The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 01, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 02, 1999
Timothy P. Meier, Marcelllus, NY (US);
Robert M. Hussey, Camillus, NY (US);
Charles P. Barber, Fayetteville, NY (US);
Welch Allyn Data Collection, Inc., Skaneateles Falls, NY (US);
Abstract
In the present invention, the control unit of an optical reader analyzes image data being generated by the imaging element of the reader and changes the mode of operation of the reader if the image data indicates that machine readable indicia, such as a bar code symbol or a text character, is likely in the field of view of the reader. Normally, analysis of image data includes the step of detecting for edge transitions in the image information. If the control unit determines that the image data includes more than a predetermined number of edge transitions, then the control unit imparts appropriate control over various reader elements to change the mode of operation of the reader. Normally, the control unit changes the mode of operation of the reader from a first mode, wherein the reader does not operate to decode or recognize image data to a second mode, wherein the reader operates to decode and/or recognize image data.