Abstract: Apparatus for reading code elements which are relieved from a container. A source of light projects normally at the code elements while the container is rotated to sequentially illuminate each of the code elements. A sensor receives light which is reflected approximately normal to the surface of the container but avoids light which is reflected from the surface of each code element at an appreciable angle relative to the normal. The intensity of the reflections from regions of said container not containing a code element are relatively large compared to reflections received from portions of the container surface containing a code element and a threshold is set therebetween.

Abstract: In an optical reader a lens is mounted in and held in a mounting recess at a portion of the tip of a casing accommodating a light emitting element and a light receiving element, the recess continuing from a tapered bore through which light from the light emitting element passes. The casing is formed by resin molding, and the mounting recess has a flat bottom surface. Therefore, the apparatus can be manufactured at low cost while preventing the lens from becoming damaged during its press fitting into the recess, and also enabling the lens to be securely held therein.

Abstract: A reader/writer apparatus for an optical memory card for reading and/or writing data with respect to the optical memory card having a data storing face, which apparatus comprises a card holder including a carriage carrying and holding the card inserted and transporting the card to a reading or writing position and a feeding mechanism for driving the carriage. The reader/writer of the present invention may further comprise an optical waveguide holder holding an optical waveguide, which is connected, at a base end thereof, to the light emitting and receiving section of a reading head, so that another end of the optical waveguide may oppose a data recording face of the optical memory card. The waveguide holder is moved independently of the movement of the car holder. The reader/writer apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a regulating member for regulating the angular position of the card.

Abstract: A reader-writer apparatus for an optical memory card for reading and/or writing data with respect to the optical memory card having a data storing face, which apparatus includes a card holder including a carriage for carrying and holding the card inserted thereon and transporting the card to a reading or writing position and a feeding mechanism for driving the carriage. The reader/writer in another aspect of the present invention includes an optical waveguide holder holding an optical waveguide, which is connected at a base end thereof to the light emitting and receiving section of a reading head, so that another end of the optical waveguide may oppose a data recording face of the optical memory card. The waveguide holder is moved independently of the movement of the card holder.

Abstract: A recognition device for authenticating documents is disclosed. The recognition device comprises a reading head for optically scanning the documents. The reading head includes at least two modules of substantially identical construction, each of which is provided with a line of photosensors. The reading head also includes means for determining the spectral sensitivity of the modules. The recognition device also includes a conveying system for providing relative movement between the reading head and the documents being scanned. An evaluation means correlates signals provided by the photosensors with prestored values to control a sorter which sorts the documents based on their authenticity or falsehood.

Abstract: Optically-readable identification means embedded in an article to be identified. One method of the invention is to apply the identification means to an article and then subsequently cover the article, at least in the area of the identification means, with a protective layer so that the identification means becomes an integral part of the article. In the case of fiberglass articles, the identification means is applied to the article before the final layer of epoxy or polyester is applied. In one preferred embodiment for high temperature applications, there is provided an embeddable bar code strip comprising a bar code which can withstand high temperatures disposesd on a polymeric carrier substrate which is stable at temperatures to at about 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This bar code is preferably iron powder placed on a polyimide substrate by means of xerographic copying. In another preferred embodiment, for nonreflective articles, one surface of the carrier substrate is coated with aluminum by vapor deposition.

Abstract: A composite magnetic and optical head comprises a magnetic sensor including a magnetic core which is adapted to detect a magnetic pattern recorded on a record medium; an optical sensor including a nonmagnetic light transmitting member located along a distal gap of the magnetic sensor and an optical fiber bundle having one end connected to the light transmitting member, and adapted to detect an optical pattern recorded on the record medium; and a holder containing the magnetic and optical sensors in the internal space thereof, the holder having two opposite side walls extending at right angles to the distal gap of the magnetic core and one end face from which the distal gap projects outward.

Abstract: An optical code reading device comprises a light source and scanning head for projecting light for illuminating a code to be read, only one single mode optical fiber for transferring the light from the light source so that the spot size can be made as small as possible and shape of the light can be a true circle.

Abstract: A control system suitable for incorporating in control panels and effecting remote control of apparatus includes a light guide bus system including input and output light guides and optical switches carried on a removable optical bridge member bridging in use the input and output light guides so that the switches may be selectively connected into the bus system. Each switch is of a known optically encoding type which on operation of that switch passes its particular control code into the light guide bus system for subsequent decoding and appropriate control of the apparatus.

Abstract: An exceptionally thin, replaceable reader head for an optical code reader has a thin base upon which are mounted both a light source for illuminating the codes in an edgewise direction relative to the base, and a light sensor for receiving light reflected from the codes also in an edgewise direction, the light sensor including an optical fiber for contacting the codes. Detachable electrical connectors for the light source and light sensor, respectively, extend generally in opposite edgewise directions for connection to the electrical circuits of the optical code reader. The base of the reader head contains deformable mounts for fixedly connecting the light source and light sensor to the base, as well as fiber holding structures for holding the optical fiber in a predetermined position relative to the base.

Abstract: An optoelectronic reading pen for scanning optically encoded information, applied to an information carrier, particularly in the form of a bar or line code, including means for illuminating the information carrier and an optoelectronic sensor which receives the light reflected from the information carrier and converts the reflected light into an electric signal, wherein ambient light from the environment of the reading pen is collected and used for illuminating the information carrier. Thus, the current intake is drastically reduced by the fact that, instead of an internal LED light source, light from the environment is used for illuminating the information carrier.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor has an optically detectable coded track movable relative to a mask. The track is illuminated by light conducted by an optical fibre from a remote light source and the image of the track is focussed by a mirror on to the aperture of a second fibre. The mirror is mechanically movable to scan the image of the code over the fibre end to produce light pulses in the fiber which can be decoded at a remote receiver. The mirror is actuated electrically by electric energy from a photo-voltaic cell illuminated by light from a third fiber. Bits in the coded track are only partially opaque but the mask is fully opaque so the edges of the mask can be recognized by the receiver as the mirror is scanned.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling processing of optical information particularly characters which has at least one indexer for indexing information corresponding to at least a portion of at least one source of optical information, so as to provide indexed optical information. The index means is adapted such that the indexing will be in accordance with the processing. An optical fibre arrangement conveys at least a portion of the indexed optical information, optionally with at least a portion of non-indexed optical information. The optical fibre arrangement uses at least one optical fibre.

Abstract: A security document comprising a substrate containing at least one optical fiber of which at least one end is flush with a surface of the substrate so as to permit authentication of the document by a test based on the exposure of the document to a source of electromagnetic radiation and simultaneous observation of the radiation transmitted to either end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber has a transparent coating and is located within the substrate at a depth from at least one surface of the substrate which is not greater than the depth of penetration of the electromagnetic radiation into the substrate. The radiation which penetrates the substrate to the optical fiber is trapped in the optical fiber and transmitted to at least one end at which it is observed to authenticate the document.

Abstract: An image sensing head including a block, a multiplicity of light emitting optical fibers, a multiplicity of light receiving optical fibers, a multiplicity of light emitting elements connected to the light emitting optical fibers and a multiplicity of light receiving elements connected to the light receiving optical fibers. A thin sheet formed with an opening in a portion thereof which faces the sensing end portions of the light emitting and light receiving optical fibers is attached to one side of the image sensing head, so that a predetermined clearance can be maintained between the sensing side end portions of the light emitting and light receiving optical fibers and a document surface to be sensed by the image sensing head.

Abstract: A bar code reader comprises a semiconductor laser diode. A first end face of the laser diode is optically coupled to an end of an optical fiber. A second end face of the laser diode is optically coupled to a detector. The bar code is scanned at the free end of the optical fiber. This information is read by the semiconductor laser diode by way of optical feedback.

Abstract: A reading optical system comprises a transparent block a part of whose bottom surface is an inclined surface forming an angle with respect to the horizontal plane, combined light-guides embedded in the block and having one end thereof all disposed on the intermediate portion of the inclined surface spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the lower end of the inclined surface and the other end extending on the upper surface of the block, a light sensor installed on the upper surface of the block in opposed relationship with the other end of the combined light-guides, and an illuminating system for illuminating the vicinity of the surface of an original opposed to the one end of the combined light-guides, through the block.

Abstract: A method of reading a bar code formed on an object subjected to information detection employs a plurality of light and dark pattern detecting members which are disposed in the bar code reading direction within the widthwise dimension of a single clock bar in the reading direction. The light and dark pattern of one of the clock bars is detected by one of the light and dark pattern members, and the light and dark pattern of another clock bar adjacent to the first-mentioned clock bar is detected by another light and dark pattern detecting member which is located such as to correspond to the second-mentioned clock bar. The detected light and dark patterns are compared with each other, whereby light and dark portions constituting the bar code are discriminated from each other on the basis of relative brightness. Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a read error in relation to the light and dark portions of the bar code.

Abstract: A photographic film having a bar code formed in the vicinity of one side edge thereof is longitudinally moved while being guided by a mount. An optical fiber bundle which moves while following one widthwise end surface of the photographic film reads the bar code on the film. The optical fiber bundle follows any change in width of the photographic film and therefore constantly coincides with the bar code to effect correct reading thereof.

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: A page fabricated with embedded optical fibers is used as an input/output device to facilitate man-machine communication. Pinhole-size perforations in the surface of the page serving as entry/exit ports are located above ends of the embedded optical fibers, thereby to expose the ends of the fibers to the top surface of the page, with the fibers being routed beneath the surface of the page to exit points at the edge of the page. As an input device, information is entered by marking the page with a pencil such that pencil lead is deposited in a selected perforation to prevent light from passing through the perforation in the page and into the underlying optical fiber, the state of the fiber being detected and converted into one bit of information. The user's actions in marking the page may be guided by pictures and words printed on the page, which may be made of paper.

Abstract: An imitation-proof card-like data carrier which permits light to pass through a large number of light-conducting elements each having a light-admitting inlet portion, a light-discharging outlet portion which is laterally offset relative to the inlet portion, and a light-conducting intermediate portion with two reflecting surfaces, one adjacent to the inlet portion and the other adjacent to the outlet portion. The information which is stored in or denoted by an element is characterized by the distance beween the inlet and outlet portions as well as on the inclination of that reflecting surface which directs light into the outlet portion. The light rays issuing from the outlet portions of the elements impinge upon selected photodiodes of an array of photodiodes in an apparatus into which the data carrier is inserted to ascertain the genuineness thereof, to ascertain the identity of the bearer, to cancel certain elements if each element represents a sum of money and/or for other purposes.

Abstract: A coded optical identification system includes a linear array of three-dimensional segments. A first plurality of the segments have planar surfaces thereon from reflecting light from a light source to a light sensor, and a second plurality of the segments have a sloping surface thereon for directing light from the light source away from the light sensor.

Abstract: A microwave oven including a microwave power source, a microprocessor controller for controlling the microwave power source in response to user entered input data relating to cooking modes, cooking time, etc., optically readable bar codes associated with respective input data, a hand held optical scanning wand extendable from the oven to be moved adjacent a bar code for reading same, and means for converting the optically read bar code to provide corresponding control signals and coupling the control signals to the microprocessor. The microwave power source is controlled in accordance with the optically read bar code relating to the respective input data. The optical scanner can read a bar code on a food package or a bar code related to a recipe to automatically enter into the controller the corresponding microwave oven cooking instructions.

Abstract: A fiber optic bar code reader utilizing a light source coupled to one port of a three-port directional coupler. A light detector is coupled to a second port of the coupler, a single fiber probe for receiving and transmitting light is coupled to the third port of the coupler. The coupler joins the three fibers so that light is initially transmitted from the light source to the probe fiber, exits the probe fiber, is selectively reflected by the bar code, and finally is transmitted through the directional coupler to the light detector.

Abstract: An optical sensing member for reading a coded member having parallel aligned tracks of data and clocking coded symbols which includes a pair of sensing apertures offset to enable the sensing of the data track to occur out of phase with the sensing of the clocking track. The sensing member includes a housing having a sensing surface in which the offset apertures are located, a light source, a pair of photo-transistors for sensing the tracks of coded symbols and optical fibers for transmitting light from the light source to the tracks of coded symbols and the reflected light to the photo-transistors for the reading of the coded members.

Abstract: A pboto-sensor wherein a bundle of optical fibers is disposed within a predetermined substrate, the optical fiber bundle extending from a first surface to a second surface of the substrate and being formed to be flat, an array of photosensitive elements which have photosensitive parts on an open end face of the optical fibers at the first surface of the substrate is disposed integrally with the substrate, and an end face of the optical fibers at the second surface of the substrate serves as an information reading surface.

Abstract: A photosensor including a fiber substrate having a light receiving window formed in a surface thereof spaced from an information surface to be read, a bundle of optical fibers disposed in the fiber substrate and positioned in the light receiving window. A plurality of color filters of different characteristics are disposed on an end face of the bundle of optical fibers, and a plurality of arrays of photosensitive elements corresponding to the color filters are also provided. The arrays of photosensitive elements are integrally provided with the fiber substrate and disposed in the region of the end face of the bundle of the optical fibers farthest away from the information surface.

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: A photo-sensor wherein a bundle of optical fibers in the form of a sheet is disposed within a predetermined substrate, the optical fiber bundle extending from a first surface to a second surface of the substrate, an array of photosensitive elements is disposed integrally with the substrate in such a manner that at least one transparent insulating layer intervenes between the photoelectric elements and the optical fiber bundle on, at least, an end face of the optical fiber bundle on the first surface side of the substrate, and an end face of the optical fiber bundle open to the second surface of the substrate serves as an information reading face.

Abstract: A system for identifying a moving railway vehicle or any other object upon which is fastened an identification label having a number of vertical columns of light retransmitting medium, each column representing a digit number obtained by coding the column by insertion of a metal plate in front of the column. A wayside light transmitter/receiver unit provides a source of light beam directd toward the path of travel of the vehicle and also provides a light beam receiver responsive to retransmitted light signals from the label. The receiver decodes these signals using a control means such as a microprocessor and transmits all pertinent information in digital form to other data processing equipment employed by the user.

Abstract: A card having randomly-oriented optical fibers, and a system having a card reader for reading the card and having a keyboard for entering secret user-identification data, are disclosed for securing the user-identification data entered into the system. The system includes a logic unit for controlling the keyboard, and for applying data to the card via the card reader. The card operates in conjunction with the logic unit of the system to transform the applied data and to improve the security of said data. A method of fabricating said card and a method of securing entered data using said card are also disclosed.

Abstract: A card having randomly-oriented optical fibers, and a system having a card reader for reading the card and having a keyboard for entering secret user-identification data, are disclosed for securing the user-identification data entered into the system. The system includes a logic unit for controlling the keyboard, and for applying data to the card via the card reader. The system also includes a physical data collector or transducer for collecting fingerprint or voice print data, or the like, from a user and applying said data, in digital form, to the card via the logic unit and the card reader. The card operates in conjunction with the logic unit of the system to transform the applied data and to improve the security of said data. A method of fabricating said card and a method of securing entered data using said card are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is a light pipe for transmitting light signals to and from a transmitter/receiving sensor. The light pipe is a homogeneous body made by injection molding an arcylic plastic material.

Abstract: A wear compensating transducer is provided for reading optical and magnetic data from documents comprising a magnetic read head with a group of optical fibers passing through the reluctance gap and with the fiber ends disposed for wiping engagement with documents as they are read. The fiber ends define an optical reading aperture which remains substantially constant as the fiber ends wear with the contact surface of the magnetic head.