US4224508A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Error correcting bar code reader
Assignee: Bantec Inc
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Filing: 1978-11-13
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Granted: 1980-09-23
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Expires: 1998-11-13
Abstract
Abstract A low cost, high performance bar code reader is required for reading the CFC-6 character font. The character is printed in fluorescent bars which are coded by different spacing between each bar so that it can be machine readable. A special recognition logic is developed to read the font when it is data lifted by the analog front end. An error correction capability is built in to correct certain correctable errors such as a missing bar.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles T. Kao
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:43
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06V; G06V30/00; G06V30/10; G06V30/22; G06V30/224; G06V30/2247
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
An error detecting and correcting bar code character reader having a fixed number of vertical bars and a fixed number of spaces of different widths, comprising; means for determining the number of spaces between bars and the number of spaces of each width, means for determining the order of occurence of the spaces of each width, means for identifying the character based upon the order of spaces of each width and means for detecting when one or more bar is missing and supply the information normally supplied by the missing bar so that the character represented by the bars can be read.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
An error detecting and correcting bar code character reader having a fixed number of vertical bars and a fixed number of spaces of different widths, comprising; means for determining the number of spaces between bars and the number of spaces of each width, means for determining the order of occurence of the spaces of each width, means for identifying the character based upon the order of spaces of each width and means for detecting when one or more bar is missing and supply the information normally supplied by the missing bar so that the character represented by the bars can be read.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The reader according to claim 1 wherein the fixed number of spaces is five and there are three of one width and two of another width.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The reader according to claim 1 wherein said means for detecting a character having one or more missing bar comprises; means for counting the spaces and measuring the intervals between bars means for comparing the count and measurement against a standard and determining which bar is missing, and means for supplying data representative of the missing bar.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The reader according to claim 2 including means for supplying a missing first bar or last bar.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
90 words
An error detecting and correcting bar code reader for reading bar code characters, in either a forward or reverse direction, having a series of vertical bars variably spaced comprising; means for counting the number of bars in a character to determine if the correct number of bars is present, means for determining if the correct spacing occurs between bars, means for correlating the bar number and the bar spacing to identify the bar character, and means for correcting and supplying information concerning a missing bar when a bar is missing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
90 words
An error detecting and correcting bar code reader for reading bar code characters, in either a forward or reverse direction, having a series of vertical bars variably spaced comprising; means for counting the number of bars in a character to determine if the correct number of bars is present, means for determining if the correct spacing occurs between bars, means for correlating the bar number and the bar spacing to identify the bar character, and means for correcting and supplying information concerning a missing bar when a bar is missing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The reader according to claim 5 including means for detecting the absence of a bar or two bars in a bar code character and means for supplying the missing bar so that the character may be identified.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The reader according to claim 5 wherein the correct number of bars is 6 and that there are two different spacings between bars.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The reader according to claim 6 wherein the means for detecting the absence of a bar is an interval analysis circuit which determines if the spaces between bars are correct, a too wide or too short interval is indicative of a missing bar.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
64 words
An error correcting system for a bar code character reading device comprising; means for counting the bars and measuring the intervals between bars, means for comparing the count and interval measurement against a standard, means for correcting said character by supplying a missing bar when said comparison indicates a missing bar, and means for identifying said character after said missing bar has been supplied.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
64 words
An error correcting system for a bar code character reading device comprising; means for counting the bars and measuring the intervals between bars, means for comparing the count and interval measurement against a standard, means for correcting said character by supplying a missing bar when said comparison indicates a missing bar, and means for identifying said character after said missing bar has been supplied.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of reading bar code characters and detecting missing bars wherein each and every character has the same fixed number of bars and the bars are spaced from each other with one of two set invervals, comprising the steps of; counting the number of bars and measuring the intervals between bars, comparing the count and interval measurement against a standard, and identifying the bar code character as compared against the standard, and detecting and identifying which of the bars are missing when a bar is missing.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of reading bar code characters and detecting missing bars wherein each and every character has the same fixed number of bars and the bars are spaced from each other with one of two set invervals, comprising the steps of; counting the number of bars and measuring the intervals between bars, comparing the count and interval measurement against a standard, and identifying the bar code character as compared against the standard, and detecting and identifying which of the bars are missing when a bar is missing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 10 including the steps of adding a missing bar when the bar count and interval measurement indicates a bar is missing, and identify the character after the missing bar is added.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 10 including the step of inputting the direction of movement of the bar code character permitting the readings of the characters in either the forward or reverse direction.
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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) | 1983-09-23 | 1984-03-24 | 1984-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-09-23 | 1988-03-24 | 1988-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-09-23 | 1992-03-24 | 1992-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |