Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading in which a light source generates an optical beam directed toward an object to be read and a variable aperture mechanism positioned in the outgoing light path establishes at least two separate focal planes. The variable aperture device may comprise a variable aperture system in which the size of the aperture is selectively varied about a range within the diffractive limit of the light beam. A preferred aperture mechanism is an LCD aperture with one or more aperture regions which are selectively or consecutively activated. The optical system therefore establishes two or more separate focal planes from a single light source resulting in greater depth of field or multiple depths of field.

Abstract: An optical scanning system comprises an optical scanner, a first circuit for generating a reference pulse and a second circuit for comparing a benchmark pulse scanned by the scanner to the reference pulse. The comparing circuit provides an indicating signal of one of a less than, a greater than and an equal to signals as a result of the comparison. There is a third circuit for adjusting sensitivity of the scanner based on the indicating signal. In one embodiment a visual indication is provided to distinguish between the less than, greater than and equal to signals so that a manual adjustment can be made to the scanner sensitivity. In another embodiment, automatic adjustments are made if a predetermined number of less than or greater than signals are provided before an equal to signal is provided by the comparing circuit.

Abstract: The invention facilitates operation of a bar code reader over a wider range of working angle, a wider range of distances from the bar code and a wider range of bar code densities. The invention includes improved optics and sensing elements. To provide a wider depth of field the optics associated with the emitter and or the photodetector have two distinct focal points. In the preferred embodiments, the optics and sensing elements and/or the associated circuitry are arranged to provide two channels of data derived form the scanned bar code. The two channels have differing resolutions. Analysis of the data from the two channels provides a single decoded result. As the working angle and density vary at least one of the resolutions will be appropriate for sensing all or most of the bar coded data.

Abstract: A franking machine in which the franking impression is printed by means of an ink jet print head. In order to determine whether all the ink jet nozzles are functional all of the nozzles are operated in selected ones of a series of print cycles to print a bar code. Reading means is provided to read a part of the bar code printed by a group of the nozzles and the information read is compared with information intended to be represented by the bar code. For successive printings of the bar code, the reading means is shifted transversely so that over a series of bar codes all the nozzles are checked.

Abstract: A system apparatus for altering the depth of field of a lens mechanism for use with a bar code. The altering of the mechanism allows different focal points and increased depths of field to be selected to accommodate different container sizes. The system is also designed to provide a variable threshold which adjusts the receiving circuitry based upon the amplitude of the signal received from the scanned label. Additionally, the system may be operated in a mode which introduces alternate threshold switching for allowing labels of low contrast bar and space elements to be successfully scanned along with elements of high contrast. Incorporated into the apparatus is a technique for adjusting the circuitry when there is a reduction of the power output of the beam generating laser.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus and method adapted for use in bar code scanners is described. The apparatus forms a derivative signal, and utilizes the derivative signal to detect transition points from white to black bars and vice-versa. Then, the apparatus starts and stops the generation of digital pulses at or about the transition points, thereby generating pulses having widths corresponding to the widths of the bars making up the bar code symbol. The apparatus is capable of successively scanning a bar code symbol more than once, and varying various processing parameters used in forming the derivative signal over the successive scans, including threshold level, overall bandpass, overall amplification, and the like.

Abstract: An optical device for sensing marks carried on an area to be sensed of a medium, especially printed and/or handwritten patterns, is disclosed. Sensing of marks is accomplished by inclined illumination of the area to be sensed by a light source (3) emitting shortwave light, especially in the green spectral area, and reception of reflected light by a photoreceptor (4).

Abstract: A bar code label is read by automatically initiated scanning of the bar code symbol by a beam of light, as from a laser in a bar code scanner. Initially, the scanner is operated in a pulsed mode with low duty cycle (5%) pulses. These pulses are reflected from a reflective tape on one side of a detection zone or from an object carrying the label in the beam path. Then (because the beam is not scanning across the code) the reflected pulses (which are detected much like the bars and spaces of the code) are not detected. The ratio of the number of generated pulses to the reflected pulses is computed for a succession of pulses (ten pulses for example). If this ratio exceeds two (i.e., that the number of effective bars is less than the number of generated pulses during the succession), then the presence of the object is detected and the system, implemented in an application program in the microprocessor controller of the bar code scanner, initiates scanning of the bar code.

Abstract: A bar code label is ready by automatically initiated scanning of the bar code symbol by a scanner on a stand. Light is reflected back to the scanner as from the bars of a code being scanned. Initially, the scanner is operated in a pulsed mode with low duty cycle (5%) pulses. These pulses are reflected from a reflective area unless an object is inserted and blocks the beam path. Then (because the beam is not scanning across the code) the reflected pulses (which are detected much like the bars and spaces of the code) are not detected. The ratio of the number of generated pulses to the reflected pulses is computed for a succession of pulses. If this ratio exceeds two (i.e., that the number of effective bars is less than the number of generated pulses during the succession), then the presence of the object is detected. The system, implemented in an application program in the microprocessor controller of the bar code scanner, initiates scanning of the bar code.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument for reading a bar code symbol, and analyzing the print quality of the code upon manually scanning the code has a graphic display. The display is driven by a computer which has memory (a block in RAM) in which a multiplicity of data samples representing the reflectance profile of the bar code pattern are entered at a constant rate. The print quality analysis is based upon these samples. The number (count) of these samples represents the duration of the elements (bars and spaces) constituting the code. When the number of samples in successive, adjacent characters (groups of elements, a string of which represents a valid code) differs by 25%, the display is driven to prompt the operator to scan the code again, but more evenly without jerky motion (accelerations or decelerations). When the capacity of the memory block allocated to the scan profile data samples is exceeded, the operator is prompted by the display to scan faster.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated optical system for a scanning device. The optical system includes a first optical element having a positive radius of curvature in a plane and a second optical element having a negative radius of curvature in the plane. Both optical elements focus light energy to nearly the same point within a housing of the scanning device. The focal point is on the side of the second optical element that is opposite to the first optical element. In one embodiment, the optical system can be two separate optical elements and, in another embodiment, the optical system can be an integral piece of material, such as plastic, with the first and second optical elements being surfaces on opposite sides of the integral piece.

Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention, utilized for game cards or the like, comprises an optical validation sensor configured to prevent fraudulent play by a retailer or the like to pick out winning game cards. The optical validation sensor activates the imaging device only upon sensing a predetermined amount or density of light passing through the game card. The imaging device also comprises a debris slot to prevent debris or the like from collecting therein when accompanied with a card being inserted and improved configurations of the game card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line evaluation of bar code symbol quality is disclosed in which bar code decoding and evaluation functions are integrated within a single unit. The integration of the bar code decoding and evaluation functions results in significantly more conclusive analysis of the quality of the bar code symbols as the analysis methodology and decoding process utilize a common scanning device. Thus, the ambiguities associated with hardware differernces between the decoding apparatus and stand alone bar code verifiers in evaluating the quality of the bar code symbols associated with conventional evaluation techniques are eliminated.

Abstract: A bar code reader system for reading bar code labels with highly specular spaces and bars with low contrast. The bar code label is illuminated with radiation polarized in a first direction. The radiation polarized in a first direction reflected from the bar code label is received and blocked by means of cross polarization. This blocked radiation is representative of the spaces and other radiation passing through unblocked is representative of the bars. The resulting radiation pattern representative of the bars and spaces is consequently inverted from its initial state into a secondary state. The radiation image passed by the block is detected in order to generate a signal representative of the bars and spaces. The strength of the signal representing the spaces is substantially diminished in intensity. The widths of the areas representing the bars and spaces is determined, and the widths representing the bars and spaces are interpreted to obtain the information of the bar code.

Abstract: An envelope reflectance meter for evaluating the contrast between ink on a pre-printed envelope and the envelope itself and for calculating and displaying the print contrast ratio and the print reflectance difference is described. The device includes a portable housing having internally a pair of light sources which generate a reflected image of the envelope. The image passes through a lens, is reflected from a mirror, and is then displayed on a viewplate. An aperture is provided in the viewplate which passes a beam of light. The beam of light is then split and the two beams resulting analyzed for red content and green content. The analog signal produced is then converted to digital and the print contrast ratio and print reflectance difference calculated. A display is provided within the housing adjacent the viewplate whereby selectively the values for red light and for green light and comparisons between the readings for ink and the readings for the envelope are selectively displayed for an operator.

Abstract: An optical angle measuring apparatus for measuring the angular displacement of a polygon with light reflecting facets, for use, e.g., in machine tools. The apparatus comprises an autocollimator for projecting collimated light beams onto a facet of a polygon, a matrix array detector for detecting and transducing into angle measuring data the location of the focused light reflected from the polygon facets, a processor and angle error memory unit; for computing the difference between the angles of any given facet and an adjacent facet relative to a respective angle of an ideal regular polygon, and a control unit for processing and compensating for the said angle data to yield a corrected angle measurement. The corrected angle measurement is displayed on display means. A method for measuring the angular displacement of an object relative to a reference position employing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating bar codes for an optical mark reader is provided comprising a scanning means for scanning a target area on a scannable form and producing a signal in response to certain indications, i.e.

Abstract: A laser scanner system for producing and projecting a multi-line scanning pattern into a space in which a bar code is to be brought. The system includes plural modular laser scanners, each producing a line scan pattern, but mounted with respect to one another so that the pattern of each scanner is projected into the space to conjoin to form the multi-line pattern. Each module is arranged to receive light reflected off the object to convert that light into electrical output signals indicative of the bars and spaces of the code. The system also include means for decoding the output signals and for providing the decoded signals to some peripheral device, e.g., an electronic cash register or computer. In one embodiment the scanner is located adjacent a conveyor carrying bar coded items to form an automated check-out counter.

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: An optical system for a bar code scanner has a working range that is not determined by the lens aperture, but by the dimension and orientation of the detector. In the preferred embodiment, the desired working range is imaged onto a detector array using a modified Scheimpflug arrangement. The array in the first Scheimpflug plane with respect to the lens defines a second Scheimpflug plane that intersects the bar code tag to be read. So long as the bar code tag intersects the image of the detector array in the second Scheimpflug plane, a portion of the image of the bar code tag will be in focus on at least one of the elements of the detector array. The lens aperture can be as large as desired to maximize resolution and minimize illumination needs without adversely affecting the working range. The scanner's bar code illumination can be directed along the second Scheimpflug plane, which is off the optical axis of the lens.

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: In an exemplary wand type bar code scanner the scanner circuit includes a first control loop for reducing the LED driving current as the D.C. voltage level supplied to the digitizer tends to exceed a selected D.C. reference value; a second control loop becomes active when the LED is shut off by the first control loop, e.g. in the presence of sunlight. The second control loop controls the gain of the scanner amplifier so that the D.C. reference level at the input to the digitizer circuit is maintained as the scanner scans bar codes in the presence of sunlight but with the LED de-energized.

Abstract: A housing assembly for an optical scanner is provided to enable the scanner to be mounted in a vertical orientation. The assembly includes a rear unit, a front unit and a base unit, all of which can be assembled together without the use of screws or similar fasteners, with the scanner positioned within the assembled front and rear units. The assembly with the included scanner can be placed on the horizontal check-out counter of a point of sale system for use in said system.

Abstract: The scanner has a light transmitter (10) which radiates light onto a rotating mirror (12) for linewise scanning of an article (20). The mirror wheel (12) has mirror surfaces (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) with different inclinations relative to its axis of rotation which project the light in parallel scanning lines onto the article (18). The light scattered back from the article (20) is picked-up by an optical system and transferred to a photodetector (30). The output signal of the photodetector (30) is stored after analogy-digital conversion in a memory (1", 2", 3", 4", 5", 6"). A pre-evaluation stage with a programmable module (32) accesses the memory (1", 2", 3-, 4", 5-, 6"), identifies the signal component originating frOm a bar code and transfers it to a second memory (38) which has a substantially smaller memory width but however a substantially larger memory depth.

Abstract: A focused line identifier is useful in a bar code reader employing Scheimpflug optics for focusing an illuminated line from the bar code on a two dimensional array of photodetectors. One line or a small group of lines somewhere on the array is the sharpest focus of a bar code within the working range of a bar code scanner. The best focused line is located with the analog signal before digitizing by generating a signal having an amplitude representative of the high frequency component of the lines of signal from the photodetector array. The maximum high frequency component may be found by passing the signal through a high pass filter for detecting the signal having the largest amplitude. The best focused line is, in effect, found in one field scan and used to open a gate in the next scan for passing the best focused line to a digitizer. One may also hop from the best focused line to a line or lines adjacent to the best focuesd line for feeding a slightly unfocused line to the digitizer.

Abstract: In a nuclear fuel rod identification system, a bar code etched directly on a surface of a nuclear fuel rod is read by first positioning the fuel rod such that its surface portion having the bar code etched directly thereon, such as by a laser, is disposed adjacent to a light diffuser surface and between such surface and a light reader. Next, a beam of laser light is directed on the bar code on fuel rod surface portion such that the light is reflected therefrom onto the light diffuser surface. Then, the light reflected from the bar code via the light diffuser surface is received and read by the light reader. The light diffuser surface is disposed at about thirty degrees relative to the path of the beam of light directed to the fuel surface portion such that only about twenty-five percent of the light is reflected by the diffuser surface back to the light reader.

Abstract: A scan-type optical reader having a laser source used for reading information on a subject such as, for example, a bar code. A deflecting optical member deflects a laser beam emitted from the laser source to the subject to be scanned. In the reader there is a projecting lens displaced between the laser source and the deflecting optical member. A light-receiving member receives the laser beam reflected by the subject matter scanned in order to read the information on the subject matter. An optical member, such as a plane parallel plate, is moved back and forth in the beam of the laser source to change the beam waist of the laser beam.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of unscrambling a parallax panoramagram that is a lineticular dissection of a bar code formed by scrambling the bar code in accordance with a graticule formed of a plurality of parallel contiguous focussing elements disposed at a spatial frequency greater than the modular spatial frequency of the bar code. The method includes positioning said panoramagram contiguous to the opposite surface of a light transparent screen having a plurality of elongated parallel line elements including focussing surfaces disposed in common along a first surface of the screen, the spatial frequency of those line elements being matched to the spatial frequency of the focussing elements. Positioning is achieved so that the line elements are disposed substantially parallel to the lines in the lineticular dissection.

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 compact optical scanning system comprises a portable enclosure structure having a cover portion which includes a glass enclosed aperture over which a UPC label attached to a purchased merchandise item is moved. Mounted within the enclosure is a laser whose output coherent light beam is reflected along a path extending in a direction parallel to the cover portion by mirrors and a bifocal lens member mounted on a shelf extending between opposite sidewalls of enclosure. One of the mirrors mounted on the shelf reflects the laser beam in a downward direction at a rotating multifaceted mirrored member mounted on and directly beneath the shelf and the bifocal lens. The rotating mirrored spinner directs the laser beam at a plurality of pattern mirrors which redirects the received laser beam towards the aperture, forming a scan pattern thereat for scanning the UPC label.

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 enhancement circuit for code readers of the variety employing a video input wherein transitions within each horizontal scan are detected and sampled for code correspondence. The enhancement develops a sequence of time spaced memory columns for each horizontal scan into which arithmetic values are submitted upon the occurrence of a transition and from which arithmetic values are decremented upon the failure of an occurrence of a transition. Thus, a statistical likelihood of occurrence of code component transitions is maintained in memory to electronically "stretch" the code components to enhance readability. Special cases are accommodated for for overrun and underrun conditions in the arithmetic adjustments which are carried out. A magnitude comparator functions to provide an output to the system representing an enhanced transition.

Abstract: A compact optical scanning system comprises a portable enclosure structure having a cover portion which includes a glass enclosed aperture over which a UPC label attached to a purchased merchandise item is moved. Mounted within the enclosure below the cover portion is a laser whose output coherent light beam is reflected along a path extending in a direction parallel to the cover portion by mirrors mounted on a shelf extending between opposite side walls of enclosure. The laser beam is directed through an aperture in a collection mirror to a bifocal lens which includes a second lens for focusing the received laser beam at the aperture by directing the laser beam at a mirror mounted so as to reflect the laser beam at a six-sided multi-faceted rotating mirrored spinner mounted on the floor of the enclosure directly beneath the shelf and the bifocal lens.

Abstract: An optical scanning pattern generator device (10) is provided to include a laser beam generator (14) for generating a beam (16) which is caused to trace a scan pattern (76) within a scan zone (24) by a scattering system (20). The unique scattering system (20) includes a rotating mirror (44) for directing the beam (16) radially outward in a circle within a rotation plane (42). A rotating prism ring (50), rotating at a different rate than the rotating mirror (44) refracts the beam from the rotation plane (42), the amount of refraction being dependent on the particular prism element (52) within the ring (50) which is intersected by the beam (16). The refracted beam then is reflected toward the scan zone (24) by one of a series of fixed mirrors (58) which are circumferentially arranged about the prism ring (50). The beam (16) may be reflected off of a scan object (26) and collected in collection apparatus (28).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining the occurrence of transitions in a binary encoded analog input signal. The system includes a threshold circuit, responsive to the input signal, for generating first and second grating signals in dependence upon whether the input signal exceeds or is less than a first threshold level, respectively. A first circuit means, responsive to the input signal, differentiates the input signal to form a first derivative signal. A threshold circuit, responsive to the first derivative signal, generates third and fourth gating signals in dependence upon whether the first derivative signal exceeds a second threshold level or is less than a third threshold level, respectively. A second circuit means, responsive to the first derivative signal, differentiates the first derivative signal to form a second derivative signal.

Abstract: Optical scanning apparatus of the invention has a scanning range with a large depth of field through the use of a plurality of light sources, which are disposed in a cluster and directed at the bar code to be read thereby increasing the amount of light at the focal plane. This increases the depth of field in which the scanner is effective. A rectangular aperture stop with a length several times the width controls the F/# and allows an increased amount of light to reach the photodetector. A rectangular receiving slit provides an elliptical field of view of the photodetector with the long axis aligned with the bars of the code to be read, so that the scanner is able to "see" a major portion of the bar or space instead of a small area which may contain printing errors. Thus the intensity of illumination on the object being scanned is maximized, while the depth of the field, and the signal to noise ratio of the receiving system is also maximized so as to enable the resolution of fine, dense, bar codes.

Abstract: A digital bar code slot reader provides low first bar error rates and a wide scan speed range for bar codes on laminated badges and tags, and is also capable of reading bar codes on paper. The reflectance waveform from the bar code is differentiated in order to find the regions of high slope. The differentiated signal is peak detected to find the amplitude of the slope occurring at the initial card edge. This peak detected value is used to generate thresholds to be compared to the differentiated reflectance signal during the rest of the scan. When the slope of the reflectance signal is above the positive threshold or below the negative threshold, a switching signal is produced. To compensate for the lower amplitude output of the differentiator at low scan speeds, one of the amplifiers in the circuit produces a higher gain at low frequencies than at high frequencies.

Abstract: An identification system for guaranteeing that a cash box adapted to receive revenue from an associated fare box is delivered to an authorized location; the system includes a transmitter as part of the cash box for generating a coded series of pulses uniquely identifying the particular cash box; a receiver is included as part of the fare box for receiving that coded series of pulses; a microcomputer connected to the output of the receiver reads and decodes the coded series of pulses to provide the identification number for the particular cash box; the microcomputer also stores the cash box number in its memory; further provided is an arrangement for selectively varying the coded series of pulses so as to uniquely identify each of a group of cash boxes.

Abstract: A laser scanner wherein an elliptical laser light beam is directed to the target (a bar code symbol) so as to increase the signal to noise ratio of the laser light received by the photodetector. The use of laser light in the shape of an ellipse, instead of the prior spherical shaped laser light, where the long axis of the elliptical laser light is aligned with the bars of the code being read reduces the distortion of the optical signals received by the photodetector. Thus the signal to noise ratio is maximized so as to enable the resolution of fine, dense bar codes.

Abstract: A three channel, binary coding technique, especially adapted for identifying intermittently, erratically, or continuously moving objects along a linear path (conveyor track, roadway, or the like). Three parallel channels of coded information are each provided with some type of photoelectric, electronic, or mechanical indicating means or indicia representative of one of two logic states, which logic states on each channel change during each successive segment or interval thereon. A change in the timing channel indicates to a sensing means that a new binary bit of intelligence is to be transmitted. The order in which the coding channels change during the succeeding segment then indicate whether the binary bit being generated is a ONE, a ZERO, or in the alternative whether the reading is erroneous or invalid.

Abstract: An optical beam modulation and deflection device having a semiconductor laser mounted on a rotator which employs a rotating transformer so as to supply electrical power to the rotator in a contactless manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for reading contiguous, conterminous, parallel data lines (76) of minute, rectangular bits of information printed on a substrate (2) and together forming a data strip (3) with its length, perpendicular to the data lines (76).The reader (1) includes alignment means for holding the strip (5) and includes data line scanning means (33, 40, 130) on a chassis (20) which moves longitudinally of the data strip (3) while simultaneously and synchronously scanning the tranverse data lines (76) at a rate that scans each data line a plurality of times. An infra-red light source (50) illuminates the data line (76) being scanned, and crossed cylindrical lenses (30, 32, 40, 130), moving relative to each other and to the data strip (3), focus individual scanned bits upon a matched infra-red detector (42).Multiples (33) of one of the cylindrical lenses, mounted on a rotating drum (44), are used to increase speed of operation.

Abstract: An optical element that is particularly suitable for use in the optical system of a hand-held probe to conduct light to and from bar codes as they are scanned or read for information. The element preferably is integrally formed as a single piece fabricated of optical plastic by injection molding and includes three surfaces, one of which in preferred form is decentered with respect to the element optical axis and forms with another surface an opposed pair used to control the output of a source to illuminate bar codes. The remaining surface, the third, is prismatic, either converging or diverging as required, and is structured to cooperate with part of one of the paired opposed surfaces to conduct light reflected from a bar code to a small photodetector for conversion to electrical form.

Abstract: A bar code reader system for scanning light reflective bar coded labels, including a pivotably mounted spring based housing member having a connecting arm, a light source mounted on the housing member, and a line scan sensor mounted in the housing for sensing reflected light from the bar code label and producing coded signals corresponding thereto. Spring biasing of the housing urges the connecting arm against a plane parallel to the sheet having the bar code label to be read, with the housing pivoting about a pivot axis under spring biased urging, to maintain substantially constant the distance between the bar code label to be read and the line scan sensor.

Abstract: A bar code scanner having a housing in which a laser diode and optics forming the beam which scans the code and a photodetector are assembled as a unitary structure upon a printed circuit board so that the entire structure can be located in the housing.

Abstract: A bar code reader comprises a semiconductor laser diode. A first end face of the laser diode is optically coupled to an end of an optical fiber. A second end face of the laser diode is optically coupled to a detector. The bar code is scanned at the free end of the optical fiber. This information is read by the semiconductor laser diode by way of optical feedback.

Abstract: In an apparatus for storing articles, bins have a sensor for detecting the presence of an article in a bin and an optical code reader for reading a bar code on the article. The presence detector and the optical code reader are coupled to a circuit which provides an indication of the identity and location of a coded article. The apparatus is particularly well suited for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, when wafer cassette boxes are provided with a suitable bar code. Alternatively, the bins may be disposed upon a remotely guided vehicle, thereby making the apparatus useful in an automated manufacturing process.

Abstract: An orientation and control system for use with robots provides identification, orientation and operating instructions coded indicia on diverse parts, which indicia are viewed by a camera and are digital image processor recognizable, so that the indicia are converted into information for computer control of a robot in utilizing the diverse parts in assembly operations. The present system is useful in assembly operations wherein the parts can be randomly presented, without special orientation or alignment fixtures, to a robot and yet the robot can utilize the parts in a programmed manner to perform the programmed assembly operations.

Abstract: An information recording disc comprising a generally circular substrate having a polished major surface, a light-reflective coating formed on the polished major surface of the substrate, and a light-absorptive coating formed on the surface of the light-reflective coating and formed with information tracks each consisting of a succession of spaced pits in the light-absorptive coating, the light-absorptive coating being composed of a mixture of cellulose nitrate and a dye sensitizer exhibiting a noticeable light absorptivity in response to light with a predetermined wavelength, the cellulose nitrate being prepared from a starting cellulose containing at least about 97% of alpha-cellulose. If desired, the light-reflective coating may be dispensed with so that the light-absorptive information recording coating is formed directly on the polished surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Optical wand for automatic character recognition including a scanner unit designed to be a manually movable along a line of print of a data carrier in order to recognize optical characters and incorporating a light source for illuminating a scanning window and a sensing device. A second scanner unit includes a second sensing device and is designed for recognizing bar code marks. A gun shaped housing forms a common case for both scanner units.