Apparatus for Reading a Color Symbol

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for reading a color symbol, which comprises a matrix of color filters arranged in front of a detector. Light received from the filters of some colors is used to locate the color symbol, while light received from all the filters is used to read and decode the located symbol. Preferably, the filters used for locating the symbol are of the colors to which the detector is most sensitive. Preferably, the filters for locating the symbol are dominant in number.

1 . Apparatus for reading a colored symbol comprising a matrix of filters of at least two different wavelengths of light placed in front of a detector, wherein a majority of the filters filter a dominant color substantially equal to a wavelength of said detector. 
   
   
       2 . Apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a wavelength reflected by the colored symbol is substantially equal to the wavelength of said detector. 
   
   
       3 . Apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the matrix of filters comprises a majority of filters substantially equal to the wavelength of said detector. 
   
   
       4 . Apparatus of  claim 1  comprising at least three filters of different wavelengths. 
   
   
       5 . Apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said wavelengths are of the color Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. 
   
   
       6 . Apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said wavelengths are of the color Red, Green, and Blue. 
   
   
       7 . A method of locating and reading a symbol comprising locating the symbol by detecting light through filters arranged in a first pattern, and reading the symbol by detecting light through filters arranged in a second pattern. 
   
   
       8 . A method of locating and reading a color symbol from a pattern, said method comprising using a matrix of filters of at least three different colors, wherein light passing through filters of a first color is used to locate the color symbol, and light passing through of a second and third color is used to read the symbol. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein at least one of said colors is yellow. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein filters of the first color are approximately equal in number to filters of the second and third colors combined. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein filters of the first color are arranged in a zig-zag pattern.