Abstract: An optical bar code reader using a light source which can be switched on quickly and includes provision for activating the light source and related devices only when data is actually being gathered, rather than wasting a large amount of beam on time and energy as in prior software based scanners.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bar-code reading apparatus including a peak hold circuit for converting an analog signal which is obtained by reading a bar code into a digital signal, wherein the peak hold circuit generates an original signal corresponding to the analog signal, a first comparison signal, the peak value of which is compared with the original signal to determine a changing point from black to white, and a second comparison signal, the peak value of which is compared with the original signal to determine a changing point from white to black, and the peak hold circuit independently shifts levels of the first and second comparison signals with respect to the original signal, thereby eliminating noise components which are included in the bar code.

Abstract: An optical scanning system operates asynchronously by electro-optically detecting movement of a scanning unit directly from the data being scanned. A first embodiment of the system includes two sets of optical sensors in a hand-held unit. One set extends transversely of a scanning direction for detecting the optical pattern, and a second set is approximately aligned with the scanning direction for detecting relative movement between the pattern and the scanning unit. Relative movement is detected by detecting a pattern in a first subset of the second set of sensors and then sensing a shift of the detected pattern to a second subset of the second set of sensors. In response to detecting a unit movement, the optical states of the first set of sensor elements are polled to record a portion of the pattern along the line.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of optical mark readers and mark scanning systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for checking the velocity of a scannable document as it travels under the read head of a mark scanning system.

Abstract: A card reader control system includes a measuring device which measures a time interval of a clock signal which is developed from a card reader when a card is manually driven to travel in the card reader. The card reader control system stores the maximum time interval and the minimum time interval of the clock signal measured by the measuring device. When either one or both of the maximum time interval and the minimum time interval is not included in a preferred range, an alarm buzzer is enabled to indicate that the card speed is not suited for the reading operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a speed compensation scheme for reading MICR data on a document. The magnetic waveform for a character is sampled at periodic rates and converted to first bytes of data which are placed in a first memory. The velocity of the document is sampled at second periodic rates and the instantaneous values of the speed of the document are placed in a second memory as second bytes of data. A processor is used to remove the second bytes of data from memory and to calculate an average speed of the document for an associated examining window consisting of a predetermined number of the first bytes of data. The width of the examining window is adjusted in accordance with the average speed compared to an anticipated normal speed.

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 bar code reader system includes a stream of pulses whose period is a function of the scan speed of the reader as it scans the bars and spaces of a bar code symbol. Transition pulses are supplied which identify the boundaries of the bars and spaces. The tach pulses which occur between transition pulses are counted, loaded into memory, and are read from memory via microprocessor means, whereby the widths of the bars and spaces are determined. The sequence of the bar and space data is decoded to yield the bar code encoded numbers.

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 monolithically integrable circuit includes a memory having electrically writable and erasable non-volatile storage cells and a memory region having an addressing space subdivided into a plurality of partial quantities of respective addresses receiving reference data, an addressing circuit connected to the memory for reading out, writing and erasing partial regions of the memory, a control unit connected to the memory and to the addressing circuit causing access to part of the memory addresses to be dependent on an input operation through the addressing circuit, the control unit including a data comparison unit carrying out comparison operations between a plurality of stored reference data and externally entered code data, address lines connected to the memory, a selection logic connected to the address lines for determining the partial quantities together with the address lines, and an address control unit connected to the address lines through the selection logic for delivering a release signal if at least

Abstract: The absolute spatial distance of the widths of individual bars and spaces of a bar code are precisely measured by a bar code scanning apparatus having two photodetector circuit elements positioned a fixed and predetermined distance from each other for sensing light reflected from the bars and spaces of the bar code at a fixed differential time. The photodetectors are part of an integral unit and are parallel in independent circuits connected to a digital processing unit and storage memory for clocking the passage of the two photodetectors over the bars and spaces against an absolute time determined from a constant frequency pulse generator or digital clock. The precise measurement is compared with references and a readout is provided.

Abstract: For reading a coded sequence of magnetic signals recorded on a card, which sequence is formed of bits of identical duration the reading of which results, for the 0s, in a single change of level of an electric voltage, and for the 1s, in two such changes evenly spaced apart in time, the real duration of each bit read is measured, and the time of identification of each bit is adjusted depending on the real duration t.sub.0 of the preceding bit and on the nature of this preceding bit by giving to the time interval T which separates the end of reading of this preceding bit and the time of identifying the following bit, if the preceding bit is a 1, a value T.sub.1 equal to 5/8 of t.sub.0 or to 11/16 of t.sub.0 and if the preceding bit is a 0, a value t.sub.0 equal to 7/8 of t.sub.0, or else equal to 13/16 of t.sub.0 if the bit preceding the above 0 was again a 0 and to 15/16 of t.sub.0 in the opposite case.

Abstract: When supply voltage is first supplied to an EPROM programmer, the system is placed in an erase check mode. An EPROM is attached to the device, and an erase check switch is depressed. If there is no abnormality in the EPROM, a ring counter operates to change the system to a write mode. A program sheet is inserted into the device from one side up to a predetermined position and taken out from the other side. After that, writing data into a RAM, programming of the EPROM dependent on the data in the RAM, and verify checking of the programmed EPROM are sequentially operated automatically by output signals from the ring counter. If an abnormality is detected in the erase check mode or verify check mode, the abnormality is indicated and the ring counter is reset to return the initial state. Thus, the EPROM can be replaced for re-programming operation.

Abstract: Identification marks in the form of code fields are arranged on a material band which is adapted to be moved in a continuous manner. These identification marks are recognized by a reader head with a subsequent evaluating logic, whereby under conditions of signal flow produced by the reader head on passing of the code field at the evaluating logic, this signal flow is transformed into identification marking corresponding to the respective code field. Each code field is preceded by a starter label which produces a start signal causing the release of the initially blocked signal flow between the reader head and the evaluating logic and actuates a switch component to assume a transmitting condition. On completion of the signal flow transformation into the identification marking, the signal flow ceases due to actuation of the switch component.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are disclosed for scanning documents and producing electronically stored signals corresponding to images on the documents. A stripe pattern of lines obliquely inclined relative to the direction of document movement provides precise indications of "pel" increments of document displacement relative to the image sensing apparatus. Using these indications, the system is effectively rendered insensitive to interruptions of document motion and/or variations in document motion speed. For example, this enables a system having limit buffer storage capacity to capture a full document image; by intermittently scanning portions of the image which fill the store, and halting document motion between scans of successive portions to allow for processing of the partial image data between the buffer store and other parts of the system's memory.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a reading surface which is formed by a plurality of photo-diodes. Each photo-diode is connected to an input of an AND-gate. The AND-gates each have another input which receives pulses from a scanner which distributes pulses to the inputs of the AND-gates in turn. The AND-gates are actuated in turn and, if the associated photo-diode is illuminated by the image of a marking element passes a signal to a counter. A decoder connected to the counter produces a signal indicating how many of the photo-diodes are illuminated and, thus, the length of the marking element.

Abstract: A credit card security system includes a system to generate a security code number determined by the spatial positions of corresponding data in two different forms of encoded data on the card. The system generates the security code number each time a card is used and compares it to a stored security number generated in the same way when the card was first encoded or previously used. The system is described in terms of a card having a familiar magnetic stripe and embossed character encoding, and apparatus for sensing the embossed characters is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading machine-readable information from a record element, which has a forward direction filter that generates location clock pulses only when the record element is moving in the absolute forward direction. The utilization of these pulses to control the sampling of information prevents the mis-reading of information caused by velocity variations or reciprocative motion of the record element.

Abstract: In the field of security validators, slot acceptors have been known which transport paper offered as a valid security past a testing station. Previously known acceptors have been susceptible to defeat by mosaics, stringing, shocking, photocopy duplication, and the like. Additionally, known acceptors have operated in an analog mode, relying upon rudimentary test functions. The invention herein overcomes the problems of the prior art by presenting an acceptor having a note path (18) characterized by changes of direction (22,24), and which is secured at each end by means of unique gate assemblies (78,98). A plurality of sensors (148-152) are positioned along the note path and are controlled to take a multitude of data samples from the paper as it passes along the path. The data is digitized (236) and used for solving complex transforms, the results of which are compared against results obtained from known valid securities to determine the authenticity of the paper offered.

Abstract: Apparatus and test film strip for evaluation of a film processor, particularly an x-ray film processor, based on a photodetector signal sequentially indicating the optical density of graded density test areas on a developed film and comparing the output thereof to a preselected voltage relating to the acceptable/too dark threshold of an unexposed or base fog area, the acceptable or too light threshold of a maximum density or dark area and the acceptable/too light and acceptable/too dark threshold of a medium density test area. Sequence testing of the graded density areas is functionally related on a single film strip to timing marks, adapted to be read by photodetector and timing circuitry, the timing marks and graded density test areas being linearly spaced and relatively disposed along the length of film strip.

Abstract: Badge reading apparatus for reading a data encoded badge or the like has a channel for receiving the badge, the channel having a slide positioned therein which clock-holes for producing synchronizing timing signals, the slide being adapted to move within the channel in abutting relation to the badge. Means are provided for maintaining the badge and slide in fixed abutting relation while the badge is moved so as to read, such means incorporating a wrap-around spring on which the badge rides and which keeps the badge properly aligned. The slide element further incorporates a fold-over arrangement for the clock-holes, whereby the slide need not contain the same number of clock-holes as there are rows of data to be read from the badge, thereby enabling a smaller slide element and reduced size of the overall apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is directed to circuitry for reproducing the data on a magnetic stripe recorded. A security access card is manually passed through a card-reading device at an uneven low velocity, storing the data in one half cycle of operation in uniform number of data storage cells despite the unevenness of speed, and reading out the data at a predetermined rate, during the other half cycle of operation for delivery to a data processing unit.

Abstract: The camera receives a line of light from an object plane containing the characters to be read together with light information indicative of scan motion at right angles to the line of received light. The two light information inputs are converted to electrical information in a common photo-sensor array which is usually an integral component of the camera. The character and scan electrical signals are preferably processed to drive a two-dimensional display device such as a plasma display panel, as part of a reading aid for the partially sighted.In particularly preferred forms light indicative of character and scan information is conveyed to the photo-sensor array by optical fibre strips. Illumination of the information producing surfaces in the vicinity of the light receiving apertures is provided by optical fibre strips the output ends of which are laminated with the receiving apertures of the information conveying strips.

Abstract: An electrical circuit provides an indication of the relative positioning of a sensor with respect to sensed indicia borne by documents traveling proximate the sensor. The circuit includes a first clock (10), a sensor switching circuit (30) which determines when the indicia is sensed, and means for determining whether the indicia is read at an acceptable time between successive first clock (10) pulses in order for the sensor to be properly positioned with respect to a document.

Abstract: An optical punched badge reader is provided for slidably receiving a data badge, and reading data holes punched therein. The badge reader includes a row of pairs of registered data sensing apertures arranged perpendicular to the axis along which the data badge is received. The slidable movement of the badge into the badge reader actuates the slidable movement of an electro-optical strobe pair along a stationary strobe strip. In operation, the row of data sensing apertures reads the row component of each punched hole on the data badge while the electro-optical strobe pair and the stationary strobe strip read the column component.

Abstract: A voltage signal is generated in proportion to the speed of travel of a document travelling through a read station of a document handling machine. The voltage signal is converted to a digital signal having a pulse frequency proportional to the speed of the document. The pulses are counted as an indication of the number of print lines that are passing by the read station. The count is then compared to a pre-selected value approximating the number of print lines typically separating an indicia field of similar documents from a leading edge thereof. When the counted and pre-selected numbers are equal, a reading probe seeks a gate mark within a predetermined number of subsequent print lines. Once the gate mark is located, a variable number of consecutive print line positions comprising the indicia are read.

Abstract: An optical punched card reading apparatus is disclosed wherein a plurality of air passageways are disposed throughout the apparatus. The various electrical and photo-electric components in the apparatus generate heat and through convection heat the air. The temperature differentials cause pressure differentials which in turn cause air flow in the apparatus. The air passageways channelize the air flow, removing dust and dirt particles that otherwise would accumulate in the photo-electric components of the apparatus.

Abstract: A badge reader which uses infrared light employs circuitry for determining whether portions of the identification badge are relatively opaque or transparent to infrared radiation upon insertion of the badge into the badge reader. The circuitry includes a source of infrared radiation, such as an infrared emitting diode, a detector of infrared radiation such as a phototransistor, an alignment device for detecting the alignment of the opaque or transparent portions of the badge with the source and detector and for producing an alignment signal. The alignment signal is delivered to an infrared emitting diode driver for driving the diode to produce a pulse of infrared radiation in response to the alignment signal. The detector detects a sufficient amount of infrared radiation only when that portion of the card is relatively transparent, and produces an output in response thereto.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for determining the condition or genuineness of flat articles, in particular bank-notes. The bank-note passes through a test station in which a large portion of its surface is scanned by a scanning system as it passes through. The electric signals generated by the scanning system are edited in an analyzing electronic circuit and compared with suitable limiting values and a signal denoting a faulty position is generated when a certain tolerance is exceeded. At least one surface portion defined in respect of position and size is selected and the electric signals appropriate to the scanning of this surface portion are compared only with limiting values selected for this portion.

Abstract: A new and improved micro card reader includes a unitary molded base member having a planar rectangular slot therein for slidably receiving a punched data card of standard credit card size having a plurality of columns and rows. Along one edge of the base member is a plurality of registering depressions disposed in the outer facing side of the base member which are adapted to receive optical components. The registering depressions also include registering data sensing apertures therethrough, the number and spacing of the apertures correspond to the number and spacing of the data rows in the data card. Adjacent to one face of the base member is a plurality of light sources disposed within the depressions and aligned with the registering apertures therein. Adjacent to the other face of the base member is a plurality of light sensors which are also aligned with the registering apertures of the base member.

Abstract: A reader for punched hole cards having a movable housing member containing a coil spring is disclosed, the housing member is actuated by a card inserted in the reader and moved to an activated position against the action of the spring. Secured to the housing member is an air vane governor rotated upon movement of the housing member to an inserted position. Upon release of the card, the card is driven past sensing members by the spring at a constant speed controlled by the rotating air vane governor. Timing means associated with the punched hole configuration of the card being read is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for reading punched cards and, more particularly, to such apparatus, and method for reading gravity-fed punched cards.This apparatus comprises a reference perforation sensor located upstream of the hole sensors so as to sense the duration of the passage of a reference perofaration cut out in a card, before any hole position faces the set of hole sensors.

Abstract: In the field of security validators, slot acceptors have been known which transport paper offered as a valid security past a testing station. Previously known acceptors have been susceptible to defeat by mosaics, stringing, shocking, photocopy duplication, and the like. Additionally, known acceptors have operated in an analog mode, relying uon rudimentary test functions. The invention herein overcomes the problems of the prior art by presenting an acceptor having a note path (18) characterized by changes of direction (22,24), and which is secured at each end by means of unique gate assemblies (78,98). A plurality of sensors (148-152) are positioned along the note path and are controlled to take a multitude of data samples from the paper as it passes along the path. The data is digitized (236) and used for solving complex transforms, the results of which are compared against results obtained from known valid securities to determine the authenticity of the paper offered.

Abstract: A time base signal for controlling the recording of binary data is developed by measuring the velocity of a magnetic record. The velocity is measured by determining an average velocity by the time interval required for a mark recorded by a write head to move a predetermined distance to a read head and correcting the average velocity as a function of the acceleration of the record. The acceleration is determined by recording a reference frequency pattern at a first station, reading the pattern at a second station, and measuring the difference between the written and read patterns.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable apparatus for rapidly reading continuously and sequentially a plurality of ticket records having specific data encoded thereon as the tickets are removed individually from a supply magazine and conveyed along a prescribed path by a ticket feed assembly, an escapement assembly and a transport drive wheel to a ticket data sensing station. Data encoded on each advancing ticket is read in timed relation with displacement of a ticket advancing through the apparatus by control means and transmitted to equipment for storing and/or reproducing of the data in another form.

Abstract: A sensor observes a timing track along a magnetic stripe on a magnetic card and detects change in the sliding speed of the magnetic card relative to the magnetic head as a timing signal, by which reading or writing of a data signal by the magnetic head is controlled. A corner of the timing track is removable to delay the timing signal and thereby control a read-only mode. The magnetic head is mounted centrally on a leafspring to follow bends in the card.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a locking device, security system and the like and for arming and disarming associated alarm systems. The apparatus includes an information carrier, preferably carrying a digitally coded set of data which is presented to a reading device by manual insertion of the data carrier. The data carrier may be a key-like object on which the data track occupies the central tang portion or it may be an actual mechanical key used to operate a tumbler cylinder and additionally provided with a central data track. Preferably, the data track is a series of transparent and opaque fields which are subjected to infrared radiation in the reading device. The read-out data from the data track is compared in the apparatus with stored information and, when coincidence occurs, an actuation signal is generated to operate the associated locking system and/or alarm system.

Abstract: Shift registers are employed in a video line delay circuit coupling the output of an analog to digital converter to a digital processor in a line scan camera document reading system to permit a prescribed delay in the transmission of data to avoid loss of data appearing on a document prior to the document scan mark which is used for enabling the digital processor.

Abstract: Code identification apparatus in which a magnetically coded key or like instrument is inserted into a reader which reads the code on the key. The reader has a guideway to receive the key and, adjacent the guideway, a row of code sensors disposed such that as the key is inserted into the guideway, rows of code locations on the key successively pass the row of code sensors. The reader incorporates signal processing circuitry which determines when there is an output signal from any one or more of the code sensors as a measure of time intervals during which successive rows of code locations are passing the sensors. The signals are accumulated during those time intervals and the accumulated signals registered at their conclusion.

Abstract: An arrangement for synchronizing an information reading device with the speed of an information medium containing a set of a predetermined number of characters in fixed spatial relation, and being movable relative to the device. The arrangement includes a timing means having an output signal which is a predeterminable multiple of an input signal which is proportional to the speed at which a leading character passes the reading device.

Abstract: A device for reading the data on a card where the data are recorded in the form of marks or punched holes and the like includes means for producing a clock signal, such a clock signal being necessary for reading the data. The device is mechanical and eliminates the need for timing marks. Transit of the card through the device generates an optical signal which is converted into an electrical signal which, in turn, constitutes the clock signal.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for reading a data encoded badge or document, wherein the operator manually inserts the badge into the reader. In the preferred embodiment, there is provided a movable slide element having clock holes thereon and means for ensuring that such slide moves in synchronism with the badge as it is inserted into and withdrawn from the reader by the operator. Suitable sensors and accompanying electronics are provided to synchronize the reading of data from the card with the detection of the passage of slide clock holes past a predetermined point in the reader. Special reader electronics is provided to ensure reliable clock detection, and to inhibit false generation of clock signals which could result from sensor ringing.

Abstract: An automatic envelope stuffing by code reading improvement having code-reading, fiber-optic bundle ends equally spaced longitudinally along a read head, separated the same distance as code marks carried on the paper to be stuffed are separated. Located past those code-reading elements are two control-reading, fiber-optic bundles spaced longitudinally, but relatively close together. A light-source, fiber-optic bundle is located beside each reading bundle. The paper is moved longitudinally, and the apparatus responds to the first mark sensed by the first control-reading elements to read from all of the code-reading elements in parallel, and then to terminate that reading in response to the sensing of the first mark by the second control-reading element. Error from dirt and extraneous marks on the paper is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A column sensor includes a disc which is rotatably supported at one end of a lever arm and in proximity to a card reading station of a manually operable card reader. The lever arm is itself supported for rotation and biased by a spring bearing on an end of the lever arm so that a circumferential surface of the disc is urged into contact with one of the major boundary surfaces of an elongated passageway in the card reader. As a card is moved through the passageway, incremental rotation of the disc due to contact of the circumferential surface thereof with a surface of the card is detected by a light source - light detector pair mounted on the lever arm and on opposing sides of the disc, with light being coupled from the light source to the light detector through a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, axially-extending apertures in the disc so that the light detector accordingly provides an alternating electrical output signal representative of the spacing of data columns on the card.

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 magnetic information card encoding apparatus wherein the train of clock pulses used to synchronize the release of binary data from a storage register to a recorder head is generated by the motion of the card itself. Structural means forms a card receiving slot into which the card is manually inserted and removed. A rotatable carriage assembly consists of a drive shaft, photoelectric means responsive to rotation of the drive shaft for generating the clock pulse train, an idler wheel, and spring biasing means for urging the idler wheel against the drive shaft in a friction drive relationship. A second spring biasing means urges the carriage assembly to rotate such that the idler wheel frictionally engages the card so as to be driven thereby. A switch is actuated by the leading edge of the card to provide a signal defining the position of the card in the slot. The arrangement is such that the information card is erased on insertion and encoded on withdrawal.

Abstract: A character recognition system such as employed for determining characters formed with magnetically impregnated ink on a check wherein a plurality of sequential pulses are generated for each of a plurality of successive regions along a said character responsive to the movement through the system of the check, and wherein there is included means synchronous with clock pulses at a rate equal to the timing pulse rate divided by the quantity of said plurality for determining the discrete signal areas to be observed and decoded, decoding being only in terms of the presence or absence of discrete signal levels of positive and negative pulses.

Abstract: A reader for badges having rows of data representative holes therethrough, the reader including a row of data reading photo-sensitive devices or the like for sensing light passing through a row of the badge holes, a stationary encoder bar having two rows of holes therethrough and a carriage movable with the badge as it is moved across the row of data reading devices for reading the holes in the badge and carrying a pair of control photo-sensitive devices for sensing light passing through the holes of the encoder bar.

Abstract: An arrangement for synchronising an information reading device with the speed of an information medium containing a set of a predetermined number of characters in fixed spatial relation, and being movable relative to the device. The arrangement includes a timing means having an output signal which is a predeterminable multiple of an input signal which is proportional to the speed at which a leading character passes the reading device.

Abstract: A punched card reader includes a base member for slidably receiving a punched data card having a plurality of columns and rows. Along one edge of the base member is a row of apertures corresponding in number and spacing to the rows on the data card. The base member further includes a centrally located strobe aperture. A strobe generator is slidably mounted on one face of the base member. The strobe generator includes a central column of slots disposed perpendicular to the row of apertures on the base member and disposed so as to pass over the strobe aperture as the inserted data card displaces the strobe generator away from the row of apertures on the base member. The slots correspond in number and in spacing to the columns on the data card. Adjacent to one face of the base member is a plurality of light sources aligned with the row of apertures and centrally located strobe aperture.