Mark array sense reader with sequential output signals

摘要

The reading head of an optical reading system for determining the presence or absence of marks on the surface of a document consists of an array of the single ends of a plurality of bifurcated light fibers. The first and second branches of the bifurcated ends of each light fiber are arranged in serial arrays. A single light source and a single light detector sequentially interface with the first and second branches respectively of the light fibers with the light source transmitting light through the first branch and the light detector generating a signal indicative of the light level reflected from the document surface through the second branch. The sequential signals generated by the light detector are processed to determine the information content of the document.