Abstract: System and method for validating UPC (Universal Product Code) or TRI-BAR indicia on packaging or the like and which includes means for finding the start and end codes of the indicia, means for checking the tolerances of the black-white band pairs of the indicia, etc., in order to control the storage and use of information obtained from the indicia.

Abstract: A label incorporating a plurality of concentric rings having two different light reflective characteristics provides a binary coded label on which any desired information can be displayed, and which may be secured to various objects. By passing the label in any orientation over a label scanning assembly which provides a scanning light beam, the label code signal is read and transmitted to a label information assembly which converts the label signal to digital signals, determines when the entire label signal has been read, and transmits the complete label information to data storage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading punched cards having data columns parallel to one edge of the card with each data column containing a coded pattern of punches wherein the card is moved past an aligned array of sensors that are mounted to be in alignment with each data column of the passing card. The invention provides for synchronously supplying a parallel digital signal that accurately represents the characters encoded in each data column even though the aligned sensor array is not maintained in precise alignment with the passing data columns and/or the card is not moved past the array at a uniform rate. The synchronous reading is accomplished by sequentially performing two detection sequences to detect two conditions that occur as the card and encoded data columns move by the sensors. The first detection sequence constitutes a determination that at least one unpunched card region has passed by each sensor since the start of the first detection sequence.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an optical scanning technique which is capable of reading and accepting a wide range of out-of-tolerance symbols. The technique provides that if a successful scan occurs, the signal circuits maintain a status that indicates a true signal is being processed. However, if an unsuccessful scan takes place the signal circuits introduce a distortion therein in order that the symbol may be read successfully.

Abstract: A secure property document and system are provided which prevents the use of fraudulent credit cards and other documents. The documents each include optical and magnetic data sets. Each data set contains data elements having a spacial relationship to at least some of the data elements contained in the other data set. The system reads and processes the data to determine whether or not the spacial relationship corresponds to that recorded for the particular document. If the spacial relationship codes do not agree within predetermined limits, the document is rejected by the system, whereby the transaction may be refused or additional information requested from the document holder.

Abstract: A document sorting system employing a plurality of elongated flexible strips which form document transport channels therebetween and which terminate at a plurality of sorting areas. A magnetic apparatus is provided for selectively deflecting the ends of the flexible strips to form an appropriate channel entrance for the document to be sorted. A coil member is attached to the said end of each flexible strip and current is sent through the coil of the coil members. The coil members are disposed for movement on a piece of the magnetic apparatus and current through the coils of the coil members cooperate with the magnetic field produced by the magnetic apparatus to selectively deflect the coil members and the ends of the flexible strips. The coils of the coil members are connected in a circuit which determines the direction of the current flow in each of the coils.

Abstract: A bar code scanner having light sensitive means for detecting black and white regions of a bar code and having circuit means for translating the light pulses into digital signals. The scanner system has circuit means responsive to bar codes employing bars of only two different widths, specifically wide bars and narrow bars. The scanner has automatic level control circuitry and has means for detecting the bar code substantially independent of the angle and speed of scan within desired limitations. The scanner also has built-in error checking and warning devices as well as an automatic clear system for clearing errors. The data developed by the scanner is then transferred by suitable circuitry to a data collection and utilization system.

Abstract: An optical scanner is disclosed for reading of optical bar codes of the type used for point-of-sale data acquisition. The optical scanner provides a 3-line scan pattern adapted for omnidirectional reading of a bar code symbol. Beam deflection means in the path of a single light beam is operative to deflect the beam about a deflection axis and to tilt the deflection axis from one deflection plane to another after each beam deflection thereby producing three trace segments in separate deflection planes. Trace orienting means in each of the deflection planes redirect the beams so that the trace segments are projected into the scanning field to produce 3-line pattern of trace segments.

Abstract: A readout apparatus for indicating data recorded in the form of marks bearing different widths and intervening blanks also having different widths which comprises a photosensitive device for optically detecting narrow marks and intervening narrow blanks and generating corresponding electric signals; a second photosensitive device for optically detecting broad marks and intervening broad blanks and generating corresponding electric signals; and an electric circuit for reading out a difference between both electric signals and sending forth signals representing the above-mentioned broad and narrow marks and intervening broad and narrow blanks from said difference.

Abstract: A general method for reading or decoding the self-clocking encoded data content of digital data bits, which may be recorded on magnetic or optical media or received on a communication channel in an encoded electrical signal form, is described. The method is useful for decoding all self-clocking codes where signals in the form of optic, magnetic, or electric signal variations are presented to a decoding apparatus for the extraction of data content therefrom. The technique utilizes a standard reference length, or alternatively, a set of transitions placed outside of each series of coded data bits or characters to provide a reference length, and then predicts, for the known type of code format, each possible location for each next valid data pulse or signal transition.

Abstract: An electrical system is disclosed, in which a conventional detector device produces a signal upon its sensing a characteristic or property of a conveyed object at a location upstream, on a conveyor system, from a control location at which the object is to be marked, sorted, segregated, removed, or otherwise acted upon because of said property having been detected. The signal is fed as input to an integrated circuit shift register, in binary form. The shift register is "clocked" by a signal derived either from the power line or other fixed frequency source or from a rotary pulse generator that senses the speed of the conveyor. The register output is connected to a relay amplifier circuit by means of which the original input signal, delayed by the time required to "clock" it through the shift register, is fed to an external sorting, marking or control device disposed at the mentioned, downstream control location.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reading light-dark or color-contrast codes on articles which are displaced over a light-transmitting region of a support of the kind wherein a scanning light beam is directed onto the articles and scattered light reflected from the articles and codes is supplied to a photoelectric transducer the output signal from which is supplied to electronic evaluating means, wherein the scanning light beam is directed upwardly through the light-transmitting region of the support and is displaced along two imaginary straight lines located in the light-transmitting region of the support, said lines, which preferably intersect, extending obliquely to the direction of displacement of the articles and substantially at right angles to one another.

Abstract: A photoelectric detection system for a printer that is particularly useful for accurately detecting the position of type bearing or printing elements of known width and spacing as they pass a predetermined location. An output signal is generated that substantially corresponds to the light and dark periods created as the elements pass between a light source and detector. This output signal is integrated and compared with a reference signal that represents the ratio of the width of the elements to the spacing therebetween and the error is used to modify the light source and thereby adjust the output signal to accurately correspond with the dimensional criteria of the elements.

Abstract: A sensing rod for use in the manual scanning of graphic information. The sensing rod has a tip which is adapted to both reflect light and to receive light which is reflected from an information carrier. A light-emitting section is provided at the front end of the gripping zone which is optically coupled with at least one source of light arranged in the sensing rod.

Abstract: A linear direct current amplifier with automatic gain control system for regulating the peak-to-peak amplitude of the signal output that is acquired by scanning a coded label with a hand-held photo optical scanner is disclosed. The gain is set primarily by the white background on the coded label and it is further adjusted at the black bar as the pen passes over the label surface on which the code is imprinted. Control circuit feedback compensates for input amplitude and contrast variations.

Abstract: A character board carrying a number of characters is placed in face-to-face relationship with a light source matrix comprising light sources of the same number as that of the characters so that one character may be illuminated by one light source. Each character is divided into a predetermined number of sections or dots. A photodetector matrix comprising photodetectors of the same number as that of the sections into which the character is divided is provided in connection with the character board. Optical fibers of the same number as that of the sections are provided for each character to transmit the light passing through the character to the photodetectors of the photodetector matrix. The corresponding sections of the respective characters are connected with the same photodetector by means of optical fibers so that every photodetector may receive signals from the sections in the same position of the different characters.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a charge coupled device (CCD) read only memory (ROM) capable of storing the data stored in a punch card or photographic film and reading same out on commands.This is accomplished by providing a charge coupled imager, which may be of standard design, with frames arranged in a rectangular array to coincide with the regions in the card or film, in which holes are capable of being punched or slots on the photographic film will appear. The total size of the frames on the charge coupled device imager can be made large enough relative to the focused image from the punched card or film so that rotational and translational misalignments of the card or film will not produce errors. The reader includes a card or film holder for properly aligning the card or film with respect to the frames of the imager, an optical source which includes a light and a lens or optical system to properly illuminate all the possible hole locations on the punched card or film.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizer for scanning a number of predetermined frequencies using radiated electromagnetic energy detected at an array of electromagnetic energy transducers for providing a frequency determinative code. The frequency code is obtained by insertion of a programmed data mask between a source of electromagnetic energy and the array of electromagnetic energy transducers. The frequency code is connected to the input of a programmable divider which also receives the output from a voltage controlled oscillator. The programmable divider provides an output frequency which is a quotient of the voltage controlled oscillator output frequency. The quotient output frequency is compared with a reference frequency for producing a control voltage for the voltage controlled oscillator. The voltage controlled oscillator is thereby driven to produce an output frequency determined by the coded input to the programmable divider.