US3519832A - Read head assembly for coded markings - Google Patents

Read head assembly for coded markings Download PDF

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Publication number
US3519832A
US3519832A US680642A US3519832DA US3519832A US 3519832 A US3519832 A US 3519832A US 680642 A US680642 A US 680642A US 3519832D A US3519832D A US 3519832DA US 3519832 A US3519832 A US 3519832A
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Prior art keywords
folder
file
read
read head
rack
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US680642A
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John Castaldi
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Supreme Equipment and Systems Corp
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Supreme Equipment and Systems Corp
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
    • G06K17/0003—Automatic card files incorporating selecting, conveying and possibly reading and/or writing operations
    • G06K17/0009—Automatic card files incorporating selecting, conveying and possibly reading and/or writing operations with sequential access selection of a record carrier from the card-file, e.g. relative movement between selecting device and card-file
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
    • G06K7/10821—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices
    • G06K7/10861—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices sensing of data fields affixed to objects or articles, e.g. coded labels

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to data and information handling systems and more particularly to an apparatus for storing and retrieving information.
  • Microfilming provides a partial solution but is unsatisfactory where production of the original is requisite. Examples abound in todays commerce and include commercial paper of all types, mortgages, deeds, stock, bonds, notes, proofs of audit, etc.
  • the documents may be filed at random and the search mechanism caused to scan each document face for an imprinted code number, e.g., magnetically or optically, and eject the sought document.
  • an imprinted code number e.g., magnetically or optically
  • This type of an arrangement requires a complex mechanical feed system in order to render visible an area on the face of each document sufficient to store and read the recorded number.
  • the invention is predicated upon the concept of providing an optical sensing mechanism capable of rectioned within predetermined limits.
  • the magnetic mechanism may be repositioned automatically to permit simultaneous insertion and withdrawal of items from pposite sides of the stack.
  • Automation is provided by a return mechanism which acquires on the basis of read head sight interference by an ejected folder.
  • Computer type memories are added which can store the present posture of items and can be remotely triggered to alter the memorized data to reflect a change in condition.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of the exterior of a random access store in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective detail of the file folder guide slots, magnetic clutch and scanning assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 2a illustrates an alternative arrangement for inserting edge alignment.
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a single read head.
  • FIG. 3a shows a practical read head arrangement for achieving the same functional result as that shown in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a sectioned read head assembly according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 shows the cable assembly for synchronizing the scan assemblies.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates various positions in the umbilical cable linking a scan assembly to a terminating block in the storage rack.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of an acquisition and file folder return mechanism which may be used in conjunction with the invention.
  • FIG. 7a is a block diagram illustrating the electronic control of the mechanism of FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of a second embodiment of the invention wherein file folders may be acquired and inserted through opposing sides of the storage rack.
  • FIG. 8a is a perspective detail of a scanning assembly and rack portion in FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the electric circuits controlling the random access store according to the invention.
  • FIG. 9a is a block diagram of a portion of the circuit shown in FIG. 9, modified to provide computerized functions.
  • FIG. 1 The general organization of the invention is shown perspectively in FIG. 1.
  • three vertically stacked racks 10, 11 and 12 are shown.
  • any number of vertical racks may be simultaneously treated by the same control panel; further, these racks may be iterated horizontally.
  • the racks are separated by spacers 10, 11' and 12' which contain the scanning assemblies A, B and C (see FIG; 5).
  • the rack ends abut the proximate and distally located end sections 14 and 16 which house the scanning assembly drive motors and transmissions (shown in detail in FIG. 5).
  • the rack ends also include terminating blocks (such as generally referred to in FIG. 6) for coupling between the console 20 and the racks, and between stationary rack portions and the scanning assemblies.
  • the scanning assemblies contain the scanning or read head assemblies and shuttle between the rack ends 14 and 16 via the opposing spacers (such as 10' and 10", see FIG.
  • the assemblies are driven by a unique cable drive arrangement (as will be explained) which simultaneously advances the assemblies in each rack.
  • FIGS. 6 and 2 illustrate how communication is afforded between a rack terminal and the uppermost scanning assembly A.
  • the assembly is shown in three positions; middle, proximate, and distal. Since the scan assemblies which house the heads and associated ejection equipment travel the length of the system as shown, it is important to couple them electrically (via the rack ends) to the console in such a manner that the cable is played in and out without tension, regardless of the position of the scanning assembly.
  • each shuttle assembly is provided a trough 19 in which a ribbon-like multi-conductor cable 21 is laid (as shown in the figures) so as to double back on itself when the assembly advances to the cable termination in the rack end.
  • a belly 21' is allowed at the most distant scan assembly position. Ribbon cable 21, upon exiting from the scanning head assembly A, is dressed along the L-shaped bracket 62 to a point above the trough 19 for permitting the double back cable lay-in as explained previously.
  • the described arrangement obviates contact noise normally associated with commutator type arrangements. It further obviates the problem of variable resistance as the head moves from one end to the other along a translator, and the necessity of pulleys at either end to maintain cable tension and position.
  • Console 20 is the functional hub of the system, and it is here that the operator sits when controlling the random access store.
  • the console contains the associated electronic equipment in module plug-in form (e.g., 22) for ease in maintenance.
  • the console top includes a keyboard 30 having 10 numeric keys 36 for serial insertion of the code number representing the desired item.
  • the serial input is converted to a binary presentation, to a buffer storage device for comparison with the optically read signal emanating from the item scanning assembly.
  • the keyboard also contains an on-off key 31; a tape key 32 (whose function will be explained); a clear key 33 for negating errors in the .number insertion; and a search key 34 for initiating the search once the desired number has been properly keyed in.
  • the console top also contains an annunciator 40 for indicating to the operator a variety of functions and machine conditions. For example, one annunciator expression would be not in file to indicate that the search has been completed unsuccessfully. Alternatively, folder found would be annunciated. Other indications to the operator would be alignment stop which, as will be explained, occurs upon the scanning of a misaligned folder, stopping the searching mechanism, so that the folder may be manually aligned to obviate errors. As the system is functionally expanded, additional annunciated phrases would be added.
  • the console top may also contain the tape reader 45, commonly called a TD, for the automatic insertion of several code numbers representing several desired items.
  • the TD may be any of the known types with conversion means being supplied to ensure coincidence with the numeric system being utilized. Magnetic tape, punched cards, etc., inputs may be used instead of a TD as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A detailed explanation of the functioning of this equipment may be found hereinafter with reference to FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the cooperation between the most significant partsof the invention.
  • a file folder '49 has been chosen as the item. It Comprises a plastic frame 41 having mounted therein an expandable insert 42 for adapting to variably thick records.
  • the folders configuration is generally rectangular save for a depending lip or fin 43 at the bottom of the folder for slidably engaging one of a series of closely spaced gullies 44 in the squared corrugated bottom of each rack 35.
  • the squared corrugations are formed of a hard, low-friction material and appear in edge view as repetitive square waves.
  • An elongated magnet 37 is mounted at the rear vertical wall 38 of each rack to run coextensive therewith. This magnet engages a metallic member 46 aflixed to the rear side of the folder 49.
  • the lower fin 43 Upon insertion of the folder into the rack, the lower fin 43 first engages one of the gullies in the corrugated rack bottom, the rear of the folder then becoming secured magnetically to the back of the rack.
  • the fin 43 may be made sufficiently deep (as are the gullies 44) so that the angular play of the folder top is reduced below that which would carry the metallic member 46 beyond reach of the magnet 37.
  • FIG. 2a An alternative arrangement is shown in FIG. 2a where a T-shaped member 83, 84 is affixed to insert 42 (which may now be deemed the item).
  • the upper horizontal portion of the T, 84 is sufficiently wide with respect to equi-spaced rods 81 that the item is caused to gravitationally depend from the rods. With this arrangement, the item may be easily slipped in and out of the rack. Magnet 37 and metal piece 85 can be included to provide a positive backstop, if desired.
  • the folder top or cross bar contains the optically coded information which describes the items.
  • it has been chosen to use four groups ofbinary digits (see dashed lines, FIG. 4), each representing one conventional base 10 digit.
  • Each group of binary digits is made up of four areas each of which is either black or white, depending upon its informational content.
  • a white area e.g., 47
  • the digital number would be represented by black-whiteblack -white.
  • Sixteen binary areas give a four conventional digit capability; i.e., the capability to store and search 9,999 file folders. Where this is sufficient, four more binary positions maybe added to multiply the file storing capability by ten.
  • the actual implantation of the areas may be simply effected by painting the top black or applying a piece of black tape over the top area to be scanned by the optical read heads and then applying a white reflective tape (e.g. 47) at positions where binary ones are to be present.
  • the preferred type of white reflective tape is one such as Retroreflective by 3 M Corporation which contains millions of non-aligned dispersed reflective surfaces so that regardless of which direction the incident light falls, reflection is assured in all directions.
  • read command .bit 48 (FIG. 4).
  • This bit is simply a thin white area linearly aligned with the folder top and approximately centrallylocated between the folder edges.
  • the bit may be placed anywhere in the binary but is preferably at the end of the code as shown. It is associated with a particular. read head whose function is to trigger the reading of the entire head assembly. In other words, rather than depend upon the arbitrary triggering of the read heads one at a time as they view their respective area, one head is chosen which is unrelated to the binary code and which may trigger the entire read head assembly (in any well known manner) when the heads are centrally disposed with respect to the folder.
  • the length X is that length within which the apparatus will still correctly analyze the fold-er regardless of slight misalignment.
  • the width of the white indicia area 45 is that width within which an error will occur if the reading is taken upon issuance of a read command signal by the head associated with area 48.
  • the output from the read head associated with area 45 may be led to a logical OR circuit of the exclusive type in conjunction with the read command signal so that a read command signal is effectively negatived during misalignment.
  • the dimensional relationships are such that the read command signal is also out of range of its associated head and the folder is treated by the apparatus as a normally ejected folder; i.e., it is not read.
  • the apparatus is treated by the apparatus as a normally ejected folder; i.e., it is not read.
  • the distance X reading is permitted and within the distance X plus the width of the bright area 45, no reading will take place due to a negativing of the read command signal.
  • the scanning assembly contains the file ejection mechanism 65, 66 as well as a plurality of linearly arranged read heads (generally depicted as 68). The latter will be explained in greater detail in a subsequent portion of this specification.
  • Each scanning assembly rides between a pair of E-cross section guides 10 and 10" (previously referred to in general terms as spacers), the central horizontal arm of the E providing bearing surfaces for four pairs of orthogonal guide rollers, the front two of which (52, 55) are shown.
  • the lever arm 65 Upon an effective comparison being made between the sought file folder and that recognized by the reading heads (in a manner to be described), the lever arm 65 is actuated to eject the file folder. Since it is the object of the ejection to leave the file folder jutting out a pre determined distance from the magnetic back stop, it has been found preferable to use a high torque, low speed drive. The reverse, a low torque, high speed drive has been found to be ineffective with heavy folders and overeffective, to the point of throwing the file folders off the ,racks, for light files.
  • the high torque, low speed combination may be effected by a motor-lead-screw combination 66 of the conventional type.
  • FIG. 5 traces a cable arrangement for simultaneously advancing three vertically aligned scanning assemblies from a single motor drive.
  • Each of the scanning assemblies is supported in the manner previousl described (not shown in FIG. 5) and are driven in common from a single drive drum 80 which in turn is driven, via the speed reducing pulley arrangement 81, by motor 82.
  • the cable is led around pulleys 91 and 92 disposed in the rear rack end 16 to points C and C where it is aflixed to the lower scanning assembly C (e.g., by crimping in a lanced assembly portion as shown).
  • a cable is led around pulley 93 and is then free running through scanning assembly C to the orthogonally disposed pulley 94.
  • the upper cable is affixed at points C and C the lower cable is free running.
  • the arrangement is similar with respect to the upper scanning assembly A; the cable again being aflixed to the scanning assembly at diagonally opposite points to drive the scanning assembly in the same direction.
  • the relationship of the main driving drum 80 to the cable is exemplified by the following.
  • the cable affixed to scanning assembly B at points B and B is led around pulley 85 under idler-and-positioning pulley 86 180 about the drum 80, thence about idler 87, another 180 about drum 80, and thence via pulleys 88 and 89 free running through scanning assembly B.
  • the rear end of scanning assembly B is similarly treated with respect to the driving drum 80 via corresponding rollers (shown partially).
  • Idler 87 and its counterpart (not shown) at the front portion of the drum also serve, by varying their axial distance from the drum, as cable tensioning means. The tensioning may be simply eifectuated by a turn screw 77.
  • the described arrangement allows a single drive drum and cable to advance and retrograde a plurality of scanning assemblies.
  • the use of one continuous cable avoids cocking and jamming of the assemblies in their guides due to unequal cable loads and unequal cable expansion.
  • the use of the single drive further obviates the necessity for separate motor control systems which would multiply by an order of magnitude the auxiliary equipment.
  • the described arrangement permits the simultaneous and synchronous advancement of a plurality of scanning assemblies without cooking and jamming normally asso ciated with long runs of driven equipment having a substantial transverse dimension.
  • the scan or read heads One of the basic components of applicants invention is the optical read head system.
  • the code may be in either alpha or numeric form with discrete areas, each viewed by a particular read head.
  • binary notation has been chosen as preferable with Retroreflective tape being applied to those areas where a binary one is to be indicated.
  • FIG. 3 is a detailed schematic of one such sensing position.
  • a source of illumination 101 transmits its light through a semi-transparent mirror 102 onto file folder area 103. If this particular area is coded with the Retroreflective tape, light is reflected off the surface back up to the semi-transparent mirror 102 where it is reflected to transducer 104 which converts the light energy into electrical energy. It has been found preferable to have the light source and transducer on orthogonal axes with the semi-transparent mirror being at 45 to each of these axes. The surface to be analyzed may be along eitherof these axes.
  • the described arrangement provides a very significant advantage.
  • the incident and reflected light beams are substantially along the same path 105. Consequently, regardless of the distance between the folder and the sensing device (presuming reflected light is above the noise threshold of the transducer) sensing may take place.
  • axis need not be perpendicular to the plane of the reflected area 103. Consequently, the read heads may be angled to view an area in advance of the scanning mechanism, thus allowing for great flexibility in the positioning of the ejection lever, vis-a-vis the scanned file folder.
  • FIG. 3a A similar functional result is achieved by the arrangement in FIG. 3a.
  • a pair of fiber optic bundles 106 and 107 are joined into a common bundle 108, which presents a common spatial area (the face of bundle 108) through which transmitted and reflected light pass.
  • the photocell (or generally photo transducer) and light source 101 and 104 may be interchangeably directed to the ends of bundles 106 and 107.
  • the fiber strands of the two bundles should be interspersed to ensure a greater area of acceptance of reflected light.
  • a plurality of fibers 106 and 107 may be commoned to a single light source.
  • the arrangement of FIG. 3a has the advantage that the angle of joining of bundles 106 and 107 is not critical.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a preferred scan head array for use in the invention.
  • a single light source 111 is directed onto the planar face 112 of a fiber optic bundle 110.
  • Each of the fibers optic strands is led through a force fitting sleeve 113 into a linear channel 114 in block 116.
  • a rectangular semi-transparent mirror 117, the halfsilvered side of which is directed toward the file folder, is disposed at 45 within a channel cut for that purpose in block 116.
  • a portion of the light from the optic fiber strikes the surface of the mirror 117 and is reflected through channel 118 and focusing lens 119 onto the surface of the file folder.
  • Block 116 which is preferably cut from a black body or is later painted black includes a number of pairs of channels 118 and orthogonal channels 113 equal to the number of areas to be evaluated.
  • the output of photocells 121 is lead through conventional threshold limiting and amplifying circuits (not shown) to a comparator as will be explained.
  • the described arrangement permits the introduction of a great number of read heads within a very small area while the single source concept obviates the possibility of individual sources burning out and producing wrong indications when white areas are reported back as black.
  • keyboard 30 is actuated by serially depressing keys 36; each of which is assigned to a numeral from 0 through 9. Each numeral impression is forwarded to a decimal to binary converter where the series decimal presentation is converted into a parallel binary form.
  • Circuit 130 could be any of the well known types of decimal to binary converters, and thus will not be discussed at length.
  • the subsequent depression of Search key 35 simultaneously triggers drive motor control circuit 131 and causes the converted code to be entered in a buffer store 133.
  • the buffer store may, for example, comprise a simple matrix of ferrite cores to be interrogated by the comparators in a conventional manner.
  • the operator may press a clear key 34 which will erase the buffer store and permit the reintroduction of the correct number.
  • key 35 also initiates the drive motor control circuit 131 thereby driving each of the scanning assemblies A, B, and C as shown in FIG. 5.
  • Each of the read head assemblies A, B and C is triggered in the manner previously described by the read command signal available at photocell 122 from each file folder (FIG. 4) and transmits a signal to the respective comparators A, B and C.
  • This signal is a parallel binary presentation of the complete code designating that file folder.
  • the signal is employed via OR gates 136 and 137 to signal the drive motor control circuit 131, and simultaneously set a relay corresponding to the comparator in the ejection control circuit 140.
  • each of the scanning assemblies A, B and C includes considerable inertia, it is impractical for the drive motor and drive motor control circuit to be designed in such a manner as to instantaneously stop the scan. Rather, the comparators signal is employed to reverse the voltage of DO drive motor 141. Depending upon inertia considerations,'this may be sufficient to permit the scanning assemblies (which have not speeded up greatly) to be stopped. instantaneously by cutting off the drive motor voltage when a second comparison is effected in the reverse direction. 7
  • a reverse voltage may be applied only instantaneously followed by a lower voltage, thereby permitting the scanning assemblies to return to the overshot file folder at decreased speed.
  • the scanning assembly may be permitted to overshoot the file folder again in the reverse direction, again reversing the voltage, and finally stopping at the desired file folder through a series of decreasing oscillations.
  • Another arrangement would provide a second read head assembly on each scanning assembly. In this case, the first read head assembly to reach the desired folder would cause a decrease in speed allowing the scanning assembly to be stopped without direction reversal.
  • the drive motor is now quiescent.
  • This condition will be indicated to the ejection control circuit by the drive motor control circuit 131. Since a relay corresponding to the particular read head has already been set, the corresponding ejection mechanism in scan assembly A, B or C may be actuated and via the motor lead screw arrangement shown in FIG. 2, the lever arm 65 progressed to project the file folder from the rack.
  • the initiation of the ejection control circuit simultaneously triggers the annunciator to indicate folder found and erases the buffer store; thus permitting the operator to inject the next code designation into 143.
  • the alignment stop circuit in turn will cause the annunciation of the alignment stop phrase.
  • the scanning assemblies meanwhile will come to a halt under the influence of the drive motor control circuit 131 signalled via OR gate 137 as previously explained. While the alignment stop circuit may take the form of a simple mechanical relay, a contactless transistor switching circuit would be preferred.
  • Limit switches 132 and 134 shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 are disposed at each end of the rack for engagement by one of the scan assemblies. The purpose of the limit switches is to reverse the direction of the scan assemblies when an excursion extreme has been reached. The limit switches are coupled to the drive motor control circuit 131 through OR gate 144 to effect this result.
  • a logic circuit 147 is coupled both to the keyboard search button 35 and limit switches 132 and 134. When the scan has been initiated and thereafter the scan assemblies traverse both limit switches seriatum, this circuit will initiate the annunciated phrase not in file.
  • Logic circuit 147 may be of a simple AND/OR Boolean type whose logic is reinitiated each time search key 35 is depressed. The output of logic circuit 147 is also employed to erase buffer store 133 in a similar manner to that which would follow the energization of the ejection control circuit 140.
  • a punched tape reader 45 (commonly called a TD) is provided at the console 20.
  • a tape read input 32 on keyboard 30 is depressed initiating tape feed (via OR gate 150) and the transmission of signals to a second input on converter which is activated via button 32.
  • This second input is adapted to react to a different code (generally M out of N), but provides a similar binary presentation to the buffer store 133.
  • TD 45 again advances the tape by virtue of the signal appearing on OR gate 150.
  • an arbitrary code to initiate the search is recognized by a decoder 149 which initiates the scanning circuitry similarly to the keyboard search key 35.
  • the TD is programmed to stop at the end of each code designation and at the end of the tape (generally by providing informationless spaces).
  • FIGS. 7 and 7a illustrate a modification of the invention for automating the collection of the ejected file folders.
  • the system is predicated upon the unique ability of the read head to view rectilinearly.
  • Standard 161 which is advanced between a pair of horizontal guide rails (only the upper one of which 162 is shown) via cable 164.
  • Standard 161 bears three individual read heads D, E and F angled downwardly at an acute angle to horizontal.
  • Each of the read heads is directed to a strip of Retroflective tape (respectively D, E and F) running the length of the rack.
  • standard 164 advances along the rack each of the heads D, E and F viewing their respective tapes.
  • An ejected file folder for example folder 165, will intercept the line of sight between the read head and the reflective tape.
  • the reduction of photocell output below threshold is employed via an inverter circuit to produce a signal, causing the acquiring mechanism 167 to index over to that read head.
  • arm 168 Upon reaching its position, arm 168, having at its end a magnet 169, advances towards the top of the folder until it engages metallic piece 170; aflixed to each folder for the purpose of automatic collection. At this point which is coincident with the end of its travel, arm 168 automatically reverses drawing the folder out of the rack and onto the lower guide rail 171.
  • file folder 165 has cleared the rack and standard 161 may be advanced to either end of the storage area where the file folder is removed.
  • FIG. 7a shows a circuit block diagram for effecting the foregoing result.
  • the folder found signal which triggers the console annunciator, may be employed to initiate the horizontal drive control 180 which in turn causes motor 182 to advance standard 161 via cable 164.
  • Limit switches 184 (not shown in the perspective of FIG. 7) cause an automatic reversal of the drive when the folder-acquiring-standard reaches either end.
  • the horizontal drive control is signalled through OR gate 186 to stop the scan. This may of course be in the same oscillatory or damped manner as described in conjunction with the stopping of the scanning assemblies.
  • vertical indexing of the acquisiton mechanism begins under control of the vertical indexing circuit 188.
  • This circuit is pre-programmed in any well known manner to one of three vertical positions. When it assumes any one of these positions, it automatically triggers the acquisition circuit 190 which in turn initiates the movement of the acquisition arm 168.
  • acquisition circuit 190 triggers the horizontal drive control 180 to return the acquisition standard 167 in the desired direction to the point of collection or home position generally at one end of the rack.
  • the initial advance is always the same and the last or first motor control command must be to reverse direction.
  • FIGS. 8 and 8a obviates the foregoing problem and adds the significant advantage of simultaneous collection and return of folders from and to the system.
  • the code designations rather than being Written on the tops of the folders, are written on the sides where they can be viewed by scanning assemblies traversing in a direction similar to that described previously but orthogonally disposed in attitude. This permits the elimination of the scanning assemblies between the racks and increases the vertical rack area. As a practical matter, approximately a 25% saving is effected.
  • the arrangement shown in FIG. 8 both conceptually and electrically works similarly to that described in connection with FIG. 9. Instead of three read head assemblies advancing simultaneously to read the I folder tops (although the embodiment of FIG.
  • the file folders are inserted into the racks on the sides opposite to the traversing scan column 201 (the horizontal dimension of which has been exaggerated to permit the viewing of both racks simultaneously in the perspective).
  • the folder is inserted with its coded area forward until it strikes magnetic bar 203, which is engaged by a metallic piece 204 affixed to the folder.
  • Magnetic bar 203 rather than being continuous as was the previous case is segmented coextensive with each of the rack sections 205, 206, 207, etc.
  • Each magnetic bar rides slots in a pair of non-magnetic (for example, aluminum) guides 208 and 209 juxtaposed to similarly embrace the bar.
  • the read heads, motor control circuit, etc. operate similarly to that previously described and ejection arm 210, including a magnetic end piece 211, advances toward the designated file folder directed at the metallic portion thereof.
  • Arm 210 is controlled similarly to lever arm 65 by the ejection control circuit 140.
  • switch 218 is positioned to be closed upon the picking up of the bar. This switch is connected to a light on the reverse side of the rack to indicate to one replacing file folders to do so in another rack portion.
  • FIG. 8 permits not only a greater efficiency in the manual insertion and removal of file folders, but it also permits a greater savings of space.
  • the scanning standard 201 may have an extremely small horizontal dimension equivalent to that in FIG. 7,
  • Such an adjunct may be many-fold.
  • the memory could trigger the annunciation of not in file.
  • the memory may serve the purpose of locating removed files by storing a code representative of the person who last requested the file folder.
  • FIG. 9a may be considered as a substituted block diagram for those blocks shown within the dotted lines in FIG. 9.
  • the console operator keys in numerals desighating the file folder, and also a code denoting the identity of the requester.'Ihis latter information may be provided by an auxiliary set of keys (not shown) or by serial keying in of a requester code.
  • the information is transmitted to converter 151 which presents the information in a manner acceptable to memory 152.
  • Memory 152 is for example, a multi-head, multi-track magnetic drum.
  • the converted signal from keyboard 30 is temporarily stored in a buffer portion 152 of the drum (one track) in order to interrogate the memory with the code designation of the file folder. If the memory has no such number stored after a high speed scan, it signals the keyboard 30' to initiate the search. This may be simply accomplished by triggering the keyboard search key.
  • buffer store 133 When the file folder has been found and ejected via eject control circuit 140, buffer store 133 will be erased in the usual manner under the control of the signal from the eject control 140. This signal may be simultaneously employed to enter the content of buffer store 152 associated with memory 152, into the memory thereby storing the designation of the file folder and the requester.
  • Memory 152 will thereupon issue a display signal which will simultaneously trigger the annunciation of not in file as well as an auxiliary annunciation of the person who has requested the file and now has it in his possession.
  • This may be in either code form which may be referred to in a cross index or the annunciation may take place by means of a converter (not shown) to annunciate the persons name.
  • read platform 153 which contains an individual scan assembly.
  • the placing of this file on the platform causes a scan initiator to traverse the read assembly over the file folder.
  • the scan initiator may take the form of a photocell arrangement whose light is intercepted by a file folder thereby causing a read head assembly to traverse once over the file folder.
  • a plurality of file folders may be simultaneously returned.
  • the read head assembly need not move. Rather, the file folder may be inserted between guides; automatically triggering a static read.
  • the signals emanating from the read head assembly are transmitted to a second buffer 152" within memory 152. Memory 152 is automatically searched for the file folder code designation and erased to obviate the not in file annunciation.
  • Remote read platforms 154, 155, etc. may be placed at arbitrary locations. These read platforms are intended to modify memory 152 when a file folder is passed be tween persons without being returned to the rack. In such afcase, the folder is placed upon the remote read platform and the number of the new file folder possessor keyed in on the associated key 154', 155, etc. This information is passed to bufferl152'5' of ,.memory ,15 2; the memory being interrogated for an identical code designation and the code number 'of the new possessor of the file folder substituted.
  • memory 152 may be provided with an inventory read out 157 which provides a complete print out of those file folders which are removed from the system as well as the names of the persons who possess the folders. The print out would be initiated and take place in a similar manner to conventional print outs from memories.
  • a read head assembly for scanning spatially aligned markings made up of code elements comprising:
  • a substantially rectangular block having a first plurality of channels spaced to correspond to the coded element spacings and communicating between said first and second opposing faces of said block;
  • said block including a second plurality of channels each co-planar with a corresponding one of said first plurality of channels and intersecting said first plurality of channels at said mirror, said second plurality of channels communicating with a third face of said block;
  • point source means for directing light to each of the channels of one of said first and second plurality of channels and to the respective code element areas
  • a plurality of photo transducers each disposed to intercept light from one of the channels of the other of said first and second plurality of channels.
  • a fiber optic array having a bundled end adjacent said light source, the individual fibers being divided among said one of said first and second plurality of channels for the transmission of light thereto.
  • Part 1 Light as the Transfer Medium, Control Engi- Schwerdt et nearing, October 1963, pp. 82-86.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
  • Information Retrieval, Db Structures And Fs Structures Therefor (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Image Input (AREA)
  • Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)
US680642A 1967-11-06 1967-11-06 Read head assembly for coded markings Expired - Lifetime US3519832A (en)

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JP (4) JPS4810254B1 (ja)
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FR (1) FR1590481A (ja)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3738487A (en) * 1971-11-03 1973-06-12 Varian Adco Random document locator
US3757944A (en) * 1971-01-15 1973-09-11 A Goodman Optical verification device
US3784296A (en) * 1972-06-19 1974-01-08 L Davis Coding means for photographic slide apparatus
US3919561A (en) * 1974-05-28 1975-11-11 Hurletronaltair Inc Register control scanner assembly and method
US4636634A (en) * 1984-08-28 1987-01-13 Veeco Integrated Automation, Inc. Apparatus with intelligent bins indicating the presence and identity of stored coded articles

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS53107068U (ja) * 1977-02-02 1978-08-28

Citations (9)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2410104A (en) * 1942-08-27 1946-10-29 Fed Telephone & Radio Corp Light directing device
US3034643A (en) * 1959-08-13 1962-05-15 Itek Corp Data processing for edge coded cards
US3068739A (en) * 1958-06-23 1962-12-18 American Optical Corp Flexible optical probe
US3124675A (en) * 1961-06-30 1964-03-10 Epstein
US3214596A (en) * 1962-10-31 1965-10-26 Machinery Electrification Inc Photoelectric sensor structure including light source and inclined lens
US3240106A (en) * 1962-03-08 1966-03-15 Mosaic Fabrications Inc Fiber optical scanning device
US3273447A (en) * 1963-08-26 1966-09-20 Franklin Institute Detection and measurement device having a small flexible fiber transmission line
US3327584A (en) * 1963-09-09 1967-06-27 Mechanical Tech Inc Fiber optic proximity probe
US3335287A (en) * 1964-07-17 1967-08-08 Franklin Institute Photosensitive self-monitoring drawing plotter using light conducting fibers

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1129007B (de) * 1956-05-31 1962-05-03 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag Vorrichtung zum Lesen der Anschriften von Briefen beim Sortieren nach ihren Bestimmungsorten
CH377235A (de) * 1958-07-16 1964-04-30 Westinghouse Canada Ltd Automatische Kopiervorrichtung
FR1392472A (fr) * 1962-06-21 1965-03-19 Svenska Dataregister Ab Procédé et appareil pour la lecture d'informations par exemple sur fiches

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2410104A (en) * 1942-08-27 1946-10-29 Fed Telephone & Radio Corp Light directing device
US3068739A (en) * 1958-06-23 1962-12-18 American Optical Corp Flexible optical probe
US3034643A (en) * 1959-08-13 1962-05-15 Itek Corp Data processing for edge coded cards
US3124675A (en) * 1961-06-30 1964-03-10 Epstein
US3240106A (en) * 1962-03-08 1966-03-15 Mosaic Fabrications Inc Fiber optical scanning device
US3214596A (en) * 1962-10-31 1965-10-26 Machinery Electrification Inc Photoelectric sensor structure including light source and inclined lens
US3273447A (en) * 1963-08-26 1966-09-20 Franklin Institute Detection and measurement device having a small flexible fiber transmission line
US3327584A (en) * 1963-09-09 1967-06-27 Mechanical Tech Inc Fiber optic proximity probe
US3335287A (en) * 1964-07-17 1967-08-08 Franklin Institute Photosensitive self-monitoring drawing plotter using light conducting fibers

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3757944A (en) * 1971-01-15 1973-09-11 A Goodman Optical verification device
US3738487A (en) * 1971-11-03 1973-06-12 Varian Adco Random document locator
US3784296A (en) * 1972-06-19 1974-01-08 L Davis Coding means for photographic slide apparatus
US3919561A (en) * 1974-05-28 1975-11-11 Hurletronaltair Inc Register control scanner assembly and method
US4636634A (en) * 1984-08-28 1987-01-13 Veeco Integrated Automation, Inc. Apparatus with intelligent bins indicating the presence and identity of stored coded articles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1805519A1 (de) 1969-10-16
DE6804200U (de) 1969-06-19
DE1817857B2 (de) 1975-07-10
FR1590481A (ja) 1970-04-13
JPS4816012B1 (ja) 1973-05-18
JPS4816011B1 (ja) 1973-05-18
DE1805519B2 (de) 1972-11-30
DE1805519C3 (de) 1973-06-28
JPS4810254B1 (ja) 1973-04-02
DE1817857A1 (de) 1972-06-22
JPS4810255B1 (ja) 1973-04-02

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