Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with a bar code scanner, to enable consistent bar code reflectance quality measurements. The apparatus includes a holder (60, FIG. 1 ) which holds a hand-held bar code scanner (20) at a predetermined distance (B) and angle (A) with respect to the surface of a sheet (12) that has been imprinted with a bar code. The holder has a lower end (66) for lying "flat" against the sheet, and has a plurality of switches (81-83, FIG. 3 ) at locations spaced around the lower end of the holder. Only when all switches are operated, is the lower end of the holder flat against the sheet, and only when all switches are simultaneously actuated is the bar code scanner operated to generate a display that indicates reflectance quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying coded data to a substrate and decoding the data in which the data are encoded in cells having a determined number of pixels. The pixels are coded, preferably by binary printing, in accordance with the number of coded pixels and not their position. In decoding of the cells, the gray scale levels of the pixels are sensed, and converted to digital signals. The digital signals are summed, for all of the pixels of the cell, and compared with multiple threshold levels in order to recover the data.

Abstract: A device for holding credit cards, bank cards, charge cards, or any similar type of card is disclosed having a compartment for holding the card, switching elements which are activated by the card, and a warning device that is activated by the switching elements. The holding device also performs calculation via a keypad, a display, a memory, an arithmetic and/or logic processor for keeping track of the financial transactions regarding the use of the card such that before the card is reinserted into the holding device, the warning device alerts the user to update the memory with the latest financial transactions for the card.

Abstract: This vending machine automatically deals with articles for which printed article bar codes are given. The vending machine comprises a bar code reader for reading the article bar codes, data setting mechanism for setting data required for vending the articles based on the reading of the bar codes from the bar code reader, and sales management mechanism for managing sales information regarding the articles based on the bar codes read by the bar code reader. The vending machine may set data for individual species of articles required for vending thereof and manage sales data for the individual species, instead of controlling the operations for each article column, thereby removing errors involved in the latter controlled operation.

Abstract: A laser scanner for a bar code reader has a laser source (41), a laser beam scanning means (31, etc.,) for scanning a bar code (B) on an object in a predetermined direction with a laser beam emitted from the laser source, a light emission window (25) for emitting the scanning beam toward the bar code on the object, and an optical detecting means (51) for detecting signal light reflected from the bar code. The laser beam scanning means and optical detecting means are integrally incorporated in a single substrate (20), and the light emission window is supported on the substrate by a transparent support (23, etc.).

Abstract: The invention provides a human error preventing system wherein a worker is provided with a work slip indicating data as to the work to be performed in a form readable by the worker and with a work instruction bar code representing the work data. The worker performs the work and is provided with a result representing bar code representing the result of work performed by the worker with reference to the work slip. The worker uses a bar code reader to read the result representing bar code and the work instruction bar code. The reading signals from the bar code reader are transferred to a work control computer. The work control computer collates the work instruction bar code and result representing bar code reading signals and the worker is notified whether the result of collation is appropriate.

Abstract: A bar code label is read by automatically initiated scanning of the bar code symbol by a beam of light, as from a laser in a bar code scanner. Initially, the scanner is operated in a pulsed mode with low duty cycle (5%) pulses. These pulses are reflected from a reflective tape on one side of a detection zone or from an object carrying the label in the beam path. Then (because the beam is not scanning across the code) the reflected pulses (which are detected much like the bars and spaces of the code) are not detected. The ratio of the number of generated pulses to the reflected pulses is computed for a succession of pulses (ten pulses for example). If this ratio exceeds two (i.e., that the number of effective bars is less than the number of generated pulses during the succession), then the presence of the object is detected and the system, implemented in an application program in the microprocessor controller of the bar code scanner, initiates scanning of the bar code.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reading head with a tapered reading opening and/or a tapered reading stylus for reading bar-type, especially passive magnetic information on a data carrier. A high resolution in reading this information with a high output signal is obtained by tapering the reading opening in direction of the end face of the reading head. The reading head is located in a casing pot and has at least one field plate sensor, on which side remote from the face a permanent magnet is placed with a magnetic shunt to the casing pot.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of securing magnetically encoded data from altering, forging, or counterfeiting. The invention pertains to magnetic storage media such as magnetic tape, magnetic striped cards, and other documents or objects which contain magnetic media. This invention utilized the inherent variations in the timing of magnetically encoded data in combination with the random effect of the magnetic media. Data is protected by reading the original encoded data just after encoding and storing this initial timing data stream. It is authenticated by a comparison of the timing data stream of any subsequent reading of this encoded data to the original timing data stream. Acceptance criterion depends on the magnetic media and applications chosen.

Abstract: The described system prevents unauthorized operation of an automotive vehicle under the control of a separable engine control module (10) and signal source or memory device (12). A wire scrambler (22) and interface module (24) are interconnected between the engine control module (10) and memory device (12). A key device (20) having a fixed coded signal source (53) on being received within a lock cylinder (26) energizes a crossbar switch matrix (44) in the interface module (24) which effectively provides a correct wiring relationship between the engine control module (10) and the memory device (12). Connector parts (16, 30) are secured together in a manner that would destroy connector contacts if separated.

Abstract: A program control system is provided for a portable data storage device. The portable storage device includes a main processing unit (MPU), a first memory which is a fixed memory of storing non-rewritable fixed programs to be accessed from the MPU and a second memory for which read/write for any program can be carried out by the MPU. The second memory includes a priority control management table for storing index information of several kinds of programs having the same program actuating numbers as those of the fixed programs stored in the first memory, and a program area for storing programs corresponding to the index information on the priority control management gable. A priority controller is provided in the first memory in order to search the priority control management table when a prescribed program is accessed by the MPU. If the index information of the prescribed program is present on the priority management table, the program in the program area designated by the index information will be executed.

Abstract: An automatic transaction apparatus for dealing with cash or the like operates by being accessed by the user through the use of a user specific transaction medium card, which is inserted to the apparatus so that information recorded on it is read. In the event of some trouble of the apparatus, if the card cannot be ejected and returned to the user, a receipt slip of the card with information specific to the user being printed thereon is issued to the user in response to the ejection failure signal.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: A read head for optically scanning a ballot on which votes are cast by marking the ballot with a writing instrument within a voting area defined between a pair of spaced-apart timing marks includes infrared emitters illuminating the timing marks and emitters of visible light illuminating the voting area between the marks. The illuminated portions of the ballot are imaged onto three PIN photodiodes place in a line. The outer two PIN photodiodes are effectively apertured to resolve the timing marks and the middle PIN photodiode is effectively apertured to resolve a voting mark of a predetermined minimum size. The ballot, the image and the apertures are carefully aligned such that the photodiodes detect changes in light level associated with an image of a mark passing across the apertures.

Abstract: A data input/output apparatus comprises a card mounting portion on which a data memory card having data input keys is freely, detachably mounted. The mounting portion has an opening so that the keys on the mounted card can be operated. In addition, the card is routed to the mounting portion by a guide means and then mounted in the mounting portion. Then, the data memory card is positioned in the main unit of the data input/output apparatus accurately.

Abstract: An optical scanner suitable for use with a bar code reader includes a light source for generating a laser beam, a laser beam scanning device, a scanning pattern generating optical system, and a signal light condensing optical system for deflecting scattered signal light scattered by an object to be read to introduce the light to a photo-detector. The scanning pattern generating optical system or signal light condensing optical system includes strips of planar reflective holograms disposed substantially in parallel with each other in one plane to produce a reflection beam having an angle of reflection which is different from an angle of incidence of the laser beam thereon. Another embodiment discloses a condenser integrated with one of plane mirrors for deflecting the scan beam to form a hologram module of the reflection type. The scanner is a miniaturized apparatus as a result of the reflection holograms.

Abstract: A bar code label is ready by automatically initiated scanning of the bar code symbol by a scanner on a stand. Light is reflected back to the scanner as from the bars of a code being scanned. Initially, the scanner is operated in a pulsed mode with low duty cycle (5%) pulses. These pulses are reflected from a reflective area unless an object is inserted and blocks the beam path. Then (because the beam is not scanning across the code) the reflected pulses (which are detected much like the bars and spaces of the code) are not detected. The ratio of the number of generated pulses to the reflected pulses is computed for a succession of pulses. If this ratio exceeds two (i.e., that the number of effective bars is less than the number of generated pulses during the succession), then the presence of the object is detected. The system, implemented in an application program in the microprocessor controller of the bar code scanner, initiates scanning of the bar code.

Abstract: A system for reading bar code symbols or the like, including one- or two-dimensional bar code symbols having a scanner for generating a laser beam directed toward a target and producing a narrow first raster scanning pattern that enables the user to manually aim and direct the beam to the location desired by the user and a second raster scanning pattern that increases in height which sweeps an entire symbol to be read, and a detector for receiving reflected light from such symbol to produce electrical signals corresponding to data represented by such symbol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for programming an optical bar code reader. The method includes the steps of storing programming binary data in a storage device, coupling a light emitting diode to the storage device enabling the diode to be operated in accordance with the binary data stored in the storage means and scanning the diode with a bar code reader enabling the bar code reader to be programmed in response to reading the scanned binary data. The apparatus includes a processor which stores programming data in a EEPROM which is operated to output binary data to a light emitting diode enabling the diode to operate upon receiving a binary one bit and disabled upon receiving a binary zero bit which condition is read by the bar code reader for use in programming the reader.

Abstract: An optical bar code scanner and method which achieves an extended depth of focus by employing a multifocal length collection optical system. A radiation beam is generated for illuminating a field of view, either by a laser or nonlaser source. The embodiments specifically disclosed herein employ nonlaser sources such as LEDs. The multifocal length collection optical system consisting of a plurality of lenses or mirrors having at least a near range focal length and a long range focal length, simultaneously collects radiation reflected from objects in the field of view, and directs it to an optical detector for detection and generation of an electrical output signal indicative thereof. The electrical output signal of the detector is then passed through a high pass filter which filters out a DC background electrical signal, thereby improving the depth of modulation of the signal.