AUDIO JACK ENABLED SYNTHETIC BARCODE MODULE
First Claim
1. A synthetic barcode module comprising:
- a light management module configured to produce output signals corresponding to received light pulses, emit light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode in scan mode, and emit light pulses that enable optical bidirectional communication in programming mode, said light management module comprising an LED operating as both an optical receiver and an optical emitter, wherein the LED receives light pulses, produces output signals corresponding to the received light pulses, and emits light pulses; and
a controller module that receives analog audio signals corresponding to at least one barcode, receives said output signals corresponding to received light pulses, determines if the received light pulses correspond to a barcode scanner, and outputs driver signals to cause the light management module to emit the light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode to communicate the at least one barcode to the barcode scanner; and
an analog audio interface configured to communicatively couple the controller to an analog audio output jack of a computing device.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A coupon management system includes a synthetic barcode module. The synthetic barcode module comprises light management components and a controller. The light management components include an LED operating as both an optical receiver and an optical emitter The controller interfaces with a compatible electronic device such as a cell phone via an analog audio interface, receives analog audio signals corresponding to coupon barcodes, produces timing data for managing optical output, determines if the received light pulses correspond to scanner output, and using the timing data outputs driver signals to cause the light management module to emit light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode to communicate the coupon barcode optically.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A synthetic barcode module comprising:
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a light management module configured to produce output signals corresponding to received light pulses, emit light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode in scan mode, and emit light pulses that enable optical bidirectional communication in programming mode, said light management module comprising an LED operating as both an optical receiver and an optical emitter, wherein the LED receives light pulses, produces output signals corresponding to the received light pulses, and emits light pulses; and a controller module that receives analog audio signals corresponding to at least one barcode, receives said output signals corresponding to received light pulses, determines if the received light pulses correspond to a barcode scanner, and outputs driver signals to cause the light management module to emit the light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode to communicate the at least one barcode to the barcode scanner; and an analog audio interface configured to communicatively couple the controller to an analog audio output jack of a computing device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A coupon management system, said system comprising:
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a synthetic barcode module comprising; a light management module that produces output signals corresponding to received light pulses, emits light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode in scan mode, and emits light pulses that enable optical bidirectional communication in programming mode, said light management module comprising an LED operating as both an optical receiver and an optical emitter, wherein the LED receives light pulses, produces output signals corresponding to the received light pulses, and emits light pulses; and a controller module that receives analog audio signals corresponding to at least one barcode data field, receives said output signals corresponding to received light pulses, determines if the received light pulses correspond to a barcode scanner, and outputs driver signals to cause the light management module to emit the light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode to communicate the at least one coupon code optically to the barcode scanner; and an analog audio interface configured to communicatively couple the module to a mobile computing device; and a mobile computing device communicatively coupled to the module via a data interface, said mobile computing device having nonvolatile storage for storing the at least one coupon code, a user input device for user control, and a communication means for receiving the at least one coupon code from a remote source. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification