Aiming Or Positioning Adjunct (e.g., Viewfinder, Pointer, Or Positioning Aid) Patents (Class 235/462.2)
  • Patent number: 11673780
    Abstract: A multi-function camera system, applied to a forklift truck, includes a camera device and a display device installed on the forklift truck, and an image processing unit coupled between the camera device and the display device, capable of shooting and displaying a corresponding real image in order to assist operations of the forklift truck. In addition, the camera device is equipped with a fill light module capable of providing multiple light colors, and the image processing unit includes an identification module capable of identifying the optical identification code. Accordingly, the camera system with multiple functions of monitoring, fill light, identification and positioning etc. is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: AUTOEQUIPS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ting-Peng Wang, I-Jen Lai
  • Patent number: 11428896
    Abstract: A housing of an imaging unit is disclosed. The housing comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the housing defines a lens channel sized to receive a lens barrel. Further, the inner surface of the housing defines a helical step in the lens channel, wherein the helical step protrudes outwardly into the lens channel, and wherein the helical step is angled at a first predetermined pitch. Further, the inner surface of the lens channel defines a glue pocket, in the lens channel, which extends from the inner surface of the housing to the outer surface of the housing such that a first edge surface, defining a portion of a periphery of the glue pocket, is coplanar with the helical step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Good, Gregory Rueblinger
  • Patent number: 11402197
    Abstract: A structure for measuring a distance on the basis of the principle of triangulation is simplified. A distance measuring module includes a diffractive optical element, an imaging element, and a distance measuring unit. The diffractive optical element emits a predetermined number of line light beams. The imaging element images the line light beams with which the subject is irradiated. The measuring unit measures a distance from the subject by using triangulation on the basis of the imaged line light beams. Thus, by imaging the line light beams emitted via the diffractive optical element, the distance from the subject is measured with a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Mabuchi, Takeo Arai, Nobuhiro Kihara, Kazunori Yamamoto, Go Asayama
  • Patent number: 11323649
    Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun P. Wang, William H. Havens
  • Patent number: 11080497
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attachment for a smartphone. The smartphone may include i) a camera with an image sensor and a focusing lens located on a back side of the smartphone for capturing an image of a target area; and ii) a white light source on the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may include a targeting optic system. When the attachment is secured to the back side of the smartphone, the targeting optic system may receive illumination emitted by the white light source and direct the illumination towards the target area from a location that is not directly in front of the camera's image sensor. The location may be farther from the focusing lens than the white light source when measured parallel to the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may also direct the illumination into the target area via the targeting optic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Garrett Russell, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 10999569
    Abstract: A camera, including: two imaging systems each comprising a different optical path corresponding to a different viewing angle of an object; one or more illumination sources; a mask disposed with multiple pairs of apertures, wherein each aperture of each aperture pair corresponds to a different one of the imaging systems; at least one detector configured to acquire multiple image pairs of the object from the two imaging systems via the multiple pairs of apertures; and a processor configured to produce from the multiple acquired image pairs a multi-layer three dimensional reconstruction of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: EVA—ESTHETIC VISUAL ANALYTICS LTD.
    Inventors: Vardit Eckhouse, David Aziz
  • Patent number: 10929699
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an optical encoder which is configured to provide precise coding reference data by feature recognition technology. To apply the present disclosure, it is not necessary to provide particular dense patterns on a working surface. The precise coding reference data can be generated by detecting surface features of the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventors: Wai-Lian Teo, Yen-Min Chang
  • Patent number: 10732380
    Abstract: An imaging reader includes a light source generating an illumination beam over a working distance, and a variable focus imaging assembly with an image sensor, a variable focus optical element, a variable focus imaging controller that controls operation of the variable focus optical element to define a plurality of imaging planes over the working distance. The variable focus imaging controller assesses a variety of scanning parameters and determines the number of imaging planes over the working distance and the distance of each of imaging plane from the image sensor, to allow the imaging reader to capture images of a target object only at each of the imaging planes, thereby avoiding time-consuming autofocusing on the target. The imaging reader captures images in a sequential order greatly reducing image capture and image analysis processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Brock, Vladimir Gurevich, David P. Goren
  • Patent number: 10691261
    Abstract: An optical sensor assembly is disclosed. The optical sensor assembly includes a folded optical system that utilizes one or more non-planar reflective surfaces that enable the manipulation or conditioning of the overall thickness of the sensor assembly, the field of view of the sensor assembly, and the image size, either independently or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventors: Sai Mun Lee, Lye Pin Chu, Kai Jean Tee
  • Patent number: 10503944
    Abstract: A barcode-reading system may include a barcode-reading enhancement accessory that is securable to a mobile device. The accessory may include an optic system that is configured to shape and filter illumination from a white light source of the mobile device to project targeting illumination onto a target surface. Calibration data may indicate a relationship between surface distance and at least one feature offset of the targeting illumination. A barcode-reading application may determine a feature offset of the targeting illumination in an image that is captured by the camera assembly of the mobile device. The application may also determine an estimated surface distance based on the calibration data and the feature offset. The application may also use the estimated surface distance to adjust at least one operating parameter of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: THE CODE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell
  • Patent number: 10380445
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an optical encoder which is configured to provide precise coding reference data by feature recognition technology. To apply the present disclosure, it is not necessary to provide particular dense patterns on a working surface. The precise coding reference data can be generated by detecting surface features of the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventors: Wai-Lian Teo, Yen-Min Chang
  • Patent number: 10339350
    Abstract: A barcode scanner incorporates a subdivided exit window with a top portion and a bottom portion placed at different positions along a z-axis. An aiming source emits light from the top portion of the exit window and is positioned from a receiving sensor such that obstruction of the receiving sensor's field of view by the aiming source is avoided. An illumination source emits light from the bottom portion of the exit window and the receiving sensor received reflected light at the bottom portion of the exit window. The illumination source is positioned such that light from the illumination source reflected by the exit window is not received by the receiving sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: DATALOGIC IP TECH S.R.L.
    Inventor: Michele Suman
  • Patent number: 10311271
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a barcode reader that includes a bright field illumination system, a dark field illumination system, and an additional illumination system that is better able to illuminate an area of the reader's field of view between the far zone (where bright field illumination is optimal) and the close zone (where dark field illumination is optimal). In this “center zone,” the dark field illumination may not be bright enough and the bright field illumination may not be diffuse enough for reading a barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell
  • Patent number: 10248821
    Abstract: This patent specification describes an attachment for a mobile device. The attachment may have an attachment feature designed to be attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone/tablet with a camera. The attachment may also include an optics system and/or an illumination system that cooperates with the camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The illumination system may include a targeting illumination system that facilitates proper positioning of the article and/or an exposure illumination system that helps illuminate the article during capture. The optics system may include a lens that modifies the depth of field and/or the size of the field of view of the camera, an aperture that helps define the field of view, a filter that prevents light of undesired wavelengths from reaching the camera, and/or a mirror that redirects the camera's optical pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Garrett Russell, Ryan Hoobler, Philip Utykanski
  • Patent number: 10019614
    Abstract: An image capture device capable of forming an aiming pattern according to a shape of a grating includes a body, an image capture module, and a light source. The body includes a tubular chamber and a light source chamber. One end of the tubular chamber is connected to the light source chamber, and the other end is connected to a first surface of the body. In addition, a grating is disposed between the tubular chamber and the light source chamber, and the grating has a shape capable of forming an aiming pattern. The image capture module is disposed on the body. The light source is disposed in the light source chamber, and a light beam emitted by the light source may pass through the grating and the tubular chamber and exit through the first surface to generate an aiming pattern corresponding to the shape of the grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: CIPHERLAB CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuan-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 9928392
    Abstract: A barcode-reading system may include a barcode-reading enhancement accessory that is securable to a mobile device. The accessory may include an optic system that is configured to shape and filter illumination from a white light source of the mobile device to project targeting illumination onto a target surface. Calibration data may indicate a relationship between surface distance and at least one feature offset of the targeting illumination. A barcode-reading application may determine a feature offset of the targeting illumination in an image that is captured by the camera assembly of the mobile device. The application may also determine an estimated surface distance based on the calibration data and the feature offset. The application may also use the estimated surface distance to adjust at least one operating parameter of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell
  • Patent number: 9922128
    Abstract: This patent specification describes a barcode-reading system for a mobile device. The mobile device include an image sensor array for generating a color image of a target area. The color image includes sub-images each captured with a portion of the image sensor array sensitive to different bands of illumination. The barcode reading system may include an optic system configured to produce a targeting illumination pattern of a particular band of illumination passed by an optical filter within the target area. An image processing function of a barcode-reading application may create a grayscale composite image of a barcode by combining the sub-images. In combining the sub-images, a contribution from a sub-image captured by a portion of the image sensor array most sensitive to the particular band for the targeting illumination may be smaller than a contribution from the other two sub-images captured by other portions of the image sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 9741134
    Abstract: A method to determine the volume of a box object from the captured image of the box object. The method includes identifying a geometric mark on the box object in the captured image to find the positions of two reference points of the geometric mark. The two reference points are separated by a predetermined distance. The method also includes processing a group of parameters and a predetermined mapping obtained from a calibration process. The group of parameters includes the positions of the two reference points and the predetermined distance separating the two reference points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Moran, Menahem Diamantstein, Joel Nahum, Eyal Katz
  • Patent number: 9665760
    Abstract: This patent specification describes a barcode-reading system for a mobile device. The mobile device include an image sensor array for generating a color image of a target area. The color image includes sub-images each captured with a portion of the image sensor array sensitive to different bands of illumination. The barcode reading system may include an optic system configured to produce a targeting illumination pattern of a particular band of illumination passed by an optical filter within the target area. An image processing function of a barcode-reading application may create a grayscale composite image of a barcode by combining the sub-images. In combining the sub-images, a contribution from a sub-image captured by a portion of the image sensor array most sensitive to the particular band for the targeting illumination may be smaller than a contribution from the other two sub-images captured by other portions of the image sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, George Powell, Ryan Hoobler
  • Patent number: 9465971
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus including an imaging unit configured to capture a current image including an information code, the information code being arranged at an arrangement position corresponding to a location within the captured current image, and a control unit configured to determine a difference between a predetermined position and the arrangement position, wherein, when the determined difference is greater than a predetermined threshold, a notification is output to a user, based on the determined difference, to notify of the difference as a guide for adjusting a capturing position of the current image to thereby move the information code to a new arrangement position corresponding to a location of the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Asukai, Koshiro Mitsuya, Atsushi Shionozaki
  • Patent number: 9298964
    Abstract: Embodiments of an image reader and/or methods of operating an image reader can capture an image, identify a bar code or IBI form within the captured image, and, store or display the captured image responsive to the an orientation of the bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jingquan Li, Robert M. Hussey, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 9141833
    Abstract: An aiming light assembly generates an aiming light spot with increased brightness and uniformity over a range of working distances in which targets are electro-optically read by image capture. The assembly includes a light emitting diode (LED) for emitting an aiming light beam, a field stop through which the aiming light beam passes, an aiming lens for optically modifying the aiming light beam passing through the field stop to form the aiming light spot over the range of working distances, and a field lens located in the vicinity of the field stop and operative for imaging the LED downstream of the field stop and in the vicinity of a lens aperture of the aiming lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vladimir Gurevich, Caihua (Lucy) Chen
  • Patent number: 9010642
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display device that is at least semi-transparent. The electronic device includes a housing with a first coupling component, a data acquisition device configured to capture first data within a first field of view (FOV), and the display device. The display device includes a viewable portion that is semi-transparent and configured to display second data. The display device includes a second coupling component disposed at least partially on the viewable portion and coupling with the first coupling component to couple the display device to the housing. When the first and second coupling components are coupled, the display device is positioned in such a manner that a second FOV viewed through the viewable portion is viewable by a user. The first FOV of the data acquisition device is within at least a portion of the second FOV of the viewable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Willins
  • Patent number: 8985462
    Abstract: A method includes the following: (1) detecting light from a target object to capture multiple images of the target object while substantially maintaining the distance between the target object and the imaging lens arrangement that is configured to have a focus position thereof changed with a lens-driving-parameter; (2) processing the at least one of the multiple images to determine a feature-size in an aiming pattern; (3) processing at least two of the multiple images to find an optimal lens-driving-parameter that results in the maximum image sharpness; and (4) storing both the feature-size and the optimal lens-driving-parameter into a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Goren
  • Patent number: 8985461
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a camera, a user interface system, and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera and the user interface system. The user interface system includes a visual display. The processor is configured for (i) capturing an image including a code symbol, (ii) displaying the image on the visual display, (iii) determining whether the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor, and (iv) displaying on the visual display a positive indicator overlaying the code symbol in the image when the processor determines that the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor. The processor is further configured for reading the code symbol in the image in response to a selection input received from the user interface system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Gelay, Robert Michael Hussey, Bhishma Thakkar
  • Patent number: 8950675
    Abstract: A personal identification card scanning tool comprises a first holding portion that is configured and adapted to hold a portable computing device, and a second holding portion that is configured and adapted to hold a personal identification card in a particular orientation and position relative to the portable computing device such that a line-of-sight exists between at least a portion of the portable computing device and at least a portion of the personal identification card. The relative orientation and position between the portable computing device and the personal computing device optimizes the ability for the portable computing device's camera to scan optical information provided on the personal identification card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Election Administrators, LLC
    Inventor: Martin White
  • Patent number: 8950677
    Abstract: A barcode reading method and a barcode reading device are provided. An image sensor is utilized to capture an image of a barcode via an optical lens, and then a triangulation method and an ideal lens imagining method are collocated to calculate the digital image so as to produce an optimum image distance. A distance between the image sensor and the optical lens is then adjusted in accordance with the optimum image distance, so that the barcode can be immediately and clearly imaged on the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignees: Sintai Optical (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Asia Optical International Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Jiang Dai, Chang-Feng Wang, Hui-Qing Chen, Bi-Yao Jian
  • Patent number: 8944329
    Abstract: A personal identification card scanning tool comprises a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The first holding portion is configured and adapted to hold a portable computing device. The second holding portion is configured and adapted to hold a personal identification card in an orientation and position relative to the portable computing device such that a line-of-sight exists between at least a portion of the portable computing device and at least a portion of the personal identification card. The first holding portion and second holding portion are structurally connected by a connecting wall comprising an opening that extends through the connecting wall. The opening is configured and adapted to permit a portion of the personal identification card to extend therethrough when the personal identification card is at least partially held by the second holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Election Administrators, LLC
    Inventor: Martin White
  • Publication number: 20150001302
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a camera, a user interface system, and a processor communicatively coupled to she camera and the user interface system. The user interface system includes a visual display. The processor is configured for (i) capturing an image including a code symbol, (ii) displaying the image on the visual display, (iii) determining whether the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor, and (iv) displaying on the visual display a positive indicator overlaying the code symbol in the image when the processor determines that the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor. The processor is further configured for reading the code symbol in the image in response to a selection input received from the user interface system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Geoffrey Gelay, Robert Michael Hussey, Bhishma Thakkar
  • Patent number: 8899484
    Abstract: An image capture system for, and a method of, reading an optical code during a reading mode, comprise an aiming assembly including a laser for emitting a laser beam having a variable intensity, and for generating an aiming pattern from the laser beam during an aiming mode prior to the reading mode, and an imager for detecting and capturing an image of the aiming pattern and the code over a field of view by exposure over an exposure time period during the aiming mode, and for detecting and capturing an image of the code over the field of view during the reading mode. A controller is operative for controlling the intensity of the laser beam during the aiming mode by increasing the intensity of the laser beam during the exposure time period to enhance detection and capture of the aiming pattern by the imager, and by decreasing the intensity of the laser beam frame outside the exposure time period for user safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Miroslav Trajkovic, Vladimir Gurevich, Heng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8893973
    Abstract: A laser scanning system with sufficient power to drill very small holes or marks in materials. The holes or marks are so small that they cannot be seen with the human eye. These holes and marks can be arranged in an ID matrix barcode or other barcode that can be detected with a specially designed barcode reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne Shaffer, Hideo Kido
  • Publication number: 20140319221
    Abstract: An imaging system for obtaining an image of a display of an electronic device presented by a presenter holding the electronic device includes a housing having an imaging subsystem disposed in the housing. The imaging subsystem includes an image sensor array and an imaging assembly operative for focusing an image of the display on the electronic device onto the image sensor array. A support includes a support surface and is operable for allowing the presenter to hold the electronic device against the support surface so that the display on the electronic device is positioned towards the imaging system while the image of the display is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Mark L. Oberpriller, Timothy R. Fitch, Donna M. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 8870073
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are presented for improving image scanning. A point of sale terminal apparatus, including an imaging scanner, provides information to an operator indicating the optimal scanning position for an optical code for efficient first pass scanning by the imaging scanner. The information includes real-time video from an image capture device of the imaging scanner displayed on an operator's display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Oliver Detwiler
  • Publication number: 20140312119
    Abstract: A user is audibly guided to a selected target from an array of targets, by successively aiming a handheld housing at successive targets in the array, manually actuating a trigger between an aiming state and a reading state, and capturing over a field of view an image of each successive target at which the housing is successively aimed. A controller is operative, in the aiming state of the trigger, for processing the image to detect when each successive target is located in the field of view and for responsively controlling an auditory annunciator to generate an audible aiming sound for each detected successive target. The audible aiming sound for each detected successive target is operative to audibly guide the user to aim the housing at the selected target. The controller is further operative, in the reading state of the trigger, for transmitting away from the housing data indicative of a processed image of the selected target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darran M. Handshaw, Timothy J. Trautman
  • Patent number: 8840027
    Abstract: Visibility of a scan laser light pattern or an aiming laser light pattern on a symbol to be read by a hand-held, electro-optical reader is enhanced by directing laser light having a laser wavelength in the laser light pattern to the symbol, configuring an optical element to be transmissive to the laser light of the same laser wavelength, supporting the optical element by the reader, moving the optical element from a stored position to a deployed position, and viewing the laser light pattern on the symbol through the optical element in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Chaumont, Christopher Warren Brock, Ian Jenkins, Jaime Weidler, Sunghun Lim
  • Patent number: 8789758
    Abstract: An apparatus having an image sensor is provided. An image sensor of the apparatus can include a two dimensional image sensor. A lens assembly can be provided in combination with an image sensor. In one aspect, an apparatus can attempt to decode a decodable symbol representation. In one aspect an apparatus can output a frame of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hawley, Michael A. Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Jr., Robert M. Hussey, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 8777108
    Abstract: An EIR terminal containing an image capture device configured to scan an image. The EIR terminal includes a lighting and exposure mechanism. The EIR terminal also includes a camera sensor interface with a stat FIFO. The stat FIFO is configured to receive data from the image capture device. When the stat FIFO, during image scanning, receives a pre-determined amount of image data, it fires an interrupt, which times the lighting and exposure mechanism in the EIR terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Coyle
  • Publication number: 20140144990
    Abstract: A personal identification card scanning tool comprises a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The first holding portion is configured and adapted to hold a portable computing device. The second holding portion is configured and adapted to hold a personal identification card in an orientation and position relative to the portable computing device such that a line-of-sight exists between at least a portion of the portable computing device and at least a portion of the personal identification card. The first holding portion and second holding portion are structurally connected by a connecting wall comprising an opening that extends through the connecting wall. The opening is configured and adapted to permit a portion of the personal identification card to extend therethrough when the personal identification card is at least partially held by the second holding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTION ADMINISTRATORS, LLC
    Inventor: Martin White
  • Publication number: 20140144989
    Abstract: A personal identification card scanning tool comprises a first holding portion that is configured and adapted to hold a portable computing device, and a second holding portion that is configured and adapted to hold a personal identification card in a particular orientation and position relative to the portable computing device such that a line-of-sight exists between at least a portion of the portable computing device and at least a portion of the personal identification card. The relative orientation and position between the portable computing device and the personal computing device optimizes the ability for the portable computing device's camera to scan optical information provided on the personal identification card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Election Administrators, LLC
    Inventor: Martin White
  • Patent number: 8670976
    Abstract: A method for encoding a multi-lingual text in a matrix code symbol includes receiving a multi-lingual text comprising Latin-based characters in a Latin-based language and non-Latin-based characters in a non-Latin-based language, converting the non-Latin-based characters in the multi-lingual text to index values to produce a pseudo text, and encoding the pseudo text in a matrix-code symbol. The conversion is based on a predefined mapping that converts the Unicode values of the non-Latin-based characters to index values having fewer digits than the corresponding Unicode values of the non-Latin-based characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology
    Inventors: Hussein K. Al-Omari, Mohammad S. Khorsheed
  • Patent number: 8651384
    Abstract: A code reading apparatus includes: a storage section storing an applied voltage table showing a relationship between a focal distance of a liquid lens and an applied voltage to the liquid lens; a laser focus section performing laser focus adjustment; a contrast focus section performing contrast focus adjustment; and a correction section correcting a content of the applied voltage table based on a distance from the liquid lens to a subject found by the laser focus section and a corresponding applied voltage with which the subject is brought into focus by the contrast focus section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Ogawa, Keiichi Tanioka
  • Patent number: 8646689
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a camera that includes a field of view (FOV), the apparatus for indicating at least a first portion of a field of view for analysis and comprising a light source for generating a first light pattern that is directed onto an object surface within the FOV while the light source remains stationary with respect to the object, an adjuster for, while the first light pattern subtends a surface of the object and without moving the light source with respect to the object, modifying the first light pattern to generate a first deformed light pattern that is directed onto the object surface in the FOV and a manual input device for controlling the adjuster to indicate how the first light pattern is to be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C Moed, Robert T Tremblay, Carl W Gerst, III, William Equitz
  • Patent number: 8632011
    Abstract: Methods and systems of illuminating a scan volume of an optical code reader are disclosed. In an example configuration, an illumination source associated with the optical code reader is set to a first illumination mode based on a user-configurable parameter that at least partially defines a first depth of field of the optical code reader when the illumination source illuminates the scan volume; while the illumination source is in the first illumination mode, the scan volume is monitored for an indication of whether an object is detected in the scan volume; and if an object is detected in the scan volume while the illumination source is in the first illumination mode, the illumination source is set to a second illumination mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventor: WenLiang Gao
  • Patent number: 8628014
    Abstract: An instruction symbol identifier comprising a digital imaging capturing features that utilizes a light field sensor to capture the intensity and direction of incident light is described. The instruction symbol identifier comprises a computing device, whereby a digitally captured image may be digitally focused to identify an instruction symbol. An instruction symbol identifier is described being coupled to a point of sale counter, whereby product bar codes may be identified more quickly and effectively than conventional bar code scanners. A light emitting feature and an image locator feature are described, to further enhance capturing an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: John M. Hoffer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130320091
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are presented for improving image scanning. A point of sale terminal apparatus, including an imaging scanner, provides information to an operator indicating the optimal scanning position for an optical code for efficient first pass scanning by the imaging scanner. The information includes real-time video from an image capture device of the imaging scanner displayed on an operator's display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Oliver Detwiler
  • Publication number: 20130277427
    Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an EIR device including a two-dimensional imaging device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to detecting a pre-defined pattern in a first plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, to store in the memory a point of origin equal to a first spatial position of the EIR terminal. The EIR terminal can be further configured, responsive to detecting a user interface command, to determine, based on a second plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, a second spatial position of the EIR terminal relative to the point of origin, and to acquire an image of the object. The EIR terminal can be further configured to determine the image scale factor based on at least the second spatial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc. doing business as (d.b.a) Honeywell Scanning and Mobility
    Inventors: Philip Zumsteg, Tom Plocher, Sriharsha Putrevu
  • Patent number: 8561906
    Abstract: Optical reading system and methods having multiple modes of operation, for example: omnidirectional and single-code picking; fixed and handheld reading; 1D and 2D code reading. In one configuration, an image-based system obtains input data via an area sensor (e.g., a 2D CCD array) with only data corresponding to a pattern of virtual scan lines being stored and processed. A user may implement different operating modes such as a first mode reading codes in any location or orientation and a second mode reading only a code oriented along a particular virtual scan line or group thereof. Alternately, the data reader is operable to switch between handheld mode selecting a first pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode and a fixed mode selecting a second pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode. Virtual scan patterns in either mode can change within or between frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Rudeen
  • Publication number: 20130264389
    Abstract: A laser scanning system with sufficient power to drill very small holes or marks in materials. The holes or marks are so small that they cannot be seen with the human eye. These holes and marks can be arranged in an ID matrix barcode or other barcode that can be detected with a specially designed barcode reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Wayne Shaffer, Hideo Kido
  • Patent number: 8500027
    Abstract: In an optical code reader, at least a selected one of AGC processing and automatic focus control is performed in parallel with optical code decoding. Preferably, the selected process is initiated ahead of any signal which initiates decoding. Preferably, the selected process is performed periodically and independently of any signal which initiates decoding. In an embodiment, decoding and the selected processes are performed by different first and second processors, respectively, which operate in parallel, and the second processor performs the selected process without the first processor exercising any control over the performance of the selected process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuri Kishimoto, Shiping Liu
  • Patent number: 8479993
    Abstract: A method of operating a barcode reader. The method includes (1) detecting a first pulling of the trigger while the barcode reader is at the waiting mode; (2) detecting a first release of the trigger within a first predetermined time period after the first pulling of the trigger is detected, for operating the barcode reader in the aiming mode if the first release of the trigger is detected within the first predetermined time period,; and (3) detecting a second pulling of the trigger while the barcode reader is at the aiming mode within a second predetermined time period after the first release of the trigger is detected, for operating the barcode reader in the decoding mode if the second pulling of the trigger is detected within the second predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Goren