Image capturing apparatus, method for capturing an image shown in a display and arrangement of an image capturing unit and of a display as well as use of the image capturing apparatus and use of the arrangement

• US 20090319364A1
• Filed: 07/24/2009
• Published: 12/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NM, LLC
• Original Assignee: Gavitec AG (NeoMedia Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Küchen, Jörg, Müller, Frank, Nunnink, Laurens
• Granted Patent: US 8,191,787 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.380
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0238 at point-of-sale [POS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/195 the array comprising a two-dimensional array or a combination of two-dimensional arrays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0438 Scanning displays; Scanning large surfaces, e.g. projection screens, writing boards

Abstract

To improve image capture from a display or a surface, more specifically from a specular reflecting surface, the invention proposes an image capturing apparatus having an image capturing unit and an image fitting surface in which the optical axis of the image capturing unit is disposed at an angle α to a normal of the image fitting surface.

Claims

1. An image capturing apparatus (16) for capturing an image by a mobile telephone device, said image capturing apparatus having a connection means (23) for transmitting the image contents to a superordinate back office system, wherein the image capturing apparatus (16) has an operator control panel and a voucher printer (57).

2. The image capturing apparatus (16) as specified in claim 1, wherein the image capturing apparatus has signalling means for signalling a result of a verification of the image.

3. The image capturing apparatus (16) as specified in claim 1, wherein the image capturing apparatus is in connection with a back office system by means of a wireless connection, in particular a mobile radio connection.

4. The image capturing apparatus (16) as specified in claim 1, comprising a housing (51).

5. The image capturing apparatus (16) as specified in claim 1, wherein the image capturing apparatus has an optical output unit.

6. A method for using an image capturing apparatus in which a code from a mobile telephone device is read and the contents of the code are transmitted to a superordinate system, wherein the code is decoded, wherein it is verified whether the code represents a valid ticket and furthermore wherein a physical coupon or other type of ticket is printed out by means of a coupon printer.

7. The method as specified in claim 6, wherein the coupon has a barcode (66).

8. The method as specified in claim 7, wherein the barcode (66) is scanned in at a counter together with a product to be purchased.

10. The method as specified in claim 6, wherein the 2D code or the information of the 2D code is deactivated once the 2D code has been read and used in the system.

11. The method as specified in claim 6, wherein the image capturing apparatus is configured or maintained by the back office system.

12. The method as specified in claim 6, wherein the code reading device (50) is programmed to a certain application mode by means of a keyboard (56).

13. The method as specified in claim 6, wherein operating personnel authorize a certain application mode on the code reading device prior to programming.

14. The method as specified in claim 6, wherein an adjustment of advertising messages to the location of a user are undertaken by a localization service.

9. A method for using an image capturing apparatus in which a code from a mobile telephone device is read and the contents of the code are transmitted to a superordinate system, wherein an electronic ticket on a mobile telephone display is exchanged for a printed ticket.