US3699518A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and machine for reading handwritten cursive characters
Assignee: COMMERCE USA
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Filing: 1971-01-18
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Granted: 1972-10-17
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Expires: 1991-01-18
Abstract
Abstract A machine for reading alphanumeric characters handwritten within preprinted guides. The guides position eight strokes (leading strokes, body strokes, head strokes, etc.) used in forming cursive characters. The machine scans the guides in sequence, producing for each guide an eight-bit code corresponding to the strokes formed in it. The eight-bit codes are converted to standard machine codes. In a detailed embodiment, the guides are serially printed on a paper tape and the machine includes a tape advance mechanism, a tape lateral shift mechanism, a light for illuminating the guide being scanned, and an array of photocells for producing the eight-bit code as the tape is advanced and shifted over the photocells. The machine also includes a program controller, memory, and code converter.
Inventors
- 👤 Maurice Leighton Greenough
- 👤 Milton L Kuder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 06:26
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06V; G06V30/00; G06V30/10; G06V30/22; G06V30/224
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
244 words
A machine for reading cursive alphanumeric characters handwritten on a paper tape within preprinted guides serially printed on said tape, said guides positioning the body strokes, head strokes, tail strokes, upper and lower leadIng strokes, upper and lower trailing strokes, and underlining strokes of said characters, said machine comprising: means for scanning said preprinted guides in sequence, said scanning means producing for each guide an eight-bit code that corresponds to those of said strokes in said guide, said scanning means comprising: a planar array of photocells, means for advancing said tape over said array of photocells, means for illuminating the tape passing over said array of photocells, two of said photocells in said array producing a two-bit code when the head stroke and tail stroke parts of a preprinted guide are advanced thereover, an eight-bit memory for storing said two-bit code, a third photocell in said array producing a signal that stops the advancing of the tape over said array after said two-bit code is produced, means for laterally shifting said tape over said array after said tape is stopped, at least six additional photocells in said array producing a six-bit code when the body, upper and lower leading, upper and lower trailing, and underlining stroke parts of said preprinted guide are laterally shifted thereover, said six-bit code being added to said eight-bit memory, whereby said memory provides said eight-bit code, and means for converting each of said eight-bit codes to a machine code.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
244 words
A machine for reading cursive alphanumeric characters handwritten on a paper tape within preprinted guides serially printed on said tape, said guides positioning the body strokes, head strokes, tail strokes, upper and lower leadIng strokes, upper and lower trailing strokes, and underlining strokes of said characters, said machine comprising: means for scanning said preprinted guides in sequence, said scanning means producing for each guide an eight-bit code that corresponds to those of said strokes in said guide, said scanning means comprising: a planar array of photocells, means for advancing said tape over said array of photocells, means for illuminating the tape passing over said array of photocells, two of said photocells in said array producing a two-bit code when the head stroke and tail stroke parts of a preprinted guide are advanced thereover, an eight-bit memory for storing said two-bit code, a third photocell in said array producing a signal that stops the advancing of the tape over said array after said two-bit code is produced, means for laterally shifting said tape over said array after said tape is stopped, at least six additional photocells in said array producing a six-bit code when the body, upper and lower leading, upper and lower trailing, and underlining stroke parts of said preprinted guide are laterally shifted thereover, said six-bit code being added to said eight-bit memory, whereby said memory provides said eight-bit code, and means for converting each of said eight-bit codes to a machine code.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
A machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein said array has eight photocells for generating said six-bit code, two of said eight photocells being spaced apart and connected in parallel to detect said body strokes in said preprinted guides, and another two of said eight photocells being spaced apart and connected in parallel to detect said underlining strokes in said preprinted guides.
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) | 1975-10-17 | 1976-04-17 | 1976-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-17 | 1980-04-17 | 1980-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-17 | 1984-04-17 | 1984-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |