Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1999-2002
Title: Michael A. Spencer: Innovator in Produce Recognition Technologies
Introduction
Michael A. Spencer, located in Suwanee, GA, has established himself as a significant inventor with a remarkable portfolio of 7 patents. His innovative work primarily focuses on enhancing produce recognition systems, which have applications in various sectors, including retail and agriculture.
Latest Patents
Spencer's latest inventions include two noteworthy patents that aim to streamline produce identification and checkout processes:
1. **Hand-held produce recognition system and produce data collector**: This device captures wavelength information from produce items. It features a light emitter to illuminate the produce, collecting optics that gather reflected light and separate it into multiple wavelength portions, and a photosensor that captures this information. The control circuitry can store reference wavelength data and compare it with captured data to identify the produce item accurately.
2. **Item checkout device including a bar code data collector and a produce data collector**: This innovative item checkout device merges a produce data collector with an optical bar code data collector. It consists of a housing that contains both collectors and utilizes technology to digitize electrical signals from the light collected from produce items, enabling determination of their unit prices effectively.
Career Highlights
Michael A. Spencer currently works at NCR Corporation, a leader in consumer transaction technologies. His role at the company allows him to apply his inventive skills to create practical solutions that enhance the shopping experience for consumers while providing valuable data for retailers.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Spencer has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Donald Alexander Collins, Jr. and Jeffrey P. Treptau. Together, they have contributed to advancements in produce recognition technologies, demonstrating the importance of teamwork in innovation.
Conclusion
Michael A. Spencer's contributions to the field of produce recognition exemplify the transformative power of innovation. His patents, particularly in handheld technology for produce identification, not only simplify checkout processes but also foster a deeper understanding of agricultural products in the retail space. As he continues his work at NCR Corporation, Spencer remains a crucial player in driving technological advancements that benefit both consumers and businesses alike.