11639results about "Sensing by electromagnetic radiation" patented technology

A method of retrieving and manipulating electronic information that relates to a printed document. Each printed document contains an initialization marking that is recognizable by an external sensory device and unique to the printed document. When a reader of the printed document desires to retrieve and manipulate electronic information that relates to the printed document, the reader initializes the system by using the sensory device to recognize the initialization marking. The sensory device transfers a code embedded in the initialization marking to a computing device. This configures the computing device to access the stored data and instruction sets associated with the printed document. In addition to the initialization marking, areas throughout the printed document (e.g., text, tables, figures, etc.) also contain markings that are recognizable by the external sensory device. The reader of the printed document uses the sensory device to recognize the markings and transfer the code embedded in the markings to the computing device. The computing device uses the code to retrieve and display the electronic information that relates to that area of the printed document.

A laser scanning assembly for use in a host system, including a mirror support element and a permanent magnetic element supported on a flexural element made from flexible material being supported by a pair of shaft half sections forming a stationary shaft, about which an axis of rotation is formed. The mirror support element and the permanent magnetic element have first and second recesses which accommodate the width of the stationary shaft so that a mirror and permanent magnet subassembly, formed by the mirror support element and the magnetic element, is free to oscillate about the stationary shaft when an electromagnetic coil is driven by a drive circuit and generates magnetic forces that act on the permanent magnetic element.

A method of and system for setting and switching user preferences between system operators, to provide a higher return on investment (ROI) and a more satisfying work environment. The system allows operators to easily select and implement particular customizable system configuration parameters (SCPs) in a code symbol reading system, based on personal preferences of the system operator, which can lead to more effective scanning performance. A different set of customizable SCPs are programmably stored in system memory (e.g. EPROM) for each system operator/user registered to use the system, to improve the quality of the working environment and increase worker productivity.

A laser scanning bar code symbol reading system for scanning and reading poor quality and damaged bar code symbols in flexible operating conditions. The system includes a housing having a light transmission window; a dynamically-elongated laser beam production module, including a multi-cavity visible laser diode (VLD), for producing a dynamically-elongated laser beam having (i) a direction of propagation extending along a z reference direction, (ii) a height dimension being indicated by the y reference direction, and (iii) a width dimension being indicated by the x reference direction, where x, y and z directions are orthogonal to each other. Each dynamically-elongated laser beam is characterized by an elongation ratio (ER) that is defined as Y/X where, for any point within the working range of the laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, extending along the z direction, (i) Y indicates the beam height of the dynamically-elongated laser beam measured in the Y reference direction, (ii) X indicates the beam width of the dynamically-elongated laser beam measured in the X reference direction, and (iii) the beam height (Y) and the laser beam width (X) are measured at 1/e² intensity clip level. A laser scanning mechanism is provided for scanning the dynamically-elongated laser beam out the light transmission window and across a scanning field defined external to the housing, in which a bar code symbol is present for scanning by the dynamically-elongated laser scanning beam.

A laser scanning module employs a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stator structure using a pair of elastomeric wheel hinges. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly having a rotor frame having a pair of rotor support posts aligned along a scan axis passing through the rotor frame; a scan mirror mounted on the rotor frame; and a permanent magnet mounted on the rotor frame. The elastomeric wheel hinge includes a central portion having an aperture for passage and fixed attachment of one rotor support post, a plurality of elastomeric spoke portions extending from the central portion and radially extending from the central aperture to a circumferential rim portion connected to the outer end portion of each spoke portion so as to form the elastomeric wheel hinge.

A system and method are presented for improving the performance of full range code scanners. A distance detection module determines the distance of the code symbol from the code symbol reader. In response to the detected distance, the sweep angle of the scanning element is changed to ensure that the code symbol is within the code symbol reader's field of view. The sweep angle is larger when the code symbol is in the near range, and smaller when the code symbol is in the far range.

There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having data format conversion capabilities. The indicia reading terminal includes an image sensor integrated circuit with an image sensor array comprising a plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit is configured to output image data in a first data format to a data formatting circuit for conversion to image data in a second data format. The data formatting circuit is configured to provide the image data in the second data format to the at least one data interface of a microprocessor integrated circuit, which is operative to transfer image data received by the at least one data interface into memory of the indicia reading terminal. A CPU of the microprocessor integrated circuit is operative for executing a decoding algorithm for processing image data in the memory for attempting to decode at least one symbol represented in the memory.

A system and method are presented for improving the performance of code scanners in the extended and far ranges. At these distances, the intensity of the laser beam reflected off the code symbol can be markedly decreased, thereby decreasing the likelihood of a successful reading of the code symbol by the code scanner. The system provides for dynamic power increases to the laser source to generate a greater dynamic range.

Portable computing apparatus for aiding a user in the monitoring of the consumption of consumable items, such as food items or prescribed medicaments, and reordering such items includes a common database for use in monitoring the items as consumed, and for preparing the reorder list at the proper time. The apparatus preferably includes an imaging device for recording the image of the item to be consumed, and recognition circuitry for utilizing the recorded image to identify the item and also to provide information concerning its nutritional content in a weight management program. The consumable item may also be identified in other manners, such as by a barcode reader, or a voice-recognition circuit.

In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modelled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

An inventory control system and method that tracks inventories of items with RFID tags, includes a reader unit and an intelligent station that tracks RFID tags to determine item information of items to be inventoried. The reader unit transmits and receives RF signals. The intelligent station includes a first RF antenna connected to the reader unit by a first transmission cable through a first switch, and one or more additional RF antennae connected to the reader unit by the same first transmission cable through additional switches. An inventory control processing unit receives item information from the intelligent stations to update inventory information regarding the items to be inventoried.

A user is provided with a secure database containing information in diverse categories that relates to the user and that may be represented at least in part in bar code form and communicated with light from a mobile communications device. The diverse information is obtained from any combination of a variety of vendor and governmental computer systems, internet service providers, and communications devices. The user has access to the database using a mobile communications device for displaying, managing, and entering information, and for communicating information in bar code form with light. The user first selects the category that contains the specific item of information, and then selects the specific item of information. The specific item of information then is communicated in bar code form with light from the mobile communications device for scanning by a bar code scanner to obtain the desired good or service.

A digital point-of-sale system for determining key performance indicators (KPIs) at a point-of-sale includes a product identification unit and a realogram creation unit. The product identification unit is configured to receive a captured image of a product display and to identify products in the captured image by comparing features determined from the captured image to features determined from products templates. The realogram creation unit is configured to create a realogram from the identified products and product templates. A product price KPI unit is configured to identify a product label proximally located to each identified product, and to recognize the product price on each product label. Each product price is compared to a predetermined range of prices to determine whether the product label proximally located to the identified product is a correct product label for the identified product.

A computer-based system is provided for composing menus of URL-encoded bar code symbols specifying the location of Internet-based information resources on the Internet. In the illustrative embodiment, the system comprises a computer system operably connectable to the Internet and including a visual display screen, a keyboard, and printer. The system also includes a GUI-based Internet browser program and a URL-menu composition program supported by the computer system. The function of the GUI-based Internet browser program is to enable a user to access and display Internet-based information resources stored on an Internet information server at a location specified by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The function of the URL-menu composition program is to enable the user to compose a menu of URL-encoded bar code symbols while surfing the Internet using the GUI-based Internet browser program. After the menu of URL-encoded bar code symbols has been composed, it may be edited and then printed on a selected print medium. By virtue of the present invention, any Internet-based information resource can be automatically accessed and displayed by reading its URL-encoded bar code symbol from the printed menu using a bar code symbol reader operably connected to an Internet-enabled computer system supporting a bar code driven Internet browser program.

The present invention relates to an improved order fulfillment system. The system is provided with improved data entry system for selecting items for purchase by a customer, and an improved item collection terminal and order delivery system. The portable terminal to be used for collecting of items is provided with an audio as well as video presentation means which are used to provide assistance to the to terminal user.

The invention relates to a method and device for withdrawing biological samples. The device has a receptacle which can receive one or several covers for sample containers, another receptacle which can receive one or several sample containers, and a mechanism. Said mechanism joins the covers and containers together during a working cycle in which the biological sample is withdrawn either through the cover or the sample container to a test capsule.

The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production and labeling of objects in a manner suitable for the prevention and detection of counterfeiting. Thus, the system incorporates a variety of features that make unauthorized reproduction difficult. In addition, the present invention provides an efficient means for the production of labels and verification of authenticity, whereby a recording apparatus which includes a recording medium, having anisotrophic optical domains, along with a means for transferring a portion of the recording medium to a carrier, wherein a bulk portion of the recording medium has macroscopically detectable anisotrophic optical properties and the detecting apparatus thereon.

A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for real-time wireless power transfer control. In one embodiment, a system comprises: an RF-energy harvesting sensor tag operable to generate a first backscatter signal and at least one base station operable to deliver RF power to the sensor tag by emitting a first waveform comprising a plurality of subcarriers, wherein the first backscatter signal is generated by the sensor tag by modulated scattering of the first waveform as incident upon the sensor tag, and further wherein the at least one base station subsequently emits a second waveform determined at least in part by a closed-loop feedback control algorithm responsive to measurements of the first backscatter signal.

An imaging module in one embodiment includes at least one multiple color emitting light source comprising a plurality of different colored LED dies each independently driveable so that the overall color emitted by the light source can be controlled and varied. The multiple color emitting light source can be controlled so that the color emitted by the light source is optimized for imaging or reading in a present application environment of the module. Further, the module can be configured so that control of the multiple color emitting light source automatically varies depending on a sensed condition, such a color present in a field of view of the module, the distance of the module to a target, and/or a predetermined criteria being met so that feedback is provided to a user. The module in a further aspect can include illumination light sources and aiming light sources which project light in different wavelength emission bands.

A device and method of presenting information about goods and services to a targeted audience is disclosed. The disclosed device and method allow collecting associated marketing data. An exemplary handheld device equipped with a tag reader is described. The device and method are well suited for showrooms used by builders of homes, appliance vendors and the like. The marketing information, which is accessible by way of a communications network in an aggregated form, can greatly enhance the shopping experience for consumers, and improve marketing efficiency of builders, retailers and sellers.

A system and method for using cameras to download data to cell phones or other devices as an alternative to CDMA/GPRS, BlueTooth, Infrared or cable connections. The data is encoded as a sequence of images such as 2D bar codes, which can be displayed in any flat panel display, acquired by a camera, and decoded by software embedded in the device. The decoded data is written to a file. The system and method meet the following challenges: (1) To encode arbitrary data as a sequence of images. (2) To process captured images under various lighting variations and perspective distortions while maintaining real time performance. (3) To decode the processed images robustly even when partial data is lost.

A portable hand-held WWW access terminal for accessing HTML-encoded documents located on the WWW. The terminal includes a bar code symbol reader in a hand-supportable housing for reading URL-encoded symbols specifying the location of HTML-encoded documents stored in information servers connected to the Internet and supporting the TCP/IP standard. A computing platform is provided for supporting a GUI-based WWW browser program integrated with the bar code symbol reader in the hand-supportable housing. A telecommunication modem is operably connected to the computing platform in order to establish a two-way telecommunication link between the GUI-based WWW browser and an Internet service provider (ISP) connected to the Internet. In response to reading a URL-encoded bar code symbol, the WWW browser program automatically accesses a corresponding HTML-encoded document on the Internet, for display on a visual display panel integrated with hand-supportable housing. A keypad is also integrated with the hand-supportable housing for manually providing information to the WWW browser program.

An embodiment of the present invention provides an antenna system, comprising a plurality of non-uniformly spaced antenna elements arranged substantially linearly, a power divider for dividing transmit power thereby coupling signals to the plurality of antenna elements, a phase shifter capable of phase shifting the signals between the power divider and the plurality of antenna elements such that radiated signals from each antenna element add coherently such that the radiated electromagnetic energy may be focused at a focal point in the near field region or in the Fresnel region of the antenna system. An embodiment of the present invention may also provide at least one additional receive antenna element capable of receiving signals backscattered from at least one RFID tag located in the near field of the focused array and the divider may create substantially equal power levels feeding each antenna element. The antenna elements may be similar or identical and each element may be oriented such that the individual element main beam may point in a unique direction.

Nanostructured photonic materials, and associated components for use in devices and systems operating at ultraviolet (UV), extreme ultraviolet (EUV), and/or soft Xray wavelengths are described. Such a material may be fabricated with nanoscale features tailored for a selected wavelength range, such as at particular UV, EUV, or soft Xray wavelengths or wavelength ranges. Such a material may be used to make components such as mirrors, lenses or other optics, panels, lightsources, masks, photoresists, or other components for use in applications such as lithography, wafer patterning, astronomical and space applications, biomedical applications, biotech or other applications.

A wireless network having a base station adapted for wireless communications, a wireless bar code scanner and a network ID label having a bar code symbol printed thereon. The bar code symbol includes encoded information pertaining to the base station. A wireless bar code scanner is adapted to scan and decode the network ID label. The wireless bar code scanner initiates a communications link with the base station utilizing information from the decoded network ID label. The wireless bar code scanner includes a light source for illuminating a printed bar code symbol, an electro-optical element for imaging the printed bar code symbol, a decoder for decoding the imaged printed bar code symbol into an alphanumeric string, and an input/output device for conducting wireless communications with the base station.

The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of image sensors. Each image sensor of a plural image sensor optical reader can be disposed on an imaging module that can include a light source. In one embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first imaging module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

A system and method for reliable content access using a cellular/wireless device with imaging capabilities, to use part of a printed or displayed medium for identifying and using a reference to access information, services, or content related to the reference, including capturing an image of the reference with an imaging device, sending the image via a communications network to a processing center, pre-processing to identify relevant frames within the image and to perform general purpose enhancement operations, detecting the most relevant frame within the image, and frame properties, applying geometric, illumination, and focus correction on the relevant frame, using color, aspect ration, and frame color, to perform a coarse recognition and thereby limit the number of possible identifications of a reference within the relevant frame, and using specific techniques of resealing, histogram equalization, block labeling, edge operation, and normalized cross correlation, to identify the reference within the image.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production and labeling of objects in a manner suitable for the prevention and detection of counterfeiting. Thus, the system incorporates a variety of features that make unauthorized reproduction difficult. In addition, the present invention provides a system and method for providing a dynamically reconfigurable watermark, and the use of the watermark to encode a stochastically variable property of the carrier medium for self-authentication purposes.

A method and apparatus for drug product tracking (or other pharmaceutical, health care or cosmetics products, and/or the packages or containers they are supplied with) using diffraction grating-based encoded optical identification elements 8 includes an optical substrate 10 having at least one diffraction grating 12 disposed therein. The grating 12 has one or more colocated pitches Λ which represent a unique identification digital code that is detected when illuminated by incident light 24. The incident light 24 may be directed transversely from the side of the substrate 10 (or from an end) with a narrow band (single wavelength) or multiple wavelength source, and the code is represented by a spatial distribution of light or a wavelength spectrum, respectively, or a combination thereof. The encoded element 8 may be used to label any desired item, such as drugs or medicines, or other pharmaceutical or health care products or cosmetics. The label may be used for many different purposes, such as for sorting, tracking, identification, verification, authentication, anti-theft/anti-counterfeit, security/anti-terrorism, or for other purposes. In a manufacturing environment, the elements 8 may be used to track inventory for production information or sales of goods/products. Such labeling provides product identification at the pill or liquid medicine level, which provides traceability of these products to their manufacturer, thereby reducing counterfeit products in the marketplace. Also, the elements 8 may be incorporated into a film, liquid, coating or adhesive tape at attached to the product package.