John A Furlong

US Patent:

6347743, Feb 19, 2002

Filed:

Feb 5, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/777114

Inventors:

John Furlong - Woodbury NJ
Donald Hudrick - Woodbury NJ
Carl H. Knowles - Moorestown NJ

Assignee:

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. - Blackwood NJ

International Classification:

G06K 710

US Classification:

23547201, 23546201

Abstract:

A novel system and method for programming one or more functional parameters of programmable bar code symbol readers and scanners, while avoiding the need to connect a data communication port of a computer system to a bar code symbol reader that is to be programmed. In a first illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer-based-function-parameter device and subsequently buffered in memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list of function-encoded bar code symbols which are printed in a specified reading sequence; and the list of printed-function encoded bar code symbols are read in the specified reading sequence so as to configure the bar code symbol reader with the same set of function-encoded parameters that were programmed in the master bar code symbol reader. In a second illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer based-function-parameter acquisition device and buffered in a memory buffer contained therein; the buffered friction-encoded parameters are used to produce a list of symbol reading instructions, each referencing a specific function encoded bar code symbol on a particular page of a preprinted bar code symbol programming guide, and the list of symbol reading instructions are used to read in a specified order.

US Patent:

6565005, May 20, 2003

Filed:

Sep 28, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/967421

Inventors:

John Furlong - Woodbury NJ
Donald Hudrick - Woodbury NJ
Carl H. Knowles - Moorestown NJ

Assignee:

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. - Blackwood NJ

International Classification:

G06K 710

US Classification:

23546225, 23547201

Abstract:

A novel system and method for programming one or more functional parameters of programmable bar code symbol readers and scanners, while avoiding the need to connect a data communication port of a computer system to a bar code symbol reader that is to be programmed. In a first illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer-based-function-parameter device and subsequently buffered in memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list of function-encoded bar code symbols which are printed in a specified reading sequence; and the list of printed-function encoded bar code symbols are read in the specified reading sequence so as to configure the bar code symbol reader with the same set of function-encoded parameters that were programmed in the master bar code symbol reader. In a second illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer based-function-parameter acquisition device and buffered in a memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list of symbol reading instructions, each referencing a specific function encoded bar code symbol on a particular page of a preprinted bar code symbol programming guide, and the list of symbol reading instructions are used to read in a specified order.

US Patent:

6540144, Apr 1, 2003

Filed:

Jul 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/614356

Inventors:

Donald T. Hudrick - Sicklerville NJ
John A. Furlong - Woodbury NJ
Ian A. Scott - Haddonfield NJ

Assignee:

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. - Blackwood NJ

International Classification:

G06K 710

US Classification:

23546215

Abstract:

A bar code scanner is equipped with a keyboard emulation mechanism so as to provide an enhanced interface to a keyboard controller port of a computing device such as a personal or laptop computer. The keyboard emulation mechanism eliminates the necessity of connecting an actual computer keyboard to the port by responding to the computing devices standard power-on diagnostic procedure as if it were effectively an electrical equivalent of a computer keyboard. The keyboard emulation mechanism can also be equipped to detect a keyboard inhibit signal at the keyboard controller port. If the keyboard emulation mechanism detects a keyboard inhibit signal while a data byte is being transmitted to the keyboard controller port, the keyboard emulation mechanism retransmits this data byte to the keyboard controller port. The data byte may specify a scan code corresponding to a keyboard key press or all or part of a decoded bar code. This retransmission process is repeated up to a specified number of times, so as to provide additional opportunities for the scan code to be inputted to the keyboard controller port if the port is momentarily disabled by the keyboard inhibit signal.

US Patent:

6550680, Apr 22, 2003

Filed:

Jul 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/900074

Inventors:

George Kolis - Pennsauken NJ
John Furlong - Woodbury NJ

Assignee:

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. - Blackwood NJ

International Classification:

G06K 710

US Classification:

23546201, 23546215

Abstract:

An enhanced scanner is equipped with a novel interfacing mechanism for communicating directly with a data communications network. This eliminates the requirement of using intelligent network interface devices to access data generated by any of a plurality of bar code scanners coupled to a communications network. This novel interfacing mechanism may include a program stored on a memory device within the scanner and executed by a scanner processing mechanism. The scanner processing mechanism is adapted to perform two functionsâbar code scanning and network communicationsâthereby reducing the cost and complexity of a communications network that includes one or more bar code scanners coupled to a host device through the network.

US Patent:

7516898, Apr 14, 2009

Filed:

Feb 27, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/711907

Inventors:

C. Harry Knowles - Moorestown NJ, US
Xiaoxun Zhu - Marlton NJ, US
Timothy Good - Clementon NJ, US
Tao Xian - Blackwood NJ, US
Michael Veksland - Marlton NJ, US
Anatoly Kotlarsky - Holland PA, US
John Furlong - Woodbury NJ, US
Mark Hernandez - Bridgeton NJ, US
Nicola Ciarlante - Woolwich Township NJ, US
Mark Schmidt - Williamstown NJ, US

Assignee:

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. - Blackwood NJ

International Classification:

G06K 7/10

US Classification:

23546242, 23546222, 23546201, 23546209

Abstract:

A digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for producing a plurality of coplanar linear illumination and imaging planes which intersect within a 3D imaging volume defined relative to an imaging window. Each station includes an array of planar illumination modules (PLIMs) for producing at least one substantially planar illumination beam (PLIB), and a linear image detection array having a field of view (FOV) on the linear image detection array and extending in substantially the same plane as the PLIB, to provide a coplanar illumination and imaging plane (PLIB/FOV). The PLIB/FOV is projected through the 3D imaging volume, for capturing linear (1D) digital images of an object passing therethrough, for subsequent processing and recognition of information graphically represented in the linear digital images. Each station also employs a local control subsystem for controlling at least one illumination parameter associated with the production of the PLIB, in response to the motion and velocity of objects detected within the 3D imaging volume during system operation. By virtue of the present invention, it is possible to optimally illuminate objects based on the velocity at which such objects pass through the 3D imaging volume, at point-of-sale (POS) stations and like retail environments.

US Patent:

7520433, Apr 21, 2009

Filed:

Mar 29, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/729945

Inventors:

C. Harry Knowles - Moorestown NJ, US
Xiaoxun Zhu - Marlton NJ, US
Timothy Good - Clementon NJ, US
Tao Xian - Blackwood NJ, US
Michael Veksland - Marlton NJ, US
Anatoly Kotlarsky - Holland PA, US
John Furlong - Woodbury NJ, US
Mark Hernandez - Bridgeton NJ, US
Nicola Ciarlante - Woolwich Township NJ, US
Mark Schmidt - Williamstown NJ, US

Assignee:

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. - Blackwood NJ

International Classification:

G06K 7/10

US Classification:

23546232, 23547201

Abstract:

A method for intelligently controlling the illumination and imaging of objects while being moved through a 3D imaging volume. As an object is being moved within the 3D imaging volume of a digital image capturing and processing system projecting a plurality of field of views (FOVs) through the 3D imaging volume, and prior to illumination and imaging. A projected trajectory is determined for the object through the 3D imaging volume. The FOVs which intersect with the projected trajectory of the object, passing through said 3D imaging volume, are determined. Only the determined FOVs are selectively illuminated as the object is moved along its projected trajectory through the FOVs, while digital linear images of the object are formed and detected, for storage and subsequent processing of information graphically represented in the digital linear images.

US Patent:

7530497, May 12, 2009

Filed:

Feb 27, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/711859

Inventors:

C. Harry Knowles - Moorestown NJ, US
Xiaoxun Zhu - Marlton NJ, US
Timothy Good - Clementon NJ, US
Tao Xian - Blackwood NJ, US
Michael Veksland - Marlton NJ, US
Anatoly Kotlarsky - Holland PA, US
John Furlong - Woodbury NJ, US
Mark Hernandez - Bridgeton NJ, US
Nicola Ciarlante - Woolwich Township NJ, US
Mark Schmidt - Williamstown NJ, US

Assignee:

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. - Blackwood NJ

International Classification:

G06F 17/00

US Classification:

23546215, 23546242, 235383

Abstract:

Digital image capturing and processing system comprising a digital image capturing and processing module, and an integrated electronic weigh scale module having a load cell that is centrally located with respect to the digital image capturing and processing module. The digital image capturing and processing module electrically interfaces with the electronic weigh scale module by way of touch-fit electrical inter-connectors that automatically establish all electrical interconnections between the two modules when the digital image capturing and processing module is placed onto the electronic weigh scale module, and the electronic load cell bears the weight of the digital image capturing and processing module.

US Patent:

7537165, May 26, 2009

Filed:

Mar 2, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/811652

Inventors:

C. Harry Knowles - Moorestown NJ, US
Xiaoxun Zhu - Marlton NJ, US
Timothy Good - Clementon NJ, US
Tao Xian - Blackwood NJ, US
Michael Veksland - Marlton NJ, US
Anatoly Kotlarsky - Holland PA, US
John Furlong - Woodbury NJ, US
Mark Hernandez - Bridgeton NJ, US
Nicola Ciarlante - Woolwich Township NJ, US
Mark Schmidt - Williamstown NJ, US

Assignee:

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. - Blackwood NJ

International Classification:

G06K 7/10

US Classification:

23546242, 23546243, 23546201, 23546209

Abstract:

An omni-directional digital image capturing and processing system for use in a POS environment, comprising a system housing having an imaging window, and a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations, disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through said imaging window. At least one area-type illumination and imaging station is also disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting an area-type illumination and imaging zone through the imaging window, which intersects with the complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes within a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, for omni-directional digital imaging of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume. Digital linear images of the object are generated when the object intersects with coplanar illumination and imaging planes, and digital area-type images of the object are generated when the object intersects with the area-type illumination and imaging zone, within the 3D imaging volume during system operation. The system also includes an object motion detection subsystem for automatically detecting the motion of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generating motion data representative of the detected object motion within the 3D imaging volume.