Device for storing and displaying selected bar codes

• US 20060243806A1
• Filed: 04/28/2005
• Published: 11/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Terrace Licensing LLC (IP Edge LLC)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Goodman, Brian Gerard, Hellman, Diana Joyce
• Granted Patent: US 7,353,996 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/462.130
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 1/12 otherwise than by punching
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07 with integrated circuit chips
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07703 the interface being visual
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1095 the scanner comprising adaptations for scanning a record carrier that is displayed on a display-screen or the like

Abstract

A device for storing and displaying numerous optically readable codes. The device includes a memory for storing the codes, a display for displaying the codes of sufficient contrast to be readable by an optical scanner, an optional selector for allowing the user to request display of the code(s), and a processor for coordinating operation of the memory, display and optional selector.

Claims

1. A device for displaying optically readable codes, comprising:

a memory for storing multiple codes;

a display for displaying at least one of the codes in the memory, the at least one displayed code being readable by an optical scanner;

a selector for allowing a user to select the at least one code for output on the display; and

a processor for coordinating operation of the memory, display and selector.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the codes include bar codes.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the memory, display and selector are coupled to a housing, wherein the housing has dimensions of less than about 3.50 inches by less than about 2.50 inches by less than about 0.250 inch.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein actuation of the selector causes all of the codes stored in the memory to be automatically displayed on the display in a sequential manner.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the display for displaying the at least one code is at least one of a particle-based display media and a liquid crystal display (LCD).

6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an input mechanism for receiving input of codes for storage in the memory.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the input mechanism receives user input.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein the input mechanism connects to an external computing device.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the input mechanism is an optical scanner.

10. The device according to claim 6, wherein the input mechanism is an optical camera.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one of the codes is a photographic image.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the memory, display and selector are coupled to a housing, wherein the housing includes an aperture for receiving a key ring or key chain.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device also functions as a telephone.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device also functions as a personal digital assistant (PDA).

15. A system utilizing optically readable codes, comprising:

a device having a display for displaying at least one of a plurality of optically readable codes present on the device; and

an optical scanner for reading the at least one code being displayed.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the optical scanner is physically present at an entity requiring registration for entry or participation, the displayed code identifying a holder of the device as being registered.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the device displays multiple codes simultaneously.

18. A method for displaying optically readable codes, comprising:

receiving multiple codes;

storing the codes in a memory;

receiving a request to display at least one of the codes; and

instructing a display to output the at least one code.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising displaying words associated with the codes, receiving a selection of one of the words, and displaying the code associated with the word.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein multiple codes are simultaneously output on the display.