Including An Imager (e.g., Ccd Or Camera-type Reader) Patents (Class 235/462.11)
-
Patent number: 7295118Abstract: A low cost close range RFID Reader/Writer which is operatively connected to a control device which contains a transmitter and is configured to function as a homodyne receiver. The device can be constructed from low cost parts and can function in close ranges to other tags. The present invention provides increased RFID identification and isolation properties and is suitable for inclusion and operative use with a variety of applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Ensyc TechnologiesInventors: Steven Jessup, Richard L. Hicksted, Michael A. Spahr
-
Patent number: 7267799Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in general, to an optical reading system, a universal testing cartridge, and a method of coupling optical reading systems. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the optical reading system includes a universal test cartridge receptor, test format determination logic, test criteria determination logic, and an optical reader module. The universal test cartridge receptor is responsive to a universal test cartridge having a test strip inserted therein. The test format determination logic determines an optical test format of the test strip. The test criteria determination logic determines an optical test criteria based upon the optical test format. The optical reader module is configured to capture an optical test image of the test strip.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Detekt Biomedical, L.L.C.Inventors: Damon Vincent Borich, William Patrick Coffey
-
Patent number: 7264171Abstract: An electronic device with image capture module. The electronic device comprises a display module, an image capture module, a resilient member and a rotating member. The display module comprises a seat with a through hole. The image capture module is rotatably connected to the seat with a shaft inserted the hole. The resilient member has recesses and is fixed on the shaft. When the image capture module rotates with respect to the main body, the resilient member interferes with the recesses of the rotating member, positioning at any angle and creating a positive interval response.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Wistron Corp.Inventors: Chun-Fei Yang, Kuo-Yang Cheng, Chih-Sheng Chou, Chi-Chun Chiang
-
Publication number: 20070187512Abstract: A two-dimensional-code detection system includes a reading unit, a recognizing unit, a calculating unit and a position specifying unit. The reading unit reads an image including plural two-dimensional codes. The recognizing unit recognizes position detection patterns of the respective two-dimensional codes from the read image, which includes the plural two-dimensional codes. The calculating unit that selects at least two of the position detection patterns of the two-dimensional codes. The calculating unit calculates a minimum unit forming each of the selected position detection patterns. The position specifying unit judges whether or not the minimum units forming the selected at least two position detection patterns are substantially equal to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: August 16, 2007Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinichi Yada
-
Patent number: 7246747Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
-
Patent number: 7201319Abstract: An image processing device is provided comprising a card interface for receiving a card having encoded image effect information printed on a first surface and an image transformed by the image effect printed on a second surface, a card reader for reading and decoding the encoded image effect information printed on the first surface of the card, an image processor for processing an image in accordance with the decoded image effect information and an image output for outputting the processed image. The processed image is transformed by the image effect in the same manner as the image printed on the second surface of the card.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley
-
Patent number: 7191947Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joel Kahn, Mehul M. Patel, Robert May, Edward Barkan
-
Patent number: 7184075Abstract: The tracking product images several coded data sources (41A–41C) concurrently to cause a track signal (12) which represents each of the several coded data source locations and represents each of the several coded data source identities.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventor: Leonard Reiffel
-
Patent number: 7137555Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scan, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
-
Patent number: 7097104Abstract: An image manipulation device is arranged to recover data stored in a pattern printed upon a card. The device includes a linear image sensor that incorporates an array of CMOS light sensors. An illumination assembly is provided that includes a light pipe of plastic material arranged to direct light from an LED over a strip of the card as it is moved by a transport assembly. The lightpipe is formed with a cylindrical lens, to direct light from the LED to a strip across the card, and a series of micro-lenses disposed to focus light reflected from the card onto the light sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley
-
Patent number: 7077317Abstract: There is provided a bar code reading apparatus having a one-dimensional image sensor. The bar code reading apparatus can include a one-dimensional image sensor comprising a certain number of pexels, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the sensor, and a processor coupled to the analog-to-digital converter. The analog-to-digital converter in one embodiment can be configured to convert the analog intensity value for each pixel into a digital value represented by an N-bit value, where N is an integer greater than 1. The processor in one embodiment can be configured to extract information encoded in a bar code.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Jr., Robert M. Hussey, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart
-
Patent number: 7075687Abstract: A display apparatus includes a scanning assembly that scans about two or more axes, typically in a raster pattern. A plurality of light sources emit light from spaced apart locations toward the scanning assembly such that the scanning assembly simultaneously scans more than one of the beams. The scanning assembly includes a plurality of mirrors that sweep their respective beams through respective regions of an image field. The regions are immediately adjacent so that an overall image is produced by “tiling” of the regions. Because sweeps of the scanning assembly scan a plurality of tiles simultaneously the resolution and/or field of view of a display for a given scan angle and mirror size is increased relative to a single mirror sweeping a single beam. In alternative embodiments, tiling is used for imaging. Also, various approaches to controlling the frequency responses of the various scanners are described, including active control of MEMs scanners and passive frequency tuning.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Lippert, Clarence T. Tegreene
-
Patent number: 7044377Abstract: An imaging and illuminating engine for an optical code reader to illuminate and image remote target indicia, such as an optical code, is provided. The engine includes an image sensor for receiving reflected illumination from the remote indicia and an illumination assembly for providing illumination of the remote indicia. The illumination assembly is capable of providing a plurality of different outputs, such as light having different wavelengths. The illumination assembly can also be provided with a single illuminating device for providing one illumination output for illuminating substantially the entire field of view. A transmissive, optical element overlays the engine for preventing light generated by the illumination assembly from reflecting back towards the image sensor. The imaging engine is an integrated circuit package configured for easily interfacing within an optical code reader as a plug-and-play component.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Symbol Technologies Inc.Inventors: Mehul Patel, David Tsi Shi, Thomas D. Bianculli, Chunyu Zhao
-
Patent number: 7044463Abstract: A document feeder comprises an input hopper (1) into which batches of documents with interleaved separators (24, 25) are loaded in use, each separator carrying data related to the associated batch. A feed system (9, 10) withdraws documents and separators singly from the input hopper. A sensing system (7) obtains information about the documents and separators. The sensing system includes a data sensor (7) located so as to read separator data while the separator (24, 25) is in the input hopper (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: De La Rue International LimitedInventors: Colin Peter Brotherston, Steven Michael Hosking, Bryan James Christophersen
-
Patent number: 7040538Abstract: A semiconductor detector device for detecting optical code symbols includes no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 8 microns. In a bar code reader, a sensor for detecting the field of view of the reader includes a single semiconductor device having a collection of surfaces configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1, with a short dimension not less than 2 microns and not greater than 8 microns.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mehul Patel, Thomas D. Bianculli, Bradley S. Carlson, David Tsi Shi, Edmond L. Fratianni, Eldho Kuriakose, Jerry Chiocchio, Walter Preuss, Daniel C. Curry
-
Patent number: 7028901Abstract: An optical code reading system and method are provided for reading and decoding an optical code. The system includes a plurality of light sources, a color image sensor, a processor and a decoder. Each light source produces a unique wavelength/color of light to illuminate the optical code, such as a direct mark optical code. The image sensor detects the reflected light from the optical code and generates an integrated multi-colored image. The processor separates the integrated image into individual color channels, where each color channel includes data representative of the imaged optical code in one color. The processor analyzes the contrast for each color channel and determines which color channel has the optimum contrast. The data corresponding to the color channel having the optimum contrast is then decoded by a decoder.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Bradley S. Carlson
-
Patent number: 7028903Abstract: A method for operating optical sensors, particularly code readers, which have a light receptor that receives light reflected and/or returned from an object. A picture is generated from the received light and the content of the picture, such as a code, is read. At least some pictures are compressed with a picture compression algorithm of the sensor. To improve the operation of such optical sensors, especially code readers, and to improve the analysis of error detection from knowing the causes for errors, only pictures which have error information are compressed and stored. The code reader is constructed to perform these functions.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Sick AGInventors: Juergen Reichenbach, Carl Joseph Hafner, Peter Hauser, Christiane Fillhardt
-
Patent number: 7021545Abstract: In an optical bar-code reader, an optical scanner optically scans a bar code to obtain optical power of light reflected from white bars and black bars of the bar code, a differentiation unit calculates a differential of the optical power to obtain a differential waveform, a dividing unit divides the differential waveform into a positive waveform and a negative waveform, a bar-code correcting unit calculates correct widths of black bars in the bar code from the positive waveform and the negative waveform to create corrected bar-code data, and a converter converts the corrected bar-code data into character data that is an array of numerals and alphabets.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech LimitedInventors: Isao Iwaguchi, Hideo Miyazawa, Mitsuo Watanabe, Kozo Yamazaki, Masanori Ohkawa
-
Image capture device for and method of electro-optically reading indicia at low ambient light levels
Patent number: 7014114Abstract: External lighting on a data collection terminal provides additional illumination in which to capture an image of an optical code to be electro-optically read by the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Mitchell H. Maiman -
Patent number: 7013024Abstract: A method for detecting a copy of a composite image that includes a first image and a second image that has information embedded in the second image that will change in appearance when the first and second images are scanned or photocopied. The foregoing is accomplished by scanning the first and second images, and detecting a change in appearance of the second image that indicates the first and second images were scanned or photocopied.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Cordery, Claude Zeller, Donald G. MacKay, William A. Brosseau
-
Patent number: 7000840Abstract: An imager (11) has a locate mode (13) which detects light (31A, 31B) having a preset light property from at least one locator (21) in the imager field of view (12); and has a react mode which is caused by the locate mode to select light from a code region (22, 32A, 32B, 33B) over light not from the code region (81) and which outputs a signal (41) representing code in the code region.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Inventor: Leonard Reiffel
-
Patent number: 6993573Abstract: A camera-enabled cell phone that is adapted to image a machine readable code such as a bar code, decode the bar code, send the bar code data over the Internet to a resolution server that will return an associated URL that will link the camera phone to content on an information server. Thus, by taking a picture of a bar code symbol, the camera phone will automatically retrieve content from the Internet that has been linked to that bar code.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Neomedia Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Kevin D Hunter
-
Patent number: 6976629Abstract: A full color image of a target and/or a monochrome image of an optical code are captured by an imaging array in which each sensor measures red, green and blue signals. Optical codes are electro-optically read with higher resolution, sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving performance of optical code readers.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Bradley S. Carlson
-
Patent number: 6974083Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joel Kahn, Mehul M. Patel, Robert May, Edward Barkan
-
Patent number: 6896186Abstract: Individual two-dimensional barcodes 30, 91 and 173 are provided for individual chips 31 arrayed on a wafer 50, individual lead frames 93 to each of which chips 92 are bonded and individual packaged products 171 constituted of resin sealed semiconductor chips based upon chip ID information to enable information management to be implemented separately for individual chips 31, individual frames 93 and individual chip products 171. Thus, a higher degree of efficiency and a higher degree of accuracy in the information management for semiconductor devices are achieved in all processes of semiconductor production including the individual manufacturing processes, the physical distribution process, the shipping process and the claim handling process.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd.Inventor: Isao Kudo
-
Patent number: 6874687Abstract: The level of light that impinges upon a CCD is construed to be low when a high-sensitivity image sensing mode has been set. Gain for high-sensitivity image sensing is set in a gain adjusting circuit (color balance adjusting circuit) and a color balance adjustment is performed based upon the set gain. Thus an appropriate color balance adjustment is carried out even if light having a low level impinges upon the CCD.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Kubota
-
Patent number: 6869015Abstract: A novel tamper-indicating barcode methodology is disclosed that allows for detection of alteration to the barcode. The tamper-indicating methodology makes use of a tamper-indicating means that may be comprised of a particulate indicator, an optical indicator, a deformable substrate, and/or may be an integrated aspect of the barcode itself. This tamper-indicating information provides greater security for the contents of containers sealed with the tamper-indicating barcodes.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Sandia National LaboratoriesInventors: Eric B. Cummings, William R. Even, Jr., Blake A. Simmons, Paul Michael Dentinger
-
Patent number: 6860426Abstract: An optical reader capable of reading a bar code in a mounted state when an article carrying the bar code passes and of reading bar/codes set in array on a menu sheet in a hand-held state has been disclosed. The optical reader comprises a light source, a scanner that is driven by a drive and scans light emanating from the light source, a plurality of reflection mirrors that reflect scanning light scanned by the scanner and create a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories, a read window through which scanning light reflected from the reflection mirrors is emitted, and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from a mark. The optical reader further comprises a mode changer for changing a plurality of operation modes among which one or ones of the plurality of scan trajectories to be validated for reading are different.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Toshimitsu Kumagai, Mitsuhara Ishii, Yuichirou Takashima, Hiroaki Katoh, Toshitaka Aoki
-
Publication number: 20040256463Abstract: According to the present invention, individual two-dimensional barcodes 30, 91 and 173 are provided for individual chips 31 arrayed on a wafer 50, individual lead frames 93 to each of which chips 92 are bonded and individual packaged products 171 constituted of resin sealed semiconductor chips based upon chip ID information to enable information management to be implemented separately for individual chips 31, individual frames 93 and individual chip products 171. Thus, a higher degree of efficiency and a higher degree of accuracy in the information management for semiconductor devices are achieved in all processes of semiconductor production including the individual manufacturing processes, the physical distribution process, the shipping process and the claim handling process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Isao Kudo
-
Patent number: 6814289Abstract: A novel spread spectrum barcode methodology is disclosed that allows a barcode to be read in its entirety even when a significant fraction or majority of the barcode is obscured. The barcode methodology makes use of registration or clocking information that is distributed along with the encoded user data across the barcode image. This registration information allows for the barcode image to be corrected for imaging distortion such as zoom, rotation, tilt, curvature, and perspective.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Eric B. Cummings, William R. Even, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6814290Abstract: In the present invention, a bar code reader captures an initial image map corresponding to a scene, then subjects the initial image map to an interpolation step wherein values for constructed pixels positionally intermediate pixel values of the initial image map are interpolated as a function of the initial image map pixel values bordering the constructed pixels. After an interpolated image map is constructed, the interpolated image map is subjected to a binarization step wherein grey scale pixel values of the interpolated image map are converted into binary (1 or 0) pixel values by way of a thresholding process. In the thresholding process, grey scale pixel values are compared to a threshold in the grey scale range, then set to 1 if they are above the threshold and set to 0 if below the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Longacre
-
Patent number: 6811085Abstract: A miniature imager for reading target images. The optical and electrical systems of the miniature imager are optimized to reduce one or more dimensions or the volume of the imager. In accordance with one embodiment the pixel pitch and focal length are decreased for that of a larger imager to maintain a comparable field of view for each pixel. The decreased pixel pitch allows the area of the aperture and the instantaneous field of view of the pixel to remain constant while decreasing the overall size of the imager. In other embodiments apparatus and techniques reduce and/or eliminate the need for illumination of a target by the imager thereby reducing the overall power consumed by the imager and/or its overall size. The imager has an increased working range.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bradley Carlson, Duanfeng He, Joseph Katz, Mark Krichever, Mehul Patel, David Tsi Shi, Thomas D. Bianculli, Eugene Joseph
-
Patent number: 6811088Abstract: A portable data collection device has a display; manual data entry circuitry; a processor for receiving entered data and for controlling the display; a first wireless communication circuit for receiving data using a first protocol over short range from at least one data transmitting unit and a second wireless communication circuit using a second protocol for transmitting and receiving data over a long range from a host.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Lanzaro, Dominick H. Salvato, Ian Jenkins, D. Thomas McKinney, Alistair Hamilton
-
Publication number: 20040211836Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays and for use in motion detection surveillance using video compression and narrow band width communication links. An optical system including a plane parallel plate may be employed to change the system focal distance. The imaging optical code reader is also adapted for measurement of physical parameters of a target object including motion, distance, weight and dimensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Mehul Patel, Duanfeng He, Eugene Joseph, Paul Poloniewicz, Mark Correa, Thomas Bianculli, Howard Shepard
-
Patent number: 6802450Abstract: To facilitate the decoding of a 2D symbol (e.g., PDF417), a plurality of positioning lines are attached to the 2D symbol. Depending on implementation, these substantially parallel positioning lines may be provided on at least one side of the symbol or superimposed on the symbol. A scanning device is provided to capture an image of the symbol together with these positioning lines that are then detected to determine an orientation of the 2D symbol. In some cases, these positioning lines are used to correct images with distortion.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignees: Shenzhen Syscan Technology Co. LTD, Syscan, Inc.Inventors: Wai Cheung, Zhi-guo Chang, Shillin Ding, Ying-feng Lv
-
Publication number: 20040195333Abstract: A sensing device for sensing a product item provided in a sensing region, wherein the product item includes an interface surface having disposed thereon at least one of:Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
-
Publication number: 20040195332Abstract: A method of conducting a business transaction involving information recorded in an encoded indicium using an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, attempts to decode for a decodable 1D symbol which may be represented in the image data, and captures a full frame of image data if the image data reading reveals a 2D symbol is likely to be present in a full field of view of the 2D image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Charles P. Barber, Carl W. Gerst, George S. Smith, Robert M. Hussey, Robert C. Gardiner, Matthew W. Pankow
-
Publication number: 20040173682Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a process for acquiring bichromatic bar codes, with a two-dimensional sensor with electronic scanning. The height Hy of the scanned portion is modified between at least two successive scanning operations. Thus, the device is or may be adapted to the type and/or to characteristics not known in advance of the code to be read.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Jean-Louis Massieu, Jean-Michel Puech, Khalid Elakel
-
Patent number: 6766953Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: 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: 6764010Abstract: A checkout device with a barcode reading apparatus, scale, and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The checkout device includes a scale including a base portion and a weigh plate over the base portion, a security label deactivation system between the base portion and the weigh plate, and a barcode reading apparatus including a first barcode reader adjacent the scale including a first aperture, and a second barcode reader between the base portion and the weigh plate including a second aperture. The weigh plate includes a third aperture over the second aperture.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Donald A. Collins, Jr., Rex A. Aleshire, Steven J. Hammer, Wayne L. Orwig
-
Patent number: 6748122Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus comprising: an image acquiring element for acquiring an object image; a displaying element for displaying the object image acquired by the image acquiring element; a captured position information recognizing element for capturing a predetermined image pattern from within the object image acquired by the image acquiring element in order to recognize position information about the image pattern relative to the object image; a menu display controlling element for displaying a menu image in overlaid relation to the object image displayed by the displaying element in accordance with an outcome of the recognition by the captured position information recognizing element; and a starting element for starting a previously related process based on the menu image displayed by the menu display controlling element as well as on the position information recognized by the captured position information recognizing element.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Keigo Ihara, Toru Konishi, Junichi Rekimoto, Takahiko Sueyoshi
-
Patent number: 6742707Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based camera system capable of producing digital images with reduced levels of speckle-pattern noise. The PLIIM based camera system comprises a planar laser illumination array (PLIA) including a plurality of laser diodes for producing and projecting a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) through a light transmission aperture, so as to illuminate an object as it is moving past said PLIIM based camera system. An image formation and detection (IFD) module is provided having a image detection array and imaging forming optics for providing said image detection array with a field of view (FOV). The PLIB and FOV are arranged in a coplanar relationship along the working range of the PLIIM based camera system so that the PLIB illuminates primarily within the FOV of the IFD module.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, Michael D. Schnee, Xiaoxun Zhu, Thomas Amundsen, Charles A. Naylor, Russell Joseph Dobbs, Allan Wirth, Andrew Jankevics, Carl Harry Knowles
-
Patent number: 6742709Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system is disclosed comprising a hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device which embodies an electronically-controlled bar code symbol reading engine for producing a raster-type laser scanning pattern in either a hands-free or hands-on mode of operation for scanning 1-D and 2D bar code symbols. The electronically-controlled bar code symbol reading engine has (i) a high-speed/high-resolution raster scanning mode of operation, during which a high-speed, high-resolution raster-type scanning pattern is precisely generated under electronic control, and (ii) a high-speed/low-resolution raster scanning mode of operation during which a high-speed, low-resolution raster-type scanning pattern is precisely generated under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Blake, Stephen J. Colavito, Xiaoxun Zhu, Charles Naylor, Thomas C. Amundsen, Thomas Carullo, C. Harry Knowles
-
Patent number: 6732929Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Good, Thomas Amundsen, C. Harry Knowles
-
Patent number: 6732930Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a process for acquiring bichromatic bar codes, with a two-dimensional sensor with electronic scanning. The height Hy of the scanned portion is modified between at least two successive scanning operations. Thus, the device is or may be adapted to the type and/or to characteristics not known in advance of the code to be read.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Jean-Louis Massieu, Jean-Michel Puech, Khalid Elakel
-
Patent number: 6726094Abstract: A customer self-service terminal for use in conducting retail transactions. The terminal includes a camera having multi-mode image capability. When a customer wishes to conduct a transaction, the camera is used to scan product barcodes. The camera is set to capture an image of a barcode for extraction of data contained in the barcode. When all desired products have been scanned, the camera is used to record steps in the tendering of payment. The customer presents a financial identification card such as a credit or debit card and swipes it through a magnetic stripe reader. The customer then places the card in the field of view of the camera which is set to a video graphic mode to capture an image of the card for storage. The customer is then presented with a transaction document for signing. The camera is set to a live video mode to record the act of signing. After the transaction document has been signed, the camera captures an image of the signature.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Edward G. Rantze, Joseph M. Lindacher, Charles Kenneth Wike
-
Patent number: 6728011Abstract: In the method of adjusting scanner photoelectric module, a reference pattern is projected to the charge-coupled device through a lens for generating image signal corresponding to the charge-coupled device. The lens and the charge-coupled device perform adjustment in accordance with the obtained image signal to improve MTF value and the magnification (or zooming) ratio. This invention provides a block at each of the two sides of the scan width of the reference pattern and two sets of line patterns between the scan widths of the reference pattern. The two blocks (such as right triangle blocks) are increasing/decreasing in their width and are symmetrical, and have a side at the vertical scan direction, for determining the margins and the horizontal status of said scanner photoelectric module. The two sets of line patterns are vertical and inclined at the scan direction, respectively, for determining the MTF value of the scanner photoelectric module along the scan direction and the vertical scan direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Mustek Systems Inc.Inventor: Jenn-Tsair Tsai
-
Patent number: 6722568Abstract: A system for improved detection and decoding of a supplemental bar code label accompanying a primary bar code label is described. A supplemental label is affixed to a product in the vicinity of a primary label. A scanner in a bar code reading system, such as a point of sale system, scans for a primary label. Upon detection of a primary label, the system looks for the bar code encoded on the label in a database containing a set of bar codes with a value associated with each bar code. The value determines how long a search is to be conducted for a supplemental label accompanying the primary label which was scanned. The duration may suitably be based on the probability that a supplemental label will be present. It may also be influenced by the difficulty of detecting a supplemental label which may be present.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Denis Michael Blanford, Frederick Peter Tyrrell
-
Patent number: 6708885Abstract: An imager (11) has a locate mode (13) which detects light (31A, 31B) having a preset light property from at least one locator (21) in the imager field of view (12); and has a react mode which is caused by the locate mode to select light from a code region (22, 32A, 32B, 33B) over light not from the code region (81) and which outputs a signal (41) representing code in the code region.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Leonard Reiffel
-
Publication number: 20040011872Abstract: Coordinate positions of four points including three position detecting element patterns and an indexing pattern are detected from a two-dimensional code image captured, the two-dimensional code size is determined, coefficients of equations for determining coordinate positions corresponding to center positions of respective cells compensated for inclination of the image by adding depth information are determined, the coordinate positions of respective cell center positions are determined according to the calculation equations by applying the determined coefficients, brightness/darkness is discriminated from image data corresponding to the respective cell center positions and binary data (0 or 1) for respective cells are generated, information of the two-dimensional code is reproduced based on the binary data. The equations are expressed by recurrence formulas.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventor: Hajime Shimizu