US3882468A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Storage and retrieval of graphic information
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1973-12-28
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Granted: 1975-05-06
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Expires: 1993-12-28
Abstract
Abstract Image-bearing elements made of support material that transmits light longitudinally through its cross-section, in a plane parallel to its image-bearing surface, are disclosed for use in an information retrieval system. The retrieval code used in identifying each element is generated by modulating a directed beam of light transmitted longitudinally through the element''s cross-section. Modulation of the directed beam is accomplished by, for example, placing opaque spots on a cross-sectional area of the element, punching holes in the element, or by placing a code mask at the end of the element from which the directed beam emanates. The code modulated beam is photoelectrically detected and the resulting electrical retrieval codes are used in the retrieval process.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas R Ormsby
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 11:23
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K17/00; G06K17/0016; G06K1/00; G06K1/12; G06K1/126; G11; G11C; G11C13/00; G11C13/04; G11C13/048
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
In an information and retrieval system, the combination comprising: means for producing a first signal representing a descriptor code; at least one substantially planar record medium which extends to terminate in at least one edge the thickness of said edge being substantially small in relation to the other overall dimensions of said planar record medium, said medium being formed of a light transmitting material which exhibits a lightpipe effect for light within a predetermined range of wavelengths; means for directing a beam of light, having a wavelength within said range, into said medium at an edge thereof, to travel within the plane of said medium; means forming a part of said medium for intercepting and modulating said beam in accordance with a preselected code pattern; means, arranged adjacent to at least one edge of said medium, for receiving said beam and for producing in response thereto a second coded signal representing said modulated code pattern; and means for receiving said first signal and said second signal, and for comparing the codes represented thereby.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
In an information and retrieval system, the combination comprising: means for producing a first signal representing a descriptor code; at least one substantially planar record medium which extends to terminate in at least one edge the thickness of said edge being substantially small in relation to the other overall dimensions of said planar record medium, said medium being formed of a light transmitting material which exhibits a lightpipe effect for light within a predetermined range of wavelengths; means for directing a beam of light, having a wavelength within said range, into said medium at an edge thereof, to travel within the plane of said medium; means forming a part of said medium for intercepting and modulating said beam in accordance with a preselected code pattern; means, arranged adjacent to at least one edge of said medium, for receiving said beam and for producing in response thereto a second coded signal representing said modulated code pattern; and means for receiving said first signal and said second signal, and for comparing the codes represented thereby.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A combination according to claim 1 wherein each said recording medium is a sheet having two pairs of opposite substantially parallel edges and wherein said beam is directed into an edge belonging to one such pair and exits from the other edge belonging to that pair.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A combination according to claim 2 wherein said sheet is a microfiche.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A combination according to claim 1 wherein each said recording medium is an elongate strip having two opposite and substantially parallel edges along its length and wherein said beam is directed into one of the parallel edges and exits from the other parallel edge.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A combination according to claim 2 wherein said modulating means is a set of notches formed on the edge at which said beam exits.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A combination according to claim 3 wherein said modulating means is a set of opaque spots arranged in a code pattern on at least one of said edges.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
A combination according to claim 2 wherein there are a plurality of said record media carried on a rotatable drum and wherein there is provided means for indexing said drum to present said record media one at a time at said directing and said coded signal producing means whereby said media are examined individually for a code pattern matching said descriptor code.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
148 words
For use in an information and retrieval system, the combination comprising: at least one record medium characterized by having two substantially parallel faces which extend to terminate in at least one edge the thickness of said edge being substantially less than the face dimensions of said planar medium, said medium being formed of a substantially transparent material which exhibits a lightpipe effect for light within a predetermined range of wavelengths; means arranged at an edge of said medium for sending a beam of light, which Is within said wavelength range, through said medium parallel to said faces; means for intercepting and modulating said beam, as it passes through said medium, in accordance with a preselected code pattern; means arranged adjacent to an edge of said medium for receiving said beam after passage through said medium and for producing responsive thereto a coded signal representing said modulated code pattern.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
148 words
For use in an information and retrieval system, the combination comprising: at least one record medium characterized by having two substantially parallel faces which extend to terminate in at least one edge the thickness of said edge being substantially less than the face dimensions of said planar medium, said medium being formed of a substantially transparent material which exhibits a lightpipe effect for light within a predetermined range of wavelengths; means arranged at an edge of said medium for sending a beam of light, which Is within said wavelength range, through said medium parallel to said faces; means for intercepting and modulating said beam, as it passes through said medium, in accordance with a preselected code pattern; means arranged adjacent to an edge of said medium for receiving said beam after passage through said medium and for producing responsive thereto a coded signal representing said modulated code pattern.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-05 | 1978-11-04 | 1979-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-05 | 1982-11-04 | 1983-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-05 | 1986-11-04 | 1987-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |