Using A Moving Mirror Patents (Class 235/462.36)
  • Patent number: 11778130
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively displaying a reverse image of a user includes a screen configured to display images, an imaging device hidden behind the screen, a processor, and a memory. The memory includes instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to capture the first image of a user, determine an eye-level height of the user based on the captured first image, move the imaging device to the determined eye-level height of the user, capture a second image of the user at the eye-level height of the user, render a mirrored image of the second image based on the vertical axis of the imaging device, and display the rendered mirrored image on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Zachary Burns
  • Patent number: 11747609
    Abstract: An optical path adjusting mechanism including a rotating base, an optical element, a coil, a first spring and a second spring is provided. The rotating base includes a first corner and a second corner opposite to the first corner. A first area and a second area are disposed along a line passing through the first corner and the second corner on the rotating base. The optical element is disposed on the rotating base. The coil is disposed around a periphery of the rotating base. One terminal of the first spring is connected to the first area of the rotating base. One terminal of the second spring is connected to the second area of the rotating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: YOUNG OPTICS INC.
    Inventors: Wei-Szu Lin, Chao-Shun Chen, Chia-Chen Liao, Yu-Chen Chang, Chien-Hsing Tsai
  • Patent number: 11307403
    Abstract: A multi-mirror system includes a first mirror configured to oscillate about a first axis; a second mirror configured to oscillate about a second axis; a first driver configured to drive an oscillation of the first mirror, detect first zero-crossing events of the first mirror, and generate a first position signal based on the detected first zero-crossing events; a second driver configured to drive an oscillation of the second mirror, detect second zero-crossing events of the second mirror, and generate a second position signal based on the detected second zero-crossing events; and a synchronization controller configured to receive the first and the second position signals, and synchronize at least one of a phase or a frequency of the oscillation of the second mirror with at least one of a phase or a frequency of the oscillation of the first mirror, respectively, based on the first and the second position signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventors: Norbert Druml, Philipp Greiner, Boris Kirillov, Ievgeniia Maksymova, Maksym Sladkov, Hendrikus Van Lierop
  • Patent number: 10948732
    Abstract: A light-emitting unit, comprising a substrate and a light-emitting device, which is situated on the substrate (2) and is designed to emit a laser beam. A swiveling light-deflecting device is situated on the substrate. A capping device is situated on the substrate and covers the light-emitting device and the light-deflecting device, the capping device having a first cap section and a transparent second cap section. The first cap section is designed to redirect the laser beam emitted by the light-emitting device onto the light-deflecting device. The light-deflecting device is designed to deflect the redirected laser beam in such a way that deflected laser beam is able to exit through second cap section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Ohl, Florian Grabmaier, Balazs Jatekos, Benno Roesener
  • Patent number: 10943562
    Abstract: Provided is a display control apparatus including a display control unit that controls a display of each of a first display region and a second display region according to whether or not a person exists in an inner region of a space between the first display region and the second display region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihito Ohki, Kenichi Yamaura, Hajime Ogura, Reiko Mitsugi
  • Patent number: 10929624
    Abstract: A portable terminal including a grip section provided as one end of a terminal main body and capable of being gripped by one hand of a user in a gripping style where the user places the thumb on a first surface of the terminal main body and holds a second surface on the rear side thereof by the index and middle fingers, in which the second surface has a first raised portion provided such that a first vertex portion is positioned between the index and middle fingers, and a second raised portion having a second vertex portion such that the index finger is interposed between the first and second vertex portions, and in which a switch section is provided such that a pressing target portion is exposed to a sloped surface area of the second raised portion on a side opposite to a side where the index finger is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori Chiba, Satoshi Ogasawara, Shinya Okumura, Yoshiaki Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 10725288
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a mirror tilt actuator include a chassis, one or more magnetic yoke structures affixed to the chassis, and a carriage moveably mounted to the chassis. In some embodiments, the chassis includes an indentation for affixing one or more magnetic yoke structures, and the chassis further includes one or more bearing receivers for mounting a mirror carriage. In some embodiments, the carriage includes one or more bearing members. In some embodiments, the one or more bearing members rest in one or more respective bearing receivers of the chassis. In some embodiments, the one or more edge members terminate in one or more curved leading edge faces. Some embodiments further include a magnet fixedly mounted to the carriage, a magnetic coil wrapped around a coil shaft mounted to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Yuval Gerson
  • Patent number: 10573077
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing smart mirrors and smart mirror systems for mixed or augmented reality display are disclosed. A system for augmented reality display using a smart mirror system comprises a server and a smart mirror. The smart mirror comprises a display and a camera. The server is configured to receive information associated with a user; identify, using the information, an object for the user; and transmit, to the smart mirror a three-dimensional model of the object. The smart mirror is configured to receive, from the server, the three-dimensional model of the object; receive, from the camera, a real-time image of the user; overlay the three-dimensional model of the object on the real-time image of the user to provide an overlaid image; and display the overlaid image on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Matilda Hotel, LLC
    Inventors: Melanie Wagner, Andrew Braverman, Garett Chang, Andre D. Smith, Michael Gabinsky
  • Patent number: 10198622
    Abstract: An electronic mirror device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure displays a user's facial mirror image, and can shift, according to the user's facial orientation or line of sight, the location where the facial image is displayed to a location where he or she can view his or her own facial image easily. The electronic mirror device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an image capturing section 102 which captures the user's facial image, an image data generating section 120 which outputs image data representing the user's facial mirror image based on image data representing the user's facial image that has been captured, a display section 103 which displays the image data representing the user's facial mirror image, and a display location shifting section 130 which shifts a location where the mirror image is displayed on the display section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naomi Anzue, Norihiro Imamura, Michihiro Yamagata, Yoshimitsu Noguchi
  • Patent number: 10142592
    Abstract: A smart mirror comprises at least one large touchscreen-enabled smart mirror mounted on at least one frame, wherein the smart mirror is configured to support large-screen video chat, wherein the other participant to the video chat is provided full-size on the smart mirror's screen. When not in use as a video chat device, the present invention may utilize one or more cameras to create a mirror effect on the smart mirror's screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: James Van Ness
  • Patent number: 10099604
    Abstract: A headlight device provided enables horizontally displacing of the irradiation region for scanning of scanning light by a light deflector without problems. The light deflector includes: a mirror unit that reciprocally turns about first and second rotation axes at first and second frequencies. The first frequency is a natural-oscillation frequency of the mirror unit, and the second frequency is lower than the first frequency. Directions of the first and second rotation axes are set so that scanning directions of the reflect light due to the reciprocal turning of the mirror unit about the first and second rotation axes are in the directions of vertical axis and horizontal axis, respectively. The control unit controls reciprocal turning of the mirror unit about the second rotation axis based on driving voltage obtained by superimposing offset voltage with basic driving voltage having an increasing and decreasing waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kiichi Matsuno
  • Patent number: 10058408
    Abstract: A personal hygiene device has a resonant motor and a motor control unit for applying a periodic voltage signal with a driving frequency at the resonant motor for driving the resonant motor into an oscillating motion with an oscillating frequency equal to the driving frequency. The motor control unit comprises a synthesizer circuit for digitally synthesizing the periodic voltage signal from voltage pulses of variable length provided with a pulse frequency higher than the driving frequency such that at least two voltage pulses are applied at least in one of two half cycles of each period of the periodic voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Torsten Klemm, Kervin Küchler, Andreas Moehring, Norbert Schaefer, Martin Stratmann, Carl Stückrath
  • Patent number: 9876418
    Abstract: An actuator (1) has a movable portion (120); a supporting portion (210, 110); and a torsion bar (230), a rib (123) is formed on a surface of the movable portion, the movable portion has a protruding portion (122) which protrudes in a direction along the surface and protrudes toward an outside of the movable portion, at least one portion of the rib is formed on the surface to extend on the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenjiro Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 9767334
    Abstract: The device includes an illumination; a camera configured to acquire at least one image of at least one portion of a symbol, the running substrate being illuminated by the illumination; and a processor connected to the camera and configured to be suitable for implementing an image-processing step in which the acquired image is processed by the processor and decoded. The camera used is linear and the illumination is a dark field illumination. Furthermore, the device is configured to carry out, prior to the processor processing step, a plurality of image acquisitions with the linear camera of various portions of the symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Cédric Perrotton, Nathanael Brocard
  • Patent number: 9714755
    Abstract: A device for illuminating a portion of a hand-held scanner to indicate a status of the scanner provides an even distribution of light emission. The device might include various elements that facilitate an even distribution of the light. For instance, in one aspect the device includes a set of reflective surfaces that are positioned throughout the scanner together with light-emitting devices (e.g., LED) in a manner to evenly transmit light emissions. In another aspect, the device includes a light-diffusing translucent member, which smoothly and evenly presents the light emissions that are reflected off of the reflective surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Sani, Riccardo Rosso, Paolo Zanon
  • Patent number: 9671490
    Abstract: An optoelectronic device includes an optoelectronic component that generates or receives radiation, a frame and an optical element, wherein the frame extends in a vertical direction between a radiation passage side and a rear side; an opening, in which the component is arranged, is formed in the frame; the optical element covers the component in a plan view of the radiation passage side; and the optical element is a Fresnel lens or a Fresnel zone plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Brandl, Hubert Halbritter
  • Patent number: 9560972
    Abstract: Diagnostic devices are generally described. In an example, an improved diagnostic device includes a display, a camera, a diagnostic probe, and a control unit. The display includes an aperture. The camera is configured to capture an image of a patient through the aperture. The diagnostic probe is configured to perform measurements of an area of interest of the patient through the aperture. The control unit is configured to analyze the measurements of the diagnostic probe and cause the display to present the image of the patient and results of the measurements on the image of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: SANTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Changho Chong
  • Patent number: 9424503
    Abstract: A structurally encoded component stores identification data and comprises a readable body. The readable body comprises at least one detectable element and indicia as a plurality of detectable elements disposed within the structurally encoded component. The indicia are discernible by at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Kieser
  • Patent number: 9377619
    Abstract: A compact wide-angle optical beam steering device includes a first rotor with a first mirror surface and a second rotor with a second mirror surface. The rotors are arranged to rotate about an axis in response to frictionally coupled vibration motors. Drive circuits are coupled to the vibration motors and a control device is coupled to the drive circuits. The control device is configured to execute programmed instructions comprising generating and providing one or more driving signals to the vibration motors to drive the rotors to an angular position about the axes. A light source is positioned to emit a beam directed to the first mirror surface. The beam is reflected from the first mirror and contacts the second mirror. The second mirror is positioned to reflect the beam to exit the steering device at a pointing direction determined by the angular position of the mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: New Scale Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Henderson, Matthew R. Wrona
  • Patent number: 9092682
    Abstract: A method and system for reading code symbols using a code symbol reading system having a programmable decode time-window filter mode of operation. During this mode of operation, only decoded code symbols that have been scanned within a selected (e.g. central) portion of the laser scan line field are processed according to a special decode time-window filtering function. In particular, if the decoded bar code symbol is a programming-type bar code symbol, then the system controller applies the function represented by the programming-type bar code symbol; and if the decoded bar code symbol is a non-programming-type bar code symbol, then the system controller either transmits symbol character data associated therewith to the host system or stores the symbol character data within memory aboard the bar code symbol reading system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Wilz, Sr., Sergio Movsessian, Hong Ji, Thomas Haggerty
  • Patent number: 9033236
    Abstract: A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by splitting each field of view of only two imagers into three subfields that pass through each window and fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. Twisting of the subfields relative to the windows is minimized so that the subfields fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Splitting of each field of view is remotely performed well away from each imager. The imagers have lens assemblies of substantially the same optical power and are spaced from their respective windows by substantially the same distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Drzymala, Edward Barkan
  • Publication number: 20150129659
    Abstract: A laser scanning module employs a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stationary stator structure. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a silicone frame having a pair of silicone torsional hinges (i.e. posts) aligned along a scan axis and a supported by a pair of support elements associated with the stator structure, to support the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly. When the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly is rotated about its scan axis, by forces generated by an electromagnetic coil structure acting on the permanent magnet mounted on silicone frame, the silicone torsional hinges are elastically distorted and generate linear restoring forces which return the rotor subassembly back to its home position about the scan axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Chen Feng, Gregory Rueblinger, Ynjiun Paul Wang
  • Patent number: 8991707
    Abstract: An optical slot scanner (10) and method includes a housing (12) supporting a scanning arrangement (22) within an interior region (14) of the housing. The scanning arrangement (22) includes an imaging camera (26) and light source (24) disposed within a recess compartment (80) located in the interior region of the housing. The imaging camera defines an imaging field (40) of view for reading indicia located on a target object. The light source defines an illumination field (42) for illuminating indicia located on a target object, such that the illumination field is substantially coaxial with the imaging field during a reading of indicia located on a target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Vinogradov, Edward D. Barkan, Mark E. Drzymala, Yuly Mitelman, Eric S. Trongone
  • Patent number: 8978982
    Abstract: An apparatus includes (1) an imaging lens arrangement having an optical axis, (2) an aiming light source configured to project visible light through the imaging lens arrangement to create an aiming pattern on a target object, (3) an imaging sensor detecting light from the target object through the imaging lens arrangement, and (4) a folding mirror tilted relative to the optical axis of the imaging lens arrangement. The folding mirror is positioned both on the optical path from the imaging lens arrangement to the imaging sensor and on the optical path from the aiming light source to the imaging lens arrangement. Both the imaging arrangement and the aiming arrangement share the same imaging lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Vinogradov, Edward D. Barkan, Mark E. Drzymala, David T. Shi
  • Patent number: 8964258
    Abstract: Scanners and scanner housings are disclosed. An example scanner includes a housing to carry an optical element, the housing having a first support feature, and a printed circuit board having a second support feature to mate with the first support feature of the housing, the printed circuit board to provide vertical support to the housing when the first and second support features are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Edward A. Hill, Donald G. Harris, John H. Arterberry
  • Publication number: 20140224554
    Abstract: A workstation includes a first window located in an upright plane, a second window located in a generally horizontal plane that intersects the upright plane, and a controller operative to read a barcode, and a weighing system having a horizontal platter operative to measure the weight of produce exerting gravitational force on the horizontal platter. The workstation also includes a four-bar apparatus having a front bar, a back bar, a first side bar, and a second side bar all atop the horizontal platter. The four-bar apparatus is operative to be settled into one of a first configuration and a second configuration. The upper edge of each of the front bar, the back bar, the first side bar, and the second side bar has an average height at the second configuration larger than its average height at the first configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Drzymala, Edward D. Barkan
  • Patent number: 8702002
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are presented for improving an optical code scanner used in an assisted service point of sale terminal by automatically detecting the placement of an item for scanning on the customer side of the optical code scanner and configuring the scanner to scan the item. Once the item is scanned, the optical code scanner reconfigures to scan items presented on the cashier side of the scanner. When the scanner automatically detects, configures and scans an item presented on the customer side of the scanner, it reduces the checkout time and reduces the number of operations a cashier must perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Gregerson
  • Patent number: 8684269
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for image based bar code scanning. A rotating spinner is positioned to reflect images to an imaging device within the scanner so that a field of view of the scanner encompasses images reflected by the spinner to the imaging device. The rotation of the spinner causes the field of view of the scanner to change. Fixed mirrors positioned and oriented to reflect images to the spinner and from the spinner to the imaging device further shift the field of view of the scanner as the rotating spinner causes images reflected from different mirrors to be delivered to the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: David Lee Gregerson
  • Publication number: 20130327834
    Abstract: A laser scanning module employing a laser scanning assembly mounted within a module housing using a mechanism that allows the laser scanning assembly to be rotated to an angular position within the engine housing so that light collection, beam folding and light collection mirrors in the module housing are optically aligned. A PC board is mounted on a side of the housing and has a configuration of elongated apertures of open-ended and/or closed geometry, arranged in a non-parallel manner. An electromagnetic coil structure, associated with the laser scanning assembly, has a linear array of electrically-conductive pins that project through the configuration of elongated holes, at locations along the elongated holes that are determined by the angular rotation of the laser scanning assembly attained during optical alignment conditions during manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Robert John Hennick, Roberto Spuches
  • Patent number: 8579198
    Abstract: A laser scanning device is described. The device includes a laser for projecting a light beam. A mirror is optically coupled to the laser. The mirror reflects the light beam onto a target. A detector generates an analog signal in response to detecting a reflection of the light beam from the target. A processor is capable of modifying a scanning parameter of the laser scanning device. The processor processes the analog signal to generate a digital bar pattern and can embed the scanning parameter in the digital bar pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dariusz Madej, Bruno Vande Vyvre
  • Publication number: 20130200158
    Abstract: Laser scanning module employing a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stationary stator structure. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a silicone frame having a pair of silicone torsional hinges (i.e. posts) aligned along a scan axis and a supported by a pair of support elements associated with the stator structure, to support the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly. When the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly is rotated about its scan axis, by forces generated by an electromagnetic coil structure acting on the permanent magnet mounted on silicone frame, the silicone torsional hinges are elastically distorted and generate linear restoring forces which return the rotor subassembly back to its home position about the scan axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Chen Feng, Gregory Rueblinger, Ynjiun Paul Wang
  • Patent number: 8479996
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a bar code reader 10 that can both interpret bar codes and determine a feature of a target object 230 not having a bar code affixed thereto. The bar code reader includes a housing including one or more transparent windows H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. A camera C1-C6 has an image capture sensor array positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of a bar code within a camera field of view. An image processing system has a processor for decoding a bar code carried by the target object. If the target object has no bar code, the image processing system determines a feature such as a dimension of the target object from images captured by the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward D. Barkan, Robert Sanders
  • Publication number: 20120211565
    Abstract: A system for collecting data is provided that includes a presentation scanning apparatus comprising a first presentation scan window formed into a housing. A first laser source within the housing is operable to emit a first beam through the first presentation scan window along a first axis and illuminate a target comprising an encoded symbol character. A first scanning mirror is disposed intermediate the first laser source and the first presentation scan window. The first scanning mirror is operable to deflect the first beam emitted from the first laser source so that the first beam scans across the presentation scan window according to a baseline scan pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc. doing business as (d.b.a) Honeywell Scanning & Mobility
    Inventors: Stephen Colavito, Thomas Amundsen, Michael Miraglia, Timothy Good, Patrick Giordano
  • Patent number: 8240570
    Abstract: A wireless hybrid imaging optical code reader is operable in both handheld and fixed configurations, the fixed configuration corresponding to the imaging optical code reader being mounted upon a fixed laser optical code scanner. The imaging optical code reader comprises first and second imaging windows and an optical element which allows light from only one of the imaging windows to be incident upon an imaging device of the imaging optical code reader dependent upon whether the imaging optical code reader is being used in the hand held or fixed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Dave Gregerson
  • Publication number: 20120193428
    Abstract: An optical-information-reading apparatus has a light-irradiating portion which emits light, a movable member which includes a scanning mirror reflecting light emitted from the light-irradiating portion, and a supporting member 4 which supports the movable member rotatably. A coil 5 drives the movable member rotatably, and a light-receiving portion which receives reflected light and is scanned across a code symbol by the rotation of the movable member 3. The supporting member contains a plate spring opposite ends of which are fixed on the movable member, and a fixed axle supports a middle of the plate spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yinggang Bu
  • Patent number: 8226009
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus for decoding an encoded symbol character of a symbology includes a laser source operable to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target. The target includes an encoded symbol character. A focusing apparatus in optical communication with the laser source focuses the beam on the target at an object distance, and a detector receives light of varying intensities scattered from the encoded symbol character and converts the light into a first signal. A digitizer converts the first signal to a digital bit stream. The scanning apparatus further includes pre-stored information correlating a non-standard symbol pattern to a valid symbol character according to a standard definition of the symbology. The non-standard symbol pattern comprises a first number of elements that deviates from a second number of elements associated with the valid symbol character. A decoder receives the digital bit stream and utilizes the pre-stored information for decoding the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Timothy P. Meier, Ynjiun P. Wang
  • Publication number: 20120018517
    Abstract: A method of operating an indicia reader for reading information bearing indicia (IBI) positioned in a field of view of the reader includes: transmitting a first laser light beam adapted for scanning an IBI on a target located a first distance from the indicia reader; transmitting a second laser light beam adapted for scanning an IBI on a target located a second distance greater than the first distance from the indicia reader; activating at least one of the first and second laser light beams; scanning at least one of the laser light beams with a flat unitary scan mirror to generate at least one of a first laser light beam pattern and a second laser light beam pattern; directing light reflected from the target from either the first or second laser light beams patterns through a common receive path; the common receive path including being reflected with the flat unitary scan mirror onto a focusing mirror; the focusing mirror directing reflected light along a directed reflected light path; the directed reflected
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Ynjiun Paul Wang, George Arthur Plesko, Donald Anderson
  • Patent number: 8061617
    Abstract: An automatic data collection device, such as a scanner-type device, is provided with an afocal optical element, such as an afocal lens, that operates in conjunction with a scanning mirror to scan a target machine-readable symbol using a scanning beam. The scanning mirror deflects a light beam into the afocal lens. The afocal lens operates to change a resolution or width of the scanning beam for far-field scanning, for example, where resolution is increased by the afocal lens. The afocal lens can also operate to change the resolution or width of the scanning beam for near-field scanning, for example, where resolution is decreased by the afocal lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventors: Alain Gillet, Jean-Louis Massieu
  • Patent number: 8033468
    Abstract: An image scanner apparatus, method and system to scan a bar code or other optical code using an image capture device where the blurring associated with the movement of the bar code pass the image scanner is reduced or eliminated by using differential panning of the bar code. An image of the bar code is panned or moved across the image capture device in a direction that negates at least some of the apparent movement of the bar code past the image scanner. The apparent motion of the bar code to the image capture device is reduced thus reducing the blurring of the bar code in the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Sik Piu Kwan
  • Patent number: 8002183
    Abstract: A scanner flipper integrity checking method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the method powers a motor for a predetermined amount of time. After the predetermined time has expired a wave is received indicative of the frequency of the oscillation of the flipper. Thereafter, the method uses the wave signal to determine whether there are two consecutive transitions indicative of movement by said flipper. In another embodiment, an apparatus is also provided which performs the similar features recited by the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Blake, Donald T. Hudrick
  • Patent number: 7971790
    Abstract: A laser pointer includes a human-machine interface disposed above the housing for users to control components inside the housing to decide patterns and size of the projecting image. The components consist of a frequency/phase control module, a driving energy control module, a laser beam generating module and a light scanning device. The frequency/phase control module controls the driving energy control module while the driving energy control module controls driving energy of the light scanning device. The size of the image is controlled by change of the amplitude of the light scanning device while the amplitude is changed along with the driving energy. The amplitude may also change along with the driving frequency. When the driving energy is fixed and the driving frequency is close to the resonant frequency, the amplitude increases. On the contrary, the amplitude decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Opus Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Li Hung, Feng-Chun Yeh, Tsun-Hsiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 7857223
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanning module for a scanner system comprises a frame having a first section and a second section. The first section of the frame is capable of receiving a laser to secure the laser in the first section, and the second section of the frame is capable of receiving a MEMS device having a mirror, to secure the MEMS device in the first section. The laser is aligned with the mirror by the frame to cause light emitted from the laser to impinge upon the mirror during operation of the laser. Such an arrangement may facilitate the physical and/or electrical assembly of the components of the scanner system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Roeland Collet, Richard A. James, Dean R. Brown, Wyatt O. Davis
  • Patent number: 7823786
    Abstract: There is described a compact laser module (1) for reading optical codes, comprising: a scanning illumination section having at least one source (8) for generating a laser beam, and a scanner (9, 10) for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section (20-24) for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Datalogic S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido M. Oliva, Kurt Vonmetz, Stefano Amorosi
  • Patent number: 7815119
    Abstract: Contamination in a feedback signal is eliminated in a laser scanning arrangement having a drive coil driven by a drive signal formed as a periodic train of drive pulses to oscillate a scan mirror and a light beam reflected from the scan mirror. A feedback coil generates a feedback signal during oscillation of the scan mirror, the feedback coil being in proximity with the drive coil and being subject to corruption by cross-coupling between the coils. The drive coil is not driven with at least one drive pulse during a quiet time period. Cross-coupling is eliminated by generating the feedback signal only during the quiet time period, and by monitoring a position of the scan mirror by processing the feedback signal which was generated only during the quiet time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrzej Partyka
  • Patent number: 7793842
    Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nexus Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Neeper, Rhett L Affleck, John E. Lillig
  • Patent number: 7775433
    Abstract: An optical deflection apparatus including a light source; an optical deflector including first and second oscillators and first and second torsion springs, the first torsion spring connecting the first and second oscillators, the second torsion spring being connected to the second oscillator, and the first and second torsion springs sharing a common torsion axis; and a driver that applies a driving force to the optical deflector; and a driving controller that supplies a driving signal to the driver. The driving controller sets a reference frequency on the basis of a resonant frequency of the optical deflector, calculates a target time at which one of the first and second oscillators makes a predetermined deflection angle on the basis of the reference frequency, and supplies such a driving signal that the one of the first and second oscillators passes through a point corresponding to the predetermined deflection angle at the target time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirotake Ando
  • Patent number: 7556196
    Abstract: An optical reading device of a scanning apparatus includes a housing, two movable mirror clamps and two supporting plates. The housing contains therein a light source, a mirror set, a lens and an image sensor. These two movable mirror clamps are used for clamping both edges of a specific reflective mirror of said mirror set such that the position of said specific reflective mirror is adjustable by an assembler. These two supporting plates are protruded from opposite sides of said housing for supporting said movable mirror clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Teng Kuang Lee
  • Patent number: 7549584
    Abstract: A reading apparatus reads identification information attached on an object located outside of the reading apparatus by optically scanning a surface of the object. The reading apparatus includes a supporting member that supports a optical deflecting unit and that rotatably supports a light collecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Ishii, Masanori Ohkawa, Shunji Shimada
  • Patent number: 7549585
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for prevention of double scans of bar codes by identifying the possibility of ambiguities in position information estimated upon detection of a bar code. A bar code scanner estimates position information for a bar code upon detection of the bar code. Timing information for each detection and the accompanying position estimate is maintained, and lapses of time between detections and accompanying position estimates are noted. When successive scans of identical bar code information occur, the lapses of time are evaluated in light of predetermined criteria to determine whether or not an ambiguity exists that prevents reliable identification the scans as a double scan of the same bar code or successive scans of separate but identical bar codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Denis Michael Blanford
  • Patent number: RE42651
    Abstract: A dual aperture optical scanner which produces horizontal, vertical, and diagonal scan patterns. The optical scanner includes a housing having a substantially vertical surface containing a first aperture and a substantially horizontal surface containing a second aperture. A laser diode produces a laser beam. A spinner produces first, second, and third groups of scanning beams. A plurality of pattern mirrors reflects the first group of scanning beams in a substantially horizontal direction through the first aperture, the second group of scanning beams in a substantially downward diagonal direction through the first aperture, and the third group of scanning beams in a substantially vertical direction through the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Paul O. Detwiler, Barry M. Mergenthaler, Hong Tang