Abstract: The invention relates to an optical transducer for measuring position, angle, and the time dependence of these quantities in one, two or three dimensions, with at least one fiber optical transducer having light-emitting means which feeds incident light to an object on which the measurement is to be effected, a photo-detector which senses light emanating from the object after said incident light has been influenced by the object and an electronic unit partly for controlling the light-emitting means, and partly for evaluating the output of the photo-detector, the output signal being dependent on the variations in light transmission, light absorption, light reflection and/or photo-luminescence of a pattern on the object.

Abstract: A battery-powered, microcomputer controlled optical bar code reader automatically turns itself off under certain predetermined conditions, so as to prevent operation when the battery voltage is low, when the microcomputer of the circuitry controlled by the microcomputer is malfunctioning, or when the scanner has been turned on, but is not being used.

Abstract: A device for the optical identification of a bar coding on a diagnostic test strip in an evaluation device in which the test strip is positively movable relative to a reading device for the coding, with a source of light as a transmitter and a light-sensitive element as a receiver. The bar coding has a high information density and between the test strip and the transmitter and/or between the test strip and the receiver there is, in each case, present a slit aperture and a cylindrical lens. The lens axis runs parallel to the test strip surface carrying the coding and to the code bars, the slit aperture lies in the plane defined by the cylinder axis and the transmitter or receiver and the distance between the lens axis and the test strip surface is substantially such that the focus lines of the lens lie approximately in the test strip surface.

Abstract: Test patterns (6) in bar code of different densities are printed at the start of document (20) preparation on the line with a alignment mark (5). The test patterns (6) are immediately read at different timing intervals (59) corresponding to the densities of the patterns. The highest density pattern (6) having test data which is recognized by the logic (61) as correctly sensed, defines the subsequent printing density to be used. First, the next line of data 3 is printed in the lowest density with a code defining the density of the subsequent printing. When a document (20) is read, the first line is read with the clock (59) intervals corresponding to the lowest density. The frequency is then changed to that defined by the code in the first line. Alternatively, the frequency is adjusted lower when an ordinary line of data is re-read and found to read incorrectly.

Abstract: To provide for tuning of an oscillator circuit, a plurality of resistors are selectively connectable in the circuit. To provide for reproducible, accurate oscillation frequency in accordance with switching of a respective resistor in dependence on a digital input signal, electronic switches are respectively connected to the resistors to connect them in circuit in the oscillator to thereby eliminate variable contact resistances of mechanical switches. A digital frequency control signal is generated by placing a movable mask or pattern with openings therein between an array, for example a linear strip of light emitting diodes, and a similar strip of photo transistors, the respective energization of which is determined by openings in the diaphragm. The signals from the photo transistors are stored in a memory, typically a group of flip-flops, for application to the electronic switches controlling connection of the respective resistors in the oscillator circuit.

Abstract: An entirely field-portable laser scanning system for reading bar code symbols includes a light-weight and small-sized laser scanning head. The laser source, power supply component, optics, scanning elements, sensor circuit, and signal processing circuitry are specially designed for minimal size and weight and volume such that they can all be mounted in the head. The head can be bracket-mounted or hand-held. The housing for the head can be provided with a handle grip, or can be gun-shaped. Highspeed oscillating scanning motors and/or penta-bimorph scanners are used as scanning elements. A trigger initiates repetitive scanning of each object bearing a symbol, and an indicator indicates when the scanning of that particular object has been terminated. A body harness supports the remaining scanner system circuitry. A non-bulky, freely-movable cable interconnects the head to the body harness. Methods of scanning the symbol and of operating the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Alignment mark 5 is printed by printer 30 during the same operation in which bar code 3 is printed. Subsequent alignment is by the optical scanner 32 centering on mark 5. In a specific application a factor relating to the vertical position of scanner 32 to printer 30 is obtained by scanning mark 5 shortly after it is printed. This factor is used to position the scanner 32 to read for errors after a line of code 3 is printed.

Abstract: In a process for producing a semiconductor device using an insulating substrate, a so called SOS device, a semiconductor layer is formed on the insulating film and semiconductor elements are formed in the semiconductor layer, material, which develops color with in the insulating substrate, is introduced in the substrate, and a color developed part of the insulating substrate is used as an identification mark of the substrate and the semiconductor elements. Cracking of the substrates due to formation of the identification mark is prevented.

Abstract: Alignment mark 5 is printed by printer 30 during the same operation in which bar code 3 is printed. Subsequent alignment is by the optical scanner 32 centering on mark 5. In a specific application a factor relating to the vertical position of scanner 32 to printer 30 is obtained by scanning mark 5 shortly after it is printed. This factor is used to position the scanner 32 to read for errors after a line of code 3 is printed.

Abstract: An optical information reading device for character recognition and processing having an array of luminous diodes to illuminate the material to be read. A sensor transmits received data signals to a pattern indentification circuit. The signals are also transmitted to a light control circuit to vary the illumination to the array to provide uniform lighting of the characters to be read.

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 system for uniformly illuminating a field of information is provided for optical character readers having a scanning device loosely constrained in movement. Lamps are symmetrically located about the optical axis of a sensor and enclosed within an illuminator. The sides of the illuminator converge at one end to port having dimensions defined by the field to be viewed. A plate between the lamps and the sensor partially encloses the second end of the illuminator with an aperture therein symmetrical to the optical axis of the sensor. The sides of two opposite walls of the illuminator adjacent to the port are cut out to remove a portion thereof to eliminate internal reflections and to give the operator a better view of the information to be scanned.

Abstract: A symbol decoding system incorporated in a NMOS/LSI chip generates asynchronously binary data in response to the scanning of bars and spaces of the symbol. The binary data may represent each bar or space as a numerical character, a margin or a center band of the symbol. The binary data also includes data identifying the bar or space and if the character generated is valid or invalid. Logic circuits generate a time delay period allowing the binary data to be generated asynchronously during the delay period. At the end of the delay period the binary data is outputted to a utilizing device for selecting the valid data from the data outputted by the decoding system.

Abstract: Laser light reflected from a bar code symbol pattern is detected by a photodetector mounted in a portable scanning head of a laser scanning system. By selecting appropriate threshold values on the analog signal generated by the photodetector, the analog signal is converted to a series of pulses, each pulse width accurately corresponding to the width of a bar from the scanned pattern. A plurality of functions can be determined from the series of pulses, each function being independently selected by keyboard entry from the head, displayed on the head, and/or recorded by a printer remote from the head. Single line or multiple line scans in two orthogonal directions relative to the pattern may be selected. A bimorph or speaker-type oscillatory element may be utilized as a miniature scanning element. Circuitry for synchronizing scanning along both axes, and for generating a signal to drive the bimorph in a uniform, constant velocity manner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control circuit limits the power supplied to a bar code reader system only to the particular point in time that a bar code located on a record member is being read by an optical wand. Control signals are generated during the time the reader system is not in a reading mode, which reduces the amount of power supplied to the reader system. Upon entering a read mode as determined by signals generated by the optical wand, power is supplied for a predetermined time sufficient to read the bar code on the record member. A plurality of single-shot multivibrators generate control signals for cyclically interrupting the power supply when the reader system is in a non-read mode, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the reader system.

Abstract: The pen comprises an elongated housing having a light aperture at one end. A plurality of light-emitting diodes is mounted in the housing, and means are provided for focusing the light from such diodes at the light aperture. In use, the pen is held against a coded label and moved therealong. Light from the light-emitting diodes strikes the coded information, so as to produce a light pattern. Lenses in the housing focus the reflected light onto a detector which produces electrical signals in accordance with the light pattern.

Abstract: A light source, a converging lens and a light responsive image sensor are optically coupled to recognize the code information such as bar codes recorded on an object. The light source supplies the code information with illumination light and the image sensor receives the reflected light through the converging lens to convert it into the image signal. The distance between the lens and the image sensor is adjusted automatically in response to the image signal such that clear reflected light is received by the image sensor, whereby correct information recognizing operation is attained.

Abstract: An interferometric correction system for a numerically controlled machine is provided to improve the positioning accuracy of a machine tool, for example, for a high-precision numerically controlled machine. A laser interferometer feedback system is used to monitor the positioning of the machine tool which is being moved by command pulses to a positioning system to position the tool. The correction system compares the commanded position as indicated by a command pulse train applied to the positioning system with the actual position of the tool as monitored by the laser interferometer. If the tool position lags the commanded position by a preselected error, additional pulses are added to the pulse train applied to the positioning system to advance the tool closer to the commanded position, thereby reducing the lag error.

Abstract: A molded housing is formed by two opposing mating sections and includes a forward head portion projecting from a handle portion. The housing sections confine therebetween a lens barrel and a light source which have corresponding inclined axes converging toward the bottom surface of a generally V-shaped tip member projecting downwardly from the forward end of the housing. The housing sections also confine therebetween a printed circuit board forming part of an electronic amplifier for a photosensing unit supported within the lens barrel. The lens barrel and light source cooperate with the tip member so that tilting of the housing within limits does not effect accurate reading of a code during scanning. The housing is lined with a layer of metal to shield the amplifier from external electrical interference, and the lens barrel casing may be molded as an integral part of the housing sections.

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 wherein coded signposts on both sides of a vehicle's path are scanned during the course of travel of the vehicle. Scanning out both sides of the vehicle is accomplished with a single light source in conjunction with a mirror system including a multi-faceted rotating mirror, and detection of the signposts on either side of the vehicle is accomplished with the provision of a single detector and single signal processor.

Abstract: A scanning system and method for reading coded indicia carried on containers, etc., the system and method including means for generating in a predetermined sequence a first light pattern, and a second light pattern, and means for focusing same at a window over which containers carrying the coded indicia are positioned. The disclosure also includes a mirrored rotatable polygon structure including a plurality of mirrors, some of which are inclined at a positive angle and the others which are positioned at a negative angle with respect to the polygon axis of rotation as well as means for adjusting the incline of the mirrors.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an optical scanning system which is capable of reading the UPC (Universal Product Code) symbol, which is printed out of tolerance because the black bars are too wide and the white spaces are too narrow. The system provides an arrangement for selecting any one of three (3) modes of operation, wherein two (2) of the modes provide white space enhancement (a narrowing of the signals representative of the width of the black bars and a widening of the signals representative of the white spaces) and one (1) mode provides no enhancement at all.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control circuit used to conserve power in a portable optical recognition system. When the system is not being used or between actual scans of the reading electronics, power is supplied only to those circuits required to control power to the system and to permit sequence reading of items. An infrared signal is emitted from the reading device and when a document or other item to be read is scanned the infrared signal is reflected back into the scan unit and is detected, thereby sensing that a document is being read and turning the system on.

Abstract: An optical code reader employs a flying spot scanner which traces a plurality of forward scan patterns wherein each is off-set from one another, and a plurality of reverse scans wherein each is off-set from one another and the generation of each forward scan is followed by the generation of a reverse scan. Furthermore, the forward and reverse scans are randomly positioned with respect to one another and other reverse and forward scans.

Abstract: A detector for marks having a color which contrasts with the mark background employs a solid state light source projecting a light beam having a plurality of wave length components corresponding to a plurality of colored light wave lengths. The light beam may approach the appearance of white light. A pulse modulated detector or sensor is used for receiving light reflected from colored surfaces having contrasting colored marks thereon, wherein high ambient light level rejection is obtained and high signal to noise ratio is provided in a sensor output. The sensor output is gated to eliminate between pulse noise, and the gated output is integrated to obtain a reference signal to which the gated pulse is continuously compared. An increase or decrease in signal is used to provide a light or dark mark indication respectively as a result of the comparison. Feedback from the output suppresses signal instability which may exist at the edges of the detection threshold.

Abstract: A compact, self-clocking bar code has a multi-width acquisition bar and a plurality of contiguous data spaces. Data bars occupy selected data spaces to define a code. The bar code is emplaceable on an article or label for identification or other purposes. Scanning means redundantly line scan across the bars and produce a video signal having an amplitude pattern corresponding to the scanned bar code. A decoder includes window logic confining video processing to a read window in the video field in which the scanned bar code is to appear. The decoder includes a high frequency clock circuit and means initially processing, or "digitizing", the raw video signal. A strobe circuit incorporates a side loading up-down counter which initially counts and stores clock pulses in proportion to the scanned width of the acquisition bar.

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: An electro-optical scanning unit adapted to sense a bar-code pattern and to generate digital signals corresponding thereto. In the unit, an incandescent light source acts to illuminate a narrow slit, and a reduced image thereof is optically projected to produce a luminous scanning line in a focal plane. An oscillating scanning mechanism interposed in the projection path causes the luminous line to sweep back and forth. The focal plane lies within a window formed in a channel dimensioned to receive an item bearing a bar-code pattern and to locate this pattern so that the bars lie in parallel relation to the luminous line, whereby when the line is swept across the pattern and is reflected thereby, the resultant light pulses are directed toward a photo-detector and converted to corresponding digital signals.

Abstract: A high speed microfilm searching system is disclosed. The system optically displays frames of the microfilm. A frame or column of microfilm is made up of a sensor mark, pages of information and an index code. The index code is a meaningful alphanumeric or numeric key that accompanies each page or column. If it is alphabetic it varies in strict alphabetic sequence. If the components of the key are numeric they vary in an increasing or decreasing order. Microfilm projecting means mounted in the filmpath between feed and take-up reels clearly display on a viewing screen a page of information when the microfilm is stationary in accordance with existing technology. The high speed search system is new technology. A strobe lamp displays indexes of the moving microfilm on a screen. Each of the frames having an index of digital form and also has an optically detectable marker.

Abstract: Clocking pulses are provided by providing a number of equally spaced potential mark locations serially disposed in the intended direction of relative movement of the marks past a detection location wherein there are provided marks contrasting with the background at every nth one of the potential mark locations and where marks are selectively provided or not at the other potential mark locations to provide information. Means are provided for detecting such marks or the absence thereof when the locations are moved relatively to said detecting means, in a relative direction to move serially therepast. At least n detectors are provided to disposed in said relative movement disposed so that all sense the status of a location simultaneously and at least one is sensing a mark at one of the `nth` locations.

Abstract: Laser light scattered from a UPC symbol on a moving web is detected by a photomultiplier, and detection threshold levels and print contrast signals are developed on a time varying analog basis. Since the reflected light includes an ambient component, the "white" and "dark" logical thresholds are developed based on the voltage levels of peak above zero, white to dark as a time variant function, and respective maximum values thereof. When a valid UPC signal is detected, present signal parameters develop print contrast (i.e., white minus dark/white) and produce a gate pulse having a duration proportional to that ratio.

Abstract: An optical bar code scanning device for high data density bar code reading. The device utilizes a two channel arrangement for directing light reflected from the bar code being read onto two photodetectors in predetermined proportionate amounts. With a two channel system, it is possible to detect a bar edge independent of print contrast variations, resolution modulation or change of illumination by comparing the optical signal of one channel with the optical signal of the other. The bar edge is represented by the crossover point of the normalized outputs of the two channels.

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: Apparatus for attaching a nose section to the main body of a hand-held optical reader (Wand) is provided to accommodate the replacement of internal lamps illuminating a field of information. A nose attachment having a centrally located aperture encompassed by an integral and externally threaded cylindrical extension is secured to the nose section. The aperture and cylindrical extension are aligned and concentric with the optical image path of the Wand. In attaching the nose section to the Wand main body, the cylindrical extension is passed through an aperture in a partitioning frame of the Wand into which the lamps are seated. A screw-on cap, having a centrally located aperture with internal helical threads complementing the external threads of the nose attachment extension, is screwed onto the extension to secure the nose section to the partitioning frame. An outwardly extending flange integrally formed on the cap extends through opposing apertures of the Wand outer covers to accommodate access by hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electro-optical converter with storage facility.The converter is constituted essentially by a panel comprising a substrate covered by two dielectric layers, cells containing a gas being made in said substrate and two sets of electrodes arranged on said dielectric layers, one of the dielectric layers being a flexible diaphragm capable of local and permanent deformation under the action of electrostatic forces.The invention is more particularly intended for the recording of optical information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing input binary encoded analog signals to precisely determine the time occurrence of positive-going and negative-going transitions. Such digital signals result, for example, when bar codes (e.g. Universal Product Codes) are optically scanned. Transitions are determined by detecting the zero crossings, at selected gating times, of the second derivative of the input signals. The selected gating times occur whenever the first derivatives of the input signals exceed a threshold level. The threshold level is determined in one embodiment by peak-to-peak detecting the input signals and adding this value to a rectified noise measurement signal.

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: One pair of sensing elements is furnished for each column of a card being transported past the sensing element in the direction of the columns. The first and second sensing element constituting each pair are spaced apart from each other both in a direction perpendicular to the columns and in a direction along the columns. The marking signals generated by each sensor element in response to the same mark are therefore separated in time from each other and a delay circuit is furnished for delaying the first furnished marking signal until receipt of the second. Electric circuits are provided which furnish the signals for further processing to the computer only in the simultaneous presence of both of these signals. Further, a miscount indication is provided by additional logic circuits if one of the signals is missing while the other is present.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying which of a plurality of moulds moulded a particular container includes such moulded containers with coded combinations of lens members in their bottom, the lens members being illuminated to focus light to an optical system terminating at a photosensitive device which emits pulses as the lens members are sequentially scanned.

Abstract: Data is recorded in holographic form on elongate film strips in a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending hologram rows. The film is longitudinally moved past a light beam to reconstruct holographic patterns which are then sensed. The light beam is perpendicular to the film and movable transversely to the film so that any holograph row can be illuminated. The recorded holograms in a row can be searched for comparison with a reference number or symbol for credit card verification and the like in which a small subgroup of members, such as those who forfeited their credit, are to be identified. The reference numbers of the members of the subgroup are recorded on the film and a given member, that is the reference number of a given customer, is compared with the recorded holograms. The reference number of each member of the group is assigned to a particular row so that his number will appear in one and only one row of holograms on the film.

Abstract: An omnidirectional optical system is arranged for scanning bar coded labels passing a rectangular scanning window with a plurality of interlaced scans in a plurality of differing directions whereby the labels are completely scanned irrespective of orientation. The interlaced and plural directive scanning rays are generated by directing a beam of light, from a laser or like light source, onto a rotating multi-faceted mirror for deflecting the light beam in a line extending in a given direction. A set of fixed mirrors is positioned to deflect the light beam in a number of laterally displaced scanning segments all parallel to the line extending in the given direction. A pair of fixed end mirrors are arranged for reflecting the light from half of the segments back onto the other half of the segments to provide the intersecting scanning pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the signal-to-noise ratio in an automatic electro-optical reader of bar codes, wherein fluorescent ink bars arranged in coded configurations on a document are excited by a narrow band of visible radiation in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and an adjacent but not overlapping visible red region of the spectrum emanating from the ink bars is optically focused onto a light sensitive detector.

Abstract: The optical transitions of extrinsically optically active insoluble materials become optically active and circularly dichroic when in contact with optically negative liquid crystalline materials thereby providing unusual and highly advantageous properties. The circularly dichroic optical properties induced in the extrinsically optically active insoluble materials can be utilized for information transfer applications.

Abstract: A measuring device to determine whether the width of a printed bar falls within prescribed tolerances has a sleeve with a magnifying lens at one end and a reticle at the other end. The reticle is inscribed with indicia for providing an immediate visual indication of the magnitude of width of the bar.

Abstract: A system to locate selected vehicles traveling on standard streets or highways which periodically and automatically determines the location of the vehicle relative to a pre-established reference such as a map using fixed passive optical arrays as sign posts and means on the vehicles to read the sign posts and communicate the locational information thereon to a central monitoring station.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining image definition and intensity in optical image processing operations. The apparatus comprises an improved photosensitive device responsive to an applied radiation image pattern for establishing internal electric fields each of which are representative of the intensity of different portions of the applied pattern. Associated with the photosensitive device are a plurality of transparent, conductive targets or conductors aligned to receive the different portions of the applied radiation pattern and to establish discrete internal fields in the device which are uniform over the area of each target notwithstanding any non-uniformities that might exist in the intensity distribution of any of the portions of the applied pattern.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for scanning a concave coded record which is adapted to be disposed in the inside of an open-ended tube. A rotor carries a source of illumination which illuminates the record. Light reflected from the record is reflected onto a mirror carried by the rotor and passes along the axis of rotation of the rotor through a suitable lens or lenses and is focused on a mask. The mask has an aperture through which light passes to a light receptor such as a photodetector. The light receptor is stationarily mounted to the frame. The frame also mounts a motor for driving the rotor and bearings for rotatably mounting the rotor. A cover adapted to abut the end of the tube is mounted for movement between one position in which the cover is in the reflected light path and another position in which the cover is out of the reflected light path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control circuit used to conserve power in a portable optical recognition system. When the system is not being used or between actual scans of the reading electronics, power is supplied only to those circuits required to control power to the system and to permit sequence reading of items. An infrared signal is emitted from the reading device and when a document or other item to be read is scanned the infrared signal is reflected back into the scan unit and is detected, thereby sensing that a document is being read and turning the system on.