Abstract: A spooler is shown for a barcode information system. The spooler allows one printer to be assigned to one queue of the spooler, multiple printers to be assigned to a single queue; and a single printer to be assigned to multiple queues. The spooler is flexible in its configuration so as to allow print jobs to be distributed evenly among the various printers of the system. The printers of the system need not be the same and may be incompatible in that they communicate in different languages and/or they do not have the same format options. To minimize processing time, jobs may be terminated while in the process of printing. The jobs can later be restarted at the point in the job at which termination occurred. Further, format and graphic packets previously transmitted to a printer by the spooler for one job are not retransmitted to the same printer for subsequent jobs utilizing those same format and graphic packets so as to increase the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: In a bar code laser scanning system operable in a continuous scan mode and a sleep mode, an object sensing circuit for automatically switching said laser scanning system from the sleep mode to the scan mode is provided to help extend the operational lifetimes of the system components such as the laser diode and the scanning motors. When in the sleep mode, pulsed light is received and processed to generate a steady state voltage signal. Derived from the steady state voltage signal is a positive threshold voltage signal and a negative threshold voltage signal each having a magnitude respectively greater than and less than that of the steady state voltage level. The steady state, positive threshold and negative threshold voltage signals are input to a comparator means which detects when an object is placed in the scanning field of the laser scanning system.

Abstract: Collection optics are eliminated in the return path of a retro-reflective scanner for reading bar code symbols.

Abstract: A bar image enhancement system and method for vision scanners which divides an image of an article having a bar code label into groups of pixels, with each pixel having an intensity value, and which minimizes processing time by employing simple algebra. The system includes a camera for generating an analog signal representing the image. Processing circuitry converts the analog signal into a digital signal. A controller divides the image into groups, determines a contrast value for predetermined groups by subtracting the minimum intensity value from the maximum intensity of each group.

Abstract: In a pen plotter having plotting media supplied in the form of plotting media supply rolled around a hollow tube, this is a method and apparatus for automatically identifying the type of, and measuring the amount of, plotting media contained on the plotting media supply roll. A circular barcode strip is secured to the inner surface of the supply tube and is optically scanned to reveal the identity of the media contained on the supply roll. Said barcode strip's properties allow for the determination of the rotational velocity of the supply roll which, when used in conjunction with other known and easily derivable pieces of information, also allow for the precise calculation of the amount of media remaining on the roll. Knowing the identity of the media on the roll allows the plotter to handle the media in a manner consistent with its properties. Knowing the quantity of media remaining allows both media low and media out conditions to be determined and alarmed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for optically scanning a bar code particularly a bar code provided on a generally transparent or translucent media through which light can be projected. In particular, the invention is directed to a system for optically scanning a bar code provided on the edge of picture film, preferably motion picture film. The system includes a light source on one side of the generally transparent media and an arrangement for moving the media past the light source such that the bar code interrupts the light and produces a modulated light signal according to the characteristics of the bar code on the opposite side of the media. An optically sensing arrangement is provided on the opposite side of the media for sensing the modulated light signal and includes at least two sensors spaced in the direction of movement of the generally transparent media. With this arrangement, the signal output of the sensors are shifted in time according to the spacing between the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and guiding an optical character reader across a document containing information to be read, such as a business card or an identification card, comprises a frame having a top surface, and a pair of rails disposed on the top surface of the frame, the optical character reader being supported for sliding movement along the rails. An inner guide is located at a forward end of the apparatus. The inner guide includes a slot which receives the optical character reader and acts as a stop for it, thereby determining an initial position of the optical character reader. The top surface of the frame includes an inclined depression which is dimensioned for closely receiving the business or identification card. Desirably, the depression includes a clamping slot along a rear edge thereof into which the business or identification card can be inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus for focusing an image onto an image receptor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stationary lens, a rotatable frame that is rigidly connected to the image receptor, and a base. The base is pivotally connected to the rotatable frame about a rotational axis. The image is focused by the stationary lens onto the image receptor by pivoting the rotatable frame about the rotational axis. In an alternate embodiment, an apparatus for focusing an image onto an image receptor includes a stationary lens, a voice coil actuator, a servo loop for driving the voice coil actuator, and an electromechanical transducer for measuring the position of the image receptor. The electromechanical transducer is electrically connected to the servo loop. Connecting means for rigidly connecting the image receptor to the voice coil actuator are also provided. The image is focused by the stationary lens onto the image receptor by driving the voice coil actuator.

Abstract: A device for identifying a container carrier for an automatic analytical apparatus is described. The carrier has an array of fields on a flange, some of the fields being transparent and the other fields being opaque. The device includes an electro-optical arrangement to detect whether each of the fields is transparent or opaque. The electro-optical arrangement having alight source, a light guide member for receiving a beam of light from the light source and splitting the beam into a plurality of light rays, each ray being directed toward one of the fields, and a plurality of light receivers each being respectively associated with each of the fields and being disposed so as to receive the ray of light which passes through the associated field.

Abstract: A symbol/character discrimination apparatus having a dark-field light source for applying light beams at a predetermined angle of incidence to the surface of a sample on which symbols and/or characters are formed in an indentation pattern, a CCD camera for detecting reflected light beams from the sample surface, and a condensing lens for illumination, diaphragm, and objective optical lens for detection, arranged between the CCD camera and the sample and having a common optical axis. The condensing lens is located between the light source and the sample to condense the light beams from the light source on the surface of the sample and guides the reflected light beams from the sample to the diaphragm. The diaphragm intercepts regularly reflected light beams among the reflected light beams and guides some of the irregularly reflected light beams to the objective optical lens for detection. The objective optical lens guides some of the irregularly reflected light beams to the CCD camera.

Abstract: A barcode identification system is shown that includes a user operable personal computer for creating print jobs. The personal computer is coupled to a number of printers for printing the data for a job in a selected format on a record member such as a tag, label or the like. The system employs modular software. During the initialization of each of the software modules, the system determines whether the module includes a key identification that matches a system key and if not, the operation of the software module is limited to a demonstration mode if that mode is allowable. A data entry routine aids the user entering valid data for a selected format. In response to a print command, the data entered by the user is combined with the selected format to form a job. The job is then sent to a spooler which distributes the job to one of the barcode printers of the system.

Abstract: In an alignment device, irradiation means irradiates two coherent beams, having a predetermined wavelength, to a first diffraction grating formed on a mask and a second diffraction grating formed on a photosensitive substrate via an object optical system in such a manner as to cross with each other at a predetermined angle on one of the first and second diffraction gratings. First light receiving means photoelectrically detects interference light of diffracted rays produced substantially in the same direction from the one diffraction grating. A third diffraction grating is disposed in a plane substantially conjugate to the one diffraction grating, and second light receiving means photoelectrically detects interference light of diffracted rays produced by the third diffraction grating from diffracted rays of the two beams which are diffracted by the other of the first and second diffraction gratings and impinged upon the third diffraction grating at a predetermined incident angle via the object optical system.

Abstract: In a symbol reading device, at least two laser beams having different optical path lengths, and, therefore, different focal positions are used to scan a symbol surface. The two laser beams are produced from a single beam issuing unit, and only one beam at a time scans the symbol surface. Furthermore, stationary reflecting mirrors are used to create the two laser beams of different focal length, reducing the number of moving mechanisms and the overall complexity of the device.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit which employs a mirrored spinner and a plurality of pattern mirrors that counter rotate to produce an omnidirectional scan pattern having a predetermined depth of field. The pattern mirrors are mounted within a drum which rotates freely within the scanner housing. The optical scanning unit employs a variable drive gear mechanism to counter rotate the spinner and pattern mirrors using a single motor. The optical scanning unit additionally employs a collection filtering system for filtering Fresnel reflections from light reflected from an article having a bar code label to be scanned. A plurality of scanning units may be arranged vertically or horizontally to form a multiple depth-of-field optical scanner.

Abstract: Displacement measurement apparatus (1) shown in FIG. 1 measures the position of a reading means (4) relative to a coded track (2) which carries a sequence of code elements (5). The track is encoded with a binary sequence such that reading a binary word at any position along the track uniquely identifies its position. The binary word is remotely sensed by a decoding means (18) via a fibre optic link (12). Position information is encoded optically by the reading means using an interferometer to frequency modulate the transmitted light and the decoding means has a second interferometer to analyse received light and produce an electrical output representing the binary word.

Abstract: A method and device for corrupting bar codes on articles and for packing the articles conveys the articles from an orienter to a packer. Each of the articles has a bar code which is positioned by the orienter to face a marking device. The orienter can be a linear device or a carousel device with a rotatable table. The marking device is either an ink jet or laser which will place a pattern through the bar code of each article. The packer will place a plurality of the articles in an open ended receptacle such as a carton. Some of the bar codes will be visible through the open end of the receptacle. Due to the mark through these bar codes, however, these exposed bar codes cannot be read by an optical scanner.

Abstract: Several embodiments are disclosed of bar code readers in which one or more piezoelectric bimorph elements are utilized as a drive element in the optical system thereof. In different embodiments, the piezoelectric bimorph element is utilized in the scanning function of the bar code reader optical system, or in a variable focus zooming function of the optical system. The bar code readers are provided with improved decoding reliability, speed and orientation freedom, with regular or high density, one or two dimensional bar codes, by using multiple beam symbol crossings, created by using one or more piezoelectric bimorph elements. In different disclosed embodiments, one or more cantilever mounted piezoelectric bimorph elements support a scanning mirror, or a focusing lens, or a laser diode, or a laser diode and limiting aperture, for movement at the free ends of the bimorph elements to produce a scanning of the bar code reader optical system.

Abstract: A scanner for reading indicia on a member, surface, sheet, or similar object. Several laser diodes are used to separately generate laser beams which are scanned across the member as separate beams. The light spots produced by the beams on the member are not coincident with each other. Light reflected from the scanned member is imaged onto a linear CCD array which combines or integrates the reflected light produced by each spot to produce the resulting data for the corresponding location. Controlling the output of the laser diodes can customize the overall wavelength of the scanning light and the energy profile of the light across the scan. Some component tolerances of the system are reduced because less than the entire light spot is used to illuminate an area imaged onto the CCD sensors.

Abstract: A laser scanner and method for simultaneously generating both a pointer beam and a scan pattern from a single laser source is provided by multiplexing a laser beam between at least one pointer beam path and at least one scanning beam path. Means for multiplexing include refractive and reflective optical components, and electronic means for modifying one or more properties of the laser beam.

Abstract: In bar code symbol scanning systems employing laser, optical and sensor components, a mirrorless scanner arrangement mounts one or more of these components on a drive for repetitive reciprocating movement either about an axis or in a plane to effect scanning.

Abstract: Special holder for combination of an umbilical type scanner with an inking highlighter in an integral or piggy back unit, which upon use provides a visual record of what has been scanned as well as "scan field verification" which obviates the need to continuously call up the computer display to determine the scan accuracy. The use of a highlighter improves the contrast between the print and the background paper (or other substrate), particularly in the case of poor quality paper, such as newsprint or recycled paper. This results in a "cleaner" digital signal and higher degree of scan accuracy, i.e. a better recognition read by the graphics/text software. Several embodiments of special holders are shown, a principal one being a side-by-side (tandem) pair of sleeves joined by a web, one sleeve being adapted to hold a conventional pen or wand-type scanner, and the other adapted to hold a conventional highlighter.

Abstract: An alignment system for an optical sensor projects an alignment image coincident with the field-of-view of the sensor. The alignment image is produced by illuminating a non-specular reflecting surface co-planar with the photosensitive element of the sensor and using the same lens as that which receives the image of the imaged object to project that image on the imaged object for alignment purposes. The light source may be turned off for normal use of the optical sensor.

Abstract: The depth of modulation of an analog electrical signal generated by a photodetector during scanning of a bar code symbol in the field of bar code scanning is enhanced under circumstances where the modulation of the analog signal has been degraded, for example, by an oversized sampling aperture in relation to the widths of the symbol elements. The analog signal has high frequency components whose low amplitudes are increased in magnitude prior to being conducted to a digitizer. The effect of noise introduced during reading of the bar code is cancelled by comparing in the comparator, the modulation-enhanced analog signal with the second derivative signal derived from the modulation-degraded unenhanced analog signal. The output of the comparator is a digital output signal having a logical level dependent on the amplitude of the enhanced analog signal at each zero crossing of the second derivative signal. The digital output signal is a closer representation of the code read by the scanner.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing labelling of small items through the use of microlabels having colored bar codes with the microlabel being on the order of 1 mm.times.1 mm in overall size. In one embodiment, the label consists of a number of colored lines or bars similar to a black/white bar code, with each bar having a distinct color or hue, the width of the bars being in the 5-120 micron range in terms of width, the bars being either contiguous or separated by a thin bar of distinct color. One method of making ultra thin labels includes cutting or skiving an edge of a layered sheet, with different layers carrying different colors, and with the cut layers having a thickness on the order of 0.1 mm.

Abstract: A photographic film is provided with decimal numbers and bar codes both representative of serial frame numbers. When a sensor reads a bar code, measurement of the advanced length of the photographic film is started to obtain a distance of either the bar code or the decimal number relative to the sensor. After the positioning of a frame to be printed in a film framing mask at the printing station, a fram e number represented by a decimal number or bar code whose moved distance is within a predetermined range of distances is selected, thereby identifying the picture frame in the film framing mask to have the drawn frame number.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for both making microlabels and for using these labels to provide a unique system for identifying an integrated circuit (IC) die on a wafer, in one embodiment, by applying a color bar encoded microlabel, small enough to be placed on the surface of the die, with the microlabel being on the order of 2 mm.times.2 mm in overall size. In one embodiment, the label consists of a number of colored lines or bars similar to a black/white bar code, with each bar having a distinct color or hue, the width of the bars being in the 5-120 micron range in terms of width, the bars being either contiguous or separated by a thin bar of distinct color. The microlabels, whether color bar or black/white coded, are applied preferably at the wafer probing stage of manufacture, wherein each die is labelled with the bar code best expressing the parameters the manufacturer is desirous of using for further processing and/or ultimate sales and/or use.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a hand-held bar code reader has an elongated hand grip portion and a reader head portion which may be substantially spaced from a bar code data carrier during a reading operation. Light energy is directed outwardly through a window so as to illuminate a bar code sensing region in front of the window having a depth dimension of at least about ten millimeters. An optical system may focus bar code patterns in the sensing region onto an image photodetector in the reader unit with a resolution so as to read e.g. a bar code format with minimum bar or space width of about 0.0075 inch, or even less. Preferably the lens system provides a depth of focus for such bar code patterns of at least ten millimeters, so that a bar code pattern of marked curvature can be read in its entirety by means of an instant reading operation. Preferably the light source is of an electronically triggerred essentially instant response type.

Abstract: An article detection device includes: a light emission unit for emitting a detection light for irradiation onto an article, and a light reception unit for receiving a light reflected from the article. The article detection device also includes; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the reflected light to a digital signal, a first register for storing the digital signal after being sampled using a first sampling signal having a first period, and a second register for storing the digital signal after being sampled using a second sampling signal having a second period shorter than the first period.

Abstract: A check Sorter-Imager-Processor with two (or more) imaging sites, each lit by a beam through a fibre-optic array, with a lens focusing the beam on each array such that a shift in lens-focus reduces output light from the array, the two sites being thus "matched" in light-intensity by merely focus-adjusting these lenses.

Abstract: An optical encoding means and device for magnifying, condensing, and encoding displacement information relative to an compound grid image sensed by a Photo Sensor Array. The device comprises a specific Grid Pad defined by vertical-horizontal coordinate lines along a plane and in a uniform color. The coordinate lines on the Grid Pad are magnified optically, and are then condensed along a horizontal and vertical axis by means of condenser lenses or reflective mirrors. The condensed image is projected on vertically and horizontally arranged Photo Sensors, and X-axial and Y-axial displacement information is generated by the Photo Sensor Array.

Abstract: An optical system of a laser reader has a light projecting portion for emitting a laser beam of light converging toward an object, a condenser lens for condensing a reflecting light from the object and a light receiving element for detecting light quantity of the reflecting light condensed by the condenser lens. The optical axis of the light projecting portion and that of the condenser lens are substantially parallel within a readable range which is established by a relation between a spatial frequency of the object and a spot diameter of the laser beam of light. The laser emits infrared radiation and a light emitting diode emits a visible guide light to confirm the position of the infrared laser spot.

Abstract: In an examplary embodiment, a hand-held bar code reader has a hand grip portion and a reader head portion which may be held spaced from a bar code data carrier during a reading operation. Light energy is directed outwardly through a window so as to illuminate a bar code sensing region in front of the window having a depth dimension of at least about ten millimeters, and an optical system focuses bar code patterns in the sensing region onto an image photosensor in the reader unit with a resolution so as to read e.g. bar code formats with a minimum bar or space width of about 0.0075 inch, or even less. Preferably the light source is of an electronically triggerable instant response type. The bar code image is converged through a generally rectangular optical aperture.

Abstract: A recording optical system includes a semiconductor laser for emitting a light beam and a shutter device for changing the spot size of the light beam. The shutter device has a shutter array in which a plurality of shutter elements are arranged in a line, each of the shutter elements being controlled so as to be opened and shut in accordance with a gradational image. The recording optical system also has a deflection optical system for deflecting the light beam which passes through the shutter device and an image formation optical system for focusing the light beam which is deflected by the deflection optical system on a recording medium, so that the light beam scans the recording medium to form the image.

Abstract: An improved sensor array and illumination scheme for a bar code scanner use a modified Scheimpflug arrangement optical system that simplifies signal processing. The preferred embodiment includes a detector array comprising a multi-element array of photosensors positioned in one Scheimpflug plane and an illumination beam in the form of a sheet of light along the other Scheimpflug plane. The detector array has a plurality of elements having a long axis and a short axis, with the long axis of the elements arranged substantially perpendicular to the image of the illuminated strip of the bar code tag. The projection of the long axis of the elements of the array onto the other Scheimpflug plane defines the working range of the optical system. So long as the bar code tag intersects the illumination beam within the working range, the image of the illuminated strip of the bar code tag will be substantially in focus across the elements of the detector array.

Abstract: A check Sorter-Imager-Processor with two (or more) imaging sites, each lit by a beam through a fibre-optic array--with a lens focusing the beam on each array such that a shift in lens-focus reduces output light from the array,--the two sites being thus "matched" in light-intensity by merely focus-adjusting these lenses.

Abstract: What is described is a method of applying optically readable code marks (14) to the surface of bottles (10) of plastics material or glass by producing depressions in the surface by means of a laser (12) in such a manner that the bottom of each code mark (14) is constructed in the form of a diffusely scattering reflector. A sensor (16) constructed from optical fibres with emitting optical fibres disposed centrally and receiving optical fibres arranged radially is used for the automatic reading of the code marks. The sensor forms an angle of less than 90.degree. with the surface of the bottle so that light is only reflected into the sensor at places on the surface where there are code marks (14). The code marks (14) are easy to apply and can be read reliably.

Abstract: A self-contained optical scanning unit for use in a bar code scanner includes a motor driven hollow drive shaft through which is projected a laser light beam from a laser source positioned adjacent one end of the drive shaft. Mounted on the other end of the drive shaft is an optical transceiver which includes a deflecting portion which deflects the laser light beam outwardly towards a ring of mirrors which forms a scanning pattern for scanning a coded indicia and a collection portion which collects the reflected light beams from the coded indicia and directs the light beams at a detecting member. The collection portion of the transceiver is orientated obliquely across the spin axis of the drive shaft while the deflection portion is oriented obliquely to the spin axis and to the face of the collection portion. The detection member is located on the spin axis between the transceiver and the coded indicia.

Abstract: An optical system of a laser reader has a light projecting portion for emitting a laser beam of light converging toward an object, a condenser lens for condensing a reflecting light from the object and a light receiving element for detecting light quantity of the reflecting light condensed by the condenser lens. The optical axis of the light projecting portion and that of the condenser lens are intersected with each other within readable range which is established by a relation between a spatial frequency of the object and a spot diameter of the laser beam of light.

Abstract: A card type image reader comprises a rectangular card base and a reinforcing member provided on one side of the card base. A photodetector array in a straight line is provided on one end portion of the reinforcing member and the card base holds control circuit means and memory means. The control circuit means reads information of an original through the photodetector array in synchronization with a clock signal and stores the read information into the memory means.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for differentiating between generally identically shaped objects based upon code indicia provided on a predetermined, relatively small surface area portion on the sidewall of each object, including: a transfer assembly for moving the objects in single file relationship along a transfer path; a spinning assembly for engaging an object in the transfer path and for spinning the engaged object about its longitudinal axis during a relatively short duration spinning period without removing the object from the transfer path; a trigger assembly for sensing the passage of a trigger indicia, located at a predetermined circumferential position on the surface of the object relative to the code indicia; a code indicia reading assembly for reading the code indicia printed on the object; a reading actuation assembly responsive to the trigger signal for actuating the code indicia reading assembly at a time when the code indicia on the object is positioned in indexed, readable relationship with the reading

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for characterizing or identifying an article (10) having a magnetic material thereon which stores information relating to the article, the apparatus comprising means (24) for irradiating the article with electromagnetic radiation of a particular spectral characteristic, means (26,28,30) for detecting electromagnetic radiation which is emitted by or reflected from the article due to the irradiation thereof by the means for irradiating, means for determining whether or not the detected radiation has prescribed spectral characteristics thereby to detect whether or not the article is genuine, and a magnetic detector means for reading information which is stored on the magnetic material, the means for detecting being arranged to control the magnetic detector means in response to the detection or whether or not the article is genuine. The invention also provides a method for characterizing or identifying an article having a magnetic material thereon which stores information relating to the article.

Abstract: A technique for verifying that indicia, such as print indicia, are provided at the correct location(s) on an object. Relative movement between the object and a sensor is provided. If sensed indicia are located at an expected position on the object, an indicia-bearing object is vertified. One or more samples of a proper object are scanned to establish a template which defines those locations at which indicia on the samples are located. This template is used subsequently to verify the presence of proper indicia-bearing objects.

Abstract: Confocal laser scanning microscope comprising a laser as point light source, a deflection system for the line and frame scanning and a lens system, at least one objective near the object, an object stage, a spatial filter and a detector, and an electronic control and imaging-processing system. The object is scanned point by point by the light beam and measurement is made with the detector only where the point light source is focused so that out-of-focus light is not detected. As a result resolution and contrast in three dimensions, in particular, axially to the image plane can be improved considerably, and 3D information can be derived from the object.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reading, by an end user scanner, the UPC number designated by a bar code printed on or associated with a predetermined number of packages or containers for or containing goods to determine the percentage of correctly read UPC numbers with reference to the predetermined number of readings.

Abstract: A hand scanner input system has a hand scanner. The scanner scans a medium having an image or images such as characters or graphic patterns. A mark is printed on this medium or on a transparent sheet to be placed on the medium. Hence, the mark is read when the scanner scans the medium. The image and mark read by the scanner are input to a data processor having a microcomputer. The microcomputer eliminates overlapping of the pieces of image data read by the scanner and the displacement of the scanning start position in accordance with the data representing the mark.

Abstract: A narrow-bodied, single-and twin-windowed, hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method of controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical transmitting and receiving device for the contact-free reading of marks, particularly marks and bar codes. The device has a transmitter diode arranged in a plastic body which directs an oblique transmission beam onto a reference surface outside the plastic body. A receiver diode is arranged at an angle to the transmitter diode in the plastic body, whose receiver beam is likewise directed onto a reference surface. Instead of a glass optical system simple rectangular slotted diaphrams are provided and the transmitter and receiver beams intersect at one single point of intersection in the region of the reference surface.

Abstract: A scanning device and method for reading bar-code or other contrasting marks from a surface at variable distance from the scanning device operates by modulating the focal point of the optical system to yield pulse responses on detected code bars while in focus, and average background response levels from the bar-code surface while out of focus. Modulation of focal point of the optical system is achieved in selected ways such as by positioning optical elements using piezoelectric or electromagnetic drivers or liquid-crystal elements, or by staggering the positions along an optical axis of arrays of optical sensors, or of optical fibers coupled to the sensors.

Abstract: In an automatic wafer process for gate array integrated circuits, it becomes necessary to identify the wafer every time at the beginning of each process. However, it is difficult for conventional methods to identify the wafer by detecting a bar code pattern because of a low contrast due to reflection of the deposited layers. The present invention provides a method in which the light source, which abundantly includes infrared rays, located on the back side of the wafer and a detector located on the front side thereof. The infrared rays are irradiated onto the wafer easily penetrate the silicon wafer. The infrared rays are received without an effect of reflection due to the deposited layers on the front side of the wafer. The first metallization layer is a very suitable layer to form the bar code pattern, which is easily marked by a laser beam scriber.

Abstract: An improved bar code scanning and reading apparatus which is adapted to be hand-held utilizes anamorphic optics for scanning and reading the code by providing a beam having an oblong cross-section in the nominal plane of the code. The oblong cross-section may be aligned with the bars of the code. The optics does not focus the beam in the longitudinal direction of the cross-section at the nominal plane of the code so that diffraction effects which would otherwise cause rotation of the cross-section of the beam to a position transverse to the bars of the code which would preclude reading of narrow bars, is avoided. The last lens of the anamorphic system may be a cylindrical lens which provides a line focus of a visible marker beam while at the same time providing the oblong cross-section of the beam which scans the code. The light from the vicinity of the code passes through the cylindrical lens and is collected by a toric reflector which projects the incoming light onto a photodetector.