Reader Processing Circuitry Patents (Class 235/462.25)
  • Patent number: 7150399
    Abstract: Information decoded from a barcode or other machine-readable code within an image file is stored as character-based data in an auxiliary field, such as a comment field, of the image file. Subsequently, the information can be extracted from the auxiliary field so as to avoid the need to repeat the image analysis and decoding operation. In one aspect, the extracted data is validated to ensure that it is consistent with the machine-readable code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: John Barrus, Gregory J. Wolff
  • Patent number: 7150400
    Abstract: A method for remotely decoding a bar code includes capturing an image of a bar code using a camera, transmitting the image of the bar code across a network, receiving the image of the bar code at a remote location on the network, reproducing the image of the bar code at the remote location to provide a reproduced image of the bar code, and scanning and decoding the reproduced image of the bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tripletail Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. Melick, David M. Snyder, Leslie D. Baych, Paul R. Staman
  • Patent number: 7147161
    Abstract: Processing an analog electrical signal containing information representative of reflected light from indicia including regions of different light reflectivity, wherein the analog electrical signal contains edge transitions corresponding to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia. The edge transitions of at least a part of the analog electrical signal are analyzed to determine a level of blur in that part of the electrical signal. Based on the determined level of blur, one of a plurality of different techniques is selected for processing that part of the electrical signal to produce a digitized electrical signal in which transitions in the digital level of the signal correspond to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duanfeng He, Eugene Joseph
  • Patent number: 7147159
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reading a bar code of a target. The apparatus can include a matrix type two-dimensional image sensor and a light generator directing light toward the target. Optics can be included to project an image onto the matrix type two-dimensional image sensor. Further, the matrix type two-dimensional image sensor can develop signals responsive to light incident thereon. A memory and a manual trigger can also be provided. The apparatus can be configured so that when the manual trigger is actuated, the apparatus obtains an electronic representation. The apparatus can be configured so that more than one electronic representation can be obtained in response to the manual trigger being actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Jr., Robert M. Hussey, John M. Pidhimy
  • Patent number: 7143946
    Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Spencer A. Rathus, Jeffrey S. Nevid, Lois Fichner-Rathus
  • Patent number: 7143948
    Abstract: A two-dimensional bar code printed on a piece of paper is photographed by the area sensor. A reading method of this bar code includes a process for correcting the distortion of the image of the two-dimensional bar code obtained from the area sensor by the projection transform, a process for correcting bright spots appearing in the image, and a process for decoding the two-dimensional bar code based on the image data of the two-dimensional bar code corrected by the two processes. This invention enables size-reduction of the reading device of the two-dimensional bar code and also achieves a higher reading speed of the reading device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Nakazawa, Kouichi Hamakawa, Youji Takei, Masanobu Kiyama
  • Patent number: 7137556
    Abstract: An information system for storing, retrieving, processing and displaying information captured about objects passing an information capture system. The captured and processed object information may include, for example, a visual representation of the object, a height representation of the object, an identification code from the object, dimensional information about the object, chemical signature information from the object, temperature information, date and time information, and a three dimensional model of the object. The various types of information can be accessed by users via a software interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: Brett Bracewell Bonner, Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Gary Lynn Holmes
  • Patent number: 7137558
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus described herein form barcode characters by determining a number of pixels associated with forming a first bar and a second bar of a first barcode character. A separation width value associated with the first bar and the second bar is determined based on the number of pixels. A second separation width value is then generated based on the at least one separation width value. A barcode character is then formed based on the second separation width value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
    Inventor: Charlie Aigeldinger
  • Patent number: 7137559
    Abstract: Management information, which is information about hardware in or software installed in the bar-code reader, is stored in a storage unit in the bar-code reader. The management information may be acquired from an external unit or read from a bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuo Watanabe, Isao Iwaguchi, Hideo Miyazawa, Kozo Yamazaki, Masanori Ohkawa, Mitsuharu Ishii
  • Patent number: 7132947
    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: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    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: 7124949
    Abstract: The influence of speckle noise in degrading performance of a reader for electro-optically reading a multiple element symbol is reduced by constructing wavelets for each element width, correlating each wavelet with a differentiated signal derived from light scattered from the symbol to obtain a correlated signal having peaks, each peak corresponding to a middle of a respective element, and processing the peaks to decode the symbol. Edge detection of the elements, which is susceptible to speckle noise degradation, is not used for decoding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dariusz J. Madej
  • Patent number: 7121468
    Abstract: A method of developing an application program for running on a wireless portable data terminal (PDT), comprising the steps of (a) during the development of an application program for running on a wireless PDT supported by a first operating system, generating user input and documents using development programs running on a developer computer system supported by a second operating system; (b) developing the application program on the developer computer system into a final application program expressed in the form of binary executable code designed for execution on the first operating system loaded onto the wireless PDT; (c) downloading the binary executable code of the final application program onto the wireless PDT; and (d) running the final application program in binary executable code upon the first operating system loaded onto the wireless PDT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Schmidt, Garrett K. Russell, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Ka Man Au, Congwei Xu, Liang Liu, Kai Ji, Wuqing Zhang
  • Patent number: 7111784
    Abstract: A color image forming apparatus, when a white LED is made to emit light onto a color image so that the reflected light can be detected, changes a color measuring condition in adaptation to a reflectance predicted for the image from the forming condition of the color image to be detected. The amount of reflected light is detected by photodiodes, and the image forming condition is adjusted, based on the detected amount of reflected light of each color image. Thereby, irrespective of the reflectance of each color image, the color measurement of each color image is effected with good accuracy, and the hue and density of the color image to be detected are accurately detected, thereby to form a color image with excellent color reproduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7111781
    Abstract: A storage device detector system for use with a gripper assembly for handling storage devices in a storage library system is provided. In one example, the system includes a light source for directing light to an expected position of a storage device, a sensor, e.g., a linear scanner, for detecting light, and a controller, wherein the controller and the sensor are adapted to detect the light directed to the expected position of the storage device and determine the presence of the storage device based on frequency components from the sensor. If the frequency is above a predetermined value the system may determine that a storage device is present and if below the predetermined value determine that a storage device is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventor: Dean H. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7108170
    Abstract: A scanner system and method for improving capture rate of reading labels with associated second labels or 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 second labels or 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: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Randy J. Turkal, Alan Jackson Guess, Harold C. Clifford
  • Patent number: 7110619
    Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for assisting a reader to read a printed or scribed document that cites, directly or indirectly, other information. A camera focuses down on the document for generating video signals representing an image of the document in electronic form, and a processor linked to the camera processes the image of the document captured by the camera, the processor being configured to fetch information from a database when a user, by pointing to a position on the document, selects a position within the image. The document is placed within the field of view of the camera and finger or pointing implement is placed within the field of view of the camera to a selected position on the document. The camera captures an image of the document and of the finger or pointing implement overlying the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Mark Frohlich, David Arthur Grosvenor
  • Patent number: 7104453
    Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system (300), in which an onmidirectional holographic scanning tunnel (100) is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem (500, 600) is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identificaton data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Ka Man Au, Gennady Germaine, George Kolis, Timothy A. Good, Michael D. Schnee, Robert E. Blake, Carl Harry Knowles, Sankar Ghosh, Charles A. Naylor, David M. Wilz, Sr., Constantine J. Tsikos, Francis E. Lodge, Stephen J. Colavito, George B. Rockstein
  • Patent number: 7104454
    Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathamatical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathamatical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Good, Andrew D. Dehennis, Xiaoxun Zhu, David M. Wilz, Sr., George B. Rockstein, Stephen J. Colavito, Robert E. Blake, Ka Man Au, George Kolis, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7100832
    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 a complex of laser scanning planes, including a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to the bottom-scanning window, and a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to the bottom-scanning window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Good
  • Patent number: 7100831
    Abstract: A scanning device or alight beam is moved for reciprocal scanning with respect to an image carrier, which carries image information thereon, and in a main scanning direction. The scanning device or the light beam is also moved with respect to the image carrier and in a sub-scanning direction intersecting with the main scanning direction. Light, which comes from the image carrier, is photoelectrically converted into an electric image signal. Smoothing operation processing is performed on forward scanning image signal components and backward scanning image signal components, which have been acquired respectively in a forward scanning stage and a backward scanning stage consecutive in the reciprocal scanning, and with respect to the sub-scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Nishioka, Masato Some
  • Patent number: 7100830
    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, and no attempt is made to decode the remaining images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Murata, Katsuki Nakajima, Gaku Shiramizu
  • Patent number: 7093763
    Abstract: A laser scanner for reading a bar code having a plurality of bar code elements. The laser scanner includes a digitizer which receives as an input an analog signal from photodetector circuitry and digitizes the analog signal to produce a digital bar code pattern (DBP) signal representative of the bar code. The DBP signal is input to a decoder which reads and decodes the DBP signal thereby decoding the bar code. The digitizer imposes a short duration correction impulse on the DBP signal whenever successive edges of the same polarity are sensed wherein both of the edges are above a threshold level and further wherein the second edge is of greater magnitude than the first edge. When a correction impulse is received on the DBP signal by the decoder, the decoder corrects the DBP signal by removing the first edge and toggling on the second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dariusz Madej
  • Patent number: 7090133
    Abstract: A method of and system for producing a digital image of an object with reduced speckle-pattern noise power. The method comprises moving a hand-supportable PLIIM-based imager relative to an object so as to consecutively capture, over a series of consecutively different photo-integration time periods, a series of digital images of an object with speckle-pattern noise. This series of digital images are buffered over the series of consecutively different photo-integration time periods. Corresponding pixel data subsets defined over a small window in the set of captured digital images are processed so as to produce spatially corresponding pixels data subsets in a reconstructed digital image of the object, containing speckle-pattern noise having a substantially reduced level of RMS power. The method and system may also be used using both linear and area type PLIIM-based imagers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaoxun Zhu
  • Patent number: 7090136
    Abstract: A portable terminal device and a program for reading information, which can read a code correctly with simple operations, and a recording medium having the program recorded thereon. A portable telephone with a camera has a camera for inputting information of an image of interest, a small light, which emits light through the operation of ON/OFF button while reading a bar code, an LCD display part for displaying information, and a control part including a CPU for controlling the whole device. The control part switches photography modes depending on the existence of objects such as natural images or bar codes. The control part recognizes a bar code when the device switches to a mode for bar code photography. Then, the device notifies a user of the results of the recognition and then performs a predetermined process based on the content of the recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeharu Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 7086595
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for processing captured images within a semi-automatic hand-supportable imaging-based bar code symbol reader in order to read 1D and/or 2D bar code symbols graphically represented therein. The semi-automatic 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 narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; a multi-mode image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; a manually-activatable trigger switch; and a system control subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems. The bar code symbol reader embodies advanced image processing methods for reading 1D and/or 2D bar code symbols graphically represented in captured digital images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    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: 7086597
    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 canning coverage at the POS station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Good
  • Patent number: 7086596
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microprocessor-based decoder board for an optical reader having in one embodiment a plurality of imaging modules that provide frames of image data having a plurality of formats. In one method for operating the decoder board of the invention, and a multiple imaging module reader comprising the decoder board, a frame of image data captured by a selected imaging module is decoded. The decoder board determines the format of the frame of image data from information about which of the plurality of imaging modules provided the frame of image data or from information about the frame of image data, activates as necessary a command to prepare the decoder board to decode the frame of image data according to the format provided by the imaging module, and performs the decoding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Meier, Robert C. Gardiner, Jeffrey D. Harper, John Izzo, Thomas J. Koziol, Andrew Longacre, Jr., John Pettinelli
  • Patent number: 7083101
    Abstract: A signal obtained by optically scanning a bar code is subjected to differentiation to obtain differential data. Peak-to-peak distances are calculated from the differential data. When a peak-to-peak ?Tx distance is y times of a basic width, frequency f(x,y) will be, f(x,y)=y/?Tx. A frequency map is prepared from the frequencies calculated. Transition routes in which one frequency each is selected. from each of the peak-to-peak distances, are formed. A transition route for which an error in frequencies is the least is taken as the most suitable transition route. An average of the frequencies included in the transition route is taken as a frequency f0 of the basic width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech Limited
    Inventors: Isao Iwaguchi, Hideo Miyazawa, Mitsuo Watanabe, Kozo Yamazaki, Masanori Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 7077321
    Abstract: An optical reader is provided that can be reprogrammed. In one method a plurality of commands are encoded into a plurality of optical symbols, at least one of the optical symbols is displayed on a display, and the at least one displayed optical symbol is read to reprogram an optical reader. In another method an optical reader is coupled to a computer having a plurality of computer programs. The computer can receive an identifier from the optical reader to determine reader compatibility, and select a compatible optical reader program. In another method, a plurality of parameters are encoded into at least one bar code symbol. The at least one bar code symbol can be output in such form that an optical reader can read the at least one bar code symbol, and the at least one barr code symbol can be read to download the plurality of parameters to an optical reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Jr., Michael A. Ehrhart, Thomas J. Koziol, Robert M. Hussey, James A. Parker
  • Patent number: 7077320
    Abstract: The apparatus has an optical unit for optically reading the article barcode provided to the article. The controller sets operation standard as the reference for occurrence of barcode reading errors, on the basis of individual operator setting information depending on personal features (rhythm, habitual manner, etc.) of operators engaged in operation of reading barcodes. The controller also monitors whether the operation relating to the operator conforms to the operation standard or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kawai
  • Patent number: 7077323
    Abstract: A bar code is scanned and a line of image data is extracted in a process. The line of extracted image is divided into patterns forming characters in a process. The divided patterns are converted into characters in a process. In the process, a pattern is divided by the number of modules having the smallest width forming a black bar or a white bar, a module value indicating each module as black or white is determined, and each pattern is converted into a character, thereby correctly recognizing a bar code using general-purpose optical equipment for reading a bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takakura, Hirotaka Chiba, Nobuyasu Yamaguchi, Tsugio Noda
  • Patent number: 7077319
    Abstract: An imaging engine includes a plurality of linear imaging arrays, image formation optics, one or more illumination module and supporting circuitry that are embodied within a modular engine housing. The plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics are mounted on an optical bench and provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. The one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. The imaging engine can compensate for aspect ratio distortions that result from variations in velocity of engine with respect to target object(s). The engine can adjust the optical power level and/or illumination time period for the illumination that overlaps one or more of the FOVs of the linear imaging arrays of the engine for speckle reduction/constant white levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Schnee, Xiaoxun Zhu, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7073715
    Abstract: An interface assembly is provided for interfacing an imaging engine having an adjustable lens assembly to a circuitry assembly of an optical code reader system, the interface assembly includes a first coupling circuitry assembly for transmission of at least one input signal in a first direction from the circuitry assembly toward the imaging engine, the at least one input signal including at least one focus control signal for controlling the lens assembly for selecting a focus position of at least two focus positions, and a second coupling circuitry assembly for transmission of at least one output signal in a second direction from the imaging engine toward the circuitry assembly, the at least one output signal including at least one pixel data signal, wherein the at least one pixel data signal is indicative of light sensed by a photo sensor array of the imaging engine. Preferably, the imaging engine is removably positioned and/or dimensioned and configured to fit within a predetermined form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehul Patel, Tsi David Shi, Thomas Bianculli, Joseph Giordano, Eduard Kogan, Heng Zhang, Nicholas Buongervino
  • Patent number: 7073718
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, Michael D. Schnee, Xiaoxun Zhu, Thomas Amundsen, Charles A. Naylor, Russell Joseph Dobbs, Carl Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7070108
    Abstract: A bar code scanner is disclosed, which is arranged to operate in both a first mode, and a second mode. In said first mode a limited number of bar code symbologies or types are read, as part of the scanning process. In said second mode, at least, one additional bar code symbology is read, as part of the scanning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Denis M. Blanford, Deborah A. Detwiler
  • Patent number: 7065382
    Abstract: A wireless terminal, method, and system for using the wireless terminal, for determining when the wireless terminal enters a coverage area of a target device within which communications are possible with the target device and alerting the user of the wireless terminal that such an area has been entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Seppo Alanara, Jari Puputii, Hawk Yin Pang, Tatu Koljonen
  • Patent number: 7059525
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for use in reading bar code symbols. The apparatus can acquire two dimensional image representations. In one embodiment the apparatus can include an image sensor and can be configured to have an adjustable frame rate. The apparatus in another embodiment can include an image sensor and can have decoding circuitry processing two dimensional image representations having a number of picture elements different from the number of picture elements of the image sensor. In another embodiment an apparatus can calculate a rate of change of a plurality of image data element. An apparatus in another embodiment can be used to determine whether a candidate symbol region is present utilizing gray scale image data elements. In another embodiment an apparatus can be used to determine whether a finder pattern is represented in an image representation and select a finder pattern in accordance with an identified finder pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Longacre, Robert M. Hussey, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart
  • Patent number: 7059527
    Abstract: Techniques for using imaging information computed from examining a scanner signal are described. When one or more objects passes within a field of view of a scanner, scan patterns emerging from one or more scanner windows and reflected from the objects back into the scanner windows produce one or more scanner signals. The scanner signals are processed to obtain beam position and beam length information to improve the accuracy of bar code decoding and to compute imaging information for objects within the field of view of the scanner. The imaging information for the objects is compared with bar code information for the objects. The expected number, size and shapes of objects indicated by the bar code information is compared with the actual number, size and shapes of objects in order to determine if valid scans occurred or if missed, double or otherwise erroneous scans occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Barry M. Mergenthaler, Paul Oliver Detwiler, John Kenneth Burkey, Yeming Gu
  • Patent number: 7059524
    Abstract: A Quadrupole Resonance (QR) 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. A planar light illumination (PLIIM) based subsystem, is mounted within said scanning-tunnel housing, and includes a pair of planar light illumination arrays (PLIAs) for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB) for illuminating the exterior surface of each object. A linear image formation and detection (IFD) module automatically forms and detects digital linear images of the bar code symbol and/or graphical indicia thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Harry Knowles, Mark C. Schmidt, Dale Fisher
  • Patent number: 7055748
    Abstract: A signal fetching unit fetches a signal that includes binarized information disposed with a predetermined information length, from a barcode. A module-frequency extracting unit extracts a module frequency equivalent to a basic unit length in the binarized information from the signal. A frequency shifting unit shifts a frequency to 0 Hz based on the module frequency for the signal. A low pass filter passes a low frequency component included in an output signal from the frequency shifting unit. A module-point extracting unit extracts a module point synchronized with the signal and that has the module frequency, based on the module frequency extracted and an output signal of the low pass filter. A demodulating unit demodulates a character of the barcode based on the module point extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech Limited
    Inventors: Hideo Miyazawa, Isao Iwaguchi, Kozo Yamazaki, Masanori Ohkawa, Mitsuo Watanabe, Takashi Kaku
  • Patent number: 7055745
    Abstract: A method of and system for automatically identifying packages during manual package sortation operations, wherein, a laser scanning system is supported above a workspace environment of 3-D spatial extent, which can be occupied by a human operator involved in the manual sortation of packages bearing bar code symbols. During operation of the system, a laser scanning pattern generator projects an omnidirectional laser scanning pattern that spatially encompasses a substantial portion of the workspace environment, through which packages are transported during sorting operations. A visible scanning-zone indication pattern is projected onto the floor surface immediately beneath the omni-directional laser scanning pattern. As the human operator uses the visible scanning-zone pattern to guide the transport of a package bearing a bar code symbol through the workspace environment, the package is automatically identified by the laser scanning system supported above the workspace environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Monroe Dorris, Thomas Amundsen, LeRoy Dickson, Nancy A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7051940
    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 signal 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: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Tamburrini, Michael L. Duncan, Michael J. Ahten, Bryan L. Olmstead, Paul R. Huss
  • Patent number: 7051922
    Abstract: A bioptical holographic laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a holographic scanning disc having scanning facets with high and low elevation angle characteristics, as well as positive, negative and zero skew angle characteristics which strategically cooperate with groups of beam folding mirrors having optimized surface geometry characteristics. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generate 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 a complex of pairs of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, which include a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Check, LeRoy Dickson, John Groot, Timothy Good
  • Patent number: 7051939
    Abstract: A bar code scanner with laser beam oscillator which rasters a laser beam to produce more scan line coverage. The bar code scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner, and a laser beam oscillator optically located between the laser and the mirrored spinner for continuously deflecting the laser beam about an undeflected path of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Hammer, Wayne L. Orwig
  • Patent number: 7051937
    Abstract: A system and method to binarize the bar code image in the presence of noise in order to render bar codes more detectable in the presence of noise. The method of this invention includes the steps of applying a gradient detecting filter to the bar code image, obtaining a filtered image, and then, adaptively binarizing the bar code image utilizing the corresponding filtered image to obtain an adaptive threshold. A system that implements the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Albertelli, David L. Ii, Nina Kung
  • Patent number: 7048192
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically-activated wireless code symbol reading system comprising a bar code symbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housing having a manually-activatable data transmission switch. During symbol reading operations, the bar code symbol reading mechanism automatically generates a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby. During system operation, the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g. product, bar code menu, etc.) so that the bar code symbol is scanned, detected and decoded in a cyclical manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, David M. Witz, Sr., Robert Blake, Donald T. Hudrick, Stephen J. Colavito, C. Harry Knowles, George Rockstein, Xiaoxun Zhu, John Bonanno, Sung Byun, Congwei Xu, Min Jiang, Lin Wang, Meng Hu, Hongjian Jin, MingQing Ji, Shamei Shi, Ka Man Au, Patrick Giordano
  • Patent number: 7048190
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for reading information from and recording information to a diffractive optics memory using symmetrical angular encoding. A coherent light source is split to form an object beam and a corresponding reference beam. An optical axis is defined by the object beam being aligned perpendicular to a plane of the diffractive optics memory. A steering mirror is configured to direct the reference beam received from the coherent light source to the memory. A first plurality of mirrors arranged around one side of the optical axis receives the reference beam from the steering mirror and directs the reference beam at a first angle towards the memory. A second plurality of mirrors arranged around the symmetrical side of the optical axis receives the reference beam from the steering mirror and directs the reference beam at a second angle towards the memory. The first angle is identical to the second angle but formed on the symmetrical side of the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Research Investment Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Meyrueis, Idriss El Hafidi, Romualda Grzymala, Joël Fontaine
  • Patent number: 7044377
    Abstract: An imaging and illuminating engine for an optical code reader to illuminate and image remote target indicia, such as an optical code, is provided. The engine includes an image sensor for receiving reflected illumination from the remote indicia and an illumination assembly for providing illumination of the remote indicia. The illumination assembly is capable of providing a plurality of different outputs, such as light having different wavelengths. The illumination assembly can also be provided with a single illuminating device for providing one illumination output for illuminating substantially the entire field of view. A transmissive, optical element overlays the engine for preventing light generated by the illumination assembly from reflecting back towards the image sensor. The imaging engine is an integrated circuit package configured for easily interfacing within an optical code reader as a plug-and-play component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mehul Patel, David Tsi Shi, Thomas D. Bianculli, Chunyu Zhao
  • Patent number: 7044383
    Abstract: A data transmission subsystem, operably coupled to the bar code reading engine, communicates such symbol character data to the communication interface of a host system over a communication link therebetween. The data transmission subsystem implements a plurality of different communication interfaces. During an interface configuration mode of operation, the data transmission subsystem is able to automatically configure itself such that its interface is suitable for communication to the communication interface of the host system. Moreover, the device is thus capable of interfacing to a variety of different host devices in an automatic and error free manner with minimal human involvement, thus providing significant advantages over the prior art bar code symbol reading devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuewen Zhu, Kai Ji, Aili Yang, Congwei Xu
  • Patent number: 7036737
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium; a conveying unit having a conveying part for conveying the recording medium while contacting the recording medium; a detection unit for detecting the chromaticity or the density of the image formed on the recording medium; and a control unit for controlling the image forming unit based on the chromaticity or the density of the image detected by the detection unit. The image forming unit forms an image for which the chromaticity or the density is to be detected at a predetermined position on the recording medium whereat the recording medium does not contact the conveying parts of the conveying unit. With this configuration, an image having a stable quality can be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiki Nakayama, Tomoaki Nakai