Abstract: An electro-optical scanner which can write and read with common optics by using a phase hologram near the focal plane of the scanned surface.

Abstract: A waveform producing system in which a source of infrared radiation or magnetic flux in a pattern forming section applies energy to a mask constituting a pattern-forming device that passes and masks the radiation or flux for passing the radiation or flux in a pattern which represents a waveform in a coordinate system with axes of time and amplitude in a plane. This distributes the radiation or flux and amplitude in a plane, and distributes the radiation or flux spatially in a pattern corresponding to the waveform. A matrix of transducers in series within parallel rows in a conversion section receive the radiation or flux passed and converts it to electrical signals which have a sampled value of the waveform. The sampled values thus obtained are scanned subsequentially in the direction of the time axis by a sequential readout circuit and the outputs of the sampled values are arranged sequentially with time to develop the waveform.

Abstract: A novel system and a method are provided for selecting and segregating used, deformable containers having a UPC designation imprinted thereon. The system is customer-operated, customer-controlled, and directly fed, respectively. The system preferably includes means for compacting and internally storing the containers after compacting.

Abstract: A code system for the identification of a sample group to be measured in a multi-channel photometer or in any other multi-channel analysis equipment, e.g. in a spectrophotometer, fluorometer, luminometer, turbidometer, nefelometer, cell counter, or isotope counter. The samples to be measured have been fitted in the matrix form into cuvette sets, sets of test tubes, or pit plates, and the measurement takes place preferably in the vertical direction. The sample group to be measured is provided with a related code piece, such as a code plate, containing the measurement points to be ready by means of the analysis equipment. According to the invention, the measurement points of the code piece are in the same order and with the same relative distances as compared with the measurement channels of the said multi-channel photometer or any other multi-channel analysis equipment, or with a part of or a multiple of said channels.

Abstract: Photo-optical apparatus for reading a label or the like carrying a label code readable in the form of a binary code characterized by presence or absence of optically detectable indicia at predefined zones of predetermined dimension. The apparatus includes optical sensors disposed adjacent to a path so as to be responsive to indicia carried by the label travelling in a direction such that the indicia is disposed in first and second tracks parallel to the direction of label travel. A programmed microprocessor is responsive to the state of the sensor outputs for detecting the direction of label travel and reversals of the direction of travel, and for selectively controlling entry and output of the label code to and from a data storage register such that upon completion of a read cycle the order of data significance can be determined independently of direction of travel of the label through the path past the sensors and independently of the left or right side mounting of sensors with respect to label travel path.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns to apparatus for reading drawings. The apparatus of this invention is an apparatus for reading symbols on a drawing wherein the drawing comprises a preprinted lattice pattern with orthogonal lines forming unit rectangular areas and each symbol or portions thereof is drawn within one or more of the unit area each symbol is drawn so that the portion of the symbol within a unit area has a predetermined size and position with respect to the sides of the unit area.

Abstract: High contrast image data is acquired from metal and other hard surfaces with varying roughness and reflectivity on which characters are impressed by vibrapeening or laser marking. The optical scanner applies normal illumination and a linear photodiode array detects light reflected normal to the surface and within a narrow acceptance angle, so that characters appear dark and the background light. The detector signal is preprocessed to remove nonuniform background variations and yield image data which can be fed to conventional character recognition equipment.

Abstract: A scanner for reading bar codes on labels uses a non-coherent light source 11 below a top window 7 to illuminate a code label passing over the window. A lens system focuses an image of the code label onto a photosensitive diode array 25 and onto a photodetector 37. Signal information from the diode array 25 is provided to a code reading circuit 41 when bars on the code label are aligned substantially perpendicular to the array 25. When the bars are not aligned substantially perpendicular to the array 25, the photodetector 37 provides the code reading circuit 41 with pulse signals, transmitted when successive bars on the label pass into focus over the photodetector 37.The system avoids the use of coherent (laser) light and is suitable for reading UPC labels on packages being passed over the window 7.

Abstract: A process for labelling a system of file folders comprises printing a label for the system, where each printed label is different from other printed labels for the system. Each label has a field in which a set of indicia is printed, where the indicia are both machine and visually readable. The printed indicia is machine read for directing a labeler's application to a file folder flap of individual color coded labels. Each color coded label, as applied, has an indicium corresponding to one of the machine read indicium.

Abstract: An optical information storage system having a data record with control markings therein and an optical readout system including a scanner. The readout system uses a laser light source and focusing optics to direct the light onto the data record for modulation and subsequent readout of the modulated light. Shutter elements are interposed to intercept the transmission of light in response to control signals in the data. The shutter, of the electronic type such as lead lanthanum zirconate titanate, may be positioned either between the source of light and the scanner or between the data record and the readout.

Abstract: A simulated rail car identification system including a plurality of coded labels mounted at spaced apart locations on an endless conveyor. The conveyor produces horizontal movement of the labels sequentially through a zone viewed by an optical scanner. A control system monitors and controls operation of the endless conveyor and generates block signals responsive to the relative position thereof and wheel signals responsive to the entry of individual labels into the viewing zone. Processing and decoding of the information retained by the moving labels is accomplished by a data processor that receives the output of the scanner and the block and wheel signals from the control system. The effectiveness of the scanner and processor are determined by comparing their output to the data programmed into the control system and encoded on the moving labels.

Abstract: An optical character reader for conversion of information to a machine readable code from a strip of alpha-numeric characters on the face of a document. It includes an elongated document slot along which the document may be hand guided through a predetermined path. Optical viewing means is provided across a scan line intersecting the path of the alpha-numeric characters. A character scanning assembly electronically generates images of each character. Recognition processing means encodes these images into a machine readable code. All of the physical, optical and electronic components are contained within a compact single enclosure. The character scanning assembly is located on a separable support frame that includes a surface adapted to be slidably engaged by the face of the document being read. This support frame contains the viewing slot through which light is reflected from the document face.

Abstract: A light source illuminates a film stage through a magnifying lens that is selectively transmitted to a photodiode array over a first path including a mirror and pellicle and a second path including the first mirror and the pellicle, a selectively movable second mirror, third and fourth mirrors, a first lens element between the second and third mirror and a second lens element between the third mirror and the pellicle providing a reduction of three. Relay optics between the pellicle and a fourth mirror provides an image of the film stage on a screen. The column of 1024 diode detectors are electrically scanned to provide one dimension of a rectangular scan of the image and mechanically displaced to provide the other scan dimension. The output of the photodiode array is coupled to a recording system that may be analog or digital to record an electrical representation of the image on the film stage.

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus is described for reading documents which contain information in the form of optical markings which deflect a reading beam coming from a light source in at least one given direction of deflection. A first light sensor detects a deflected partial beam. A second light sensor, the optical axis of which lies in a given direction of deflection, is only receptive to those light rays deflected at the document which lie outside a first cone and inside a second cone which is coaxial with the second light sensor. A comparator compares the electrical signals of both light sensors. Altered markings, which cause additional dispersion of the reading beam, can be reliably distinguished from the unaltered markings.

Abstract: Alphabetic labelling of articles includes the use of a label having on a portion of its face a first set of indicia and on another portion of its face a second set of indicia which relate to the same subject matter as the first set. The second set of indicia is oriented in reverse and upside down relative to the first set. A machine readable code unique to the subject matter of the sets of indicia is located on one of the face portions of the label. The label when folded about its length isolates the two fields and on application to an article, provides visual identification of the article from two of its sides. The label may be provided with a machine readable indicia code which is representative of at least one indicium of either of the sets. An article labelling system may be adapted to read the indicia code and apply as controlled by the reading operation, one or more labels having letters corresponding to the coded indicia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing the effects of surface light scatter in an optical reflective scanning system, wherein the method includes the steps of directly illuminating a small area upon the surface to be scanned, detecting the intensity of the light reflected by that area to produce a first signal proportional thereto, detecting the intensity of the light reflected from a scatter illuminated second area at least partially surrounding the directly illuminated area to produce a second signal proportional thereto, subtracting at least a portion of the second signal from the first signal to develop a compensated signal which represents the reflectivity of the directly illuminated first area as compensated for the light scattered back to the first area from the second area, and either using the compensated signal directly as analog data or converting it to a digital output signal which has a first state when the compensated signal is above a predetermined threshold and which has a second state when th

Abstract: This invention describes a sorting conveyor code system using a plurality of mirrors to set up each individual code. Each mirror has two positions so that it can reflect light into one of two directions if the light comes from a common source, one position being called a "0" and the other position being called a "1." A set of such mirrors then can carry a binary number with the number of digits equal to the number of mirrors. Each article to be sorted is accompanied by a set of such mirrors and the recognition circuitry consists of a light source and a set of optical detectors to detect the absence or presence of light in a particular direction.

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 line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout, is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading an alphanumeric code molded into the bottom of a glass container. The code characters are sequentially illuminated, and a plurality of images of the illuminated character are formed in a given plane. An optical mask is disposed in a given plane, having thereon at least one character corresponding to each possible character in the code. The mask characters are respectively aligned with one of the plural images and are opposite contrast to the image. The image of the illuminated character is formed on one face of a bundle of small diameter optical fibers, the ends of which are cut in common planes and polished. The image passed by the optical fiber bundle is received by a large diameter lens projecting the image to infinity, and a plurality of small diameter lenses in hollow opaque tubes are interposed between the large diameter lens and the mask to provide the plural images.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system of determining which of a plurality of molds produced a particular container. A concentric ring code is molded into the bottom of each container as it is produced. The containers are then passed by a reading station, where light whose intensity is proportional to the angle of incidence is projected onto the bottom of the container. Readings are taken of the variation of intensity of light reflected to a particular point in order to determine the position of rings on the container. Suitable electronics then decode the ring position to determine the container code, thus allowing identification of the mold which produced each container.

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

Abstract: This invention describes a system for access control, wherein a control card is presented to a control means. If the control card is authenticated, then access is gained. If it is not authenticated, access is not gained, the control card is retained, and an alarm may be sounded.The control card contains at least two means; (1) machine readable indicia identifying the card, and (2) a random pattern of micro spots, which pattern is derived (by direct copying--such as by focussed laser beam) from one of a plurality of different patterns, retained in a bank of such micro patterns, each such micro pattern identified by, and selectable in accordance with, different unique indicia, identical with the machine readable indicia on said cards.In use the control card is introduced into the control means and the indicia are read. Master micro pattern corresponding to the indicia is selected from the bank. The card micro pattern and master micro pattern are compared. If the comparison okay, the card is authenticated.

Abstract: A record is prepared recording certain findings to provide an object record. The information of the object record is compared with stored information which comprises a function of the probability of occurrence of these certain findings in a particular class. An index of matching is established between the stored information relating to the class and the information of the object record to provide readout information.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout, is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout, is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: An optical bar code reader is provided employing a dual focusing system in which a source of light is focused by a first lens to a small area of the bar code, which reflects the light back through a second lens to a detector. In preferred embodiments of the invention the source and detector are solid state semiconductors mounted on the same substrate, while the focusing lenses are integrally molded as part of a single lens support. Spherical aberration is minimized by utilizing aspheric lenses.

Abstract: An apparatus for making distance measurements with a high degree of accuracy and a means for interpreting and displaying the results on a digital readout. A binary encoded scale which exhibits a one to one correspondence with discrete locations on said scale and the coded information at those locations is used in making the measurements. The scale is made using photographic reducing techniques. An optical detection system, comprising a magnifying lens, a plurality of light conducting fibers and phototransistors is used to read digital information from the binary encoded scale. An electronic circuit accepts digital code from the optical detection system, decodes it and displays the resulting information on a digital readout.

Abstract: An electrooptical scanning device which can detect the relative position of register mark applied to a moving web, either serially on a single track or in two parallel, side-by-side tracks which extend in the direction of movement of the web. Light from a light source positioned some distance above the web is split into three light beams and the light beams are reflected downwardly towards the web. Lenses are positioned to receive and direct the light beam at an oblique angle onto the marks on the track or tracks. The lenses are aligned with the tracks and the light beam passing through a given lens is directed to the opposite track to illuminate three positions, two on the first track and one position on the second track. Light impinging on the web at these positions is scattered.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout, is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: In a signal play-back device having a substantially flat record carrier or disc provided with first and second oppositely facing reflective surfaces and a signal recorded as variations in at least the second surface, and an optical system in which a first lens directs a laser light beam against the first record carrier surface for reflection by the latter and passage back through the first lens for focussing by the latter at an image point remote from the first record carrier surface, and a second lens effects a predetermined focussing of such image point at the second record carrier surface for scanning the recorded signal variations, with the light beam reflected from the latter, and having corresponding variations in its beam energy, passing back through the second lens toward a light detector for providing an output corresponding to such variations in beam energy, and in which the first and second lenses have magnification factors for maintaining the predetermined focussing of the image point at the secon

Abstract: A pressure actuated light pen attached to the end of an optical fiber bundle has a retractable shutter mechanism at its forward end. The shutter mechanism comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped sections, resiliently urged in a forward direction to at least substantially close off light admittance, and moveable rearwards along inclined paths to produce an aperture at their forward ends, the light pattern at the aperture focussed on the ends of the fibres.

Abstract: A scanner for reading binary digit spots on a transparent film includes a laser light beam which is directed through a beam splitter and through the film to a mirror, from which it is reflected back through the film to illuminate a small area on the film. Light which is not blocked by a recorded spot on the film continues back to the beam splitter, from which the beam is directed to a photodetector. The photodetector is positioned to receive light from solely a portion of the illuminated area of the film, to provide high definition scanning not adversely affected by distortion of the illuminating light beam by imperfections in the film and mirror.

Abstract: A system for scanning a code symbol consisting of a combination of spaced parallel bars affixed to an object for providing coded information related to the object. A flat panel defines a scanning region adjacent the panel for receiving objects having the code symbol. Light transmissive areas in the panel surface define a "double X bar" pattern consisting of a predetermined configuration of five bars, such as shown in the Drawing. A laser beam is sequentially scanned at an acute angle to the panel surface in planes extending through the five bars into the defined scanning region at prescribed angles in relation to a first direction.

Abstract: A bar code is constructed from individual characters that are laid out along a first straight line. Each character is formed by a series of bars and spaces that are parallel to the first straight line and that are laid out along a second straight line which is perpendicular to the first straight line and which passes through the center of the character. The resulting bar code is scanned manually by an operator who propels a hand-held scanner across the bar code in a direction parallel to the first straight line. The hand-held scanner contains a linear photodetector array mounted opposite optical elements in such a manner that a line image of a bar code character roughly perpendicular to the first straight line is projected upon the linear array as the stylus passes over a character.

Abstract: Objects, such as a pattern mask and a photoresist coated substrate, are placed in translational and/or rotational alignment by a system in which a target on one object is successively aligned to two targets on the other object so that the accuracy of each alignment can be verified. The system compares a known stored distance between alignment targets with the distance determined from the successive alignments. When the distances agree within a preselected tolerance, then the objects are moved into alignment.

Abstract: An optical scanner is disclosed for reading of bar code symbols on packages moving through a reading field. The scanner generates a polyphase scan pattern which is adapted for omnidirectional reading of a bar code symbol. The scanner, in one embodiment, comprises an oscillatory mirror driven by an electromechanical resonator for producing beam deflection along the amplitude axis and includes a rotary multifaceted mirror for producing beam deflection along the time axis. In another embodiment an optical galvanometer is used to produce beam deflection along the amplitude axis and in this embodiment a substantially straight line trace is produced in addition to the polyphase pattern.

Abstract: A laser scanner is disclosed which is especially adapted as a label reader for point-of-sale data processingsystems. The scanner produces a polyphase scan pattern. The scanning beam is vertically deflected as a sinuosoidal function of time by an oscillatory mirror and is horizontally deflected as a sawtooth function of time by a rotary multifaceted mirror. The return light signal follows an optical path including the rotary multifaceted mirror which causes "derotation" of the image before it impinges upon the receiving photodetector. Additionally, the ambient or background light is reduced by providing an optical slit in the receiving optics so that the vertical deflection is accommodated.

Abstract: A sensing system, for use in the identification of colored indicia defined on a body in a series arrangement, includes at least one flash lamp means electrically energizable to produce a burst of light to illuminate at least one of the indicia at a high level compared to the ambient light level, at least one photo-electric means disposed to receive light reflected from at least one of the illuminated indicia and operative to produce a sensor signal for light having a predetermined color, and detector means coupled to the photo-electric means and operative to be programmed to produce a test signal when the sensor signal is within a predetermined class of signals.

Abstract: Machine readable identifying indices for a semiconductor wafer having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one flat edge is placed on the bottom surface of the semiconductor wafer, positioned in a predetermined relationship to the flat edge, desirably parallel to the flat edge. Means is provided for directing a first beam of radiant energy at the machine readable code and a second beam of radiant energy at the semiconductor wafer proximate to the machine readable code. Sensing means detects the first and second beams after impinging on the semiconductor wafer. A differential amplifier produces a series of output pulses representing the machine readable code. The output from the sensing means constitutes the inputs to the differential amplifier. In a preferred form, the machine readable code is a bar code including error check symbols. This approach gives a simplified means for identifying semiconductor wafers that is highly reliable.

Abstract: A scanning system for supermarket check-out counters or the like, in which a package bearing the universal product code symbol is passed over a scanning window where the code symbol is scanned by a laser-generated and galvanometer-deflected light beam. The complex saw toothed laser scanning pattern, produced by a programmable read-only memory controlled galvanometer system, intercepts the coded symbol, regardless of its orientation, at high symbol speeds and permits higher than normal instantaneous laser power while conforming to safety standards prescribed by the Federal Bureau of Radiological Health. The beam reflected from the coded symbol is collected via a low-cost fiber optic bundle in a photomultiplier, and the video signal is processed in simple circuitry into a square wave signal suitable for subsequent digital computing equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for uniformly illuminating a field of information is provided for optical readers having a scanning device loosely constrained in movement. Lamps are symmetrically located about the optical axis of a sensor and enclosed within a four-sided illuminator. The sides of the illuminator converge at one end to a port having dimensions defined by the field to be viewed. A plate between the lamps and the sensor partially closes the second end of the illuminator, with an aperture therein symmetrical to the optical axis of the sensor. Internal wall portions of the illuminator adjacent to the reflecting plate are of a high diffuse reflectance, while portions adjacent to the port are of a low diffuse reflectance.

Abstract: A reader-scanner system using a laser as a source of a narrow beam of light and having optical means for directing the light beam from the laser to a scan target area with the optical means generating a pattern comprising a series of intersecting diagonal and horizontal lines relative to the path of objects which pass through the scan target area, with sequential scan pattern sets in the scan target area displaced in the direction of oncoming objects from the previous scan pattern set, with each of the lines defining each scan pattern set approaching the scan target area from a different direction and wherein the optical path of the incoming scan lines is shared by the reflected light as it travels to the system's optical detector.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for reading a radiation-reflecting record carrier on which information is stored in an optically readable structure. For separating the modulated and the unmodulated read beam, the radiation path from the radiation source to the record carrier includes a beam-splitting element with such a reflection coefficient that only a small part of the modulated read beam returns to the radiation source, while a sufficiently large part of said beam reaches a radiation-sensitive detector.

Abstract: A detecting unit for automatic tune selection apparatus of a phonographic record player comprising a light projector and a CdS photoelectric element housed in a casing, said casing having a cylindrical light shield barrel extending axially downwardly therefrom having a constricted aperture formed thereon at the lower end portion thereof so as to form a limited passage for exclusive reception of the reflection of light rays from its own light source, warding off all the reflections of the light source from outside, thereby ensuring accurate actuation of said detecting unit for the automatic tune selection system without any incidental failure.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for reading a manually fed data carrier are disclosed. The data carrier has at least one line of coded positions and is fed manually past reader means including at least one pair of reader means which viewed in the direction of motion of the data carrier are spaced apart by a distance less than the extension of a coded position in said direction. Said pair of reader means detects the direction of motion of the data carrier each time a transition between two successive positions passes said reader means. If the detected direction is opposite to the given read-out direction, the count of a counter is increased with one unit. If the detected direction corresponds with the given direction, the count of the counter is reduced with one unit provided that the count exceeds zero. If the direction corresponds with the given direction and the count is zero, read-out result is fed out.

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 optical sensor wand is disclosed which is designed to be optically aligned by an operator through use of visible light but which excludes the visible light utilized for alignment from the sensing optical channel whereby the sensing optical system operates in the "dark".

Abstract: An optical reading head is described which is particularly designed to read codes generally formed by fluorescent or phosphorescent bars. The codes are carried by a support, such as an envelope which moves past the head at a relatively high speed. The support carrying the code is illuminated from a light source through a set of outgoing optical fibers, and the modulated light retransmitted by the code markings is conveyed through a set of incoming optical fibers to a processing device. Such a reading head is particularly adapted for use in a postal sorting system.