Abstract: A data processing machine, especially ciphering equipment, comprising an input device for the entering of data to be processed. The input device comprises a perforated tape reader containing a scanner unit for scanning standardized teleprinter perforated tapes which possess a number of parallel information tracks formed by information perforations and a feed track formed by feed perforations. The information perforations have a different diameter than the feed perforations. The scanner unit or device is connected with a circuit which, based upon the signals received from the scanner device, determines which of the scanned tracks constitute the information tracks and which the feed track.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning microimages containing graphic information which iudes a film provided with a matrix of microimage spaces, at least some of the spaces being occupied by microimages, and a light source for illuminating the microimages to generate light images of the graphic information contained on the microimages. The apparatus further includes light sensing devices for generating analog signals which represent the graphic information contained upon the microimages and missing image sensors for generating a signal which signifies that a given microimage space of the matrix is not occupied by a microimage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in optical scanners particularly for use on programmable phonograph record players which provide certain automatic features, principally selection of predetermined sound track portions on a record. The invention includes the provision of a mask to improve the performance of an optical scanner having a light emitter and a photodetector mounted on the stylus end of the phonograph tone arm. The mask, such as an opaque coating or thin film sheet, is secured to the face of the optical scanner. The mask includes a pair of apertures which permit a predetermined amount of directed light energy from the light emitter to emanate toward the record surface and be reflected onto a portion of the photodetector to increase the accuracy and performance of the sensor in the recognition of very narrow intraband land areas and precise recognition of very short, or narrow, recorded sound track portions.

Abstract: The method for reading information from a punched carrier, consists of modulating a radiation flux emitted by a radiation source by information holes of the punched carrier and then additionally modulating by an additional modulation means. The double-modulated radiation flux is then reflected by a reflector to a photosensitive input of a main converter which converts the radiation flux into a primary information signal. The primary information signal is then compared to a reference signal which changes according to the law of additional modulation, whereupon the preset signal is discriminated. The proposed device for effecting the method comprises a radiation source optically connected to a reflector through the information holes of the punched carrier, as well as through an additional modulation means. The additional modulation means can performthe functions of the reflector.

Abstract: The specification describes an audio-visual reproduction device for transmitted light recordings of picture, audio and control signals, in a spiral on a disc-shaped information vehicle. Adjacent to the information vehicle there is an arrangement, including on one side an illuminating device and on the other side an optical sensing device for the signals. Furthermore means are provided by which the signals from the information vehicle are converted into pulses processed by a TV receiver. Displacements of the vehicle in the direction perpendicular to its plane are compensated for on the basis of optical signals. Picture, audio and control signals of the information track are continuously projected on to a single line photodiode array by an objective, which is caused automatically to follow the vertical displacements of the information vehicle, that is to say such displacements as occur perpendicularly to its plane. The information track has a strip-like control track for compensating for vertical displacements.

Abstract: A record player has a record track selection system using sensing means to scan a record to identify selected record tracks, the sensing means feeding signal processing circuitry having a gain or threshold adapted to individual record characteristics as determined by a record scan prior to track identification.

Abstract: A device which mechanically records, accumulates and stores events such as the consumption of water, gas or electricity, and which, on command, transmits the stored information in serial, digitized form. A series of optically coded storage wheels representing respective decimal columns are driven by a water meter or the like and are geared together such that each adjacent pair of wheels rotates in a one to ten ratio. Each wheel includes a set of binary coded discs which may be optically scanned to provide data as to the instantaneous position of the wheel and thus the cumulative total of the usage of water. The scanning operation is performed by a diode and photocell assembly which is serially scanned past the wheels in a manner such that a light beam is interrupted in a pattern conforming with the rotative positions of the storage wheels. The photocell senses the light interruption pattern and transmits a pulsed signal that contains the desired information.

Abstract: The perforated strip is transported lengthwise along a predetermined transport path. The perforations have a width w and an inter-perforation spacing s as measured in the transport direction. The perforations are sensed at two predetermined sensing locations located along the transport path. The distance between the two sensing locations is equal to as .+-. bw, wherein a is equal to zero, unity or an integer greater than unity, and wherein b is a number greater than zero and less than unity. Sensing the perforations at sensing locations thusly spaced makes it possible to determine from the resultant signals the direction of strip transport.

Abstract: An apparatus optically reproduces FM electric signals from the recording medium recorded with said electric signals in the form of a change in refraction index. The apparatus is so constructed that a pair of laser beams are incident on the recording medium at substantially the same point with an angle defined between the laser beams; a diffracted light obtained by causing each of said beams to be diffracted, upon being transmitted through the recording medium, in accordance with the phase change pattern thereof is overlapped on a non-diffracted light obtained by causing the each of said beams to be transmitted through the recording medium without being diffracted; and optically phase-modulated signals are detected as a beat output produced by optical mixing of the diffracted light with the non-diffracted light, thus to reproduce a recorded signal.

Abstract: In a signal play-back device having a substantially flat record carrier or disc provided with first and second oppositely facing reflective surfaces and a signal recorded as variations in at least the second surface, and an optical system in which a first lens directs a laser light beam against the first record carrier surface for reflection by the latter and passage back through the first lens for focussing by the latter at an image point remote from the first record carrier surface, and a second lens effects a predetermined focussing of such image point at the second record carrier surface for scanning the recorded signal variations, with the light beam reflected from the latter, and having corresponding variations in its beam energy, passing back through the second lens toward a light detector for providing an output corresponding to such variations in beam energy, and in which the first and second lenses have magnification factors for maintaining the predetermined focussing of the image point at the secon

Abstract: An electronically controlled photographic image utilization device is arranged to transport a roll of microfilm having all images printed thereon in separate photographic areas, each area being arranged in a microfiche-type format. The photographic image utilization device has an automatic call-up feature so that any given photographic area may be selected and projected responsive to the push of a button, the operation of a rotary switch or both. A special bar code is printed along the edge of the film and used in conjunction with a closed loop film control system to eliminate the need for precise, clock controlled synchronization between the film transport and the code reading. Preferably, the bar code is read by optical electronic sensors. Responsive thereto, the electronic control system accurately positions a selected photographic image, on the microfilm, within a viewing area.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improvement in programmable phonograph record players which provide automatic sound track selection of the recorded portions of a record. The improvements comprise the provision of an optical scanner mounted on the tone arm including an incandescent light source for directing visible light onto the record surface and a photodetector for receiving light reflected by the record surface. In an alternate embodiment, a differential sensor system includes a light emitting diode and a pair of photodetectors for detecting the presence of a highly reflective, unrecorded land area between two successive recorded sound track portions of the record. In another embodiment, the scanner includes a pair of alternately illuminated light emitting diodes and a single photodetector for receiving the light energy, directed by the light emitting diodes onto the record surface, reflected toward the photodetector.

Abstract: A programmable phonograph record changer which provides automatic sound track selection for each of a plurality of records played sequentially by the record changer. The record changer includes an electro-optic scanner mounted on the pickup arm for sensing the land areas located between the various sound tracks of a disc-type record. An auxiliary tone arm lift and sweep mechanism is controlled by a digital logic system connected to the electro-optic scanner to drive the tone arm across various bands which the user does not want to be reproduced. The logic system includes a programmable memory which stores the preselected sound tracks of a sequence of records which the user intends to be reproduced. A land sensing circuit includes a means for developing a threshold signal which varies with the record surface reflectivity characteristics.

Abstract: A non-duplicative switching arrangement for controlling a video or radio frequency switch is used in a cable television system for controlling the application of a distant station signal to the cable system to eliminate duplication in programming. A clock provides an output indicative of the day and time while a timing means, responsive to the output of the clock provides timing signals. Switching is programmed on a transparent matrix disc which has a plurality of concentric circular rows of matrix positions. Each row corresponds to a day of the week and the matrix positions are aligned radially with respect to the disc in columns which correspond to daily time segments. The light transmitting characteristics of selected ones of the matrix positions are altered impermanently in order to program the switching arrangement. A stepping motor is provided for rotating the disc at predetermined times and an optical reader determines the light transmitting characteristics at each successive matrix position.

Abstract: A detector for scanning the surface of a record on a phonograph turntable to distinguish between recorded and unrecorded bands by detecting physical differences on the record surface. The detector illuminates a portion of the record surface and senses light reflected from such portion with a photoelectric cell. The portion of the record surface from which reflected light is detected is accurately controlled for reliable operation by a lens that focuses such reflected light at and through an aperture. The lens is fixedly mounted a first predetermined distance from the aperture and maintained a second predetermined distance from such portion of the record surface by a wheel that rides on the record surface.

Abstract: Recovery from a record of data recorded in an elongated information track, comprising depressed areas of a given width, a given depth, and a variable length, alternating along the length of the track with relatively non-depressed areas, is effected by an optical playback system. The playback system employs means for focusing light from a laser source on the information track as a light spot having a (half-intensity) width which is less than the given width of the depressed track areas. Light detection means, responsive to light diffracted by the track as relative motion is established between the track and the focused light spot, include: (1) means responding to the overlap of the undeviated zero diffraction order of the diffracted light and the plus first diffraction order thereof, and (2) separate means responding to the overlap of the undeviated zero order and the minus first order.

Abstract: The invention relates to the optical reading of a support comprising a track along which is arranged a series of information items which optically translate a carrier wave angularly modulated by the information. The read-out system uses a single lens for projecting a quasi-punctiform spot onto the support; a photodetector comprising four cells arranged in a square and asymmetrical illumination of the lens to ensure detection of the information and simultaneous supply of defocussing and tracking deviation signals.

Abstract: A high speed tape reader has a buffer positioned between the read head output and the reader output which may be connected to the input of a data receiving station. When the data receiving station sends a signal to the tape reader that it has stopped accepting data, the tape reader slows gradually to a stop. While the tape is slowing, the characters on the tape move by the read head on the tape reader and these characters are read by the tape reader but instead of being transmitted to the data receiving stations, they are stored and accumulated in the buffer in the same sequence that the characters appear on the tape. Thereafter, when the data receiving station requests more data, the data is first taken off the buffer output in the same order it entered into the buffer to prevent the tape reader from skipping characters when it received the signal that the data receiving stations are no longer accepting data.

Abstract: A telephone answering and recording device employing an endless tape loop on the announcement and incoming message recording media. Switching from announce to record modes occurs in response to a transparent window or reflective segment included in the tape.

Abstract: A recording playback device employing an endless tape loop as the recording media. In response to a tone signal recorded on the tape, a simple mechanism provides a fast forward operation mode to return the recording tape to its beginning.

Abstract: A photo sequence programmer provides the structure that multiple light-emitting elements are disposed inside a rotary transparent cylinder and multiple light-receiving elements are disposed outside the said cylinder. Adhesive opaque tapes are attached on the surface of the transparent cylinder in accordance with a predetermined time chart so that the revolution of the transparent cylinder causes multiple photo-electric conversion switching circuits, which consist of the said light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements, to turn ON and OFF.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting the number of objects-of-interest present in a selected sample by scanning the sample with a rotating reticle of preselected design to measure the spatial frequency components in the field-of-view, which components are definitive of the number of objects-of-interest present. The spacing within the reticle pattern determines the size of the objects that will be counted. The invention has significant application as a means for counting bone marrow granulocyte precursor colonies in the detection and treatment of leukemia.

Abstract: An optical transducer encoding system for use with mechanical counting means such as intermittent movement type counting mechanisms is illustrated using a stationary support means thereof as a housing for a plurality of transducers which transmit light to reflective means on the web of each one of a plurality indicia wheels and which light is reflected to optical sensors within the stationary support. All the reflective means are at the same radial distance from the hub of the wheel and the transducers provide an encoded electrical output indicative of the indicia readout.

Abstract: An image counter and automatic control for same for searching a roll of microfilm or the like having images thereon and for stopping and positioning on a selected image for viewing, printing, or the like. The system generally comprises a film drive for driving the film in the forward and reverse directions, a source of light that impinges on the film as it moves past a given location, the images on the film being detectable by either the passage or impedance of the impinging light rays as compared to the other portions of the film. A plurality of photodetecting means are positioned on the side of the film opposite the light source for producing electrical signals in response to the presence or absence of light detected thereby, and electrical network means are provided for controlling the film drive in response to the signals from the photodetecting means.

Abstract: A combination control knob and encoder drum unit, which has a number of indexing indentations corresponding to the number of desired stable positions thereof, is sized to pass through an opening in a control panel behind which is mounted a drum-receiving housing. The drum has groups of light-transparent areas each for providing a pattern of light identifying a different signal channel. The housing has a light source which passes within the drum when it is fully mounted within the housing, and a bearing adapted to receive a shaft extending from the combination knob and encoder unit. A spring loaded drum holding projection is urged toward and enters an adjacent encoder unit indentation. The housing has photocell means at a light pattern reading station to which the various groups of light-transmitting areas on the drum can be individually brought.

Abstract: A signal reproducing system using light for reproducing video or other information signals recorded on a recording medium, such as a rotatable disc, employs a semiconductor diode laser for directing the light to the recording medium which has reflective portions and nonreflective portions representing the recorded signals. A cleavage face of the semiconductor diode has an antireflecting coating through which the light is directed toward the recording medium so that the semiconductor diode laser emits laser light only when the semiconductor diode laser receives the reflection from the reflective portions of the recording medium, and a transducer receives the laser light emitted from another cleavage face of the semiconductor diode laser to reproduce the recorded signals in response to the emitted laser light.

Abstract: Device for reading-out a disk-shaped record carrier. To compensate for time-base errors of the detected signal caused by eccentricity or out-of-roundness of the record carrier, a tangential tracking system is provided with which the tangential position of the scanning point on the record carrier can be controlled. A control signal for this tangential tracking system is obtained by extracting the line synchronizing signal from the detected video signal. By ensuring through the use of a filter element that the overall transfer function of the control system exhibits a band-pass characteristic about the frequency which corresponds to the speed of the record carrier, a suitable tangential tracking is ensured.

Abstract: In an information search device for searching for any desired information in a film provided with a series of information frames, frame index marks and document index marks formed along the information frames on the opposite sides thereof, there is provided a drive motor for transporting the film, a light source system for irradiating the film, a photoelectric converter element for detecting the frame index marks, a second photoelectric converter element for detecting the document index marks, a gate circuit for receiving the detection signals from the converter elements to selectively pass one of those detection signals, a counter for counting the detection signals passed through the gate circuit, and a brake mechanism for stopping the transport of the film when the counter has counted up a number of detection signals corresponding to the search number of the desired information.

Abstract: In a film reader, a system is provided for deriving a dynamic reference signal proportional to the intensity of light in a flying spot scanner without obstructing any radiation from the scanner to a film being read comprising light guides each disposed with one end in an annular bracket which surrounds the flux path to the film and the other end of all light guides bundled together at the face of an auxiliary photometer. The one end of each guide is held in the annular bracket with its viewing axis pointing back toward the scanner. The viewing axes of the guides are evenly spaced and arranged to pass through a circle centered on the emitting surface of the flying spot scanner. The circle is preferably of greater diameter than the scanner.

Abstract: A system for information transfer and object identification. A record or label having resolution elements forming an image or code, and a coherent optical system including light source, detector, and data processor for reading records and labels moving relative to the optical system. The optical system output is a pulse train of time compressed pulses with pulses corresponding to the resolution elements of a record or label illuminated by the light source, the plurality of pulses forming the image or code.

Abstract: A detecting unit for automatic tune selection apparatus of a phonographic record player comprising a light projector and a CdS photoelectric element housed in a casing, said casing having a cylindrical light shield barrel extending axially downwardly therefrom having a constricted aperture formed thereon at the lower end portion thereof so as to form a limited passage for exclusive reception of the reflection of light rays from its own light source, warding off all the reflections of the light source from outside, thereby ensuring accurate actuation of said detecting unit for the automatic tune selection system without any incidental failure.

Abstract: An optical encoder unit for generating digital electrical signals defining the absolute level of a liquid in a tank from the translational position of a perforated tape in a conventional liquid level gauge and providing both local and remote readout. A pre-encoded film strip has a plurality of laterally spaced longitudinally extending tracks with transparent and opaque regions encoded in Gray code format, is received on a pair of freely rotatable spools, and is guided past an optical detection station by a pair of spaced stationary guide members. A rotatable sprocket having an input shaft adapted to be driven by a shaft coupled to a sprocket in a conventional perforated tape liquid level gauge drives the film strip past the detection station in response to movement of the tape. A spring biased pivotally mounted tension arm having a guide in surface contact with the film strip maintains tension therein as the film strip is moved from reel to reel.

Abstract: The principle of the Foucault knife edge method of testing lenses is utilized by providing an imperfect focus of the reading light beam on the signal track of a moving optical record and detecting the lateral distribution of light beyond the track to produce a tracking control while a centered detector utilizes the same light beam to read the information on the track. Since the Foucault principle is used and not ordinary shadow effect, the method is operable just as much with a translucent track on an opaque record as with an opaque track on a translucent record.

Abstract: The pulse generator comprises a rotating transparent disc having a line pattern along its circumference and which is moved past an equally spaced line pattern of a fixed disc segment. The line patterns are scanned photoelectrically and the light-dark changes are converted into corresponding electrical pulses. The rotating disc and the disc segment are formed of thin plastic sheeting, and the rotating disc has two metal discs secured to respective opposite sides thereof out of the area of the line pattern thereon. One of these discs is formed with a peripheral groove into which the disc segment, which is fixed to a base, extends and bears against the rotating disc. The line patterns are provided on the outer surfaces of the disc and disc segments, whose inner surfaces are in surface-to-surface engagement to slide on each other in the area of the patterns under a slight pressure.

Abstract: Control logic circuitry for providing a physical indication of a change in data labeling information in an article labeling apparatus. The apparatus and control circuitry comprises means for reading and decoding coded indicia adjacent rows of label data irrespective of whether the sheets of label data are read into the reading apparatus head first or foot first.

Abstract: An automatic information searching arrangement for searching desired image information from a record web having image information and searching marks placed thereon. The present invention provides scanning device which incorporates therein a light source and an image pickup tube or a flying spot cathode-ray tube and a photoelectric converter to convert it into an electric signal in time series. The blip zone in the record web is projected by the scanning device to convert it into an electric signal in time series whereby a desired information frame may automatically be searched. The information searching device comprises a unit for feeding a record web, a unit for scanning searching marks, a unit for forming one count signal from a plurality of mark signals generated from the scanning unit, and a conrol unit for generating a signal for controlling the feed of the record web. The record web may accurately be positioned by the arrangement of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for generating position signals useful and particularly advantageous as feedback inputs to a servo control system for a paper cutting machine movable back gauge assembly. The generated feedback signals provide binary-coded position information associated only with key control positions established at selected intervals in the back gauge total traverse and pulsed counting information for incremental position changes in each interval between the key control positions.

Abstract: A roll microfilm having a plurality of consecutive frames. Each frame has a border therearound with a plurality of small sized marks located within the border and being unequally spaced apart with respect to each other for detection by a plurality of corresponding detecting elements having the same spacing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photoelectric scanner head for reading information pertaining to actual time, elapsed time or the like from a card or other record-bearing member, and for providing output signals that are a function of the information read; the output signals are used to obtain a useable electrical analogue of the information read from the member. The scanner comprises a rotatably driven body member mounting a source of light, read photoelectric devices and a switching circuit for retrieving information from the record member. A source of signals is supported by the body member and operably connected to the photoelectric devices by the switching circuit such that the source generates scanner output signals as a function of the information retrieved. Scanner output signals are detected, and in most disclosed embodiments, are used to controllably gate timing pulses into counters such that the counters provide on their outputs a raw electrical analogue of the information read from the record member.

Abstract: A disc storage file includes a multiplicity of closely spaced continuously rotating flexible or floppy discs associated with an accessing assembly for spreading the discs apart at randomly selected positions to accommodate a magnetic head. Apparatus for locating the disc interface (gap) to be accessed includes a pair of offset photocells which are light coupled to the disc gaps. The light applied to the photocells is guided in offset channels of a shroud and shaped congruent to the photocell surfaces by offset fiber optic shaping arrays. The offset arrays and associated electronics allow for accurate counting of gaps in the presence of fluctuating disc motion in the axial direction.

Abstract: an optical playback system is provided for a record having an information track comprising a succession of depressed areas alternating along the length of the information track with relatively non-depressed areas. Light is diffracted by the track to form a zero diffraction order cone of light, and a pair of differently deviated first diffraction order cones of light, each of the latter having a respective region of overlap with the zero diffraction order cone. A light detector, having four independent photosensitive elements disposed symmetrically about the center of a light accepting region of a common housing, is disposed in the path of the diffracted light so that the light accepting region intercepts the zero diffraction order cone. Two photosensitive elements detect two separate regions of overlap representing the recorded data. The remaining elements provide radial tracking signals.