Abstract: An optical information recording/regenerating apparatus includes an optical head for irradiating a regeneration light spot to a plurality of tracks on an optical recording medium simultaneously via an objective optical system. A regenerating arrangement is provided for simultaneously scanning the plurality of tracks to which the optical head has irradiated the regeneration light spot, and then reading recorded information from the plurality of tracks. An error-correcting arrangement is provided which receives the recorded information read by the regenerating arrangement for performing error correction using the error-correcting codes for the plurality of tracks. An error-correction result memory arrangement is provided for storing results that indicate whether or not the error-correcting arrangement succeeded in error correction.

Abstract: A beam-spot control unit is arranged such that a light beam is irradiated onto an optical recording medium having a plurality of tracks, through an objective lens, to detect reflecting light of beam spots formed on the tracks by three or more photo detecting elements which are arranged in a direction corresponding to a track transverse direction. From a tracking error signal which is generated by a difference signal of pairs of photo detecting elements which are selected by a selecting switch from these photo detecting elements, a control signal is generated which positions the beam spots to a plurality of recording lines within a single track. A tracking control mechanism is utilized to enable positioning of the beam spots to a plurality of recording lines within the single track to be performed.

Abstract: A light beam emitted from a light emitting element is trimmed by a collimation lens to produce a parallel light. The parallel light is converged on an optical card by an objective. Light returned from the optical card forms an image on a read/track detector through a beam splitter. A binary-coded signal generator generates binary-coded signals from detected signals of the read/track detector. The binary-coded signal generator comprises a plurality of I-V converters for converting the detected signals in every track of the read/track detector in current and voltage, and a plurality of binary circuits for comparing the signals converted in current and voltage with a plurality of comparison values and thus generating binary-coded signals.

Abstract: A device for analyzing information carriers, particularly gaming coupons or receipts, includes a carrier receiver device, an image scanning device for reading the information on the carrier, a processing unit for processing the image information and for transmitting the information to a central gaming management unit. The carrier is printed with multiple colors. The image scanning device includes an optical reader which is blind to a single color, but sensitive to all other colors. The carrier has fixed marking patterns, printed in the color to which the image scanning device is blind, which delineate where the player marks the carrier with variable gaming information. The carrier also has fixed information for alignment and type designation printed in other colors. The processing unit uses stored marking patterns corresponding to the type of carrier analyzed, by superimposing blind color information.

Abstract: Image processing systems and methods for retrieving digital data stored in a plurality of contiguous data cells on photographic film. An image sensor samples the image data at a plurality of pixel positions in each of the data cells and generates grayscale image data that is processed into a one-dimensional stream of binary pixels. A data sampling system processes the binary pixels by first selecting those binary pixels that correspond to the data cell centers. Then, a digital output signal is constructed from the selected pixels to represent the original data stored on the film. The stream of binary pixels are read in series. In particular, transitions, detected in the stream of binary pixels, are used to periodically estimate the data cell pitch and the transition phase. A plurality of, e.g. N, suggested distances from the current pixel to the next sampling point are located using the transition phases of the most recent N transitions.

Abstract: A novel bar code and optical reader for scanning the same. The bar code consists of two parallel channels of marks and spaces representing bit sequences, a given bit in one sequence being associated with a bit in the other sequence, forming successive bit pairs. The data is encoded in the logical exclusive-or combination of the bit pairs. An alternating clock scheme is further used to encode the data, which limits the width of any mark or space to twice the minimum width. The optical reader includes two optical detectors connected to a microprocessor which records the time intervals between mark/space transitions in each channel. These time intervals are used to reconstruct the bit sequences in each channel; the bit sequences may then be correlated and the XOR operation performed, yielding the encoded data.

Abstract: A method for decoding and processing at high speed by reading two-dimensional code symbol marks by a code reader in a small memory capacity. The X-axis side indication line 4 or Y-axis side indication line 5 in an information area 8 recording the code symbol mark 2 is read by the code reader 3, and division marks 7 recorded on the X-axis side indication line 4 or Y-axis side indication line 5 are detected. At every interval of dividing the division marks 7 in the Y-axis direction or X-axis direction by a specific integer value, the code mark 9 of the binary signal recorded in the information are 8 is sequentially read by the code reader 3 up to an end part of the Y-axis side indication line 5 or the X-axis side indication line 4 and the region formed in each square, of which one side is the interval of the division mark 7 is read by the code reader 3, or the length between the division codes divided by an integer value is processed, thereby decoding the code symbol mark 2.

Abstract: A nonvolatile electro-optical read-only memory includes a substrate on which is printed (or otherwise inscribed) a complex symbol or "label" with a high density two-dimensional symbology, a variable number of component symbols or "codewords" per row, and a variable number of rows. Codewords in alternating rows are selected from mutually exclusive subsets of a mark pattern such as a (17,4) mark pattern. The subsets are defined in terms of particular values of a discriminator function, which is illustrated as being a function of the widths of bars and spaces in a given codeword. In the illustrated embodiment, each subset includes 929 available codewords; that, plus a two-step method of decoding scanned data, permitting significant flexibility in defining mappings of human-readable symbol sets into codewords. The memory may be used in conjunction with a scanner and a suitable control system in a number of applications, e.g., robotic operations or automated microfilm searching.

Abstract: The present invention reads out track addresses written onto ID sections of a recording medium, for example, from five, tracks of the plurality of tracks read out simultaneously, to execute demodulation and error correction. In case where the addresses are multiple-written onto the ID sections, the optical spot judges the track address of the desired track on the basis of the plurality of read-out track addresses until the optical spot passes through the remaining track address. Further, in case where there is only a single one of the track addresses written on said ID sections, the track addresses are read out one by one, are demodulated and are error-corrected. The track address of the desired track is judged on the basis of the plurality of read-out track addresses, prior to the fact that the optical spot enters an information recording area.

Abstract: A CMD (change moduation device) control circuit in an optical card reproducing apparatus comprises a data interval detector which detects a data pit interval from a binary valued signal from a binary value converter and from a row and a column addresses generated by a row address generator and a column address generator, respectively, during scanning of a CMD sensor with a row address generator and a column address generator, a track guide column address detector for detecting a column address of a track guide from the binary valued signal by scanning the CMD sensor, and a decoder for decoding a recorded data from the data pit intervals detected by the data interval detector. In this optical card reproducing apparatus, the decoding is carried out directly from the recorded data pit intervals without moving the optical card during the reproducing operation. Thus, accurate decoding or reproducing of the data can be achieved.

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

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: The reading timing determination unit determines a timing at which identification marks such as print bar codes should be read. The reading unit reads identification marks in accordance with the timing to provide identification mark data in a numerical form. The discrimination unit compares identification mark data with data value of an identification mark to be primarily printed to judge whether or not the identification mark is correctly printed. The signal generation unit produces a notifying signal when it is judged that the identification mark is not correctly printed. In this way, this apparatus tests whether or not identification marks successively printed on a moving body in the form of sheet by the printing machine are correctly printed.

Abstract: A mark sense form and an optical mark reader operate together as an optical mark reading system to accomplish the opposite side scanning of the mark sense form. The opposite side scanning mark sense form comprises a sheet of material having a timing track preprinted on only one side of the sheet and one or more response areas located on the opposite side of the sheet, or on both sides of the sheet, in a predetermined relationship to one of the timing marks in the timing track. The response areas may have an associated response bubble printed as an outline for the user in selectively marking the mark sense form with data marks.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning answer sheets with a series of closely-spaced parallel scan lines to produce scan signals for spots closely-spaced along each scan line, thereby producing a rectilinear data array of binary (black/white) representations at the intersections of a rectangular coordinate grid. Marks on the answer sheet are detected and processed to develop and print-out a score for the examinee by means of a dot-matrix printer. Scan spot signals representing the examinee's name written in prior to the test are used to directly control the dot-matrix printer to reproduce the examinee's name. The scan spot signals representing the name are stored with and physically accompany the test results, so that at any time the score data can be printed out together with the examinee's name.

Abstract: A label and a process are provided for encoding target acquisition information and data information on an optically readable label at different resolutions. A multiplicity of cells is arranged in a regular pattern wherein each cell in the pattern may have one of at least two different optical properties to permit acquisition information encoding of the cells. Target acquisition information is encoded in the cells at a low resolution by assigning one of the plurality of optical properties to the cells in the pattern. The information-encoded cells are divided into a plurality of subcells. Data information is encoded at a high resolution in the subcells of the information-encoded cells.

Abstract: A method of derotating an image includes the following steps: Scanning a scannable image to capture in memory a pixel by pixel mapped image; determining size and skew of the mapped image; performing a series of area-limited vertical pixel shifts upon the mapped image; and performing a series of area-limited horizontal pixel shifts upon the mapped image. Data contained in informational cells of the scannable image can be extracted by locating clock bits, and using the clock bits to establish a nominal horizontal and vertical position of each cell in the mapped image.

Abstract: Questionnaires are scanned for answers(marks) handmarked thereon by defining areas of interest which can be expanded in an area of interest pixel map. An unmarked questionnaire is initialized by scanning to create a pixel map of an original image area, with any printed objects or text on the page being selected as alignment and reference points, rather than requiring timing marks and special registration marks. Areas of interest are defined answer area locations with their original pixel data stored in an initial database. Questionnaire pages are scanned for new answer images thereon by aligning both the page and the individual answer areas, and comparing the scanned page with the stored, unmarked page pixel map, thereby removing the pre-printed area from the newly scanned area to detect any new answers.

Abstract: A multiple resolution optically encoded label is readable at two or more optical resolutions, and is able to store two or more respective channels of optically encode information. Low resolution information is encoded in a plurality of large cells arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern. Each of the large cells includes a plurality of smaller cells for storing high resolution information. Method and apparatus are disclosed for encoding both high resolution data, and low resolution data, as well as for finding and reading both high resolution and low resolution data.

Abstract: An identification code sheet includes of codes of merchandise, a character string or a document etc. The sheet can be read by a sensor. The identification code sheet including a representation area defined by both a X-axis and a Y-axis intersecting mutually either orthogonally or skewedly and sub-areas of identification code printed in are representation area. The said representation area is divided into sixteen or more sub-areas, in each of which an identification code of encoded indicia is recorded. With the coding and method much more informations relative to the conventional techniques may be handled and more particularly much more Kana-Kanzi, Arabic and Chinese letters etc. as well as numerical characters, symbols, and alphabets may be represented which can be easily read.

Abstract: A response form processing system (22) is provided which allows for the processing of response forms (10) which comprise a group code (20), questions (12) and (14), response prompts (16) and response blocks (18). The system (22) comprises a response scanner (28) which is coupled to a processor (26). The processor (26) receives information from the group code (20) which identifies which questions are present on a particular response form (10) and comprises information as to the format of a particular form. The processor (26) then receives the scanned responses from the response scanner (28). The processor (26) organizes and tabulates the responses and is capable of producing reports comprising the information received from the response forms (10).

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for decoding data read from a bar code label which includes a filter for detecting the occurrence of a character in the data generated by an optical scanner in reading the bar code label, a first processor for detecting whether the character is valid or a suspect character which may be a valid or a non-valid character and a second processor means for processing the suspect characters to determine if they are valid for use in detecting the numerical characters in the data.

Abstract: An optically encoded information bearing label containing a two dimensional array of data cells includes a finder pattern comprising a plurality of spots arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern substantially analogous to the predetermined geometric pattern of said two dimensional array of data cells. The finder pattern is detected by first scanning the image area to detect spots. The locations of detected spots are compared to the known geometry of the finder pattern in order to provide for rapid and reliable finding of the finder pattern and the information bearing label. Additionally, the detected finder pattern spots provide information for decoding the two dimensional data array in order to compensate for label magnification, tilt and other distortions.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer (50) is inscribed by a laser scribe system with a numeric wafer identifying number in binary dot-array encoded form to facilitate machine readability. A matrix (20) of predetermined dot locations on the wafer defines a series of parallel columns (e.g. 28) of dot locations, each column corresponding to a respective digit of the ID number. In each column, a number of dots equal to the numeric value of the corresponding digit plus one (N+1) is marked in a contiguous series starting from a baseline row (27,39) of the matrix. A pair of dot arrays (20,30) thus formed are aligned for convenient validity checking. The wafer area required for a dot-array encoded ID number is less than the area required to write a single digit of the ID number in alphanumeric form (14).

Abstract: A card reader and validator for use in wagering terminals includes a housing with a paper path. A paper drive surface of a drive wheel projects into the paper path. A platen assembly includes a pressure roller for pressing paper against the paper drive surface of the drive wheel and a platen surface for pressing paper agianst the paper path at a processing zone. The platen assembly is pivotally mounted to the housing in a manner such that it is biased toward the paper path when the drive wheel rotates in one direction and is lifted away from the paper path when the drive wheel rotates in the opposite direction. Corresponding ribs in the platen surface and paper path flatten the paper in the processing zone to facilitate the reading of optical marks on the paper by optical sensors. An ink jet printhead is provided for printing indicia on a portion of paper traveling through the paper path. A wick mounted to the platen assembly absorbs ink from the ink jet printhead during a purge cycle.

Abstract: Binary image processing techniques are provided for decoding bitmap image space representations of self-clocking glyph shape codes of various types (e.g., codes presented as original or degraded images, with one or a plurality of bits encoded in each glyph, while preserving the discriminability of glyphs that encode different bit values) and for tracking the number and locations of the ambiquities (sometimes referred to herein as "errors") that are encountered during the decoding of such codes. A substantial portion of the image processing that is performed in the illustrated embodiment of this invention is carried out through the use of morphological filtering operations because of the parallelism that is offered by such operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading information out of an optical record medium including a semiconductor laser diode for emitting a laser beam, a collimator lens, a beam splitter, an objective lens, converging lens and a photodetector. The laser beam emitted from the laser diode is made incident upon the optical record medium via the collimator lens, beam splitter and objective lens, and a light flux reflected by the optical record medium is made incident upon the photodetector via the objective lens, beam splitter and converging lens. The laser diode and collimator lens are arranged such that the laser beam is projected upon the optical record medium in a de-focused condition, while the objective lens is in-focused on the optical record medium.

Abstract: A multiple resolution optically encoded label is readable at two more optical resolutions, and is able to store two or more respective channels of optically encoded information. Low resolution information is encoded in a plurality of large cells arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern. Each of the large cells includes a plurality of smaller cells for storing high resolution information. Method and apparatus are disclosed for encoding both high resolution data, and low resolution data, as well as for finding and reading both high resolution and low resolution data.

Abstract: A computer compatible master character consisting of a common dot and eight equally spaced arms extending from it is provided. Individual characters are made up of subsets of these eight arms. This system provides a total of 255 characters. Each arm corresponds to a respective bit of a computer word. Numerals constitute a subset of the character set. The master numeral has four arms--each at 45.degree. to the horizontal. This configuration for the master numeral permits a very simple photoreader to be used. Initial use was in reading the code column of a coding sheet for an 8-bit computer.

Abstract: A "mark read" document is prepared with a pattern of boxes within which marks may selectively be entered, together with printed characters for instructions or other informational purposes. The characters and boxes both are formed on the sheet with printing material having an optical spectrum capable of detection by the optical sensing device to be used for scanning the document. A template sheet then is prepared to present only the pattern of boxes as they appear on the original sheet, without any characters. This template sheet is passed through a computer-controlled optical scanner which examines the pattern of boxes and stores in the computer memory numbers representing coordinates identifying the location of each box.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and reproducing information using an optical card comprising a memory region in which one pit train for supplying a track servo signal and a synchronizing signal is formed at a edge portion of the memory region. The optical card achieves increased storing capacity by including only one pit train. The recording/reproduction apparatus for the card has a first and second optical heads. The first optical head scans the pit train to obtain the track servo signal and a synchronizing signal. The second optical head is used for recording and reproducing information from the optical card.

Abstract: Weighted and unweighted convolution filtering processes are provided for decoding bitmap image space representations of self-clocking glyph shape codes and for tracking the number and locations of the ambiquities or "errors" that are encountered during the decoding. This error detection may be linked to or compared against the error statistics from an alternative decoding process, such as the binary image processing techniques that are described herein to increase the reliability of the decoding that is obtained.

Abstract: An identification code sheet for representing codes for merchandise, or the like and a method for reading the identification code sheet. The identification code sheet for identification of merchandise or the like, according to the invention, comprises a representation area defined by both a X-axis and a Y-axis intersecting mutually either orthgonally a skewedly and sub-area of identification code printed in said representation area. According to the invention, said representation area is divided into sixteen or more sub-areas, in each of which an identificiation code of signal codes of binary type is recorded. In this manner, more information may be stored compared to conventional techniques and more particularly more Kana-Kanzi, Arabic and Chinese letters etc. as well as numerical characters, symbols, and alphabets may be represented and easily read.

Abstract: Matrices, devices and processes for identifying articles. The matrices employ a pattern of dots which may be decoded by an imager such as those use in CCD cameras. A reference marker, information dots corresponding to characters in a selected symbology system and a reference cue which may be part of the reference marker or information dots, or a separate mark, are interpreted by comparing distances between the reference marker and information dots, and the angles of the information dots to the reference cue relative to the reference marker in order to produce a series of vectors. The vectors may be scaled for distance and compensated for attitude of the matrices relative to the imager, and are compared to information in a database in order to identify characters in the symbology system that correspond to the information dots. The characters may be stored and compared to database information such as, for instance, a list of names and addresses.

Abstract: A barcode reader provided with a skewed reading circuit is provided wherein the image of a barcode symbol to be scanned by a scanner is divided into as multiplicity of pixels by dividing it in the scanning direction of the scanner and the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction and the pixels or the binary data corresponding to the pixels along lines of a skewed reading direction which are relative to the scanning direction of the scanner by a specified angle of n (.THETA.) are read out by the skewed reading circuit where n is an integer greater than 1. This skewed reading circuit allows the angle allowable for scanning and readign when the barcode symbol is skewed relative to the scanning direction.

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.

Abstract: An optical card comprising a memory region in which one pit train for supplying a track servo signal and a synchronizing signal is formed at a edge portion of the memory region. The optical card achieves increased storing capacity by including only one pit train. A recording/reproduction apparatus for the card comprises first and second optical heads. The first optical head scans the pit train to obtain the track servo signal and a synchronizing signal. The second optical head is used for recording and reproducing information from the optical card.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided whereby a template for a pre-printed survey page is developed and captured as a computer data file, so that a number of pre-printed pages having the same form may be analysed to determine the presence or absence of a mark in each response position found on that form. The forms are analysed by feeding them, seriatim, to a reading station where a digital image of each form is captured using one or more video cameras. The same station is used to set up the template in the first instance, whereby data determining reference frame lines, landmark and whitemark positions within the reference frame, and response positions, may all be pre-determined. A plurality of cameras may be used for each pre-printed page, each camera viewing only a small portion of the page, with the fields of the cameras overlapping to some extent.

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 data card for a printer includes a plurality of data areas. Data readable by a sensor can be written in the data areas to control specifications or functions of a serial printer. A standard mark is printed on the data card to provide a reference position. The serial printer includes the data card, a card receiver into which the data card is detachably inserted, a sensor for reading data written in the data card, and a carriage having a printing head thereon. Either the card receiver or the sensor is mounted to the carriage. The other component is fixedly arranged within the serial printer. The serial printer further includes a memory for storing the data, and a controller for controlling a printing mechanism according to the data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A data card for a printer includes a plurality of data areas. Data readable by a sensor can be written in the data areas to control specifications or functions of a serial printer. A standard mark is printed on the data card to provide a reference position. The serial printer includes the data card, a card receiver into which the data card is detachably inserted, a sensor for reading data written in the data card, and a carriage having a printing head thereon. Either the card receiver or the sensor is mounted to the carriage. The other component is fixedly arranged within the serial printer. The serial printer further includes a memory for storing the data, and a controller for controlling a printing mechanism according to the data stored in the memory.

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 slip, a method of automatic reading of the slip, and an apparatus used therefor comprising a slip with delineated thereon a control mark made up of line segments of different lengths sequentially arranged in a line for representing a kind of format, information marks spaced apart from the control mark, each thereof being made up of line segments of different sizes arranged sequentially in a line, for representing task data, and information marks spaced apart from the information marks representing numerical data consisting of regions where numerals are written in and regions where bar patterns are written in, a scanning device receiving the slip as input thereto and outputting image data therefrom, a file unit previously storing therein formats corresponding to control marks, criterion coordinates and criterion numerical values corresponding to information marks representing task data, and criterion coordinates corresponding to information marks representing numerical data, read only memories storing therei

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.

Abstract: A secure storage system for keys or similar articles has an locked storage module with a drawer. A horizontal drawer shelf holds a plurality of cards in numbered slots. Each card has a self-clocking bar code ID number that is scanned by a fixed optical reader as the drawer is opened or closed. A computer connected to the module stores in memory the key number and slot location of each stored key whenever the drawer is opened and closed. An authorized user enters his authorization code and a desired key number into the computer which unlocks the storage module. The computer displays the slot location of the requested key, inventories the keys and maintains records of all transactions.

Abstract: A response form processing system (22) is provided which allows for the processing of response forms (10) which comprise a group code (20), questions (12) and (14), response prompts (16) and response blocks (18). The system (22) comprises a group code reader (24) and a response scanner (28) which are coupled to a processor (26). The processor (26) receives information from the group code reader (24) which identifies which questions are present on a particular response form (10). The processor (26) then receives the scanned responses from the response scanner (28). The processor (26) organizes and tabulates the responses and is capable of producing reports comprising the information received from the response forms (10).

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus reproduces an information signal from a card type optical recording medium from which an information signal can be optically read out and on which an information signal is discretely recorded as a plurality of blocks each consisting of a plurality of track trains. The apparatus comprises a detector formed with a plurality of detecting elements arranged two-dimensionally. A light beam from a reproducing light source irradiates the entire area of the block as a recording unit. The detector detects light reflected from the optical card, and a extractor extracts a detection output of one of the track trains in the block on the basis of a detection output from the detector.

Abstract: A method for optically scanning a document having preprinted marking positions is disclosed. According to the invention, the document has a specified format including rows of preprinted marking positions to be scanned. Document size in at least one direction is automatically measured at each row of preprinted marking materials before that row is scanned. The scanning of each row of preprinted marking positions is automatically adjusted to compensate for random variations in shrinkage and expansion of document size. Document skew relative to the scanning camera is automatically measured at each row of preprinted marking positions to be scanned before scanning each row, and an indication that scanning should not continue is provided if any skew measurement exceeds a predetermined skew limit.

Abstract: An information recording medium comprises a plurality of record bands each having a plurality of information recording tracks arranged orthogonally to a direction of the track, and the record bands are arranged orthogonally to a direction of arrangement of the tracks. Identification fields are provided in the respective bands to allow identification of track groups.

Abstract: A format is provided with special error check pits in order to take countermeasures when readout errors occur. Furthermore, in order to take countermeasures when readout errors occur due to local contamination on the optical data recording card, the data are distributed and then recorded. In order to perform the efficient access to data, required data representing a predetermined address value are also recorded together with the general data. A method is also provided for forming pits by modulating the digital signal and an optical system as well as a signal processing system of a reading device used in connection with the optical data recording cards. The optical data recording cards on which are recorded the data by the method of the present invention can be used in various fields as recording media for storage of computer programs, images, musical data and various data bases.