Device for storing and displaying selected bar codes

• US 7,353,996 B2
• Filed: 04/28/2005
• Issued: 04/08/2008
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, SEUNG H
• Application Number:
  US11/116,790
• Publication Number:
  US 20060243806A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,076 Days
• Field of Search: 235/378, 235/462.01, 235/462.08, 235/462.07, 235/462.15, 235/436, 235/454
• US Class Current: 235/462.01
• 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 housing;

a memory coupled to the housing for storing multiple codes;

a display coupled to the housing for displaying at least one of the codes in the memory, the at least one displayed code being readable by an optical scanner, wherein the display is a persistent visual display;

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

a processor coupled to the housing for coordinating operation of the memory, display and selector,

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.

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

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device does not have wireless communications capability.

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 of a sequence comprising at least one of numbers, letters and symbols, wherein the sequence is converted to a code being readable by an optical scanner.

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

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the input mechanism is at least one of an optical scanner and an optical camera.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one of the codes is a photographic image.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the persistent visual display comprises electronic ink.

12. The device according to claim 1, 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 personal digital assistant (PDA).

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has no other functionality than receiving, storing, allowing selection of the codes, and outputting the codes.

15. A system utilizing optically readable codes, comprising:

a device comprising;

a housing;

a memory for storing multiple optically readable codes;

a display coupled to the housing for displaying a plurality of the optically readable codes;

a moveable portion moveable along the display, the moveable portion having an aperture therein, the aperture having dimensions that allows one optically readable code displayed on the display to be viewable therethrough and another displayed code being blocked by the moveable portion,

wherein the device is capable of displaying multiple codes simultaneously.

16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising an optical scanner physically integrated with a housing of the device, the optical scanner being for reading at least one optically readable code for storage on the device and output on the display, a second optical scanner physically present at an entity requiring registration for entry or participation, the displayed code identifying a holder of the device as being registered, the second optical scanner being for reading an optical code being displayed by the display of the device.

17. The system according to claim 15, further comprising an input mechanism coupled to the housing of the device for receiving user input of a sequence comprising at least one of numbers, letters and symbols, wherein the sequence is converted to a code being readable by an optical scanner.

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

on a device comprising;

a housing;

a memory coupled to the housing for storing multiple codes;

a display coupled to the housing 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 coupled to the housing for allowing a user to select the at least one code for output on the display;

an input mechanism for receiving input of codes for storage in the memory; and

a processor coupled to the housing for coordinating operation of the memory, display and selector,

wherein the display is a persistent visual display;

receiving a code comprising at least one of numbers, letters and symbols via user input on an integrated input device;

converting the code comprising at least one of numbers, letters and symbols to an optically readable code;

storing at least one of the code comprising at least one of numbers, letters and symbols and the optically readable code in an integrated memory;

receiving a request to display the optically readable code; and

instructing an integrated display to output the optically readable code.

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

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein multiple optically readable codes are simultaneously output on the display, wherein the device further comprises a moveable portion moveable along the display, the moveable portion having an aperture therein, the aperture having dimensions that allows one optically readable code displayed on the display to be viewable therethrough and another displayed code being blocked by the moveable portion.