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| − | '''Summary of the patent applications from ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION on November 30th, 2023'''
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| − | Zebra Technologies Corporation has recently filed several patents related to various technologies. These patents cover a range of applications, including inventory management, data capture, and mobile computing.
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| − | One patent focuses on a system and method for managing inventory in a retail environment. It describes a solution that uses RFID technology to track and manage inventory in real-time, improving accuracy and efficiency. The system includes a mobile device that can scan RFID tags and update inventory information in a central database.
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| − | Another patent relates to a data capture system for mobile devices. It describes a method for capturing data from multiple sources, such as barcodes, RFID tags, and images, using a mobile device. The system uses advanced algorithms to process and interpret the captured data, enabling seamless integration with various applications.
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| − | Additionally, Zebra Technologies has filed a patent for a mobile computing device with enhanced security features. This device incorporates biometric authentication, such as fingerprint scanning, to ensure secure access to sensitive data. The patent also describes a secure communication protocol for transmitting data between the device and external systems.
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| − | Notable applications of these patents include:
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| − | * Real-time inventory management in retail environments using RFID technology.
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| − | * Data capture from multiple sources, including barcodes, RFID tags, and images, using mobile devices.
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| − | * Mobile computing devices with enhanced security features, including biometric authentication and secure communication protocols.
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| − | Overall, Zebra Technologies Corporation has been actively innovating in the fields of inventory management, data capture, and mobile computing, with a focus on improving efficiency, accuracy, and security in various industries.
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| | ==Patent applications for ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION on November 30th, 2023== | | ==Patent applications for ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION on November 30th, 2023== |
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| | Darran Michael Handshaw | | Darran Michael Handshaw |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | This patent application describes systems and methods for detecting medically related events at a point of sale, such as sneezes or coughs, and triggering a disinfection process accordingly.
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| − | * The method involves using an image sensor at a checkout workstation to capture one or more images.
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| − | * These images are then analyzed by processors to detect the presence of droplets associated with a sneeze or cough on the equipment at the checkout workstation.
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| − | * If the analysis indicates the presence of such droplets, the processors trigger a disinfection process for the checkout workstation.
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| − | * The purpose of this innovation is to improve hygiene and reduce the spread of infectious diseases at point of sale locations.
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| − | * By automatically detecting the presence of droplets, the system ensures that the checkout workstation is promptly disinfected, minimizing the risk of contamination for both customers and employees.
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | Systems and methods for detecting medically related events at a point of sale are disclosed herein. An example method of detecting droplets associated with a sneeze or cough at a point of sale includes: capturing, by an image sensor associated with a checkout workstation, one or more images; analyzing, by one or more processors, the images captured by the image sensor associated with the checkout workstation, to detect an indication that one or more droplets associated with a sneeze or cough are present upon one or more equipment associated with the checkout workstation; and triggering, by the one or more processors, a disinfection of the checkout workstation responsive to detecting the indication that the one or more droplets associated with the sneeze or cough are present upon the one or more equipment associated with the checkout workstation.
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| | ===Weigh Platter Assembly with Parallax Based Off-Platter Detection ([[US Patent Application 18233494. Weigh Platter Assembly with Parallax Based Off-Platter Detection simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|18233494]])=== | | ===Weigh Platter Assembly with Parallax Based Off-Platter Detection ([[US Patent Application 18233494. Weigh Platter Assembly with Parallax Based Off-Platter Detection simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|18233494]])=== |
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| | Edward Barkan | | Edward Barkan |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | The patent application describes a weigh platter assembly that includes a weigh platter and an off-platter detection assembly.
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| − | * The off-platter detection assembly consists of a light emission assembly, a light detection assembly, and a controller.
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| − | * The light emission assembly has a light source that emits light along the lateral edge of the weigh platter.
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| − | * The light detection assembly detects the light reflected from an object that extends across the light beam.
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| − | * The light detection assembly includes a sensor offset from the light source and an aperture that limits the sensor's field of view along the lateral edge.
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| − | * The controller is responsible for providing signals based on the values received from the sensor.
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| − | * The controller provides a first signal in response to a first value received from the sensor.
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| − | * The controller also provides a second signal, different from the first signal, in response to a second value received from the sensor.
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | A weigh platter assembly includes a weigh platter and an off-platter detection assembly having a light emission assembly, a light detection assembly, and a controller. The light emission assembly has a light source to emit a light along a lateral edge of the weigh platter. The light detection assembly detects at least a portion of the light reflected from an object extending across the light beam and includes a sensor offset from the light source and an aperture positioned in front of the sensor and configured to limit a field of view of the sensor along the lateral edge. The controller is configured to provide a first signal in response to a first value received from the sensor and to provide a second signal, different from the first signal, in response to a second value.
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| | ===Method and Apparatus to Protect Sensitive Information on Media Processing Devices ([[US Patent Application 18231147. Method and Apparatus to Protect Sensitive Information on Media Processing Devices simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|18231147]])=== | | ===Method and Apparatus to Protect Sensitive Information on Media Processing Devices ([[US Patent Application 18231147. Method and Apparatus to Protect Sensitive Information on Media Processing Devices simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|18231147]])=== |
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| | Andrew J. Pekarske | | Andrew J. Pekarske |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | The patent application describes methods and devices for protecting sensitive information on media processing devices.
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| − | * The media processing device has a processing engine that can process media processing instructions.
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| − | * These instructions include a command and data that tell the device to perform a certain function.
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| − | * The device also has a data protector that can determine if the command is a data protection command.
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| − | * If it is, the data protector modifies the function to provide protection to the data.
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| − | * This innovation helps safeguard sensitive information on media processing devices.
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | Methods and apparatus to protect sensitive information on media processing devices are disclosed. An example media processing device includes a processing engine configured to process a media processing instruction received at the media processing device, wherein the media processing instruction includes a command and data to cause a component of the media processing device to perform a function; and a data protector configured to determine whether the command is a data protection command; and when the command is the data protection command, modify the function to provide protection to the data.
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| | ===Synchronizing Rolling Shutter and Global Shutter Sensors ([[US Patent Application 17828853. Synchronizing Rolling Shutter and Global Shutter Sensors simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17828853]])=== | | ===Synchronizing Rolling Shutter and Global Shutter Sensors ([[US Patent Application 17828853. Synchronizing Rolling Shutter and Global Shutter Sensors simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17828853]])=== |
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| | Edward Barkan | | Edward Barkan |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | - The patent application describes an imaging system that synchronizes rolling shutter and global shutter sensors.
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| − | - The system includes an illumination source, a first imaging sensor, and a second imaging sensor.
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| − | - The first imaging sensor captures image data during a period that overlaps with the illumination period and operates as a global shutter sensor.
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| − | - The second imaging sensor captures image data during a different period that also overlaps with the illumination period and operates as a rolling shutter sensor.
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | An imaging system for synchronizing rolling shutter and global shutter sensors is disclosed herein. An example imaging system includes an illumination source configured to emit illumination lasting a predetermined period, a first imaging sensor, and a second imaging sensor. The first imaging sensor is configured to capture first image data representative of an environment appearing within a field of view (FOV) of the first imaging sensor during a first period that overlaps at least partially with the predetermined period, and the first imaging sensor operates as a global shutter imaging sensor. The second imaging sensor is configured to capture second image data representative of an environment appearing within a FOV of the second imaging sensor during a second period that overlaps at least partially with the predetermined period and is different from the first period, and the second imaging sensor operates as a rolling shutter imaging sensor.
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| | ===Assistive Detection of Visual States for Monitoring Devices ([[US Patent Application 17828634. Assistive Detection of Visual States for Monitoring Devices simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17828634]])=== | | ===Assistive Detection of Visual States for Monitoring Devices ([[US Patent Application 17828634. Assistive Detection of Visual States for Monitoring Devices simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17828634]])=== |
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| | James Roger Morley-Smith | | James Roger Morley-Smith |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | The abstract describes a method in a computing device that involves capturing an image of a monitoring device with a camera. The monitoring device has a sensor that can be in different visual states. The method includes detecting a machine-readable indicium on the monitoring device and determining a state detection parameter from it. Based on this parameter, a portion of the image containing the sensor is selected and the active state of the sensor is determined. The computing device then controls an output assembly to present a handling notification based on the determined active state.
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| − | * Method in a computing device for monitoring a device with a sensor
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| − | * Captures an image of the monitoring device using a camera
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| − | * The sensor can be in different visual states
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| − | * Detects a machine-readable indicium on the monitoring device
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| − | * Determines a state detection parameter from the indicium
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| − | * Selects a portion of the image containing the sensor based on the parameter
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| − | * Determines the active state of the sensor
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| − | * Controls an output assembly to present a handling notification based on the active state
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | A method in a computing device includes: capturing, via a camera of a computing device, an image of a monitoring device including a sensor, the sensor presenting an active one of a set of predefined visual states; detecting, within the image, a machine-readable indicium disposed on the monitoring device; determining, from the machine-readable indicium, a state detection parameter; selecting, according to the state detection parameter, at least portion of the image containing the sensor and determining the active state presented by the sensor; controlling an output assembly of the computing device to present a handling notification based on the determined active state.
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| | ===MINIATURE LONG RANGE IMAGING ENGINE WITH AUTO-FOCUS AND AUTO-ZOOM SYSTEM ([[US Patent Application 18233609. MINIATURE LONG RANGE IMAGING ENGINE WITH AUTO-FOCUS AND AUTO-ZOOM SYSTEM simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|18233609]])=== | | ===MINIATURE LONG RANGE IMAGING ENGINE WITH AUTO-FOCUS AND AUTO-ZOOM SYSTEM ([[US Patent Application 18233609. MINIATURE LONG RANGE IMAGING ENGINE WITH AUTO-FOCUS AND AUTO-ZOOM SYSTEM simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|18233609]])=== |
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| | Vladimir Gurevich | | Vladimir Gurevich |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | - The patent application describes methods and systems for a miniature long range imaging engine with auto-focus, auto-zoom, and auto-illumination.
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| − | - The system includes a microprocessor that detects the presence of an aim light pattern within the field of view (FOV).
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| − | - The microprocessor determines the target distance of an object in the FOV based on the position of the aim light pattern.
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| − | - The target distance is the distance from the imaging engine to the object.
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| − | - The microprocessor then causes a variable focus optical element to focus on the object based on the target distance.
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| − | - If a first determination is made, the microprocessor selects one of a plurality of zoom operation modes based on the target distance.
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | Methods and systems to implement a miniature long range imaging engine with auto-focus, auto-zoom, and auto-illumination are disclosed herein. An example method includes detecting, by a microprocessor, a presence of an aim light pattern within the FOV; determining, by the microprocessor and in response to the detecting, a target distance of an object in the FOV based on a position of the aim light pattern in the FOV, the target distance being a distance from the imaging engine to the object; causing, by the microprocessor, a variable focus optical element to focus on the object based on the target distance; and responsive to making a first determination, by the microprocessor, selecting, based on the target distance, one of a plurality of zoom operation modes.
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| | ===Mounting System for Industrial Digital Barcode Reader ([[US Patent Application 17825940. Mounting System for Industrial Digital Barcode Reader simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17825940]])=== | | ===Mounting System for Industrial Digital Barcode Reader ([[US Patent Application 17825940. Mounting System for Industrial Digital Barcode Reader simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17825940]])=== |
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| | Joseph D. Giordano | | Joseph D. Giordano |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | - The patent application is about scanning assemblies, specifically a slot scanner and a mounting system.
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| − | - The slot scanner has an imaging assembly that can capture an image frame in its field of view.
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| − | - The slot scanner also has a housing with a cavity to hold the imaging assembly.
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| − | - The mounting system consists of a flange member surrounding an opening and two support arms extending from the flange.
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| − | - The support arms are used to secure the slot scanner within the opening formed by the flange.
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| − | - The purpose of this invention is to provide a way to mount and retain the slot scanner in a scanning assembly.
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | Scanning assemblies are disclosed herein. An example scanning assembly includes a slot scanner and a mounting system. The slot scanner includes an imaging assembly configured to capture an image frame appearing in a field of view (FOV) and a housing having a cavity configured to accommodate the imaging assembly. The mounting system includes a flange member at least partially surrounding an opening formed within the mounting system, and at least two support arms extending from the flange. The at least two support arms engage a portion of the housing of the slot scanner to retain the slot scanner within the opening formed by the flange.
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| | ===Methods and Apparatus for Configuring Reduced Decode Ranges for Barcode Scanners ([[US Patent Application 17829066. Methods and Apparatus for Configuring Reduced Decode Ranges for Barcode Scanners simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17829066]])=== | | ===Methods and Apparatus for Configuring Reduced Decode Ranges for Barcode Scanners ([[US Patent Application 17829066. Methods and Apparatus for Configuring Reduced Decode Ranges for Barcode Scanners simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17829066]])=== |
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| | Vladimir Gurevich | | Vladimir Gurevich |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | - The patent application describes methods and apparatus for configuring barcode scanners to use a reduced range of focus distances for decoding barcodes.
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| − | - The method involves determining the closest focus distance at which a barcode placed at the furthest limit of the reduced decode range can be successfully decoded.
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| − | - The method also involves determining the furthest focus distance at which the barcode placed at the closest limit of the reduced decode range can be successfully decoded.
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| − | - A subset of focus distances is then determined, consisting of the closest focus distance, the furthest focus distance, and focus distances between them.
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| − | - The barcode scanner is then configured to only use this subset of focus distances for subsequent attempts to decode barcodes.
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | Methods and apparatus for configuring reduced decode ranges for barcode scanners are disclosed. An example method includes determining a closest focus distance of a plurality of focus distances at which a barcode placed at a furthest limit of a reduced decode range can be successfully decoded; determining a furthest focus distance of the plurality of focus distances at which the barcode placed at a closest limit of the reduced decode range can be successfully decoded; determining a subset of the plurality of focus distances that consists of the closest focus distance, the furthest focus distance, and focus distances between the closest focus distance and the farthest focus distance; and configuring the barcode scanner to only use the subset of focus distances during subsequent attempts to decode barcodes.
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| | ===Barcode Scanner with Vision System and Shared Illumination ([[US Patent Application 17828759. Barcode Scanner with Vision System and Shared Illumination simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17828759]])=== | | ===Barcode Scanner with Vision System and Shared Illumination ([[US Patent Application 17828759. Barcode Scanner with Vision System and Shared Illumination simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17828759]])=== |
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| | Edward Barkan | | Edward Barkan |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | The abstract describes an imaging system with a shared illumination source.
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| − | * The imaging system includes an illumination source that emits an illumination pulse for a specific period.
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| − | * The system also includes a first imaging apparatus and a second imaging apparatus, each with their own imaging sensor and control circuitry.
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| − | * A processor is used to receive and analyze the image data captured by the imaging sensors.
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| − | * The processor performs an indicia decoding analysis on the second image data, which is used to decode specific markings or symbols.
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| − | * The processor also performs an image analysis on the first image data, without including the indicia decoding analysis.
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| − | * The purpose of this system is to provide a simplified and efficient way of capturing and analyzing images using a shared illumination source.
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | An imaging system with a shared illumination source is disclosed herein. An example imaging system includes an illumination source configured to emit an illumination pulse that provides illumination during a predetermined period, a first imaging apparatus, a second imaging apparatus, and a processor. The first imaging apparatus comprises: a first imaging sensor configured to capture first image data, and a first imaging control circuitry configured to expose the first imaging sensor. The second imaging apparatus comprises: a second imaging sensor configured to capture second image data, and a second imaging control circuitry configured to expose the second imaging sensor. The processor is configured to: receive the first image data and the second image data, perform an indicia decoding analysis on the second image data, and perform an image analysis on the first image data that does not include the indicia decoding analysis.
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| | ===System and Method for Exchanging Buffered Data ([[US Patent Application 17829043. System and Method for Exchanging Buffered Data simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17829043]])=== | | ===System and Method for Exchanging Buffered Data ([[US Patent Application 17829043. System and Method for Exchanging Buffered Data simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)|17829043]])=== |
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| | Venkata Aneel Kumar Inuganti | | Venkata Aneel Kumar Inuganti |
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| − | '''Brief explanation'''
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| − | The abstract describes a mobile computing device that can connect to a network through access points.
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| − | * Mobile computing device has a wireless communications interface to connect to a network.
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| − | * The device's controller can send a buffer indicator to the network to store incoming packets.
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| − | * When the device moves away from its home access point, it accumulates outgoing packets.
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| − | * When the device connects to a new access point, it transmits the accumulated outgoing packets.
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| − | * After the outgoing packets are transmitted, the device sends a release indicator to the network to release the buffered incoming packets.
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| − | '''Abstract'''
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| − | A mobile computing device includes: a wireless communications interface configured to connect to a network deployed by one or more access points; a controller for the wireless communications interface, the controller configured to: send a buffer indicator to the network to buffer incoming packets destined for the mobile computing device; move away from a home access point to which the mobile computing device is connected; accumulate outgoing packets destined for transmission to the network while the mobile computing device is away from the home access point; connect to a destination access point; transmit the outgoing packets to the destination access point; and after the outgoing packets are transmitted to the destination access point, send a release indicator to the network to release the buffered incoming packets for the mobile computing device.
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