US3860790A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Data processing form
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1973-01-22
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Granted: 1975-01-14
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Expires: 1993-01-22
Abstract
Abstract A data processing form having a plurality of printed indication areas in which marks may be placed for subsequent sensing by an optical sensing apparatus. Each indication area contains a number of printed ring-shaped symbols which uniformly extend throughout the interior of the minimum dimensions of the indication area; the minimum dimensions being related to the size of the area which may be instantaneously sensed by the sensing apparatus. The optical density of the symbols is selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the latter provides a signal indicative of a mark in the indication area when all of the symbols in the indication area are obliterated by the mark. Each indication area may further include printed bracket-shaped boundaries for defining the maximum dimensions of any mark which should be placed in an indication area so as to prevent the mark from being sensed as being present in more than one indication area.
Inventors
- 👤 Segwald J Reckdahl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:37
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A data processing form having the plurality of printed indication areas of minimum dimensions for use with an optical sensing apparatus which provides a signal in response to the sensing of a mark of said minimum dimensions in a said indication areas, wherein the improvement comprises each of the indication areas of the form including a gauge comprising a plurality of printed symbols uniformly extending throughout the interior of the minimum dimensions of the indication area, the symbols having a printed area of an optical density selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the sensing apparatus provides a signal indicative of a mark in said indication area when all of the symbols in said indication area are obliterated by the mark.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
A data processing form having the plurality of printed indication areas of minimum dimensions for use with an optical sensing apparatus which provides a signal in response to the sensing of a mark of said minimum dimensions in a said indication areas, wherein the improvement comprises each of the indication areas of the form including a gauge comprising a plurality of printed symbols uniformly extending throughout the interior of the minimum dimensions of the indication area, the symbols having a printed area of an optical density selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the sensing apparatus provides a signal indicative of a mark in said indication area when all of the symbols in said indication area are obliterated by the mark.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A data processing form according to claim 1, wherein the gauge for each indication area further comprises printed boundaries for defining maximum dimensions of any mark which may be placed in a said indication area.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A data processing form according to claim 1, wherein the symbols comprise rings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
133 words
A data processing form according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of symbols in each answer indication area includes first and second symbols having respectively darker and lighter optical densities wherein the cumulative optical density of all the symbols is selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the sensing apparatus provides a signal indicative of a mark in a said indication area when all of the symbols in said indication area are obliterated by the mark; and wherein the optical density of the second lighter symbols is selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the sensing apparatus will not provide a signal indicative of a mark in a said indication area when all of the symbols in said indication area are fully visible.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
132 words
A data processing system comprising the combination of a data processing form having a plurality of printed indication areas of minimum dimensions and an optical sensing apparatus which provides a signal in response to the sensing of a mark of said minimum dimensions in a said indication area, wherein the improvement comprises of the indication areas of the form including a gauge comprising a plurality of printed symbols uniformly extending throughout the interior of the minimum dimensions of the indication area, the symbols having a printed area of an optical density selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the sensing apparatus provides a signal indicative of a mark in a said indication area when all of the symbols in said indication area are obliterated by the mark.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
132 words
A data processing system comprising the combination of a data processing form having a plurality of printed indication areas of minimum dimensions and an optical sensing apparatus which provides a signal in response to the sensing of a mark of said minimum dimensions in a said indication area, wherein the improvement comprises of the indication areas of the form including a gauge comprising a plurality of printed symbols uniformly extending throughout the interior of the minimum dimensions of the indication area, the symbols having a printed area of an optical density selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the sensing apparatus provides a signal indicative of a mark in a said indication area when all of the symbols in said indication area are obliterated by the mark.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A data processing system according to claim 5, wherein the gauge for each indication area further comprises printed boundaries for defining maximum dimensions of any mark which may be plAced in a said indication area.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
A data processing system according to claim 5, wherein the symbols have a printed area of an optical density selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the sensing apparatus will not provide a signal indicative of a mark in said indication area when all of the symbols in said indication area are fully visible.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A data processing system according to claim 5, wherein the symbols comprise rings.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
133 words
A data processing system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of symbols in each answer indication area includes first and second symbols having respectively darker and lighter optical densities wherein the cumulative optical density of all the symbols is selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the sensing apparatus provides a signal indicative of a mark in a said indication area when all of the symbols in said indication area are obliterated by the mark; and wherein the optical density of the second lighter symbols is selected in relation to the sensitivity of the sensing apparatus such that the sensing apparatus will not provide a signal indicative of a mark in a said indication area when all of the symbols in said indication area are fully visible.
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) | 1978-01-13 | 1978-07-15 | 1979-01-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-13 | 1982-07-15 | 1983-01-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-13 | 1986-07-15 | 1987-01-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |