the additional information in the image captured by the image capturing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sakai, Mitsuru Uratani, Yuki Ishida, Yuki Omagari, Tomohiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11843744
    Abstract: An image-reading device, such as optical code readers used in retail environments to scan objects, is configured to select from various operational modes. The operational modes are selected based on an application of the image-reading device, such as optical code identification or image recognition. Red, white, and other color light sources are activated in patterns corresponding to an illumination sequence of the selected operational mode, while imagers are activated to capture an image based on an exposure pattern of the selected operational mode. Further, a repeating series of light pulses having different portions of light is provided. Various imagers are configured to capture images over one of the portions. This allows an operator to perceive one continuous light pattern, yet allows various imagers to capture an image under different light conditions used for different applications of the image-reading device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Datalogic USA, Inc.
    Inventors: WenLiang Gao, Aric Brant Zandhuisen, Michael Jay Ahten, Robert W. Rudeen, Keith Layne Rogers, Brett Thomas Howard
  • Patent number: 11809951
    Abstract: Graphic code processing includes displaying a graphic code scanning interface that is used for previewing at least one frame of acquired scanning image. In response to n graphic codes being included in the at least one frame of scanning image, recognition is performed on the n graphic codes to obtain n contact accounts. A service processing interaction region is displayed that includes contact controls corresponding to the n contact accounts. The service processing interaction region is configured to provide a service corresponding to at least one contact account in the n contact accounts. The n contact accounts can be obtained by scanning codes in batches to add friends and transmit files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited
    Inventors: Ailu Deng, Shu-Hui Chou, Liqiang Liu
  • Patent number: 11743592
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fast autotuning of industrial fixed vision cameras are disclosed herein. An example method includes modifying illumination settings of a camera until a brightness value for captured image data reaches a minimum value; modifying a focus level of the camera to determine a range of camera focus levels for successfully decoding barcodes; configuring the camera to operate using a midpoint focus value of the range; modifying illumination settings of the camera until the brightness associated with the captured image data reaches an optimal value; and modifying the focus level of the camera, within the range, to determine an optimal focus level at which sharpness for the captured image is optimized; and capturing, by the camera, operating at the determined optimal focus level and with illumination settings for the optimal threshold brightness value, image data associated with a new target object affixed with a new barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Justin F. Barish, John Boecio
  • Patent number: 11665334
    Abstract: Camera pipeline exposure timestamp error determination methods and systems that detect latency in rolling shutter camera systems. The exposure timestamp error determination system includes a rolling shutter image sensor configured to capture an image and a processor. The processor determines timestamp error by capturing the image using the rolling shutter image sensor where the image includes a bar code encoded with a barcode timestamp. The processor then obtains a system exposure timestamp corresponding to capture of the image by the rolling shutter image sensor and the barcode timestamp by decoding the bar code. Pipeline exposure timestamp error is then determined for the rolling shutter camera system by comparing the obtained barcode timestamp to the system exposure timestamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Clemens Birklbauer, Alexander Kane, Dominik Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 11647170
    Abstract: An image projection device includes a projector configured to project an image; and an operation unit configured to receive an operation performed by an operator. The projector is in a projecting state while the operation unit is receiving a pressing operation performed by the operator, and the projector is in a non-projecting state while the operation unit is not receiving a pressing operation performed by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoko Takahashi, Yuuji Wada, Yu Yoneda, Daisuke Tomita, Kunihiko Nishioka, Hideki Kosugi, Yasukazu Kitamura, Toshihiro Hamamura, Takaya Muraishi, Naomi Sugimoto, Yasunari Harada
  • Patent number: 11610088
    Abstract: Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for verifying that an image includes a complete code of a time-varying visual marker that displays codes sequentially on a display. In some implementations, the verification determines that the image include a complete code rather than combinations of sequentially-displayed codes that may be included in an image based on use of a rolling shutter (e.g., in a camera of a detecting electronic device). In some implementations, the verification involves comparing a first verification portion of an image to a second opposing verification portion of an image. Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for modifying image capture parameters (e.g., frame rate) to ensure capture of all codes of a time-varying visual marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anselm Grundhoefer, Arun Srivatsan Rangaprasad
  • Patent number: 11574137
    Abstract: This provides an ID reader, typically configured for handheld operation, which integrates three types of illumination into a compact package that generates robust performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and moisture. These illumination types include, direct (diffuse) light, low-angle light and polarized light. The ID reader includes a sealed reader module assembly having the illuminators in combination with an imager assembly (optics and image sensor) at its relative center. Additionally, also an on-axis aimer and a variable focus system with liquid lens have been integrated in this module and is placed on axis using a mirror assembly that includes a dichroic filter. As the optimal distance to read a code with low-angle light is typically shorter than the optimal distance to use the polarized illumination a variable (e.g. liquid) lens can adjust the focus of the reader to the optimal distance for the selected illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Fernandez Dorado, Laurens Nunnink, Saul Sanz Rodriguez, Kai Fluegge, Yasin Salih Ciftci
  • Patent number: 11461575
    Abstract: The optical information reader includes an imaging part configured to capture a plurality of images at predetermined timing until code reading results in success or a reading process times out, and an output part configured to output information on timing at which the optical information reader receives the trigger signal, success or failure information on code reading, and the plurality of images captured by the imaging part, and success or failure information representing whether the reading process performed by a decoder results in success or failure and the plurality of images captured in response to the trigger signal are associated with the trigger signal, and, with a list of reading results corresponding to a plurality of the trigger signals displayed on a display part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidezumi Nagata, Takashi Hirano, Kazuteru Yamamura
  • Patent number: 11438518
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fast autotuning of industrial fixed vision cameras are disclosed herein. An example method includes modifying illumination settings of a camera until a brightness value for captured image data reaches a minimum value; modifying a focus level of the camera to determine a range of camera focus levels for successfully decoding barcodes; configuring the camera to operate using a midpoint focus value of the range; modifying illumination settings of the camera until the brightness associated with the captured image data reaches an optimal value; and modifying the focus level of the camera, within the range, to determine an optimal focus level at which sharpness for the captured image is optimized; and capturing, by the camera, operating at the determined optimal focus level and with illumination settings for the optimal threshold brightness value, image data associated with a new target object affixed with a new barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Justin F. Barish, John Boecio
  • Patent number: 11327387
    Abstract: An illumination system is provided for an optical system that includes an imaging device for acquiring an image of a target, for decoding of a symbol or other analysis. The illumination system can include a first light source configured to provide illumination of a first wavelength, a second light source configured to provide illumination of a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The light sources can be controlled for operations that include: illuminating the target with the first and second light sources simultaneously for acquisition of the image of the target; and altering an illumination output of at least one of the first light source or the second light source, while maintaining non-zero illumination output for at least one of the first light source or the second light source, to indicate a status of the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Francisco Javier Azcona Guerrero, Richard Reuter, Andreas Weber, Ben Carey
  • Patent number: 11308295
    Abstract: A handheld optical information reading device is provided which comprises a housing, a grip arranged on the housing, an image capture device, an illuminator, an illumination controller, an imaging controller, an image processor, and a reader. The image capture device captures an image including a symbol. The illuminator includes lighting devices around the periphery of an optical axis of the image capture device. The illumination controller controls the illuminator to selectively successively light up the lighting devices based on a predetermined order whereby irradiating a symbol with light in different illumination directions with respect to the optical axis. The imaging controller controls the image capture device to capture images of the symbol every when the lighting devices are selectively successively lighted up. The image processor creates an outline image of the symbol based on the captured images. The reader reads the symbol based on the created outline image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidehito Kubota, Takuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11182578
    Abstract: A method for determining a module size of an optical code (20), wherein image data with the code (20) are detected, a brightness distribution is determined from the image data, and the module size is determined from the brightness distribution. The brightness distribution for example is a greyscale histogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Pascal Schüler, Marcel Hampf, Fredrik Olsson
  • Patent number: 11138393
    Abstract: During hand-held operation, configuration of an NFC/RFID Reader/Writer peripheral device in a predefined mode named “Mobile Mode with Auto-Collection”, enables recognition of a long duration (e.g. 5 second) trigger press (AKA a “Long Press”) as an enabling event prompting a change of scan behavior between single-shot scan operation and continuous scan operation. In other defined Modes of the peripheral device, other predetermined enabling events, such as the presence or absence of a predetermined external power source, prompt the change between single-shot and continuous scan operations. The Long Press and the other intuitive features enable the general user to be able to switch between various modes and to do so without requiring acquisition or use of an additional dedicated scanner with its requisite expense or inconvenience, and without requiring advanced knowledge, special access, or special resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Socket Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan G. Stoilov, Vincent J. Coli, Steven Glyn Jones
  • Patent number: 11010574
    Abstract: A method of optically scanning indicia on an object includes providing a coherent light source for illuminating the object with coherent light. The object is marked with indicia including a first feature and a second feature, with the first feature including reflection of coherent light and said second feature including emittance of non-coherent light when illuminated. An imaging device is capable of distinguishing coherent light from non-coherent light. The indicia are illuminated with coherent light generated by the coherent light source causing the indicia to reflect coherent light and emit non-coherent light. The coherent light is distinguished from the non-coherent light emitted from the indicia by a controller for identifying a pattern of one of said first feature and said second feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: VIRTEK VISION INTERNATIONAL ULC
    Inventor: Kurt D. Rueb
  • Patent number: 11003875
    Abstract: This provides an ID reader, typically configured for handheld operation, which integrates three types of illumination into a compact package that generates robust performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and moisture. These illumination types include, direct (diffuse) light, low-angle light and polarized light. The ID reader includes a sealed reader module assembly having the illuminators in combination with an imager assembly (optics and image sensor) at its relative center. Additionally, also an on-axis aimer and a variable focus system with liquid lens have been integrated in this module and is placed on axis using a mirror assembly that includes a dichroic filter. As the optimal distance to read a code with low-angle light is typically shorter than the optimal distance to use the polarized illumination a variable (e.g. liquid) lens can adjust the focus of the reader to the optimal distance for the selected illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Fernandez Dorado, Laurens Nunnink, Saul Sanz Rodriguez, Kai Fluegge, Yasin Salih Ciftci
  • Patent number: 10896308
    Abstract: A data entry and scanning apparatus that includes a commercially available mobile device wherein said commercially available mobile device with a touch screen display, a processor, and a wireless communications network access point, a scanning device, an interface, and a power source that external to the commercially available mobile device and connected to the interface, and a casing that does not cover the touch screen display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Qiurong Ma, Hongzhi Ren, Liuxin Huang, Jun Yin, Wenjie Gu, Yun Li, Xiaoxun Zhu, Huatao Liu
  • Patent number: 10860822
    Abstract: This invention discloses a temperature-measuring scan head, comprising an enclosure, and its use method. There are supplementary lamp, image sensor and temperature sensor embedded on the end surface of the enclosure. The present scan head is as small as the existing scan heads on the market, but it has high-precision temperature sensor with built-in temperature-calibration module that promises temperature information collection and accurate temperature measurement. Technically, the operator should use the scan head to scan the barcode of the objects or living things to be measured, and the scan head will read identity information and conduct temperature measurement. As such, temperature of the objects or living things corresponds to their respective identity, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Shenzhen iData Technology Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenhua Deng, Jiangtao Wei, Chao He, Zhenxi Wang
  • Patent number: 10775868
    Abstract: There is provided a navigation device including an image sensor, an analog to digital converter and a processor. The image sensor is used to output an analog image using an exposure time. The analog to digital converter is used to convert the analog image to a digital image using a resolution. The processor is used to identify an image quality of the digital image, and adjust at least one of the exposure time of the image sensor and the resolution of the analog to digital converter according to the image quality thereby adjusting the operation power by changing data length actually processed by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventors: Joon-Chok Lee, Kevin Len-Li Lim
  • Patent number: 10733403
    Abstract: Systems, methods, software and apparatus enable linking of a wearable end user communication device (EUD) to an intermediate communication device (ICD) utilizing optical symbol sequence matching. Optical symbol reference data corresponding to an optical symbol sequence displayed on the EUD is obtained from the EUD by the ICD. Optical symbol input data is also acquired by the ICD (e.g., via user inputs, EUD device proximity data, image acquisition). The devices are linked if the optical symbol reference data and optical symbol input data match. The optical symbol reference data can be displayed, allowing user confirmation of a match with the optical symbol sequence displayed on the EUD. An ICD user interface touchscreen can present users with selectable color inputs to replicate the optical symbol sequence displayed on the EUD, for example using an LED array. Communications between the devices before and after linking can utilize Bluetooth low energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Orion Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Albrecht, Ellen Juhlin, Dan Phung, Schuyler Erle
  • Patent number: 10726224
    Abstract: An authenticable digital code includes a printable medium, a machine-readable digital code, formed on the printable medium, that graphically represent information, and at least one security signature positioned relative to the machine-readable digital code. The security signature includes a fluorescent material that, when excited by light of a first wavelength, fluoresces and emits light at a second wavelength that is different from the first wave length. Authenticity of the authenticable digital code is determined by detecting, when the authenticable digital code is illuminated by light of the first wavelength, light of the second wavelength at a position relative to the machine-readable digital code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Authentic Labs
    Inventors: David C. McCloskey, John Robert Blakely, Stanley R. James
  • Patent number: 10719678
    Abstract: A device for checking access authorizations stored on data carriers is provided, having a reading unit, arranged in the access region, for the data carrier, said reading unit actuating a signaling means and/or a blocking means, wherein the reading unit includes a housing having an insertion region for the data carrier and the insertion region having an upper first wall with a reading module sensing the insertion region, a lower second wall of the insertion region be fastened detachably and/or pivotably to the housing, that the reading unit can be changed from a first state to a second state in a predefinable manner by pivoting and/or removing the lower second wall, wherein in the first state of the reading unit, the second wall, together with the first wall, forms a U- or V-shaped insertion region and in the second state, the insertion region is L-shaped and open towards the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Axess AG
    Inventors: Josef Fischer, Christian Windhager, Oliver Suter
  • Patent number: 10706564
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, systems, methods and media for determining object motion in three dimensions using light field image data are provided. In some embodiments, a system for three dimensional motion estimation is provided, comprising: an image sensor; optics that create many images of a scene; and a hardware processor configured to: cause the image sensor to capture a first plurality of images; generate a first light field; cause the image sensor to capture a second plurality of images at a second time; generate a second light field; calculate light field gradients using the first light field and second light field; and calculate, for each point in the scene, three dimensional motion using the light field gradients by applying a constraint to the motion in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Mohit Gupta, Sizhuo Ma, Brandon Smith
  • Patent number: 10691907
    Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an apparatus having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include monochrome pixels and color sensitive pixels. The monochrome pixels can be pixels without wavelength selective color filter elements. The color sensitive pixels can include wavelength selective color filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Ynjiun P. Wang
  • Patent number: 10645300
    Abstract: A system includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions and a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer readable medium. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to obtain an input indicative of a desired image texture quality, receive an image captured by an image capturing device, analyze texture of the image, and generate a signal to vary or maintain a parameter of the image capturing device based on the analysis of the texture to yield the desired image texture quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kang Yang, Wei Ren
  • Patent number: 10628640
    Abstract: During hand-held operation, configuration of an NFC/RFID Reader/Writer peripheral device in a predefined mode named “Mobile Mode with Auto-Collection”, enables recognition of a long duration (e.g. 5 second) trigger press (AKA a “Long Press”) as an enabling event prompting a change of scan behavior between single-shot scan operation and continuous scan operation. In other defined Modes of the peripheral device, other predetermined enabling events, such as the presence or absence of a predetermined external power source, prompt the change between single-shot and continuous scan operations. The Long Press and the other intuitive features enable the general user to be able to switch between various modes and to do so without requiring acquisition or use of an additional dedicated scanner with its requisite expense or inconvenience, and without requiring advanced knowledge, special access, or special resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Socket Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan G. Stoilov, Vincent J. Coli, Steven Glyn Jones
  • Patent number: 10565412
    Abstract: A barcode reading device including a scanner which irradiates a target with a light beam and scans a barcode provided on the target so as to read information from the barcode, a camera which captures images of the target, a display which displays the images captured by the camera, and a processor which performs processing operations including an imaging control processing operation for, when the scanner is irradiating the target with the light beam, controlling the camera to perform an imaging operation for acquiring an image for recording, at predetermined imaging timing, and an irradiation control processing operation for temporarily stopping the light beam irradiation by the scanner in synchronization with the imaging timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10503945
    Abstract: A method for glare reduction may be implemented by a graphical code reader. The graphical code reader includes an optic system, a plurality of light sources, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine that glare is present in an image captured by the optic system by identifying reflection from at least one of the plurality of light sources. The control system may take a corrective action to reduce the glare in subsequent images. The control system may be configured to take a first corrective action if a diffraction pattern is present at a periphery of the glare, and take a second corrective action if a diffraction pattern is not present at the periphery of the glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: THE CODE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ming Lei, Jason J. Lee, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 10495871
    Abstract: This rotary drive apparatus is arranged to cause incoming light coming from a light source to be emitted to an outside while changing the direction of the incoming light, and includes a motor including a hollow shaft arranged to extend along a central axis extending in a vertical direction, the hollow shaft including a through hole arranged to pass therethrough in an axial direction. The through hole defines a light path along which the incoming light travels. A light-transmitting member is arranged to be in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft over the entire circumferential extent of the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft, over at least a portion of the vertical extent of the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoichi Sekii
  • Patent number: 10489621
    Abstract: A reading device includes: an imaging unit that acquires an image by imaging an object; and a reading unit that emits a scanning light having a prescribed scanning angle range in a prescribed one-dimensional direction and that detects the scanning light reflected by the object so as to acquire a target information displayed on the object. The imaging unit and the reading unit are disposed such that a center line of the prescribed scanning angle range of the scanning light and an optical axis of the imaging unit intersect with each other at a point that is away from the reading device by at a prescribed distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Teppei Moriyama
  • Patent number: 10374707
    Abstract: A Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination device authenticates a mobile electronics device on a lighting communications network. The mobile electronic device may request a communications link on the lighting communications network and detect modulated illumination light emitted from the LED based illumination device. The modulated light may include an optical code. The mobile electronic device may determine the optical code from the modulated illumination light and communicate an indication of the optical code to the LED based illumination device. The LED based illumination device may determine if the indication of the optical code is correct and provide, in response, a communication link to the mobile electronics device on the lighting communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Emil Mueller, Barry Mark Loveridge, Jeffrey P. Hushley, Gerard Harbers
  • Patent number: 10360423
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively illuminating objects located within the field-of-view of an image sensor used to capture images in a machine-readable symbol reader. In an active illuminated reading mode, a light source illuminates objects as the image sensor captures images. In a self-illuminated object reading mode, used to capture images of smartphone, tablet, or other self-illuminating displays, the image sensor captures images without the light source illuminating the objects. The machine-readable symbol reader transitions between the two modes based upon distance and light-level measurements taken of the various objects that are within the field-of-view of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Datalogic USA, Inc.
    Inventor: WenLiang Gao
  • Patent number: 10341521
    Abstract: An image reading device includes: a platen on which a document is placed; a platen cover openable and closable with respect to the platen; a cover-open sensor which detects a fact that the open/close angle of the platen cover has passed a predetermined angle from a close state; a CCD line sensor including charge coupled devices (CCD) arranged for recording a variation in distribution for a fixed period of time of incident light when detecting passing of the platen cover; a variation amount calculator which calculates a variation amount of incident light at each distribution point on the basis of a variation in distribution recorded by the CCD line sensor; and a variation amount determination unit which determines whether or not a variation amount calculated by the variation amount calculator exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: RISO KAGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiko Kusuhata
  • Patent number: 10318775
    Abstract: An authenticable digital code includes a printable medium, a machine-readable digital code, formed on the printable medium, that graphically represent information, and at least one security signature positioned relative to the machine-readable digital code. The security signature includes a fluorescent material that, when excited by light of a first wavelength, fluoresces and emits light at a second wavelength that is different from the first wave length. Authenticity of the authenticable digital code is determined by detecting, when the authenticable digital code is illuminated by light of the first wavelength, light of the second wavelength at a position relative to the machine-readable digital code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Authentic Labs
    Inventors: David C. McCloskey, John Robert Blakely, Stanley R. James
  • Patent number: 10216969
    Abstract: Imaging devices and illuminating devices are provided. In one exemplary implementation, an imaging device comprises an optical sensor and an illuminator. The illuminator comprises a support frame and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the support frame. A first set of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs is configured to provide dark field illumination at a high angle of incidence with respect to an object. The first set of LEDs is configured to provide illumination without the use of a light pipe, diffuser, or reflector. A second set of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs is configured to provide bright field illumination at a low angle of incidence with respect to the object. The second set of LEDs is configured to provide illumination without the use of a light pipe, diffuser, or reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Chen Feng, Jie Ren, Yunxin Ouyang, Alain Gillet
  • Patent number: 10191043
    Abstract: An assay test strip includes a flow path, a sample receiving zone, a label, a detection zone that includes a region of interest, and at least one position marker. The at least one position marker is aligned with respect to the region of interest such that location of the at least one position marker indicates a position of the region of interest. A diagnostic test system includes a reader that obtains light intensity measurement from exposed regions of the test strip, and a data analyzer that performs at least one of (a) identifying ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the test region based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature, and (b) generating a control signal modifying at least one operational parameter of the reader based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Alverix, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick T. Petruno, John F. Petrilla, Michael J. Brosnan, Rong Zhou, Daniel B. Roitman, Bo U. Curry
  • Patent number: 10176411
    Abstract: Performing optical mark recognition (OMR) scanning includes receiving a substrate to be scanned, the substrate having one or more colors visible to a human eye and bearing user-made marks; moving the substrate and a light sensor relative to each other such that the substrate moves past the light sensor a single time; during the relative movement of the substrate, scanning the substrate using multiple colors of light to simultaneously generate both (a) image data representing a visual appearance of the substrate, and (b) OMR data corresponding to respective locations of the user-made marks on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Scantron Corporation
    Inventors: Joe Zajac, Jonathan Ort
  • Patent number: 10049249
    Abstract: Indicia readers may be configured with two illumination light sources: a primary light source for illuminating primary indicia (e.g., a barcode) and a secondary ultraviolet (UV) light source for revealing secondary indicia (e.g., UV fluorescent watermarks) that are used to protect against counterfeit and fraud. Ultraviolet light can be harmful. The present invention embraces methods and a device for controlling the secondary UV light source to limit UV exposure. When an exposure risks is detected, the UV light source is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Furlong, Sean Philip Kearney
  • Patent number: 10019334
    Abstract: A portable data terminal generally includes a housing supporting: a data collection device: a keypad: and a touch screen. One or more PDTs are provided with a monitoring system that records occurrences experienced by the portable data terminal. The record of occurrences may be analyzed to identify errors and/or failure prone parts of the PDT along with behaviors likely to lead to errors or failures. Additionally, the record of events may be analyzed to predict errors and/or failures for any given PDT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo M. Caballero, Daniel Brant French, Douglas M. Hinson, James C. Kosecki, David Mangicaro, Scott Reynolds, Daniel Duane Yeakley
  • Patent number: 10007822
    Abstract: A method for glare reduction may be implemented by a graphical code reader. The graphical code reader includes an optic system, a plurality of light sources, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine that glare is present in an image captured by the optic system by identifying reflection from at least one of the plurality of light sources. The control system may take a corrective action to reduce the glare in subsequent images. The control system may be configured to take a first corrective action if a diffraction pattern is present at a periphery of the glare, and take a second corrective action if a diffraction pattern is not present at the periphery of the glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, Jason J. Lee, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 9954545
    Abstract: A circuit device includes a control circuit having a successive approximation register, a D/A conversion circuit adapted to perform D/A conversion on output data from the successive approximation register, and a comparison circuit adapted to compare an analog input signal and an output signal from the D/A conversion circuit with each other, the control circuit includes an upper limit value register and a lower limit value register adapted to respectively hold an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a conversion range, and increases the upper limit value or decreases the lower limit value in the case in which the same comparison result has been output by the comparison circuit a predetermined number of times or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Haneda
  • Patent number: 9892299
    Abstract: One light source is energized and another light source is simultaneously deenergized during one frame of an imager that captures return light from an illuminated target as a first image portion having a first target portion. The other light source is energized and the one light source is simultaneously deenergized during another frame to capture the return light from the illuminated target as a second image portion having a second target portion. Either the target portions are combined to form the target to be read, or the image portions are combined to form a composite image from which the target is read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Giebel, Edward Barkan, Christopher W. Brock
  • Patent number: 9842477
    Abstract: A lighting device includes: a light source switchable between illumination modes; a human detector which detects a person in a detection area in an illumination area of the light source; an ID reader which wirelessly reads an identification stored in an RF tag in a read area corresponding to the detection area; and a controller communicably connected to the light source, the human detector, and the ID reader. The controller obtains from the human detector human detection information indicating that one or more persons are present, obtains from the ID reader one or more identifications read by the ID reader when the human detector detects the one or more persons, and applies one mode of the illumination modes to the light source based on the human detection information and one or more identifications obtained, and the light source performs illumination in the applied mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shojiro Kido, Kazuhiro Hatta