Abstract: A method for reading of information, which comprises printing information on a metal substrate or a substrate capable of transmitting infrared rays of 2-10 .mu.m wavelength, with a marking ink containing tin oxide, indium-tin mixed oxide or a mixture of tin oxide or indium-tin mixed oxide and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alumina, barium sulfate, silicon dioxide and calcium carbonate, as necessary coating a clear coating or a coloring ink on at least the information-printed area of the substrate, and identifying the information by the use of a CCD camera sensitive to infrared rays of 2-10 .mu.m wavelength or an infrared detector. No noise is generated even when the reflectance of a light from the substrate surface is large, and the information can be identified (read) easily.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to reduce the apparatus scale by simplifying the arrangement of an image reading apparatus for radiating light including both visible and non-visible components, and detecting light obtained from a predetermined image, and provides an image reading apparatus which has illumination means for simultaneously radiating both light including a visible component and light including a non-visible component, and detection means for detecting light obtained from a predetermined image in accordance with the light radiated from the illumination means, including filter means which can be switched in accordance with whether the visible or non-visible component is radiated from the illumination means onto the predetermined image, and control means for controlling a switching operation of the filter means.

Abstract: The invention provides a phosphor excited by infrared rays to emit infrared rays which has a nonacicular particle shape and a particle size of 4 .mu.m or smaller after being synthesized. The phosphor preferably comprises an oxoacid salt-containing compound including at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Yb and Er. The invention further provides a material having a latent image pattern comprising said phosphor and an optical reading system which use the material having a latent image pattern.

Abstract: A fluorescent light emitted from a marking containing at least one fluorescent substance is detected by illuminating the marking with an exciting light having an intensity that varies at a predetermined cycle, converting a change in intensity of light reflected from a position where the exciting light is irradiated into a varying electric signal and selectively extracting from the converted electric signal, only an electric signal component having a frequency matching with but a phase displaced from, that of a signal component corresponding to light reflected from the marking. A fluorescent detecting apparatus for this purpose includes a light source for irradiating at an irradiating station a marking formed on a medium with rays of light having an intensity that varies cyclically, the marking having at least one fluorescent substance.

Abstract: A system which includes an information transmitting element including flexible length of cable supporting an array of energy emitting elements of such sizes, shapes and spacings as to represent bar code markings, a carrier for the information transmitting element which is adapted to be mounted on a person or object, where its movement from one place to another requires control and where its admission to such places might be selectively denied, and a receiver element for detecting and determining the encoded information being transmitted.

Abstract: Inks have been discovered that are selectively excitable by different wavelengths of incident radiation. This allows a lower layer bar code to be written on an object with an invisible ink and an upper layer bar code to be written over the lower layer bar code with an ink that is invisible to the naked eye. The apparatus of this invention is a detector that is able to read the upper and lower layer bar codes.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for discriminating real securities from copies thereof produced by an electrophotographic copier using a toner, a heating member heated to a temperature above 50.degree. C. and below 250.degree. C. is brought into contact with a printing to see if an image on the printing changes or if any deposit is present on the heating member. Whether or not the image of the printing is formed by a toner whose major component is a thermoplastic resin, is determined on the basis of the result of the above decision.

Abstract: A lower layer bar code is written on an object with a normal ink and an upper layer bar code is written over the lower layer bar code with an ink that is invisible to the naked eye. The apparatus of this invention is a detector that is able to read the upper and lower level bar codes.

Abstract: A flash device has a flash tube which generates light in response to electrical energy. The amount of light emitted by the flash tube is monitored by a circuit which is connected to means for adjusting the electrical energy supplied to said flash tube when a predetermined amount of light has been emitted to thereby increase the effective life span of the flash tube and maintain intensity level of the flash tube within a given tolerance.

Abstract: A printing apparatus employs a nearly linear conveying path P2 for printing paper P from a position confronting the platen roller 6 and thermal head 7 for composing the printing unit 3 to the paper discharge unit 2. The capstan roller 4, pinch roller 5, and discharge rollers 10, 10 are disposed opposedly to the conveying path P2, and at an intermediate position of the conveying path P2 intersects the conveying path P1 from the paper supply unit 1 to the printing unit 3. A paper supply port is disposed at the bottom of the paper cassette forming the paper supply unit 1, so that the conveying path P1 from the paper supply port to the printing unit 3 is shortened, and accordingly the paper conveying path is shortened. The printer construction simplified and downsized, while the precision of positioning of the printing paper and positioning of the printing head is enhanced, so that the printing quality may be improved.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to reduce the apparatus scale by simplifying the arrangement of an image reading apparatus for radiating light including both visible and non-visible components, and detecting light obtained from a predetermined image, and provides an image reading apparatus which has illumination means for simultaneously radiating both light including a visible component and light including a non-visible component, and detection means for detecting light obtained from a predetermined image in accordance with the light radiated from the illumination means, including filter means which can be switched in accordance with whether the visible or non-visible component is radiated from the illumination means onto the predetermined image, and control means for controlling a switching operation of the filter means.

Abstract: In order to provide a latent image forming member which is capable of surely reading information to have high reliability and which can be used for a long time, the latent image forming member comprises a base (4a), and an information indication layer (2) formed on the base (4a) and having a latent image pattern, in which fluorescent grains are dispersed and held, so that the information indication layer (2) is irradiated with light having a predetermined wavelength to excite the fluorescent grains and luminescent light information from the fluorescent grains is optically read, wherein reflectance of a surface of the base (4a) with respect to light having the predetermined wavelength is 20% or higher, a projection amount T of the information indication layer 2 from the top surface of the base (4a) is restricted to a range of 0.5 to 20 .mu.m, and a protection sheet (6a) is laminated onto the base (4a) as to cover all over the information indication layer (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device and method for developing, duplicating and printing graphic media. The imaging device of the present invention is utilized in devices such as copiers, printers, game cards and the like, and comprises a substrate bearing an infrared image producing layer, a thermal image forming layer and a light source. A brief but intense flash of visible light from the light source causes latent heat properties of the infrared layer to generate heat and convert visible light into far infrared light. This far infrared light develops or marks portions of the thermal layer which are adjacent the infrared layer.

Abstract: Process for marking an article by means of a pattern, which contains geometrically encoded information and can be evaluated with optical means by irradiation with light, there being provided on the surface of the article in a spatial arrangement in relation to an information pattern which can be evaluated by means of irradiation with UV light but is not visible to a human viewer a further information pattern which can be evaluated by means of visible light, the evaluation of the information contained in the two markings being able to be performed exclusively by means of the information pattern which can be evaluated by irradiation with UV light.

Abstract: A bar code signal essentially forms a cross-section of a bar code pattern which through irradiation luminesces from the background of a carrier under fluorescent action. Detection is performed by testing the bar code signal F(t) within each area (ZG1, TIS) within which a bar may be expected, against a bar criterion (THR, MTHR) obtained by prediction, with the aid of a prediction table (TABLE 1), from a local background signal value (AGR) locally derived from the bar code signal F(t). In this method use is made of the fact that, first, between the bars the background of the carrier is invariably present, making a periodical reliable background approximation from the bar code signal value possible, and, second, there is a certain correlation between a background and the additive signal contribution as a response of the bars luminescing from that background under irradiation.

Abstract: Method for applying an object with a label using local radiation of the oct in a predetermined area of the object with high energy electromagnetic radiation whereby the radiation is of a wavelength outside the visible but within the optical range of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and that at this wavelength the material of the predetermined area of the object has a maximum of spectral absorption and the parameters of the radiation as a result of material based preliminary tests are thus predetermined that due to the interaction of the radiation with the molecule structure in the predetermined area of the object a permanent altering of the optical characteristics is induced which is perceptable when illuminated in the wavelength range of the absorption maximum, but that the area of the object is not mechanically altered and/or that when illuminated with visible light is not perceptably altered.

Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention utilized for game cards or the like, comprises a passive compliant card scanner having a wide acceptance angle configured for easy insertion of cards. A code sensor is mounted within the passive compliant card scanner and is adapted to read binary zones identifying a code, even when the binary zones are misaligned relative to the code sensor, when the card is fully inserted into the passive compliant card scanner. The passive compliant card scanner has a high tolerance for the position and condition in which the card is inserted. In addition, the imaging device comprises a validation sensor, configured to prevent fraudulent play by a retailer or the like, to pick out winning game cards. The validation sensor is coupled to a voice unit and is adapted to actuate the voice unit to announce a message, upon detecting improper play.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical retrieval apparatus which uses a laser for illuminating an optical element. A sensor responds to modulated light from the optical element to produce electrical signals. The optical element has a substrate and on the surface of the substrate, a dye containing recording layer and a light reflecting layer. The improvement is that the dye is a leuco dye.

Abstract: A recording target includes targeting information printed on a substrate offset from a visible target and masked from the weapon operator by a thermal clearing masking layer. The operator aims at the visible target and the simulated weapon applies a focussed pulse of intense visible light to the masked targeting information to reveal the relevant targeting information by being converted into infrared radiation, by the thermal clearing masking layer and/or a portion of the masked targeting information thereunder, which clears or renders transparent the portions of the thermal clearing masking layer illuminated by the focussed visible light.

Abstract: An identification system is disclosed which includes marks on an object for locating a region of the object which contains an identification in the form of either an etching or a responsive electronic circuit and a detection device for detecting the proximity of the first mark in order to localize the position of the etching or responsive electronic circuit so that the etching or responsive electronic circuit may be read.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device and method for developing, duplicating and printing graphic media. The imaging device of the present invention is utilized in devices such as copiers, printers, game cards and the like, and comprises a substrate bearing an infrared image producing layer, a thermal image forming layer and a light source. A brief but intense flash of visible light from the light source causes latent heat properties of the infrared layer to generate heat and convert visible light into far infrared light. This far infrared light develops or marks portions of the thermal layer which are adjacent the infrared layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a franking impression on a mail item and apparatus for forming the franking impression is disclosed. Material which is switchable from one stable state to another stable state by exposure to light of predetermined wavelength is deposited on the mail item while in one state and a selected region of the deposited material is exposed to light of the predetermined wavelength to effect switching of the selected region to the other state and thereby to represent franking or other secure information.

Abstract: A bar code reader system is adapted to read a micro-bar code and includes a light emitting body for irradiating a light beam onto a bar code surface on which the micro-bar code to be read is provided. A focusing lens focuses a reflected light from the bar code surface. An image pick-up device receives the focused reflected light and forms an image of the micro-bar code to be read. A cylindrical lens body is arranged to pass therethrough both the light beam from the light emitting body and the reflected light beam reflected from the bar code surface. The cylindrical lens body is oriented with an axis thereof substantially consistent with a bar code reading direction.

Abstract: An information reading method includes the steps of irradiating a phosphor activated by neodymium and ytterbium ions with exciting light of a wavelength between 500 nm and 780 nm that can excite the neodymium ions, and reading the information by receiving the light emitted from the phosphor with a photodetector designed to detect light with wavelengths between 840 m and 1100 nm. Consequently, the information recorded using the phosphor activated by neodymium and ytterbium ions can be read with a high performance without using a filter for cutting the exciting light.

Abstract: A detection mark comprising a pattern formed from a thin phosphor layer which emits a light having a different wavelength from that of an excitation light irradiated on a surface side of the phosphor layer, and an undercoat layer which is formed on a rear surface side of the phosphor layer and reflects the excitation light, which mark can be detected by intermittently irradiating the excitation light to the mark and reading a light or afterglow from the phosphor layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a body of material (14) with sub-surface marking in the form of an area of increased opacity to electromagnetic radiation. The method includes directing at a surface of the body (14) a high energy density beam (12, 26) to which the material (14) is transparent, and bringing the beam (12,26) to a focus at a location spaced from the surface and within the body (14) so as to cause localized ionization of the material (14). In a prefered embodiment the apparatus includes a laser (10) as a high energy density beam source and provides means (36, 38) to move the focus of the beam (12,26) relative to the body (14) so as to enable the mark to be of a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A portable data storage card is provided for storing and carrying digital data to be accessed or modified at fixed locations. The pocket-sized card has a durable sealed case, devoid of electrical connectors. Data is stored in an internal Electrically Erasable PROM, which includes memory control circuitry. The card is inserted into a reader/programmer at a fixed location and receives power from an inductive source in the reader/programmer by means of an internal coil. Data transfer between the card and the external reader/programmer unit is effected by infrared optoelectronic devices, through the case of the card, which is transmissive to infrared light. The reader/programmer controls a user's access to the data stored on the card, requiring a user to supply a secure identification code to access the stored data. The case is opaque to visible light in order to hide the components from view.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device and method for developing, duplicating and printing graphic media. The imaging device of the present invention is utilized in devices such as copiers, printers, game cards and the like, and comprises a substrate bearing an infrared image producing layer, a thermal image forming layer and a light source. A brief but intense flash of visible light from the light source causes latent heat properties of the infrared layer to generate heat and convert visible light into far infrared light. This far infrared light develops or marks portions of the thermal layer which are adjacent the infrared layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process which comprises providing an imaging apparatus equipped with a path for moving receiver sheets through the apparatus and having infrared sensors situated along said path, incorporating into the imaging apparatus a substantially transparent receiver sheet having coated on at least a portion thereof an infrared absorbing material contained in a polymeric binder, passing the substantially transparent receiver sheet along the path, wherein the infrared sensors detect the presence of the infrared absorbing material on the substantially transparent receiver sheet, and generating an image on the substantially transparent receiver sheet. This process enables the use of substantially transparent receiver sheets in imaging apparatuses employing optical sensors or detectors for locating and/or positioning receiver sheets in the apparatus without the need for opaque strips on the transparencies or separate opaque sheets attached to the transparencies.

Abstract: A method for extracting information from a document bearing (a) first indicia detectable in a first scan mode, using light in a first spectral range, but not detectable in a second scan mode, using light outside the first spectral range, and (b) second indicia detectable in either the first scan mode or second scan mode, where the second indicia represent information encoded in one or more forms decodable by automated symbol recognition resources, comprise several steps. One or more areas of interest on the document are defined in which the second indicia may appear, with the definition including information specifying the form of encoding for the second indicia. The document is scanned in the second mode, using a scanner that produces a pixel image of the indicia detected and the resulting pixel data are stored in a memory device.

Abstract: Paper notes used as a monetary currency are deuterated. The level of deuteration while not complete, is high. For U.S. currency the level of deuteration is at least 0.1 mg of deuterium for each one dollar in value of the currency note, and preferably at least 0.3 mg. Use of X-ray or gamma ray interrogation with a beam energy above 2 MeV produces a nuclear reaction releasing a neutron from the deuterium nucleus. If the currency is in large concentrations, e.g. $100,000 or more, the neutrons emitted by this reaction are reliably detectable. The deuteration occurs in the cellulose fibers forming the currency. To resist an exchange of hydrogen atoms for deterium atoms, the deuterium atoms can be used in the formation of synthetic cellulose where the deuterium is more deeply buried within the cellulose molecule than in naturally occurring cellulose. The deuterated synthetic fibers are blended with natural, non-deuterated fibers to form the paper.

Abstract: In a television control room wherein a program director must observe a multiplicity of television monitors, the monitors are illuminated by ultraviolet light. The labels used to identify the input sources for the monitors may be made of an ultraviolet reflective material and the labeling indicia written in ultraviolet opaque ink. Alternatively, the label may be ultraviolet opaque and the ink ultraviolet reflective.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reading a luminescent and substantially transparent bar code 1 on a background surface 2 whose reflectance may vary over the coded area. Light 7 scans (70), and excites luminescence 8 in, the bar code 1. The light 7 also reflects (9) without luminescence from the background surface 2 of the bar code 1. A first electrical or optical signal 11 is provided (4) responsive to the reflected nonluminescent light 9, and a second electrical or optical signal 10 is provided (4) responsive to the luminescent 8. Typically the first signal 11 is processed (5) to provide a third signal 31 that varies with background reflectance substantially as does the second signal 10; and the second and third signals 10, 31 are combined (5) to provide a fourth signal 12 that is substantially independent of background reflectance in the coded area, and which is decoded (6) to provide the desired reading.

Abstract: Vehicle (4) are automatically identified using a specially constructed windshield (8) which carries identifying indicia (10). The window is a layered construction, similar to safety glass, and includes an intermediate layer (20) sandwiched between inner and outer glass layers (22, 24). The intermediate layer carries the identifying indicia, typically in a bar coded pattern. The indicia are invisible to the unaided human eye but are detectable when illuminated with a chosen electromagnetic radiation, typically infrared light from a CO.sub.2 laser. The bar coded indicia are preferably unique to the particular vehicle. Since the bar coded indicia can cover substantially an entire windshield, and since windshields are normally kept clean, sensing of the indicia is aided. The vehicle identification system thus permits the non-invasive identification of a vehicle even under adverse environmental condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading information marks comprising a strobe light activating or reflecting information marks manually placed on objects or wood products. A camera is used for reading the marks. One or more detectors are used to recognize marks and color. A central processing unit is used to process, solve and interpret character and color recognition. A photo-electric eye or a signal from a control device is used to time the strobe and detector. The information contained in the marks is fed directly to the control system and may be used to generate reports.

Abstract: Automatic identification of each semiconductor wafer during wafer processing is achieved by the invention regardless of layers deposited on a code pattern. The code pattern, preferably, a bar code pattern, is formed on a front surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a light beam including infrared rays is irradiated onto a bottom surface thereof. The infrared rays easily penetrate through the silicon wafer and reflect from the bar code pattern formed on the front surface of the wafer. The reflected beam of infrared rays is received by a detector disposed on a back side of the wafer, and each wafer is identified by decoding the received signal. The bar code pattern can be directly formed by inscribing the wafer surface by a laser beam or inscribing a metal layer deposited thereon.

Abstract: An object recognition system for detecting visible light of a predetermined wavelength emitted by a fluorescent material illuminated with modulated ultraviolet light produced by a self-modulated high pressure mercury vapor lamp. The lamp forms part of a resonant LC circuit which produces oscillations in the lamp intensity at a frequency higher than line frequency. The resulting visible light is detected, demodulated, and compared with a predetermined threshold to sense when the fluorescent material is present. Self-modulation of the UV lamp source eliminates external triggering, excitation or switching of the lamp power supply.

Abstract: A color based data encoding and storage apparatus having an encoding unit (11), a storage unit (12) and a color encoded data transmission unit (13). The encoding unit (11) includes a plurality of colored lenses (16), each lens (16) being associated with a preselected discrete quantum of input data. The storage unit comprises a light shielded container (38) having a color encoded data placement unit (49) that can be moved in the X and Y axis over of color film (46). The color encoded data transmission unit (13) comprises an optical fiber that connects the encoding unit to the storage unit.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held laser scanner system located within a compact housing. The housing includes a laser tube power supply means therefor and computer means. The laser is operative when triggered by the user to produce a laser beam which exits the housing to scan a target, such as a bar code symbol, located adjacent thereto and to receive light directed from the target. The computer is arranged for decoding the reflected signal. Communication means are provided within said housing to provide data output signals. The computer is arranged to control and override the operation of the laser when the amount of laser light produced within a predetermined period of time reaches a predetermined threshold value and for enabling the laser to operate when the amount of laser energy produced is less than the predetermined threshold value within the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Security paper with narrow band luminescing authenticity characteristics which can only be excited in substantially the same wavelength region in which it also emits. With these authenticity characteristics therefore the authenticity signal is overlapped or covered by the test signal of several orders of magnitude stronger. The authenticity of the security papers cannot accordingly be tested with the normal processes or devices for determining of luminescence. The test devices used take advantage of the decay behavior of the luminescence emission for detection. The authenticity characteristics can be added to the paper material, the printing ink used, further mottling fibres or security threads.

Abstract: A scheme for encoding an article involves marking the article with a first material of at least one element, at least one compound of at least one element or a mixture located at a predetermined position on the article. The article is also marked with a second material of at least one element or a mixture thereof located at a predetermined position on the article. The first and second materials each have the property of emitting x-rays when subjected to a primary source of electromagnetic radiation of appropriate wavelength. The emission wavelength/wavelengths, and intensity/intensities for the first material are a predetermined, coded indication of the location of the second material. The emission wavelength/wavelengths and intensity/intensities of the second material are a predetermined identification or verification code for the article.

Abstract: Security paper with narrow band luminescing authenticity characteristics which can only be excited in substantially the same wavelength region in which it also emits. With these authenticity characteristics therefore the authenticity signal is overlapped or covered by the test signal of several orders of magnitude stronger. The authenticity of the security papers cannot accordingly be tested with the normal processes or devices for determining of luminescence. The test devices used take advantage of the decay behavior of the luminescence emission for detection. The authenticity characteristics can be added to the paper material, the printing ink used, further mottling fibres or security threads.

Abstract: Apparatus for making image reproductions is disclosed having means for providing on a photosensitive support or film two micrographic images, one from a source of white light and the other from a source of black light. A third image may also be provided on the film to provide selected information such as a picture number, or operator and user identification. In the disclosed embodiment, the black light is continuously on while the white light is flashed only when a picture is being taken.

Abstract: Identification of migratory animals, such as adult fish and the like, by means of implanted coded tags, with tag coding involving one or more higher atomic numbered chemical elements in stable, solid form (elements with atomic numbers 40-42, 44-53, 55-60 and 62-83), the elements being identified in the live animal by selective X-ray irradiation of the implanted tag and spectral analysis of the fluorescent X-ray radiation emitted by the tag. Rapid analysis of the fluorescent X-ray radiation to identify the coding element(s) with a high level of confidence is obtained by use of high intensity irradiation and controlled masking to essentially confine the irradiation to only the tag and the animal tissue immediately surrounding the tag and thereby improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the fluorescent X-ray radiation emitted by the coding element(s).

Abstract: An automobile identification system and a method for producing it are disclosed. The system utilizes a conventional license plate with alpha-numeric characters conveying identifying information perceptible by the unaided eye in combination with a hologram embodying encoded identifying information which cannot be decoded by the unaided eye.

Abstract: Method for the detection, on a sheet of paper, of an area which becomes fluorescent when it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, in which the paper sheet passing in front of a detector is illuminated by means of a source of ultraviolet light modulated by a frequency of between 1 and 10 KHz. The modulated fluorescent radiation is detected, amplified and demodulated by means of an amplification circuit and a demodulation circuit providing a first signal. The intensity of the ultraviolet source is measured by a photo-electric member associated with a detection and demodulation circuit supplying a second signal. This second signal is used to regulate the level of operation of at least one trigger which operates to provide an output, corresponding to the fluorescent radiation, when the level of the first signal supplied to the trigger is at at least the trigger operating level.

Abstract: A method for correcting erroneously encoded optical character recognition indicia through the application of a solution containing ferric chloride to the erroneously encoded indicia to effectively quench the florescense of the indicia when excited by ultraviolet light. The solution is permitted to dry and new ultraviolet excitable ink is utilized to re-encode the document over the quenched erroneously encoded indicia.

Abstract: Nondestructive marking of plastic artificial intraocular lenses for coding purposes. Exposure with ultraviolet radiation of portions of a lens surface forming boundaries of desired coding characters or similar exposure only of areas forming the characters themselves produces a differential in refractive index of the material of the lens wherewith detection and reading of the coding may be accomplished before and/or after intraocular implantation.

Abstract: A sample radioactivity measuring system has a conveyor for moving a plurality of sample receiving locations in succession to a working position. A device for selecting the measuring program to be executed on the samples comprises a plurality of marker plugs each adapted to be removably located in the conveyor for movement by the conveyor. Each marker is provided with a different address code. Each address code corresponds to a location in a card reader. Cards insertable into the addressed locations each carry one of the programs and the program read from the card at the addressed location is used for processing the associated samples.

Abstract: An identity card contains a radioactive substance and information on the intensity of the radiation of said substance. When the card is used, for example in a banking transaction, the current intensity is measured and compared with the information on the intensity given on the card. If the current intensity and the given intensity agree, the card is to be considered genuine.