Ideographic keyboard and method in which an array of characters are printed on one side of a panel and optically readable data corresponding to the characters is recorded on the other side of the panel. A character selector is moved about the first side the panel for selective alignment with the characters, and an optical reader is linked to the character selector for movement about the recorded data in concert with the character selector. The data corresponding to a selected character is read, and a coded signal for the selected character is output in response to the data which is read. In one disclosed embodiment, the data is recorded in the form of bar coding, and the reader is a bar code reader. Precise alignment of the reader with the data for the selected character is assured by reading data from a region larger than the data field itself and extracting the character data in software.
Reynold B. Johnson - Palo Alto CA Kenneth Alan Fesler - Stanford CA Eugene W. Weber - San Mateo CA
International Classification:
B41J 500
US Classification:
400110
Abstract:
Ideographic typewriter and method in which a set of characters are printed on a keyboard panel in optically readable form and scanned to provide a bit map of a character which is to be printed. A printer is actuated in accordance with the bit map to form an image of the selected character on an output medium. Characters beyond those included in the set printed on the keyboard panel can be written on a calligraphy pad near the keyboard and scanned to provide bit maps for use in the printing of those characters. Information associated with the characters is prerecorded in tracks on a magnetic medium positioned beneath the keyboard panel and transduced in a manner which substantially eliminates crosstalk between the tracks.
A portable subsystem carried by the inspector includes an identification scanner, an emissions sensor and a portable data collector. An inspector identifies the release point by use of a portable scanner and then tests the release point for leaks. The portable data collector stores the identification along with the emissions test data. At periodic intervals the portable data collector is connected to a main computer and the stored data is uploaded. The main computer analyzes the uploaded data for a pass or fail of the release point of the emissions test and issues the appropriate comparison results. Additionally, the severity of the leak is determined and remedial action is specified. This remedial action includes issuance of a repair report and updating the repair schedule, updating the inspection schedule for reinspection after repairs are completed and updating the inspection history. The computer maintains data sufficient to generate reports tailored to the requirements of government agencies.
A portable subsystem carried by the inspector includes an identification scanner, an emissions sensor and a portable data collector. An inspector identifies the release point by use of a portable scanner and then tests the release point for leaks. The portable data collector stores the identification along with the emissions test data. At periodic intervals the portable data collector is connected to a main computer and the stored data is uploaded. The main computer analyzes the uploaded data for a pass or fail of the release point of the emissions test and issues the appropriate comparison results. Additionally, the severity of the leak is determined and remedial action is specified. This remedial action includes issuance of a repair report and updating the repair schedule, updating the inspection schedule for reinspection after repairs are completed and updating the inspection history. The computer is capable of generating reports tailored to the requirements of government agencies.
Thomas Dinkins, Anna Ewing, James Scott, Elva Moore, Curtis Kimball, Rodney Berger, Rita Sanderson, Elwyn Tidball, Carolyn Livingston, Sally Blood, Eugene Clark