US3684865A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for information retrieval
Assignee: Konan Camera Laboratory Co Ltd
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Filing: 1970-05-27
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Granted: 1972-08-15
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Expires: 1990-05-27
Abstract
Abstract One data card, such as a microform card, from rows of thousands of cards in a storage shelf can be automatically selected by means of an optical reading system in which an optical code reader optically reads out visual codes for information retrieval, said codes consisting of opaque marks and transparent marks provided on an edge of every card. An output electric signal obtained from the optical reader is usable for controlling mechanical means for retrieving the card.
Inventors
- 👤 Isamu Sakamoto
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:27
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/06009; G06K19/06018; G06K17/00; G06K17/0003; G06K17/0009
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
Apparatus for information retrieval comprising: means for holding cards, having optical code marks at least at one edge of each card, in at least one row of cards with a specified gap between each card and in obliquity to the direction of the row, so that each said edge of all cards can be seen from outside the row, said means for holding cards including at least one row of spacers which hold each of said cards with a specified gap from each other, each of said spacers having a narrow reflection mirror which faces at a specified angle to the surface of each card where said optical code marks are provided; and at least one optical code reader to read out said optical code marks while scanning them along the direction of said row.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
Apparatus for information retrieval comprising: means for holding cards, having optical code marks at least at one edge of each card, in at least one row of cards with a specified gap between each card and in obliquity to the direction of the row, so that each said edge of all cards can be seen from outside the row, said means for holding cards including at least one row of spacers which hold each of said cards with a specified gap from each other, each of said spacers having a narrow reflection mirror which faces at a specified angle to the surface of each card where said optical code marks are provided; and at least one optical code reader to read out said optical code marks while scanning them along the direction of said row.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said optical code reader includes light emitter means for directing light at said optical code marks on each card and light receIver means for receiving light from said light emitter means reflected off of said reflection mirror on each spacer after passage through selective code marks on an adjacent card.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said light emitter means includes a plurality of light sources equal in number to the number of code marks on each card, and said light receiving means includes a plurality of light detectors equal in number to said light sources.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
136 words
Apparatus for information retrieval comprising: means for holding cards having optical code marks on at least one edge of each card, in at least one circular row with a specified gap between each card and in obliquity to the normal of said circular row or rows, so that each said edge of all cards can be seen from outside the row, said means for holding cards including a circular row of spacers which hold each of said cards with a specified gap from each other, each of said spacers having a narrow reflection mirror which faces in a specified angle to the surface of each card where an optical code mark is provided; and at least one optical code reader to read out said optical code marks while scanning them along the direction of said row.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
136 words
Apparatus for information retrieval comprising: means for holding cards having optical code marks on at least one edge of each card, in at least one circular row with a specified gap between each card and in obliquity to the normal of said circular row or rows, so that each said edge of all cards can be seen from outside the row, said means for holding cards including a circular row of spacers which hold each of said cards with a specified gap from each other, each of said spacers having a narrow reflection mirror which faces in a specified angle to the surface of each card where an optical code mark is provided; and at least one optical code reader to read out said optical code marks while scanning them along the direction of said row.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said optical code reader includes light emitter means for directing light at said optical code marks on each card and light receiver means for receiving light from said light emitter means reflected off of said reflection mirror on each spacer after passage through reflective code marks on an adjacent card.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said light emitter means includes a plurality of light sources equal in number to the number of code marks on each card, and said light receiving means includes a plurality of light detectors equal in number to said light sources.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said cards are provided in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of optical code readers are provided, each code reader being associated with a respective row of cards.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, further including means for moving said optical reader with respect to said circular row of cards.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, further including means for moving said circular row of cards with respect to said optical code reader.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-15 | 1976-02-14 | 1976-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-15 | 1980-02-14 | 1980-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-15 | 1984-02-14 | 1984-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |