US6834807B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical reader having a color imager
Assignee: Hand Held Products Inc
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Filing: 2003-01-17
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Granted: 2004-12-28
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Expires: 2023-01-17
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. An image analysis circuit determines if the acquired image should be characterized as a color photograph or as including a graphical symbol. A processing circuit processes the imaging data based on the image analysis circuit's determination of whether the image is a graphical symbol or a color photograph. The present invention allows a user to acquire and process both color images and graphical symbols, such as bar codes, text, OCR symbols or signatures. The optical reader of the present invention is also configured to associate an acquired image with at least one other acquired image.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Ehrhart
- 👤 Andrew Longacre, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 11:22
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10861; G06K7/14; G06K17/00; G06K17/0022; G06K7/1404; G06K7/1408; G06K7/1413; G06K7/1417; G06V; G06V30/00; G06V30/10; G06V30/14; G06V30/142; G06V30/40; H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/40; H04N1/40062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 76
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
An optical reader comprising: a color imaging assembly configured to capture an image of an object, the color imaging assembly generating color imaging data corresponding to the captured image; an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the image analysis circuit being configured to analyze at least a portion of the color imaging data, the object being classified either as an optical symbol or as a color photograph; and a processing circuit coupled to the image analysis circuit, the processing circuit being operative to process the color imaging data based on the classification of the image.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
An optical reader comprising: a color imaging assembly configured to capture an image of an object, the color imaging assembly generating color imaging data corresponding to the captured image; an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the image analysis circuit being configured to analyze at least a portion of the color imaging data, the object being classified either as an optical symbol or as a color photograph; and a processing circuit coupled to the image analysis circuit, the processing circuit being operative to process the color imaging data based on the classification of the image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit decodes a 1D bar code symbol based on the classification.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit decodes a 2D bar code symbol based on the classification.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit performs optical character recognition based on the classification.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit performs a signature capture based on the classification.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit stores a color image based on the classification.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , wherein the image is classified as an optical symbol by evaluating only green pixel values in the color imaging data.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , wherein the image is classified as an optical symbol by aggregating values of a red pixel, blue pixel, and green pixel triplet to form a super-pixel for each pixel triplet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical reader of claim 8 , wherein the image is classified as an optical symbol by evaluating the super-pixel values.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , wherein the color imaging data is converted into a gray scale image in the process of selecting one of a plurality of classifications.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , further comprising an illumination light source that includes white LEDs.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The optical reader of claim 1 , further comprising an illumination light source that includes red LEDs.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
108 words
An optical reader for capturing an image of an object, the optical reader comprising: a color imaging assembly for converting the image of the object into color digital data; an automatic mode selection circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the mode selection circuit using at least a portion of the color digital data to select one of a plurality of operational modes of the optical reader, the operational modes including an optical indicia mode and a digital color photography mode; and a processing circuit coupled to the mode selection circuit, the processing circuit being configured to process the color digital data based on the selected operational mode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
108 words
An optical reader for capturing an image of an object, the optical reader comprising: a color imaging assembly for converting the image of the object into color digital data; an automatic mode selection circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the mode selection circuit using at least a portion of the color digital data to select one of a plurality of operational modes of the optical reader, the operational modes including an optical indicia mode and a digital color photography mode; and a processing circuit coupled to the mode selection circuit, the processing circuit being configured to process the color digital data based on the selected operational mode.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical reader of claim 13 , wherein the optical indicia mode includes decoding a 1D bar code symbol.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical reader of claim 13 , wherein the optical indicia mode includes decoding a 2D bar code symbol.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The optical reader of claim 13 , wherein the optical indicia mode includes a method for performing optical character recognition.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical reader of claim 13 , wherein the optical indicia mode includes a method for capturing a signature.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The optical reader of claim 13 , wherein the color photography mode includes storing a color photographic image of the object in a computer-readable medium.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The optical reader of claim 13 , further comprising an illumination light source that includes white LEDs.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The optical reader of claim 13 , further comprising an illumination light source that includes red LEDs.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
144 words
An optical reader for capturing an image of an object, the optical reader comprising: a color imaging assembly configured to generate digital color imaging data corresponding to the image; a classification circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the classification circuit being configured to process at least a portion of the digital color imaging data to thereby select one of a plurality of image classifications, the plurality of image classifications including an optical symbol classification and a color photography classification; an automatic mode selector coupled to the classification circuit, the automatic mode selector being configured to select an optical reader mode in accordance with the selected one of a plurality of image classifications; and a processor coupled to the classification circuit, the processor being programmed to process the color imaging data in accordance with the optical reader mode selected by the automatic mode selector.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
144 words
An optical reader for capturing an image of an object, the optical reader comprising: a color imaging assembly configured to generate digital color imaging data corresponding to the image; a classification circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the classification circuit being configured to process at least a portion of the digital color imaging data to thereby select one of a plurality of image classifications, the plurality of image classifications including an optical symbol classification and a color photography classification; an automatic mode selector coupled to the classification circuit, the automatic mode selector being configured to select an optical reader mode in accordance with the selected one of a plurality of image classifications; and a processor coupled to the classification circuit, the processor being programmed to process the color imaging data in accordance with the optical reader mode selected by the automatic mode selector.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
The optical reader of claim 21 , wherein the classification circuit processes a portion of the color imaging data by evaluating only green pixel values in the color imaging data.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
51 words
The optical reader of claim 21 , wherein the classification circuit aggregates values of each red, blue and green pixel triplet to form a super-pixel, at least a portion of the color imaging data being processed by evaluating each super-pixel value in the portion of the color imaging data being evaluated.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The optical reader of claim 21 , wherein the classification circuit converts the color imaging data into a gray scale image in the process of selecting one of the plurality of classifications.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical reader of claim 21 , wherein the processor decodes a 1D bar code symbol.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical reader of claim 21 , wherein the processor decodes a 2D bar code symbol.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical reader of claim 21 , wherein the processor performs an optical character recognition process.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The optical reader of claim 21 , wherein the processor performs a signature capture process.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
180 words
An optical reader for capturing an image of an object, the optical reader comprising: a color imaging assembly configured to generate color imaging data representative of the image; a mode selector coupled to the color imaging assembly, the mode selector being configured to switch between an automatic imaging mode or a manual imaging mode, both the automatic imaging mode and the manual imaging mode being configured to select one of a plurality of imaging modes of the optical reader, the plurality of imaging modes including at least one graphical symbol capture mode and a color photography mode; an automatic imaging mode selector coupled to the mode selector and the color imaging assembly, the automatic imaging mode selector being operative to automatically select one of the plurality of imaging modes when the mode selector is in the automatic user mode; and a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the mode selector and the automatic imaging mode selector, the processing circuit being programmed to process the color imaging data based on the selected one of the plurality of imaging modes.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
180 words
An optical reader for capturing an image of an object, the optical reader comprising: a color imaging assembly configured to generate color imaging data representative of the image; a mode selector coupled to the color imaging assembly, the mode selector being configured to switch between an automatic imaging mode or a manual imaging mode, both the automatic imaging mode and the manual imaging mode being configured to select one of a plurality of imaging modes of the optical reader, the plurality of imaging modes including at least one graphical symbol capture mode and a color photography mode; an automatic imaging mode selector coupled to the mode selector and the color imaging assembly, the automatic imaging mode selector being operative to automatically select one of the plurality of imaging modes when the mode selector is in the automatic user mode; and a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the mode selector and the automatic imaging mode selector, the processing circuit being programmed to process the color imaging data based on the selected one of the plurality of imaging modes.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The optical reader of claim 29 , wherein the plurality of imaging modes includes a 1D bar code decoding mode.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The optical reader of claim 29 , wherein the plurality of imaging modes includes a 2D bar code decoding mode.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical reader of claim 29 , wherein the plurality of imaging modes includes an optical character recognition mode and/or a signature capture mode.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The optical reader of claim 29 , wherein the plurality of imaging modes includes a color photography mode.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the method comprising: providing an optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, and a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly and the image analysis circuit; acquiring the image of the object, the color imaging assembly generating color imaging data representative of the image; analyzing the color imaging data, the image analysis circuit providing an image classification, the image being classified as either a color photograph or as a graphical symbol; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with the image classification.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the method comprising: providing an optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, and a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly and the image analysis circuit; acquiring the image of the object, the color imaging assembly generating color imaging data representative of the image; analyzing the color imaging data, the image analysis circuit providing an image classification, the image being classified as either a color photograph or as a graphical symbol; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with the image classification.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the step of processing includes decoding a 1D bar code.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the step of processing includes decoding a 2D bar code.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the step of processing includes an optical character recognition process.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the step of processing includes capturing a signature.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the step of processing includes storing a color photographic image in a computer-readable medium.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the step of analyzing includes an analysis of only one color of the color imaging data during the step of providing an image classification.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the method comprising: providing an optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly and the image analysis circuit, and a memory device coupled to the processing circuit; acquiring an image of a first object, the color imaging assembly generating first color imaging data representative of the image of the first object; acquiring an image of a second object, the color imaging assembly generating second color imaging data representative of the image of the second object; and associating the second color imaging data with the first color imaging data, the processing circuit being operative to link the second color imaging data with the first color imaging data in the memory device.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the method comprising: providing an optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly and the image analysis circuit, and a memory device coupled to the processing circuit; acquiring an image of a first object, the color imaging assembly generating first color imaging data representative of the image of the first object; acquiring an image of a second object, the color imaging assembly generating second color imaging data representative of the image of the second object; and associating the second color imaging data with the first color imaging data, the processing circuit being operative to link the second color imaging data with the first color imaging data in the memory device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
152 words
The method of claim 41 , further comprising the steps of: analyzing the first color imaging data, the image analysis circuit providing a first image classification, the image of the first object being classified as either a color photograph or as a graphical symbol; analyzing the second color imaging data, the image analysis circuit providing a second image classification, the image of the second object being classified as either a color photograph or as a graphical symbol; processing the first color imaging data in accordance with the first image classification, the processor generating a first imaging result; processing the second color imaging data in accordance with the second image classification, the processor generating a second imaging result; and storing the first imaging result and the second imaging result in the memory device, the processing circuit being operative to associate the first imaging result and the second imaging result in the memory device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 42 , further comprising the step of displaying the first imaging result and the second imaging result on an electronic display device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 43 , wherein the first imaging result includes a digital photograph of a first object and the second imaging result includes decoded bar code data that represents a bar code disposed on the first object.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 42 , further comprising the step of printing the first imaging result and the second imaging result.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 45 , wherein the first imaging result includes a digital photograph of a first object and the second imaging result includes decoded bar code data that represents a bar code disposed on the first object.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 42 , further comprising the step of storing the first imaging result and the second imaging result as linked records in a database.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
90 words
A computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method using an optical reader, the optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, and a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly and the image analysis circuit, the method comprising: acquiring color imaging data; analyzing the color imaging data to provide an image classification, the image being classified as a color photograph or as a graphical symbol; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with the image classification.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
90 words
A computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method using an optical reader, the optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, and a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly and the image analysis circuit, the method comprising: acquiring color imaging data; analyzing the color imaging data to provide an image classification, the image being classified as a color photograph or as a graphical symbol; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with the image classification.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
119 words
In an optical reader having a color imaging assembly for acquiring color imaging data, and a graphical user interface including a display and a selection device, a method for selecting one of a plurality of optical reader operating modes, the method comprising: displaying a plurality of icons on the graphical user interface, each of at least a portion of the plurality of icons corresponding to one optical reader operating mode; selecting an icon with the selection device to thereby drive the optical reader to operate in an optical reader operating mode corresponding to the selected icon; acquiring color imaging data; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with the optical reader operating mode corresponding to the selected icon.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
119 words
In an optical reader having a color imaging assembly for acquiring color imaging data, and a graphical user interface including a display and a selection device, a method for selecting one of a plurality of optical reader operating modes, the method comprising: displaying a plurality of icons on the graphical user interface, each of at least a portion of the plurality of icons corresponding to one optical reader operating mode; selecting an icon with the selection device to thereby drive the optical reader to operate in an optical reader operating mode corresponding to the selected icon; acquiring color imaging data; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with the optical reader operating mode corresponding to the selected icon.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
129 words
In an optical reader having a color imaging assembly for acquiring color imaging data, a processor, a memory device, and a graphical user interface including a display and a selection device, a method of providing and selecting from a menu on the display, the method comprising: retrieving a set of menu entries from the memory device, each of at least a portion of the menu entries representing one of a plurality of operational modes of the optical reader, the plurality of operational modes including a color photography mode and a graphical symbol reading mode; displaying the set of menu entries on the display; selecting a menu entry with the selection device; and processing the acquired imaging data in accordance with the operational mode corresponding to the selected menu entry.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
129 words
In an optical reader having a color imaging assembly for acquiring color imaging data, a processor, a memory device, and a graphical user interface including a display and a selection device, a method of providing and selecting from a menu on the display, the method comprising: retrieving a set of menu entries from the memory device, each of at least a portion of the menu entries representing one of a plurality of operational modes of the optical reader, the plurality of operational modes including a color photography mode and a graphical symbol reading mode; displaying the set of menu entries on the display; selecting a menu entry with the selection device; and processing the acquired imaging data in accordance with the operational mode corresponding to the selected menu entry.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the method comprising: providing an optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, and a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly and the image analysis circuit; acquiring the image of the object, the color imaging assembly converting the image into color imaging data; classifying the image, the processing circuit classifying the image as either a color photograph, or as a color image that includes at least one graphical indicia; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with the step of classifying.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the method comprising: providing an optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, and a processing circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly and the image analysis circuit; acquiring the image of the object, the color imaging assembly converting the image into color imaging data; classifying the image, the processing circuit classifying the image as either a color photograph, or as a color image that includes at least one graphical indicia; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with the step of classifying.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit, and a processing circuit, the optical reader operative in a plurality of imaging modes, the imaging modes including at least one graphical symbol acquisition mode, and a color photography mode, the method comprising: capturing the image, the color imaging assembly generating color imaging data representative of the image; analyzing at least a portion of the color imaging data to provide an image classification, the image classification including at least one graphical symbol classification and a color photography classification; automatically selecting one of a plurality of image processing modes based on the image classification provided in the step of analyzing; and processing the color imaging data based on the selected one of the plurality of image processing modes.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit, and a processing circuit, the optical reader operative in a plurality of imaging modes, the imaging modes including at least one graphical symbol acquisition mode, and a color photography mode, the method comprising: capturing the image, the color imaging assembly generating color imaging data representative of the image; analyzing at least a portion of the color imaging data to provide an image classification, the image classification including at least one graphical symbol classification and a color photography classification; automatically selecting one of a plurality of image processing modes based on the image classification provided in the step of analyzing; and processing the color imaging data based on the selected one of the plurality of image processing modes.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit, and a processing circuit, the optical reader operative in a plurality of imaging modes, the plurality of imaging modes including at least one graphical symbol mode and a color photography mode, the method comprising: capturing the image, the color imaging assembly generating color imaging data representative of the image; automatically selecting one of the plurality of imaging modes based on an analysis of the color imaging data; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with a selected one of the plurality of imaging modes.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for acquiring an image of an object with an optical reader, the optical reader including a color imaging assembly, an image analysis circuit, and a processing circuit, the optical reader operative in a plurality of imaging modes, the plurality of imaging modes including at least one graphical symbol mode and a color photography mode, the method comprising: capturing the image, the color imaging assembly generating color imaging data representative of the image; automatically selecting one of the plurality of imaging modes based on an analysis of the color imaging data; and processing the color imaging data in accordance with a selected one of the plurality of imaging modes.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
118 words
A system for processing at least one image, the system including at least one network element, the system comprising: an optical reader including a color imager and a processor, the color imager being configured to generate color imaging data corresponding to the at least one image, the processor being configured to provide a classification of the color imaging data based on whether the color imaging data includes at least one graphical symbol, the processor being programmed to process the color imaging data in accordance with the classification; and a network coupled to the color optical reader and the at least one network element, processed image data being transmitted between the network and the at least one network element.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
118 words
A system for processing at least one image, the system including at least one network element, the system comprising: an optical reader including a color imager and a processor, the color imager being configured to generate color imaging data corresponding to the at least one image, the processor being configured to provide a classification of the color imaging data based on whether the color imaging data includes at least one graphical symbol, the processor being programmed to process the color imaging data in accordance with the classification; and a network coupled to the color optical reader and the at least one network element, processed image data being transmitted between the network and the at least one network element.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
82 words
The system of claim 54 , wherein the processor further comprises an image analysis circuit coupled to the color imager, the image analysis circuit being configured to determine if the color imaging data includes at least one graphical symbol, whereby the image is classified as a graphical symbol image if the color imaging data includes at least one graphical symbol, or the image is classified as a color photograph if the color imaging data does not include at least one graphical symbol.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 54 , wherein the processor further comprises an automatic mode selection circuit coupled to the color imager, the automatic mode selection circuit using at least a portion of the color imaging data to select one of a plurality of operational modes of the optical reader, the operational modes including at least graphical symbol mode and a color photography mode.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
97 words
The system of claim 54 , wherein the processor further comprises: a classification circuit coupled to the color imager, the classification circuit being configured to process at least a portion of the color imaging data to thereby select one of a plurality of classifications, whereby the image is classified as a color photographic image, or as an image that includes at least one graphical symbol; an automatic mode selector coupled to the classification circuit, the automatic mode selector being configured to select an optical reader mode in accordance with the selected one of a plurality of classifications.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
109 words
The system of claim 54 , wherein the optical reader further comprises: a user mode selector coupled to the color imager, the user mode selector being switchable between at least one automatic user mode, or a manual user mode for manually selecting one of a plurality of imaging modes of the optical reader, whereby the plurality of imaging modes includes at least one graphical symbol mode and a color photography mode; an automatic imaging mode selector coupled to the user mode selector and the color imager, the automatic imaging mode selector being operative to automatically select one of the plurality of imaging modes when in the automatic user mode.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 54 , wherein the at least one image includes a plurality of images, the processor being configured to associate each image of the plurality of images with at least one other image of the plurality of images.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for making an optical reader, the method comprising: providing a color imaging assembly configured to capture an image of an object, the color imaging assembly being operative to generate color imaging data corresponding to the captured image; coupling an image analysis circuit to the color imaging assembly, the image analysis circuit being operative to analyze at least a portion of the color imaging data; and coupling a processing circuit to the image analysis circuit and the color imaging assembly, the processing circuit being operative to process the color imaging data based on the analysis of the at least a portion of the color imaging data.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for making an optical reader, the method comprising: providing a color imaging assembly configured to capture an image of an object, the color imaging assembly being operative to generate color imaging data corresponding to the captured image; coupling an image analysis circuit to the color imaging assembly, the image analysis circuit being operative to analyze at least a portion of the color imaging data; and coupling a processing circuit to the image analysis circuit and the color imaging assembly, the processing circuit being operative to process the color imaging data based on the analysis of the at least a portion of the color imaging data.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
100 words
The method of claim 60 , wherein the image analysis circuit further comprises: a classification circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the classification circuit being configured to process at least a portion of the color imaging data to thereby select one of a plurality of classifications, whereby the image is classified as a color photographic image, or as an image that includes at least one graphical symbol; an automatic mode selector coupled to the classification circuit, the automatic mode selector being configured to select an optical reader mode in accordance with the selected one of a plurality of classifications.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
122 words
The method of claim 60 , wherein the method of making an optical reader further comprises: providing a user mode selection circuit coupled to the color imaging assembly, the user mode selector being switchable between at least one automatic user mode, or a manual user mode for manually selecting one of a plurality of imaging modes of the optical reader, whereby the plurality of imaging modes includes at least one graphical symbol mode and a color photography mode; and providing an automatic imaging mode selection circuit coupled to the user mode selection circuit and the color imaging assembly, the automatic imaging mode selection circuit being operative to automatically select one of the plurality of imaging modes when in the automatic user mode.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-12-28 | 2012-06-28 | 2012-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-12-28 | 2016-06-28 | 2016-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |