The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 07, 1996
Filed:
Dec. 31, 1992
John A Penkethman, Gilroy, CA (US);
Robert A Harrison, Morgan Hill, CA (US);
Xiaoming Wang, San Jose, CA (US);
Ning S Chang, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Arye Green, San Jose, CA (US);
Electroglas, Inc., Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
An improved illumination method and apparatus for optical character recognition. A first light source is positioned such that light emitted from it strikes the surface at an angle of incidence. A detector is placed at the angle of reflection, such that specularly reflected light strikes the detector, providing bright field illumination. Additional light sources positioned at angles different from the first light source are disclosed to provide for high and low angle dark field illumination. Novel light guides which allow for a compact and economic system design are also disclosed. The disclosed system utilizes light sources and filters which greatly reduce the effect of environmental lighting on the optical character recognition process. A novel method to select the optimum light source and intensity is also disclosed.