text:
Launching a web site using a portable scanner
A method for a user to access information on a network. Information from a machine recognizable code (MRC) (1606) is extracted at a user location, which MRC (1606) has associated therewith routing information to a remote location (312) on the network. The extracted information from the MRC (1606) is wirelessly transmitted to a network interface device (302) in response to the information being extracted. The remote location (312) associated with the extracted information from the MRC (1606) is then connected thereto from the user location and the information downloaded therefrom. The downloaded information is displayed on a display (1612) at the user location, such that when displayed, substantially immediate feedback is provided to the user in response to the MRC (1606) being scanned.
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This application is a Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/615,686, entitled; LAUNCHING A WEB SITE USING A PORTABLE SCANNER, which issued on Apr. 5, 2005, as U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,032, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/580,848 entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING A REMOTE LOCATION BY SCANNING AN OPTICAL CODE" filed on May 30, 2000 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,424 on Mar. 1, 2005, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/378,221 entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING A REMOTE LOCATION BY SCANNING AN OPTICAL CODE" filed on Aug. 19, 1999 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,234 on Jun. 1, 2004, which is a Continuation-in-Part of the following two U.S. Patent Applications filed on Sep. 11, 1998: Ser. No. 09/15 1,471 entitled "METHOD FOR INTERFACING SCANNED PRODUCT INFORMATION WITH A SOURCE FOR THE PRODUCT OVER A GLOBAL NETWORK," now abandoned and Ser. No. 09/151,530 entitled "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A COMPUTER WITH AN AUDIO SIGNAL," issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,106 on Aug. 1, 2000.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related to a method of launching a web site using a portable scanner by scanning a machine resolvable code.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the growing numbers of computer users connecting to the "Internet," many companies are seeking the substantial commercial opportunities presented by such a large user base. For example, one technology which exists allows a television ("TV") signal to trigger a computer response in which the consumer will be guided to a personalized web page. The source of the triggering signal may be a TV, video tape recorder, or radio. For example, if a viewer is watching a TV program in which an advertiser offers viewer voting, the advertiser may transmit a unique signal within the television signal which controls a program known as a "browser" on the viewer's computer to automatically display the advertiser's web page. The viewer then simply makes a selection which is then transmitted back to the advertiser.
In order to provide the viewer with the capability of responding to a wide variety of companies using this technology, a database of company information and Uniform Resource Locator ("URL") codes is necessarily maintained in the viewer's computer, requiring continuous updates. URLs are short strings of data that identify resources on the Internet: documents, images, downloadable files, services, electronic mailboxes, and other resources. URLs make resources available under a variety of naming schemes and access methods such as HTTP, FTP, and Internet mail, addressable in the same simple way. URLs reduce the tedium of "login to this server, then issue this magic command . . . " down to a single click. The Internet uses URLs to specify the location of files on other servers. A URL includes the type of resource being accessed (e.g., Web, gopher, FTP), the address of the server, and the location of the file. The URL can point to any file on any networked computer. Current technology requires the viewer to perform periodic updates to obtain the most current URL database. This aspect of the current technology is cumbersome since the update process requires downloading information to the viewer's computer. Moreover, the likelihood for error in performing the update, and the necessity of redoing the update in the event of a later computer crash, further complicates the process. Additionally, current technologies are limited in the number of companies which may be stored in the database. This is a significant limitation since world-wide access presented by the Internet and the increasing number of companies connecting to perform on-line E-commerce necessitates a large database.
Many types of optical readers are known, however, their cost and complexity have heretofore limited their use primarily to industrial and commercial users. Now, many new network-based technologies are being developed for home users which involve optical scanning. Thus, the need for a simple, low cost optical reader which can be attached to a personal computer has emerged.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a method for a user to access information on a network. Information from a machine recognizable code (MRC) is extracted at a user location, which MRC has associated therewith routing information to a remote location on the network. The extracted information from the MRC is wirelessly transmitted to a network interface device in response to the information being extracted. The remote location associated with the extracted information from the MRC is then connected thereto from the user location and the information downloaded therefrom. The downloaded information is displayed on a display at the user location, such that when displayed, substantially immediate feedback is provided to the user in response to the MRC being scanned.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:
Referring now to
On the receive side of the system, a conventional receiver 110, such as a television is provided. This television provides a speaker output which provides the user with an audible signal. This is typically associated with the program. However, the receiver 110 in the disclosed embodiment, also provides an audio output jack, this being the type RCA jack. This jack is utilized to provide an audio output signal on a line 113 which is represented by an audio signal 111. This line 113 provides all of the audio that is received over the communication link 108 to the PC 112 in the audio input port on the PC 112. However, it should be understood that, although a direct connection is illustrated from the receiver 110 to the PC 112, there actually could be a microphone pickup at the PC 112 which could pick the audio signal up. In the disclosed embodiment, the audio signal generated by the advertiser data input device 100 is audible to the human ear and, therefore, can be heard by the user. Therefore, no special filters are needed to provide this audio to the PC 112.
The PC 112 is operable to run programs thereon which typically are stored in a program file area 116. These programs can be any type of programs such as word processing programs, application programs, etc. In the disclosed embodiment, the program that is utilized in the system is what is referred to as a "browser." The PC 112 runs a browser program to facilitate the access of information on the network, for example, a global communication network known as the "Internet" or the World-Wide-Web ("Web"). The browser is a hypertext-linked application used for accessing information. Hypertext is a term used to describe a particular organization of information within a data processing system, and its presentation to a user. It exploits the computer's ability to link together information from a wide variety of sources to provide the user with the ability to explore a particular topic. The traditional style of presentation used in books employs an organization of the information which is imposed upon it by limitations of the medium, namely fixed sized, sequential paper pages. Hypertext systems, however, use a large number of units of text or other types of data such as image information, graphical information, video information, or sound information, which can vary in size.
A collection of such units of information is termed a hypertext document, or where the hypertext documents employ information other than text, hypermedia documents. Multimedia communications may use the Hypertext Transfer Protocol ("HTTP"), and files or formatted data may use the Hypertext Markup Language ("HTML"). This formatting language provides for a mingling of text, graphics, sound, video, and hypertext links by "tagging" a text document using HTML. Data encoded using HTML is often referred to as an "HTML document," an "HTML page," or a "home page." These documents and other Internet resources may be accessed across the network by means of a network addressing scheme which uses a locator referred to as a Uniform Resource Locator ("URL"), for example, "http://www.digital.com."
The Internet is one of the most utilized networks for interconnecting distributed computer systems and allows users of these computer systems to exchange data all over the world. Connected to the Internet are many private networks, for example, corporate or commercial networks. Standard protocols, such as the Transport Control Protocol ("TCP") and the Internet Protocol ("IP") provide a convenient method for communicating across these diverse networks. These protocols dictate how data are formatted and communicated. As a characteristic of the Internet, the protocols are layered in an IP stack. At higher levels of the IP stack, such as the application layer (where HTTP is employed), the user information is more readily visible, while at lower levels, such as the network level (where TCP/IP are used), the data can merely be observed as packets or a stream of rapidly moving digital signals. Superimposed on the Internet is a standard protocol interface for accessing Web resources, such as servers, files, Web pages, mail messages, and the like. One way that Web resources can be accessed is by browsers made by Netscape® and Microsoft Internet Explorer®.
Referring again now to
By utilizing the system described herein with respect to the disclosed embodiment of
Referring now to
This appended data, in addition to other control codes, is inserted directly into the web browser application for automatic routing to the communication network. The web browser running on PC 204, and communicating to the network with an internal modem 208, in this embodiment, transmits the advertiser information to the remote server. The remote server cross-references the advertiser product information to the address of the advertiser server located on the network. The address of the advertiser server is routed back through the PC 204 web browser to the advertiser server. The advertiser product information is returned to PC 204 to be presented to the viewer on display 118. In this particular embodiment, the particular advertiser product information displayed is contained within the advertiser's web page 212. As mentioned above, the audio signal is audible to the human ear. Therefore the audio signal, as emitted from the TV speakers, may be input to the sound card 206 via a microphone. Furthermore, the audio signal need not be a real-time broadcast, but may be on video tapes, CDs, DVD, or other media which may be displayed at a later date. With the imminent implementation of high definition digital television, the audio signal output from the TV may also be digital. Therefore, direct input into a sound card for A/D purposes may not be necessary, but alternative interfacing techniques to accommodate digital-to-digital signal formats would apply.
Referring now to
The information transactions, in general, which occur between the networked systems of this embodiment, over the communication network, are the following. The web browser running on source PC 302 transmits a message packet to the ARS 308 over Path "A." The ARS 308 decodes the message packet and performs a cross-reference function with product information extracted from the received message packet to obtain the address of an advertiser server 312. A new message packet is assembled comprising the advertiser server 312 address, and sent back to the source PC 302 over Path "B." A "handoff" operation is performed whereby the source PC 302 browser simply reroutes the information on to the advertiser server 312 over Path "C," with the appropriate source and destination address appended. The advertiser server 312 receives and decodes the message packet. The request-for-advertiser-product-information is extracted and the advertiser 312 retrieves the requested information from its database for transmission back to the source PC 302 over Path "D." The source PC 302 then processes the information, i.e., for display to the viewer. The optional Path "E" is discussed hereinbelow. It should be noted that the disclosed methods are not limited to only browser communication applications, but may accommodate, with sufficient modifications by one skilled in the art, other communication applications used to transmit information over the Internet or communication network.
Referring now to
Upon receipt of the message packet 400 from source PC 302, ARS 308 processes the information in accordance with instructions embedded in the overhead information. The ARS 308 specifically will extract the product code information from the received packet 400 and, once extracted, will then decode this product code information. Once decoded, this information is then compared with data contained within the ARS advertiser database 310 to determine if there is a "hit." If there is no "hit" indicating a match, then information is returned to the browser indicating such. If there is a "hit," a packet 402 is assembled which comprises the address of the source PC 302, and information instructing the source PC 302 as to how to access, directly in a "handoff" operation, another location on the network, that of an advertiser server 312. This type of construction is relatively conventional with browsers such as Netscape® and Microsoft Internet Explorer® and, rather than displaying information from the ARS 308, the source PC 302 can then access the advertiser server 312. The ARS 308 transmits the packet 402 back to source PC 302 over Path "B." Referring now to
Upon receipt of the message packet 402 by the source PC 302, the message packet 402 is disassembled to obtain pertinent routing information for assembly of a new message packet 404. The web browser running on source PC 302 is now directed to obtain, over Path "C," the product information relevant to the particular advertiser server 312 location information embedded in message packet 404. Referring now to
Upon receipt of the message packet 404 from source PC 302, advertiser server 312 disassembles the message packet 404 to obtain the request-for-product-information data. The advertiser server 312 then retrieves the particular product information from its database, and transmits it over Path "D" back to the source PC 302. Referring now to
Optionally, the ARS 308 may make a direct request for product information over Path "E" to advertiser server 312. In this mode, the ARS 308 sends information to the advertiser server 312 instructing it to contact the source PC 302. This, however, is unconventional and requires more complex software control. The message packet 408 for this transaction is illustrated in
Referring now to
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Referring now to
The audio information is then routed to a PC 906, which is similar to the PC 112 in
Referring now to
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The ARS 308, which basically constitutes the PC 1004 of
The associated ID 1304 that is transmitted along with the routing information in primary routing information 904 is then compared with the profile database 1308 to determine if a profile associated therewith is available. This information is stored in a transaction database 1310 such that, at a later time, for each routing code received in the form of the information in primary routing information 904, there will associated therewith the IDs 1304 of each of the PCs 906. The associated profiles in database 1308, which are stored in association with IDs 1304, can then be assembled and transmitted to a subscriber as referenced by a subscriber node 1312 on the network 910. The ARS 308 can do this in two modes, a realtime mode or a non-realtime mode. In a realtime mode, each time a PC 906 accesses the advertiser database 310, that user's profile information is uploaded to the subscriber node 1312. At the same time, billing information is generated for that subscriber 1312 which is stored in a billing database 1316. Therefore, the ARS 308 has the ability to inform the subscriber 1312 of each transaction, bill for those transactions, and also provide to the subscriber 1312 profile information regarding who is accessing the particular product advertisement having associated therewith the routing information field 904 for a particular routing code as described hereinabove. This information, once assembled, can then be transmitted to the subscriber 1312 and also be reflected in billing information and stored in the billing information database 1316.
Referring now to
Once all of the information is collected, in either the basic mode or the more specific mode, the program will then flow to a function block 1412 where this information is stored locally. The program then flows to a decision block 1414 to then go on-line to the host or the ARS 308. In general, the user is prompted to determine whether he or she wants to send this information to the host at the present time or to send it later. If he or she selects the "later" option, the program will flow to a function block 1415 to prompt the user at a later time to send the information. In the disclosed embodiment, the user will not be able to utilize the software until the profile information is sent to the host. Therefore, the user may have to activate this at a later time in order to connect with the host.
If the user has selected the option to upload the profile information to the host, the program will flow to the function block 1416 to initiate the connect process and then to a decision block 1418 to determine if the connection has been made. If not, the program will flow along a "N" path to a decision block 1420 which will timeout to an error block 1422 or back to the input of the connect decision block 1418. The program, once connected, will then flow along a "Y" path from decision block 1418 to a function block 1428 to send the profile information with the ID of the computer or user to the host. The ID is basically, as described hereinabove, a "cookie" in the computer which is accessed by the program when transmitting to the host. The program will then flow to a function block 1430 to activate the program such that it, at later time, can operate without requiring all of the setup information. In general, all of the operation of this flowchart is performed with a "wizard" which steps the user through the setup process. Once complete, the program will flow to a Done block 1432.
Referring now to
The profile information can be transmitted back to the subscriber or manufacturer at the node 312 in realtime or non-realtime. A decision block 1512 is provided for this, which determines if the delivery is realtime. If realtime, the program will flow along a "Y" path to a function block 1514 wherein the information will be immediately forwarded to the manufacturer or subscriber. The program will then flow to a function block 1516 wherein the billing for that particular manufacturer or subscriber will be updated in the billing database 1316. The program will then flow into an End block 1518. If it was non-realtime, the program moves along the "N" path to a function block 1520 wherein it is set for a later delivery and it is accrued in the transaction database 1310. In any event, the transaction database 1310 will accrue all information associated with a particular routing code.
With a realtime transaction, it is possible for a manufacturer to place an advertisement in a magazine or to place a product on a shelf at a particular time. The manufacturer can thereafter monitor the times when either the advertisements are or the products are purchased. Of course, they must be scanned into a computer which will provide some delay. However, the manufacturer can gain a very current view of how a product is moving. For example, if a cola manufacturer were to provide a promotional advertisement on, for example, television, indicating that a new cola was going to be placed on the shelf and that the first 1000 purchasers, for example, scanning their code into the network would receive some benefit, such as a chance to win a trip to some famous resort in Florida or some other incentive, the manufacturer would have a very good idea as to how well the advertisement was received. Further, the advertiser would know where the receptive markets were. If this advertiser, for example, had placed the television advertisement in ten cities and received overwhelming response from one city, but very poor response from another city, he would then have some inclination to believe that either one poor-response city was not a good market or that the advertising medium he had chosen was very poor. Since the advertiser can obtain a relatively instant response and also content with that response as to the demographics of the responder, very important information can be obtained in a relatively short time.
It should be noted that the disclosed embodiment is not limited to a single source PC 302, but may encompass a large number of source computers connected over a global communication network. Additionally, the embodiment is not limited to a single ARS 308 or a single advertiser server 312, but may include a plurality of ARS and advertiser systems, indicated by the addition of ARS 314 and advertiser server A 316, respectively. It should also be noted that this embodiment is not limited only to global communication networks, but also may be used with LAN, WAN, and peer-to-peer configurations.
It should also be noted that the disclosed embodiment is not limited to a personal computer, but is also applicable to, for example, a Network Computer ("NetPC"), a scaled-down version of the PC, or any system which accommodates user interaction and interfaces to information resources.
One typical application of the above noted technique is for providing a triggering event during a program, such as a sport event. In a first example, this may be generated by an advertiser. One could imagine that, due to the cost of advertisements in a high profile sports program, there is a desire to utilize this time wisely. If, for example, an advertiser contracted for 15 seconds worth of advertising time, they could insert within their program a tone containing the routing information. This routing information can then be output to the user PC 302 which will cause the user PC 302 to, via the network, obtain information from a remote location typically controlled by the advertiser. This could be in the form of an advertisement of a length longer than that contracted for. Further, this could be an interactive type of advertisement. An important aspect to the type of interaction between the actual broadcast program with the embedded routing information and the manufacturer's site is the fact that there is provided information as to the user PC 302 and a profile of the user themselves. Therefore, an advertiser can actually gain realtime information as to the number of individuals that are watching their particular advertisement and also information as to the background of those individuals, profile information, etc. This can be a very valuable asset to an advertiser.
In another example, the producer of the program, whether it be an on-air program, a program embedded in a video tape, CD-ROM, DVD, or a cassette, can allow the user to automatically access additional information that is not displayed on the screen. For example, in a sporting event, various statistics can be provided to the user from a remote location, merely by the viewer watching the program. When these statistics are provided, the advertiser can be provided with profile information and background information regarding the user. This can be important when, for example, the user may record a sports program. If the manufacturer sees that this program routing code is being output from some device at a time later than the actual broadcast itself, this allows the advertisers to actually see that their program is still being used and also what type of individual is using it. Alternatively, the broadcaster could determine the same and actually bill the advertiser an additional sum for a later broadcast. This is all due to the fact that the routing information automatically, through a PC and a network, will provide an indication to the advertiser the time at which the actual information was broadcast.
The different type of medium that can be utilized with the above embodiment are such things as advertisements, which are discussed hereinabove, contests, games, news programs, education, coupon promotional programs, demonstration media (demos), and photographs, all of which can be broadcast on a private site or a public site. This all will provide the ability to allow realtime interface with the network and the remote location for obtaining the routed information and also allow for realtime billing and accounting.
Referring now to
After obtaining the input device 1600 from the input device distributor, the user connects the input device 1600 to their PC 302. During a scanning operation, input device 1600 reads bar code data 1606 and the input device ID into a "wedge" interface 1608 for conversion into keyboard data, which keyboard data is passed therefrom into the keyboard input port of PC 302. The importance of the input device ID will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow.
The wedge interface 1608 is simply an interface box containing circuitry that accommodates inputs from both the scanning input device 1600 and a computer keyboard 1610. This merely allows the information scanned by the input device 1600 to be input into the PC 302. In the disclosed embodiment, the wedge interface 1608 will convert any information. The data output from the input device 1600 is passed into the wedge interface 1608 for conversion into keyboard data which is readily recognizable by the PC 302. Therefore, the input device 1600 is not required to be connected to a separate port on the PC 302. This data is recognized as a sequence of keystrokes. However, the output of the input device 1600 can be input in any manner compatible with the PC 302. When not receiving scanner data, the wedge interface 1608 simply acts as a pass-through device for keyboard data from the keyboard 1610. In any case, the information is ultimately processed by a processor in the PC 302 and can be presented to the user on a display 1612. The wedge interface 1608 is operable to provide a decoding function for the bar code 1606 and conversion thereof to keystroke input data.
In operation, the product code of a product is provided in the form of a bar code 1606. This bar code 1606 is the "link" to a product. The disclosed embodiment is operable to connect that product information contained in the bar code 1606 with a web page of the manufacturer of that product by utilizing the bar code 1606 as the product "identifier." The program operating on the PC 302 provides routing information to the ARS 308 after launching the browser on the PC 302 and connecting to the ARS 308 over the GCN 306, which ARS 308 then performs the necessary steps to cause the browser to connect to the manufacturer web site, while also providing for an accounting step, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
The bar code 1606 by itself is incompatible with any kind of network for the purposes of communication therewith. It is primarily provided for a retail-type setting. Therefore, the information contained in the bar code 1606, by itself, does not allow for anything other than identification of a product, assuming that one has a database 1614 containing information as to a correlation between the product and the bar code 1606.
The wedge interface 1608 is operable to decode the bar code 1606 to extract the encoded information therein, and append to that decoded bar code information relating to an ID for the input device 1600. This information is then forwarded to the ARS 308 by the resident program in the PC 302. This is facilitated by intermediate routing information stored in the program indicating to which node on the GCN 306 the scanned bar code information is to be sent, i.e., to the ARS 308. It is important to note that the information in the bar code 1606 must be converted from its optical image to numerical values which are then ultimately input to the keyboard input port of PC 302 and converted into data compatible with communication software residing on the PC 302 (in this case, HTML language for insertion into a browser program). When the scanned information is input to the PC 302, the resident program launches the browser program and then assembles a communication packet comprised of the URL of the ARS 308, the input device ID and the user ID. If another type of communications program were utilized, then it would have to be converted into language compatible with that program. Of course, a user could actually key in the information on the bar code 102 and then append the appropriate intermediate routing information thereafter. As will be described hereinbelow, the intermediate routing information appended thereto is the URL of the ARS 308 disposed on the GCN 306.
As part of the configuration for using the input device 1600, the PC 302 hosts input device software which is operable to interpret data transmitted from the input device 1600, and to create a message packet having the scanned product information and input device ID, routing information, and a user ID which identifies the user location of the input device 1600. The input device software loads at boot-up of the PC 302 and runs in the background. In response to receiving a scanned bar code 1606, the wedge interface 1608 outputs a keystroke code (e.g., ALT-F10) to bring the input device program into the foreground for interaction by the operating system. The input device program then inserts the necessary information into the browser program. The message packet is then transmitted to interface 304 across the global communication network 306 to the ARS 308. The ARS 308 interrogates the message packet and performs a lookup function using the ARS database 310. If a match is found between particular parameters of the message packet, a return message packet is sent back to the PC 302 for processing.
The input device program running on PC 302 functions to partition the browser window displayed to the user into several individual areas. This is for the purpose of preparing to present to the user selected information in each of the individual areas (also called "framing"). The selected information comprises the product information which the user requested by scanning the bar code 1606 using the input device 1600, information about the input device distributor which establishes the identity of the company associated with that particular input device 1600, and at least one or more other frames which may be advertisements related to other products that the input device distributor sells. Note that the advertisements displayed by the input device distributor may be related to the product of interest or totally unrelated. For example, if a user scans the bar code 1606 of a soda from Company A, the input device distributor may generate an advertisement of a new soft drink being marketed by Company A, that it sells. On the other hand, the input device distributor may also structure the display of information to the user such that a user requesting product information of a Product X may get the requested information of Product X along with advertisements for a competing item Product Y. Essentially, the input device distributor is free to generate any advertisement to the user in response to the user requesting product information.
The return message packet transmitted from the ARS 308 to the PC 302 is then transmitted back across the GCN 306 to the advertiser server 312. The advertiser server 312 restructures the message packet and appends the particular product information for transmission back to the PC 302. Upon receiving the particular advertiser information from advertiser server 312, the PC 302 then retransmits a message to the input device distributor site 1616 and E-commerce site 1618 to obtain the information that needs to be framed in the browser window displayed to the user.
Therefore, the input device 1600 is associated with the input device distributor by way of an input device ID such that scanning a product bar code 1606 in order to obtain information about that particular product generates one or more responses from one or more remote sites disposed on the GCN 306. Stored in the input device 1600 is the input device ID which establishes its relationship to the input device distributor. Proprietary input device software running on the PC 302 operates to decode scanned bar code information and the input device ID received from the input device 1600 and wedge interface 1608, and also provides a unique user ID for establishing the location of the user of the input device 1600. The input device software also assembles message packets and works in conjunction with the on-board communication software (e.g., a browser) to automatically route the message packets across the GCN 306 such that the one or more remote sites disposed on the GCN 306 return information to be framed for presentation to the user.
Referring now to
The microcontroller 1700 performs this function after decoding this bar code information, and conversion of this bar code information into an appropriate stream of data which is comprised of the bar code information and the appended URL. This appended URL will be pre-stored in the memory 1702 and is programmable at the time of manufacture. It is noted that the memory 1702 is illustrated as being contained within the microcontroller 1702 to provide a single chip solution. However, this could be external memory that is accessible by the microcontroller 1702. Therefore, the microcontroller 1700 provides an interface between the input device 1600 and the keyboard 1610 to the PC 302 which allows the input device 1600 to receive coded information and convert it to keyboard strokes or, alternatively, to merely pass-through the keystrokes from the keyboard 1610. Therefore, the user need not install any type of plug-in circuit board into the motherboard of the PC 302 in order to provide an interface to the input device 1600; rather, the user need only utilize the already available keyboard port in order to input the appropriate data into the system.
In this particular disclosed embodiment, the microcontroller 1700 comprises a PIC16C73 microcontroller by Microchip Technologies™. The PIC16C73 device is a low cost CMOS 8-bit microcontroller with an integrated analog-to-digital converter. The PIC16C73 device, as illustrated in the disclosed embodiment, has 192 bytes of RAM and 4k×4 of EPROM memory. The microcontroller 1700 can accommodate asynchronous or synchronous inputs from input devices connected to it. In this disclosed embodiment, communication to the keyboard 1610 is synchronous while it is asynchronous when communicating with input device 1600.
It should be noted that, although in this particular embodiment bar code information of the bar code 1606 is input into the keyboard input port of the PC 302, disclosed methods may also be advantageously utilized with high speed port architectures such as Universal Serial Bus ("USB") and IEEE 1394.
Bar codes are structured to be read in either direction. Timing considerations need to be addressed because of the variety of individuals scanning the bar code introduce a wide variety of scan rates. Bar codes use bars of varying widths. The presence of a black bar generates a positive pulse, and the absence of a black bar generates no pulse. Each character of a conventional bar code has associated therewith seven pulses or bars. Depending on the width of the bars, the time between pulses varies. In this disclosed embodiment, the interface circuitry 1608 performs a "running" calculation of the scan time based upon the rising edge of the pulses commencing with the leader or header information. The minimum and maximum scans times are calculated continuously in software with the interface 1608 during the scanning process to ensure a successful scan by the user.
Referring now to
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It can be appreciated that other information can also be provided by the ARS 308 which more closely targets the particular user of the input device 1600. For example, if it is known that a particular input device 1600 is sold in a certain geographic area, this information can be useful in targeting the particular user with certain advertising information relevant to that geographic area. In any case, the information returned from the ARS 308 over path 1902 provides enough information for the input device program running on the user PC 302 to identify a number of other sites disposed on the GCN 306. The user PC 302 then processes the return message packet and routes another message packet over a path 1904 to the advertiser server 312. The advertiser server 312 then returns product information of the particular product in which the user was interested back to the user PC 302 over a path 1906. Similarly, the user PC 302 routes information (e.g., the URL of the input device distributor site and the user profile) to the input device distributor site 1616 over a path 1908 in order to obtain information back over a path 1910 for framing any banners which identify the input device distributor. Additionally, the user PC 302 forwards a message packet to the E-commerce site 1618 over a path 1912 in order to return information regarding any particular advertisements the input device distributor wants to display to the user. The advertisements are returned to the PC 302 over a path 1914.
Referring now to
Referring now to
It can be appreciated that there may be a number of distributors using the disclosed architecture such that each distributor has an ID embedded in the input device 1600 which uniquely identifies that input device with the particular distributor. Therefore, the unique input device ID 1804 needs to be listed with the respective distributors of that input device 1600 in order to process the information that needs to be framed and displayed to that particular user. Another heading under the ARS database structure 2100 is a user heading 2106 which contains profile information associated with that particular user ID 1806. As mentioned hereinabove, the user ID 1806 is obtained via the input device software running on the PC 302 and upon installation or subsequent configuration may request that the user input certain profile information which may be used to target that particular user with products and services which identify with that user profile. The ARS database structure 2100 also contains an E-commerce heading 2108 which contains information related to the bar code 1606 and an advertisement that may be triggered by the request for that information. For example, any bar code 1606 associated with a paper source 1602 can be associated with the specific information in the ARS database 310. A user wishing to obtain information about a specific soft drink may, in fact, trigger an advertising response of a competitor product. Similarly, the user interested in information about that particular soft drink may also trigger information which is relevant to that particular product or a product which may normally be served in conjunction with that soft drink. Furthermore, if the user profile indicates that this individual has significant interest in finance or insurance, the request for information regarding this particular bar coded product may trigger advertisement from an E-commerce server 1618 related to information about finance and insurance. It should be noted that the information described as contained within the ARS database structure 2100 is not limited to what has been described, but may comprise any number of pieces of information used to present desired information to the computer display of the user.
Referring now to
After the input device software partitions the browser window into one or more frames in preparation of receipt of return information, flow moves to a decision block 2206 where the computer waits for information to be returned from the various sites disposed on the GCN 306. If information is not returned, flow moves out the "N" path and simply loops back to the input to continue monitoring for receipt of the information. If information has been received, flow moves out the "Y" path to a function block 2208 where routing information for each frame (or partitioned area of the window 2000) is inserted into one or more packets for transmission to the various sites. The various sites then return the requested information back to the PC 302, as indicated in function block 2210. Flow is then to a function block 2212 where the proprietary software working in conjunction with the hosted browser places the returned information into the respective frames of the window. The user, viewing the display at PC 302, then perceives a variety of information, one of which is the particular product information which he or she requested, in addition to input device distributor information, and possibly other advertisements based upon the user's profile.
Referring now to
Referring back to decision block 2306, if the input device ID 1804 is determined to be invalid, flow moves out the "N" path and jumps forward to the input of decision block 2314, since the lack of an input device ID 1804 interrupts the link to any advertising provided by the E-commerce server 1618. At this point, the only information provided is the link to the advertiser server 312 for return of product information. Referring now to decision block 2310, if no E-commerce information is available, flow moves out the "N" path and jumps forward to the input of function block 2314 where the message packet back to the PC 302 contains only the URL of the advertiser server 312, the bar code information, the distributor server 1616 address and input device ID 1804 information.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
To assist the user in maintaining the proper orientation of the reader 2500 during the scanning operation (i.e., with the front end 2504 substantially flat against the surface 2506 bearing the optical symbol, the front end 2504 may be adapted to form a substantially flat bearing surface 2602 surrounding the scanning portal 2708. The bearing surface 2602 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the axis 2604 of the collection portion of the optical system. To reduce the likelihood that the scanning window 2708 will be scratched during the scanning process, it may be inset slightly behind the plane of the bearing surface 2602. The window 2708 may be further protected by the provision of pads 2606 on external shell 2502 which project slightly ahead of the bearing surface 2602.
The external shell 2502 of the reader 2500 may be contoured to provide a comfortable grasp for the user and/or to have an attractive or distinctive shape. For example, the upper shell 2702 of the reader 2500 is smoothly contoured to provide a "streamlined" appearance in accordance with a common style used on other computer related devices such as a computer mouse, a track ball, etc. In other embodiments, however, the exterior shell may be contoured to provide a more distinctive appearance. The exterior surface of the outer shell 2502 further provides an area 2607 for the placement of identifying or advertising indicia 2608 (shown in phantom). Such indicia, if present, may be formed by printing or painting directly on the exterior surface of the reader 2500, by the application of discrete labels, and/or by molding letters, designs or other indicia directly into the surface of the reader by means of injection molding or a similar process.
Referring now to
Typically, the decoded information 2822 is transmitted to the external computer 2824 in accordance with a known data interface format. Suitable data interface formats for transmission of the bar code information from the decoder circuit 2820 of the reader to an external computer 2824 include an output signal which emulates computer keyboard keystrokes such as those in accordance with the PS/2 keyboard interface standard or the AT keyboard interface standard. Alternately, the output signals may be formatted in accordance with other known data interface or communication standards, including the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, the RS-232 standard, the RS-423 standard, the IEEE 1394 (FIREWIRE) standard, the Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface standard, the Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE) interface standard, the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) transmission standard, the Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) interface standard, the 8-Bit Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus standard, the 16-bit Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus standard, the VL-Bus bus standard, the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard, the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) bus standard, the Centronics Parallel Port (CPP) standard, the Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) standard, the Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) standard, the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) interface standard, and network architecture standards including Ethernet and Token Ring network standards.
It is desirable to provide an optical reader which is economical to produce, therefore reducing the number of components and simplifying the design and construction of the remaining components are important features of the current invention. Referring now to
The optical system 2806 may be mounted to the front end of the PCB 2902 and further secured to the lower shell 2704 with locating pins 2920 and/or clips 2922 as needed. The radiant energy source 2802 is typically mounted to the PCB 2902 and electrically connected thereto to receive electrical power. The radiant energy source 2802 produces light or other radiant energy which is delivered into the optical system 2806. In one embodiment, the radiant energy source 2802 is a light emitting diode (LED), however it will be apparent that a laser or other radiant energy source could be used. The optical system 2806 comprises a projection portion 2924 for directing the radiant energy along a projection path extending from the radiant energy source 2802 to the target region 2926. The optical system 2806 further includes a collection portion 2928 for collecting the radiant energy reflected from a symbol (e.g., a bar code) when the symbol occupies the target region 2926 and directing the collected radiant energy along a collection path extending from the target region to the photodetector 2816. The collection path of the optical system 2608 is typically enclosed by a light shield 2930 to prevent unwanted radiant energy from entering the optical system and being reflected or scattered into the photodetector 2816.
Referring now to
The radiant energy 3008 delivered to the target region 2926 illuminates any bar code 2508 present, causing the energy to be scattered from the surface of the bar code as illustrated. At least a portion of the energy scattered from the bar code 2508 is reflected into the collection lens 2710, forming a reflected image of the bar code. This image is directed along the collection axis 2604 of the optical system downstream toward the photodetector 2816. As the bar code 2508 moves through the target region 2926, the reflected image of the alternating light and dark (i.e., more reflective and less reflective) bars forming the symbol will be directed across the photodetector 2816, causing the output electrical signals to vary correspondingly. Given output electronic signals having sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, decoding circuits of known design can amplify and decode the output electrical signals from a photodetector and identify the corresponding bar code. However, prior to the current invention, photodetectors providing signals having sufficient signal-to-noise ratio were not available at a sufficiently low manufacturing cost. Of particular challenge is obtaining a high signal-to-noise ratio electrical signal from a photodetector without utilizing a multi-stage photo amplifier. Further, it is preferred that the system utilize as few optical elements as possible.
Referring still to
Disposed upstream on the collection path from the photodetector 2816 is a pinhole aperture 3020. Preferably, there are no intervening or refractive or diffractive elements between the pinhole aperture 3020 and the photodetector 2816, as their presence will increase the cost of the device. A pinhole aperture is a well known optical element which provides a well defined, virtually undistorted image of objects across a wide angular field (i.e., good depth of focus) and over a large range of distances (i.e., good depth of field). A pinhole aperture does not focus the energy passing therethrough, but rather increases the contrast of the image, although at the same time decreasing its luminance. Raising the contrast of the image passed to the photodetector 2816 increases the signal-to-noise ratio of the resulting electrical output. The lower luminance of the image merely reduces the overall output signal strength and can be easily overcome by electronic amplification if the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal is high. Thus, by positioning the pinhole aperture 3020 upstream of the photodetector 2816 in the current invention, the image contrast of the bar code image is increased such that an inexpensive single stage photodetector can provide an electrical signal having sufficient signal-to-noise ratio to allow decoding of the bar code without encountering excessive signal noise during electronic amplification.
The collection lens 2710 is disposed upstream on the collection path (i.e., toward the bar code which is the source of the image) from the pinhole aperture 3020. Preferably, collection lens 2710 is a magnifying lens, i.e., refracting the light rays passing therethrough to create an image which has increased dimensions compared to the actual bar code. The magnifying lens illustrated in
The refracted light rays 3009 leaving the collection lens 2710 form an image of the bar code which is dimensionally magnified as it moves toward the pinhole aperture 3020, thereby increasing the apparent width of the bars when their image is received at the pinhole aperture. The portion of the image passing through the pinhole aperture 3020 and reaching the photodetector 2816 will likewise be dimensionally magnified. Thus, the optical system 2806 of the current embodiment, combining dimensional image magnification (provided by the collection lens 2710) and contrast enhancement (provided by the pinhole aperture 3020) effectively acts to pre-amplify the optical signal reaching the photodetector 2816 such that the electrical output signals 2818 will have sufficient signal-to-noise ratio for amplification and decoding without requiring a multi stage electronic photo amplifier which would be more expensive to manufacture. Described another way, the optical system according to one embodiment of the current invention provides increased resolution (i.e., the ability to distinguish between two lines or points in a symbol) as follows: The bar code 2508 to be read has a minimum unit width denoted by W, for example, the minimum width of a bar in the bar code. The light rays 3009 of the image are refracted by the collection lens 2710 such that the minimum unit width of the bar code is dimensionally magnified, for example, from W to 2×W (i.e., a factor of 2×) as it moves from the target plane 2506 to the pinhole aperture plane 3024.
The pinhole aperture 3020 is selected to have a diameter, for example 0.5×W, which is smaller than the magnified minimum unit width. Thus, only a sample (denoted by reference numeral 3028) of the image rays may pass through the aperture 3020 to the photodetector 2816 lying in the photodetector plane 3026. This results in the photodetector 2816 seeing (i.e., having in its field of view), at most, either a portion of a single feature (bar or space) or portions of one bar and one adjacent space. The photodetector never sees portions of three adjacent features at the same time. This arrangement results in a very high signal-to-noise ratio being produced by the photodetector 2816. In one embodiment of the current invention, the optical system 2806 provides at the photodetector plane 3026 an image of the symbol 2508 at the target plane 2506 which is dimensionally magnified within the range of about 0.5× to about 5×. In another embodiment, the optical system 2806 provides at the photodetector plane an image of the symbol at the target plane which is magnified within the range of about 1.5× to about 2.5×. In yet another embodiment, the optical system 2806 provides at the photodetector plane an image of the symbol at the target plane which is dimensionally magnified within the range of 1.9× to about 2.1×.
Referring still to
Referring now to
As best seen in
In one embodiment of the invention, the cap 3014 of the detector unit 3102 is a cylindrical metallic canister having a flat upper portion 3106. Using a metallic canister for the cap 3014 has two advantages: first, it provides a rugged container which protects the photodetector from damage during transportation, handling and assembly; and second, the metallic material allows a pinhole aperture 3020 having high dimensional accuracy to be formed by drilling, punching or otherwise machining a hole through the metallic surface. In addition, cylindrical metallic canisters suitable for use as cap 3014 are readily available at very low costs in the electronic industry, having been used for many years as protective caps for transistors and other semiconductor devices. To provide for a convenient sized optical reader, one embodiment of the current invention utilizes a detector unit 3102 having a cap 3104 with a diameter 3204 within the range of about 3 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. Another embodiment of the current invention utilizes a detector unit 3102 having a cap 3104 with a diameter 3204 within the range of about 4 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. Yet another reader according to the current invention utilizes a cap for the detector unit 3102 having a diameter 3204 within the range of about 5.5 millimeters to about 6.5 millimeters.
The predetermined distance 3108 between the pinhole aperture plane 3024 and the photodetector plane 3026 will affect the overall magnification of the image (or portion of the image) received at the photodetector 2816. In one embodiment of the current invention, the predetermined distance 3108 is within the range of about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters. In another embodiment of the current invention, the predetermined distance 3108 is within the range of about 3 millimeters to about 7 millimeters. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined distance 3108 between the photodetector 2816 and the pinhole aperture 3020 is within the range of about 4.5 millimeters to about 6 millimeters.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The step 3608 of transmitting an image of the illuminated bar code further comprises a second sub-step 3612 which is increasing the contrast of the reflected image and decreasing the luminance of the image by passing it through an optical element disposed along the collection path between the target region and the photodetector. Note that when sub-step 3610 is performed, the optical element for magnifying the image is disposed between the bar code and the optical element which increases the contrast of the reflected image. In an embodiment of the invention, the optical element which increases the contrast of the reflected image is a passive device, i.e., it requires no electrical energy or other external power. In another embodiment, the optical element which increases the contrast of the image is combined in a discrete package with the photodetector. In yet embodiment, the optical element which increases the contrast of the reflected image is a pinhole aperture. The pinhole aperture may be formed through the body of a discrete package enclosing the photodetector or the pinhole aperture may be a separate element included in the optical system.
Flow now continues to function block 3614 wherein the reflected image of the bar code is received by the photodetector. Flow then continues to function block 3616 wherein the photodetector generates output electrical signals indicative of the radiant energy received. Flow then proceeds to function block 3618 wherein the output electrical signals produced by the detector are decoded to provide an indication of the information contained in the bar code. The method of reading the bar code is now complete as indicated by the flow proceeding to the "End" block 3620.
Portable Wireless Scanner
Referring now to
The user, upon obtaining the wireless portable scanner 3700, may be required to register certain personal information to the provider of the scanner 3700, including, for example, name, address, credit account information (e.g., credit card and/or bank account), etc. The scanner 3700 has associated therewith and stored therein a unique scanner ID which uniquely identifies the scanner 3700 with the owner and personal information provided therefor. This personal information is stored at the ARS 308 disposed on the GCN 306.
In operation, the user has a document 1602 with text 1604 which describes a particular product or information the user desires to view on the display 1612 of the PC 302. (Notably, the user ID information may be stored in the PC 302 as a unique user ID, as described hereinabove, and the user information.) The user then scans the MRC 1606 with the scanner 3700 causing the MRC data to be stored therein in a memory of the scanner 3700. The scanner 3700 is operable to store several MRCs 1606 limited only by the amount of memory contained with the scanner 3700.
When the user has finished storing selected MRC 1606, the user can then press a transmit button 3702 to transmit the stored MRC data and unique scanner ID information to the PC 302, the PC 302 having a receiver 3704 attached thereto to accommodate the signal transmitted from the scanner 3700. Upon receipt of the information from the scanner 3700, PC 302 extracts the scanner ID and MRC data therefrom, and assembles a message packet having appended routing information, which appended routing information is a network address of the ARS 308. This information is then transmitted through the network interface 304 across the GCN 306 to the ARS 308, where a lookup operation is performed to obtain matching information from the ARS database 310. Using the scanner ID and the MRC data, a network URL address is returned that is associated with the particular MRC data such that the network address is returned to the address corresponding to the registered scanner 3700 location, which is the location of the user of the scanner 3700, to pass the information to the PC 302. The PC 302 then takes the network address information of the advertiser or vendor associated with the MRC 1606 and connects the PC 302 to the advertiser server 312 which then presents the corresponding product information associated with the MRC 1606 to the user via display 1612 connected to the PC 302.
The advertiser server 312 has associated therewith a database 3706 which contains a variety of product information corresponding to the particular network URL address contained in the ARS database 310. Similarly, if the user scans a second MRC (not shown) which is different from the first MRC 1606, that second MRC may be associated with a second advertiser such that the information returned from the ARS database 310 points to a second advertiser server (not illustrated) disposed on the GCN 306 causing the second advertiser server to return the corresponding information for display to the user on display 1612. As mentioned hereinabove, the scanner 3700 contains a memory allowing the user to store one or more MRCs 1606 up to the limits of the memory. Any PC 302 associated with the disclosed architecture having the receiver 3704 and the ARS 308 can then transmit the stored information of the scanner 3700 to retrieve the corresponding web page information. The keyboard 1610 is connected to the PC 302 to allow manual entry of any MRC information at the discretion of the user.
Referring now to
On the other hand, if the user has decided to transmit the stored MRC data, flow is out the "Y" path of decision block 3808 to a function block 3812 where the user presses the trigger button 3702 to trigger transmission of the stored information to the PC 302. Flow is then to a function block 3814 where a number of events occur. The PC 302 assembles a message packet containing the scanner ID and one or more MRCs 1606 and appended routing information pointing to the location of the ARS 308 disposed on the GCN 306. The message packet is then transmitted to the ARS 308 and decoded to obtain the scanner ID and MRC data. The lookup operation is performed on the ARS database 310 such that the network URL address of respective MRC data is returned back to the PC 302. The PC 302 then connects to the advertiser server 312 in accordance with the returned advertiser network address. The corresponding product data of the MRC is then returned from the advertiser server 312 via the GCN 306 for presentation using display 1612 to the user. Notably, the product information corresponding to the MRC data could be in the form of audio information, which audio information would then be returned to the PC 302 for presentation to the user via a multimedia audio system of the PC 302.
Display of the respective MRC web page data can occur as the user simply scrolls through selections stored within the wireless scanner 3700 by pressing a feature button allowing the user to step through the stored MRC data information. Alternatively, after completion of the transmitted data to the PC 302, the PC 302 can be configured to step through the returned product web page information in a fashion which allows the user to comfortably view the information before moving on to a subsequent web page of another MRC. Further, the PC 302 can be configured to provide user interaction with the returned MRC product information data such that the user can selectively scroll through the web page information at his or her leisure. Function block 3814 then indicates that the product information web pages are presented to the user on the display 1612. Flow is then to a decision block 3816 where a determination is made as to whether the user has finished viewing the MRC product-related information. If not, flow is out the "N" path back to the input of decision block 3808 to provide the user with the option to transmit again either the total MRC data, or provides the scroll feature where the user can selectively transmit one MRC piece of information at a time and view it accordingly. On the other hand, if the user has finished viewing information, flow is out the "Y" path to a function block 3818 where the user powers the scanner 3700 off, and flow reaches a Stop point.
Referring again to decision block 3810, if the user decides not to transmit, as indicated in decision block 3808, but has more product MRCs to scan, flow is out the "Y" path of decision block 3810 back to the input of function block 3802 where the user scans more MRC data. The user can then continue to scan as many MRCs as the onboard memory of the scanner 3700 allows prior to transmitting the MRC data for presentation of respective web pages.
Referring now to
After completing the scanning of the MRC 1606, the user then depresses the transmit button 3702 which causes the CPU 3900 to retrieve the MRC data and the scanner ID data stored in the memory 3902, and pass it to a modulator 3910, which modulator 3910 prepares the data for transmission through a receiver 3912 across an antenna 3914 to a receiving antenna 3916 attached to a receiver 3918. The receiver 3918 may be assembled in conjunction with a demodulator 3920 for demodulating the modulated signal received from the scanner 3700. The demodulator 3920 and receiver 3918 also may be in a single unit internal to the PC 302. The display 1612 is provided with the PC 302 to display product or web page information to the user. The scanner 3700 can also include an alphanumeric display 3922 which connects to the CPU 3900 for allowing the user to scroll through scanned MRCs, and if desirable, to selectively delete any MRCs related to products the user no longer wishes to purchase. The display 3922 facilitates selection or deletion of stored MRC data prior to the user downloading the stored MRCs 1606 for presentation to the user. For example, if the user had stored six entries of MRC data, but later decided that entry number 3 was of no value, the display allows the user quick access to that MRC data to select is for deletion. The process of deleting stored MRC data may simply be pressing a combination of buttons, or a series of other user actions to with the scanner 3700 to delete a selection. Similarly, the process of transmitting a selection may automatically delete it from the memory of the scanner 3700. A battery 3924 connects to the CPU 3900 and provides power to all onboard electronics.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In operation, the user will hold the pen scanner 3700 and will utilize the associated scanning mechanism to scan the MRC 1606. When the user scans the MRC 1606, the user will view the display 1612 and expect the display 1612 to "jump" to the appropriate web site (i.e., a change in information currently being viewed on the display 1612). This operation involves, transparent to the user, the launching of the web browser associated with the PC 302 in addition to interpreting the MRC 1606 (which may be a bar code) and determining the routing information therefrom to connect to the appropriate web site. However, the only feedback the user will get is that associated with the jumping in accordance with the routing information associated with the PC 302. In order to facilitate this communication operation utilizing a wireless link, there must be some type of mechanism in place to ensure that the MRC 1606 has been delivered to the PC 302. This is facilitated by utilizing the transmission of multiple codes. This requires the scanner 3700 to store the code and then transmit the MRC code a number of times. The PC 302 and the associated underlying program can interpret this by only accessing the web site based upon the first received code.
Of course, the scanner 3700 could be utilized in a manner where the code was immediately transmitted upon scanning. The primary feedback that the user is provided is that associated with the display jumping to the appropriate web site. The user will scan the code and look at the web site and, if it does not jump to the web site (as usually perceived by the user), the user will scan the MRC 1606 again. Audible feedback is very typical with scanners that have audible alerts associated therewith. This audible alert indicates that the scan was complete. This is facilitated on the present scanner 3700 utilizing the audible transducer 4008. This visual feedback of the display jumping to the web site completes the operation of scanning, wirelessly transmitting, and viewing the desired information.
Referring now to
It can be appreciated that the scanner 3700 can be made operable to work only in conjunction with the PC 302 of the user. The PC 302 can be a laptop, a desktop, or server-type computer having the necessary interfaces to accommodate the disclosed scanner 3700. This can be accomplished by providing an interlock mechanism where any attempted download of stored unique codes from the scanner 3700 results in a preliminary interrogation procedure with software on the PC 302 such that a successful interrogation allows operation of the scanner 3700 according to the disclosed embodiments. Unsuccessful interrogation results in a message being returned to the user in the form of viewable text on the display 1612, or audible signals and/or light indicators from the scanner 3700 itself which informs the user that the scanner 3700 will not work with the particular PC 302.
Where the scanner has been reported lost or stolen, additional features can be implemented such that a party who is not the owner of the scanner 3700, but who attempts to use it after such a report has been made, the network address of the PC 302 with which the attempted use is made can be reported to the ARS 308. In response, the ARS 308 can then record the network address and report it to an administrator such that the party can be located, and the lost or stolen scanner 3700 retrieved. Therefore, the personal information obtained at registration of the scanner 3700 could include, in the database, the node address of the PC 302 of the user who initially registered the scanner 3700.
Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
1. A method for a user accessing information on a network, comprising the steps of:
- extracting with a portable extraction device at a user location information from a machine recognizable code (MRC), which MRC has associated therewith routing information corresponding to a remote location on the network;
- wirelessly transmitting the extracted information from the MRC to a network interface device in response to the step of extracting in a predetermined number of steps;
- at the network interface device, receiving the transmitted information and, upon receiving any of the transmitted information, utilizing that received information to connect to the remote location on the network, while substantially ignoring subsequent transfers of extracted information from the portable extraction device;
- connecting the user location over the network to the remote location associated with the extracted information from the MRC, and downloading information therefrom; and
- displaying the downloaded information on a display at the user location, such that when displayed, substantially immediate feedback in the form of the displayed information is provided to the user in response to the step of extracting.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the network is a global communication network.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of extracting comprises scanning the MRC with a portable scanner, which scanner is a wireless scanner having associated therewith a transmitter.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the MRC is a UPC associated with an article of commerce.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the MRC is associated with a product and the remote location on the network is associated with the product.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is disposed in close association with the network interface device.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the network interface device and the display comprise a personal computer.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of connecting to the remote location and downloading information therefrom comprises:
- transmitting the extracted information from the MRC to an intermediate location on the network having a relational database associated therewith, which relational database has contained therein relationships between a plurality of MRCs and routing information on the network;
- comparing the received MRC with information in the relational database to determine if a match exists; and
- if a match exists, accessing the remote location and downloading information therefrom to the display.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the display and the network interface device are disposed at the user location remote from the remote location on the network and the step of accessing information from the remote location comprises transferring the routing information from the relational database back to the user location, the user location and the network interface device then accessing the remote location and the information therefrom for download therefrom.
10. A system for a user accessing information on a network for utilizing information in a machine recognizable code (MRC) to access such information, which MRC has associated therewith routing information corresponding to a remote location on the network, comprising:
- a portable extraction device at a user location for extracting information from an MRC code disposed thereat;
- a network interface device to which said extracted information from said MRC is wirelessly transmitted by said portable extraction device in response to being extracted thereby;
- wherein said extracted information is transmitted to said network interface device in a predetermined number of steps;
- wherein said transmitted information is received at said network interface device and, upon receiving any of said transmitted stored information, said remote location on the network is connected to said network interface device utilizing that received information, while ignoring subsequent transfers of extracted information from said portable extraction device;
- wherein said network interface device at said user location connects to said remote location associated with said extracted information from said MRC and downloads information therefrom; and
- wherein said downloaded information is displayed on a display at said user location, such that when displayed, substantially immediate feedback in the form of the displayed information is provided to the user in response to said MRC being extracted.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the network is a global communication network.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the MRC is scanned with a portable scanner, which said scanner is a wireless scanner having associated therewith a transmitter.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein said MRC is a UPC associated with an article of commerce.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein said MRC is associated with a product and said remote location on the network is associated with said product.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein said display is disposed in close association with said network interface device.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein said network interface device and said display comprise a personal computer.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein when said network interface device connects to said remote location and downloads said information therefrom, and wherein:
- said information extracted from said MRC is transmitted to an intermediate location on the network having a relational database associated therewith, which said relational database has contained therein relationships between a plurality of said MRCs and routing information on the network; and
- the received MRC is compared with information in said relational database to determine if a match exists, and if said match exists, said remote location is accessed and said information is downloaded therefrom to said display.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein said display and said network interface device are disposed at said user location remote from said remote location on the network, and information which is accessed from said remote location comprises routing information which is transferred from said relational database back to said user location, said user location and said network interface device then accessing said remote location and said information therefrom for download therefrom.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Mar 29, 2005
Date of Patent: Feb 24, 2009
Patent Publication Number: 20050193125
Assignee: RPX-LV Acquisition LLC (Wilmington, DE)
Inventor: Jeffry Jovan Philyaw (Dallas, TX)
Primary Examiner: William C Vaughn, Jr.
Assistant Examiner: Muktesh G Gupta
Attorney: Howison & Arnott, L.L.P.
Application Number: 11/093,886
International Classification: G06F 15/16 (20060101); G06F 13/42 (20060101); G02B 26/10 (20060101); H04M 9/00 (20060101);


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Level 1 Training & Certification for Self-Care (1 day training)
Fee: $250 ($150 non-refundable deposit to reserve space)
Level 2 Training & Certification for Others & Professional (2 day training)
Fee: $450 ($200 non-refundable deposit to reserve space)
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Reiki Training can be taken One-to-One an customized or Group with extra charge.
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Contact or more details and dates at firstname.lastname@example.com Claudia Bumuller
Check out my testimonials!
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Learn the basic principles who to give an animal Reiki and Hand Positions, Emotional Chart, Animal Chakra System, Grounding and Meditation
Fee: $250 ($100 non-refundable deposit)
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a healing touch practice which restores balance to body, mind and spirit. Its noninvasive, gentle energy nurtures and sets into motion the body's own self-healing ability. Deep healing can occur on many levels with Reiki.
Through this hands-on process Reiki brings about a state of balance as it restores our health and physical harmony, soothes emotional stress, quiets the mind, balance the chakras (energy centers), and reconnects us to our spirit. When we are given an opportunity to relax and energize, our innate healing abilities are awakened and we can experience a deeper connection to ourselves and others.
Reiki accesses universal life force energy which is also known as prana, chi, spirit, source and helps promote healing in all living things on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Reiki is considered alternative healing, holistic therapy, natural healing, and is used in holistic health and alternative medicine worldwide.
Connect with your higher self, learn the Chakra system, the history of Reiki, how Reiki works, how to use it to help yourself and become attuned to Universal Life Force energy and the understanding of the body, mind and spirit connection. Learn 5 Reiki Principles, which bring peace and joy into everyday life. Class combines lecture, discussion, guided chakra meditation, hands-on experience and experience Reiki and certificate of completion.
Reiki can be learned and combined with other healing techniques, massage therapist, hypnosis, hospital before and after surgery, hospice, pet training & sitting, injury, yoga etc.
Facilitated by Claudia Bumuller, Reiki Master-Teacher Claudia is a certified Reiki-Master Teacher and Yoga Instructor in the South Bay Beach Cities – Redondo Beach, California.
She helps individuals overcome to release negative emotional behavior patterns through Reiki Energy Sessions, Reiki Trainings, Reiki Mentoring and Yoga.
A very devoted Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor and Urban Zen Integrated Therapist teaches their clients to find their own way in life and her passion is do make a difference in some bodies life journey.
Claudia combines practical knowledge with spiritual intuition to help people uncover their authentic self.
Certified Yoga Instructor & Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Teacher/Kundalini Reiki Practitioner
Oncology Reiki Practitioner
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Holistic Chamber of Commerce
Claudia Bumuller
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subset: commoncrawl


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Knowledgebase: NE1™ Web Builder > Modules (Guestbook, Prayer Request, Blog, Gallery, etc.) > Guestbook Module
Guestbook: General Info
Posted by , Last modified by on 21 December 2010 02:55 PM
General Info:The guestbook is one of the oldest and most well-known features of a website. When the Internet first began to be used as a public communication tool, website owners were excited to see who would be visiting their site. It is always encouraging to not only know that people have been to your website, but to know who they are by name. The guestbook can also be a good way to allow visitors to communicate with you.
To configure the Guestbook feature login to your admin section, click the dropdown \"Add-on Modules\" menu in the top menu of your admin section and choose \"Guestbook\".
You can add the Guestbook module to any page using the \"Insert Module\" feature when editing a page. For more information about how to insert a module, please see the \"Modules: Insert a Module\" help page.*Note: The Guestbook module is available with all hosting packages including the free websites.


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Dear GOLDDIRECT customer,As you might have noticed we have completely renewed our website, which includes new products and is now more user friendly .
We are currently up and running with new software and products ,
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Please visit your renewed golddirect.com . When you login you will see and be able to use all the new features .
Please, when you experience any problems or have suggestions , don't hesitate to send us a mail .
Thank you and we hope you will enjoy the new page.
See you soon and kind regards,
GoldDirect Client support


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Information Security Center
We are committed to serving our customers and to the safety and confidentiality of our customer records.
Our cyber security technology helps protect your personal and financial information. Below are some of the safeguards we have in place to protect against online security breaches.
- User ID and Password - Online account access is limited to those possessing the user ID and password associated with your account(s).
- Encryption - Encryption technology protects data in transit between your computer and our systems. The closed lock icon indicates a communication session is encrypted.
- Firewalls - Firewalls protect against unauthorized access to our systems.
- Virus Protection - Anti-virus protection technology detects and prevents recognized viruses from entering our computer network.
- Patching - Regular and consistent patching limits our systems' vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks.
- Timeout - Our online system is designed to log you out automatically after several minutes of inactivity.
While we provide for the protection and confidentiality of your online information on our systems, we need your help to ensure your information is protected on your systems. Learn what steps you need to take to protect your information and accounts online by reading more in our Information Security Center.
Jeffrey C. Weeks
Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer
Card SafetySimple tips that can give you peace of mind while using your card offline and online.
Email & Online FraudUse your email safely with our email safety and phishing tips.
Identity ProtectionProtect your accounts and personal information with a variety of tools and resources.
Credit BureausBy reviewing your credit report frequently, you help to protect yourself from identity theft.
Privacy Policy
Tips and frequently asked questions to help you safeguard your information.
Online PracticesInformation to help you bank online with confidence.
Individual Customer Online SafeguardsTips for protecting your identity and online transactions.
Business Customer Online SafeguardsTips for protecting your online business financial transactions.
Recommendations for Corporate Account Takeover Victims
- Immediately cease all activity from computer systems that may be compromised.
- Immediately contact us so that the following actions may be taken:
- Disable online access to accounts.
- Change online banking passwords.
- Open new account(s) as appropriate.
- Ensure that no one has requested an address change, title change, PIN change or ordered new cards, checks or other account documents be sent to another address.
- Engage a forensic investigator to determine the source of the breach and to return your system to a secure state for operations.
- Maintain a written chronology of what happened, what was lost and the steps taken to report the incident to the various agencies, banks and firms impacted. Be sure to record the date, time, contact telephone number, person spoken to, and any relevant report or reference number and instructions.
- File a police report and provide the facts and circumstances surrounding the loss. Obtain a police report number with the date, time, department, location and officer's name taking the report or involved in the subsequent investigation. Having a police report on file will often facilitate dealing with insurance companies, banks, and other establishments. The police report may initiate a law enforcement investigation into the loss with the goal of identifying, arresting and prosecuting the offender(s) and possibly recovering losses.


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*JN Potpourri
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm
Teacher: Karen Bryant
Fee: $15.00
Is there a Judy Niemeyer project that you want to do, but we haven't scheduled a class for it yet?
This class is for you! Karen will guide you every step of the way. Some gals tell me they are
afraid to start…..don't be…..if you can sew on a solid line, use a rotary cutter and ruler… you can
make a Judy Niemeyer quilt, wallhanging or tablerunner. Choose the pattern you want to do and sign up!


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Here are three adults-only beverages ready to freshen up your hot days and nights...
Entire recipe: 120 calories, 0g fat, 45mg sodium, 5.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 5.5g sugars, 0g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5* This citrusy swap will totally hit the spot! Ingredients: 4 oz. light ruby red grapefruit juice drink (like the kind by Ocean Spray) 4 oz. diet lemon-lime soda (Sprite Zero is the best!) 1 1/2 oz. tequila Directions: Combine all ingredients in a tall glass and stir. Fill the glass with ice, add a straw, and enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING
HG Alternative: If made with regular ruby red grapefruit juice, this cocktail will have 157 calories, 15g carbs, and 15g sugars (PointsPlus® value 6*).
Entire recipe: 145 calories, 1.5g fat, 38mg sodium, 11g carbs, <0.5g fiber, 7.5g sugars, 0.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5* Sometimes a sippable dessert with a kick is just what you need. For those times, reach for THIS...
Ingredients: 1 low-fat honey graham cracker (1/4 sheet), finely crushed 1 1/2 oz. unsweetened coconut milk beverage (like the kind by So Delicious) 1 1/2 oz. coconut rum 1 tbsp. Cool Whip Free (thawed) 1 drop coconut extract 2 tbsp. Fat Free Reddi-wip 1/2 tsp. shredded sweetened coconut Directions: Spread out graham cracker crumbs on a small plate. Wet the rim of a martini glass, and press it into the crumbs to coat. Combine all remaining ingredients except Reddi-wip and shredded coconut in a shaker. Add 2 oz. cold water, and stir until smooth. Fill the shaker with ice. Shake and then strain into the glass. Top with Reddi-wip, sprinkle with coconut and, if you like, top with any remaining graham cracker crumbs. Mmmmm! MAKES 1 SERVING
1/2 of recipe (1 drink): 115 calories, 0g fat, 1mg sodium, 10.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 9g sugars, 0g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5*
It's fruity, it's flavorful, and it's SOOOOOO pretty... YAY!!!
One 2-serving packet sugar-free pink lemonade drink mix (like the kind by Crystal Light)
3 oz. passion fruit rum (like the kind by Malibu)
1 oz. pomegranate juice
Fill two tall glasses halfway with ice.
Combine drink mix with 8 oz. cold water in a shaker. Stir to dissolve. Add remaining ingredients. Shake and strain into the 2 glasses. Sip your pink beverage with a pal!
HG FYI: Click here for the 411 on how the PointsPlus® values of cocktails are calculated.
Brighten everyone's day with party-time fun -- click "Send to a Friend" now!
Hey, you: Happy National Ice Cream Sandwich Day! Today, August 2nd, is a great time to try our top IC sandwich picks.
SmartPoints® value not what you expected? Click here for more info on how the values are calculated, plus more FAQs about PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® values on our website.


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Viking Pest Control Customer Satisfaction Guarantee
When you choose us for your termite and pest control needs you can be assured:
- We will do the job right the first time or we do it over at NO CHARGE during contract period.
- We will be on time.
- We will perform all services at your scheduled convenience.
- We will show you we care by our technical knowledge of your problem.
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- We will care for your property as if it were our own.
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