Illumination Detail (e.g., Led Array) Patents (Class 235/462.42)
  • Patent number: 11894705
    Abstract: Charging/recharging systems and charge status indicators are provided. In one implementation, a charge status indicator includes a charge sensing device configured to sense the charge of a rechargeable power supply. The charge status indicator further includes a detection device configured to compare the sensed charge with a plurality of predetermined levels in order to determine one of a plurality of capacity ranges of the rechargeable power supply. The charge status indicator also includes a first light emitting diode (LED), a second LED, and a switching circuit configured to switch the first and second LEDs on and off using a plurality of predefined illumination patterns to indicate the capacity range of the rechargeable power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jiaqi Liu, Janna Yu, Lei Wang, Larry Ramsey-Macomber, Stephen J. Colavito, Derrick Cheng, Charles Joseph Cunningham, IV, Ka Man Au, Joseph Livingston, HongJian Jin, David Wilz, Sr., Gavin Di
  • Patent number: 11847525
    Abstract: Barcode readers with transflective mirrors are disclosed herein. An example barcode reader includes a housing and a window positioned within the housing, an imaging sensor and an illumination source positioned within the housing, and a transflective mirror positioned within the housing. The field-of-view of the imaging sensor is directed through the window along a first central axis of the field-of-view of the imaging sensor and the illumination pattern from the illumination source is directed through the window along a second central axis of the illumination pattern that is substantially parallel to the first central axis of the field-of-view of the imaging sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Darran Michael Handshaw, Edward Barkan, Mark Drzymala, Dariusz J. Madej, Christopher W. Brock
  • Patent number: 11617504
    Abstract: A dynamic illuminator includes a central aperture, a ring of inner light sources, a plurality of primary illumination arrays, and a plurality of secondary illumination arrays. The ring of inner light sources is arranged around the central aperture. The plurality of primary illumination arrays extends along radial axes from the central aperture outside of the ring of inner light sources, wherein the primary illumination arrays each includes a plurality of primary light sources. The plurality of secondary illumination arrays is disposed along secondary axes extending from the central aperture outside of the ring of inner light sources. The secondary illumination arrays each includes a plurality of secondary light sources. The secondary axes of the secondary illumination arrays are disposed angularly between adjacent ones of the primary illumination arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Eliezer Glik, Sam Kavusi
  • Patent number: 11562310
    Abstract: A system for process shaping in a retail store environment comprises a video generation and processing component, a data source integration and aggregation component for aggregating and integrate information received from various sources, a process sensing component for generating one or more continuous processes, a process aggregator and weighing component for aggregating the one or more continuous processes into a merged weighted process, a proof of problem and value component for determining one or more process variations, a ripple effect analyser for sending one or more nudging messages to the retail store environment, and a gamified feedback algorithm component for communicating a nudging action corresponding to a nudging message, to one or more entities in the retail store environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Everseen Limited
    Inventors: Alan O'Herlihy, Bogdan Ciubotaru, Ovidiu Parvu, Dan Alexandru Pescaru, Vasile Gui
  • Patent number: 11423244
    Abstract: A system including a multi-dimensional scanner includes a body including a chassis extending from the body, a connector assembly coupled to the chassis, and a plurality of interchangeable attachments. Each of the plurality of interchangeable attachments is securable to the body via the connector assembly and each of the plurality of interchangeable attachments is associated with a type of operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Muhammad Umair Tahir, Oliver Zweigle, João Santos
  • Patent number: 11403474
    Abstract: An imaging device comprises an imaging sensor and a pulsed LED for illuminating an imaging object of the imaging sensor, performs respective imagings according to respective imaging conditions each including an exposure time te of the imaging sensor and a lighting time tr of the pulsed LED, stores respective combinations of brightness index values D1 of respective images obtained by the respective imagings and the imaging conditions of the respective images, obtains estimates of exposure contribution degree k_off indicating degree of influence of variation of the exposure time te on brightness index value and a lighting contribution degree k_on indicating degree of influence of variation of the lighting time tr on brightness index value, based on the stored combinations of the brightness index values D1 and the imaging conditions, and determines an imaging condition to be used in the next imaging based on the estimates of k_on and k_off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasutake Kawashima
  • Patent number: 11328142
    Abstract: Symbology readers and methods of reading DPM codes on objects therewith are provided. The symbology reader include a housing that defines a cavity having a first portion and a second portion. A window that separates the first portion and the second portion of the cavity is positioned within the cavity. The symbology reader includes a diffuser configured to diffusingly reflect light that impinges thereon positioned within the first portion of the cavity. The symbology reader includes an imaging assembly and a first illumination assembly positioned within the second portion of the cavity. The symbology reader includes an optical element configured to direct illumination light to impinge upon the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Orlando Rodriguez Ortiz, Igor Vinogradov, Mark Drzymala, Edward Barkan, Darran Michael Handshaw
  • Patent number: 11321864
    Abstract: A method and system for dimensioning an object are provided. A system for dimensioning an object includes a camera associated with a dimensioning device for acquiring an image of a scene including an object to be dimensioned, and a display associated with the dimensioning device for displaying the scene acquired by the camera. A first indicator is displayed on the display indicative of a first desired position of the object to be dimensioned, and a second indicator is displayed on the display indicative of a second desired position of the object to be dimensioned. A processor is provided for receiving the scene acquired by the camera, the first indicator, and the second indicator, and for determining one or more dimensions of the object to be dimensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Edge 3 Technologies
    Inventors: Tarek El Dokor, Jordan Cluster, James Holmes
  • Patent number: 11263452
    Abstract: Various aspects relate to a method of detecting an inventory in a storage space. The method comprises acquiring an image comprising image data depicting at least part of the storage space and determining, for at least an area of the image, at least one product inventory area. Next, it is detected whether the image data comprised by the image area has a transition of intensity above a pre-determined threshold within a pre-determined distance. Based on the outcome of the detection, it is determined a product is present in the product inventory area if the transition of intensity within the pre-determined distance is detected. Using edge detection, no comparison of subsequently acquired images is required. If an edge is detected, a product is determined to be present on a particular location on the shelf. This determination may be executed based on one single image, rather than on two consecutively acquired images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Opticon Sensors Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Dick De Haas, Rudi Groeneveld, Pieter Abraham Maarten Anemaet, Pascal Krijnberg
  • Patent number: 11093881
    Abstract: A system for process shaping in a retail store environment comprises a video generation and processing component, a data source integration and aggregation component for aggregating and integrate information received from various sources, a process sensing component for generating one or more continuous processes, a process aggregator and weighing component for aggregating the one or more continuous processes into a merged weighted process, a proof of problem and value component for determining one or more process variations, a ripple effect analyser for sending one or more nudging messages to the retail store environment, and a gamified feedback algorithm component for communicating a nudging action corresponding to a nudging message, to one or more entities in the retail store environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Everseen Limited
    Inventors: Alan O'Herlihy, Bogdan Ciubotaru, Ovidiu Parvu, Dan Pescaru, Vasile Gui
  • Patent number: 11050278
    Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein provide a charging station configured to attach to or be positioned adjacent to a wall in a confinement institution and to simultaneously charge multiple tablets, mobile phones, laptops, or other portable electronic devices. In some implementations, the charging station is configured with protective sides that may help protect inserted electronic devices from damage. The charging and use of the electronic devices within the confinement institution may be automatically managed based connections at the charging stations, communications with the electronic devices, audio, images, or video of the electronic devices or users captured cameras on the charging station or the electronic devices, and/or information provided by the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: CONFINEMENT TELEPHONY TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: John Vincent Townsend, III, Rick Allen Lubbehusen, Jeffrey Adam Livaudais, Timothy Edwin Pabon, Johnnie Richard Tayloe
  • Patent number: 11010573
    Abstract: An optical information reader includes a reflective member that reflects illumination light emitted from an illuminant toward a reading surface, and an image former ensured to present an imaging target held over the reading surface within an imaging region of an imager. The imaging region includes a first imaging region defined between the image former and the reading surface, and a second imaging region defined between the reading surface and the reflective member so as to be continuous to the first imaging region when light is internally reflected on the reading surface inside the housing. The reflective member is arranged outside the first imaging region, while the illuminant, the imager and the image former are arranged outside the second imaging region. The illuminant emits illumination light toward a reflecting surface of the reflective member in the second imaging region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ryosuke Araki, Kyosuke Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10984204
    Abstract: Symbology readers and methods of reading DPM codes on objects therewith are provided. The symbology reader include a housing that defines a cavity having a first portion and a second portion. A window that separates the first portion and the second portion of the cavity is positioned within the cavity. The symbology reader includes a diffuser configured to diffusingly reflect light that impinges thereon positioned within the first portion of the cavity. The symbology reader includes an imaging assembly and a first illumination assembly positioned within the second portion of the cavity. The symbology reader includes an optical element configured to direct illumination light to impinge upon the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Orlando Rodriguez Ortiz, Igor Vinogradov, Mark Drzymala, Edward Barkan, Darran Michael Handshaw
  • Patent number: 10901209
    Abstract: The present invention suppresses an increase in optical system curvature, thereby enabling miniaturization. An image forming unit reflects image light beams, which were projected from each region along a first direction of a display, towards a reflection unit so that the image light beams intersect between the image forming unit and the reflection unit. A light distribution adjustment unit is disposed between a light source and a display, and in the first direction, adjusts the orientation of illumination light beams projected from the light source so that the illumination light beams are incident on the display as convergence light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kasahara, Yuichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10897150
    Abstract: Charging/recharging systems and charge status indicators are provided. In one implementation, a charge status indicator includes a charge sensing device configured to sense the charge of a rechargeable power supply. The charge status indicator further includes a detection device configured to compare the sensed charge with a plurality of predetermined levels in order to determine one of a plurality of capacity ranges of the rechargeable power supply. The charge status indicator also includes a first light emitting diode (LED), a second LED, and a switching circuit configured to switch the first and second LEDs on and off using a plurality of predefined illumination patterns to indicate the capacity range of the rechargeable power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiaqi Liu, Janna Yu, Lei Wang, Larry Ramsey-Macomber, Stephen J. Colavito, Derrik Cheng, Charles Joseph Cunningham, IV, Ka Man Au, Joseph Livingston, HongJian Jin, David Wilz, Sr., Gavin Di
  • Patent number: 10796119
    Abstract: A method of decoding a color barcode involves simultaneously illuminating the color barcode with three light zones in a manner that illuminates each bar of the color barcode with each of the three spatially separated light zones, where the three light zones are each illuminated by a different one of three colors; capturing a monochrome image of light reflected off of the color barcode that includes each of the bars in the barcode illuminated by the three light zones; and for each bar in the color barcode, determining a color of the bar by analysis of the intensity of the light captured in the image of the reflected light intensity in each of the three light zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jie Ren, Jun Yin, Li Liu, Haiming Qu, HongJian Jin, Rui Hou, ZhiPeng Teng, Miansong Chen
  • Patent number: 10787125
    Abstract: A camera system for a vehicle includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing, with the imager assembly including (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens assembly having a lens barrel accommodating a lens. A bracket is configured to attach at the vehicle windshield and to receive the camera module. The lens barrel extends from a portion of the lens assembly that is enclosed by the camera housing through an aperture to protrude outside the camera housing. With the camera module received by the bracket and with the bracket attached at the windshield, a forward portion of the camera housing is below the lens barrel. A separate stray light shield is disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing to reduce incidence of stray light at the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Garret F. Achenbach, Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 10779412
    Abstract: A lighting module and a lighting assembly provide high irradiance at long working distances. The lighting module includes at least two rows of multiple LEDs separated from each other by an intermediate area between the rows and one integral optical element on top of the at least two rows of multiple LEDs. The one integral optical element includes one collimator lens portion per row of LEDs extending along the row of LEDs. The collimator lens portions of different rows are merged together above the intermediate area. The collimator lens portions, seen in a direction perpendicular to the at least two rows, provide an off-axis focus for the one collimator lens portion, and focus light emitted from the at least two rows of multiple LEDs in a focus line extending parallel to the rows of LEDs at a focus distance above the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Rob Engelen, Emanuel Stassar
  • Patent number: 10725311
    Abstract: A laser projector, an image acquisition device, and an electronic apparatus are provided. The laser projector includes a substrate assembly, a lens barrel, and a diffractive optical assembly. The lens barrel includes a lens barrel sidewall provided to the substrate assembly. The lens barrel sidewall includes a first face and a second face opposite to each other. The second face is joined to the substrate assembly. The diffractive optical assembly is provided to the first face. The diffractive optical assembly includes a diffractive optical element and a top cover, and the diffractive optical element and the top cover are fixedly connected. The diffractive optical element is located within the lens barrel, and the top cover is at least partially located outside the lens barrel and clamps the lens barrel together with the diffractive optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Xueyong Zhang, Xiangnan Lyu
  • Patent number: 10719676
    Abstract: A camera is provided that comprises an image sensor for detecting image data from a detection region and a reception optics arranged in front of the image sensor, a focus adjustment unit having a thread for changing the position of focus of the reception optics by way of a rotary movement and a front screen. In this connection the reception optics has a front region having an inner contour that is accessible via the front screen in order to rotate the reception optics from the outside in the thread and to thus adjust the focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Florian Schneider, Thomas Pfrengle
  • Patent number: 10713455
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method and associated point-of-sale (POS) terminals. The method comprises receiving a receptacle into a stationary position within a scan zone arranged proximately to a surface. The receptacle contains one or more items. The method further comprises acquiring, using a first visual sensor having a predefined disposition relative to the surface, first image information that includes a first view and at least a second view of the scan zone. The second view is provided via a first mirror of one or more mirrors disposed near the surface and arranged around the scan zone. The second view includes a view of the one or more items relative to a surface of the receptacle. The method further comprises identifying, using image analysis of the first image information, the one or more items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
    Inventors: Chih-Huang Wang, Yi-Sheng Lee, Wei-Yi Hsuan, Te-Chia Tsai
  • Patent number: 10705406
    Abstract: A two-dimensional (2D) light modulating device may include a plurality of phase modulating elements and a circuit board. The plurality of phase modulating elements may include a meta surface having a nano-structure. The circuit board may be configured to independently control electrical signals that are respectively transmitted to the plurality of phase modulating elements. The circuit board may include a plurality of pixel circuit units. Each of the plurality of pixel circuit units may include a transistor and a capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunil Kim, Jungwoo Kim, Duhyun Lee, Changgyun Shin, Byounglyong Choi
  • Patent number: 10677263
    Abstract: This invention relates to attachable personal cooling fans specifically designed to provide several hours of cooling for the user. These units were originally designed for baseball/softball plate and base umpires for hot weather conditions, however, they could be adapted for other uses. The units are portable and lightweight and can be attached to any facemask or cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Ng
  • Patent number: 10650205
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relates to indicia reading system for scanning and decoding direct part markings (DPM) indicia. The indicia reading system includes a plurality of collimating optical elements that generate collimated light beams. A plurality of diffractive optical elements is tuned to split a corresponding collimated light beam into at least two sets of refracted light beams at two incident angles relative to a DPM indicia. A first set of refracted light beams with a zero-diffraction order and a first incident angle causes a bright-field illumination in a far-field area. A second set of refracted light beams with a first-diffraction order and a second incident angle causes a dark-field illumination in a near-field area. An image sensor generates image data of the DPM indicia based on a set of reflected light beams received from the DPM indicia in accordance with one of the bright-field illumination or the dark-field illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Gillet, Jean-Luc Basso
  • Patent number: 10591648
    Abstract: A camera and/or a method of manufacturing said camera configured for receiving a widescreen format image from an LED array camera having a reduced form factor. The camera has a generally circular LED array located around an image sensor and a generally polygonal lens covering the generally circular LED array. The outer edge of the generally polygonal lens has a length equal to or less than the outer diameter of the generally circular LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Arlo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kui Yin Ramones, Henry Arthur Jupille
  • Patent number: 10367980
    Abstract: A camera device includes a cover assembly, a battery, a solar panel, and a camera assembly. The cover assembly includes a lower cover, and an upper cover. The lower cover includes a lower housing and a lower securing board. The upper cover includes an upper housing and an upper securing board. The upper cover is coupled to the lower cover. The lower housing and the upper housing are assembled to a front housing, and the front housing defines an opening. The battery is located between the lower securing board and the upper securing board. The solar panel is located on an upper portion of the upper securing board, and is electrically coupled to the battery. The camera assembly is located in the front housing, and includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a proximity detector, a light source, a camera module, a memory card, a wireless module, and a lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Zheng Li
  • Patent number: 10353116
    Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate having a surface, a peripheral edge, an area of vision, and a boundary portion of the surface between the peripheral edge and the area of vision. At least a portion of the boundary portion is textured. A coating is applied to the surface of the substrate over the area of vision and the textured boundary portion. In some embodiments, the substrate is comprised of a polymeric material and the coating is comprised of multiple layers of dielectric material and the substrate is textured such that the textured portion increases adhesion and the durability of the dielectric coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Vadimovich Alekseyev-Popov, John Fernando Cueva, Jose Inga
  • Patent number: 10256913
    Abstract: An optical driving device and an optical communication system are provided which can improve signal quality of laser light that uses a PAM method. A laser driver drives a semiconductor laser by using an N-level (N is an integer of 3 or more) PAM signal. A clock control circuit determines a driving timing of the laser driver. In a case where N=4, for example, the clock control circuit determines a driving timing in association with a transition of the PAM signal from a fourth level to a first level to be earlier than a driving timing in association with a transition in an opposite direction by a first time, assuming that levels are the first level, . . . , and the fourth level in an order from a level at which light intensity is minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiji Kawata
  • Patent number: 10210362
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of positioning at least one of the camera and an item to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the item to be imaged, obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position and after each image is obtained, attempting to perform the machine vision process using the image irrespective of whether or not the lens was focused when the image was obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sateesh Nadabar, William Equitz
  • Patent number: 10152622
    Abstract: A system and method for providing visual feedback to facilitate multi-code (e.g., barcode) reading (i.e., scanning) is presented. The visual feedback will project a read status for each code scanned. The visual feedback for a particular code will be projected onto that code. For example, an “X” projected onto a code would indicated that this code was not read and needed to be scanned again. This visual feedback minimizes the number of codes that need to be rescanned in the case of a read error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Sailors, Brett Davis
  • Patent number: 10142530
    Abstract: The present invention relates to taking photographs with a handheld device, and more particularly to hardware for enabling capturing, high resolution, well lighted photographs, document scans and videos, with efficient power usage, of two dimensional and three dimensional objects. The present invention relates to an ergonomic, handheld, mobile mount device with battery powered illumination to enable users to take stable, well-lit videos still photos and document scans when combined with mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, phablet, handheld video game system, video camera, still camera, and other mobile devices. In addition, the present invention enables direct viewing using the illuminator as both a flashlight and as a magnifier, when coupled with a magnifier. In addition, the present invention enables enhanced operation of the mobile device as a scanner or fax machine when coupled with a desktop stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: JIGSAW INFORMATICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ross Quentin Smith, Joan Lorraine Wood, Chris Rea, Jindrich Semenec, Peter Pressesky
  • Patent number: 10095094
    Abstract: A solid-state light source device 1 includes a plurality of light source cells 10, a light combining device 20 combining light emitted from the plurality of light source cells and emitting combined light, and a light reflecting/combining unit 30 reflecting the light emitted from the light source cells and emitting the light to the light combining device. The light combining device 20 has a reflective plane on a surface thereof, has a plurality of columnar-shaped regions divided along emission directions in an interior thereof, and has wavelength selective reflective planes in interfaces between the columnar-shaped regions. The light reflecting/combining unit 30 is configured in a substantially paraboloidal shape having a reflective plane on a surface thereof. Accordingly, light use efficiency is improved, and light of a desired color can be selectively extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hirata, Satoshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 10055624
    Abstract: A hybrid aiming/illuminating light assembly in an imaging reader directs a visible aiming pattern and an illumination light pattern on a target to be read by image capture. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly includes a light source for emitting visible light rays, a collimating lens component for collimating the light rays, and a lenslet component having an array of lenslets configured to optically modify the collimated light rays to generate and project the visible aiming pattern on the target to locate the target, and to also project the illumination light pattern on the target to illuminate the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher W. Brock, Paul Anthony Belisch
  • Patent number: 10033934
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera module having a camera, a flexible ribbon cable and a main PCB. The main PCB has a first planar side and an opposing second planar side. First circuitry is disposed at the first planar side and second circuitry is disposed at the second planar side of the main PCB. The main PCB at its second planar side includes a second electrical connector, which is configured for mating with a first electrical connector of the flexible ribbon cable. Image data provided via the flexible ribbon cable at least to the second circuitry disposed at the second planar side of the main PCB is processed by a digital image processor for at least one driving assist system of the vehicle. At least a portion of a lens barrel of the camera extends through an aperture of a housing portion of the camera module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jianguo Wang, Garret Achenbach, Ove Salomonsson, Tom H. Toma, Edward R. Ahlquist, Jr., Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 10007823
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide code readers for reading codes provided as patterns imprinted on objects. Light interacts with a pattern by e.g. being reflected from or transmitted through the pattern, and at least some of the light that has interacted with the pattern is incident on photosensitive element(s) of one or more photodetectors of a code reader. The code reader employs centroid-measuring photodetector(s), i.e. photodetectors that detect light in such a manner that centroid of a pattern can be obtained directly from the photocurrents generated as a result of the photosensitive elements detecting light incident thereon. The code reader is then configured to process the detected light to determine a centroid of the pattern from the detected light and to decode data encoded in the pattern based on a position of the centroid. Such code readers are substantially less complex than camera-based devices and avoid mechanical scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Shrenik Deliwala, Alain Valentin Guery
  • Patent number: 9881194
    Abstract: A mark reader apparatus has a lens and an autofocus system that manipulates the lens in accordance with control signals. An image acquisition system measures a distance from the lens to a dot peened mark. A processor is programmed to: calculate a focus position for the autofocus system that focuses the lens on the dot peened mark; apply an offset to the calculated focus position to produce an offset focus position; control the autofocus system by positioning the autofocus system to the offset focus position; and via the image acquisition system, acquire an image of the mark with the autofocus system set to the offset focus position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Hubert Desvernay, Joël Esponde, Vincent Bessettes
  • Patent number: 9871971
    Abstract: A vehicle vision system includes a bracket, a stray light shield and a camera module. The bracket is configured to attach at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield. The light shield includes a base portion and side walls that extend upward from the base portion so as to establish a pocket. The camera module includes a camera having an image sensor array and a lens, and the camera module is configured to mount at the bracket. The stray light shield, when the camera module is mounted at the bracket attached at the windshield, shields the image sensor array from light emanating from within the cabin of the vehicle. At least the base portion of the stray light shield comprises light traps structurally established thereat and configured to reduce incidence of extraneous light at the image sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: MAGMA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jianguo Wang, Garret Achenbach, Ove Salomonsson, Tom H. Toma, Edward R. Ahlquist, Jr., Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 9811702
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for use with a mobile device with a camera or a case for the mobile device can include one or more of an attachment base and an attachment body. The attachment base can be configured to be secured to at least one of the mobile device and the case. The attachment body can include at least one optical device for use with the camera and can be configured to be removably secured to the attachment base. The attachment base can removably secure the attachment body to the mobile device or the case when the attachment body is removably secured to the attachment base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Gifford, David James Stein, Steven Kearns, John Bryan Boatner
  • Patent number: 9785876
    Abstract: Data can be encoded in an optical code by a method and a system using combinations of visually distinguishable features. In some cases, the data is represented using a ratio of two or more features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventor: Florian Troesch
  • Patent number: 9588260
    Abstract: A microlens substrate includes a light receiving section that includes a light receiving surface configured to receive light, a supporting member that fixes the light receiving section, a microlens array that includes a plurality of microlenses configured to guide the light to the light receiving section, a lens holding member that holds the microlens array, and a fixing member that fixes the supporting member and the lens holding member. The fixing member includes a first fixing part that fixes the lens holding member and a second fixing member that fixes the supporting member. The lens holding member includes a lens holding part that holds the microlens array. The lens holding part is disposed at a position between the first fixing part and the second fixing part in a direction orthogonal to the light receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Eichi Koizumi
  • Patent number: 9430686
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in decoding a bar code symbol includes a first integrated circuit chip with a wafer level camera, at least one light source, and a plurality of contact pads on a surface of the chip and a second integrated circuit chip with a processor, memory, plurality of contact pads on a surface of the chip, and plurality of contact pads on another surface of the chip. The apparatus includes a PCB having a plurality of contact pads disposed on at least one surface of the PCB and wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are vertically stacked on the PCB and the plurality of contact pads on the first and second integrated circuit chips interface with the contact pads of the second integrated circuit chip and PCB. The apparatus is operative for processing image signals generated by the WLC for attempting to decode the bar code symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Liu, Taylor Smith, Ynjiun Paul Wang, Xi Tao
  • Patent number: 9282312
    Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of correcting unique shading characteristics of a single-eye stereoscopic imaging device. A focal length is acquired. A one-dimensional correction table corresponding to the focal length is acquired from a plurality of stored one-dimensional correction tables. Shading correction is performed using the acquired one-dimensional correction table. An arbitrary pixel is selected from main pixels, a correction value corresponding to the position of the selected pixel is read from the acquired one-dimensional correction table for the main pixel, and shading correction is performed for the basis of the correction value and the value of the arbitrary pixel. This process is performed for all of the main pixels and the sub-pixels. A two-dimensional SD correction unit performs normal shading correction for the data subjected to the shading correction using a two-dimensional correction table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Hasegawa, Kenkichi Hayashi, Seiji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9251453
    Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Tyfone, Inc.
    Inventors: Siva G. Narendra, Thomas N. Spitzer, Prabhakar Tadepalli
  • Patent number: 9239979
    Abstract: A payment management system includes a synthetic barcode module, which may be part of a smart phone. The module comprises light management components and a controller. The light management components may include an optical receiver (e.g., camera or light sensor) and an optical emitter (e.g., display elements). A processor decodes drive data from files corresponding to barcodes. The decoded data is used to drive the controller which causes the emitter to emit light pulses that emulate light reflected from a series scanned barcode to communicate the payment barcode optically. The barcodes convey payment information to a point of sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: Randy McGill
  • Patent number: 9202156
    Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Tyfone, Inc.
    Inventors: Siva G. Narendra, Thomas N. Spitzer, Prabhakar Tadepalli
  • Patent number: 9179012
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an imaging unit and a noise detecting unit. The imaging unit includes a valid pixel group constituted of imaging elements arranged in one row in a main-scanning direction valid for reading a document image and dummy pixel groups constituted of imaging elements arranged on both sides of the valid pixel group invalid for reading the document image. The imaging unit reads each line of the document image while moving relatively to a sub-scanning direction. The noise detecting unit detects a noise mixing into the line read by the imaging unit based on an image signal captured by the dummy pixel group. The dummy pixel group receives a predetermined luminescence level of light. The noise detecting unit detects the noise mixing into the line when a pixel value output from the dummy pixel group varies to exceed a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hisaji Kawai
  • Patent number: 9135484
    Abstract: Light sources are contained in a data reader housing that also contains an imager. In one embodiment, one light source includes a number of LEDs placed in a number of hollow reflectors located toward the rear of a data scanner, where the hollow reflectors have substantially flat reflective surfaces to project light through a window and into a read volume. Other embodiments include additional light sources located proximate sidewalls of the data scanner and also include a number of LEDs placed in hollow reflectors to project light through the window and into the read volume. In other embodiments, additional LEDs are included outside the hollow reflectors to project light through the window and into a different portion of the read volume than the LEDs located in the hollow reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: DATALOGIC ADC, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Shearin, Paul R. Huss
  • Patent number: 9131129
    Abstract: There is set forth herein an imaging terminal having a picture taking mode of operation. In the picture taking mode of operation the terminal can capture a frame of image data into a buffer memory prior to activation of a trigger signal. The terminal can be operative so that responsively to activation of a trigger signal, the terminal transmits one or more frames of the buffer memory to a storage memory. The terminal can further be operative so that responsively to activation of a trigger signal an operator is presented with indicators of frames captured both prior to and subsequent to the activation of the trigger signal. The terminal can be operative so that an operator can select for archiving one or more frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith F. Winegar
  • Patent number: 9122939
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for improved operation of readers of optical codes presented on electronic display screens or other highly reflective surfaces. Certain configurations include controlling image exposure and illumination pulse timing so as to avoid or minimize the perception of flicker of the pulsed illumination by a user or bystander while implementing methods for reading optical codes presented on electronic display screens or other highly reflective surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: WenLiang Gao, Craig D. Cherry
  • Patent number: 9092708
    Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Tyfone, INC.
    Inventors: Siva G. Narendra, Thomas N. Spitzer, Prabhakar Tadepalli