Abstract: A bar code is provided on a Brownie film roll by printing black bar elements on a high-reflective obverse surface of an adhesive tape that secures a leading end of a filmstrip to a light-shielding paper. Spacings between the black bar elements form white bar elements. A reflective photo sensor scans the bar code while the light-shielding paper and the filmstrip are advanced in a camera. Signal level of the photo sensor is sampled, and at least one maximum value and one minimum value of the signal level are held. The sampled signal level is compared to threshold values to detect a leading edge of the adhesive tape, a leading edge of a first black bar element and borders between the bar elements. The threshold values for detecting the leading edge of the first black bar element and for detecting borders between the bar elements are seriatim revised according to the held maximum and minimum values.

Abstract: An illuminator apparatus for a scanner device includes a support structure that extends along the longitudinal axis and an array of light emitting elements that are disposed on and supported by the support structure. The array of light emitting elements are arranged on the support structure in at least three longitudinal rows. The at least three rows of light emitting elements are associated with a respective one of blue, green and red colored light emitting elements. A color image sensor apparatus for a scanner device capable of scanning a multi-colored document and a method for illuminating a colored document being scanned in a scanning device are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a two-dimensional color code includes a reading section for reading an original image object to output to processing device; processing means having a code conversion section to output two-dimensional color codes corresponding to gradations of shades of color separately of CMY colors in original image data of one pixel read; and a printing section for printing on a printing sheet. An apparatus for restoring a two-dimensional color code reads the two-dimensional color code at the reading section to output the gradations of shades of color separately of CMY colors. The printing section prints restored image data on a printing body on the basis of the gradations of shades of color.

Abstract: An acquired (e.g., scanned) image contains an imperceptible periodic signal component (e.g., a sinusoid), decoding of which can be used to automatically determine a linear geometric relationship between the acquired image and the original image in which the signal was embedded, without having the original image available during the decoding process. This known geometric relationship allows for linear geometric properties of the acquired image, such as alignment and scaling, to be automatically matched with those of the original image so that the acquired image may be automatically oriented and scaled to the size of the original image. The embedded periodic signals produce a distinct pattern of local peak power concentrations in a spatial frequency amplitude spectrum of the acquired image.

Abstract: A data symbol reading device is provided with a white light source, a single-color LED light source, and mode selection switches. The reading device is controlled to have a symbol reading mode, a color image scanning mode, and a monochrome image scanning mode based on the position of the selection switches. The reading device transmits data as appropriate to a host computer. Alternatively, the symbol reading device is provided with red, green, and blue single-color light sources, and has the same modes. Further, the symbol reading device may be provided with a three or four color filter wheel and a white light source to generate the color and monochrome images.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing large amount of digital data into the color halftone micro-dots generated by high resolution color laser or ink jet printers or lithography on a substrate, such as paper. A data cell composed of color halftone micro-dots is encoded with multi-bit digital binary data. The size of the data cell is determined by the resolution of the color printer and the color scanner, the density of the cyan, yellow, magenta and black inks and the reflectance of the red, green and blue lights, in order to meet the requirement of decoding the multi-bit binary data with enough noise immunity. Collections of data cells in a two-dimensional matrix forms a data block. The data block is enclosed with an exterior data cell border with pre-determined data pattern and is used to determine the spacing of the data cell, the orientation of the data block and reflectance of the data cells during scanning and data reconstruction.

Abstract: An optical indicia reader for reading information encoded in optical indicia is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the optical indicia reader comprises a light source positioned within the indicia reader to illuminate an imaging area containing optical indicia, an oscillatory system for scanning a light beam over the optical indicia, and a controller for controlling the oscillatory system. The controller is capable of directing the oscillatory system to position the light beam in a fixed relationship to an aiming axis of the reader. The oscillatory system may be fixed in position when the optical indicia reader is in a proximity sensing mode.

Abstract: A portable data collection device includes an imaging assembly including a two dimensional (2D) photosensor array overlied by a RGB color filter. The imaging assembly is selectively actuatable with a first trigger for reading a dataform in the imaging assembly's target area and actuatable with a second trigger for capturing a color image of the target area. The imaging assembly includes compensation circuitry to compensate for illumination transmittivity differences between the red, green and blue colors of the color filter. The compensation circuitry is invoked when the imaging assembly is actuated to read a bar code dataform. The imaging assembly further includes compression circuitry for compressing digital data representative of the target area when the imaging assembly is actuated to capture a color image of the target area.

Abstract: Binary digital data is rendered on a surface, such as a sheet of paper, by printing a series of color patches on the sheet, with the 1 bits rendered as color patches of a first color and the 0 bits rendered as color patches of the second color. The color patches are arranged in a predetermined order along an axis on the surface. The second color relates to the first color by a fixed relationship in color space, whereby the absolute values of the first and second colors are immaterial to a detecting apparatus. The color patches can be intermixed with areas of a third color, the third color representing an average in color space of the first color and the second color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for enhancing the optical image of information-containing symbols captured off highly reflective surfaces using a conventional optical touch camera. The method involves positioning the imaging assembly of the touch camera atop an information-containing coded symbol located on a component surface, positioning a diffuser element between the coded symbol and the imaging assembly, and moving the diffuser element into juxtaposition with the coded symbol before imaging the coded element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the information density of a bar code symbol by generating multiple constituent bar code symbols, wherein each one is formed in a different color selected from a group of various primary colors, and overlaying each differently colored symbol on top of each other, thus forming an aggregate bar code symbol of various colors. In areas where the differently colored bars overlap each other, colors distinct from those in the original group of colors are formed. The aggregate bar code symbol is scanned by a solid state imaging device, and the scanned image is resolved by image processing techniques into the three constituent bar code symbols of the various colors. Each bar code symbol is then individually processed and decoded in accordance with the particular symbology used to encode the constituent bar code symbols.

Abstract: Inks have been discovered that are selectively excitable by different wavelengths of incident radiation. This allows a lower layer bar code to be written on an object with an invisible ink and an upper layer bar code to be written over the lower layer bar code with an ink that is invisible to the naked eye. The apparatus of this invention is a detector that is able to read the upper and lower layer bar codes.

Abstract: An optical assembly and electronic reader circuit cooperate to provide a highly-efficient and low-cost electro-optic barcode reader. The optical assembly includes a shielded housing, a photo detector and optical elements disposed about an un-folded optical path that provide a virtual reading window at one end of the housing whose field of view, which is focused to a point at the photo detector, is shaped to be no wider than constitutive barcode indicia. The electronic reader circuit includes a pulse amplifier and manual-adjustment-free average D.C. offset negative feedback and A.C. information peak detect negative feedback loops that respectively maintain the electrical pulse stream input to the pulse amplifier within the dynamic range thereof and eliminate electrical pulse stream peak noise. A circuit is coupled to a comparator with hysteresis square-up stage to deactivate the comparator in the state of no input signal.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reading optical information over a substantial range of distances provides an optical string, disposed in a housing, for refracting images of optical information of varying wavelengths to different focal points along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined reading position. Adjacent the housing, and directed along the longitudinal axis of a housing opening and the optical string, is an illumination source for illuminating optical information with light. Also included is a reading sensor having a light receiving plane disposed at a predetermined reading position behind the optical string for converting an image of optical information into an electrical signal. A control system is also provided for determining and decoding the reflected light image formed by that wavelength of light received from the illumination source which produces the best focus on the light receiving plane of the reading sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a color code for displaying information using an arranged combination of a plurality of color phase marks wherein the color code includes a plurality of column marks arranged at uniform intervals, and a plurality of color phase marks arranged around the periphery of each of the aforementioned plurality of column marks using each of the plurality of column marks as a reference. In order to read out the color code, initially, a column mark is read out, and after its arrangement has been determined, the color phase marks arranged at predetermined positions around the periphery of the column mark are read out. The codes, i.e. data, are then obtained by referencing combinations of color phases of the color phase marks read out with a predetermined color code table.

Abstract: An exceptionally dense information encoding system, with 4-10 times the density of CD ROM diskettes, employs colored areas in the form of bars or checkerboard matrices of colored dot regions to encode information including alphanumerics, with each colored region being variable as to both color and intensity. In one embodiment, so-called super pixel dots have differently colored sub-regions within them, arranged with side-by-side colors or with colored regions stacked one on top of the other, such that information from one dot has as many color variables as there are stacked layers or mixed colors. In one embodiment the super pixel dot is 5 microns in diameter with 2 micron spacing between adjacent dots. For each color in one embodiment there are as many as 64 intensities yielding a coding system of high information density.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reading optical information over a substantial range of distances provides an optical string, disposed in a housing, for refracting images of optical information of varying wavelengths to different focal points along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined reading position. Adjacent the housing, and directed along the longitudinal axis of a housing opening and the optical string, is an illumination source for illuminating optical information with light. Also included is a reading sensor having a light receiving plane disposed at a predetermined reading position behind the optical string for converting an image of optical information into an electrical signal. A control system is also provided for determining and decoding the reflected light image formed by that wavelength of light received from the illumination source which produces the best focus on the light receiving plane of the reading sensor.

Abstract: A method of recording a large quantity of data by one code mark. Four bit indicating fields (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) for denoting a binary number of four bits are provided on the surface of a card (1). One numerical value is recorded by indicating predetermined bit parts of the four bit indicating fields (2a-2d) with the same color, and plural kinds of colors are mixedly given to the four bit indicating fields (2a-2d).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and means for encoding digital data in the angular orientation of circularly asymmetric halftone dot patterns that are written into the halftone cells of digital halftone images. In keeping with standard practices, the sizes of these halftone dot patterns are modulated in accordance with the grayscale data sample values that are provided to define the image, so the average reflectance or transmittance of each of the halftone cells is modulated to provide a more or less standard halftone rendering of the image. In accordance with this invention, however, provision is made for modulating the angular orientation of the halftone dot patterns in accordance with digital data values, thereby embedding the digital data in the halftone image.

Abstract: In order to check if information stored on a card is authentic, the embossed character and figure information is compared with the information on the card. The rays radiated from the light emitting elements arranged in a line pass through a slit whose width is substantially equal to the thickness of embossed portions. Then, the rays are reflected on a card surface and received at an optical sensor consisting of LED elements arranged in a line as the card is in transit. The optical sensor is oriented in a manner to keep the same angle of reflection as the angle of incidence with respect to a normal. The light emitting elements are oriented to form another angle of incidence. These elements are used for reading the printed characters. To read a color pattern, a sensor having a photo detection sensitivity toward a normal of the card serves to receive the scattered rays reflected on the card, which rays are obliquely radiated to the card.

Abstract: A portable scanning head emits and receives light from a light-emitting diode to read symbols, such as bar-code symbols. The optics within the scanner are operative for focusing a light beam and the view of a light sensor in different planes exteriorly of a scanner housing. Imaging means are provided in the unit for imaging a viewing window. The viewing window has an area smaller than that of the scan spot. The system can employ an LED as a light source and tolerate the relatively large-sized (on the order of millimeters) scan spot without sacrificing reading performance since the photodiode "sees" only that portion of the scan spot visible through the viewing window.

Abstract: A symbol reader is disclosed that uses a dynamic random access memory 24 as a detector element and a gradient refractive index material as the lens 14 to capture a symbol image. The rod shaped lens 14 passes through an opaque cover 26 and confronts the array of memory elements in the memory 24. The cover 26 is glued to a memory device package 28. The PN junctions of the random access memory 24 are activated by light reflected from a symbol 6 and appear as data when the random access memory 24 is read out. The light can be provided by light emitting diodes 34 positioned adjacent to the memory package 28 and in a hand held wand 46 that includes a light reflecting shield 48 in which the symbol is positioned for reading. The wand 46 is positioned over the symbol 6 and a read button 50 is depressed.

Abstract: A portable scanning head emits and receives light from a light emitting diode to read symbols, such as bar-code symbols. The optics within the scanner are operative for focusing a light beam and the view of a light sensor in different planes exteriorly of a scanner housing. Imaging means are provided in the unit for imaging a viewing window. The viewing window has an area smaller than that of the scan spot. The system can employ an LED as a light source and tolerate the relatively large-sized (on the order of millimeters) scan spot without sacrificing reading performance since the photodiode "sees" only that portion of the scan spot visible through the viewing window.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printing apparatus includes a reading device for reading a code registered section provided on an ink sheet cassette, and a color discrimination device, a part of which is provided on a thermal head. The apparatus acts to heat an ink sheet superposed on a print paper by means of the thermal head to print an image on the print paper. The ink sheet cassette includes a pair of ink shafts on which both ends of a continuous ink sheet having a continuous film or paper with inks applied thereon are wound, and a cassette case in which the ink shafts are received, at least one of the ink shafts being adapted to be drivingly connected in the axial direction to a torque supply shaft inserted from the outside of the cassette case so that driving torque is supplied from the torque supply shaft to the ink shaft.

Abstract: A position indicating apparatus, particularly for overhead transport systems (1), includes a elongated code carrier (11) carrying multi-value code marks (17) along its length. A code reading device (12) secured on a transport carrier (4), such as a trolley, crane, or other traveling mechanism, reads the code marks on the code carrier. To prevent erroneous reading when the transport carrier (4) and thus the code reading device (12) is tilted or skewed with respect to the code carrier, and to ensure accuracy of position of reading of the code carrier, the code marks (17) are arranged on the code carrier (11), one next to another in a single row or track, and formed such that m of the code marks provides one code word, the code words being positioned one next to each other and appear only once, or are unique along the entire code carrier.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer includes a mark disposed on an ink spool of an ink film cassette, reading device for reading the rotation of the ink spool by use of the mark, a calculation device for calculating the used quantity of ink film by use of the rotation data of the spool, and a display portion for displaying the remaining quantity of ink film obtained by the calculation device.

Abstract: A multi-classification information security method to prevent information in a computer information system with one of a plurality of security classifications to be written onto an input/output means with a non-compatible security classification. The method may also prevent information with one of a plurality of security classifications from being accessed by a user with a different classification. A detector means located in the computer input/output device detects the classification of the input/output means which is indicated by color or bar code indicia located on the input/output means. This input/output means classification is compared with the classification of the information. When the classifications correspond, information can be written to the input/output medium.

Abstract: In laser bar code scanners bright sunlight tends to overpower the reflected laser light, drastically reducing the difference between bar code and background signals. In the present bar code reader, a plurality of light detectors are utilized with different spectral response characteristics at the wavelength of the incident laser beam, such that the differential response of the detectors tends to minimize the effect of background illumination. Narrowband optical filters with offset passbands may be used with conventional light sensors. As another example, filters with long wavelength transmission characteristics and offset cutoff wavelengths may be employed if necessary with a neutral density filter to provide balanced responses under broadband illumination.

Abstract: A forgery-proof optoelectric card system is disclosed which includes a reader and code card comprising invisible light and dark codings forming at least one reading track. At least one reading head is provided which may comprise a photodiode as a ligh source and a phototransistor as a light receiver. The light codings having a first pass band to infrared light. Superimposed over selected ones of said light codings are filters having an attenuation band that is narrower than and lies within the pass band of the light codings. Additionally, a secondary light receiver responsive only to light lying within the attenuation band of the filter is provided.

Abstract: A method of securing data recorded on a data support and a device for performing the method are disclosed. In addition to the basic information contained in the data recorded on the data support, for generating an additional security code, selected individual properties of the recorded data are used which differ from each other as regards their physical and/or chemical properties. In one embodiment, individual characters imprinted on the data support are used which differ from each other with respect to contrast or half-tone density in a manner unperceivable to human sight, but easily detectable by a detector or an automatic reading apparatus. Authenticity of the data support or data is determined by a security code contained in the specific physical or chemical properties of the selected individual characters. The method prevents from duplication or falsifying of data supports.

Abstract: An orientation and control system for use with robots provides identification, orientation and operating instructions coded indicia on diverse parts, which indicia are viewed by a camera and are digital image processor recognizable, so that the indicia are converted into information for computer control of a robot in utilizing the diverse parts in assembly operations. The present system is useful in assembly operations wherein the parts can be randomly presented, without special orientation or alignment fixtures, to a robot and yet the robot can utilize the parts in a programmed manner to perform the programmed assembly operations.

Abstract: In optical mark recognition apparatus the light transmitter has two light sources 11, 12 which can be selectively switched on and which transmit light beams of different spectral compositions. A semi-permeable mirror 15 directs the light beams 13, 14 of both light sources 11, 12 along a common optical path 16 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A compact, portable bar code scanner employing as a light source a light-emitting diode consumes extremely low input power. The scanner, which detects the reflectances from bars and spaces of the bar code symbol, uses optical beam-shaping methods to attain a large depth-of-focus for a non-laser system. A shaped illuminating light beam is caused to blink when the symbol is outside the depth-of-focus range and a signature imposed upon the light beam enables the scanner to substantially reject light interference. A scanning version employs an optical assembly mounted upon a bimorph leaf spring that is caused to vibrate at its natural mechanical resonance. The scanner operates with bar code symbols responsive to red light and is of sufficiently low weight to be easily hand-held.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an optical card reader in which the cards to be read have a format arranged in columns and rows. A row of timing marks or slots is formed in the card for each column of data. The card is driven past a read head block that directs the light to the card in which the reflected light is received through a shaped aperture or orifice so that a positive indication of the marked area is detected. The signal is applied to an operational amplifier for further treatment. There are a plurality of light sources and sensors transversely arranged in the read head block.

Abstract: A code reading system is disclosed utilizing a novel, multicolored, densely packed code read by a scanner which is placed over the code and held in place while the scanner performs its reading function. The scanner includes lighting means which are sequentially flashed on the code, as well as optical means to pick up an image received from the code during each sequential flash. The optical means directs the received image onto an imager where it is recorded. After a predetermined sequence, the received images recorded on the imager are fed to a microprocessor for storage and manipulation.

Abstract: An optical reader which comprises: at least one yellow LED array as a light source for lighting original material; an optical lens or fibers for guiding the light reflected from the original material; and an image sensor which changes the reflected light to signal waves. In embodiments of the reader, the light source includes both a yellow LED array and a green LED array with colored filters either provided over the LED arrays or on the optical lens or fibers.

Abstract: The novel bar code, in the spaces (4) between neighboring code bars (1) which have a width greater than one modular width, with the modular width always being larger than the diameter of the scanning spot (55) of a reading device, contains counting-line marks (5, 6) or counting bars (7). The thickness of the counting line marks is substantially smaller than the diameter of the scanning spot, for example one third of the width of the code bars. The counting bars have a reflectance lying between that of the spaces and that of the code bars. As a result of these measures, at the output of a photo-receiver (9) of a reading device, pulses (31) of a smaller amplitude than that of the pulses (30) formed by the code bar, are generated. By these pulses there is formed a counting clock by which the decoding is rendered independent of the scanning speed.

Abstract: An optical probe comprising an optical emitter and a detector which are directed through a cylindrical lens to be focused into an elongated pattern which is arranged for reading a printed optical code. The emitter and detector are angled relative to the central and vertical axes of the lens to produce an elongated light pattern adapted for reading an elongated bar code. A shutter may enhance the slit effect. A planar base and viewing aperture may also be provided.

Abstract: In a process for producing a semiconductor device using an insulating substrate, a so called SOS device, a semiconductor layer is formed on the insulating film and semiconductor elements are formed in the semiconductor layer, material, which develops color with in the insulating substrate, is introduced in the substrate, and a color developed part of the insulating substrate is used as an identification mark of the substrate and the semiconductor elements. Cracking of the substrates due to formation of the identification mark is prevented.

Abstract: A duplicator machine is operative for making copies of originals, printing forms, and the like, in whole-page, paragraphwise and sectionwise modes of operation. The copies made are intended for different uses and or destinations, for example for handling by different clerical departments and/or sections of a factory. The duplicator machine is provided with means for applying routing markings, the marking means being located in the path of travel of copies passing through the duplicator machine upstream of the delivery station to the end of such path. The marking means applies to the copies distinguishable routing markings respectively indicative of different purposes or destinations for the copies being made. Within the path of travel of the copies through the duplicator machine, the routing markings are applied either downstream or upstream of the location at which the information on the original or printing form to be copied is actually applied to the copying material.