Abstract: An access control ticket having three fields of data, a first field of fixed data, a second field of variable data, and a third field of variable data is read and information processed by a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines the validity of information on the ticket data fields and which of the variable fields has older data. Writing only occurs on (over) the variable field with invalid or older data. Upon subsequent use, the ticket contains current access data (just written) and last previous access data, as well as fixed field data. This added data (past use) can be used for statistical analysis or other purposes. More importantly, the added data field reduces read/write reliability problems. One improperly written variable data field does not invalidate ticket, only the last variable data entry. The microprocessor is programmed to overwrite invalid data in one of the variable data fields during the next use.

Abstract: A pick-up mechanism for a disk-type record medium reproduction apparatus is disclosed. This mechanism is suitable for use in a compact disk player and employs a plate spring to connect a nut mounted on a pick-up moving screw with the pick-up unit. Pressure contacts mounted on the outer surface of the nut and on the front end of the plate spring, steady the nut and eliminate gaps between the nut and the pick-up screw. By eliminating these gaps, information can be read from the disk with increased precision.

Abstract: An optical card processing apparatus is disclosed in which an optical head producing an irradiating light beam is forcibly moved in a direction orthogonal to a direction of tracks of an optical card set in the apparatus. A tracking error signal as the moving light beam irradiates the card is analyzed to determine if the optical card is properly set in the apparatus.

Abstract: A stationary type optical disc apparatus which includes a housing, a plurality of disc media contained in the housing and arranged in parallel to each other, a plurality of head units detachably inserted into the housing along rails formed in parallel to the disc surfaces, and a head movably mounted on the head unit so that the head is able to access a predetermined position on the disc media.

Abstract: An automatic cash handling system for handling cash transactions with the user using a cash card privately held by him or her. The system comprises a device for issuing a record such as a transaction statement printed with details of a transaction such as deposit, withdrawal or confirmation of balance, and a device for allowing the user to opt for or relinquish the issuance of a record. In operating the system, the user decides whether a record is to be issued or not, and if he requires one, a record issuing devices issues a record printed with transaction data. If he demands no issuance of a record, on the other hand, the transaction data is indicated on an indication device.

Abstract: A symbol reader for reading symbols on a symbol surface. An optical system including a laser, condensing lens and scanning mirror illuminate a symbol surface to be read with a laser beam, scanning across the symbol surface. A transducer measures the amount of light reflected from the symbol surface. A differentiating circuit develops a differential coefficient indicative of the change of light intensity as light scans the symbols being read. A control system adjusts the optical system illuminating the symbol surface so as to maximize the differential coefficient, thereby minimizing the diameter of the light beam to allow for adequate reading of the symbol surface at variable distances.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading bar codes on integrated circuit wafers during both the integrated circuit manufacturing process and the wafer manufacturing process which include placing a wafer in fixed position over a bar code scanner. The scanner includes a motor whose gearing moves a reader head in a linear raster pattern at a constant focal point over the bar code. The bar code scanner may be retrofitted to existing reading equipment used in the manufacture of the wafers or in the manufacture of the integrated circuits. In another aspect of the invention, the bar code scanner may be provided as part of a desk-top unit. The present invention is especially useful in reading bar codes in any situation where the bar codes are difficult to read because of varying print/contrast and reflectivity.

Abstract: A punchcode reader is provided for reading data encoded in a punchcode hole array on a dosimeter. The dosimeter falls through a passage in the reader containing photosensor detectors disposed along the passage which provide output signals to a microprocessor. The signals are processed to determine the orientation of the dosimeter in the reader, the location and state of punchcode holes in a two row array thereby decoding the encoded data. Multiple rate of fall calculations are made, and if appropriate matching of the punchcode array is not obtained in three tries, an error signal is outputted to the operator. The punchcode reader also provides for storage of data from multiple dosimeters passed through the reader, and for the output of decoded data to an external display or a computer for further processing.

Abstract: Two bar code sensors are disposed at opposite sides of a passage of a photographic film, each bar code sensor having first and second photosensor arrays. The first and second photosensor arrays are located at the passages of the clock track and the data track, respectively, along a line perpendicular to the transportation direction of the photographic film. The DX bar code data and frame number bar code data are discriminated automatically based on the bar code data configuration read out with the bar code sensor units. The setting condition of the photographic film is detected, also based on the bar code data configuration. In case of an abnormal state of the setting conditions, an alarm display is output. The bar code data is written in a memory when the data change, or synchronously with reading the clock track of the DX bar code. The number of a frame set at the film mask is calculated by measuring the feed amount of the read-out frame number bar code.

Abstract: A hand-held optical reading device which is gripped by an operator's hand to scan and read bar codes optically indicated on a medium.

Abstract: In an inserter, an apparatus for reading a bar code symbol on a sheet comprising feeder means for sequentially feeding a plurality of sheets, at least one containing a bar code symbol printed thereon. A moving beam scanner is positioned to scan at least two times the bar code symbol on at least one of the sheets as the sheet is fed from the feeding means. The apparatus includes means for decoding the bar code symbol. The moving beam scanner can be pivoted to scan either ladder position bar code symbols or picket fence position bar code symbols without requiring any further changes to the inserter.

Abstract: A "mark read" document is prepared with a pattern of boxes within which marks may selectively be entered, together with printed characters for instructions or other informational purposes. The characters and boxes both are formed on the sheet with printing material having an optical spectrum capable of detection by the optical sensing device to be used for scanning the document. A template sheet then is prepared to present only the pattern of boxes as they appear on the original sheet, without any characters. This template sheet is passed through a computer-controlled optical scanner which examines the pattern of boxes and stores in the computer memory numbers representing coordinates identifying the location of each box.

Abstract: A cassette inspecting system for inspecting the function of a lid of a cassette which is urged toward the closed position by a lid spring inspects whether the urging force of the lid spring is between an upper limit and a lower limit. An arm is mounted on a base for rotation about an axis between its first and second end portions in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The base is movable to move the arm together therewith substantially in the first direction, thereby causing the first end portion of the arm member to abut against the lid in the first direction and to urge the lid toward the open position. A balancer fixed to the second end portion of the arm urges the first end portion in the first direction with a force substantially equivalent to the lower limit of the urging force of the lid spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and system for geophysical exploration and more particularly to a method and system for obtaining selected physical properties of the subterranean formations surrounding a wellbore so as to aid the geophysicist in evaluating the oil and gas bearing potential of such formations. In one embodiment of the invention, core samples are obtained along the length of a wellbore and labeled with a machine readable bar code. A plurality of separately arranged measurement stations, each having a unique machine readable bar code, are provided for measuring properties of each sample. By use of a bar code a reader interconnected to a CPU, measurement of physical properties of the samples can be initiated at each measurement station. A log of each physical property as a function of depth can then be prepared with which explorationists can evaluate geophysical survey data for oil and gas potential.

Abstract: A photographic film is provided with decimal numbers and bar codes both representative of serial frame numbers. When a sensor reads a bar code, measurement of the advanced length of the photographic film is started to obtain a distance of either the bar code or the decimal number relative to the sensor. After the positioning of a frame to be printed in a film framing mask at the printing station, a fram e number represented by a decimal number or bar code whose moved distance is within a predetermined range of distances is selected, thereby identifying the picture frame in the film framing mask to have the drawn frame number.

Abstract: An omnidirectional bar code reader uses a virtual scan of raster scan digital image memory to create the equivalent scanning pattern of a mechanical laser scanner. A two dimensional image of bar code symbol at any random orientation is captured in a memory. In one embodiment, the image memory is scanned to create a virtual scan equivalent to the scan pattern of a laser scanner. In another embodiment, the image memory is divided into plurality of memory segments, and simultaneous virtual scan is provided in each of the respective memory segments. In yet another embodiment, the memory is divided into a plurality of overlapping memory segments and simultaneous virtual scan is provided in each of the respective overlapping memory segments. The overlap between the memory segments is made large enough so that a bar code symbol of the expected size will be entirely included in one or the other of the overlapping memory segments.

Abstract: Two bar code sensors are disposed at opposite sides of a passage of a photographic film, each bar code sensor having two photosensors disposed along a line perpendicular to the transportation direction of the photographic film. Each time a photographic film is fed by a predetermined distance, signals outputted from the two bar code sensor units are sampled and are compared with the signals obtained at the second preceding sampling timing to convert them into binary signals. Based on the data configuration of binary signals, i.e., based on the discrimination between the start code and end code, or the presence or absence of a clock track, automatic discrimination is performed between DX bar code data and frame number bar code data which then are decoded into a film type and frame number, respectively. The setting conditions of a photographic film also can be determined based on the bar code data configuration. An alarm is output if the setting conditions are not normal.

Abstract: The location and orientation of a barcode block is determined by first producing an image of the document that excludes the barcode block and producing a second image wherein the spaces in the barcode block have been deleted thereby providing a solid rectangular block. The two images are subtracted to reject large background clutter while displaying with certainty the full image of the barcode block. Thereafter, down-sampling occurs to remove small clutter and other non-barcode objects while locating the centroid of each barcode block. The image containing the centroid is up-scaled and used to calculate the position of the barcode block in the original document for use by a barcode reader.

Abstract: A magnetic card wherein visible patterns are written. A magnetic recording layer is formed on a substrate, a sensitizing layer is formed on the magnetic recording layer, a metallic thin layer is formed on the sensitizing layer, a protective layer is formed on the metallic thin layer, an arrangement of magnetic bars is formed on the protective layer at one region of the magnetic card, and at least one information track is formed on the magnetic recording layer at the other region of the magnetic card. The metallic thin layer and the sensitizing layer are configured such that, upon the application of heat by a localized source, the heated portions of the metallic thin layer are dispersed into the sensitizing layer to produce the visible patterns.

Abstract: An article of manufacture contains a substrate which supports a diffraction element divided into surface portions having optically-active microscopic relief structures. At least one pair of surface portions is mirror-symmetric with respect to the orientation of the corresponding relief structures. Each surface portion of the pair has an optically-active, microscopic, asymmetric relief structure defined by an orientation azimuth angle. The azimuth angles are 180.degree. apart. The mirror symmetric pairs constitute optical markings which are machine-readable. The readout device generates an incident light beam and contains photosensors and electronics to output the intensity difference between pairs of diffracted light beams. Alternatively, each surface portion of the diffraction element has a volume hologram rather than a microscopic relief structure for diffracting incident light.