Abstract: Mail can be sorted automatically to point of delivery level by deriving from the address including postal code on a piece of mail a suffix which together with the postal code forms routing data which uniquely identifies the final delivery address. This is achieved automatically at the Post office sorting facility by means of an optical character reader which reads the addresses on mail items and a computer arranged to generate a suffix based on the address read. The routing data is printed as a bar code on the mail item and this allows the complete sortation to be effected automatically. Also contemplated is a progressive encoding system which can be applied as bar codes by customers as desired to mail pieces. The basic data is the routing data set to which can be added a shipment number which allows automatic revenue accounting control and a piece number which allows automatic track and trace.

Abstract: A bar code reader employs plural scanners for scanning a bar code mark with respective, plural optical scanning beams, counters connected with the scanners respectively producing numerical data representing the widths of corresponding black and white bars of the bar code. A composer selects the numerical data from the scanners so as to produce composed numerical data, and a decoder decodes the composed numerical data and produces a bar code data signal output. The composer, upon detecting a false data such as an overflow error data or waveform error data present in the respective numerical data output of a first selected scanner, switches therefrom to the respective numerical data output of a second scanner.

Abstract: The laser diode of an optical scanning system is located in a separate unit and light therefrom carried to a remote scan head via an optical fiber. This reduces the size and weight as well as temperature sensitivity of the scan head. The separate unit may include an optical sensor for detecting light reflected from scanned symbols. If the separate unit houses the sensor, the same fiber or an additional fiber will collect the reflected light and transmit that light back to the sensor. An electromagnetic system produces a scanning motion of the beam emitted by the scan head where the optical fiber is attached to a magnet.

Abstract: A non-contact IC card include a data transmitting/receiving device, a memory, a CPU, a first determining device, a second determining device, and a stopping device. When the data transmitting/receiving device receives a request signal, the first determining device determines whether first system identification information stored in the memory agrees with second system identification information contained in the request signal. At the same time, the second determining device determines whether use of the IC card indicated by use authorization information stored in the memory is authorized. When the first and second system identification information do not agree or when the use authorization information indicates that use of the IC card is not authorized, the stopping device stops the operation of the CPU until the next request signal is received.

Abstract: A micro-bar code data processing system is capable of reducing the number of digits to be expressed by the micro-bar code by compressing information to be contained therein. The micro-bar code data processing system includes a receiver for receiving an original data to be contained in a micro-bar code; a reducer for reducing the number of digits of the original data by compressing the received original data; a converter for converting the compressed data into an encoded micro-bar code data; an outputter for outputting the encoded micro-bar code data; a receiver for receiving encoded data contained in the micro-bar code; a converter for converting the received encoded data into a compressed data; a restorer for restoring the original data from the compressed data by decompression of the compressed data, and an outputter for outputting the restored original data.

Abstract: A wireless telephone debit card communications system comprising a radio telephone, a base station, and an end station. The radio telephone includes a processor; a reader for reading a credit amount and a telephone number of a debit card; a writer for changing the credit amount and the telephone number of the debit card; and a transceiver for communicating, using radio waves, a credit signal. The base station receives and relays the credit signal over a communications channel to the end station, The end station includes a switch to generate a first control signal to allocate the credit amount of the debit card to the radio telephone, and to assign a telephone number of the radio telephone to the telephone number of the debit card with a communications path through the base station. The end station also generates a second control signal for changing the credit cunt and the telephone number of the debit card.

Abstract: A multi-port digital signal decoder capable of decoding digital signals produced from various types of scanning devices including, for example, high-speed counter top scanners, low-speed hand-held scanners, wand scanners, light pen scanners, and magnetic card scanners. The digital signal decoder of the present invention includes a plurality of data input ports for receiving digital input signals produced from the various scanning devices. The digital signal decoder also includes common digital signal and data processing circuitry for processing the digital input signals and digital data so as to produce, as output, decoded symbol data. In addition, the digital signal decoder further includes an output data port for providing the decoded symbol data to a host device operably connected to the digital signal decoder. In the illustrative embodiment, the digital signal decoder is realized using VLSI circuit and microprocessor technology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering an order to a home and utilizing credit information to verify and accept payment for the order. The method and apparatus verify credit information on site at the door of a home contemporaneously with delivery of an order.

Abstract: A shuttle for loading thereon an optical card having upper and lower surfaces and right and left edges and for moving the card relative to a head to read/write information from/on the card, comprises a base, a reference end face connected to the base and abutting against the right edge of the card to guide the card, card stop members attached to the base and abutting against upper surface of the card to guide the card, a push plate attached to the base to be movable relative to the base, and abutting against the lower surface of the card to support the card with the card being interposed between the push plate and the card stop members, a mechanism for pressing the card against the card stop members by abutting against left edge of the card, and mechanism for releasing the card from pressure of the pressing mechanism when the push plate moves with respect to the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatically identifying decode apparatus comprising a decoder unit 1 and a counter 2, wherein:the decoder unit 1 further comprises a plurality of decoders for decoding digital data of different digital-data types and a decoder selector for sequentially selecting the decoders;the counter 2 is used for sequentially advancing a process of selecting the decoders of the decoder unit;digital data read out from memory is supplied directly to the decoders of the decoder unit;one of the decoders successfully decoding the digital data outputs decoded data; anda selected decoder failing to decode the digital data transmits an error signal to the counter 2, requesting the counter 2 to advance the process of selecting the decoders by one decoder.

Abstract: A system for authorizing access to a secured device, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) or a pay telephone, without a key or combination for the secured device, and without a fixed communication link extending to the device. An encoded access message is produced which identifies a present access code previously stored at the secured device, the personal identification number (PIN) of a technician, and the identification number of a particular portable terminal. The technician manually enters the encoded access message and a PIN into the terminal, which verifies the identification number of the terminal and the manually-entered PIN against information encoded in the access message. If that information is authenticated, the portable terminal is connected to the secured device. The encoded access message is transferred from the terminal to the secured device, which compares an access code previously stored at that device with information contained in the access message. The proper PIN also is re-entered.

Abstract: There is provided an integrated semiconductor source-detector matrix in which solid state photonic diodes are configured as LEDs, disposed on a substrate and coupled to electronic circuits so that the diodes can be individually driven to emit light or to detect light as may be desired. Providing an integrated matrix of light source (emitter) and light sensor units disposed in close proximity results in each unit having nearly coextensive fields of view and illumination. Apparatus, such as bar code and optical readers utilizing such a matrix are shown, and are insensitive to the diffusion and laminate effects. In alternate embodiments the matrix is coupled to remote sensors or another similar matrix to provide optical communication and interchange devices having high bandwidth.

Abstract: A market research system and method are provided. A plurality of cooperating establishments are included in a market research test area. Each cooperating establishment is adapted for collecting and storing market research data. A computer system remotely located from the plurality of cooperating establishments stores a library of bar coded indicia and market research data collected from the cooperating establishments. A unique bar coded indicia is assigned to multiple displays within each of the plurality of cooperating establishments. A corresponding assigned bar coded indicia is applied to the displays within each cooperating establishment.

Abstract: In order to improve security for holographic labels which are positioned on a substrate base, a bar code symbol is holographically recorded on the base such as a credit card, a label, or a container for a product. A reading apparatus (e.g., a bar code reader) directs light at the holographic bar code symbol and detects the reflected optical information with a detector such as a CCD array. The reading apparatus can be a stand-alone device or, in the case of a credit card, can be incorporated into a conventional swiper for reading magnetic information on a strip on the card. A non-holographic bar code symbol can also be provided on or near a holographic display element, e.g., a rainbow hologram. The bar code can be positioned adjacent the display, or placed in a window within the display, or etched or embossed on the display. A system is also provided for authenticating a holographic display on an information card such as a credit card.

Abstract: After a two-dimensional bar code is scanned to provide a stored image, the location (i.e., bounds, including orientation) of the bar code image within the scanned area image must be determined to enable decoding. Methods for locating the bar code image include the steps of sampling the stored image, identifying sampling traversals of bar code start and stop patterns, and correlating the identified start and stop pattern traversals to a common bar code image. The correlating data is then used to identify a nominally rectangular area bounding the bar code image. A bounding box may be identified as the smallest area capable of encompassing all of the start and stop pattern traversals related to a common bar code image. Output location data may specify the coordinates of the four corners of a bounding box for use in subsequent decoding. Related systems are described.

Abstract: A digital data recording and playback system which includes an optical recording and playback head for recording and reproducing digital data onto and from a stationary optical storage card. The head contains a multiplicity of miniature laser cells mounted in rows and columns and directed to a surface of the stationary optical storage card. The head may be operated in any one of three modes, namely a record mode in which data is recorded on the card; a playback mode in which data recorded on the card is reproduced; and an erase mode in which data recorded on the card is completely or partially erased.

Abstract: There is disclosed an simplified apparatus that enables optical scanners to achieve minimum field curvature and at the same time provide uniformly distributed light on an image sensor. A single element lens, preferably an aspherical lens made of a plastic material is combined with an aperture stop. The combination is capable of reducing lens aberrations and minimizing image field curvature for an object plane that contains indicia to be scanned or read. A suitably demagnified image of the indicia is focused onto an image sensor such as a CCD array. The spatial light distribution function in the image plane can be equalized by an attenuator, such as a neutral density filter or a slit, suitably configured to compensate for the reduced optical efficiency at large field angles. An aspherical lens containing a dye or a cold mirror can be used for limiting light transmission to a range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An information reader, including a light source for emitting a light beam. A photo-detector detects the light beam after it is reflected from a bar code. A rotatable circular hologram disk scans the light beam in two dimensions and guides the light beam reflected to the photo-detector. A prism deflects the light beam emitted from the light source toward the circular hologram disk. A housing receives the light source, the photo-detector the circular hologram disk and the prism therein. The light source and the prism are integrally detachable from the housing. It is thus easy to adjust the incidence angle of the light beam on the circular hologram disk.

Abstract: A system which utilizes a bar code having an instruction field whose data specifies an action to be performed and also having a reference field whose data relates to the data in the instruction field. The system reads the instruction and reference fields of the bar code and processess the read data. This processing may determine from the instruction field data that the action or actions to be taken are to be taken on data other than that in the reference field of the bar code. It also may determine from the data in the instruction field that an action to be taken on the data in the reference field is other than an action identified in the instruction field of the bar code. Based on these determinations, the system continues the processing using the appropriate action and data.A unique bar is also used in the system. This bar code, between its start and stop fields, has a separator field whose width is greater than that of any of the individual bar code characters.

Abstract: An optically readable matrix (100) has four intersecting sides of approximately equal length defining a perimeter and includes a binary code formed from light and dark squares of substantially equal sizes located within the perimeter. The matrix (100) comprises first and second orientation squares (105, 110) included in the light and dark squares and located in opposite corners of the matrix (100). Each of the orientation squares (105, 110) preferably includes a contrasting circular area (115, 120) located in a predetermined position within the orientation square (105, 110) and having a predetermined size relationship with the orientation square (105, 110). Such a matrix (100) may be formed on a printed circuit board (505) for use in an electronic device (500) to convey information about the printed circuit board (505). An apparatus (600) for decoding the matrix (100) includes an optical scanner (610) for scanning the matrix (100) and for locating the orientation squares (105, 110).