Method and apparatus for scaning objects and generating image information

• US 5,128,753 A
• Filed: 12/20/1989
• Issued: 07/07/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/1954
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jerome H. Lemelson
• Original Assignee: Jerome H. Lemelson
• Inventors: Lemelson, Jerome H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Peng, John K.
• Application Number:
  US07/453,789
• Time in Patent Office: 930 Days
• Field of Search: 358/93, 358/105, 358/106, 358/133, 358/101, 358/125, 358/108, 358/105, 358/120, 358/107, 382/34, 356/380, 356/386, 356/387, 360/9.1, 360/72.1
• US Class Current: 382/141
• CPC Class Codes: B07C 5/10 measured by light-responsive means sorting according to colour B07C5/342
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/022 by means of tv-camera scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33192 Radio link, wireless
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36395 Load local computer program from host, data transfer ram to rom, BTR
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36511 Select by a detector
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36513 Select out of a plurality of programs, patterns
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/37572 Camera, tv, vision
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/40283 Reservoir with additional material on vehicle with manipulator
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/40284 Toolrack on vehicle with manipulator, toolchanger
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0014 Image feed-back for automatic industrial control, e.g. robot with camera robots B25J19/023
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/12 Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19602 Image analysis to detect motion of the intruder, e.g. by frame subtraction
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1963 Arrangements allowing camera rotation to change view, e.g. pivoting camera, pan-tilt and zoom [PTZ]
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19634 Electrical details of the system, e.g. component blocks for carrying out specific functions
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19652 Systems using zones in a single scene defined for different treatment, e.g. outer zone gives pre-alarm, inner zone gives alarm
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/782 on tape

Abstract

An automatic scanning and control apparatus determines the location of a predetermined segment of an image field being scanned. The predetermined segment presents an image which is optically differentiatable from the surrounding area of the image field. The apparatus includes a beam device for selectively scanning the image field and producing an output signal thereof. The beam device includes means for modulating the output signal in accordance with variations in the image field. The predetermined segment of the image field causes modulation of the output signal of the beam device by providing an inflection therein when the beam scans across the segment. An analyzing circuit is adapted to accept the output signal from the beam device. Means generate a locating signal in predetermined time relation to the scanning. Comparator means compare the inflection in the output signal with the locating signal so that the location of the predetermimed segment of the image field can be determined.

A method compares an image field to be inspected with a standard image field. A standard image field is scanned with a beam and a video signal is modulated in accordance with intensity variations in the standard field. The video signal is recorded on a recording member. The field to be inspected is then scanned by the beam and a second video signal is generated. Both the video signals are reproduced and passed to a comparator means. A point to point comparison is made between the inflections and variations in each signal resulting from the scanning image areas of contrasting intensity by generating pulse signals during the intervals that the areas do not coincide. The pulse signals are then automatically analyzed.

Claims

1. A method for scanning an object and generating image information about the object, comprising:

a) generating a radiation beam,

b) controlling said radiation beam to cause it to scan a plurality of paths intersecting an object positioned in an image field, said object containing a predetermined image area having variable scannable information, whereby light energy is variably reflected during at least part of the scanning movement of said beam,

c) detecting variations in the reflected light energy of said beam as it scans said object in said image field, and generating electrical detection signals which are modulated in accordance with said variations in the reflected light energy of at least a portion of said image field including said predetermined image area,

d) electronically processing said electrical detection signals and generating electrical control signals,

e) computer analyzing said electrical control signals and generating coded electrical signals defining at least a portion of the variable scannable information detected during at least one of said scanning paths intersecting said predetermined image area, and

f) employing said coded electrical signals to control the operation of an indicating means to cause it to indicate the detected variable scannable information in said predetermined image area,

g) said variable scannable information in said predetermined area of said object including contrasting changes in light reflectivity.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1

wherein said contrasting changes in light reflectivity in said predetermined image area are scanned by said radiation beam in travelling at least one of said scanning paths.

3. A method in accordance with claim 1 said radiation beam includes controllably deflecting said beam to cause it to scan said plurality of scanning paths, at least one of which passes through said predetermined image area.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1

wherein said predetermined image area is located on the surface of said object, said beam is caused to intersect said predetermined image area during its scanning movement along at least one of said scanning paths.

5. A method in accordance with claim 1

wherein said electronic processing step includes digitizing said electrical detection signals.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1

which includes employing said coded electrical signals to intelligibly indicate quantitative information relating to at least part of the variable scanning information scanned by said radiation beam.

13. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said predetermined image area comprises a production marking placed on the surface of said object.

14. A method in accordance with claim 13 wherein said production marking comprises multiple dark areas on a bright background.

15. A method in accordance with claim 14 wherein the step of computer analyzing said electrical control signals includes the step of recording said electrical control signals in a memory.

16. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein the step of computer analyzing said electrical control signals further includes the step of prerecording reference information in a memory.

17. A method in accordance with claim 16 wherein the step of computer analyzing said electrical control signals further includes the step of comparing said electrical control signals with the reference information prerecorded in memory.

18. A method in accordance with claim 17 wherein the step of employing said coded electrical signals to control the operation of an indicating means includes the step of generating further coded electrical signals in response to said comparison of said electrical control signals with said reference information.

19. A method in accordance with claim 14 wherein the step of computer analyzing said electrical control signals includes the step of employing said control signals to determine the relative location of said markings having high and low reflectivity.

20. A method in accordance with claim 14 wherein the step of computer analyzing said electrical control signals includes the step of employing said control signals to determine the dimensions of said marking having high and low reflectivity.

7. A method for directly scanning an object and generating image information about the object, said method comprising:

a) generating a radiation beam,

b) controlling said radiation beam to cause it to conduct a scanning operation on an object positioned in an image field, said scanning operation including a plurality of line scanning paths, said object containing variable scannable information including contrasting changes in image content, whereby said radiation beam is variably reflected during at lest part of its scanning movement.

c) detecting variations in the reflected energy of said radiation beam as it scans the variable scannable information on said object in said image field, and generating electrical detection signals which are modulated in accordance with said variations in the reflected energy of those portions of said image field defined by said variable scannable information on said object scanned by said beam in its travel along said scanning paths,

d) electronically processing said electrical detection signals and generating and storing in memory electrical control signals,

e) computer analyzing said electrical control signals and generating and storing in memory coded electrical signals defining at least a portion of the variable scannable information on said object detected during the scanning movement of said beam along at least one of said scanning paths, and

f) employing said coded electrical signals to control the operation of an indicating means to cause it to indicate a characteristic about the variable scannable information detected by said beam.

8. A method in accordance with claim 7

wherein said radiation beam is controllably deflected and caused to scan a predetermined image portion on said object in said image field, and said coded electrical signals define information relating to a characteristic of said predetermined image portion of the object scanned by said beam during its scanning movement along one of said plurality of scanning paths.

9. A method in accordance with claim 7

wherein said radiation beam is controllably deflected and caused to scan at least tow portions of said object positioned in said image field, each of said portions containing variable image information, and

said coded electrical signals are generated from the detection signals generated by detecting variations in radiation energy reflected from said portions during the scanning movement of said beam along a plurality of said scanning paths.

10. A method in accordance with claim 7

wherein said step of controlling said radiation beam includes causing said beam to conduct line-scans across a plurality of surface areas of said object in said image field.

11. A method in accordance with claim 7

wherein said abrupt changes in image content are located on a predetermined image area on the surface of said object, and said coded electrical signals are indicative of a plurality of variations in the reflected energy of said beam generated as it scans said contrasting changes in image content on at least one of said scanning paths across said object in said image field.

12. A method in accordance with claim 7

wherein said contrasting changes in image content are located on a predetermined image area on the surface of said object, and said electrical control signals are generated as said radiation beam scans said abrupt changes in image content during a plurality of said scanning paths on said object.

21. A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein said predetermined image portion comprises a production marking.

43. The method of claim 7 wherein step d) includes the step of converting said electrical detecting signals from analog to digital form.

44. The method of claim 7 wherein step c) further includes the step of converting said electrical defectum signals from analog to digital form.

45. The method of claim 21 wherein said production marking comprises a series of rectangular markings having a different light reflectivity from a background area upon which the markings are superimposed.

22. An apparatus for scanning an object and generating image information about the object, comprising:

a) radiation means for generating a radiation beam,

b) radiation control means for controlling said radiation beam to cause it to scan a plurality of paths intersecting an object positioned in an image field, said object containing a predetermined image area having variable scannable information, whereby light energy is variably reflected during at least part of the scanning movement of said beam,

c) detection means for detecting variations in the reflected light energy of said beam as it scans said object is said image field, and for generating electrical detection signals which are modulated in accordance with said variations in the reflected light energy from at least the portions of said image field including said predetermined image area,

d) processing means for electronically processing said electrical detection signals and generating electrical control signals,

e) computer means for analyzing said electrical control signals and for generating and storing in memory coded electrical signals defining at least a portion of the variable scannable information detected during at least one of said scanning paths intersecting said predetermined image area, and

f) control means for employing said coded electrical signals to control the operation of an indicating means to cause it to indicate the detected variable scannable information in said predetermined image area, said variable scannable information in said predetermined area of said object including contrasting changes in light reflectivity.

23. An apparatus in accordance with claim 22 wherein said contrasting changes in light reflectivity in said predetermined image area are scanned by said radiation beam in traveling at least one of said scanning paths.

24. An apparatus in accordance with claim 22 wherein the radiation control means includes means for controllably deflecting said beam to cause it to scan said plurality of scanning paths, at least one of which pass through said predetermined image area.

25. An apparatus in accordance with claim 22 wherein said predetermined image area is locate on the surface of said object, and wherein said radiation control means causes said radiation beam to intersect said predetermined image area during its scanning movement along at least one of said scanning paths.

26. An apparatus in accordance with claim 22 wherein said means for electronically processing said electrical detection signals includes means for digitizing said electrical detection signals.

27. An apparatus in accordance with claim 22 wherein the control means includes means for employing said coded electrical signals to intelligibly indicate quantitative information relating to at least the part of the variable scannable information scanned by said radiation beam.

28. An apparatus in accordance with claim 22 wherein said predetermined image area comprises a production marking placed on the surface of said object.

29. A method in accordance with claim 28 wherein said production marking comprises multiple dark areas on a bright background.

30. An apparatus in accordance with claim 29 wherein the computer means for analyzing said electrical control signals includes means for recording said electrical control signals in a memory.

31. An apparatus in accordance with claim 30 wherein the computer means for analyzing said electrical control signals further includes means for prerecording reference information in a memory.

32. An apparatus in accordance with claim 31 wherein the computer means for analyzing said electrical control signals compares said electrical control signals with the reference information prerecorded in memory.

33. An apparatus in accordance with claim 32 wherein the control means for employing said coded electrical signals to control the operation of an indicating means includes means for generating further coded electrical signals in response to said comparison of said electrical control signals with said reference information.

34. An apparatus in accordance with claim 30 wherein the computer means for analyzing said electrical control signals includes means for employing said control signals to determine the relative location of said markings having high and low reflectivity.

35. An apparatus in accordance with claim 30 wherein the computer means for analyzing said electrical control signals includes means for employing said control signals to determine the dimensions of said markings having high and low reflectivity.

36. An apparatus for directly scanning an object and generating image information about the object, said method comprising:

a) radiation means for generating a radiation beam,

b) scanning control means for controlling said radiation beam to cause it to conduct a scanning operation comprising a plurality of lien scanning paths, said object containing scannable information including contrasting changes in image content, whereby said radiation beam is variably reflected during at least part of its scanning movement,

c) detection means for detecting variations in the reflected energy of said radiation beam as it scans the scannable information on said object in said image field, and for generating electrical detection signals which are modulated in accordance with said variations in the reflected energy of those portions of said image field defined by said scannable information on said object scanned by said beam as it travels along said scanning paths,

d) process means for electronically processing said electrical detection signals and generating electrical control signals,

e) computer means for storing in memory and computer analyzing said electrical control signals and for generating coded electrical signals defining at least a portion of the scannable information detected during the scanning movement of said beam along at least one of said scanning paths, and

f) indication control means for employing said coded electrical signals to control the operation of an indicating means to cause it to indicate a characteristic about the variable scannable information detected by said beam.

37. An apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein said scanning control means includes means for controllably deflecting and causing said radiation beam to scan a predetermined image portion on said object in said image field, and wherein said coded electrical signal defined information relating to a characteristic of said predetermined image portion of the object scanned by said beam during its scanning movement along one of said plurality of scanning paths.

38. An apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein said scanning control means includes means for controllably deflecting and causing said radiation beam to scan at least two portions of said object, each of sad portions containing variable image information, and

wherein said coded electrical signals are generated from the detection signals generated by detecting variations in radiation energy reflected from said portions during the scanning movement of said beam along a plurality of said scanning paths.

39. An apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein said scanning control means includes means for causing said beam to conduct line-scans across a plurality of surface areas of said object in said image field.

40. An apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein said abrupt changes in image content are located on a predetermined image area on the surface of said object, and said coded electrical signals are indicative of a plurality of variations in he reflected energy of said beam generated as it scans said abrupt change in image content on at least one of said scanning paths across said object in said image field.

41. An apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein said abrupt changes in image content are located on a predetermined image area on the surface of said object, and said electrical control signals are generated as said radiation beam scans said abrupt changes in image content during a plurality of said scanning paths on said object.

42. An apparatus in accordance with claim 37 wherein said predetermined image portion comprises a production marking.

46. A method for generating and using information by radiation scanning an image, said method comprising:

a) generating a radiation beam,

b) directing said radiation beam at an object including a specific image area containing different radiation reflecting marks, the marks being located along a scanning path of said image area,

c) causing said radiation beam to scan said image area in a manner whereby said beam will interact and be variably reflected by said different radiation reflecting marks,

d) sensing the radiation reflected from said different radiation reflecting marks with radiation detection means,

e) generating an electrical signal on the output of said radiation detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the reflected radiation,

f) computer processing said varying signal and generating digital electrical signals defining characteristics of said different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said beam,

g) recording said digital electrical signals in memory means,

h) reproducing said digital electrical signals from said memory means,

i) computer analyzing said digital electrical signals and generating further electrical signals,

j) employing said further electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said radiation beam, and

k) wherein said beam is an electronic beam is deflection controlled to scan a select image present to an optical input of a camera.

47. A method in accordance with claim 46 wherein said varying signal processed by said computer comprises a digital signal converted from an analog video signal.

48. An apparatus for scanning an object and generating intelligible information about said object, said apparatus comprising:

a) first means for generating a radiation beam,

b) second means for directing said radiation beam at an object including a select first location in an image field containing areas of different radiation reflectively, wherein said beam is caused to scan along a select path intersecting at least a portion of said areas of different reflectivity,

c) third means for automatically deflecting said radiation beam to cause it to scan along said select path intersecting said first location containing said areas of different reflectivity by controllably varying the scanning axis of said beam,

d) fourth means including a photoelectric detection means for receiving he varying reflections of the radiation of said beam in scanning said area of different reflectivity as said beam travels said select path,

e) fifth means for generating a variable electrical signal on the output of said photoelectric detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the radiant energy reflected from said object during scanning by said beam,

f) sixth means for receiving said variable electrical signals and processing same to generate a series of digital electrical signals,

g) seventh means including a computer for receiving, storing and automatically analyzing said series of digital electrical signals generated by said sixth means and for generating coded electrical signal in response thereto,

h) eighth means for utilizing said coded electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the select first location of said image scanned by said radiation beam and defined by said areas of different light reflectivity, and

i) wherein said first means includes means for deflection controlling said beam.

49. An apparatus in accordance with claim 48 wherein said first means is a cathode ray tube.

50. An apparatus for scanning an object and generating intelligible information about said object, said apparatus comprising:

a) first means for generating a radiation beam,

b) second means for directing said radiation beam at an object including a select first location in an image field containing areas of different radiation reflectively, wherein said beam is caused to scan along a select path intersecting at least a portion of said areas of different reflectivity,

c) third means for automatically deflecting said radiation beam to cause it to scan along said select path intersecting said first location containing said areas of different reflectivity by controllably varying the scanning axis of said beam,

d) fourth means including a photoelectric detection means for receiving the varying reflections of the radiation of said beam in scanning said areas of different reflectivity as said beam travels said select path,

e) fifth means for generating a variable electrical signal on the output of said photoelectric detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the radiant energy reflected from said object during scanning by said beam,

f) sixth means for receiving said variable electrical signals and processing same to generate a series of digital electrical signals,

g) seventh means including a computer for receiving, storing and automatically analyzing said series of digital electrical signals generated by said sixth means and for generating coded electrical signals in response thereto,

h) eighth means for using said coded electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the select first location of said image scanned by said radiation beam and defined by said areas of different light reflectivity, and

i) wherein said eighth means includes a display screen for visually displaying said information.

107. The method of claim 50 wherein the step of employing the information signals to intelligibly indicate the information about the object includes audibly indicating such information.

109. The method of claim 50 wherein the scanning device comprises a solid state area imaging device including charge-coupled storage areas.

51. A method for generating and using information by radiation scanning an image, said method comprising:

a) generating a radiation beam,

b) directing said radiation beam at an object including a specific image area containing different radiation reflecting marks, the marks being located along a scanning path of said image area,

c) causing said radiation beam to san said image area in a manner whereby said beam will intersect and be variably reflected by said different radiation reflecting marks,

d) sensing the radiation reflected from said different radiation reflecting marks with radiation detection means,

e) generating an electrical signal on the output of said radiation detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the reflected radiation,

f) computer processing said varying signal and generating digital electrical signals defining characteristics of said different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said beam,

g) recording said digital electrical signals in memory means,

h) reproducing said digital electrical signals from said memory means,

i) computer analyzing said digital electrical signals and generating further electrical signals,

j) employing said further electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said radiation beam, and

k) wherein said different radiation reflecting marks include contrasting changes of relatively high and low reflecting characteristics.

52. A method for generating and using information by radiation scanning an image, said method comprising:

a) generating a radiation beam,

b) directing said radiation beam at an object including a specific image area containing different radiation reflecting marks, the marks being located along a scanning path of said image area,

c) causing said radiation beam to scan said image area in a manner whereby said beam will intersect and be variably reflected by said different radiation reflecting marks,

d) sensing the radiation reflected from said different radiation reflecting marks with radiation detection means,

e) generating an electrical signal on the output of said radiation detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the reflected radiation,

f) computer processing said varying signal and generating digital electrical signals defining characteristics of said different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said beam,

g) recording said digital electrical signals in memory means,

h) reproducing sad digital electrical signals from said memory means,

i) computer analyzing said digital electrical signals and generating further electrical signals,

j) employing said further electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said radiation beam, and

k) wherein said different radiation reflecting marks comprise a plurality of marks forming relatively contrasting high and low reflecting areas, and wherein said radiation beam is deflected in a manner so as to scan said plurality of marks in a single scan across said specific area.

53. A method for generating and using information by radiation scanning an image, said method comprising:

a) generating a radiation beam,

b) directing said radiation beam at an object including a specific image area having a production marking thereon, said production marking containing different radiation reflecting marks including contrasting changes from relative high to relatively low radiation reflectivity,

c) causing said radiation beam to scan said image area in a manner whereby said beam will intersect and be variably reflected by said different radiation reflecting marks,

d) sensing the radiation reflected from said different radiation reflecting marks with radiation detection means,

e) generating an electrical signal on the output of said radiation detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the reflected radiation,

f) computer processing said varying signal and generating digital electrical signals defining characteristics of said production marking on said specific image area scanned by said beam,

g) recording said digital electrical signals in memory means,

h) reproducing said digital electrical signals from said memory means,

i) computer analyzing said digital electrical signals and generating further electrical signals, and

j) employing said further electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the production marking of said specific image area scanned by said radiation beam.

54. An apparatus for scanning an object and generating intelligible information about said object, said apparatus comprising:

a) first means for generating a radiation beam,

b) second means for directing said radiation beam at an object including a select first location in an image field containing areas of different radiation reflectively, wherein said beam is caused to scan along a select path intersecting at least a portion of said areas of different reflectivity in said select first location,

c) third means for varying the scanning axis of said radiation beam by automatically deflecting said beam to cause it to scan along said select path intersecting said first location containing said area of different reflectivity,

d) fourth means including a photoelectric detection means for receiving the reflections of the radiation of said beam in scanning said areas of different reflectivity as said beams travels said select path,

e) fifth means for generating a variable electrical signal on the output of said photoelectric detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the radiant energy reflected from said object during scanning by said beam,

f) sixth means for receiving said variable electrical signals and processing same to generate a series of digital electrical signals,

g) seventh means including a computer for receiving, storing and automatically analyzing said series of digital electrical signals generated by said sixth means and for generating coded electrical signals in response thereto,

h) eighth means for utilizing said coded electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the select first location of said image scanned by said radiation beam and defined by said areas of different light reflectivity, and

i) wherein the select first location in the image includes a production marking having different radiation reflecting marks forming contrasting changes from relatively high to relatively low reflectivity.

55. A method for inspecting a production marking on an object to determine information about the object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating at least one radiation beam at a scanning station;

b) presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object having on at least one of its surfaces a production marking comprising area of different radiation reflectively;

c) controlling the radiation beam to cause it to scan a plurality of paths over the surface of the object, including at least one path which intersects the production marking;

d) detecting the level of radiation reflected from the surface of the object as the radiation beam scans the plurality of paths over the surface of the object;

e) generating electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beam as it scans the plurality of paths over the surface of the object;

f) computer processing the electrical signals to determined when the radiation beam has scanned the production marking, and generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining at least a portion of the electrical signals corresponding to the radiation detected as the radiation beam scanned the production marking; and

g) wherein the step of controlling the radiation beam includes controllably operating a deflection control means for directing said beam at said object.

56. A method for inspecting a production marking on an object to determine information about the object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating at least one radiation beam at a scanning station;

b) presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object having on at least one of its surfaces a production marking comprising areas of different radiation reflectivity;

c) controlling the radiation beam to cause it to scan a plurality of paths over the surface of the object, including at least one path which intersects the production marking;

d) detecting the level of radiation reflected from the surface of the object as the radiation beam scans the plurality of paths over the surface of the object;

e) generating electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beam as it scans the plurality of paths over the surface of the object;

f) computer processing the electrical signals to determined when the radiation beam has scanned the production marking, and generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining at least a portion of the production marking; and

g) wherein the production marking includes areas of contrasting reflectivity.

57. The method of claim 56 wherein the areas of contrasting reflectivity comprise multiple dark areas on a bright background which are intersected by said beam during at least one scan across the surface of the object.

61. The method of claim 57 wherein the step of computer processing the electrical signals includes the step of determining the relative distances between the areas of contrasting reflectivity comprising the production marking.

62. The method of claim 57 wherein the step of computer processing the electrical signals includes the step of determining the widths of the areas of contrasting reflectivity comprising the production marking.

58. A method for locating and inspecting a production marking on an object to determine information about the object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating at least one radiation beam at a scanning station;

b) presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object including on at least one of its surfaces a production marking having areas of different radiation reflectivity;

c) controlling the radiation beam to cause it to scan a plurality of paths over the surface of the object, including at least one path which intersects the production marking;

d) detecting the level of radiation reflected from the surface of the object as the radiation beam scans the plurality of paths over the surface of the object;

e) generating and storing in memory electrical signals which vary in accordance with variations in the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beam as it scans along the plurality of paths over the surface of the object; and

f) computer processing the electrical signals to determine when the radiation beam has scanned the production marking, and generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining the production marking.

59. The method of claim 58 wherein the characteristic signals are digital.

60. The method of claim 59 further comprising the steps of:

a) comparing the characteristic signals to reference data stored in memory in order to identify the scanned production marking and to obtain information about the object;

b) generating and storing in memory information signals corresponding to the information obtained about the object; and

c) employing the information signals to intelligibly indicate the information obtained about the object.

105. The method of claim 60 wherein the information signals are generated as digital signals.

63. A method for scanning an object to inspect a production marking to determine information about the object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating a plurality of radiation beams at a scanning station;

b) presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object having on at least one of its surfaces a production marking defined by areas of different radiation reflectivity;

c) controlling the radiation beams to cause them to scan a plurality of paths across at least one surface of the object, including at least one path which intersects the production marking;

d) detecting the level of radiation reflected from the surface of the object as the radiation beams scan the plurality of paths over the object;

e) generating electrical signals which vary in accordance with variations in the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beams as they scan the plurality of paths across the object;

f) computer processing the electrical signals to determine when at least one radiation beam has scanned the production marking, and generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defined by at least a portion of the electrical signals derived in detecting the radiation reflected as the radiation beam scanned the production marking;

g) comparing the characteristic signals to reference data stored in memory so as to identify the scanned production marking and to obtain information about the object;

h) generating and storing in memory information signals defining the information obtained about the object; and

i) employing the information signals to intelligibly indicate the information obtained about the object.

64. The method of claim 63 wherein the production marking comprises area of contrasting radiation reflectivity which are scanned by at least one of said radiation beams.

65. The method of claim 64 wherein the areas of contrasting radiation reflectivity comprise a plurality of dark marks on a bright background located relative to one another so that they can be intersected by at least one of said radiation beams as if effects a single scan across the surface of the object.

66. The method of claim 63 wherein the step of controlling the radiation beams includes controllably deflecting the beams.

67. The method of claim 63 further comprising the step of storing in memory the electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beams as they scan the plurality of paths over the object.

68. The method of claim 63 wherein the characteristic signals are generated as digital signals.

69. The method of claim 68 wherein the information signals are generated as digital signals.

70. The method of claim 63 further comprising the step of scanning the production marking a plurality of times.

71. The method of claim 65 wherein the step of computer processing the electrical signals includes the step of determining the relative distances between the plurality of dark marks comprising the production marking.

72. The method of claim 65 wherein the step of computer processing the electrical signals includes the step of determining the widths of the plurality of dark marks comprising the production marking.

73. A method of scanning markings on an object comprising:

a) generating a radiation beam with a scanning device;

b) causing relative movement between said scanning device and said object to cause said radiation beam to scan in a lineal path across the markings on said object, the markings being characterized by areas of different reflectivity comprised of a plurality of discrete spaced-apart image portions superimposed on a background and having a light reflectivity which contrasts with said background;

c) photoelectrically detecting reflections from the radiation beam as it is caused to scan said background and said plurality of discrete spaced-apart image portions for generating a varying electrical signal having inflections occurring therein corresponding to the areas of different light reflectivity of said markings;

d) digitizing said varying electrical signal to generate a digital signal corresponding thereto;

e) computer analyzing said digital signal and generating coded information signals;

f) storing said coded information signals in memory;

g) using said coded information signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to at least one of the images scanned in said image field; and

h) wherein the step of computer analyzing said digital signals includes the step of determining the spacings between said discrete space-apart image portions.

74. A method of scanning markings on an object comprising:

a) generating a radiation beam with a scanning device;

b) causing relative movement between said scanning device and said object to cause said radiation beam to scan in a lineal path across the markings on said object, the markings characterized by areas of different reflectivity comprised of a plurality of discrete spaced-apart image portions superimposed on a background and having a light reflectivity which contrasts with said background;

c) photoelectrically detecting reflections from the radiation beam as it is caused to scan said background and said plurality of discrete spaced-apart image portions for generating a varying electrical signal having inflections occurring therein corresponding to the areas of different light reflectivity of said markings;

d) digitizing said varying electrical signal to generate a digital signal corresponding thereto;

e) computer analyzing said digital signal and generating coded information signals;

f) storing said coded information signals in memory;

g) using said coded information signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to at least one of the images scanned in said image field; and

h) wherein the step of computer analyzing said digital signals includes the step of detecting the size of said discrete spaced-apart image portions.

75. An apparatus for generating and using information by radiation scanning an image, comprising:

a) radiation generating means for generating and directing a radiation beam at an object, said object including a specific image area containing different radiation reflecting marks located along a scanning path of said image area;

b) radiation control means for causing said radiation beam to scan said image area in a manner to intersect and be variably reflected by said different radiation reflecting marks;

c) detection means for sensing the radiation reflected from said different radiation reflecting marks;

d) signal means for generating an electrical signal on the output of said radiation detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the reflected radiation;

e) process means for receiving and processing said varying signal to generate digital electrical signals defining characteristics of said different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said beam;

f) memory means for storing said digital electrical signals;

g) means for reproducing said digital electrical signals from said memory means;

h) said process means including means for analyzing sad digital electrical signals and for generating further electrical signals;

i) indicating means for employing said further electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said radiation beam; and

j) wherein said radiation beam comprises an electronic beam generated by controlling the operation of a cathode ray tube, and wherein said radiation control means includes is operable to deflection control said beam to scan a select image presented to an optical input of a camera.

76. A method for scanning an object and generating intelligible information about said object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating a radiation beam,

b) directing said radiation beam at an object including a select first location in an image field containing area of different radiation reflectively, wherein said beam is caused to scan along a select path intersecting at least a portion of said areas of different reflectivity,

c) automatically deflecting said radiation beam to cause it to scan along said select path intersecting said first location containing said areas of different reflectivity by controllably varying the scanning axis of said beam,

d) providing photoelectric detection means for receiving the varying reflections of the radiation of said beam in scanning said areas of different reflectivity as said beam travels said select path,

e) generating a variable electrical signal on the output of sad photoelectric detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the radiant energy reflected from said object during scanning by said beam,

f) receiving and processing said variable electrical signals and generating a series of digital electrical signals,

g) receiving, storing and automatically processing said series of digital electrical signals and generating coded electrical signals in response thereto,

h) utilizing said coded electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the select first location of said image scanned by said radiation beam and defined by said areas of different light reflectivity, and

i) wherein the step of generating a radiation beam includes operating a deflection control means for directing said beam at said image.

77. A method for scanning an object and generating intelligible information about said object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating a radiation beam,

b) directing said radiation beam at an object including a select first location in an image field containing areas of different radiation reflectively, wherein said beam is caused to scan along a select path intersecting at least a portion of said areas of different reflectivity,

c) automatically deflecting said radiation beam to cause it to scan along said select path intersecting said first location containing said areas of different reflectivity by controllably varying the scanning axis of said beam,

d) providing photoelectric detection means for receiving the varying reflections of the radiation of said beam in scanning said areas of different reflectivity as said beam travels said select path,

e) generating a variable electrical signal on the output of said photoelectric detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the radiant energy reflected from said object during scanning by said beam,

f) receiving and processing said variable electrical signals and generating a series of digital electrical signals,

g) receiving, storing and automatically processing said series of digital electrical signals and generating coded electrical signals in response thereto,

h) utilizing said coded electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the select first location of said image scanned by said radiation beam and defined by said areas of different light reflectivity, and

i) wherein said radiation beam is generated by controllably operating a cathode ray tube.

78. A method for scanning an object and generating intelligible information about sad object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating a radiation beam,

b) directing said radiation beam at an object including a select first location in an image field containing areas of different radiation reflectively, wherein said beam is caused to scan along a select path intersecting at least a portion of said areas of different reflectivity,

c) automatically deflecting said radiation beam to cause it to scan along said select path intersecting said first location containing said areas of different reflectivity by controllably varying the scanning axis of said beam,

d) providing photoelectric detection means for receiving the varying reflections of the radiation of said beam in scanning said areas of different reflectivity as said beam travels said select path,

e) generating a variable electrical signal on the output of said photoelectric detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the radiant energy reflected from said object during scanning by said beam,

f) receiving and processing said variable electrical signals and generating a series of digital electrical signals,

g) receiving, storing and automatically processing said series of digital electrical signals and generating coded electrical signals in response thereto,

h) utilizing said coded electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the select first location of said image scanned by said radiation beam and defined by said areas of different light reflectivity, and

i) wherein said step of intelligibly indicating information includes visually displaying information defining at least a select portion of aid image on a display screen.

79. An apparatus for generating and using information by radiation scanning an image, comprising:

a) radiation means for generating and directing a radiation beam at an object, said object including a specific image area containing different radiation reflecting marks located along a scanning path of said image area;

b) radiation control means for causing said radiation beam to scan said image area in a manner to intersect and be variably reflected by said different radiation reflecting marks;

c) detection means for sensing the radiation reflected from said different radiation reflecting marks;

d) signal means for generating an electrical signal on the output of said radiation detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variation sin the intensity of the reflected radiation;

e) process means for receiving and processing said varying signal to generate digital electrical signals defining characteristics of said different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said beam;

f) memory means for storing said digital electrical signals;

g) means for reproducing said digital electrical signals from said memory means;

h) said process means including means for analyzing said digital electrical signals and for generating further electrical signals;

i) indicating means for employing said further electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the different radiation reflecting specific of said selected image area scanned by said radiation beam; and

j) wherein said different radiation reflecting marks comprise areas of detectable contrasting light reflecting characteristics.

80. An apparatus for generating and using information by radiation scanning an image, comprising:

a) radiation generating means for generating and directing a radiation beam at an object, said object including a specific image area containing different radiation reflecting marks located along a scanning path of said image area;

b) radiation control means for casing said radiation beam to scan said image area in a manner to intersect and be variable reflected by said different radiation reflecting marks;

c) detection means for sensing the radiation reflected from said different radiation reflecting marks;

d) signal means for generating an electrical signal on the output of said radiation detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the reflected radiation;

e) process means for receiving and processing said varying signal to generate digital electrical signals defining characteristics of said different radiation marks of said specific image area scanned by said beam;

f) memory means for storing said digital electrical signals;

g) means for reproducing said digital electrical signals from said memory means;

h) said process means including means for analyzing said digital electrical signals and for generating further electrical signals;

i) indicating means for employing said further electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the different radiating reflecting marks of said selected image area scanned by said radiation beam; and

j) wherein said different radiation reflecting marks comprise multiple marks of contrasting high and low light reflectivity, and wherein said radiation control means includes means for deflecting said beam in a manner so as to scan said multiple marks in a single scan across said specific area.

81. An apparatus for generating and using information by radiation scanning an image, comprising:

a) radiation generating means for generating and directing a radiation beam at an object, said object including a specific image area containing different radiation reflecting marks located along a scanning path of said image area;

b) radiation control means for causing said radiation beam to scan said image area in a manner to intersect and be variably reflected by said different radiation reflecting marks;

c) detection means for sensing the radiation reflected from said different radiation reflecting marks;

d) signal means for generating an electrical signal on the output of said radiation detection means, which signal varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the reflected radiation;

e) process means for receiving and processing said varying signal to generate digital electrical signals defining characteristics of said different radiation marks of said specific image area scanned by said beam;

f) memory means for storing said digital electrical signals;

g) means for reproducing said digital electrical signals from said memory means;

h) said process means including means for analyzing said digital electrical signals and for generating further electrical signals;

i) indicating means for employing said further electrical signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to the different radiation reflecting marks of said specific image area scanned by said radiation beam; and

j) wherein said specific image area comprises a production marking having different radiation reflecting marks defining contrasting changes from relatively high to relatively low radiation reflectivity.

82. An apparatus for locating and inspecting a production marking on an object to determine information about the object, comprising:

a) radiation generating means for generating at least one radiation beam at a scanning station;

b) means for presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object having on at least one of its surfaces a production marking comprising areas of different radiation reflectivity;

c) radiation control means coupled to the radiation generating means for controlling the radiation beam to cause it to scan a plurality of paths over the surface of the object, including at least one path which intersects the production marking;

d) detection means for detecting the level of radiation reflected from the surface of the object as the radiation beam scans the plurality of paths over the surface of the object;

e) signal generating means coupled to the detection means for generating electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beam as it scans the plurality of paths over the surface of the object;

f) computer means coupled to the signal generating means for processing the electrical signals to determine when the radiation beam has scanned the production marking, and for generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining at least a portion of the production marking;

g) said computer means further including means for comparing the characteristic signals to reference data stored in memory to identify the scanned production marking and to obtain information about the object, and for generating and storing in memory information signals corresponding to the information obtained about the object; and

h) display means controlled by the computer means for intelligibly indicating the information obtained about the object.

83. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the radiation generating means includes means for generating a deflection controlled beam.

84. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the production marking comprises areas of relatively contrasting radiation reflectivity.

85. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the areas of relatively contrasting radiation reflectivity comprise multiple dark marks on a bright background located so that they can be intersected by a single scan across the surface of the object.

86. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the radiation control means includes means for controllably deflecting the beam.

87. The apparatus of claim 82 further comprising means for storing in memory the electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beam as it scans the plurality of paths over the surface of the object.

88. The apparatus of claim 85 wherein the characteristics signals are digital in form.

89. The apparatus of claim 88 wherein the information signals are digital in form.

90. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the radiation control means includes means for scanning the production marking a plurality of times.

91. The apparatus of claim 85 wherein the computer means includes means for determining the relative distances between the multiple marks comprising the production marking.

92. The apparatus of claim 85 wherein the computer means includes means for determining the relative distances between the multiple marks comprising the production marking.

93. An apparatus for scanning an object to locate and inspect a production marking to determine information about the object, comprising:

a) a scanning station including means for generating a plurality of radiation beams;

b) means for presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object having on at least one of its surfaces a production marking comprising areas of different radiation reflectivity;

c) radiation control means for controlling the radiation beams to cause them to scan a plurality of paths over at least one surface of the object, including at least one path which intersects the production marking;

d) detection means for detecting the level of radiation reflected from the surface of the object as the radiation beams scan the plurality of paths over the object;

e) signal generating means for generating electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beams as they scan the plurality of paths over the object;

f) computer means for processing the electrical signals to determine when at least one radiation beam has scanned the production marking, and for generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining at least a portion of the production marking;

g) said computer means including means for comparing the characteristic signals to reference data stored in memory in order to identify the scanned production marking and to obtain information about the object;

h) said computer means further including means for generating and storing in memory information signals corresponding to the information obtained about the object,

i) means for employing the information signals to intelligibly indicate the information obtained about the object, and

j) wherein the production marking comprises areas of relatively contrasting radiation reflectivity.

94. The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the areas of relatively contrasting radiation reflectivity comprise multiple dark areas on a bright background, and wherein said radiation control means includes means for causing at least one of said radiation beams to intersect said multiple marks with a single scan across the surface of the object.

95. The apparatus of claim 93 further comprising memory means for storing the electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beams as they scan the plurality of paths over the object.

96. The apparatus of claim 95 wherein the characteristic signals comprise digital signals.

97. The apparatus of claim 96 wherein the information signals comprise digital signals.

98. The apparatus of claim 94 wherein the computer means includes means for generating signals which vary in accordance with variations in the relative distances between the multiple dark areas comprising the production marking.

99. The apparatus of claim 94 wherein the computer means includes means for generating signals which vary in accordance with variations in the widths of the multiple dark marks comprising the production marking.

100. An apparatus for scanning markings on an object comprising:

a) radiation generating means for generating a radiation scanning beam;

b) scanning control means for causing relative movement between said scanning device and said object to cause said radiation beam to scan in a linear path across the markings on said object, the markings being characterized by a plurality of discrete spaced-apart image portions superimposed on a background and having a light reflectivity which contrasts which said background;

c) detection means for photoelectrically detecting refections from the radiation beam as it is caused to scan said background and said plurality of discrete spaced-apart image portions, and for generating a varying electrical signal which has inflections occurring therein corresponding to the areas of contrasting reflectivity of said markings;

d) means for digitizing said varying electrical signal to generate a digital signal corresponding thereto;

e) computer means for analyzing said digital signal and generating coded information signals;

f) memory means for storing said coded information signals;

g) indicating means for using said coded information signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to at least one of the images scanned in said image field;

h) wherein said computer means includes means for determining the relative locations of said discrete space-apart image portions.

101. An apparatus for scanning markings on an object comprising:

a) radiation means for generating a radiation scanning beam;

b) scanning control means for causing relative movement between said scanning device and said object to cause said radiation beam to scan in a lineal path across the markings on said object, the markings being characterized by a plurality of discrete spaced-apart image portions superimposed on a background and having a light reflectivity which contrast with said background;

c) detection means for photoelectrically detecting reflections from the radiation beam as it is caused to scan said background and said plurality of discrete spaced-apart image portions, and for generating a varying electrical signal which has infections occurring therein corresponding to the areas of different reflectivity of said markings;

d) means for digitizing said varying electrical signal to generate a digital signal corresponding thereto;

e) computer means for analyzing said digital signal and generating coded information signals;

f) memory means for storing said coded information signals;

g) indicating means for using said coded information signals to intelligibly indicate information relating to at least one of the images scanned in said image field;

h) wherein said computer means includes means for determining the size of said discrete spaced-apart image portions.

102. A method for scanning an object to identify and inspect a production marking to determine information about the object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating a plurality of radiation beams at a scanning station;

b) presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object including on at least one of its surfaces a production making comprising areas of different radiation reflectivity;

c) controlling the radiation beams to cause them to scan a plurality of paths over at least one surface of the object, including at least one path which intersects the production marking;

d) detecting the level of radiation reflected from the surface of the object as the radiation beams scan the plurality of paths over the object;

e) generating electrical signal which vary in accordance with the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beams as they scan the plurality of paths over the object;

f) computer processing the electrical signals to determine when at least one radiation beam has scanned the production marking, and generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining at least a portion of the production marking;

g) comparing the characteristic signals to reference data stored in memory in order to identify the scanned production marking and to obtain information about the object;

h) generating and storing in memory information signals corresponding to the information obtained about the object;

i) employing the information signals to intelligibly indicate the information obtained about the object; and

j) wherein the step of generating the plurality of radiation beams is effected by controlling a plurality of cameras.

103. A method for scanning an object to identify and inspect a production marking to determine information about the object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating a plurality of radiation beams at a scanning station;

b) presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object including on at least one of its surfaces a production marking comprising areas of different radiation reflectivity;

c) controlling the radiation beams to case them to scan a plurality of paths over at least one surface of the object, including at least one path which intersects the production marking;

d) detecting the level of radiation reflected from the surface of the object as the radiation beams scan the plurality of paths over the object;

e) generating electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beams as they scan the plurality of paths over the object;

f) computer processing the electrical signals to determine when at least one radiation beam has scanned the production marking, and generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining at least a portion of the production marking;

g) comparing the characteristic signals to reference data stored in memory in order to identify the scanned production marking and to obtain information about the object;

h) generating and storing in memory information signals corresponding to the information obtained about the object;

i) employing the information signals to intelligibly indicate the information obtained about the object; and

e) wherein the step of generating the plurality of radiation beams includes generating the plurality of beams at different times.

104. A method for scanning an object to identify and inspect a production marking to determine information about the object, comprising the steps of:

a) generating a plurality of radiation beams at a scanning station;

b) presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object including on at least one of its surfaces a production marking comprising areas of different radiation reflectivity;

c) controlling the radiation beams to cause them to scan a plurality of paths over at least one surface of the object, including at least one path which intersects the production marking;

d) detecting the level of radiation reflected from the surface of the object as the radiation beams scan the plurality of paths over the object;

e) generating electrical signals which vary in accordance with he level of radiation detected from the reflection of the radiation beams as they scan the plurality of paths over the object;

f) computer processing the electrical signals to determine when at least one radiation beam has scanned the production marking, and generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining at least a portion of the production marking;

g) comparing the characteristic signals to reference data stored in memory in order to identify the scanned production marking and to obtain information about the object;

h) generating and storing in memory information signals corresponding to the information obtained about the object;

i) employing the information signals to intelligibly indicate the information obtained about the object; and

j) wherein the step of controlling the radiation means to cause them to scan a plurality of paths over at least one surface of the object includes the step of causing each of said beams to scan a plurality of separate paths.

106. A method of locating and inspecting a production marking on an object to determine information about the object, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a scanning station with at least one scanning device positioned thereat;

b) presenting an object to be scanned a the scanning station, the object including on at least one of its surfaces a production marking having areas of different light reflectivity;

c) controlling the scanning device to cause it to scan the surface of the object;

d) detecting the level of light reflected from the surface of the object as the scanning device scans the surface of the object;

e) generating electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of reflected light detected from the surface of the object;

f) computer processing the electrical signals to determine if the scanning device has scanned the production marking, and if so, generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining at least a portion of the production marking;

g) comparing the characteristic signals to reference data stored in memory in order to identify the scanned production marking and to obtain information about the object;

h) generating and storing in memory information signals defining the information obtained about the object;

i) employing the information signals to intelligibly indicate the information obtained about the object.

108. A method of locating and inspecting a production marking on an object to determine information about the object, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a scanning station with at least one scanning device positioned thereat;

b) presenting an object to be scanned at the scanning station, the object including on at least one of its surfaces a production marking having areas of different reflectivity;

c) controlling the scanning device to cause it to scan the surface of the object;

d) detecting the level of light reflected from the surface of the object as the scanning device scans the surface of the object;

e) generating electrical signals which vary in accordance with the level of reflected light detected form the surface of the object;

f) computer processing the electrical signals to determine if the scanning device has scanned the production marking, and if so, generating and storing in memory characteristic signals defining at least a portion of the electrical signals corresponding to the reflected light detected as the scanning device scanned the production marking; and

g) sounding an audible alarm if the production marking is not scanned.