Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar code reading method and a bar code reader each suitably used for terminal equipment such as a POS terminal. The object is to perform an improved bar code reading rate and an improved effective bar code storage efficiency by detecting trash data so as not to store it in a memory. The bright and dark information on the bar width of a bar code 1 is detected to convert it into binary information. Plural pieces of the converted binary information are stored and then are sequentially outputted on a first-in, first-out basis. In the binary information storing operation, continuous binary information of which the bright and dark information of the bar code 1 does not come alternately is detected as error information. When error information is continuously detected, only the last data of the continuous binary information is stored but the remaining data are erased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel hand-held data capture system with interchangeable modules including an autofocusing data file image reader. Several exemplary modules having various features are described. For example the invention teaches an apparatus and method for providing an interchangeable RF module, an interchangeable reflected image reader, two exemplary interchangeable non-scanning laser illuminated bar code reader/RF modules, and three exemplary interchangeable long range CCD reader/RF modules. Also disclosed for the described modular system are noise filtering means, a solid state laser illumination system, signal processing means, and filter, exposure control, and depth of field control means. An exemplary autofocusing system adjusts the lens to a position where the intensity change with respect to time or with respect to position is maximized.

Abstract: The present invention involves enhancing machine-readable matrix symbol markings on substrate materials by the addition of magnetizable materials, and then, at a later time, taking advantage of the magnetic properties associated with the matrix symbol marking to read the marking using a magneto-optic reading apparatus. For example, the marking material may be mixed with a media having magnetic properties and applied to a component surface either via stencil or as backfill. The magnetic material enables detection with the aid of a magnetic-property detection apparatus. Once detected, the matrix symbol image is transmitted to a symbol decoder so that the information represented by the symbol can be provided to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inspecting documents having information recorded thereon are described that can include a visual inspection cell, a recording unit, and a packaging unit. The manufactured data cards can include driver's licenses, credit cards, military identification cards, welfare cards, social security cards, and other such cards having information recorded thereon suitable for identifying persons or objects. In an optional embodiment of the invention, the manufactured documents include a laminated overlay that includes a holographic overlay as a security feature and the visual inspection cell includes a lighting unit and camera adapted to illuminate and image the recorded data positioned behind the hologram.

Abstract: In order to that optically readable small code marks can be correctly read by a reader, an optically readable code mark 15 is marked on an surgical instrument 14 at an optional location by using a laser, the code mark being in the form of recesses and projections which are apparently different in magnitude from roughness of the instrument surface at that location. Thus, the code mark is marked on the surgical instrument itself by laser marking and is optically read, resulting in correct reading of the mark and a considerable improvement in durability of the mark.

Abstract: An optical scanning module has a metal base, a first circuit board mounted across one end of the metal base and a second circuit board mounted orthogonal to the first circuit board. The metal base supports a light emitter for producing a scanning beam and serves as a heat sink for the emitter. A flexible support attached to the metal base supports a mirror for oscillating motion. The module includes a drive mechanism, typically in the form of a permanent magnet and electromagnet, for producing reciprocal motion of the mirror. A detector included in the module senses light reflected from an indicia scanned by the beam. A flexible electrical cable connects the circuitry on the first and second circuit boards so that circuitry operates together to produce all signals necessary for operation of the scanner module and to process the electrical signals from the detector. Preferred embodiments include a flexible support consisting of a planar spring located between the mirror and one of the magnets.

Abstract: A combined currency acceptor and magnetic card reader for receiving and validating currency and for receiving and reading a magnetic card comprises an acceptor main body including a mounting plate for attaching the combined currency acceptor and magnetic card reader to a gaming machine. The main body has a gate housing attached to the mounting plate and a currency gate is movable by a solenoid and mounted in the gate housing. A display housing is attached the gate housing and including a currency opening, a magnetic card opening and a light emitting diode display to display to the user of the operating condition of the device. A motor and belt drive assembly is provided for driving the currency into the main body and a solenoid in the currency gate is activated to close the magnetic card opening when currency is being inserted.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading magnetically stored data from a wide range of magnetic media. The apparatus includes a magnetoresistive MR head for producing a signal representative of stored magnetic data and a hysteresis comparator circuit for processing the signal from high concentration media. The MR head is preferably a paired MR head having a preamplifier circuit which provides the bias current for the PMR head, amplifies the signal produced by the PMR head, and provides rejection of common mode signals.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a hand-held data terminal has external electrical contact pads which mate with resilient contacts of a docking receptacle for the interchange of data and possibly the supply of charging current to the terminal. The terminal may be loaded into and removed from the docking receptacle in a single motion with one hand. Keyboard and display (user interface) of the terminal are fully accessible while in the docking receptacle. The terminal may be fully sealed and be completely free of the conventional pin and socket type electrical connector fittings at its exterior.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device The system has a number of operative states including, an object detection state, bar code presence detection state and a bar code symbol decoding state. During bar code symbol presence detection state, the visible laser scanning beam produced from the hand-supportable device flickers at a rate which improves the visual conspicuousness of the laser scanning beam in the scan field. The flicker characteristics of the laser scanning beam makes it substantially easier for the user to visually align the laser scanning beam with the bar code symbol on the detected object. Consequently, reading bar code symbols is made substantially easier using the automatic laser bar code symbol reading device of the present invention.

Abstract: An optical scanner for reading indicia such as barcode symbols is usable in a first, hand-held mode and in a second, hands-free mode in which the scanner is mounted to a fixed stand. Switching means are provided so that when the scanner is lifted from the stand, for hand-held use, it automatically switches to a first working range, and when it is replaced onto the stand it automatically switches to a second, closer, working range. In the first working range, the software is optimised to read barcode symbols at a relatively long distance from the scanner; in the second working range the software is optimised to read barcode symbols which are relatively close to the scanner. The switching means may comprise any type of contact or non-contact switch such as a reed switch or a Hall effect switch.

Abstract: A multiple sensitivity-mode digitizer circuit for a bar code reader has circuits that perform two thresholding techniques. The bar code reader includes a first derivative circuit for receiving an analog signal from a scan of the bar code symbol and for generating a first derivative signal of the analog signal. The digitizer circuit includes a first thresholding circuit for generating a first digitized signal in response to a comparison between the first derivative signal and a first threshold representing a first detection sensitivity. A second thresholding circuit generates a second digitized signal in response to a comparison between the first derivative signal and a second threshold representing a second detection sensitivity. A mode selector selects as the output digitized signal one of the first digitized signal and a third digitized signal, the third digitized signal representing the first digitized signal modified by the second digitized signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic cash transaction apparatus having a main body and an additional unit. On the basis of instruction information from the user, an apparatus main body executes processes regarding a cash transaction while communicating with a high-order apparatus. An input/output apparatus having a telephone is provided as an additional unit for the apparatus main body. The input/output apparatus synthesizes audio data on the basis of an instruction from the apparatus main body and outputs an audio message signal to a telephone. The user operates dial buttons of the telephone in accordance with the audio message. Since the telephone has the same dial button arrangement as that of the telephone which is daily used, even a visually handicapped person can easily execute a necessary inputting operation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing bar code data obtained from a bar code label including large and small bars. A light source such as a laser beam scans across the symbol on a bar code label. Light reflected from the bar code label is collected as the light source scans across the label. The collected light varies in intensity as the light source scans across the label. An electrical signal is generated which is indicative of the amplitude of the light collected in the collecting step. The electrical signal is sampled at a predetermined data rate to produce a sequence of samples representative of the electrical signal. A sequence of samples is stored in a memory. These stored samples include label space values (LSA's). The samples also include label bar values (LBA's) which include large bar values and small bar values. The sequence of samples is decoded.

Abstract: A self-adjusting adaptive scanning system includes a scanner, responsive to coordinate control signals, for directing a light beam in a pattern at a bar code symbol, for detecting a reflected portion of the light beam, and for generating feedback signals reflecting successful decodes. A microprocessor, responsive to the feedback signals, generates pattern control signals. A pattern generator generates the coordinate control signals in response to the pattern control signals to select a desirable light beam pattern.

Abstract: A system for use in a bar code processing system using a combination of a first derivative signal and a second derivative signal to determine the bar edge. The predominant signal in determining the edge is the second derivative signal. A zero-cross of the second derivative signal occurs at the bar edge. The first derivative signal is used to qualify the point in time in the second derivative signal for which a zero-cross is examined the system is particularly suited for near filled operation.

Abstract: A collection and processing apparatus for recycling recording media which are capable of erasably recording data and are repeatedly usable is disclosed.

Abstract: An IC card reader/writer includes a control unit incorporating a central processing unit, read only memory, and random access memory. In addition, the reader/writer includes a UART, a sending circuit for modulating a digital signal received from the UART, transmitting and receiving antennas, and a receiving circuit for demodulating received signals. The control unit controls the IC card reader/writer by setting an interval between a trigger signal and a start flag at the time of data transmission equal in duration to at least one frame of data, for example, eight bits of data. In a specific embodiment, the trigger signal may be followed by eight bits of 00.sub.H, followed by a start flag and eight bits of data 5A.sub.H, followed by a data stream including desired information.

Abstract: An optical code reader which is held in a hand of an operator and is brought near an article having a 2-dimensional code affixed thereto at the time of reading, includes an illumination light source for illuminating the 2-dimensional code on the article, a reading unit for reading the 2-dimensional code from a light reflected by the article, and a frame for housing the light source and the reading unit, the frame having a read window through which the reflected light passes. The reading unit has an area CCD for sensing an image corresponding to the reflected light and for converting the image to an electrical signal, and a lens block for focusing the reflected light to the area CCD to form the image. The reading unit further has an optical path length adjusting cap for adjusting the length of an optical path between the read window and the lens block upon a change in the magnification of the lens block.

Abstract: A system for reading bar code symbols or the like, having a scanner for generating a laser beam directed toward a target and producing a first narrowly spaced apart dual line scanning pattern that enables the user to manually aim and direct the beam to the location desired by the user and a relatively wider spaced apart dual line second scanning pattern that 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.