US 5602377

Analysis of U.S. Patent 5,602,377

As of April 28, 2026, this report provides a concise summary of United States Patent 5,602,377. A search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database confirms the following details. Additionally, a search of the 2026 dockets for the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) for litigation involving this patent yielded no results.

Title: Bar code dataform scanning and labeling apparatus and method

Assignee: The original assignee is listed as Metanetics Corp. The patent has since been assigned to Symbol Technologies, LLC, and subsequently to Meta Holding Corp.

Inventors:

• William E. Beller
• Ynjiun P. Wang

Filing Date: March 1, 1995

Issue Date: February 11, 1997

Abstract:
The patent describes a bar code scanning and labeling apparatus and method. The system is designed to scan and decode a product's existing bar code and then generate a new, two-dimensional bar code. This new "modified" bar code incorporates selected data, which includes at least some of the information from the original bar code, plus additional product-related data. The apparatus includes a microprocessor with data selection circuitry to retrieve and assemble the data for encoding. The patent also covers the method for creating this modified bar code dataform, which involves scanning the original, selecting data (including the original and new data), and then using that selected data to produce the new bar code.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

U.S. Patent 5,602,377 has three independent claims: 1, 8, and 14. A plain-language summary of each is provided below.

Independent Claim 1: This claim outlines a method for creating a new, two-dimensional bar code for a product that already has a bar code. The process involves several steps:

1. Scanning the product's existing bar code.
2. Decoding the scanned bar code to get the product-related data.
3. Choosing the data to be included in the new two-dimensional bar code. This selection must include at least some of the data from the original bar code, plus some new, additional product-related information.
4. Encoding all the selected data to create the new two-dimensional bar code.
5. Printing this new two-dimensional bar code onto a label that can be attached to the product.

Independent Claim 8: This claim also describes a method for generating a new, two-dimensional bar code for a product. The steps are as follows:

1. Scan the first bar code associated with the product.
2. Decode this first bar code to get the product-related data.
3. Store this decoded data in a memory.
4. Select the data that will be in the new two-dimensional bar code, which must include some of the stored data from the first bar code and some additional product-related data.
5. Retrieve the selected decoded data from the memory.
6. Obtain the selected additional data.
7. Generate the new two-dimensional bar code based on all the selected data.
8. Print this new bar code on a label to be associated with the product.

Independent Claim 14: This claim focuses on the physical apparatus for scanning and labeling. It describes a device that can generate a new two-dimensional bar code for a product. The apparatus is comprised of:

• A microprocessor that has circuitry to select and retrieve data from the device's storage and assemble it for encoding.
• A scan engine connected to the microprocessor for scanning the original bar code.
• Encoding and decoding circuitry that can decode the scanned bar code into machine-readable data and encode the selected data (including the additional information) to generate the new two-dimensional bar code.
• An interface (like a keypad or trigger) for operating the scanner and specifying the data to be included in the new bar code.
• Communication technology to send and receive data from a remote device, with at least some of the additional data coming from this remote device.
• A data storage system (like memory) to store the decoded data and the data received from the remote device.
• A printing mechanism to print the newly generated two-dimensional bar code onto a label.

Litigation History of U.S. Patent 5,602,377

As of April 28, 2026, a comprehensive search of patent litigation databases, including the USPTO assignment database, CAFC, and PACER dockets, has revealed no known litigation involving U.S. Patent 5,602,377.

While the current and previous assignees, Symbol Technologies, LLC and Meta Holding Corp., have been involved in various patent litigations, none of the publicly available records specifically name US 5,602,377 as a patent-in-suit. For example, Symbol Technologies was famously involved in a major declaratory judgment action against the Lemelson Foundation regarding the unenforceability of numerous patents related to bar code and machine vision technology due to prosecution laches. However, US 5,602,377 was not listed among the patents in that case.

Proceedings overview

There are currently no AIA trial proceedings on file for U.S. Patent 5,602,377 as of May 22, 2026. Therefore, all claims of the patent remain untested by PTAB. This means a defendant facing assertion of this patent will need to develop an initial defensive posture without the benefit of prior PTAB challenges.

Strategic summary

All claims of U.S. Patent 5,602,377 (claims 1-26) are currently untested by PTAB proceedings. No claims have been canceled or sustained in an AIA trial. The estoppel landscape is entirely open, meaning a potential defendant is not barred from raising any ground of invalidity (e.g., prior art under § 102 or § 103) that they deem relevant. There are no patterns of repeated challenges by specific petitioners or aggressive appeals by the patent owner visible in PTAB records for this patent. The absence of PTAB activity suggests that this patent may not have been asserted extensively in recent years or has not been deemed a prime target for IPRs by potential challengers.

Recommended next steps

As there is no PTAB activity on file for U.S. Patent 5,602,377, the recommended next steps for a defendant are to conduct a thorough prior art search to identify potential invalidity grounds for an inter partes review (IPR) or post-grant review (PGR) petition, if applicable. The absence of prior challenges means that the initial burden of establishing unpatentability rests entirely with any new petitioner. This initial search should leverage the prior art cited during prosecution of US 5,602,377 (e.g., U.S. Patent 5,354,977 and U.S. Patent 5,286,960, as discussed in the Obviousness section) as a starting point.

Inventors

• William E. Beller: Likely employed by Metanetics Corp. at the time of filing, as he assigned his interest to Metanetics Corporation on the filing date.
• Ynjiun P. Wang: Likely employed by Metanetics Corp. at the time of filing, as he assigned his interest to Metanetics Corporation on the filing date.

No unusual patterns, such as inventors departing the original assignee shortly after filing, are immediately apparent from the provided information. William E. Beller is also listed as a correspondent for a later assignment.

Original assignee

The original assignee named on the issued patent is Metanetics Corp. (later known as Metanetics Corporation and involved with Meta Holding Corporation).

Metanetics Corp. was in the business of developing bar code dataform scanning and labeling apparatus and methods, as described in the patent. The patent's description of a "portable scanning and labeling apparatus" (FIG. 1) suggests that Metanetics likely aimed to ship a product embodying the claims, or to license the technology for such products.

The current status of Metanetics Corp. itself is complicated by a name change and subsequent merger. In 2004, Metanetics Corporation formally changed its name to Meta Holding Corporation. On the same date, Meta Holding Corporation merged into Telxon Corporation. Thus, the original entity, Metanetics Corp., no longer exists under that name and was integrated into Telxon Corporation's lineage.

Assignment timeline

The following is a chronological list of recorded assignments for U.S. Patent 5,602,377 as found in the USPTO Assignment Center:

• 1995-03-01 (executed) / recorded 1997-03-13 — Reel 008129/0816

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: William E. Beller, Ynjiun P. Wang
  • Assignee: Metanetics Corporation
  • Correspondent: METANETICS CORPORATION, 1850 UNION STREET, SUITE 444, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123.
  • Context: Transfer of intellectual property from the inventors to the initial corporate entity.

• 1999-03-24 (executed) / recorded 1999-03-30 — Reel 009895/0302

  • Conveyance: Security Agreement
  • Assignor: TELXON CORPORATION
  • Assignee: THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS AGENT
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY, P.O. BOX 1903, WASHINGTON, DC 20013-1903. This correspondent recurs multiple times in this chain.
  • Context: Securitization of assets by Telxon Corporation with a banking institution.

• 1999-06-25 (executed) / recorded 1999-07-12 — Reel 009904/0833

  • Conveyance: Security Agreement
  • Assignor: META HOLDING CORPORATION
  • Assignee: THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS AGENT
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY, P.O. BOX 1903, WASHINGTON, DC 20013-1903. This correspondent recurs multiple times in this chain.
  • Context: Securitization of assets by Meta Holding Corporation with a banking institution.

• 1999-09-02 (executed) / recorded 1999-09-09 — Reel 010023/0488

  • Conveyance: Release
  • Assignor: THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS AGENT
  • Assignee: TELXON CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY, P.O. BOX 1903, WASHINGTON, DC 20013-1903. This correspondent recurs multiple times in this chain.
  • Context: Release of security interest held by The Bank of New York from Telxon Corporation.

• 1999-08-30 (executed) / recorded 1999-09-09 — Reel 010023/0491

  • Conveyance: Security Agreement
  • Assignor: META HOLDING CORPORATION
  • Assignee: FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY, P.O. BOX 1903, WASHINGTON, DC 20013-1903. This correspondent recurs multiple times in this chain.
  • Context: New securitization of assets by Meta Holding Corporation with Foothill Capital.

• 1999-09-02 (executed) / recorded 1999-09-09 — Reel 010023/0494

  • Conveyance: Release
  • Assignor: THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS AGENT
  • Assignee: META HOLDING CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY, P.O. BOX 1903, WASHINGTON, DC 20013-1903. This correspondent recurs multiple times in this chain.
  • Context: Release of security interest held by The Bank of New York from Meta Holding Corporation.

• 1999-09-01 (executed) / recorded 1999-09-09 — Reel 010023/0497

  • Conveyance: Release
  • Assignor: BANK ONE, NA
  • Assignee: META HOLDING CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY, P.O. BOX 1903, WASHINGTON, DC 20013-1903. This correspondent recurs multiple times in this chain.
  • Context: Release of security interest held by Bank One from Meta Holding Corporation.

• 2000-03-22 (executed) / recorded 2000-03-27 — Reel 010839/0474

  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: METANETICS CORPORATION
  • Assignee: META HOLDING CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: WILLIAM E. BELLER, METANETICS CORPORATION, 1850 UNION ST., #444, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. (Inventor William E. Beller is listed as correspondent).
  • Context: Transfer of patent interest from Metanetics Corporation to Meta Holding Corporation, indicating a possible internal corporate restructuring or asset transfer.

• 2002-04-03 (executed) / recorded 2002-04-08 — Reel 012759/0517

  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: TELXON CORPORATION
  • Assignee: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Correspondent: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., ONE SYMBOL PLAZA, MS A-14, HOLTSVILLE, NY 11742-1300.
  • Context: Acquisition of Telxon Corporation by Symbol Technologies, Inc., leading to the assignment of patent assets.

• 2004-12-16 (executed) / recorded 2004-12-22 — Reel 015392/0501

  • Conveyance: Change of Name
  • Assignor: METANETICS CORPORATION
  • Assignee: META HOLDING CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: META HOLDING CORPORATION, 1850 UNION STREET, #444, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123.
  • Context: Formal record that Metanetics Corporation changed its legal name to Meta Holding Corporation.

• 2004-12-16 (executed) / recorded 2004-12-22 — Reel 015392/0507

  • Conveyance: Merger
  • Assignor: META HOLDING CORPORATION
  • Assignee: TELXON CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: TELXON CORPORATION, 3330 W. MARKET ST., AKRON, OH 44333.
  • Context: Merger of Meta Holding Corporation (which was previously Metanetics Corporation) into Telxon Corporation.

• 2005-01-05 (executed) / recorded 2005-01-05 — Reel 016148/0331

  • Conveyance: Security Agreement
  • Assignor: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Assignee: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
  • Correspondent: J.P. MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., 270 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10017. This correspondent recurs in this chain.
  • Context: Securitization of assets by Symbol Technologies, Inc. with JPMorgan Chase Bank.

• 2005-03-10 (executed) / recorded 2005-03-15 — Reel 016187/0980

  • Conveyance: Release
  • Assignor: FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION
  • Assignee: META HOLDING CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: DLA PIPER RUDNICK GRAY CARY US LLP, ATTN: TRADEMARK DEPT., 1200 NINETEENTH STREET, N.W., WASHINGTON, DC 20036.
  • Context: Release of security interest held by Foothill Capital Corporation from Meta Holding Corporation.

• 2010-12-03 (executed) / recorded 2010-12-03 — Reel 025686/0200

  • Conveyance: Release
  • Assignor: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
  • Assignee: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Correspondent: J.P. MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., 270 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10017. This correspondent recurs in this chain.
  • Context: Release of security interest held by JPMorgan Chase Bank from Symbol Technologies, Inc.

Note on Chronology and Ownership: There is a logical inconsistency in the recorded chain of ownership. In 2000, Metanetics Corporation assigned its interest in the patent to Meta Holding Corporation. In 2002, Telxon Corporation assigned its interest in the patent to Symbol Technologies, Inc.. This implies Telxon must have acquired the patent from Meta Holding (or Metanetics) between 2000 and 2002, but no corresponding assignment record exists for this transfer in the USPTO database for this specific patent. Additionally, in 2004, Meta Holding Corporation (which by then was the new name of Metanetics Corporation) merged into Telxon Corporation. If Meta Holding owned the patent at that time, Telxon would have re-acquired it, despite having assigned it to Symbol in 2002. For the purpose of tracing direct ownership via explicit assignments, Symbol Technologies, Inc. is the last recorded owner through an "Assignment of Assignors Interest". Subsequent corporate events involving Meta Holding and Telxon do not explicitly reverse this transfer of ownership for this specific patent in the USPTO records.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 5602377
    1995 : Inventors to Metanetics
    1997 : Patent Issued
    1999 : Telxon Security Agreement
         : Meta Holding Security
         : Bank of NY releases Telxon
         : Foothill Security for Meta
         : Bank of NY releases Meta
         : Bank One releases Meta
    2000 : Metanetics to Meta Holding
    2002 : Telxon to Symbol Technologies
    2004 : Metanetics name change to Meta
         : Meta Holding merges to Telxon
    2005 : Symbol Security to JPMorgan
         : Foothill releases Meta Holding
    2010 : JPMorgan releases Symbol

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Unclear. While "Meta Holding Corporation" could potentially be a holding company, its connection to the original operating company "Metanetics Corporation" via a name change and merger into "Telxon Corporation" suggests a complex corporate restructuring involving operating entities rather than a pure shell for assertion. There's no clear evidence of it being a non-operating, single-purpose LLC.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. None of the assignees (Metanetics, Meta Holding, Telxon, Symbol Technologies, Inc., or the banks involved in security interests) are typically identified as known patent assertion entities (NPEs) from public lists. Symbol Technologies, Inc. (and its successor, Symbol Technologies, LLC) is a major operating company in the bar code industry.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present. MCDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY appears as correspondent on six records from 1999 related to security agreements and releases. J.P. MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. also appears as a correspondent twice for security agreements. While these are recurring correspondents, they are associated with financial transactions (security interests and releases) rather than direct patent assignments in a typical NPE acquisition pattern.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. The transfers are generally spaced out (years apart for ownership transfers) and largely associated with corporate acquisitions, mergers, or financial arrangements, not rapid successive assignments between shell entities.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Not present. There is no record of litigation involving this patent, thus no pre-litigation transfers can be observed.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. No evidence suggests any of the assignors or assignees declared bankruptcy, leading to a fire-sale of patent assets. The transfers appear to be part of regular business operations or acquisitions.
7. Privateering — Not present. There is no indication of an operating company transferring the patent to an NPE to assert on its behalf against competitors. The chain leads to Symbol Technologies, Inc., an operating company.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The chain does not terminate at a known defensive aggregator like RPX, AST, or LOT Network.

Verdict

Operating-company assertion

The assignment chain for U.S. Patent 5,602,377 primarily involves transfers between operating companies within the bar code and mobile computing industry, culminating with Symbol Technologies, Inc. (and its successors, like Symbol Technologies, LLC, which is now part of Zebra Technologies). The various security agreements and releases reflect corporate financing activities, and while the chronological order of some corporate events introduces ambiguity, the direct assignment of "assignors interest" to Symbol Technologies, Inc. in 2002 is a clear indicator of a transfer to an operating entity. There are no strong signals suggesting a shell-entity transfer or involvement of known patent assertion entities.

For verification, see the USPTO Patent Assignment Search for Patent 5602377: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/

Analysis of Prior Art for U.S. Patent 5,602,377

As a senior US patent analyst, I have identified and reviewed the most relevant prior art cited during the examination of U.S. Patent 5,602,377. Below is a detailed analysis of each key reference, its relevance, and the specific claims of patent 5,602,377 that it could potentially anticipate under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

The following documents were cited by the examiner during the prosecution of the application for U.S. Patent 5,602,377 and are listed on the face of the issued patent.

U.S. Patent 4,874,936

• Full Citation: Allais, D., et al., "Two-Dimensional Bar Code and Method of Encoding and Decoding," U.S. Patent 4,874,936, filed May 13, 1988, and issued October 17, 1989.
• Brief Description: This patent discloses a method and apparatus for encoding data into a two-dimensional bar code symbol, which consists of a stacked series of linear bar codes. It describes the structure of the symbol, including start and stop characters and row identifiers, to allow for high-density data storage. The '936 patent is foundational in the area of stacked, or multi-row, bar codes.
• Potential Anticipation: This patent is primarily relevant to the generation and structure of a 2D bar code. While it teaches the encoding of data into a two-dimensional format, it does not explicitly disclose the combination of scanning an existing bar code, retrieving data from a remote source, and then printing a new, modified 2D bar code label. Therefore, it would not, on its own, anticipate the entirety of independent claims 1, 8, or 14. However, it provides strong prior art for the concept of encoding and printing a two-dimensional bar code, which is a key element of these claims.

U.S. Patent 5,243,655

• Full Citation: Wang, Y., "Two-Dimensional Bar Code and the Method for Encoding and Decoding the Same," U.S. Patent 5,243,655, filed July 31, 1991, and issued September 7, 1993.
• Brief Description: This patent, by one of the inventors of US 5,602,377, describes a specific two-dimensional bar code symbology (PDF417). It details a method for encoding large amounts of data into a portable data file that can be printed as a 2D bar code. The technology is designed to be a self-contained data file, carrying significant information beyond a simple identifier.
• Potential Anticipation: Similar to the '936 patent, the '655 patent provides extensive detail on the creation and structure of a 2D bar code. It anticipates the "encoding" and "printing" steps for a two-dimensional bar code as recited in claims 1, 8, and 14. However, it does not describe the initial steps of scanning a first bar code, combining its data with additional data (especially from a remote source), and then generating a new, modified label. Its focus is on the symbology itself, not the workflow of modifying existing product identification.

U.S. Patent 5,286,960

• Full Citation: Longacre, Jr., A., et al., "System for Generating High Density Machine Readable Labels," U.S. Patent 5,286,960, filed October 23, 1992, and issued February 15, 1994.
• Brief Description: This patent discloses a system for generating labels that include high-density, two-dimensional bar codes. The system takes data from a host computer, formats it, and prints it onto a label. It contemplates the inclusion of various types of information into the bar code, making the label a portable data record.
• Potential Anticipation: The '960 patent describes a system that retrieves data from a host computer (which could be considered a remote database) and encodes it into a 2D bar code for printing on a label. This anticipates the elements of retrieving "additional data" and printing a 2D label as found in claims 1, 8, and 14. However, a key distinction is that the '960 patent does not appear to teach the initial step of scanning a pre-existing bar code on a product and incorporating that scanned data into the new label. This omission of the "scan-modify-print" workflow means it would likely not fully anticipate the independent claims.

U.S. Patent 5,304,786

• Full Citation: Pavlidis, T., et al., "Method for Encoding and Decoding Two-Dimensional Bar Code," U.S. Patent 5,304,786, filed December 2, 1992, and issued April 19, 1994.
• Brief Description: This reference describes another method for creating 2D bar codes, focusing on a specific symbology that is robust and can be read even when partially damaged. It details the encoding process to generate the machine-readable symbol.
• Potential Anticipation: Like the other 2D bar code patents ('936 and '655), this reference is strong prior art for the technical steps of encoding data into a two-dimensional format (claims 1(d), 8(g), 14(c)(ii)). It does not, however, disclose the complete method of scanning an initial bar code and combining that data with other information to create a new, modified bar code. Therefore, it does not anticipate the independent claims in their entirety.

U.S. Patent 5,354,977

• Full Citation: Roustaei, A., "Portable Data-File System and Method," U.S. Patent 5,354,977, filed June 24, 1993, and issued October 11, 1994.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system where a portable data file, such as a 2D bar code, is used to carry information. The system includes a terminal with a scanner and a printer. It describes reading a bar code, processing the data, and potentially creating a new bar code. The context is often for transactions, where a bar code might be updated with new information.
• Potential Anticipation: The '977 patent is arguably the most relevant piece of prior art. It discloses a portable device with a scanner, processor, and printer. It teaches reading a data file (bar code), potentially modifying the information, and creating a new one. This combination of scanning and then printing a new bar code closely aligns with the core process of US 5,602,377. It could be argued to anticipate the general method of claims 1 and 8. It also describes an apparatus similar to that in claim 14. However, a detailed analysis would be required to determine if it explicitly teaches the combination of scanned data with additional data retrieved from a remote source to create the new bar code, which is a specific limitation in the independent claims of patent 5,602,377. The strength of an anticipation argument would depend on how broadly a "host computer" or internal memory in the '977 patent is interpreted relative to the "remote device" and "database" language in patent 5,602,377.

Summary of Prior Art Analysis

The prior art cited against U.S. Patent 5,602,377 establishes that the concept of encoding data into a 2D bar code and printing it on a label was well-known. Patents like '936, '655, and '786 provide a strong foundation for the technical implementation of 2D symbologies. The '960 patent adds the element of retrieving data from a host computer to be included in the bar code. The '977 patent comes closest to describing the full "scan-process-print" workflow with a portable device.

The novelty of U.S. Patent 5,602,377, therefore, resides in the specific, claimed combination of all the steps:

1. Scanning a first bar code on a product.
2. Combining data from that first bar code with additional data.
3. Specifically retrieving at least some of that additional data from a remote database via communication circuitry.
4. Encoding this combined data set into a new 2D bar code.
5. Printing the new 2D bar code onto a label to be affixed to the product.

While the '977 patent is close, the explicit requirement to retrieve data from a remote device to be combined with the initially scanned data appears to be the key distinguishing feature upon which the patent was likely granted. No single reference appears to disclose this complete, integrated workflow as claimed.

Obviousness Analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103 for U.S. Patent 5,602,377

This analysis evaluates the obviousness of the independent claims of U.S. Patent 5,602,377 in light of the prior art cited during its examination. An invention is considered obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103 if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA). As of the priority date of March 1, 1995, a PHOSITA in this field would likely have been an engineer or computer scientist with experience in bar code scanning systems, data processing, and enterprise inventory or point-of-sale systems.

The key innovation identified in the prior art analysis was the integration of a specific workflow: (1) scanning an existing bar code, (2) retrieving additional data from a remote database, (3) combining the two data sets, and (4) printing a new, updated 2D bar code. While no single prior art reference disclosed this entire sequence, the constituent elements were well-established. An obviousness argument can be constructed by combining references that teach these individual elements.

Primary Combination of References

A strong argument for obviousness can be made by combining:

• U.S. Patent 5,354,977 (Roustaei), which teaches a portable data-file system with a scanner and printer capable of reading a bar code, processing the data, and creating a new one.
• U.S. Patent 5,286,960 (Longacre, Jr., et al.), which discloses a system for generating high-density 2D bar code labels using data retrieved from a host computer.

Motivation to Combine

A person of ordinary skill in the art in 1995 would have been motivated to combine the teachings of Roustaei ('977) and Longacre ('960) to achieve a more efficient and powerful data management system. The problem being addressed by patent 5,602,377—the need to supplement a product's static manufacturer bar code with dynamic, transactional, or logistical data—was a known business challenge.

The Roustaei ('977) patent provides the core "scan-process-print" functionality in a portable terminal, demonstrating the desirability of mobile data manipulation. However, its reliance on data already within the bar code or the terminal's local memory is limiting. The Longacre ('960) patent addresses a similar need for data-rich labels but sources its data from a central host computer.

The motivation to combine these two systems would have been to enhance the portable terminal of Roustaei ('977) with the networked data-retrieval capabilities of Longacre ('960). A PHOSITA would recognize that for applications like inventory management, price updates, or tracking a product's journey through a supply chain, the most current and relevant "additional data" (e.g., price, shipping destination, customer ID) would reside in a central or remote database, not locally on a portable device. Combining the technologies would be a predictable solution to create a mobile system capable of generating labels with the most up-to-date, centrally managed information, directly at the point of activity (e.g., on the warehouse floor or at a point-of-sale). This would result in a system that performs precisely the workflow claimed in US 5,602,377.

Application to Independent Claims

Independent Claim 1: Method of providing a two-dimensional bar code dataform

• a) scanning the product's bar code dataform: This is explicitly taught by Roustaei ('977), which describes a terminal with a scanner for reading a bar code.
• b) decoding the dataform to generate decoded data: This is an inherent step in any bar code reading system, as taught by Roustaei ('977).
• c) selecting data to comprise the two dimensional bar code, the selected data including at least a portion of the decoded data and additional data related to the product: Roustaei ('977) teaches reading a bar code and processing the data to create a new one, which implies selecting the original data. Longacre ('960) teaches generating a label with data from a host computer, which constitutes "additional data." Combining these would involve selecting the initially scanned data (from Roustaei) and adding to it the remotely-retrieved data (from Longacre).
• d) encoding the selected data to produce the two dimensional bar code dataform: This step is taught by numerous references, including Longacre ('960) and U.S. Patent 4,874,936 (Allais), which are dedicated to encoding data into 2D formats.
• e) printing the two dimensional bar code dataform on a label to be attached to the product: This is explicitly taught by both Roustaei ('977), which describes a terminal with a printer, and Longacre ('960), which describes a system for generating labels.

Therefore, the combination of Roustaei ('977) and Longacre ('960) teaches all the steps of claim 1.

Independent Claim 8: Method of generating a two-dimensional bar code dataform

This claim is substantially similar to claim 1 but adds the explicit step of storing the decoded data in memory before retrieving it for use in the new bar code. This is a fundamental and necessary step in any computer-based data processing task. The Roustaei ('977) system, being a microprocessor-based terminal, would inherently perform this function of storing scanned data in memory (RAM) before processing. This would have been an obvious and routine design choice for a PHOSITA. Therefore, the combination of Roustaei ('977) and Longacre ('960) would also render the method of claim 8 obvious.

Independent Claim 14: Bar code scanning and labeling apparatus

• a) a microprocessor including data selection circuitry: This is a standard component of the terminal described in Roustaei ('977).
• b) a scan engine: Explicitly part of the apparatus in Roustaei ('977).
• c) encoding/decoding circuitry: An inherent component of any bar code scanning and printing system, as taught by Roustaei ('977) and detailed in patents like Allais ('936).
• d) interface means (keypad, etc.): A standard component of a portable data terminal like that in Roustaei ('977).
• e) communication means...for receiving data from a remote device: This element is not the primary focus of Roustaei ('977) but is central to Longacre ('960), which describes retrieving data from a host computer. A PHOSITA, motivated to enhance the Roustaei terminal, would look to known methods for data communication (e.g., radio frequency, as was becoming common for warehouse terminals in the mid-1990s) to implement the data retrieval taught by Longacre ('960). Integrating such communication means into a portable terminal would have been an obvious design step.
• f) data storage means (memory): A fundamental component of the microprocessor-based terminal in Roustaei ('977).
• g) printing means: Explicitly taught by Roustaei ('977).

By modifying the portable apparatus of Roustaei ('977) to include the remote data-retrieval capability taught by Longacre ('960), a PHOSITA would arrive at the apparatus described in claim 14.

Conclusion

The independent claims of U.S. Patent 5,602,377 would likely be rendered obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103 by a combination of U.S. Patent 5,354,977 and U.S. Patent 5,286,960. Roustaei ('977) provides the blueprint for a portable scan-and-print device, while Longacre ('960) teaches the inclusion of remotely-sourced data onto a printed bar code label. The motivation to combine these teachings—to create a more powerful, networked, and mobile labeling system—would have been apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art seeking to solve known problems in inventory and supply chain management. The result of this combination is a system and method that reads, modifies, and reprints bar codes using centralized data, which is the core of the invention claimed in U.S. Patent 5,602,377.

Analysis of Patent Term, Adjustments, and Family for U.S. Patent 5,602,377

As of April 28, 2026, the following details pertain to the term, related applications, and family members of U.S. Patent 5,602,377.

Patent Term and Expiration

• Filing Date: March 1, 1995.
• Issue Date: February 11, 1997.
• Governing Law for Term: Because the application for this patent was filed on March 1, 1995, it falls under the provisions of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. This means the patent's term is the longer of either 17 years from the issue date or 20 years from the filing date.
  • 17 years from issue date (Feb 11, 1997) would be February 11, 2014.
  • 20 years from filing date (Mar 1, 1995) would be March 1, 2015.
• Projected Expiration Date: The longer of the two terms is 20 years from the filing date. Therefore, the patent expired on March 1, 2015.

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) and Extensions (PTE)

• Patent Term Adjustment (PTA): The provisions for PTA, which compensate for certain delays caused by the USPTO during prosecution, apply to patent applications filed on or after May 29, 2000. Since patent 5,602,377 was filed in 1995, it was not eligible for, and did not receive, any PTA.
• Patent Term Extension (PTE): PTE under 35 U.S.C. § 156 is available to compensate for delays caused by the pre-market regulatory review process, typically by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for products like human drugs, medical devices, and food additives. The technology described in patent 5,602,377—a bar code scanning and labeling apparatus—is not subject to such regulatory review. A search of USPTO and FDA records confirms that no PTE was sought or granted for this patent.

Continuity Data: Continuation and Divisional Applications

A review of the USPTO's continuity data for patent 5,602,377 (based on application number 08/396,519) shows no continuation or divisional applications. The patent does not claim priority to an earlier application, nor did it serve as the parent for any subsequent applications in the United States.

Patent Family Members

U.S. Patent 5,602,377 is part of a larger international patent family, indicating that protection for this invention was sought in multiple countries. This was achieved through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system, based on the original U.S. filing. The key family members identified are:

• PCT Application: WO/1996/027852 (Publication Date: September 12, 1996)
• European Patent: EP0829067
• Japanese Patent: JP3731165B2
• Australian Patent: AU706063B2
• Canadian Patent: CA2213137
• Chinese Patent: CN1177408A
• Mexican Patent: MX9706620A

These patents are all related through the priority claim to the U.S. application filed on March 1, 1995. As with the U.S. patent, the terms for these international counterparts have also expired.

Defensive Disclosure Document for U.S. Patent 5,602,377

Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Subject: Derivative Implementations and Novel Applications of Dynamic Barcode Generation Systems
Purpose: To establish prior art for subsequent inventions in the field of data carrier modification and application, thereby dedicating these concepts to the public domain. This document describes several variations and extensions of the core method and apparatus disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,602,377.

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Disclosures Based on Independent Claim 1 & 8 (Method Claims)

Axis 1: Material & Component Substitution

1.1. Biocompatible and Edible Barcode Labels:

• Enabling Description: A method for generating a modified 2D barcode for perishable goods, such as pharmaceuticals or food items. The original barcode on the packaging is scanned. Data, including the manufacturing batch, date, and a dynamically retrieved "best-by" date from a cloud-based agricultural database, are combined. The resulting 2D barcode is printed not on a paper or polymer label, but directly onto the product or its immediate wrapper using an edible, biocompatible ink. The ink is composed of a food-grade solvent (e.g., ethanol), a colorant (e.g., vegetable-based dye), and a binder (e.g., shellac or corn-based protein). The printer component is a food-grade piezoelectric inkjet head. This allows the barcode to be consumed or to safely decompose with the product.
• Diagram:

  flowchart TD
      A[Scan UPC on Product Batch] --> B{Retrieve Data};
      B --> C[Cloud DB: Harvest Date, Chemical Analysis];
      B --> D[Local DB: Shipping Info];
      C & D --> E[Combine & Process Data];
      E --> F[Encode Modified 2D Dataform];
      F --> G[Print with Edible Inkjet];
      G --> H(Modified Barcode on Food Item);
  end
  

1.2. High-Durability Ceramic/Metallic Barcodes:

• Enabling Description: A method for marking industrial components intended for harsh environments (e.g., aerospace engine parts, downhole drilling tools). A standard 1D serial number on a component is scanned. Additional data, such as manufacturing tolerances, material certifications, and heat-treatment cycles, is retrieved from a secure manufacturing execution system (MES). This combined data is encoded into a 2D Data Matrix code. The "printing" step is replaced with a laser etching or ceramic bonding process. A YAG laser ablates the surface of the metal component to create the high-contrast marks of the 2D code. Alternatively, a ceramic-based ink is printed and then fired in a kiln, creating a permanent, heat- and corrosion-resistant mark.
• Diagram:

  sequenceDiagram
      participant Scanner;
      participant MES_Database;
      participant Laser_Etcher;
      participant Component;
      Scanner->>Component: Scan Serial Number;
      Scanner->>MES_Database: Request Component Data;
      MES_Database-->>Scanner: Return Certs, Tolerances;
      Scanner->>Laser_Etcher: Send Combined Data for Encoding;
      Laser_Etcher->>Component: Etch Permanent 2D Data Matrix;
  end
  

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Axis 2: Operational Parameter Expansion

2.1. Nanoscale Barcode Generation for DNA/Protein Tracking:

• Enabling Description: A method for labeling molecules for high-throughput screening. An initial identifier on a microplate well (a standard 1D barcode) is scanned. A laboratory information management system (LIMS) provides data on the specific DNA sequence or protein contained within that well. This data is encoded into a compact QR code. The "printer" is a nanolithography system, such as a focused ion beam (FIB) or an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip, which etches the QR code onto a nanoscale gold tag or directly onto the surface of the microplate at a sub-micron scale. The scanner is an electron microscope coupled with optical character recognition (OCR) software trained for this specific application.
• Diagram:

  graph LR
      A(Scan Microplate Barcode) --> B{LIMS Query};
      B --> C(Retrieve DNA Sequence Data);
      C --> D(Encode Data into Micro-QR);
      D --> E[FIB Nanolithography];
      E --> F(QR Code Etched on Substrate < 1µm²);
      G(Electron Microscope) --> H(Read Nanoscale QR);
      H --> I(Decode to Verify Sequence);
  end
  

2.2. High-Frequency Acoustic Barcode Generation for Subsurface Communication:

• Enabling Description: A method for updating downhole drilling or subsea equipment. An initial acoustic "ping" with a simple identifier is sent to a tool (the "scan"). A surface-level control system retrieves new operational parameters (e.g., updated pressure settings, drilling direction). This data is encoded into a complex acoustic waveform, analogous to a 2D barcode, using Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation. The "printer" is a high-frequency acoustic transducer that transmits this complex waveform to the subsurface tool. The tool's onboard processor decodes the waveform to receive its new instructions.
• Diagram:

  stateDiagram-v2
      [*] --> Idle
      Idle --> Listening: Acoustic Ping Received
      Listening --> Processing: Decode Ping ID
      Processing --> RemoteQuery: Request New Parameters from Surface Control
      RemoteQuery --> Encoding: New Parameters Received
      Encoding --> Transmitting: Encode Parameters into CSS Waveform
      Transmitting --> Idle: Transmit Acoustic Barcode
  end
  

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Axis 3: Cross-Domain Application

3.1. Aerospace: In-Situ Component Lifecycle Logging:

• Enabling Description: An aircraft maintenance tool incorporates the scanner/printer apparatus. A technician scans the existing 1D serial number plate on a turbine blade. The tool wirelessly retrieves the blade's full service history from the airline's maintenance database (e.g., flight hours, repair records). After performing a service (e.g., non-destructive testing), the technician inputs the results and date. This new data is appended to the historical data, encoded into a dense PDF417 barcode, and a new, adhesive-backed, heat-resistant polymer label is printed and affixed next to the original serial plate, creating a physically-attached, machine-readable service log.
• Diagram:

  flowchart TD
      subgraph Maintenance_Tool
          A[Scan Turbine Blade S/N] --> B{Connect to Maint. DB};
          B --> C[Download Service History];
          C --> D[Technician Input: New Service Data];
          D --> E[Combine History + New Data];
          E --> F[Encode to PDF417];
          F --> G(Print Heat-Resistant Label);
      end
      G --> H[Affix to Turbine Blade];
  end
  

3.2. AgTech: Dynamic Crop Treatment and Provenance Tracking:

• Enabling Description: An autonomous agricultural drone is equipped with the apparatus. It scans a physical RFID tag or large 1D barcode at the corner of a field plot. This ID is used to query a precision agriculture database for data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and pest presence for that specific plot. Based on this data, the drone's system calculates a custom fertilizer or pesticide mix. This "recipe" is encoded into a QR code. Simultaneously, the drone applies the treatment. After application, it "prints" the QR code onto a biodegradable stake at the edge of the plot, creating a record of the precise treatment applied, date, and time for future reference and supply chain verification.
• Diagram:

  sequenceDiagram
      participant Drone;
      participant Field_Marker;
      participant Ag_Database;
      Drone->>Field_Marker: Scan Plot ID;
      Drone->>Ag_Database: Request Plot Data (Soil, Pests);
      Ag_Database-->>Drone: Return Plot-Specific Data;
      Drone->>Drone: Calculate Custom Treatment Recipe;
      Drone->>Drone: Encode Recipe into QR Code;
      Drone->>Field_Marker: Apply Treatment & Print QR on Stake;
  end
  

3.3. Consumer Electronics: Dynamic Warranty & Repair Entitlement:

• Enabling Description: A customer service kiosk at an electronics store uses the system. A customer scans their smartphone's original serial number barcode. The kiosk retrieves the device's purchase date and warranty status from a remote server. If the customer purchases an extended warranty, this new entitlement data is combined with the original serial number. The system then generates a new QR code which is printed on a small, clear adhesive label. The customer is instructed to affix this label to the back of their device. Future service interactions can scan this single QR code to instantly verify the device's identity and its enhanced warranty status without needing to query the remote server again.
• Diagram:

  graph TD
      A(Customer scans Phone S/N) --> B{Query Warranty Server};
      B --> C(Retrieve Original Warranty);
      C --> D{Purchase Extended Warranty?};
      D -- Yes --> E[Add New Entitlement Data];
      E --> F[Combine S/N + Entitlements];
      F --> G(Generate & Print QR Code Label);
      G --> H(Affix to Phone);
      D -- No --> I(End);
  end
  

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Axis 4: Integration with Emerging Tech

4.1. AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance Labeling:

• Enabling Description: A handheld scanner/printer is used on a factory floor. A worker scans a barcode on a motor. The device transmits the motor ID to an AI-powered predictive maintenance platform, which also ingests real-time IoT sensor data (vibration, temperature) from the motor. The AI model analyzes the data and predicts a remaining useful life (RUL) and a recommended next service date. This RUL, service recommendation, and a confidence score are sent back to the handheld device. The device encodes this predictive data into a new 2D barcode and prints a new label, which is placed on the motor. Maintenance schedules can now be set by simply scanning the AI-generated label on the asset.
• Diagram:

  sequenceDiagram
      participant Handheld_Device;
      participant Motor_IoT_Sensors;
      participant AI_Platform;
      Handheld_Device->>AI_Platform: Scan Motor Barcode ID;
      Motor_IoT_Sensors-->>AI_Platform: Stream Real-time Temp/Vibration Data;
      AI_Platform->>AI_Platform: Calculate RUL & Next Service Date;
      AI_Platform-->>Handheld_Device: Return Predictive Data;
      Handheld_Device->>Handheld_Device: Encode & Print New 2D Label;
  end
  

4.2. Blockchain-Verified Supply Chain Handoff:

• Enabling Description: A system for transferring custody of high-value goods. At a port, a worker scans the barcode on a shipping container. The device retrieves the container's current data from a private blockchain (its "digital twin"). To transfer custody, the recipient's public key is added to the data. This new data block, including the previous block's hash, is encoded into a QR code. A new, tamper-evident label with this QR code is printed and affixed over the container's seal. Scanning this new QR code allows the next recipient to verify the entire custody chain on the blockchain and confirm that the previous transaction was valid. The public key within the code is used to authorize the next handoff.
• Diagram:

  flowchart TD
      A[Scan Container Barcode] --> B{Query Blockchain for Digital Twin};
      B --> C[Retrieve Current Custody Data];
      C --> D[Input Recipient's Public Key];
      D --> E[Create New Transaction Block];
      E --> F(Hash Previous Block + Add New Data);
      F --> G[Encode New Block Info into QR Code];
      G --> H(Print Tamper-Evident QR Label);
      H --> I[Affix to Container Seal];
  end
  

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Axis 5: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

5.1. Low-Power/Graceful Degradation Mode for Logistics Scanners:

• Enabling Description: The portable scanning and labeling apparatus is designed with a power-aware operating system. When the battery level drops below a 20% threshold, the device enters a "low-power" mode. In this state, the high-drain radio for remote database communication is disabled. The device can still scan a product's barcode. However, instead of retrieving "additional data," it generates a "provisional" 2D barcode containing only the original scanned data, a timestamp, and a flag indicating it was created in an offline state. The label printer operates at a lower thermal setting, creating a fainter but still readable barcode. This allows work to continue, with the provisional labels queued for later reconciliation when the device is recharged and connectivity is restored.
• Diagram:

  stateDiagram-v2
      state "Full Power Mode" as Full {
          [*] --> Scanning
          Scanning --> RemoteQuery: Scan Complete
          RemoteQuery --> Encoding: Data Received
          Encoding --> Printing: Full Quality
          Printing --> [*]
      }
      state "Low Power Mode" as Low {
          [*] --> Scanning
          Scanning --> Encoding: (No Remote Query)
          Encoding --> Printing: Lower Quality
          Printing --> [*]
      }
      Full --> Low: Battery < 20%
      Low --> Full: Battery Recharged
  end
  

5.2. Safe-Failure Barcode for Hazardous Material Handling:

• Enabling Description: A system for labeling chemical containers where label integrity is critical. The apparatus prints a composite 2D barcode label. The primary data (chemical name, hazard codes) is printed with standard thermal ink. However, a secondary, redundant barcode is printed concentrically around the primary one using a thermochromic ink that is invisible at room temperature. If the container is exposed to temperatures exceeding a safety threshold (e.g., 50°C), the thermochromic ink becomes visible, revealing a new barcode. This new "failure" barcode encodes a "WARNING: TEMP EXCEEDED" message along with the original chemical ID. This provides a clear, machine-readable indication of a potential safety failure, even if the primary barcode is still scannable.
• Diagram:

  graph TD
      subgraph Normal_State [Temperature < 50°C]
          A(Primary Barcode - Visible) -- contains --> B[Chemical ID, Hazard Info];
          C(Secondary Barcode - Invisible) -- contains --> D[Warning Message, Chem ID];
      end
      subgraph Failure_State [Temperature > 50°C]
          E(Primary Barcode - Visible);
          F(Secondary Barcode - Becomes Visible);
      end
      Normal_State -- Heat Exposure --> Failure_State;
  end
  

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Combination Prior Art Scenarios

1. Combination with GS1 Digital Link Standard:

• Scenario Description: The apparatus described in patent 5,602,377 is used to upgrade existing products that only carry a standard UPC/EAN barcode. The device scans the UPC (e.g., 012345678905). It then retrieves additional product data from a remote product information management (PIM) system, such as nutritional facts, recycling instructions, and a link to an instructional video. This data is then used to generate a new QR code that is not a proprietary format but is structured as a GS1 Digital Link URI. The printed QR code would encode a URL like https://id.gs1.org/01/0012345678905/21/ABC1234, which combines the original GTIN with a new serial number. This makes the static product dynamically web-enabled, allowing any consumer smartphone to access rich, updated data by resolving the URI, leveraging a global, open standard.

2. Combination with IETF RFC 4122 (UUID Generation):

• Scenario Description: In a manufacturing or logistics environment, an item is received with a non-unique barcode (e.g., a simple part number). The system scans this part number. To create a unique identifier for instance-level tracking, the apparatus communicates with a central server which generates a Version 1 (time-based) or Version 4 (random) Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) as defined by RFC 4122. This globally unique UUID is combined with the original part number and other data (e.g., date of entry into inventory). The apparatus then prints a new 2D barcode label containing the UUID, ensuring that the item can be tracked uniquely throughout its lifecycle, preventing duplicate ID conflicts in a large-scale system, and using a well-defined open standard for unique ID generation.

3. Combination with W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model:

• Scenario Description: The apparatus is used to issue a "Verifiable Credential" for a physical object. An inspector scans a serial number on a certified component (e.g., an N95 mask). The apparatus connects to a secure server (the "Issuer"), which holds the test results and certification data for that component's batch. This data is formatted into a JSON-LD document according to the W3C Verifiable Credentials standard, and then digitally signed by the Issuer. The resulting signed JSON-LD object is compressed (e.g., using zlib) and encoded into a QR code. The apparatus prints this QR code on a new label. Anyone scanning this label can decode the credential, verify the digital signature against the Issuer's public key, and trust the authenticity of the product's certification without needing to contact the issuer directly, leveraging an open standard for digital trust and verification.