Abstract: A method for decoding bar code symbols in which a bar code reader and associated components scan a bar code symbol produce a representation of the symbol, and attempt to decode that representation in order to produce a character message. The method consists of the steps of storing a first representation of the bar code symbol corresponding to a first scan path through a first portion of said symbol smaller than the entire symbol, and storing a second representation of the bar code symbol corresponding to a second scan path through the symbol. The method then processes these representations in the event a successful decode has not taken place by utilizing the signal from a first scan with the signal from a subsequent scan to determine whether the information from successive scans can be concatenated to form a combined signal. The process is repeated with different subsequent scans until successful decoding of the combined signal.

Abstract: A method for obtaining priority document shipment in an image-based transaction processing system, wherein each transaction comprises a plurality of debit and credit documents which should be balanced. Images of documents are captured while sorting the documents into groups in accordance with document shipment. The captured images are then viewed for extracting amount data. The extracted amount data is used for identifying out-of-balance transactions. When a group is selected for priority document shipment, only those document images from the selected group which are also part of an out-of-balance transaction are viewed again, a previously extracted amount from a document being changed if the amount extracted as a result of this additional viewing causes the corresponding transaction to balance.

Abstract: A data carrier has been described, wherein a bar code is arranged line by line in the data face of a data carrier. At the start and at the end of each line, an additional field is provided in which is arranged a line indicator. The line indicator equally exhibits a bar combination corresponding to the selected bar code. The additional fields of the first line contain the total number of the lines, with the total number being coded as a letter.

Abstract: A bar code wand reader adapted to read a bar code disposed on a narrow surface such as an edge of a printed wiring board is shown to include a bar code wand reader adapter (32) affixed to an end of a bar code wand reader (34). The adapter includes a fore surface having a slot (30) provided therein. The slot is adapted to hold the bar code wand reader at a constant distance and position from the edge of the narrow surface having the bar code disposed thereon. With such an arrangement, the bar code reader is held at a proper disposition as the bar code wand reader is passed over the bar code disposed on the narrow surface. The latter provides a proper reading with a single passing and prevents the necessity of numerous attempts at reading the bar code.

Abstract: A hand-held labeler with an integrally formed optical scanner prints labels with a coded record selected from a plurality of optically scanned and stored coded records. In a data acquisition mode, the optical scanner scans a plurality of coded records, such as bar codes, to generate data representing the coded records for storage in a memory. Selective printing of scanned code and/or information associated therewith is accomplished utilizing a display that is controlled by a keyboard to display information that identifies the data stored in the memory. When information identifying a desired coded record is shown on the display, a print switch may be actuated to cause the code associated with the displayed information to be printed on one or more labels. Further, the scanner may also be used to scan different types of bar codes where each bar code includes a coded information portion and at least one guard code identifying the type of code.

Abstract: A secure encrypted data communication system between IC cards inserted in respective terminals. In order to encrypt plain text sent from a first terminal to a second terminal, a first IC card (51) receives a random number (r1) generated by a second IC card (52), and uses the number together with a secret key (ka) to generate a session key (ks1). The second IC card receives identification information (IDa) from the first IC card, and uses that information together with a master key (km) to obtain the secret key (ka), which is then used together with the random number to generate the same session key (ks1). Encryption of plain text sent from the second terminal to the first terminal can be done in a similar manner using a random number (r2) generated by the first IC card, and the identification information (IDb) of the second IC card.

Abstract: A bar code reader reads a bar code by scanning a laser beam on a screen on which the bar code is displayed. The bar code reader has a beam scanning device for scanning the laser beam irradiated from a laser oscillator. The beam scanning device has a polygon mirror which is rotated and driven around an axis. The polygon mirror forms at least two kinds of flat reflecting surfaces for respectively scanning the laser beam along with the rotation of polygon mirror. Scanning angles by the reflecting surfaces are twice as large as opposite angles to which the reflecting surfaces correspond respectively. The laser beam is scanned at two or more kinds of scanning angles, that is, scanning angles and which are respectively adapted to the long and short bar codes. Therefore, the bar code can be accurately read irrespective of a length thereof.

Abstract: A method which provides for controlling the ordering of document images in an image based document processing system so as to minimize the likelihood of an operator making an incorrect entry. In a particular preferred embodiment, transactions comprised of a single deposit ticket and a single check are reordered when displayed for amount entry so that they are separated by at least one document image. This minimizes data entry errors, since an operator cannot assume that successively displayed items are related.

Abstract: A tag for identifying an item to which it is attached includes an inductance connected in parallel with a capacitance. The capacitance includes a plurality of individual capacitors, each of a predetermined different capacitance. The individual capacitors are connected to the inductance to establish a resonant circuit having a predetermined resonant frequency. At least one of the capacitors includes a dimple for shorting the capacitor when the tag is exposed to electromagnetic energy at the predetermined resonant frequency. The shorted capacitor establishes a second resonant frequency which may be used to identify which capacitor has become shorted. A binary "1" is assigned to either the shorted capacitor or the non shorted capacitor and a binary "0" is assigned to the capacitors which are not assigned a binary "1", the binary "1"s and "0"s combining to establish a numeric code uniquely associated with the tag.

Abstract: A bar code scanner for stationary disposition at a counter to projecting a scanning pattern comprising first, second, third, fourth and fifth groups of parallel scan lines within a relatively narrow, yet diverging, volume, e.g., pyramid, cone, etc., centered about a projection axis. The scanner includes a compact housing mounted on an adjustible base. The housing includes a window, five stationary mirrors, a laser diode, a rotating reflective polygon for sweeping the laser beam from the diode across the mirrors and out a window so that the projection axis is substantially but not precisely perpendicular to the window. The scanner also includes a fixed curved collecting mirror and a concentrating lens to focus light which is reflected off of a bar code to a photodetector. One mirror extends along an axis parallel to the transverse axis to produce the first group of scan lines.

Abstract: A multi-directional bar code reading device for reading an object that is to be read by projecting scanning beams from many directions, includes a plurality of mirrors (2) arranged around a beam scanning unit (1) and a plurality of beam sources (3) for emitting beams toward said beam scanning unit (1). The beam scanning unit (1) is irradiated with beams generated from the plurality of beam sources (3), scanning beams are reflected by the plurality of mirrors (2) and are projected from a plurality of directions onto an object (5) to be read, and light reflected from the object (5) is detected in order to read bar codes on the object (5) to be read.

Abstract: An identification or data tag composed of a central set of data cells surrounded by border cells which cooperate with their adjacent data cells by contrasting therewith to form a reference perimeter defined by the inter-sections of the boundaries of the border cells with their respective adjoining data cells.

Abstract: A reproducing optical device for a magneto-optical recording medium related to the present invention having light sources that emit linearly polarized lights towards a magneto-optical recording medium, polarization directions of the linearly polarized lights being mutually orthogonal. A quarter wavelength plate disposed between the recording medium and the light sources converts each of the linearly polarized lights into right and left circularly polarized lights respectively. Corresponding to recorded information, the recording medium has magnetized sections that are magnetized in a perpendicularly upward and downward direction with respect to a medium surface. Moreover, the recording medium displays the property of circular dichroism.

Abstract: A unitary hand-held bar code scanner and reader produces an elliptical beam, oriented with its major axis along the direction of the bars, utilizing optics employing far field diffraction effects to shape the beam and maintain its elliptical aspect (length to width ratio) constant over a distance in front of the scanner were bar codes may be located. The optics eliminates parallax even though the photodetector and light source (preferably a laser diode) are located offset from each other on a board on which the optics are mounted. A housing assembly has channels which mount the board therein without shock absorbing devices. A digital microcomputer controller and peripheral devices regulate the optical power output from the laser diode and prevents catastrophic failure, if the electrical current through the laser diode exceeds safe limits.

Abstract: A bar code scanner having a lens, a reflector, a sensor, and a detection unit. The lens is arranged to focus an image of a bar code to be scanned along an image path. The reflector is angled obliquely to the image path so as to reflect images at an angle to the image path. The reflector has reflector surface shaped so as to provide a plurality of reflected images of the scanned bar code, with one of the reflected image being an in-focus image and a remainder of the reflected images being out-of-focus images. The sensor is in the image path and simultaneously senses the plurality of reflected images and provides a sensor output signal corresponding to the sensed images. The detection unit is coupled to the sensor and decodes the sensor output signal and provides a bar code output signal that corresponds to the scanned bar code.

Abstract: A computer, in particular a personal computer with the voice input and a voice output system thereby allowing the computer to be used as an integrated dictation system.The computer includes analog-to-digital conversion means for converting analog signals corresponding to the spoken word into digital signals. These digital signals are stored in the storage device of the computer. The digital representations are recalled from the storage and converted to sounds by a digital-to-analog conversion means and a headset for the user to listen to while transcribing the words via the keyboard of the computer.

Abstract: A magnetic head support for a card reader includes a cardanically mounted support arm. Cardanic movement is permitted by a spherical bearing on the arm, which is biased against a screw fixed to a stationary component to form a universal pivot. The arm is guided by guide members on the stationary component and includes, at one end, an adjustment frame in which the head is adjustably positioned relative to a specific track.

Abstract: A checkout counter includes an optical scanning system mounted therein for projecting scanning light beams through an aperture in the counter for scanning a coded label attached to a merchandise item positioned adjacent the aperture. The counter includes a keypad for use by the checkout operator to input a number representing the number of merchandise items which are of the same type enabling the items to be checked out without requiring the items to be individually scanned by the optical scanning system.

Abstract: A compact optical scanner comprises a housing assembly rotatably mounted on a support member for movement between horizontal and vertical positions. A pair of compressed flexible arms inserted into socket 28 of the support member 26 provide a frictional drag when the housing assembly is rotated, allowing the assemby to be oriented at any position. The housing assembly includes an outer housing member having a scanning aperture and an inner housing member containing an optical scanning apparatus for projecting scanning light beams through the aperture for scanning a bar coded label. A source of scanning light beams mounted in one of the walls of the inner housing member projects the light beams along a path to a multifaceted spinner which is mounted offset to the light path.

Abstract: An electronic coupon system handles coupons selected by a customer. The coupons have a product code of the product covered by the coupon and have a corresponding coupon code representing information relating to the value of the coupon. A coupon scanner used by the customer scans the coupons and has a memory for storing data representing the scanned product codes and their corresponding coupon codes. A product scanner at a retail store scans product codes of products to be purchased and provides data representing the scanned codes. A processor credits to the customer the value of the coupon when the data representing the scanned codes corresponds to the data in the coupon scanner memory. The system may also include a kiosk having a processor interfacing with the coupon scanner for providing to the scanner additional data and for providing to the kiosk information stored in the coupon scanner.