Abstract: An apparatus for compiling and processing a plurality of differently printed groups of sheets into collated sets is disclosed, and wherein each of the printed sheets has an indicium thereon at a predetermined location and with the predetermined location on the printed sheets for each group being different from the location of the indicium on the other group of sheets. Feeder structure is provided for sequentially depositing a sheet from each of the groups onto predetermined spaced locations of an advancing conveyor and sensors are mounted along the path of the feeder structure for detecting whether an indicium is present at the proper predetermined location on each of the withdrawn sheets, and such that the sensors are adapted to identify an improperly collated sheet as well as a missing sheet.

Abstract: The present invention specifies a method for the verification of authenticity in a data carrier (1) by measuring permeability to an electromagnetic radiation in at least one region of the data carrier (1). Permeability is scanned over a regional area of the data carrier by means of a radiation detector (7). The output signal of the detector (7) is coded and co-inscribed as additional information in a store of the data carrier with the information data during the initial inscribing of these data. In the reading and authenticity check scanning operation this information is compared with a corresponding additional information stored during the original data inscription.

Abstract: A scanning system (10) for reading bar code symbols including a portable hand-held scanning device (12) is provided. The portable hand-held scanning device (12) generates electrical signals descriptive of the bar code symbols and includes a manually actuatable trigger switch (26) for initiating reading of the bar code symbols each time the manually actuatable trigger switch (26) is actuated by the user when the portable hand-held scanning device (12) is supported by the user. The scanning system (10) further includes a fixture (14) for receiving and supporting the portable hand-held scanning device (12). The fixture includes a head portion (42) and a base portion (40). The hand-held scanning device (12) is supported by the head portion (42) a predetermined distance above the base portion (40) to allow objects bearing the bar code symbols to pass between the head portion (42) and the base portion (40).

Abstract: A lens and elliptical-effect reflector respond to the bar code image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical card reader, in which an optical card (1) having a plurality of parallel tracks T in which respective informations are recorded by the arrangement of optically recorded loci so as to be read optically is irradiated with a light source, the reflected light thereon is introduced into a photo detecting element (10) to thereby read the information, the photo detecting element (10) is controlled by scanning means (31) such that it scans each track T a plurality of times, of the plurality of scannings on the track T by the photo detecting element (10), an effective scanning capable of reading the information is detected by effective scanning detecting means 42 and on the basis of the detected output, an output signal of the photo detecting element (10) is extracted by extracting means (45) only during one scanning period of the scanning means 31.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for recognizing optical information such as bar code has a light source and an image sensor which converts intensity of light reflected by the optical information into an electric image signal. The electric image signal is sample-and-held to detect the average intensity of light from the light source. The time interval for activating the light source is pulse width modulated in accordance with the detected average intensity in a previous operational cycle.

Abstract: A reader for cards having handwritten marks positioned to encode data, is provided with an image recorder for capturing an instantaneous image of the possible mark-bearing area of the card, including the handwritten marks and identification marks printed on the card. A data processor digitizes the data to a matrix of pixels representing grey levels at spaced points in the image. Digital means are provided to locate the identifcation marks and define the expected mark areas of the image field while accounting for positioning error such as skew, and to map the image field into potential mark-bearing areas. A comparator then compares the grey levels at successive pixels or groups of pixels in the mark areas with immediate adjacent pixels or groups, thereby detecting marks by finding contrasting edges. The identification marks printed on the card can be variable in type or position to provide for separate game cards. The reader is adaptable to be reprogrammed for additional games and functions.

Abstract: A portable sensing device for reading data codes comprising a thin, generally planar housing of polygonal shape having a light source and light sensor at one of the corners thereof for reading data codes. The code reader contains a memory not only capable of storing the sensed data codes for future access, but capable of being programmed. A multipurpose battery charger is provided which is capable of charging multiple ones of the code readers simultaneously while receiving outputs from their memories and inputting commands or programming. Although the output from each code reader is performed optically through coded pulsing of the light source, the input occurs through the battery charger terminals, the charging current being delivered in coded pulses. Outputs from multiple code readers placed in a single charger occur sequentially in accordance with coded commands given by the charger.

Abstract: A narrow-bodied, single- and twin-windowed, hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method of controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bar code reading apparatus comprises a reading unit for optically reading a bar code and generating an output data corresponding to this bar code, a memory, and a data processing unit for storing the output data from the reading unit into the memory and making a bar code data in accordance with the content of the memory. This reading apparatus further has a mode selection flag (PSF) for selectively instructing either one of the first and second modes, and the data processing unit stores the output data from the reading unit as it is into the memory when the first mode is designated by the mode selection flag (PSF), while the data processing unit stores the inverted data of the output data from the reading unit into the memory when the second mode is set by the mode selection flag (PSF).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for automatically cataloging and storing pictorial and/or written sections of information in the form of, for example 35-mm slides, X-rays, store catalog pages, etc. in a database for subsequent retrieval by end users of the database. In accordance with the present technique, a bar-code label, including a unique bar-code, is assigned and affixed to each piece or section of information to be separately stored in the database. Each section of information is sequentially fed into a recording arrangement where (a) the bar-code versus a brief description of the information section is recorded in a computer memory, (b) an image of the pictorial and/or written information section is transformed into a video signal and recorded on a separate location of a video tape or disk, and (c) the location of the video signal on the video tape or disk for each section of information is recorded in the computer memory with the associated bar-code and brief description.

Abstract: The present invention specifies a method for the verification of authenticity in a data carrier (1) by measuring permeability to an electromagnetic radiation in at least one region of the data carrier (1). Permeability is scanned over a regional area of the data carrier by means of a radiation detector (7) first in a calibration operation, in which the radiation intensity is adjusted, then in a reading operation at another position of the data carrier. The output signal of the detector (7) is coded and co-inscribed as additional information in a store of the data carrier with the information data during the initial inscribing of these data. In the reading and authenticity check scanning operation this information is compared with a corresponding additional information stored during the original data inscription.

Abstract: In order to meet the requirements for laser radiation safety, namely laser output which can enter the naked human eye indefinitely and cause no discernible damage (Class I emission limit) in a code symbol (bar code) scanner, a mode controller is used for generating a laser enabling the signal so as to turn the laser on in a search mode until the symbols are acquired and in an in-code mode while the symbols are being scanned. When the laser is turned on it operates at a power output which would exceed the Class I emission limits if operated continuously. Circuitry is provided for operating the mode controller so that the laser is not enabled to turn on for a period long enough to exceed Class I limits. Such circuitry may be an integrator or accumulator which responds to the time that the mode controller turns the laser on and which provides an output for inhibiting the mode controller from turning the laser on for a period of time sufficient to prevent the Class I emission limit from being exceeded.

Abstract: In optical mark recognition apparatus the light transmitter has two light sources 11, 12 which can be selectively switched on and which transmit light beams of different spectral compositions. A semi-permeable mirror 15 directs the light beams 13, 14 of both light sources 11, 12 along a common optical path 16 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus of the invention has a light source and a light-receiving unit for receiving light reflected from a data recording medium on which data is recorded and for producing an electrical signal corresponding to an intensity of received light. The light source is driven by a driving circuit. An electrical signal from the light-receiving unit is recognized by a recognizing circuit. The apparatus also has a time counter for producing a signal of a constant period and a detection circuit for detecting if the electrical signal is produced from the light-receiving unit. The driving circuit turns on/off the light source at a proper timing in accordance with ON and OFF signals supplied from a signal generating circuit.

Abstract: In an optical reading apparatus having an image sensor for converting optically readable information into an electrical signal, a sensor driving circuit is arranged to produce at least two clocks with which two or more groups of optical imaging elements of the image sensor are respectively driven. In one embodiment, the two clocks have a time or phase difference therebetween so that signal charges from one group of the imaging elements are derived at once after signal charges of another group are derived. The derived signal charges are read out in a sequence within a period equal to the time difference. This enables a charging time to be twice or more the time difference providing high sensitivity. Since at least two or more read data can be obtained within a single charging time, high-speed reading is also resulted. In another embodiment, the optical reader is switched so that one of high-speed mode and high-resolution mode is selected.

Abstract: An electro-optical counter or detecting apparatus for detecting passage of items therepast. A light emitter projects a constantly pulsed beam of light onto the path of the items and light sensors sense the optical energy reflected from such items. One sensor controls the light emitter to so regulate the amount of light emitted by each pulse that the amount of optical energy reflected by the items does not vary as a function of the reflectivity of the surfaces of such items and does not exceed a predetermined level. Another light sensor senses changes in optical energy beyond such predetermined level and thus senses only the passage of an edge of each item past the pulses light beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for coding and/or decoding a document, comprising a light path (27,28,29) formed of optic fibres and capable to direct light from a lens for focusing the light from a document to be coded or decoded to a light-sensitive device for recording a coded and, respectively, decoded copy of an uncoded and, respectively, coded document. The light path (27,28,29) consists at least along a section of a coding and/or decoding unit (29) comprising a code disc (32) provided with optic fibres (62), the respective ends of which are connected to a first and, respectively, second light guide (27 and, respectively, 28), associated with the light path. The fibres (62) at one end surface of the code disc (32) have a different mutual order than at the other end surface of the code disc. The fibres (62) of the code disc (32) and the fibres (60,61) of the light guides (27, 28) at the end surfaces of the code disc (32) and, respectively, at the ends of the light guides ( 27,28) are located along a circle.

Abstract: An optical scanner in a retail store checkout stand includes a single item detector upstream of the scanner window. Output signals from the item detector and from symbol recognition logic are used to open and close a shutter in the beam path of the scanner laser. The shutter is opened and a first time out sequence is started when the beam path is interrupted. A second, short time out sequence is restarted each time a valid symbol is recognized. A third time out sequence of intermediate length supersedes the first time out sequence when the beam path is cleared. The laser shutter is closed and the symbol is transferred to a terminal or controller upon the completion of any active time out sequence or upon recognition of a predetermined number of identical symbols, whichever comes first.

Abstract: A photoelectric circuit for reading punched data tape wherein the circuit compensates for variations in phototransistors and light emitting diodes, dust accumulation and degradation of the light emitting diodes by comparing the light transmitted through a punched section of the tape to the light transmitted through a solid section of the tape.

Abstract: The positive and negative peak detectors in the interface are reset during each input signal cycle and the reference level used for comparison is switched from one level to another to improve decoding accuracy, with each level determined by the previous two peaks. The input signal is DC coupled and DC offset. The scanner light source is pulsed by a low duty cycle power source if code is not being scanned. The circuit is applicable for digitizing any analog signal with varying amplitudes and/or DC levels and is adaptable to microprocessor control.

Abstract: The light levels reflected from a predetermined blank portion of an optically scanned document are monitored. The presence of dirt or smudges in the optical path which could adversely affect the validity of the information read from the document.

Abstract: A raster scanner has a laser as a source of a scan beam, an optical system including a rotating polygon for scanning the laser beam across the object to be scanned, and a detector pair for identifying the start-of-scan (SOS) and end-of-scan (EOS) positions of the beam scanning path. One or both detectors are modified to incorporate a peak responding circuit which produces a signal whose voltage level represents the maximum light intensity of the scan beam as the scan beam scans across the detector or detectors. The peak responding circuit includes an output tap permitting the peak signal to be read by a suitable voltage reading meter.

Abstract: An optical information reading device for character recognition and processing having an array of luminous diodes to illuminate the material to be read. A sensor transmits received data signals to a pattern indentification circuit. The signals are also transmitted to a light control circuit to vary the illumination to the array to provide uniform lighting of the characters to be read.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with time-clock recording and computation that, through a novel clock track card and separate clock track and data channel optical reading, in cooperation with microprocessor calculation, storage and control, enables automating employee time and attendance and similar data in a format directly recordable on the card and also directly useable by payroll or other processing computers and the like.

Abstract: An optical character reader for conversion of information to a machine readable code from a strip of alpha-numeric characters on the face of a document. It includes an elongated document slot along which the document may be hand guided through a predetermined path. Optical viewing means is provided across a scan line intersecting the path of the alpha-numeric characters. A character scanning assembly electronically generates images of each character. Recognition processing means encodes these images into a machine readable code. All of the physical, optical and electronic components are contained within a compact single enclosure. Incandescent lamps are utilized to illuminate the document face across the scan line. The usable life of each lamp is extended by providing a constant current source in the operational lamp circuit. Incandescent lamps are utilized to illuminate the face of the document across the scan line.

Abstract: Patterns on a recording medium are scanned, with reflected light from a light source, and interference factors occurring from fluctuating diffused reflectance of the recording medium and the changing distance of the light source from the scanning field are overcome through the regulation of the light source in response to the light received by the scanner. With a control loop for the light source undesired information in the image signal is eliminated by regulating the illumination intensity. In the scanning device, a sensor converts the light reflected from the scanning field into a plurality of individual analog signals. A sum signal is formed from the individual signals and is provided, delayed, as a measurable variable and is compared with a predetermined reference value in a comparator. The output signal of the comparator controls a regulating unit in the electric circuit of the light source.

Abstract: A light source capable of producing intermittent flashes of light is used as a light source for illuminating an original. The light source is triggered in response to the read signal and a self-scanning type array of light receptors accumulates the charge representative of a light image focused thereon. In synchronism with the triggering of the light source, the video output is derived from memory means which stores the charge thus accumulated.

Abstract: In a line scan camera system employed to extract information from marks or characters on a document, a memory circuit is used to store the average white and black video output from the camera so that a given white-to-black transition can be compared to adaptive white and black references to compensate for variations in document background light intensity and vignetting associated with the lens of the line scan camera system.

Abstract: A control circuit limits the power supplied to a bar code reader system only to the particular point in time that a bar code located on a record member is being read by an optical wand. Control signals are generated during the time the reader system is not in a reading mode, which reduces the amount of power supplied to the reader system. Upon entering a read mode as determined by signals generated by the optical wand, power is supplied for a predetermined time sufficient to read the bar code on the record member. A plurality of single-shot multivibrators generate control signals for cyclically interrupting the power supply when the reader system is in a non-read mode, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the reader system.

Abstract: An adaptive threshold optical reader for detecting optically encoded information when positioned within an optical path, including a light source for producing light energy along the optical path, a light detector responsive to the light energy along the optical path and for producing an ouput signal in accordance with the light energy detected by the light detector, means responsive to the output signal from the light detector and with the means having at least two states and with the means in a first state producing an adaptive threshold signal when there is no optically encoded information positioned within the optical path and with the adaptive threshold signal representative of the output signal from the light detector with a threshold level of optically encoded information and adaptive to optical changes and with the means in a second state for producing an information signal representative of the output signal from the light detector when there is optically encoded information positioned within the opt

Abstract: Marks on test answer sheets and the like are detected by scanning with fiber optic line-to-circle converter using a single photocell. Four to five rows of optical fibers each about 2 to about 3 mils thick make up the fiber optic line, and the fiber optic "circle" is an arc no greater than about 95% of a circle. Scanning can be compensated for flaws in the optics and for poor response when photocell begins scanning the arc. Sheets are fed in spaced sequence. Electrically operated clutch-brake with spring-carried clutch synchronizes feed with scanning, particularly when clutch is opened for not over 0.1 second and is closed by a current pulse at a voltage substantially greater than used for holding it closed. Electronic logic can disable the equipment if markings on sheets show that improper control sheets are used. Scoring can be checked by verifying count of control sheet markings each time a test sheet is scored.

Abstract: Stop marks are printed on a document such as a bank passbook to indicate the position of the last data entry. The passbook is fed into the present apparatus until the lowermost stop mark is sensed. The passbook is stopped after a predetermined number of timing pulses have been counted after detection of the stop mark and another stop mark is printed on the passbook. The density of the new stop mark is sensed and, if insufficient, more stop marks are printed on top of the new stop mark until the sensed density becomes sufficient. Each stop mark may comprise two or more parallel lines which must be detected separately.

Abstract: After certain checks have been automatically made, and answer document is continuously scanned by successively and repeatedly switching the various phototransistors, one for each column of response positions or bubbles printed with ink visible to infrared energy, into a conductive or light-responsive state. In this way, between timing marks, each phototransistor is constantly employed to determine the light transmittivity of the document as far as that particular phototransistor is concerned. When an opaque timing mark is not passing by an additional phototransistor assigned to sense light passing through the document at that period, the data obtained is used to determine what the level of paper translucency is, an average paper level being stored for each cell that is subsequently compared with acquired data obtained between later arriving timing marks, the average being modified as required.

Abstract: Signal processing circuitry for a bar-coded data input terminal having a bar-code reading device, such as light pen, for reading bar-coded identity data, from bar-coded identity labels, attached to items to be identified for instance takes an output signal from the reading device and derives a processed signal in which changes of signal level are cleaner than corresponding level changes in the output signal. The signal processing circuitry employs a high gain operational amplifier to an input of which the output signal is passed through a capacitor. The amplifier has a capacitor and two diodes, with their conduction directions opposite, connected in parallel between the input and the output of the amplifier, from which an amplified signal opposite to the reading device output signal is delivered. A threshold detector receives the amplified signal and provides a processed signal in which signal level changes in dependence upon the amplified signal passing through threshold levels.

Abstract: A television camera for picking up a bar coded label is controlled to produce scanning lines contacting each other as by halving its vertical sync frequency, producing an elliptical beam, alternating narrow beams with wide beam, or utilizing wobbling technique. Also a raster formed of the scanning lines is stepwise rotated by a pulse motor. Alternatively a pair of horizontal and vertical deflection coils disposed in quadrature relationship with the other pair of similar coils are supplied with sawtoothed deflection currents varying in amplitude at predetermined equal intervals and in quadrature relationship with similar current supplied to the other coil pair. For spaced scanning lines, a video signal from the television camera affected by its after-images is blocked by a gate. Alternatively, the signal is subtracted from a video signal due to the preceding scanning line correlative to the same to remove the effect of the after-images.

Abstract: The method for reading information from a punched carrier, consists of modulating a radiation flux emitted by a radiation source by information holes of the punched carrier and then additionally modulating by an additional modulation means. The double-modulated radiation flux is then reflected by a reflector to a photosensitive input of a main converter which converts the radiation flux into a primary information signal. The primary information signal is then compared to a reference signal which changes according to the law of additional modulation, whereupon the preset signal is discriminated. The proposed device for effecting the method comprises a radiation source optically connected to a reflector through the information holes of the punched carrier, as well as through an additional modulation means. The additional modulation means can performthe functions of the reflector.

Abstract: A record is prepared recording certain findings to provide an object record. The information of the object record is compared with stored information which comprises a function of the probability of occurrence of these certain findings in a particular class. An index of matching is established between the stored information relating to the class and the information of the object record to provide readout information.

Abstract: A large number of closely spaced holograms are formed on a sheet, each hologram comprising an information portion and an identification portion. First scan means movably position the sheet relative to a reconstruction beam and a sensor means for reading a selected hologram. The sensor means reads the identification portion of the reconstructed hologram to determine whether said hologram is the selected hologram. If said hologram is the selected hologram, a second scan means is actuated to read the information area. If said hologram is not the selected hologram, the first scan means is actuated to move to the next hologram. The process is continued until the selected hologram is located. The identification area further comprises a density reference section which is read to produce a bias reference signal for combination with the information signals. In digital applications the bias reference signal establishes the quantization threshold.

Abstract: A system which processes menus on which food items have been selected. The menu is encoded to have a plurality of detecting paths, with a first transverse row of preassigned markings in selected areas of the paths. Additionally, there are provided uniform indicated spaces arranged in a subsequent transverse row on the menu. Each indicating space is associated with a respective food item. The user selectively places marks in the indicating spaces indicating desired food items. The system detects the preassigned markings in the first row and in response thereto initializes circuitry to register information identifying the menu, specifically the menu diet and meal. The system then detects the additional markings placed in the indicating spaces, and a recording circuit responds to these additional markings to record a count for each food item selected for that particular identified menu diet. The system then tallies the total count for each food item of all of the different types of menus.

Abstract: A bundle of illuminating optical fibers conveys light from a light source to an area on a document in which a mark may be present or absent. A bundle of reading optical fibers conveys light reflected from the area to a light sensor. The amount of conveyed light is less when the mark is present than when the mark is absent so that the light sensor may determine whether the mark is present. The optical axes of the optical fibers are perpendicular to the document at the ends thereof facing the document. The width of the reading optical fiber bundle and the distance of the reading optical fiber bundle from the illuminating optical fiber bundle are selected to provide maximum contrast between marks and the background of the document so that glossy marks made by pencil as well as non-glossy marks made by felt-tip pen or the like can be reliably read.

Abstract: A light pen is scanned across a bar coded label to produce a reflected light signal having a modulated intensity. The average peak-to-peak value of the plus and minus peaks of the return signal is continuously generated to provide a reference for detecting each subsequent positive and negative transistion. The instantaneous average peak-to-peak reference permits the positive transistions to be distinguished from the negative transistions in spite of large deviations in the amplitude modulation and large shifts in the signal to ambient light level ratio of the return signal. Initially the light pen is operated in a low power pulsed mode. The initial transistions in the return signal cause the pen to temporarily illuminate the bar coded label with a continuous light, and activate plus and minus peak detectors.