Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system having a laser scanner, and 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 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: An image scanner for reading an image data or an image scanning method using the same, wherein the image scanner includes a control circuit obtaining correction data to maintain normal continuity for the image data, by weighting or averaging a plurality of image data when a drive motor for a carrier including a reading head, is decelerating or accelerating, in the case when the reading restarts after the reading operation has been interrupted.

Abstract: A photographic printer effects a second printing operation for one original frame (60) on a developed photo film (10), after a first printing operation is effected. First correcting information is used in the first printing operation for correcting an exposure amount of the original frame. To produce a photographic print, first and second equipment information is predetermined, which is associated respectively with the first and second printing operations. The first and second equipment information represents an ID of each photographic printer for effecting the first and second printing operation, or represents an ID of a printer group to which each printer belongs. The first correcting information of the original frame and the first equipment information is written to a magnetic recording layer (10c) in the first printing operation. The magnetic recording layer is formed on the photo film.

Abstract: An original document of one or more pages containing human-readable printed information is encoded in one or more two-dimensional bar code symbols and transmitted by facsimile to a remote site where a facsimile of the symbols is machine read, decoded and printed to provide an accurate reproduction of the original document. The facsimile symbol can be facsimile transmitted to another remote site where the facsimile symbol is regenerated, machine read, decoded and printed as another reproduction of the original document. The machine readability of the symbol facilitates computer entry of the original document printed information. The coded symbol may also contain data used at a remote site to control processing and dissemination of the original document printed information.

Abstract: An image sensor array system is arranged to enable oblique access for readout of image data from a stepped pixel pattern of sensor cells. The stepped pixel pattern represents an oblique line component of an image portion containing a 2-D bar code or other dataform. An obliquely aligned bar code image can thus be read out along oblique lines which follow rows of bar code elements traversing the elements. The sensor array (16) is accessed by horizontal and vertical readout circuits (22 and 24) under the control of address signals from an address unit (20). Location signals, from a source (12), indicative of a selected image portion (39) may be used by the address unit (20) to provide address signals representative of the stepped pixel pattern for a particular oblique line component.

Abstract: An image sensor array system is arranged to enable oblique access for readout of image data from a stepped pixel pattern of sensor cells. The stepped pixel pattern represents an oblique line component of an image portion containing a 2-D bar code or other dataform. An obliquely aligned bar code image can thus be read out along oblique lines which follow rows of bar code elements traversing the elements. The sensor array (16) is accessed by horizontal and vertical readout circuits (22 and 24) under the control of address signals from an address unit (20). Location signals, from a source (12), indicative of a selected image portion (39) may be used by the address unit (20) to provide address signals representative of the stepped pixel pattern for a particular oblique line component.

Abstract: A optical storage disc for use in an optical storage system includes a storage layer which is capable of being disrupted when a laser beam of sufficient intensity is focused thereon. The optical storage disc has a transparent substrate layer on one side of the storage layer and a lacquer layer on the other side of the storage layer. The disruptions provided by the laser beam are selected to provide human readable and/or machine readable patterns. To reduce the damage to portions of the optical disc other than the storage layer, the storage layer is exposed to the laser beam prior to curing, or prior to applying and curing the lacquer layer. The optical disc can be of the type with data written thereon during fabrication, or the disc can be of the type in which data can be impressed thereon after fabrication of the optical disc. The patterns on the optical disc can be in the form of optical bar codes formed in a mirror region of the disc.

Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system having a laser scanner, and 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 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: An add-on bar code reading apparatus used in a bar code reader identifies a block of a main-part bar code by detecting start and end guard-bars, determines a right end of the main-part bar code based upon whether all the characters in the block carry even parity, detects the add-on bar code a predetermined interval after the right end, and reads the add-on bar code thus-detected. The apparatus also determines whether a plurality of sets of add-on characters are read which have differing numbers of characters, compares the plurality of sets of add-on characters character-by-character for equality in character code and in parity, and determines whether the number of characters is equal to that of the set having the smallest number of characters. When a match is determined the set of add-on characters having the largest number of characters for the add-on bar code is selected.

Abstract: A void and spot discrimination apparatus and method for successfully decoding bar code symbols having imperfections therein. A first and a second scan are performed, and a signal return is obtained, in which information is obtained related to a smallest size black bar and white space, as well as a largest size black bar and white space. The signal returns from the first and second scans is sent to a decoder, and third and fourth scans are performed. The signal returns from the third and fourth scans are altered based on the smallest/largest sizes obtained from the two previous scans, in order to eliminate potential ink spreads and print voids. The process is alternated in this manner until a successful bar code decoding is made.

Abstract: An optoelectronic apparatus is provided for identifying marks comprised of defined contrast patterns, particularly barcode symbols. The device includes a transmitting element which emits transmitted light and a receiving element. The transmitted light is guided across the marks, and the received light reflected by the marks has an amplitude modulation imposed by the contrast of the marks, with the received light being converted into a voltage signal that forms the received signal in the receiving element. The voltage signal is converted into a binary signal and filtered by an arrangement of digital filters for compensation component stipulated distortions prior to being fed to a threshold-value unit for evaluation of the contrast pattern.

Abstract: Improved integrity of a payment system for paying for services or goods, for example, telephone facilities, through use of electronic payment cards. In any session to increase a card balance, a "flag" is placed ("1") on the payment card which indicates that the session must not be interrupted. After completion, the flag is removed again ("0"). A session to pay for the product or the service or to increase the balance can only be established if the flag is absent ("0") indicating that the last session to increase the balance was correctly completed. If, on the other hand, the flag is still "1" at the start of a session, a correction routine is first performed in which the previous session to increase the balance is then correctly concluded to prevent the flag being removed by fraud, the flag can only be removed by a central system (PSTN/ABS) through issurance of an authorized instruction.

Abstract: In an encoded symbol reader for decoding a two-dimensional encoded symbol having a matrix of cells, an image of the encoded symbol is formed on a CCD, and image data is generated. The encoded symbol reader has a plurality of operational modes, including an image inverse mode. The image data is stored in a memory. When the image data is read out of memory in order to decode the symbol, depending on whether or not the operation mode is an image reverse mode, the data stored in the memory is read out in different sampling orders.

Abstract: In an encoded symbol reader for decoding a two-dimensional encoded symbol, an image of the symbol is read and primary image data which directly corresponds to the symbol is generated. Further, from the primary data, secondary image data having less information than the primary image data is generated. The edge of the encoded symbol is detected using the secondary image data, and then decoding of the encoded symbol using the primary image data within the area defined by the detected edge.

Abstract: An interface selection and configuration system for a computer peripheral in which configuration for the peripheral and/or the host interface is at least in part accomplished by the interface connector cable. In a preferred embodiment, the computer peripheral is equipped with one or more hardware interfaces. The interface connector cable has a first end connector for attaching to the computer peripheral. The first end connector of the interface connector cable is typically a multiple pin connector constructed and arranged to be properly physically and electrically connectable only to a specific computer peripheral or class of computer peripherals, the first end connector including at least one electrical connection between two pins for completing a circuit within the computer peripheral thereby enabling the computer peripheral.

Abstract: A symbol read device useful as a bar code reader, optical character reader or the like. A symbol bearing surface is illuminated by two different light sources that are distinguishable based on their respective wavelengths or modulated frequencies. A detector detects light reflected from the symbol surface and provides a detection signal indicative thereof. The detection signal is processed to recognize the symbol being read. In a multi-scan embodiment, an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit controls a level of detector signal to aid in recognition of the symbols being read.

Abstract: A stationary optical scanning system for the decoding of a plurality of optically readable information bearing symbols encoded using at least first and second different optical codes, and for the detection of a plurality of optical targets having at least first and second different target configurations and target data signals representative of the differing target configurations, includes a single optical sensor for optically sensing the different target configurations and optical codes as objects affixed with the information bearing symbols continuously pass within a field of view and for generating the target data signals from the sensed field of view.

Abstract: Memory cards are cheap and contain memory means, but can be forged and duplicated easily. Smart-cards contain also a microprocessor and can be used for cryptographic purposes, but are much more expensive. The plastic support of the card contains randomly distributed ferrite particles (eg. small steel marbles, introduced into the plastic paste during the melting process). This random distribution of the particles is assumed to be impossible to control or influence during the process of fabrication. For personalizing a card, the issuing authority scans the plastic support of the card with a magnetic inductance detector, thereby reading the emplacement of the ferrite particles as a number p. Then the authority computes s=SIG(ID,p), where "SIG" denotes any secure public-key digital signature algorithm and ID the identification details of the card's owner. Finally, s and ID are recorded in the memory means of the card.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the reading graphical indicia that are encoded in accordance with a multidimensional symbology. The indicia are repeatedly scanning a signal representative of a pattern thereof until sufficient information is recognized to assure a valid reading operation. The signal, or a memorized representation thereof is decoded to obtain character information from code words of the indicia. A first value is assigned to each newly recognized character, and a second value is assigned to each character that was recognized in a preceding scan of the indicia. The first and second values are respectively cumulated into first and second sums. A function of the first sum and the second sum is computed, an audible click produced whenever a predetermined value of the function has been attained. The first and second sums are then reset. The rate of clicks informs the user of the progression of the reading operation.

Abstract: A data reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded in at least one track formed on a recording medium. The data reproducing apparatus includes at least one track number reading device for reading out the track number of at least one track formed on the recording medium; a designating controlling device for specifying a track having a track number which cannot be read out from among the track numbers of tracks which can be read out, and for designating an information reading starting position on the track; and a data reading device for reading out information on at least one track on the basis of the information reading starting position on the track designated by the designating controlling device.

Abstract: An automatic electronically triggered scanner includes photo sensing apparatus for reading bar code data and for decoding the bar code data and then ascertaining whether the bar code data is valid. Following the reading and decoding of a valid bar code, the further decoding of bar code data by the scanner is inhibited until a predetermined condition is met to ensure that the bar code just read (which provided valid data) is not re-read. For the predetermined condition to be met the scanner must sense the absence of potentially valid bar code data for a preset interval following the decoding of each set of valid data. Subseqent to the preset interval during which only invalid data is present the scanner is placed in a condition to process valid data.

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: A portable semiconductor data storage apparatus includes a memory for storing data, a plurality of input/output signal lines connected to the memory, the input/output signal lines being connected to a terminal machine when the data storage apparatus is inserted into the terminal machine, a removal detection circuit for generating a removal signal before disconnection of the input/output signal lines from the terminal machine when the data storage apparatus is removed from the terminal machine, and an access inhibition circuit for maintaining access to the memory until a read or write cycle during which the removal signal is generated by the removal detection means ends and for inhibiting access to the memory beginning from the next read or write cycle after the removal signal was generated.

Abstract: A bar code reader decodes a bar code symbol in a pixel image by transforming the data corresponding to the symbol along a first scan line, where the transformation comprises rotation and stretching. The reader generates a composite vector and a count vector from the transformed data. The reader then transforms (by rotating and stretching) another set of data corresponding to the symbol along a second scan line. The reader updates the composite and count vectors using the second set of transformed data. The reader then generates a one-dimensional composite signal from the composite and count vectors. The reader decodes the symbol by decoding the composite signal.

Abstract: An interface selection and configuration system for a computer peripheral in which configuration for the peripheral and/or the host interface is at least in part accomplished by the interface connector cable. In a preferred embodiment, the computer peripheral is equipped with one or more hardware interfaces. The interface connector cable has a first end connector for attaching to the computer peripheral. The first end connector of the interface connector cable is typically a multiple pin connector constructed and arranged to be properly physically and electrically connectable only to a specific computer peripheral or class of computer peripherals, the first end connector including at least one electrical connection between two pins for completing a circuit within the computer peripheral thereby enabling the computer peripheral.

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: 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 reading head mounting arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof an upright mounting member for mounting of a reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a information containing stripe attached to a card. Preferably, the base has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps for a credit card being slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a credit card past a magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot. Accuracy in positioning the strip for movement past the magnetic head is predetermined during the manufacture of the mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A bar code reading apparatus includes a light source for illuminating a bar code, a light receiving part for receiving reflected light from the bar code and for subjecting the received reflected light to a photoelectric conversion to output an electrical signal, and a decoding part for decoding the bar code by reading width data related to widths of the bars and spaces of the bar code based on the electrical signal from the light receiving part.

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: An automatic discriminating and decoding apparatus wherein digital data of a plurality of different systems can be decoded rapidly in a similar period of time. The automatic discriminating and decoding apparatus comprises a plurality of decoders connected commonly to successively receive a set of input digital data and individually capable of decoding digital data of mutually different systems. A plurality of decode memories are individually connected to the decoders for storing decoded data therein, and when the input digital data to the decoders are all decoded by one of the decoders, decoded data are read out from one of the decode memories corresponding to the one decoder and are outputted as an output of the automatic discriminating and decoding apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for scanning a bar code label on purchased merchandise items, including a support member having a first conveyor belt mounted above a second conveyor belt, and a digitizer panel oriented in a downward direction positioned therebetween. The digitizer panel will track the X and Y locations of the merchandise items as they move down the face of the panel. A plurality of optical canners are positioned above and below the digitizer panel for scanning a bar code label on a merchandise item moving across the digitizer. Processing means coupled to the digitizer and each of the scanners will detect the bar code label being read by each scanner when more than one merchandise item is located on the digitizer.

Abstract: A system for scanning bar code labels and for providing data related thereto includes scanning means for optically scanning bar code labels and providing an electrical, binary scan signal in response thereto. The scanning means includes a scanner and a scanner controller, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a converter means, responsive to the scanning means, for translating the electrical, binary scan signal into a related sequence of digital words. The integrated circuit further includes a microprocessor means, responsive to the converter means, for translating the related sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means has first and second microprocessor circuits for independently translating the sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means also has a random access memory for storing the appropriate software to control operation of the first and second microprocessor circuits.

Abstract: A hand-held labeler with an integrally formed optical scanner prints labels with a coded record selected from a plurality of optically scanned and stored coded records. In a data acquisition mode, the optical scanner scans a plurality of coded records, such as bar codes, to generate data representing the coded records for storage in a memory. Selective printing of scanned code and/or information associated therewith is accomplished utilizing a display that is controlled by a keyboard to display information that identifies the data stored in the memory. When information identifying a desired coded record is shown on the display, a print switch may be actuated to cause the code associated with the displayed information to be printed on one or more labels. Further, the scanner may also be used to scan different types of bar codes where each bar code includes a coded information portion and at least one guard code identifying the type of code.

Abstract: A system for converting analog bar code signals from the photo detector of a bar code reader or scanner into pulses occurring in time in correspondence with the spacing of the edges of the bars of the code which has a differentiator circuit and a circuit for integrating in time the differentiated signal to produce a second signal lower in amplitude and delayed with respect to the differentiated signal. A comparator compares the differentiated signal and the integrated signal. The output of the comparator is a train of pulses having edges occurring when the differentiated signal and integrated signal are in a certain amplitude relationship (i.e., approximately equal to each other). The peaks of the differentiated bar code signal occur in coincidence with the scanning of the edges of the bar code. The integrated signal is delayed by a fixed time delay.

Abstract: A noncontact IC card comprises a data transmit-receive circuit for transmitting and receiving data without contact, a detection circuit for detecting a trigger signal in a signal received by the data transmit-receive circuit, a data processing circuit connected to the data transmit-receive circuit for processing the data, a clock generating circuit for supplying a clock signal to the data processing circuit, an actuating circuit for actuating the clock generating circuit in response to the detection of the trigger signal by the detection circuit, and a battery for supplying electric power to each of the above circuits.

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: An IC card which has a timer circuit that shuts off the IC card within a predetermined time interval is used with a terminal which resets the timer circuit in the IC card in response to any terminal operations. This prevents the IC card from shutting itself off during the terminal operations.

Abstract: A system for scanning bar code labels and for providing data related thereto includes scanning means for optically scanning bar code labels and providing an electrical, binary scan signal in response thereto. The scanning means includes a scanner and a scanner controller, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a converter means, responsive to the scanning means, for translating the electrical, binary scan signal into a related sequence of digital words. The integrated circuit further includes a microprocessor means, responsive to the converter means, for translating the related sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means has first and second microprocessor circuits for independently translating the sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means also has a random access memory for storing the appropriate software to control operation of the first and second microprocessor circuits.

Abstract: A bar code reading system produces a binary signal from an analog signal containing a bar code signal, and demodulates the binary signal into numerals. The bar code reading system includes an amplitude increase detector for detecting when the amplitude of the analog signal steeply changes, and a sequence controller for controlling an output of a demodulator that demodulates the binary signal into numerals. When the amplitude increase detector provides a detected signal, the sequence controller carries out its controlling task as if the bar code has a normal white margin, even if the white margin produces noise. This system correctly recognizes the start of the bar code irrespective of noise and enables a lower limit level thereof to be lowered.

Abstract: A bar code reading arrangement. A laser beam is scanned across a bar code which may be on a remote surface. Two detectors receive light reflected from the bar code, and convert it to an electrical signal. The detectors are laterally spaced on opposite sides of a line defined by the bi-section of the triangular area which is scanned by the laser beam. The electrical signal from the detector receiving only diffusely reflected light is used to identify the content of the bar code. The invention may be practiced in a hand-held unit with trigger means to initiate the bar code reading operation.

Abstract: An information-reading method employs an optical card including, a data section made by a linear information track, an address section for storing an address of the information track, and a guide section located adjacent to the address section and scanned before reading the address section. The address section and guide section are located at each end of said data section. The address and guide sections located at one end of the data section and the address and guide sections located at the other end of the data section are arranged in the same order in one scanning direction of the information track. The method comprises the steps of reading two addresses out of the address sections, by scanning the information track in the one scanning direction, and comparing the two addresses with each other, to thereby detect a tracking error.

Abstract: A scan apparatus, comprising: a platen on which a document can be placed; a criterion member on which at least one black zone and at least one white zone are formed successively in the subscan direction, criterion member being arranged near the platen on the side from which a subscan is started; a device for detecting a linear optical image of the document to obtain the density distribution of the linear optical image; a device for scanning the criterion member and a document in the subscan direction which includes a device that illuminates a document placed on a document area of the platen and the criterion member; and a device for determining a reference timing for starting a scan of the document on the platen, which is connected to the device that detects a linear optical image so as to detect a boundary between the black and white regions and determine the reference timing from the boundary detected.

Abstract: An optical recording sheet includes a plurality of data columns consisting of optical recording dots arranged in a matrix shape and column markers corresponding to the data columns. The data columns and the column markers of the optical recording sheet are detected by an optical line sensor and stored in a memory. On the basis of information stored in the memory, a marker detector detects the column marker and then two memory coordinates having a position known relative to the column marker are calculated. From the two memory coordinates, an inclining angle detector calculates the inclining angle between the optical recording sheet and the optical line sensor. On the basis of the memory coordinates and the inclining angle, an address calculator restores the optical recording dots stored in the memory coordinates.

Abstract: A universal digital code processor device (10) for the processing of scanner digital input data including bar code data is disclosed. The device is flexible and universal in nature in that it can provide inputs to both a fixed program decoder (20) for the decoding of the Universal Product Code (UPC) code as well as a programmable processor (26) which can decode UPC as well as a variety of many other bar codes. Further, the device can handle inputs from various types of scanners (11) including high-speed counter top, hand-held scanners and light pen scanners and magnetic card readers, which provide input data over a wide range of frequencies. A large number of individual frequencies are made available in the device.

Abstract: A bar code reading apparatus includes a scanner, and a measuring circuit for measuring a width of each white bar contained in the bar code and a width of each black bar contained therein and for outputting a measurement signal indicative of the width of the each white or black bar. Further, the apparatus includes first, second and third detection circuits. The first detection circuit detects, from the measurement signal, a white bar having a width equal to or greater than a first reference value and outputs a first detection signal indicative of the width of the white bar. The second detection circuit detects, from the measurement signal, a white bar having a width equal to or greater than a second reference value and outputs a second detection signal indicative of the width of the white bar, the second reference being less than the first reference.

Abstract: A mark sense detector with a threshold detector having a weighted and variable threshold discriminates reflective variations on an illuminated surface such as a hand-marked lottery entry card having a plurality of tracks with potential reflective variations occurring at discrete positions thereon. The card is fed relative to an array of photodetectors for the tracks, each photodetector producing an input signal for a respective one of the tracks in response to reflections of the illuminated surface, the input signal varying with marks and with parameters of the illumination and feeding. The track input signals are applied to follower amplifiers for each of the tracks. An integrator for each of the tracks averages the output of the follower amplifier, the average being divided and applied as the threshold input to a comparator for each of the tracks.

Abstract: A non-contact IC card includes a data transmission/reception circuit for data exchange between the IC card and an external device; a data processor connected to the data transmission/reception circuit; a reset signal receiving circuit for receiving a reset signal from the external device and an initializing circuit for initializing the data processor on the basis of the reset signal received by the reset signal receiving circuit.

Abstract: A method of processing a signal in a bar code reader in which an optical signal provided by scanning a bar code is subjected to photo-electric conversion to provide an analog electrical signal, which is utilized to decode the bar code. The method includes scanning a bar code with a light beam whose diameter is small enough to detect thin bars and determining whether the bar code is a thin bar code or a thick bar code. If the bar code is the thick bar code, the reader employs data based upon analog electrical signals, whose frequency components higher than a first cut-off frequency determined for the thick bar code are cut off, as effective data. If the bar code is the thin bar code, the reader employs data based on analog electrical signals, whose frequency components higher than a second cut-off frequency determined for the thin bar code are cut off, as effective data.

Abstract: A machine readable binary code which is dynamically variable in size, format and density of information is provided. The binary code is formed as a matrix having a perimeter and data contained therein. The perimeter is provided with density indicia for indicating the density of data contained within the matrix. The perimeter is also provided with size indicia for indicating the size of the matrix. By utilizing the density indicia and size indicia, a scanning device is able to calculate the size and information density of the binary code.