Wand-type Reader (e.g., Manual Scan) Patents (Class 235/462.49)
  • Patent number: 11900447
    Abstract: A furnishing selection system provides a furniture layout design application to generate a virtual room with selected furnishings. Information can then be transferred from the furniture layout design application to a personal device. A machine-readable code is generated, which can be scanned by the personal device to transfer the information. After the information is transferred a purchase is completed of one or more products from the selected furnishings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: INTER IKEA SYSTEMS B.V.
    Inventor: Alexander Lobbato
  • Patent number: 11761876
    Abstract: A particulate matter (PM) sensor comprises a substrate forming a cavity (5), the substrate comprising a semiconductor chip (4), and a light source (1) arranged in the cavity (5). The light source (1) is adapted to emit a light beam (7). The light beam (7) forms a detection volume (8) for particulate matter (9) outside the cavity (5). Optionally, the particulate matter sensor comprises an optical element (2) delimiting the cavity (5) at one end. The optical element (2) is configured to shape the light beam (7). Further, the particulate matter sensor comprises at least one photodetector (3) that is integrated into a surface of the semiconductor chip (4). The surface into which the at least one photodetector (3) is integrated faces the detection volume (8). The at least one photodetector (3) is adapted to detect light (10) scattered by particulate matter (9) in the detection volume (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Frank Gütle, Lukas Hoppenau, Lukas Rüthemann, David Pustan, Werner Hunziker
  • Patent number: 11514775
    Abstract: A remote switch device can be attached to a mounting interface for firearm accessories, such as a Picatinny rail interface, and used to operate power-consuming firearm accessories (e.g., an illumination device, a laser aiming module, etc.) connected thereto by a suitably configured flexible cable, or wireless transceiver. An example remote switch device comprises: a housing configured to engage with a mounting interface for firearm accessories; a first switch configured to operate at least one connected power-consuming firearm accessory, the first switch includes a force sensing resistor; and a cable or wireless transceiver configured to connect the first switch to at least one power-consuming firearm accessory. The first switch is positioned substantially parallel to the mounting interface for firearm accessories while the housing is secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Trent Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11334780
    Abstract: A method for generating word code, a method and device for recognizing codes are provided, and they are falling within the field of machine visual recognition. The method for recognizing word code includes: acquiring an image containing word codes, and recognizing target words therein; splitting the target words according to the same rule, and then recognizing all visual anomaly split sequences, and performing determination on the word codes, if the word codes are generated on the basis of an encoding mechanism designed by a system, directly reading same and performing invoking; otherwise, invoking a pre-inputted target file of the word codes according to target word meaning sequence numbers and visual anomaly sequences numbers corresponding to the word codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: YUESHI NETWORK TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Baoliang Li
  • Patent number: 10294020
    Abstract: An optically readable code support to be associated with or be part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device, the support including at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation. The symbols are essentially formed of a succession of light reflective surface portions and light absorbing surface portions. The light absorbing surface portions provide a lower light-reflective intensity than the light-reflective surface portions, and the code support includes at least one base layer extending continuously at least along the sequence of symbols. The light-absorbing surface portions are roughened surface portions having a higher rugosity (Rz) than the light-reflective surface portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: David Nordqvist, Daniel Abegglen, Amaud Gerbaulet, Christian Jarisch
  • Patent number: 10199041
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for capturing information associated with a component of a system during a maintenance procedure. In one embodiment, a method includes: managing a dialog with a user via a wearable device based on a pre-defined dialog file, wherein the pre-defined dialog file is defined for at least one of a component and a procedure; receiving speech signals at the wearable device based on the dialog; processing the speech signals by the wearable device to identify component information; and transmitting the component information from the wearable device to a host component for use by a maintenance application. The managing, receiving, and transmitting are performed during a maintenance procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Joe Stepanski, Lorene Tussey
  • Patent number: 10062105
    Abstract: A stylus may include a body, a display, a scanner module, and a control knob. The body may have an outer surface and a first and second end. The outer surface may define a volume that may contain a processor and a memory. The display may be proximate the outer surface and may be in electrical communication with the processor. The scanner module may be in electrical communication with the processor and may be proximate the first end. The scanner module may include a scanner. The control knob may be in electrical communication with the processor and may be proximate either the first or second end. The control knob may be operative to cycle through and select digital menu options that may be displayed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Aimie Villanueva, Lucman Abdulrachman
  • Patent number: 9852349
    Abstract: A scanner system includes a pen-shaped scanner that scans a character strings that is one part of a sentence described in a paper book and generates and transmits sentence image data on the basis of the scanned character string, a storage unit that stores therein book image data that is higher in image quality than the sentence image data and is obtained by electronically imaging the sentence described in the paper book, and a matching unit that compares the book image data with the sentence image data that the pen-shaped scanner has transmitted and extracts partial image data that has been decide to match the sentence image data from the book image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Tomisawa, Koichi Nose, Shunsuke Okumura
  • Patent number: 9335532
    Abstract: A laser assembly is provided which includes an objective assembly having an objective and a dichroic mirror, a collimating assembly having a collimating lens and a selectively displaceable mount, and a laser supply assembly having a laser source. The laser assembly can provide laser light through the collimating lens, which collimates the laser light into a collimated beam. The laser beam is preferably transmitted onto the dichroic mirror, which reflects the laser light through the objective along the optical path of the objective which converges into a focal point. Such a laser assembly preferably provides substantial control of the laser beam, for example, for micromanipulation of a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Thorne, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Kenny, Diarmaid H. Douglas-Hamilton
  • Patent number: 9280218
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a sense unit and a drive unit. The sense unit is operable to sense a first signal from drive lines of a touch sensor. The touch sensor comprises the drive lines and sense lines arranged relative to the drive lines such that intersections of the drive lines and the sense lines form one or more capacitive nodes. The drive unit is operable to transmit a second signal based on the first signal to the sense lines such that transmission of the second signal changes the perceived capacitance of the one or more capacitive nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Shahrooz Shahparnia, Esat Yilmaz, Trond Jarle Pedersen, Vemund Kval Bakken, Kishore Sundara-Rajan, Yassar Ali, James D. Lyle, Sherif Hanna
  • Patent number: 9218521
    Abstract: A case includes a main body, a protective frame, and at least one fixing member. The main body includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion rotatably connected to the first mounting portion. The protective frame is disposed on boundaries of the first mounting portion. The at least one fixing member is mounted on the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. The first mounting portion and the protective frame jointly define an accommodation space to receive a reader, the second mounting portion secures a portable electronic device communicating with and separates from the reader. The first mounting portion rotates relative to the second mounting portion to be secured on the second mounting portion via the at least one fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zong-Yuan Sun, Da-Hua Xiao
  • Patent number: 8763905
    Abstract: A data processing system applying optical identification devices includes a printed matter having a plurality of encoded data printed thereon; an optical identification device for reading at least one encoded data from the printed matter; and a data processing device coupled to the optical identification device and storing a plurality of content data for reading the at least one encoded data through the optical identification device, obtaining at least one first data corresponding to an operation and one second data corresponding to one of the content data from the read encoded data and performing the corresponding operation of the first data on the one of the content data that the second data corresponds to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Institute for Information Industry
    Inventors: Wei-Shen Lin, Chia-Ching Lu, Tsun Ku, Wen-Tai Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140175175
    Abstract: A pen-sized barcode reader includes a shell, a button, and a control unit. The control unit is received in the shell, and is activated by the button. The control unit includes a barcode scanning module, a microcontroller, and a near field communication (NFC) unit. The barcode scanning module scans the barcodes of goods to obtain barcode information. The microcontroller decodes the barcode information. The NFC unit sends the barcode information decoded by the microcontroller to a local portable electronic device and the serial number plus other transit information such as current location and destination are transmitted to a central server by the local portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: ZONG-YUAN SUN, DA-HUA XIAO
  • Patent number: 8479994
    Abstract: A method of operating a reader system includes: providing a reader for reading information data carriers; an operator loading a configuration overlay onto the configuration settings of the reader upon successful logging, wherein the configuration overlay is specific to the operator; and reading information data carriers utilizing the configuration overlay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: James Nahill, John A. Furlong, David Wilz, Thomas Amundsen, Sarah Gloeckner, Mark Hernandez, Dwight Franz, Shane Michael Edmonds, John Beiler, James A. Cairns, Glenn Alan Cavanaugh
  • Patent number: 8366002
    Abstract: A lens element is provided that includes a housing defining a center bore and an optical axis, and a light transmissive cover coupled to the housing. A first elastic solid lens is disposed within the housing adjacent the light transmissive cover, and is characterized by a first thickness and a first durometer hardness. A second elastic solid lens is disposed in the housing adjacent to and substantially conforming to the first elastic solid lens, and is characterized by a second thickness and a second durometer hardness. The second lens thickness is less than the first lens thickness, and the second durometer hardness is greater than the first durometer hardness. In one embodiment, the first durometer hardness is less than OO60 as measured by the Shore method, and the second durometer hardness is in the range of A20 to A60 as measured by the Shore method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun Paul Wang, Chen Feng
  • Patent number: 8256678
    Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 8240571
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a barcode image recognition system and associated method for hand-held device including an image processing module and a barcode recognition module for recognizing characters corresponding to a one-dimensional barcode image. The image processing module converts an image to a gray level distribution of the image or, to a black-and-white image, and retrieves a barcode region containing the one-dimensional barcode from the image. The barcode recognition module segments the barcode region into a plurality of code regions and identifies each of the characters corresponding to each of the barcode regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Chieh Wu, Chun Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8156153
    Abstract: Global metadata, such as a document identifier, which may be a globally unique identifier, is embedded into an embedded interactive code document by combining a first m-array and a plurality of copies of the first m-array to generate a combined m-array with encoded global metadata such that respective start positions (xd, yd)i of the plurality of copies of the first m-array in the combined m-array are each shifted, by respective amounts that are based on respective portions of the global metadata, relative to a start position of the first m-array in the combined m-array. Global metadata may be decoded from the combined m-array by determining the respective amounts by which the plurality of copies of the first m-array are shifted, relative to the first m-array, in the combined m-array and by combining the respective amounts to produce a decoded value of the global metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Zhouchen Lin, Yue Li, Chunhui Zhang, Yingnong Dang, Jiang Wu, Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8146823
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for rapidly capturing images in an automated identification system to effectively extend one dimension of a field of view of an image system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the image system captures and processes multiple images of at least a portion of a surface of a component in the automated identification system in response to a trigger signal communicated from a triggering device configured to sense a location of the component. Various embodiments of the invention include multiple sources for capturing images, and/or multiple user-specified schemas for effectively extending the field of view of the image system along the axis of component travel in the automated identification system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Microscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Moore, Danny S. Barnes, Matthew E. Allen, Bruce R. Scharf
  • Patent number: 8146819
    Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 8066187
    Abstract: Network and device configuration systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a first user interface configured to receive from a user configuration information regarding a first network provided. Program code stored in computer accessible memory is configured to generate a barcode that includes information related to the first network configuration information, wherein the barcode can be scanned by a device having a barcode scanner and a network interface to configure the network interface to access the first network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ikan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Zsigmond, Sion Elie Douer, Geraldo Yoshizawa, Frederico Wagner
  • Patent number: 8047441
    Abstract: A barcode scanner capable of switching the reading resolution of scanning can be used for scanning a barcode with high resolution or low resolution, including a shell body, a scan module and a switchable magnifying module. The shell body has an opening. The scan module arranged in the shell body has a lighting unit emitting an illuminating light onto the barcode through the opening and a sensing unit sensing a barcode image formed from a reflection of the barcode illuminated by the illuminating light passing through the opening. The switchable magnifying module has a magnifier for magnifying the barcode image and a switch unit for switching the position of the magnifier relative to the sensing unit. The switch unit can move the magnifier between an off-axial position, which is not between the sensing unit and the barcode, and an on-axial position, which is between the sensing unit and the barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Riotec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kai-Yuan Tien
  • Patent number: 8028915
    Abstract: A current data capture system has a set of configuration parameters operative for enabling the current data capture system to capture transaction data. A configuration host is operative for pulling the set of configuration parameters from the current data capture system, and for pushing a pulled set of configuration parameters to at least one additional data capture system to enable the at least one additional data capture system to capture the transaction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert James Pang, Kenneth S. Bhella, Viraj Jeevan Thameera Amarasekera, Christopher Warren Brock
  • 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: 7946491
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a camera barcode reader includes a processing element configured to process an input image for an attempt to decode the input image using a current barcode reading method, to determine whether the processing of the input image is successful, to switch to one of a different barcode reading method or processing a new frame of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being unsuccessful, to attempt a decode of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being successful, and to perform a switch to the different barcode reading method in response to a failure of the attempt to decode the input image using the first barcode reading method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian Burian, Jari A. Kangas, Markku Vehvilainen
  • Patent number: 7922099
    Abstract: Systems and methods for associating content with an image bearing surface. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a method, operable at an electronic interactive device, comprises accessing a first image, e.g., identifying the content, on a surface, wherein the surface comprises an encoded pattern of location information on the surface for providing location information to the electronic interactive device. The method further comprises decoding the first image to associate the location information with second image information, e.g., of the content, of a second image on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Schmidt, Michael Handelman, Elizabeth Young
  • Patent number: 7913910
    Abstract: A method of programming a barcode label with a single programming barcode label. The method includes printing a single programming barcode label for implementing a plurality of program features by a computer, and scanning the single programming barcode label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 7861933
    Abstract: Network and device configuration systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a first user interface configured to receive from a user configuration information regarding a first network provided. Program code stored in computer accessible memory is configured to generate a barcode that includes information related to the first network configuration information, wherein the barcode can be scanned by a device having a barcode scanner and a network interface to configure the network interface to access the first network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ikan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Zsigmond, Sion Elie Douer, Geraldo Yoshizawa, Frederico Wagner
  • Patent number: 7857220
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automatic data collection. An automatic data collection system includes an image capture subsystem and a processor subsystem. The automatic data collection system is operable to decode machine-readable symbols in a machine-readable symbol reading mode, and to automatically switch from a machine-readable symbol reading mode to an optical character recognition mode in response to information encoded in a machine-readable symbol. In some embodiments, the automatic data collection system is further operable to perform optical character recognition on human-readable symbols in a human-readable symbol reading mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Intermac IP Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Marty, Daniel Dean, H. Sprague Ackley
  • Patent number: 7795491
    Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Patient Safety Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Stewart, Nicolas Soichet
  • Patent number: 7775438
    Abstract: A housing for a portable computing device. An upper surface of the housing facilitates access to at least one interface component. A lower surface of the housing defines a cavity to receive a battery pack. A battery pack, adapted to fit within the cavity, defines at least a portion of a first ridge for receiving an operator's finger, the first ridge having a generally curved configuration enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard F. Beckhusen, Timothy R. Fitch, Gerald P. Joyce, III, Paul B. Weslake
  • Patent number: 7740177
    Abstract: A solar light stick for use as a lawn or garden novelty. The solar light stick has a support member, a solar panel, a rechargeable battery, an LED, and a wand. The wand contains a light transmissive material that may be transparent or translucent. The solar panel charges the rechargeable battery which, in turn, provides power to the LED. The LED is positioned to provide light to the interior of the wand. As such, the LED may be located within a recess in the wand. Voids, such as interior bubbles, suspended objects, or surface irregularities may help to disperse light from the LED in a direction external to the wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Exhart Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Isaac Weiser
  • Patent number: 7699227
    Abstract: An optical reader comprising: an image sensor array for converting light from a target into output signals representative thereof, the image sensor array having a centerline; a processor for decoding a machine readable symbology within the target derived from the output signals; receive optics for directing light from the target to the image sensor, the optics having a receive optics optical axis, wherein the image sensor array and receive optics are configured such that the centerline is not coincident with the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun P. Wang, William H. Havens
  • Patent number: 7663775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pen for sensing coded data on a page. The coded data is printed on the page as a collection of tags using invisible ink. The pen includes an elongate housing defining an internal space. An ink marking implement is movably mounted within the space and includes an ink marking nib to mark the page with ink. A sensor is mounted within the space and is configured to sense the coded data. A transmitter is mounted within the space and is configured wirelessly to communicate data sensed by the sensor to a printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Jacqueline Anne Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7637431
    Abstract: An optical system used in a barcode scanner is disclosed to include a lens, two LEDs arranged at two sides of the lens, two condensers arranged in front of the LEDs, and two curved reflectors with multiple curvatures for reflecting a major part of light from the LEDs through the condensers onto the left and right sides of an image mapping surface on a barcode and a minor part of light onto the center area of the image mapping surface so that the receiving characteristic of the lens can pick up an evenly distributed bright image from the image mapping surface on the barcode and the posterior image processing of the barcode scanner can obtain a strong and clear image signal to facilitate barcode and to increase recognition rate and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Marson Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Hao Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7580845
    Abstract: A novel shipping label is described that includes an electronically updateable visual display that can be updated throughout the shipping process to provide routing instructions to package handlers. Instructions shown on the updateable display can provide such information as an indication of a particular conveyor belt or vehicle or a particular location in a vehicle for the package to be placed. A label interface device for updating the new shipping label is also described herein along with systems for updating the shipping label over the course of the package delivery. In addition, novel methods of providing shipping services that are made possible by these devices and systems are included in the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: United Parcel Services of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Burman, Robert V. Nonneman, Thomas Ramsager, Albert L. Wright
  • Patent number: 7574366
    Abstract: A novel shipping label is described that includes an electronically updateable visual display that can be updated throughout the shipping process to provide routing instructions to package handlers. Instructions shown on the updateable display can provide such information as an indication of a particular conveyor belt or vehicle or a particular location in a vehicle for the package to be placed. A label interface device for updating the new shipping label is also described herein along with systems for updating the shipping label over the course of the package delivery. In addition, novel methods of providing shipping services that are made possible by these devices and systems are included in the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Burman, Robert V. Nonneman, Thomas Ramsager, Albert L. Wright
  • Patent number: 7497382
    Abstract: A control switch arrangement for sequentially controlling different operating states in a moving beam reader or an imager employs a force sensing resistor switch requiring a low actuation force, and a control switch with improved tactile feedback and ergonomic efficiency between the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuly Mitelman, Joseph Giordano, Amit Pai
  • Patent number: 7492493
    Abstract: There is described a bar code reading device having an image sensor, a first operating state and an alternative operating state. In the first operating state the bar code reading device can be restricted from reading out image data corresponding to a maximum number of pixels of the image sensor. In the alternative operating state, the bar code reading device can be capable of reading out a maximum number of pixels of the image sensor. The bar code reading device can attempt to decode a bar code symbol represented in captured image data whether the first operating state or the alternative operating state is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Barber, Carl W. Gerst, III, George S. Smith, II, Robert M. Hussey, Robert C. Gardiner, Matthew W. Pankow
  • Patent number: 7421439
    Abstract: Global metadata, such as a document identifier, which may be a globally unique identifier, is embedded into an embedded interactive code document by combining a first m-array and a plurality of copies of the first m-array to generate a combined m-array with encoded global metadata such that respective start positions (xd,yd)i of the plurality of copies of the first m-array in the combined m-array are each shifted, by respective amounts that are based on respective portions of the global metadata, relative to a start position of the first m-array in the combined m-array. Global metadata may be decoded from the combined m-array by determining the respective amounts by which the plurality of copies of the first m-array are shifted, relative to the first m-array, in the combined m-array and by combining the respective amounts to produce a decoded value of the global metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Zhouchen Lin, Yue Li, Chunhui Zhang, Yingnong Dang, Jiang Wu, Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7416126
    Abstract: A taut, torsional flexure is used in a compact drive for scanning light and is of beneficial use in a lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, the module being operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Wittenberg, Peter Everett Brooks
  • Patent number: 7404521
    Abstract: In paper based user interfaces to machines, a business machine receives user input from a digital pen and paper system and determines if such input is authorized. In another example, a business machine processes a batch of prewritten user inputs from a digital pen and paper system when the digital pen is collocated operatively connected to the business machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Parkos, Jean-Hiram Coffy, Jacques E. Hasbani
  • Patent number: 7380721
    Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Wenwei Zhang
  • Patent number: 7281664
    Abstract: A method for hierarchical management of a plurality of regions of an encoded surface. The method includes recognizing unique encoded information on a portion of the surface in response to a pen computer touching down on the portion. A unique location of the portion of the surface is determined based on the unique encoded information. A region is determined out of the plurality of regions for the location. Upon the determination of the region, a determination is made as to whether the location is within a sub-region within the region. If the location is within a sub-region, a function of the pen computer is performed based on the sub-region. If the location is not within a sub-region, a function of the pen computer is performed based on the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Thaeler, Peter Van Horn
  • Patent number: 7237340
    Abstract: A utility tool comprising a body having a first end and a second end positioned on opposite ends of the body; a removable device; as well as a first tool and a second tool configured to be selectively coupled to each other or one of either the first end and second end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik, Skye David Barcus
  • Patent number: 7170009
    Abstract: A method is provided for interfacing a remote wand to its electronics control chassis by means of a coiled cable. The wand may consist of a sensor such as a light-sensitive detector, and the control electronics provide amplification and processing of the received light signal. The interface cable connecting the wand to the receiver chassis consists of a coiled cable which is stored inside the wand itself. This method provides maximum protection, efficient utilization of space, and avoids the problems associated with exposed interface cables and moving parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Red Current Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Dieter Seiler
  • Patent number: 7077325
    Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The image is formed by pulsing a laser at selected times on selected scan lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chinh Tan, Frederick F. Wood, Miklos Stern, Joseph Katz, Shane MacGregor, Altaf Mulla
  • Patent number: 7017817
    Abstract: An information code reading apparatus comprises a case, an illuminating light source, and a light receiver. The case has an end portion at which a reading opening is formed. The illuminating light source is disposed within the case and configured to radiate illumination light through the reading opening toward an information code recorded on an object to be read. The light receiver is disposed within the case and configured to receive light reflected from the object through the reading opening. The reflected light returns along a reading light axis residing in a field of view of the light receiver. The reading light axis is oblique to a perpendicular axis to the reading opening, whereby the entire reading opening is illuminated by the light source. The illuminating light source is composed of an area light source disposed outside the field of view in a substantially parallel attitude along the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Ito, Tadao Nojiri
  • Patent number: 6932271
    Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus scans a surface to be scanned in a main scanning direction by simultaneously using a plurality of optical spots formed of a plurality of optical beans emitted from an illuminant, comprising: a light path deflecting part deflecting a light path of at least one of the optical beams, wherein the light path deflecting part is provided in light paths of the optical beams wherein the light path deflecting part may use a liquid crystal deflecting element formed of a liquid crystal element being controllable by an electronic signal to deflect the light path of the one of the optical beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nakajima, Akihisa Itabashi
  • Patent number: 6851608
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for scanning of information, such as characters or symbols, without requiring a controlled scan velocity. Preferred embodiments utilize an optical sensor in detecting attributes of information scanned and implement compensation techniques to remediate the effects of distortion and present information which may be identified to a high level of confidence. A known topology may be relied upon to present known markers in the scanned information, such as known blank or filled regions, patterns, or other observable traits and utilized with respect to a distorted scanned image to compensate for the effects of the distortion. Additionally or alternatively, vector based pattern recognition may be utilized in remediating distortion of a scanned image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Commerciant, L.P.
    Inventors: Manish J. Desai, Husain Mohammad, Jonathan E. Andersson