Circular Bar Code (e.g., Concentric Circles Or Sun Burst) Patents (Class 235/462.03)
  • Patent number: 11813644
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for determining the manufacture of a glass container with its mold number. The method consists of marking the molds according to a system of pre-established coordinates based on a Fibonacci system or sinusoidal system, for identifying a mold number with the container that has been formed in that mould. Control means are programmed with the sinusoidal or Fibonacci coordinate system according to various coordinate points of each mold. The containers are formed with a bead or protuberance located at the bottom of each container according to the pre-established coordinate system. The recently formed containers are transported on a conveyor belt. Optical means are used to inspect the containers to identify, by means of the position of the bead or protuberance, the mold number related to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V.
    Inventors: Adrián Enrique Macouzet Díaz Leal, Alejandro Becker Del Río
  • Patent number: 11518607
    Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, wherein the container comprises a code adapted for being identified or read by external reading means, wherein the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Jarisch, Alexandre Perentes, Stefan Kaeser, Carlo Magri, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Thomas Kaeser, Daniel Abegglen
  • Patent number: 11048896
    Abstract: A control box for a learning or entertainment token according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes tokens in which different codes are recorded, a token gate into which the tokens are inserted, a token rail configured to guide the tokens inserted into and falling from the token gate, a detection unit configured to detect the codes recorded in the tokens and installed between the token gate a storage box, and the storage box in which the tokens passing through the detection unit are stored, wherein when the code recorded in the token falling along the token rail is detected and transmitted to an external terminal, the terminal is configured to run a corresponding learning or entertainment application or proceed with steps, and thus preferred learning or entertainment is easily progressed step by step, thereby increasing an effective learning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Sung Hoon Cho
  • Patent number: 10984237
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for a finalized processed image and related data to identify a spatial location of each pupil in the region. Each pupil is identified by a two-dimensional spatial coordinate. The method includes processing information associated with each pupil identified by the two-dimensional spatial coordinate to output a plurality of two-dimensional spatial coordinates, each of which is in reference to a time, in a two-dimensional space. The method then includes outputting a gaze information about the human user. The gaze information includes the two-dimensional spatial coordinates each of which is in reference to a time in a two-dimensional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: Jian Yao, Nicholas T. Bott, John J. Anderson, Scott Andrews
  • Patent number: 10902257
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identifying a timepiece including a first component, e.g. the movement, and a second component, e.g. the case. A first zone of the first component of the timepiece is photographed with sufficient enlargement to show therein the tracks and flaws in or on the substrate of the first component in this first zone resulting from the process of manufacturing the timepiece and in particular the tracks or flaws produced when the second component is fitted into the first component. An identification mark (label, chemical or physical modification of the substrate) is applied to a second zone of the second component of the timepiece. These tracks or flaws are converted into a unique code by an appropriate algorithm and this code is associated with at least one item of information contained in the identification mark to form a unique and complete identifier of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: PATEK PHILIPPE SA GENEVE
    Inventors: Alessandro Vandini, Laurent Bernasconi
  • Patent number: 10810391
    Abstract: A container for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff material and including a code encoding preparation information. The code includes a reference portion and a data portion. The reference portion has reference units defining a reference liner, and the data portion has a data unit. The data unit is arranged on an encoding line D that intersects the reference line r, and the data unit is arranged a distance d from the intersection as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information. The encoding line D is circular and is arranged with a tangent thereto orthogonal the reference liner at the intersection point. The reference units are arranged with a configuration defining a reference point from which the reference line r extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Noth, Christian Jarisch
  • Patent number: 10328578
    Abstract: Example implementations may relate methods and systems for detecting, recognizing, and localizing pallets. For instance, a computing system may receive sensor data representing aspects of an environment, and identify a set of edge points in the sensor data. The computing system may further determine a set of line segments from the set of edge points where each line segment may fit to a subset of the set of edge points. Additionally, the computing system may also filter the set of line segments to exclude line segments that have a length outside a height range and a width range associated with dimensions of a pallet template, and identify, from the filtered set of line segments, a subset of line segments that align with the pallet template. Based on the identified subset of line segments, the computing system may determine a pose of a pallet in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: Dirk Holz
  • Patent number: 10258888
    Abstract: Gaming systems and methods facilitate integrated real and virtual game play among multiple remote control objects, including multiple remotely-controlled aircraft, within a locally-defined, three-dimensional game space using gaming “apps” (i.e., applications) running on one or more mobile devices, such as tablets or smartphones, and/or a central game controller. The systems and methods permit game play among multiple remotely-controlled aircraft within the game space. Game play may be controlled and/or displayed by a gaming app running on one or more mobile devices and/or a central game controller that keeps track of multiple craft locations and orientations with reference to a locally-defined coordinate frame of reference associated with the game space. The gaming app running on one or more mobile devices and/or central game controller also determine game play among the various craft and objects within the game space in accordance with the rules and parameters for the game being played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: QFO Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad D. Pedersen, John P. Condon, James E. Fairman
  • Patent number: 10234399
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for optical inspection of plastic parisons (2) intended to be blow molded to form containers, comprises a conveyor (3) for transporting corresponding parisons (2) along a predetermined path; at an inspection station along the path, each parison (2) is positioned with its axis (208) aligned with a longitudinal reference axis. A stationary camera (7) is provided, with its viewing axis (8) coincident with the longitudinal reference axis, to view the interior of the parison (2); an illuminator (9) is positioned around the viewing axis (8) of the camera (7), to irradiate the outside surface of a mouth end (202) of the parison (2). The camera (7) has a wide-angle lens, to capture an image of an inside surface of the mouth end (202) of the parison (2), representing a screw thread (205) and the identification code (207) of the parison (2), shown in transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA
    Inventor: Donato Laico
  • Patent number: 10185852
    Abstract: A wireless tag reading device includes a chamber in which an article having a wireless tag attached thereto can be stored. A first antenna is provided for outputting a signal for reading information from the wireless tag attached to the article stored in the chamber. A second antenna is also provided for outputting the signal for reading information from the wireless tag. A first moving mechanism is configured to change a distance between the wireless tag and the first antenna during a reading process for reading information from the wireless tag in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Jun Yaginuma, Kouichi Sano, Sunao Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 9946911
    Abstract: A binary bit-string is encoded in a circular image. The circular image encodes substrings of the bit-string in sectors of the circular image and includes redundant bits, error correcting codes, and metadata pertaining to the encoding scheme. To encode the bit-strings, a circular image is generated that includes a center ring and a first ring. Outward from the first ring, additional rings represent bits in the bit-string according to the width of each ring. The exterior of the image includes an outer boundary ring. The width of the boundary rings is used to define the widths representing the value of each ring. To extract a bit-string from an image, the center of the circular image is identified and a direction is selected to evaluate the image outward, determining the boundaries of each ring. The boundaries are analyzed to determine the width of each ring and the encoded bit values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Minkasu, Inc.
    Inventors: Naveen Doraiswamy, Subramanian Lakshmanan, Anbarasan P. Gounder
  • Patent number: 9791865
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a multi-scale fiducial. A multi-scale fiducial may have three or more scales, where the child fiducials are nested or otherwise linked by a relative position to the parent fiducials. Multi-scale fiducials may facilitate target identification and tracking at varying distances, potentially without the aid of a scale-invariant recognition algorithm. One application of multi-scale fiducials may involve target identification for autonomously controlled aerial vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Ryan Kelso, Yves Christian Albers Schoenberg, James Yang
  • Patent number: 9689740
    Abstract: A diagnostic unit is used to align and focus individual laser sources in a spectral beam combining (SBC) laser. The diagnostic unit modifies a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor to dedicate one or more microlenses to a particular wavelength of the SBC laser using wavelength-specific filters in combination with corresponding microlenses. The diagnostic unit allows all of the laser sources to be evaluated at the same time because each wavelength has a dedicated portion of the sensor, typically a charge-coupled display. When an individual beam is centered in its dedicated portion of the sensor and has an acceptable spot size or intensity, the source for that particular beam is correctly aligned and focused. Off-center or incorrect spot-sized beams indicate incorrect alignment and focus for the laser source for that wavelength. When correctly calibrated, the sensor output can also be used to measure and correct power output levels of the individual laser sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Wade L. Klennert
  • Patent number: 9418271
    Abstract: A binary bit-string is encoded in a circular image. The circular image encodes substrings of the bit-string in sectors of the circular image and includes redundant bits, error correcting codes, and metadata pertaining to the encoding scheme. To encode the bit-strings, a circular image is generated that includes a center ring and a first ring. Outward from the first ring, additional rings represent bits in the bit-string according to the width of each ring. The exterior of the image includes an outer boundary ring. The width of the boundary rings is used to define the widths representing the value of each ring. To extract a bit-string from an image, the center of the circular image is identified and a direction is selected to evaluate the image outward, determining the boundaries of each ring. The boundaries are analyzed to determine the width of each ring and the encoded bit values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Minkasu, Inc.
    Inventors: Naveen Doraiswamy, Subramanian Lakshmanan, Anbarasan P. Gounder
  • Patent number: 9292725
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for identifying and reading a barcode on a circular label. Such method and system, in the embodiment discussed, is concretely addressed to a specific example in the engineering of a barcode reader in an electromechanical system for biological analyzes which uses cone-shaped tubes and corresponding strips of fluid containers. It is a requirement of the system that the right cone matches with the right strip. In order to avoid any human error, barcode reading system is implemented, by placing a barcode (e.g. a 2D barcode) on the cone-shaped tube and a barcode on the strip: however the particular shape of the cone poses some problems in the automatic localization and reading of the barcode on the circular label on top of the cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: bioMérieux
    Inventors: Guido Salvi, Andrea Carignano, Silvano Scaccabarozzi, Davide Visconti
  • Patent number: 8919651
    Abstract: A data reader including one or more imagers or imager assemblies that capture two-dimensional images of an object disposed in a view volume, the data reader having fold mirrors and other component arrangement that enable compact and efficient component configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: WenLiang Gao, Alan Shearin, Jorge L. Acosta, Ryan B. Thompson, Paul R. Huss, Jeffrey J. Hoskinson
  • Patent number: 8897605
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a device. The device includes an imaging circuit operable to acquire digital information encoded in a hand-formed analog expression marked on a surface by a handheld writing device. The device also includes a translator circuit operable to decode the digital information. The device further includes a correlation circuit operable to generate a signal indicative of the decoded digital information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, B. Isaac Cohen, Ed Harlow, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud
  • Publication number: 20140252093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a code support (60a, 60b) adapted to be associated with or part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule. The support comprises a code formed by at least a first sequence of symbols and a second sequence of symbols. The code is represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement (100) of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation (Z). The first sequence comprises at least one first preamble sequence of symbols, and at least one first data sequence of symbols. The second sequence comprises at least one second preamble sequence of symbols and at least one second data sequence of symbols. The first preamble sequence is distinct from the second preamble sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Christian Jarisch, Stefan Kaeser, Arnaud Gerbaulet
  • Patent number: 8777107
    Abstract: A roller laser encoding apparatus includes a barcode formed on a curved surface to form a curved barcode surface wherein the barcode is a sequence of different color laser reflectivity. When a laser transmitter emits a laser beam toward the curved barcode surface, the laser beam is reflected by the curved barcode surface to form a reflected laser beam. After the reflected laser beam is received by a laser receiver as a light signal, the optoelectronic converter converts the light signal of the reflected laser beam into a voltage signal. After the curved barcode surface is rotated in one revolution, an encoding processor collects the voltage signals from the optoelectronic converter in sequent and generates a sequence of voltage value in response to the sequence of different color laser reflectivity of the curved barcode surface so as to output a decoding signal of the curved barcode surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shanghai Shengxiang Science and Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chengfan Bao, Xiuzhi Zhang
  • Patent number: 8542952
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, B. Isaac Cohen, Ed Harlow, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud
  • Patent number: 8387883
    Abstract: Bar code imagers and methods of operating bar code imagers are described herein. One method includes selectively illuminating a portion of an axicon optical element of a bar code imager device, forming, by the axicon optical element in response to the selective illumination of the portion of the axicon optical element, an illumination beam, and illuminating a bar code with the illumination beam formed by the axicon optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Marcus, Bernard S. Fritz
  • Publication number: 20130048729
    Abstract: Bar code imagers and methods of operating bar code imagers are described herein. One method includes selectively illuminating a portion of an axicon optical element of a bar code imager device, forming, by the axicon optical element in response to the selective illumination of the portion of the axicon optical element, an illumination beam, and illuminating a bar code with the illumination beam formed by the axicon optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Marcus, Bernard S. Fritz
  • Patent number: 8251291
    Abstract: A rotational bar code is presented. The rotational bar code includes a structure at least a portion of which includes a cylindrical surface having at least one of an outward-facing surface and an inward-facing surface, and a plurality of vertically-oriented symbols horizontally abutted in a non-periodic unique pattern on one of the outward-facing surface or the inward-facing surface. The surfaces are radially disposed about a rotational axis of the cylindrical surface. The vertically-oriented symbols are unique for at least a predefined segment of an arc of the cylindrical surface. An angular orientation of the cylindrical surface is identifiable based on the plurality of vertically-oriented symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Sowers, Joseph P. Ferrara, John Ryan Parry
  • Publication number: 20120211556
    Abstract: An arrangement for recognizing bar-coded information on a carrier object, with registration means designed to register bar-coded information in a registration zone, the arrangement exhibiting adaptation means designed to change the registration zone, an arrangement for recognizing bar-coded information on a spray can, a process for recognizing information on a spray can, a medical maintenance appliance, and a process for maintaining medical appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Heckenberger
  • Patent number: 8045235
    Abstract: Provided are a specific image information adding method with enhanced detection accuracy enabling multiple pieces of information to be added, and an image forming apparatus using the method. In the method of adding specific image information about a recorded image onto the recorded image, the specific image information consists of reference information and identification information, the reference information is formed so as to be able to set a reference position for reading of the specific image information, and the identification information is formed from dot images indicative of bit information at predetermined positions on an arc or a circumference around the reference position. The identification information can represent a single information item by a plurality of dot images, which are placed on a plurality of different arcs or circumferences and arranged at predetermined spacings in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nakai, Koichi Sumida, Takao Yamanouchi
  • Patent number: 7982929
    Abstract: A method of using a sensing device to read coded data is provided. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having mirror and n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two. The layout includes n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, and n identical second sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each second sub-layout is a reflection of a corresponding one of the first sub-layouts. At least one sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout and reflection-indicating data that distinguishes the reflections of reflected sub-layouts. The method includes sensing a layout using the sensing device, decoding the coded data of the sensed sub-layouts, thereby determining the rotation-indicating data of that sub-layout, and using the rotation-indicating data to interpret the meaning of the coded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Siverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7969425
    Abstract: There is provided a method of, and interface system for, enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation by interacting with graphical information and coded data printed on a first interface surface using a sensing device which generates indicating data indicative of the operation by sensing the coded data. In the method, and interface system, the computer system receives the indicating data from the sensing device, the computer system performs the operation indicated by the indicating data, and in response to performing the operation, a second interface surface is printed with graphical information relating to the performed operation and coded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7952751
    Abstract: A method of printing an interface onto a surface is disclosed. The method starts by providing a printer comprising a data input module for receiving document data from a computer system, a coded data generator for generating coded data using at least some of the document data, the coded data being indicative of an identity of a region of a surface to be printed on and of a plurality of locations on the surface to be printed on, a printhead for printing the interface onto the surface, and an ink supply for supplying ink to the printhead, the ink supply comprising an ink set including at least one visible text/graphics ink and a coded data ink, the coded data ink being absorptive of wavelengths in the near-infrared range. Visible text/graphics and the coded data is then printed onto the surface using the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7878415
    Abstract: A segmented circular bar code is made-up of inner and outer locator rings, one or more data rings, two large orientation cells, an even number of radially-extending gaps dividing the bar code into a corresponding number of segments, and gap locator cells straddling each radially-extending gap. Each of the locator rings and the data rings is circular and has a finite width. All rings are concentric and there is no circumferential space between the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Direct Measurements Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Hovis
  • Patent number: 7873243
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a device. The device includes an imaging circuit operable to acquire digital information encoded in a hand-formed analog expression marked on a surface by a handheld writing device. The device also includes a translator circuit operable to decode the digital information. The device further includes a correlation circuit operable to generate a signal indicative of the decoded digital information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, B. Isaac Cohen, Ed Harlow, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud
  • Patent number: 7826687
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides an apparatus. The apparatus includes a writing element having a first portion operable to discharge a first marking substance on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element over the surface and a second portion operable to discharge a second marking substance on the surface in response to a controller. The apparatus also includes the controller operable to encode information corresponding to a context of the apparatus by regulating the discharge of the second marking substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, B. Isaac Cohen, Ed Harlow, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud
  • Patent number: 7813597
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method, and a device A device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface corresponding to a movement of the writing element over the surface. The device also includes a controller operable to digitally encode information in the mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, B. Isaac Cohen, Ed Harlow, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud
  • Patent number: 7809215
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, B. Isaac Cohen, Ed Harlow, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud
  • Patent number: 7758399
    Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. An optical receiver is attached to the platform to look downward on the surface and is coupled to the central controller. The receiver is configured to read a predetermined reflective pattern located on the surface over which the toy vehicle moves. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Nicholas Weiss, LaVonne Erick Strand, Joseph T. Moll, Vikas Kumar Parkhie Sinha, Justin Discoe, David Vincent Helmlinger, Gregory Nungester, Frank William Winkler, Charles Stewart McCall, Jesse Dorogusker
  • Patent number: 7757955
    Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code on a target object features: a housing supporting a plurality of transparent windows and defining an interior region, a target object being presented to the plurality of windows for imaging a target bar code; an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior position. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing a field of view of the camera assembly onto the sensor array. One or more processors prioritize an order of image capture or interpretation based upon user tendencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward D. Barkan
  • Patent number: 7726580
    Abstract: A printed interface for user interaction with a computer system via a sensing device is provided. The interface comprises visible graphical information and coded data readable by the sensing device. The coded data comprises a plurality of substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, with an orientation target structure for allowing relative rotation of the predetermined pattern to be determined. The visible graphical information indicates an operation that the user can select and transmit to the computer system by reading the coded data with the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7621459
    Abstract: A circular bar code includes at least one circular data ring having a plurality of data cells arranged side-by-side in a circle, a circular locator ring of a solid color and conveying the location and size of the bar code to a reading device; and a locator cell conveying the orientation of the bar code to the reading device. The locator ring and the at least one data ring have a finite width, and are concentric, without any gap between adjacent rings. The locator ring can be either inside or outside of the at least one data ring. The locator cell is defined by a gap in the locator ring and a single data cell located in a data ring adjacent the locator ring. The circumferential and radial dimensions of the locator cell convey the data cell size to the reading device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Direct Measurements Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Hovis
  • Patent number: 7564605
    Abstract: Coded data for disposal on or in a surface, the coded data being arranged in accordance with at least one layout having n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two, and having mirror symmetry, the layout including: (a) n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, and, (b) n identical second sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, each second sub-layout being a reflection of a corresponding one of the first sub-layouts, at least one sub-layout including: (i) rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout; and, (ii) reflection-indicating data that distinguishes the reflection of that sub-layout from the reflection of a corresponding reflected sub-layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7530501
    Abstract: A printed interface for user interaction with a computer system via a sensing device is provided. The interface comprises visible graphical information and coded data readable by the sensing device. The coded data comprises a plurality of substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, with an orientation target structure for allowing relative rotation of the predetermined pattern to be determined. The visible graphical information indicates an operation that the user can select and transmit to the computer system by reading the coded data with the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7530496
    Abstract: A computer system, which has a host, a surface sensitive input device and an optical reader. The surface sensitive input device can be a display connected to the host for displaying output data of the host on its screen. The surface sensitive input device is divided into plural areas, each area having one or more indexes to represent a respective area code. The indexes are printed on the surface sensitive input device using a readable material to the optical reader. The optical reader is connected to the host and adapted to read the indexes on the surface sensitive input device for sending the indexes read to the host to further process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Sunplus Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7398928
    Abstract: A coded target used in photogrammetry, the target being circular and including at least two concentric coding rings with at least two equal angular sectors, arranged around a central area including a central disk with a uniform color surrounded by a ring with a complementary color, itself surrounded by a ring the same color as the central disk. A photogrammetry process automatically detects and identifies targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Francois Gaspard, Sylvie Naudet, Eric Noirfalise, Patrick Sayd
  • Patent number: 7380721
    Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Wenwei Zhang
  • Patent number: 7380717
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for modifying bars for applying to a non-flat, or irregular surface. A bar code symbol is created for and read from a non-flat or irregular surface by compensating for distortions caused by the non-flat or irregular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: International Barcode Corporation
    Inventor: Allen Lubow
  • Patent number: 7334739
    Abstract: Coded data for disposal on or in a surface, the coded data being arranged in accordance with at least one layout having n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, each sub-layout encoding a codeword formed from a number of data elements, the sub-layout defining the position of the data elements, and including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7325741
    Abstract: A data utilization installation has various components such as a management computer, a mobile computer system, an access point, a printer, and application software. The management system collects status information from the components, and evaluates whether the components necessary for a particular user e.g. of the mobile computer system, to carry out a task, are ready for use. Status information is communicated to the user based on the evaluation by the management system. The management system of the utilization installation may be located remote from the other components of the installation, and communicate via the Internet or other wide area medium, or the management system may be located locally to the user, e.g. in a branch management station, or in one of the devices to be employed by the user, including the mobile computer system that at least in part may be worn or otherwise carried by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Dusio
  • Patent number: 7311259
    Abstract: A bar code reader includes a first circuit board on which a photodiode, which receives light reflected from a bar code, is installed and a second circuit board on which a processing unit that processes a signal output from the photodiode. The position at which the first circuit board is placed can be decided irrespective of the position at which the second circuit board is placed. The first circuit board is placed at a position that is most suitable for receiving light reflected from the bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuo Watanabe, Isao Iwaguchi, Hideo Miyazawa, Kozo Yamazaki, Masanori Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 7237340
    Abstract: A utility tool comprising a body having a first end and a second end positioned on opposite ends of the body; a removable device; as well as a first tool and a second tool configured to be selectively coupled to each other or one of either the first end and second end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik, Skye David Barcus
  • Patent number: 7182247
    Abstract: A region having coded data thereon, wherein at least some of the coded data includes data indicative of a functional attribute of a part of the region. A sensing device for use with such a region, the sensing device for sensing and reacting to data indicative of a functional attribute of a part of the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7108192
    Abstract: Machine-readable coded data disposed on or in a substrate in accordance with a layout, and method of generating such coded data The layout has at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, and includes n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout. The coded data is disposed in accordance with each sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes the rotation of that sub-layout from the rotation of at least one other sub-layout within the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7103781
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiho Gotoh, Mitsuaki Oshima, Shinichi Tanaka, Kenji Koishi, Mitsuro Moriya