Means To Read Bar Code On A Transparent Medium (e.g., Film) Patents (Class 235/462.05)
  • Patent number: 11200395
    Abstract: A graphic code recognition method includes: displaying a target image, the target image comprising at least two graphic codes; in response to receiving a graphic code recognition operation on the target image for selecting one of the at least two graphic codes to recognize, obtaining graphic code position information of the at least two graphic codes in the target image; determining a target graphic code indicated by the graphic code recognition operation according to the graphic code position information, the target graphic code belonging to the at least two graphic codes; and displaying a target graphic code recognition result corresponding to the target graphic code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited
    Inventors: Chen Ran, Dianping Xu, Yugeng Lin, Jie Miao, Xiaoyi Jia, Mei Jiang
  • Patent number: 10677588
    Abstract: An overlay metrology tool providing site-by-site alignment includes a controller coupled to a telecentric imaging system. The controller may receive two or more alignment images of an overlay target on a sample captured at two or more focal positions by the imaging system, generate alignment data indicative of an alignment of the overlay target within the imaging system based on the alignment images, set the alignment images as measurement images when the alignment of the overlay target is within selected alignment tolerances, direct the imaging system to adjust the alignment of the overlay target in the imaging system and further receive one or more measurement images from the imaging system when the alignment of the overlay target is outside the selected alignment tolerances, and determine overlay between two or more layers of the sample based on at least one of the measurement images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew V. Hill, Ohad Bachar, Avi Abramov, Yuri Paskover, Dor Perry
  • Patent number: 9800749
    Abstract: A distance to a target to be read by image capture over a range of working distances is determined by directing an aiming light spot along an aiming axis to the target, and by capturing a first image of the target containing the aiming light spot, and by capturing a second image of the target without the aiming light spot. Each image is captured in a frame over a field of view having an imaging axis offset from the aiming axis. An image pre-processor compares first image data from the first image with second image data from the second image over a common fractional region of both frames to obtain a position of the aiming light spot in the first image, and determines the distance to the target based on the position of the aiming light spot in the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chinh Tan, Carl D. Wittenberg, Harry E. Kuchenbrod
  • Patent number: 9672449
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for calibration of a media processing device are provided. The method may include providing a calibration sub-routine where the calibration sub-routine includes a plurality of calibration operations to be performed in sequence. The method may further include associating an audible note with each calibration operation and generating the audible note for each calibration operation as each respective calibration operation is performed, where the audible note is generated by a frequency of operation of a motor. The audible note associated with one calibration operation may be different from the audible note associated with another calibration operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Jonathan Hunt, Max Kielland
  • Patent number: 9594937
    Abstract: Each data point within a two-dimensional code can be represented by a distribution of spots. Each spot can be made small enough to be invisible to the human eye so that the two-dimensional code can be invisible on or within transparent or nontransparent materials. The spots can be spaced at a large distance to increase the signal-to-noise ratio for an optical code reader. A code reader can be adapted to read the spots and determine the data points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Johansen, Kyung Young Kim, Bruce W. Ball, Justin D. Redd
  • Patent number: 8789756
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments include a test element operable to receive a sample and to provide an indication of an analyte of the sample to a meter. In one form test element comprises a substrate and an optically readable pattern provided on the substrate which encodes information relating to the test element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Austera, Abner D. Joseph, Randall Riggles, Herbert Harttig, Hans List, Bernd Roesicke, Gerrit Kocherscheidt, Bruno Thoes, Jean-Michel Ashour
  • Patent number: 8668137
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for communicating encoded information using barcodes. Symbologies that permit linking of two or more barcodes may be used to create animated linked barcodes, in which successive barcodes in the series that encodes a string of information are displayed within a display area of a dynamic medium. Barcode animations may be displayed in webpages, television broadcasts, video media, favicons, etc. An optical layer such as a lenticular lens may be used to affect display of different barcodes at different viewing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Barcode Graphics Inc.
    Inventor: John Herzig
  • Patent number: 8553146
    Abstract: A device obtains a video and a matrix code (such as a QR code) to divide into portions and interlace with the video. The device generates a modified interlaced video by including at least a first portion in a first but not a second field of a first frame, a second portion in a second but not a first field of a second frame, and so on such that all of the portions of the matrix code are included in the modified interlaced video. Subsequently, the device transmits the modified interlaced video to a display. When the modified interlaced video is displayed, the matrix code is present but not visually perceptible. A matrix code reader detects and/or records and analyzes the displayed modified video to identify the portions of the matrix code included therein, extract such portions, and combine the extracted portions to form the matrix code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: John T. Kennedy
  • 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: 8448866
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for reading information from a disposable with an information carrier which comprises a code formed by graphic symbols for the machine-readable provision of information and an optical reading device for the code which has a light source and a sensor. Generally according to the embodiments of the present invention, the information carrier comprises a code applied to a transparent or translucent substrate which can be read under stationary transillumination by means of the light source as a shadow image projected onto the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Harttig, Hans List, Bernd Roesicke, Gerrit Kocherscheidt, Bruno Thoes, Jean-Michel Asfour
  • Patent number: 8366003
    Abstract: In an illustrative implementation of this invention, an optical pattern that encodes binary data is printed on a transparency. For example, the pattern may comprise data matrix codes. A lenslet is placed at a distance equal to its focal length from the optical pattern, and thus collimates light from the optical pattern. The collimated light travels to a conventional camera. For example, the camera may be meters distant. The camera takes a photograph of the optical pattern at a time that the camera is not focused on the scene that it is imaging, but instead is focused at infinity. Because the light is collimated, however, a focused image is captured at the camera's focal plane. The binary data in the pattern may include information regarding the object to which the optical pattern is affixed and information from which the camera's pose may be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ankit Mohan, Ramesh Raskar, Shinsaku Hiura, Quinn Smithwick, Grace Woo
  • Patent number: 8294923
    Abstract: An electronic document is distributed for use as a form wherein users can fill in characters in selected fields. The electronic document contains an embedded program for printing a bar code that represents the characters entered in the fields. The embedded program generates commands for making a printer print basic geometrical elements (such as polygons) that form configurations that represent the characters (or compactions of characters etc.). Thus on one hand bar codes can be generated in the distributed document after the user has entered data and on the other hand the author of the document retains full control over how the entered characters will be converted into a bar code. Preferably, the embedded program has the capability to adapt the configuration of geometrical elements that is used to represent the characters dependent on factors other than the data values that can be decoded from the bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Carlos Gonzalez Marti
  • Patent number: 8186572
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for communicating encoded information using barcodes. Symbologies that permit linking of two or more barcodes may be used to create animated linked barcodes, in which successive barcodes in the series that encodes a string of information are displayed within a display area of a dynamic medium. Barcode animations may be displayed in webpages, television broadcasts, video media, favicons, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Barcode Graphics Inc.
    Inventor: John Herzig
  • 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: 7762464
    Abstract: Electro-optical reading failure to read indicia due to specular reflection in the return light captured by a solid-state imager is prevented. An illuminator illuminates the indicia during reading with illumination light directed from an illuminating light source. In one embodiment, a controller is operative for detecting saturation in a captured image, and for reducing an intensity of the illumination light upon detection of the saturation. In another embodiment, the controller captures the return light in successive frames, and causes the illumination light to illuminate the indicia only during some of the frames. In yet another embodiment, the controller turns the illumination light on and off at a flash rate, and signals a user by changing the flash rate upon detection of the saturation to move a housing that supports the imager, illuminator and controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Goren, Vladimir Gurevich
  • Publication number: 20100012728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reading at least two bar codes with the aid of a reading system comprising: first and second illuminants capable of emitting respectively first and second luminous radiations having different spectral characteristics and an optical detector, the system being arranged so as to allow the reading, with the aid of the detector, of a first bar code when illuminated by the first illuminant and of a second bar code when illuminated by the second illuminant, in which method the first and second bar codes are disposed on two different substrates and in which the first bar code is read with the first illuminant and the second bar code with the second illuminant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicants: ARJOWIGGINS, ARJOWIGGINS SECURITY
    Inventors: Henri Rosset, Thibaut D'Argentre
  • Patent number: 7600687
    Abstract: A device for processing image data relating to bar codes is described. In one embodiment a bar code verification device is provided having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Biss, William H. Havens, Michael D. Robinson, Paul Balschweit, Timothy R. Fitch, Melvin D. McCall, Garrison Gomez, Mark A. McClaude, Andrew Longacre, Jr., Eunice Sonneville
  • Patent number: 7513429
    Abstract: The present invention provides a symbol illumination apparatus configured to have a symbol such as characters printed on a front surface of a transparent member, and to allow light from a plurality of light sources to pass through an interior of the transparent member from one side of the transparent member, to illuminate the symbol. A lens sheet and a diffused sheet are inserted between the transparent member and the plurality of light sources in the symbol illumination apparatus. This configuration prevents a plurality of light rays from being seen on the bottom of the transparent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takahashi, Hiroyoshi Maeda, Hideaki Yokka, Eiji Amaya
  • 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: 7213760
    Abstract: The present invention includes forming a coding symbology by disposing a plurality of light-reflecting segments separated by spaces on a substrate. The coding symbology represents fixed information and variable information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Mase, Margaret Trinidad, Scott Edwards
  • Patent number: 7201321
    Abstract: Performance of an imaging reader for electro-optically reading direct part markings on workpieces is enhanced by ensuring that such markings are read in the vicinity of an ideal, focused, target plane, and by enhancing the contrast of such markings. Calibration and self-calibration of the reader improve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duanfeng He, Miroslav Trajkovic
  • Patent number: 7191946
    Abstract: The system comprises a mark (2) which is placed on an object (3) or a document, or which is constituted by the entire or part of said object, in addition to a read device (5) enabling said mark to be identified. The latter is made of transparent or semi-transparent materials having a given wavelength and capable of propagating light. The mark (2) has a surface state and a microstructure enabling optical coupling with the read device (5) comprising a monochromatic/non-monochromatic light source (11), a prism (4) onto which the light (L) is directed, and a detector (18) receiving the light reflected (R), when the prism (4) is optically coupled with the mark (2), with a frustrated reflection effect. The system can be used for the recognition of objects and documents and for the authentication of objects in order to combat fraud and counterfeiting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: TEB
    Inventors: Louis Bidault, Jacques Mugnier, Cecile Le Luyer, Nicolas Bonardi
  • Patent number: 7147166
    Abstract: A bar code containing information about a reticle (transparent substrate) is marked on the reticle at a portion vertically overlapping a transfer hand when the reticle held by the transfer hand is transferred. A reflecting portion is formed on the transfer hand at a portion corresponding to the bar code. A bar code reader has an illumination portion and detection portion. When the reticle is held and transferred by the transfer hand, the illumination portion illuminates the bar code, and the detection portion detects light reflected by the reflecting portion to read the bar code. The illumination portion and detection portion of the bar code reader may be separated and disposed to oppose each other through the reticle, thereby reading the bar code in the transmission scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7108184
    Abstract: The present invention includes forming a coding symbology by disposing a plurality of light-reflecting segments separated by spaces on a substrate. The coding symbology represents fixed information and variable information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Mase, Margaret Trinidad, Scott Edwards
  • Patent number: 7025270
    Abstract: A barcode or similar scanning device is adjusted and calibrated by utilizing test pulses and measuring the peaks and calculating average of reflected light. The duty cycle of the pulses is adjusted based upon the measurements taken, in order to insure that the amount of reflected light is within the appropriate range associated with the charge coupling device or similar device collecting the reflective light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tangezaka, Tomoki Koikawa
  • Patent number: 6994254
    Abstract: A print medium is encoded with information bearing indicia. A transparent layer or substrate which receives the printed information during printing has a first surface, a second surface and a leading edge. A strip of tape is applied to the first surface. A machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to at least one surface of the tape strip. The indicia is formed by a pattern of fluorescent material which upon excitation by radiation of a given spectral excitation range emits radiation in a fluorescent spectral range. The tape reflects radiation in the given excitation spectral range and in the fluorescent spectral range. One type of indicia is a bar code pattern, although other types can also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Craig S. Huston, Said Zamani-Kord, Bruce E. Mortland, Kenneth J. Knight, Dale R. Davis, Todd Medin, William D. Meyer, Peter C. Morris
  • Patent number: 6994261
    Abstract: A support for a medication cartridge provided with one or more electronically readable items of information carrying areas is disclosed. The support disclosed has a number of closely spaced mutually electrically insulated conductors embedded in an electrically insulating material. The support is useful in assisting reading the item of information stored on the outside of the medication containing cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Novo Nirdisk A/S
    Inventor: Michael Eilersen
  • Patent number: 6969549
    Abstract: A substrate structure encoded with information bearing indicia includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. Formed on the first surface is a first information bearing indicia defined by a fluorescent material. A second information bearing indicia is defined by a fluorescent material positioned adjacent to the second surface, the second indicia and the first indicia in an overlapping relationship. The substrate structure includes apparatus for preventing interference between the first indicia and the second indicia during a detection process. The interference preventing apparatus can include reflective or absorptive coatings formed on the first and second surfaces of the substrate, the first and second information bearing indicia positioned on the respective reflective coatings, a thin metal foil layer positioned between the first indicia and the second indicia, or a black background disposed between the first and second indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Said Zamani-Kord, Dale R. Davis, Craig S. Huston, Bruce E. Mortland, Kenneth J. Knight
  • Patent number: 6854649
    Abstract: An optoelectronic device for detecting marks having defined contrast patterns includes a transmitter for emitting transmitted light beams having a wavelength ? in a range of 350 nm ???450 nm. A transmission lens is located downstream of the transmitter. A receiver is provided for receiving received light beams and generating reception signals corresponding to the received light beams. A receiving lens is located upstream of the receiver and has an area AC of less than or equal to 5 cm2. A guiding mechanism guides the transmitted light beams at the marks and the reflected light beams from the marks as received light beams to the receiver. An evaluation unit is coupled to an output of the receiver for evaluating the reception signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Leuze Electronic GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jörg Worner, Jörg Droemer
  • Patent number: 6854653
    Abstract: The invention relates to: A method of providing an electronically readable item of information (725) on a medication cartridge (70). The invention further relates to a cartridge (70) containing an electronically readable item of information (725), a support (75) for reading the information (725) on the cartridge (70), a medication delivery device adapted to use a cartridge (70) and a support (75) according to the invention and a label (72) containing an electronically readable item of information (725). The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method of generating an electronically readable item of information on a cartridge which method is simple and improves safety in reading. The problem is solved in that said item of information is redundantly provided (725, 726). The invention may e.g. be used in connection with medication delivery devices for self-treatment of a disease, e.g. diabetes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventor: Michael Eilersen
  • Patent number: 6803088
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reflection media comprising a polymer layer having a Tg of less than 75° C. and containing machine scannable information in the form of matte and glossy areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Cheryl J. Kaminsky, Robert P. Bourdelais
  • Patent number: 6766953
    Abstract: A print medium is encoded with information bearing indicia. A transparent layer or substrate which receives the printed information during printing has a first surface, a second surface and a leading edge. A strip of tape is applied to the first surface. A machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to at least one surface of the tape strip. The indicia is formed by a pattern of fluorescent material which upon excitation by radiation of a given spectral excitation range emits radiation in a fluorescent spectral range. The tape reflects radiation in the given excitation spectral range and in the fluorescent spectral range. One type of indicia is a bar code pattern, although other types can also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Craig S. Huston, Said Zamani-Kord, Bruce E. Mortland, Kenneth J. Knight, Dale R. Davis, Todd Medin, William D. Meyer, Peter C. Morris
  • Patent number: 6728882
    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 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiho Gotoh, Mitsuaki Oshima, Shinichi Tanaka, Kenji Koishi, Mitsuro Moriya
  • Patent number: 6715677
    Abstract: A checkout system which includes a product security label deactivator with a sensor for assisting operators with proper deactivation of security labels. The checkout system includes a computer, a barcode reader coupled to the computer for reading a barcode label on an item, and a security system coupled to the computer and activated by the barcode reader following reading of the barcode label including a field generator for deactivating a security label on the item, and a sensor for sensing placement of the item adjacent to the field generator. The security system initiates display of a message instructing the operator to place the item adjacent the field generator until the sensor senses the placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Paul F. Nugent, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6712272
    Abstract: An invisible symbol reading apparatus includes a heating unit for heating an invisible symbol formed on a sample and containing a material which emits infrared light when heated, a detecting unit for detecting infrared light emitted from the invisible symbol, and an arithmetic operation unit for binarizing a detection signal from the detecting unit. The arithmetic operation unit calculates a differential coefficient of the detection signal, that corresponds to a position on the sample. On the basis of upper and lower threshold values set for the differential coefficient, the arithmetic operation unit determines a maximum value of the differential coefficient in a region exceeding the upper threshold value and a minimum value of the differential coefficient in a region smaller than the lower threshold value. The arithmetic operation unit binarizes the detection signal by using the maximum or minimum value as a leading or trailing edge of a binary function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Taeko I. Urano, Kenji Sano, Hideo Nagai, Tomokazu Domon, Hironori Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6710847
    Abstract: A pattern enlarged from a transfer pattern is divided into patterns (Pi) of a plurality of master reticles (Ri). Images of the patterns (Pi) of the plurality of master reticles (Ri) reduced by a projection optical system are successively-projected and exposed on the surface of a blank (mask substrate) while stitching. Marks (M1, M2) indicating identification information for identifying a master reticle from another master reticle, transfer positions, etc. are formed on the master reticles (Ri). These marks (M1, M2) are detected before the exposure and exposure is performed in accordance with the information on the transfer position etc. shown by the marks (M1, M2) or reticle information (exposure conditions, various correction values, etc.) relating to the master reticles stored and held in advance corresponding to the identification information. The number of work steps when producing a working reticle using the plurality of master reticles is reduced and occurrence of work errors can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Irie
  • Patent number: 6672508
    Abstract: The invention provides a processing system, comprising a detector to detect a unitary barcode on a film, the barcode identifying the film and a camera, thereby identifying a film/camera combination; and a memory to store a plurality of processing algorithms, one or more of the processing algorithms corresponding to a particular film/camera combination and being optimized in relation to one or more of the parameters of the respective film/camera combination; and a selector to select the corresponding processing algorithm on identification of the film/camera combination, to process optimally the film. The invention provides a system in which the use of custom designed algorithms specifically optimized for the film/camera or even film/camera-lens combination and the usage pattern of OTUCs, enables optimization of output images from the film to be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Anthony L. Kaye
  • Patent number: 6669092
    Abstract: A display apparatus including a light box upon which a display piece can be removably positioned and illuminated from behind. The display piece carries a machine-readable tag from which a tag reader in the light box may obtain identifying information. A central processing unit in the light box selectively energizes a digital audio player and an aroma diffuser in response to the identifying information obtained from the machine-readable tag by the tag reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: SensoryScapes, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Leanheart, Joshua I. Feldstein, Richard P. Meyst, Steven G. Yoder
  • Patent number: 6599074
    Abstract: An encoded binder strip having an adhesive matrix and an encoded pattern formed on a surface of the matrix to identify the type of binder strip. The encoded pattern includes relatively high reflectivity regions and relatively low reflectivity regions. Preferably, the encoded pattern is read as the binder strip is fed into a binding machine, with the encoded pattern controlling operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Powis Parker Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. Parker
  • Patent number: 6550677
    Abstract: A roll thermosensitive recording material is wound about a winding core, which has a hole code disposed in an end surface. The end surface has a black color. The hole code includes plural holes formed in the end surface at a regular depth, and has a hole base face with a white color. In a code reader, a code detecting photo sensor is set so as to adapt a detection distance thereof to the hole base face, and detects the white color from the hole base face, to read the holes. A code inspecting photo sensor is set so as to adapt a detection distance thereof to the end surface, for inspecting the end surface. The winding core is detected unacceptable if the code inspecting photo sensor detects the white color from the end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Imai, Kazuo Miyaji, Naoshi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6523748
    Abstract: An exposure substrate of the invention is characterized in that at least one mark representing information related to the exposure substrate is provided on a part of the exposure substrate, and at least one of the marks contains information related to a mark readout operation. This information may include; the number, the position, or the order for reading the other marks to be read, or an end of information to be read. According to the present invention, information for other marks can be obtained from one mark, therefore, an optional number of marks can be read automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Nishikata
  • Patent number: 6471126
    Abstract: An invisible symbol reading apparatus includes a heating unit for heating an invisible symbol formed on a sample and containing a material which emits infrared light when heated, a detecting unit for detecting infrared light emitted from the invisible symbol, and an arithmetic operation unit for binarizing a detection signal from the detecting unit. The arithmetic operation unit calculates a differential coefficient of the detection signal, that corresponds to a position on the sample. On the basis of upper and lower threshold values set for the differential coefficient, the arithmetic operation unit determines a maximum value of the differential coefficient in a region exceeding the upper threshold value and a minimum value of the differential coefficient in a region smaller than the lower threshold value. The arithmetic operation unit binarizes the detection signal by using the maximum or minimum value as a leading or trailing edge of a binary function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Taeko I. Urano, Kenji Sano, Hideo Nagai, Tomokazu Domon, Hironori Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20020148898
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for switching between scan patterns produced by a barcode scanner and for switching between allowing and inhibiting decoding of barcodes are disclosed. Depending on the position of a multiposition switch controlled by an operator, the scanner produces an omnidirectional scan pattern and immediately decodes barcodes falling within the field of view of the scanner, produces a single line scan pattern but inhibits decoding of barcodes until the switch is moved to a position to select allowing decoding of barcodes, or produces a single line scan pattern and immediately decodes barcodes falling within the field of view of the scanner. If the scanner has been set to decode barcodes using a single line scan pattern, a delay is imposed between the time the switch is set to select producing an omnidirectional scan pattern and the time at which the scanner begins to produce the omnidirectional scan pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: David Lee Gregerson, Frank Stanley Hannah, William Martin Belknap, James Brian McCord
  • Patent number: 6445450
    Abstract: A code reading device includes an illuminator which illuminates a code formed on a substrate with light, a reflector which reflects the light to allow the light to pass through the code at least two times, and a detector which detects the reflected light to read the code on the substrate. The substrate is one of a photomask, a reticle, a wafer and a glass plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6429776
    Abstract: A product tag system comprises: an RFID tag adapted for attachment to a product; a data store in the tag for bar code information relating to the product; a tag detacher for removing the tag from the product at a point of sale; an RFID tag reader for retrieving the bar code information from the tag when the tag is placed in the tag detacher; and, an display for presenting the bar code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form. A method for monitoring products comprise the steps of: attaching an RFID tag to a product; writing bar code information onto the tag; retrieving the bar code information from the tag at a point of sale; displaying the bar code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form; and, detaching the tag from the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Alicot, Terry L. Glatt
  • Patent number: 6382510
    Abstract: An automatic inspection system using barcode locator and the method thereof which can inspect a colored surface of a three-dimensional object having a barcode. The automatic inspection systems comprises a light source; an image-retrieving device; and an operating and processing device. The image-retrieving device retrieves three-dimensional images of the inspected object from various viewing angles. The three-dimensional images are converted into two-dimensional images, which are then connected to produce a two-dimensional image representing the inspected object by the operating and processing device. The two-dimensional image representing the inspected object is adjusted through the barcode locator. Thereafter, the two-dimensional image is compared with a reference object image previously stored by the operating and processing device to find the defined pre-defects of the inspected object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Catherine Wei-fen Ni
  • Patent number: 6354504
    Abstract: A symbol reader including an illumination system comprising a plurality of light sources on one side of an object carrying a symbol to be read and a CCD camera on the other side of the object. The light sources of the illumination system are disposed in a circle on at least one circumference around an optical axis of the system and each light source is inclined to the optical axis, having an emission axis converting toward the optical axis on the same side as the CCD camera. Applications include reading a symbol on a combination comprising two molding shells with an ophthalmic lens that they have just molded still between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventor: Sébastien Sabourault
  • Patent number: 6313732
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for permitting a user of a selective call receiver (31) to receive a certain number of personal messages and information service updates without paying a fee for such services in return for reading advertisements wirelessly transmitted to the selective call receiver. The user is allowed to read the advertisements at any time prior to receiving the personal messages and information service updates. The certain number is proportional to the number of advertisements read. The certain number can be increased by the user responding to questions within advertisements using reverse channel messaging capabilities of a selective call transceiver (32), or by using a conventional telephone (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. DeLuca, Joan S. DeLuca, Douglas R. Kraul