Reader Processing Circuitry Patents (Class 235/462.25)
  • Patent number: 7347374
    Abstract: A hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reader employing an event-driven system control subsystem, automatic IR-based object detection, and a trigger-switch activated image capture and processing subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Sankar Ghosh, Michael Schnee, Pasqual Spatafore, Thomas Amundsen, Sung Byun, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, John Bonanno, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7347373
    Abstract: A method and system for utilizing an image capture device for obtaining information relating to an item having a barcode corresponding to a barcode number is described. The method and system includes capturing an image of the barcode and converting the image of the barcode to the barcode number. The barcode number is used to access a category of information related to the item and that may include information for at least one other product having a different barcode number. In another aspect, the method and system include providing information related to the item. In this aspect, data indicating the barcode number is received. The barcode number being determined based on an image captured of the barcode. The barcode is utilized to remotely access the category of information related to the item and including information for at least one other product having a different barcode number. At least a portion of the information is returned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Scenera Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mona Singh
  • Patent number: 7347372
    Abstract: A system for notifying an operator of a result of attempting to read a number of product labels on an item which produces only a single good read indication or bad read indication. The system includes a good read indicator, a bad read indicator, and control circuitry for notifying an operator of a result of attempting to read a number of product labels, including at least one of a barcode label and a radio frequency identification label on an item. The control circuitry activates a bad read indicator to indicate a single bad read indication if the control circuitry fails to receive item identification information from at least one of the barcode label and the radio frequency identification label, and activates a good read indicator to indicate a single good read indication if the control circuitry receives item identification information from at least one of the barcode label and the radio frequency identification label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: John C Goodwin, III
  • Patent number: 7341191
    Abstract: A novel transaction-enabling method and system are disclosed, wherein a transaction-enabling Java-Applet is embedded within an HTML-encoded document stored in an HTTP server at predetermined URL. When a code symbol (e.g., magstripe or bar code) encoded with the URL is read using a code symbol reader interfaced with a Java-enabled Internet terminal, the corresponding HTTP document is automatically accessed and displayed at the terminal, and the transaction-enabling Java-Applet initiated for execution so that the customer, consumer or client desiring the transaction can simply and conveniently conduct the information-related transaction over the Internet. The transaction-enabling Internet terminal can be in the form of an Internet kiosk installed in a public location, in the manner as conventional ATMs. By virtue of the present invention, universal transaction machine (UTMs) can be easily deployed for use by the mass population so that they can easily conduct various types of transaction over the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett Russell, David M. Wilz, Sr., C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7337972
    Abstract: The present invention provides for widening a single bar (18) of a bar code without spoiling the readability of the bar code symbol. Further, the present invention provides for writing at least one sufficiently small letter, icon or other character within a single bar (24, 26) or space (22) of a bar code symbol without spoiling the symbol's readability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: International Barcode Corporation
    Inventor: Allen Lubow
  • Patent number: 7331524
    Abstract: A bar code reader indicator feature gives visible indication that a bar code function has been performed. The feature is integrally molded with the exit window to simplify the design and reduce cost. The feature can diffuse light from an existing indicator light within the reader or the scanning light beam can be directed to impinge upon an area of the exit window not normally in the beam path when the function has been performed to illuminate the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Vinogradov, Vladimir Gurevich, David Tsi Shi
  • Patent number: 7331523
    Abstract: There is described in one embodiment a method for use by an apparatus that can acquire an image. According to a described method, parameters for utilization by the apparatus are provided. According to a described method, a method can include acquiring an image and can further include evaluating an image. In another embodiment, there is described an apparatus comprising a plurality of digitizers. In one example of an embodiment of an apparatus including a plurality of digitizers, the digitizers can be configured to run in parallel. In another example of an embodiment of an apparatus including a plurality of digitizers, the digitizers can be configured to run in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Meier, Andrew Longacre, Jr., Thomas Hawley, John Pettinelli, Robert M. Hussey
  • Patent number: 7328847
    Abstract: Barcode data communication methods, barcode embedding methods, and barcode systems are described. According to one embodiment, a barcode data communication method includes accessing a composite image comprising a disguised barcode image incapable of being directly read from a base image by a barcode reader, extracting data corresponding to the barcode image from the composite image, modifying the data to provide the barcode image in a state wherein the barcode image may be directly read by a barcode reader, and reading the barcode image using the barcode reader after the modifying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Bo Shen, Mehrban Jam
  • Patent number: 7325738
    Abstract: A method of determining the lower limit of decoding resolution in a digital imaging-based bar code symbol reader. A software-based optical design program is used to generate the composite DOF chart of image formation optics employed in the digital imaging-based bar code symbol reader. The modulation transfer function (MTF) of the object image is used to determine the smallest mil size code that can be decoded, at a given object distance, to produce an optical performance curve. The program calculates the size of the field of view (FOV) of a single sensor pixel, when projected through the image formation optics and out into object space. For both the 1.4 and 1.6 sampling limit pixel rules, the calculated FOV values are plotted on the same axes as the optical performance curve. Using graphical solution techniques, the sampling limit line of choice determines the lower limit of the decoding resolution in the imaging-based bar code symbol reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Sankar Ghosh, Michael Schnee, Pasqual Spatafore, Thomas Amundsen, Sung Byun, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, John Bonanno, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7314178
    Abstract: A technique for automatically controlling a computer by the remote (or proximal or local) scanning of special coded-indicia to execute computer-stored programs directly and automatically in response to computer-translated instructions represented by the scanned coded indicia, such as the presentation of specified supplemental pictorial and other website stored materials to the reader of a book or magazine or the like containing such coded indicia keyed to said website, and more generally, to cause the computer automatically to execute desired programs in direct response to such coded indicia scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Robert H. Rines, Paul Saindon, Elijah Ercolino, Justice C. Rines
  • Patent number: 7311262
    Abstract: A method for encoding a symbol such as a barcode with a finder of a known pattern, comprises steps of determining a potential point on the finder edge and tracing and verifying a path representing the finder edge by checking the color of each point on the path against a threshold. The threshold is preferably reevaluated at least every several pixel movements along the path. The method may decode the barcode directly from the gray image displayed on a LCD screen without a need of a whole characterized image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazukuni Hosoi, Haruo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 7303126
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for scanning an optical code, in which an optical code scanner system includes an ambient light sensor having at least one photo sensor for sensing ambient light conditions and generating at least one first electrical signal corresponding to the sensing of the ambient light conditions, and a photo sensor array having a plurality of photo sensors for sensing light reflected from the target being imaged and generating a plurality of second electrical signals corresponding the sensing of the reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehul Patel, Pierre Craen, William Joshua Becker, Daniel Brown
  • Patent number: 7303132
    Abstract: An x-ray object scanning-tunnel system for automatically acquiring and linking object identity and attribute information about each object transported therethrough while bearing a bar code symbol and/or graphical indicia on the exterior surface thereof. The system comprises a scanning-tunnel housing through which one or more objects can be transported for capturing and processing digital images of the bar code symbol and/or identifying graphical indicia on the object so as to tread the bar code symbol and/or identifying graphical indicia, and identify the object by producing object identification information. An x-ray scanning subsystem mounted within the scanning-tunnel housing, produces an x-radiation energy beam for scanning the interior and/or contents of each object, and automatically generating x-radiation images of the object's interior and/or contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Meterologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Harry Knowles, Mark C. Schmidt, Dale Fisher
  • Patent number: 7303130
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recording a bar code comprising a plurality of base elements. A reading device generates a sequence of partially overlapping images which together reproduce the bar code. Images are analysed to produce information which describes the positions of the base elements in each image. The bar code is then reconstructed by putting together information that has been extracted from the subimages, so that the contents of the bar code can be interpreted. In reconstruction, the position information and the images are used. By using the image information, the putting together process can be made less calculation-intensive. The invention also relates to a corresponding device and a corresponding computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Anoto Group AB
    Inventors: Staffan Solèn, Martin Sjölin
  • Patent number: 7299975
    Abstract: A scanner system and method for improving capture rate of reading labels with add-ons without sacrificing throughput with respect to non-add-on labels, the scanner including a mode in which the scanner in conjunction with the host (point-of-sale terminal) “learns” over time which base label codes will have associated add-ons. As the scanner successfully reads both a base label and its add-on data, the base label data is stored in a list in the scanner's memory. The required number of reads of base label or the timeout timer value may be adjusted based upon whether add-ons are expected or not corresponding to future scans of a base label corresponding to that of one in the list store. Base label statistics on successful base label and associated add-on reads, as well as ordering and selective storage of base label information based on frequency of base label occurrence may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Randy J. Turkal, Alan Jackson Guess, Harold C. Clifford
  • Patent number: 7299985
    Abstract: A system and method for encoding scanner signal strength and timing information provided, possibly on multiple signal lines, from a digitizer circuit into a signal that can be transmitted on a single line to a modified decoder. A multiplexing device multiplexes the multiple signals, which can be multi-bit or dual-DBP signals, into a single signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Costanzo di Fazio, James R. Giebel, Gary Schneider, Frederick Schuessler
  • Patent number: 7296748
    Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a two independently controlled rotating polygonal mirrors. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side-scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes that form a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within a 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within the 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at the POS station so as to provide 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at the POS station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Good
  • Patent number: 7296746
    Abstract: An aiming indicia is provided for a bar code comprising a sequence of parallel code bars and intervening code spaces disposed along a longitudinal code axis in accordance with a predefined standard. The aiming indicia comprises a non-encoded graphic element disposed on the longitudinal code axis adjacent the bar code and spaced apart from the nearest code bars by a distance of at least 10 times a minimum unit width for the code bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: LV Partners, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffry Jovan Philyaw, James D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7293714
    Abstract: A hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading system comprises: an automatic object presence detection subsystem; an image formation and detection subsystem having an area-type image sensing array with a field of view (FOV); a LED-based illumination subsystem having an LED illumination array for producing a field of narrow-band illumination within the FOV; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; an image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem for controlling the subsystems. The image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem has a mode of image processing, wherein a captured digital image is automatically processed along a set of parallel virtual scan lines spaced-apart by a number of pixel-offset distances proportional to the maximum pixel height of the region of interest (ROI) in the captured digital image containing a bar code symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Sankar Ghosh, Michael Schnee, Pasqual Spatafore, Thomas Amundsen, Sung Byun, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, John Bonanno, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7287700
    Abstract: A laser scanning apparatus includes: a plurality of laser light sources including a first laser light source and a second laser light source; a scanner for scanning laser lights emitted from the plurality of laser light sources in a main scanning direction; a light receiving sensor for receiving the laser lights deflected and scanned by the scanner; and a signal generation unit for generating a first signal which is in synchronization with a pixel clock for the second laser light source based on an output from the light receiving sensor obtained by a laser light emitted from the first laser light source, and for generating a second signal which is in synchronization with a pixel clock for the first laser light source based on an output from the light receiving sensor obtained by a laser light emitted from the second laser light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kouichi Takaki, Kenji Izumiya, Toshihiro Motoi
  • Patent number: 7281659
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method to optimize the configuration of a symbology reader without the need for user intervention. Following a predetermined number of successful decodes, the reader automatically determines the symbology of interest and disables the decoding algorithms not being used. For example, if after four or five successful decodes have occurred and the unit determines that all of the successful decodes were of a single symbology type such as a PDF417 barcode, all other decoding algorithms, with the exception of the PDF417 decoder, will be disabled. Other embodiments may be included which adjust the scan window size and the image capture parameters of the reader based on the symbology of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Psion Teklogix Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Page
  • Patent number: 7281661
    Abstract: A hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reader comprises: an automatic object presence detection subsystem; a multi-mode area-type image formation and detection subsystem having narrow-area and wide-area image-capture modes of operation; a multi-mode LED-based illumination subsystem having independently controllable LED illumination arrays; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; an image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem for controlling the subsystems. The hand-supportable imaging-based bar code reader employs a method of intelligently illuminating objects during image capture, wherein the LED illumination arrays are independently controlled during particular moments of object illumination to generate digital images of objects which, through digital image analysis, are determined to be substantially free of noise (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Sankar Ghosh, Michael Schnee, Pasqual Spatafore, Thomas Amundsen, Sung Byun, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, John Bonanno, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7278573
    Abstract: A device for reading out an optical code includes a camera, an image memory for storing images taken by this camera, and an image processor for decoding an optical code contained in an image taken by the camera. A plurality of images are obtained continuously with the camera under specified image-taking conditions in response to a specified image-taking command, and the obtained images are stored on the image memory. The images stored in the image memory are sequentially selected one at a time in a specified order, and the image processor makes an attempt to decode an optical code contained in the selected image. Results of decoding are outputted if the attempt to decode any of the stored images is successful. The interval at which the images are taken is changed according to the number of images successfully decoded taken continuously in the past.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Murata, Katsuki Nakajima, Gaku Shiramizu
  • Patent number: 7278575
    Abstract: A hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reader comprises: an automatic object presence detection subsystem; an image formation and detection subsystem; a LED-based illumination subsystem having a wide area illumination mode of operation; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; an image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem for controlling each of the above-described subsystems. The image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem performs helically-sweeping feature-extraction analysis on a captured digital image of an object referenced from the center thereof, so as to enable the rapid reading of a bar code symbol graphically represented therein, using advanced image-processing based bar code reading techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Sankar Ghosh, Michael Schnee, Pasqual Spatafore, Thomas Amundsen, Sung Byun, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, John Bonanno, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7275694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable bar code reading device that generates electronic representations of a substrate having a bar code symbol disposed thereon. A portable bar code reading device according to the invention can incorporate a solid state image sensor and can generate first and second electronic representations. The first and second electronic representations generated by a portable bar code reading device in one embodiment represent first and second regions of the substrate that are of different sizes. A portable bar code reading device having a memory and a trigger can be configured to attempt to decode a bar code symbol by processing of an electronic representation and further can be configured so that the first and second electronic representations are stored into the memory after a single depressing of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Longacre, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7273177
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to decoding encoded barcode information from a series of camera-captured images by generating binarized sequences from the series of camera-captured images and decoding the encoded barcode information from the binarized sequences. A series of preprocessed images is generated from the series of camera-captured images by removing non-uniform illumination, reducing noise, and enhancing contrast between bars and spaces of the series of camera-captured images. Barcode-image orientations are estimated for the series of preprocessed images. The series of preprocessed images are projected along their respective barcode-image orientations to generate a series of gray-sequence images that represent barcode information in one dimension. The binarized sequences, each of which contains partial barcode information, are connected into a concatenated sequence according to computed shift information of neighboring binarized sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Chunhui Zhang
  • Patent number: 7270272
    Abstract: A hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading system comprises: an automatic object presence and range detection subsystem; an image formation and detection subsystem; a multi-mode LED-based illumination subsystem having an LED illumination array; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; a multi-mode image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem having a first mode and a second mode of operation; an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem for controlling the subsystems. The multi-mode image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem automatically switches its modes of image-processing during a single bar code symbol reading cycle, and within each mode of image-processing based bar code symbol reading a different image-processing based bar code symbol reading methodology is automatically applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Sankar Ghosh, Michael Schnee, Pasqual Spatafore, Thomas Amundsen, Sung Byun, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, John Bonanno, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7270273
    Abstract: A method for decoding a decodable symbol using an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture operating 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, and attempts to decode for a decodable bar code symbol which may be represented in the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Barber, Carl W. Gerst, III, George S. Smith, II, Robert M. Hussey, Robert C. Gardiner, Matthew W. Pankow
  • Patent number: 7267274
    Abstract: A device and method for validating a ticket having magnetic ink printed on at least one side of a ticket. The ink is magnetized to create a magnetic signal in the magnetic ink and thereafter a media reader sensor spaced from the ticket is used to verify the existence of a magnetic signal. The magnetic signal is comparable to pre-existing data to determine a match and/or validate tickets having a match. An optical reader can be used to obtain additional data stored in the form of bar codes or patterns on the printed magnetric ink. The optical signal is comparable to pre-existing data to determine a match and/or validate tickets having a match. Preferred comparators for magnetic and optical matching are microprocessors and preferred media reader sensors for magnetic readers are anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Goetz
  • Patent number: 7267272
    Abstract: A method for marking an article of merchandise with content represented by a bitmap stored in a source array of a source memory includes identifying, within a destination memory, a destination array. The destination array has a first region having boundaries aligned with boundaries of a first data chunk of the destination memory, and a second region having boundaries aligned with a second data chunk of the destination memory, the second data chunk being smaller than the first data chunk. A first region of the source array is copied onto the first region of the destination array in units of the first data chunk, and a second region of the source array is copied onto the second region of the destination array in units of the second data chunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Markem Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Antonuk, Chris Sullivan, Glenn Scadova
  • Patent number: 7258266
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting, storing, and processing automatic identification code information includes receiving automatic identification code information and parsing it based on stored definitions for automatic identification codes and/or automatic identification code standards. Various data configurations may be used to store definitions and to facilitate parsing of raw automatic identification code data. For example, a first component may be used for generally defining one or more automatic identification code standards and a second component may be used for detailed information regarding code definitions, such as information relating to code segments. In addition, the system may facilitate further processing of parsed automatic identification code information, such as for cycle counting or parts movement of inventory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Siebel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Bowe, Jr., Lisa J. Malden, Daniel S. Lai, S. Kishan Chetan, Sathya N Thulasidas
  • Patent number: 7243850
    Abstract: A data reader and method for data reading, such as a barcode scanner, wherein the scan pattern generating optics and other features are optimized for different modes of operation. In a preferred embodiment, different patterns are projected from different apertures in the scanner housing, one scan pattern optimized for handheld operation and the other optimized for fixed operation. Other optimizable features include the presence or absence of an aiming beam, which may be generated from the same laser source as the scan pattern or from another source, and enabling or disabling decoding of the received signal during a portion of a facet wheel rotation. Decoding may be disabled while the scan line(s) for handheld use is generated unless a switch or trigger is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Tamburrini, Michael L. Duncan, Michael J. Ahten, Bryan L. Olmstead, Paul R. Huss
  • Patent number: 7243848
    Abstract: An optical scanning system in which plural scan lines are sequentially scanned, and parameters association with the scanning are monitored. If one or more parameters change during the scanning operation, the system automatically begins rescanning, rather than continuing to scan the entire frame. This results in a system that operates more quickly than prior art systems, which have to waste an entire frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignees: Optoelectronics Co. Ltd., Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Kazukuni Hosoi
  • Patent number: 7237721
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image pre-processing method for a pattern detection system, such as a bar code detection system. The method comprises the steps of: detecting a start point and an end point of a pattern on the basis of image data of at least a portion of a captured image, estimating a point spread function from the image data or a modified image data on the basis of the detected start point and the end point, and restoring the image data or the modified image data using the estimated point spread function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Radu Bilcu, Markku Vehviläinen, Adrian Burian
  • Patent number: 7222792
    Abstract: A method and system for aiding the selecting/culling or reformatting of encoded containers stored in a multi-rack array with respect to certain desired characteristics of compositions held within the containers employing a corresponding graphical interface that indicates the physical position of the containers within the array, and selection operations to be performed with respect to one or more containers in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stanley Routburg, Kenneth Hendrata
  • Patent number: 7219841
    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: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    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: 7213761
    Abstract: A process comprising computing a histogram of pixel intensity data collected from a digital image of an optically readable symbol including light and dark elements, thresholding the histogram to classify individual pixels as light pixels, dark pixels or gray pixels, thresholding only the portion of the histogram corresponding to gray pixels to re-classify the gray pixels into dark pixels, light pixels or unresolved gray pixels, and heuristically analyzing each string of unresolved gray pixels to determine the elements of the optically readable symbol that created the string of unresolved gray pixels. An apparatus and system to implement the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Microscan Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert M. Liu
  • Patent number: 7207489
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a relatively miniature injection molded scan motor, for example, for a retroreflective illumination system. An exemplary scan motor comprises a spring module that includes a static substrate and a dynamic substrate coupled together by an injection molded flexible spring. In an embodiment, the spring can be liquid injection molded. The scan motor also comprises a magnet and a reflective element that extends beyond the static substrate and/or the dynamic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Drzymala, Edward Barkan, Heng Zhang
  • Patent number: 7204422
    Abstract: Systems process an input signal, derived from a binary optical code, having a series of multiple successive local peaks of the same given polarity. The circuit comprises a peak detector, a node in the peak detector, and a set-reset flip-flop. The peak detector has an input receiving the input signal and produces an output that approximately tracks the input signal while it is sloping in the direction of the given polarity and that approximately holds near those local peaks having successively larger magnitude. A node in the peak detector has a voltage indicative of whether the peak detector is in a tracking or holding state. The set-reset flip-flop has a set input connected to the node, whereby the output of the flip-flop is high when the peak detector is in a tracking state. The circuit is useful for qualifying optical edges in a bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Colley
  • Patent number: 7201322
    Abstract: Systems better detect transitions in a binary optical code signal and thus better detect edges in binary optical codes, such as bar codes. The optical code signal imperfectly indicates perceived regions of relatively dark and light areas arranged in an alternating pattern as part of an optical code. That signal is differentiated to form a first derivative. Due to various non-ideal conditions, the first derivative may have a series of successive local peaks of the same polarity. Peaks in the series having a peak value less than a previous peak value in the series are ignored, thereby resulting in a set of unignored peaks. From the unignored peaks in the series is chosen the one peak occurring last in order. According to the chosen peak, there is generated a signal more reliably indicating the true edge position between light and dark areas in the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Olmstead, James E. Colley, Patrick M. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7195167
    Abstract: A modular omnidirectional laser-based bar code symbol scanning system having at least one scan module insert that is removably disposed (e.g., removably installed) within a system housing (or portion thereof) through a service port (e.g., opening) in the system housing (or portion thereof). The scan module insert is a self-contained unit including at least the following components (in addition to mechanical support structures for such components): at least one laser diode, a rotating scanning element, an electric motor that rotates the rotating scanning element, one or more photodetectors, and analog signal processing circuitry that conditions (e.g., amplifies and/or filters out unwanted noise in) the electrical signal produced by the one or more photodetectors. The scan module insert can optionally include additional components including one or more light collecting optical elements, one or more beam folding mirrors, circuitry for detecting and decoding bar code symbols scanned by the system, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lucera, Timothy A. Good, Mark S. Schmidt, Matt Jefferson
  • Patent number: 7195164
    Abstract: A mobile computing device is provided having more than one imaging engine, and preferably, two imagining engines. Switching circuitry is provided for switching between the two imaging engines. Each imaging engine is optimized for use in specific applications and includes different specifications from the other imaging engine. Preferably, one imaging engine is optimized to provide higher resolution images than the other imaging engine, and one imaging engine is optimized to focus an object located 7.50 to 12.50 cm from the mobile computing device (near-to-mid range imaging), while the other imaging engine is optimized to focus an object located from 12.50 cm to infinity from the mobile computing device (mid-to-far range imaging). One imaging engine preferably includes a color image sensor, while the other imaging engine includes a black and white image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mehul Patel
  • Patent number: 7195166
    Abstract: A method is provided for decoding data stored in a partial area of a coding pattern on a surface, based on a recorded image of the partial area. The coding pattern contains elements which each have at least two possible decoding values. The method identifies in the image a plurality of elements. The method further calculates, for each identified element, an associated value probability for each possible decoding value that the element has this decoding value. Additionally, the method performs the decoding of data based on the decoding values and the corresponding value probabilities. A device and a memory medium storing a computer program with instructions for performing such a data decoding technique are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Anoto AB
    Inventors: Andreas Olsson, Mats Petter Pettersson
  • Patent number: 7191947
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Kahn, Mehul M. Patel, Robert May, Edward Barkan
  • Patent number: 7175092
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method for providing optimized accuracy and precision in analog-to-digital conversions of data. In an embodiment of the invention, an A/D converter is configured by setting two separately definable reference voltages that are controlled by a microprocessor. The A/D converter range is as wide as, or slightly greater than, a dynamic range of the analog signal to be converted. The microprocessor adjusts at least one reference voltage. The A/D converter receives analog signals from a sensor. The dynamic range of the signal from the sensor, or the sensor operating conditions, are used to define the reference voltages. The converted data is provided to a data processor at a rate controlled by a clocking signal. In a method according to the invention, the A/D converter is operated using the features described above. The accuracy and the precision of the converted data are thereby optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Pettinelli, Jr., Matthew W. Pankow, Joseph T. Livingston, Edward C. Bremer, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 7172125
    Abstract: An intelligent gain selection circuit replaces the gain set by an automatic gain control circuit in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia, such as bar code symbols, with a larger gain where specular reflections, high contrast edges, or other noise operative to produce dominant high voltage peaks in an analog signal generated by a sensor in the reader, are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dayou Wang, Matthew D. Blasczak, Edward Barkan, Vladimir Gurevich, Pierre Craen
  • Patent number: 7168621
    Abstract: This present invention discloses a system and method for enhancing images of barcodes and other similar objects taken by the digital camera connected to or embedded in a mobile device. This filter works by converting the image into its equivalent gray scale. The algorithm then divides the image into sections and finds the pixels of minimum intensity in each section of the image. This minima is used to calculate cut-off values for thresholding. After thresholding, the image is reassembled from its divided sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Scanbury, Inc.
    Inventors: Rashmi Ghai, Didier Frantz
  • Patent number: 7170414
    Abstract: Methods of operation of a data reader and security tag deactivation system whereby a data reader such as a barcode scanner is equipped with EAS deactivation coils or modules disposed in the vicinity of the read volume or generally proximate thereto and the system is operable to permit reading of the ID tag (such as the barcode label) on an item, and upon a successful read, the deactivation unit is operable to (1) sense the presence of an EAS tag; (2) if presence of an EAS tag is sensed, energize the deactivation coil/module to deactivate the EAS tag; and (3) sense if the EAS tag is deactivated. If the EAS tag is sensed to have been deactivated, the system signals as such and a next item may be scanned. If the EAS tag is sensed to have not been deactivated, the system proceeds to alternate operational steps to handle the exception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignees: PSC Scanning, Inc., Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Harold C. Clifford, Douglas Allen Drew, Alan Jackson Guess, Robert F. Kortt, Bruce E. Paris, Nicolas N. Tabet
  • Patent number: 7159780
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for imaging and decoding symbols such as two-dimensional relief formed symbols and in particular, symbols wherein one or more edges of any number of data cells within the symbols are at least partially discernable. In one aspect of the present invention a symbol image based on a relief pattern, which represents encoded information and includes at least one discernable edge can be determined. Generally, determining an edge of the relief pattern and validating the determined edge by performing an edge analysis of the determined edge can determine the symbol image. A data cell of the symbol image, which at least partially represents information encoded in the relief pattern, can be determined so that the symbol image can be decoded to provide the information encoded within the relief pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Veritec, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Christian
  • Patent number: 7152795
    Abstract: A bioptical planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based object dimensioning, analysis and identification system comprising a pair of PLIIM-based object identification and attribute acquisition subsystems, wherein each PLIIM-based object identification and attribute acquisition subsystem produces a multi-spectral planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) for illuminating objects during imaging, and employs an area-type electronic image detection array with image formation optics having a field of view (FOV), through which the multi-spectral PLIB is automatically swept in a coplanar relationship during illumination and imaging operations; and wherein the bioptical PLIIM-based object identification and attribute acquisition subsystem is programmed to analyze captured images of objects and determine the shape/geometry, dimensions and/or color thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, C. Harry Knowles