Optical character recognition illumination method and system
US5515452A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 7, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2924/0002
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.