FILM DATA READER PR-09 8 MARCH 1965

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A001500040012-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 46
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 28, 2001
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: March 8, 1965
• Content Type: REPORT

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FILM DATA READER
PR-09
8 MARCH 1965
This material contains information affecting the national defense of the
United States within the meaning of the Espionage Laws, Title 18 U. S. C. ,
Sections 793 and 794, its transmission or the revelation of its contents
in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
"This proposal contains information which is proprietary to the Offeror.
Accordingly, this proposal shall not be disclosed outside the Offeree's
organization or be duplicated, used or disclosed in whole or in part for
any purpose other than to evaluate the proposal; provided, however, that
if a contract is awarded to this Offeror as a result of or in connection
with the submission of such proposal, the Offeree shall have the right to
duplicate, use or disclose the information contained in such proposal to
the extent provided in the contract. This restriction does not limit the
Offeree's right to use information contained in such proposal if it is ob-
tained from another source. "
DECLASS REVIEW by NIMA/DOD
COPY NO.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Section Title
TITLE PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
1 INTRODUCTION
1. 1 GENERAL
1. 2 BACKGROUND
2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
2. 1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2.2 DATA BLOCK REQUIREMENTS
2.2.1 Type A
2.2.2 Type B
2. 2.3 Type C
2.2.4 Type D
3 FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION
3.1 FILM SIZE
3.2 CAPACITY
2-2
2-2
2-2
2-3
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
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Section Title
3.3 FILM SPEED
3.4 DATA FORMAT
3.5 OUTPUT
3.5.1 Option A
3. 5. 2 Option B
3.6 ENVIRONMENT
3. 7 POWER
4 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4. 2 GENERAL APPROACH
4. 3 FILM READER
4. 3. 1 Film Transport
4.3.2 Read Head
4. 3. 3 Signal Conditioning
4.4.1 Head Selector
4. 4. 2 Data Block Locator
4.4.2.1 Data Block Types B and D
4. 4. 2. 2 Data Block Types A and C
Page
3-1
3-2
4-4
4-7
4-7
4-9
4-9
4-10
4-11
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
I.
Title Page
4.4.3 Data Processor 4-12
4.4.4 Buffer Store 4-14
4.4.5 Programmer 4-15
4-15
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4. 5. 1 Option A - Punched Card 4-15
4. 5. 2 Option B - Magnetic Tape 4-16
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure No.
Title
Following
Page No.
1 Data Block Type A-1
2-2
2 Data Block Type A-2
2-2
3 Data Block Type B-1
2-2
4 Data Block Type B-2
2-2
5 Data Block Type C
2-3
6 Data Block Type C-1
2-3
7 Data Block Type C-2
2-3
8 Data Block Type C-3
2-3
9 Block Diagram - Univers
Block Reader
10 Transport Diagram - Uni
al Data
versal
4-2
Data Block Reader
4-4
11 Photodiode Array
4-7
12 Schmatic Diagram - Phot
Array
odiode
4-7
13 Block Locating Arrays
4-12
14 Logic Diagram - Data Or
ganization
4-14
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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1.1 GENERAL
This proposal has been prepared to describe an automatic reading
equipment intended for the purpose of reading recorded auxiliary
The reader will be designed for maximum flexibility by the adoption
of a new approach to this problem. The approach described is made poss-
to 1000 feet in lenath._
films ranging from 35 millimeter to 9-1/2 inches in width, and rolls' up
both positive and negative film records at high rates, and will handle
digital
data from photographic film. The equipment will be capable of reading
I* ible by two unique advancements in the fields of recording auxiliary data on
film and microelectronic photoresponsive devices. The major advantages
derived is the economy and the multi-purpose flexibility. of the Universal
Data Block Reader described herein. These two achievements have resulted
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
The output of the Universal Data Bloc Reader will be ear:= e d.
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_card or magnetic tape, at the customers option._'Sither one will be suitable
for input to a digital computer or other data processing systems.
1.2 BACKGROUND
When a large number of bits of digitally coded data are recorded on
film as a contact area array of dots, it has been conventional to use a
serial form of dot exposing equipment. This method is exemplified by a
miniature cathode ray tube. The spot of illumination of such a tube is
swept by deflecting voltages while the intensity is controlled by the data
being written. Because the function of positioning of the dots in the com-
pact array and that of exposure of the dots are controlled by the single
device (the CRT) it is inherently a serial laydown device. In such a de-
vice drift and non-uniformities, which cannot be avoided, result in extreme
lack of regularity of the geometry of the resultant compact flock of dots. The
problem of reading a compact array of dots such as recorded by a miniature
cathode ray tube is, therefore, extremely complex since the entire data
block must be swept and read in order to reconstruct the geometry of the orig-
inal data block. Thus an area scanning device is required in the reader.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
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In order to overcome the problem of poor data block geometry, which has
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been threatening to limit severly the exploitation of photography enchanced with
digitally coded auxiliary data,
has perfected an all solid state auxiliary
film data recording system. This system consists of a very compact micro-
electronic solid state array of individually controllable light sources. All of
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the light sources are fabricated within a single silicon crystal using diffusion
and other fabrication techniques common to the semiconductor industry. This
fabrication process produces light sources which are extremely uniform in
performance and are almost perfectly spaced in a desired geometric pattern.
The exposure is in near contact resulting in a data block whose geometry is
very close to the recording array.
The major advantage is the simplification of the reader task when the
designer of the reader can rely upon the perfection of the geometry of the
data block. The reader will be much more compact and the film transport
mechanically simpler when compared to conventional area scanning readers.
This represents one of the advancements made possible through the efforts
of personnel of the
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
The second advancement offered in the proposed Universal Data Block
Reader is made possible by another family of microelectronic devices cre-
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which are complementary to the solid state recording
devices. In conventional film data readers, the functions of photoresponsivity
(to produce changes in an electrical signal in response to spots of light and
dark areas on the film) and positioning are combined in a cumbersome ser-
ial system. This system takes the form of a fly-spot scanning beam which
serially sweeps the film which is interposed between the beam and a photo-
multiplier tube placed on the reverse side of the film. The flying spot
selects the area to be scanned, while the photomultiplier reads only the
spot being illuminated by the beam at any instant.
The Universal Data Block Reader will use instead, a linear array of
photodiodes to combine the functions of spot selection and photosensitivity.
This represents a vast simplification in that the actual elements which must
be placed in proximity to the film being read are reduced in size, do not
require high voltage accelerating anodes and highly stable sweep voltages.
The device to be used is a single monolithic silicon crystal structure. The
spacing of the diodes of the linear array is extremely accurate and known.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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Therefore, the linear array presents at the output of each diode the exact
pattern of dark and light spots passing over the linear array axis. Each
diode is individually wired and its signal is preamplified by an individual
amplifier. The diode array, therefore, scans and measures the data block
being read and provides the required photosensitivity.
These two advancements are, therefore, complementary to one another.
Since the position of the dots with respect to one another and with respect to
the indexing columns and rows within the data block are known and held to
very close tolerances, a single basic logic control is sufficient to determine
which outputs of the reading array shall be used as the data block passes
over the linear array of photodiodes.
This proposal recognizes that the new solid state recording method will
come into general use on film records to be used by the offeree. A number
of expected general arrangements of film data formats are accomodated with-
in the scope of the capabilities offered by the Universal Data Block Reader.
The approach utilizes as many common devices and circuits as is economical
for the formats listed, with the desired degree of flexibility to accept films of
widely varying digital recording formats and positioning within the film.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
PROBLEM STATEMENT
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2. 1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
It is required that an automatic film reader be available which is capable
of reading auxiliary data blocks as laid down on photographic film by the
various camera systems currently in use. The film reader will, therefore,
be capable of accepting 35 mm, 5 inch, 70 mm, or 9-1 /2 inch films. It is
permissible to utilize more than one read head for the various films pro-
vided that the method of interchange of the heads is simple and of a plug-in
nature. The reader will locate the data block, read the data and either
record it on a magnetic tape in IBM format or present it to an IBM punch for
recording on cards. Should the output be punched cards, the reader will
contain all of the necessary drive and control circuitry for operating the
IBM punch.
2.2 DATA BLOCK SPECIFICATIONS
The film reader shall be capable of reading four types of data blocks as
outlined below. Dot size and density variations will be in accordance with
MIL-STD-782-A " Tactical Reconnaissance Data Marking it.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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2. 2. 1 Type A
The data block will consist of one file of dots located between the pic-
ture areas. The file will contain a maximum of 30 dots. The uppermost
position of the file will always contain a dot and shall be designated the
index dot. This dot will indicate the beginning of the data block. Dot
spacing and block location will be in accordance with Figures 1 and 2.
2. 2. 2 Type B
The data block will consist of three rows of dots located in the upper
margin between the picture area and the edge of the film. Row number one
will be an index row and will contain precisely 32 dots. Rows 2 and 3 may
contain any number of dots up to a maximum of 32 with the exception that
position number one shall always be a dot and will be designated an index
dot. Dot spacing and block location will be in accordance with Figures 3
and 4.
2. 2. 3 Type C
The data block will consist of 3 columns of data, 6 files per column,
32 dots per file. The format will be in accordance with MIL-STD-782-A.
However, all references to spacing and location of dots in MIL-STD-782-A
2-2
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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shall not pertain to this specification. Dot spacing and data block location
will be in accordance with Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8.
2.2.4 Type D
The data block will consist of 5 rows of rectangular bars located in
the margin between the picture area and the edge of the film. Row number
one will be an index row and will contain approximately 42 rectangular bars.
Rows 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be approximately twice the width of the index bars.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION
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The data block reader shall accept 35 mm, 70 mm, 5 inch and
9-1 /2 inch film.
3.2 CAPACITY
1000 feet maximum, each type.
3. 3 FILM SPEED
The film transport shall carry the film at a constant velocity of
60 feet per minute.
3.4 DATA FORMAT
The Data Block Reader shall be capable of locating and reading each
of the data blocks as outlined in paragraphs 2. 2:.1, 2. 2. 2, 2. 2. 3 and 2. 2. 4.
3.5 OUTPUT
command s.igrraT's- required to operate an IBM 514 M~"do ward punch. Cards
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
be punched in the format read-_Pr*wZ the film, with the exception of type C
whew-t re-BCD-excess three code will be con ed to 8421 BCD.
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3. 5. 2 Option B
The data block reader will record the information read from the film
on magnetic tape at a packing density of 556 bits per inch. The tape for-
mat shall be IBM compatable (6 bits plus parity per character) for direct
entry into an IBM computer via an IBM tape recorder. The data will be
recorded in the format read from the film on a character basis, with the
exception of type C where the BCD excess three code will be converted to
8421 BCD.
3.6 ENVIRONMENT
The unit shall be capable of operating in a laboratory environment
whose temperature will be 75?F ? 20?F.
3. 7 POWER
The unit shall operate from a power source of 115 V A. C. , 60 cycles,
single phase.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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4. 1 INTRODUCTION
There are three general problems associated with continuous data
block readers. The first is that of distinguishing the data block from the
picture area when the two are in line with each other. The second is the
correction necessary due to the change in position of the data brought
about by the film wander and skew in both the camera and the data block
reader. The third is the distinguishing of a dot from its background area
even though the peak density and the background fog are both independent
variables with no relationship to each other.
In most conventional film data block readers these problems are met
by physically moving a spot of light across the 4ilm and utilizing complex
computational techniques for character recognition and wander correction.
All use -avice s, such as photomultiplier tubes, to provide
the required signal sensitivity. Movement of the light spot is achieved either
by means of mechanical motion or electronically by controlling the beam of
a cathode ray tube (flying spot scanner).
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
The system proposed herein deviates from the conventional in that
an array of microphotodiodes will be employed to continuously map the
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area of the film in question. The only mechanical motion involved is
that of a normal transport which reels the film at a constant rate.
Film wander is accounted for by making the mapping area larger than
combined wander that can occur in both the camera and the datablock
reader. Separation of the data block from the picture is accomplished
by a separate sensing element which preceeds the read head. The mapping
operation occurs only after the sensing element signals the read electronics
that the picture has passed and the head is now looking at the area between
the picture frames. Signal improvement is achieved by employing inte-
grated circuit techniques in manufacturing the read head and utilizing the
uniformity of the signal response of the various diodes.
4.2 GENERAL APPROACH
Figure 9 is a general block diagram of the Universal Data Block
Reader. It will be noted that the reader has two heads coupled to one set
of electronics. Head number one will be used in conjunction with types A,
B and C data blocks. Head number two will be used to read the type D.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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The operator will decide which type of data block is to be read and
connect the proper head by means of a selector switch. After loading the
film, he will align the read head by means of two magnified hair lines, so
that it is oriented in the same direction as the record head was in the cam-
era. This adjustment eliminates the need for accurate positioning of the
record head in the camera. He then presses the read button and all functions
from that point are automatic.
The data block locator senses that the head is looking at an area be-
tween the picture frames. A command is sent to the programmer and the
area between the frames is read. After reading the data and arranging it
in its proper form, it is stored prior to its transmission to the recording
section. The purpose of the storage is to hold the data long enough to perform
the recording operation. The output will be in either punch card or magnetic
tape, dependent upon customer preference. Should magnetic tape be selected,
the unit will contain the required tape transport. Should punched card be select-
ed, the unit will contain the necessary control and drive circuits to operate
an IBM 514 Model 2 card punch. However,
will not supply the punch.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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4.3.1 Film Transport
r The film transport system (Figure 10), is designed to accept perfor-
ated or unperforated roll film up to 1000 feet in length and in widths of
35 mm, 70 mm, 5 inch and 9-1 /2 inch. Film is. transported at a constant
60 ft. per minute rate for all sizes. The transport may be driven in
reverse for rewind.
The main elements of the film transport system are the supply spool,
programmed torquer, supply guide roller, synchronous motor, glass cap-
stan and pressure rollers, take-up guide roller, take-up drive slip clutch
and take-up spool.
The synchronous motor drives the glass capstan with its pressure
rollers, metering film from the supply spool through the supply guide
roller and over the glass capstan. The take-up,- spool is over-driven by the
synchronous motor through the take-up slip clutch to maintain a taut film
path from the glass capstan through the take-up roller to the take-up spool.
A constant tension is applied to the film on the supply side of the glass
capstan by the programmed torquer on the supply spool. The torquer is
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GUIDE ROLLERS `-ADJUSTABLE
READ HEAD
SUPPLY SPOOL &
TORQUE MOTOR
LIGHT SOURCE
GLASS METERING TAKE UP SPOOL
PLATEN /-& SLIP CLUTCH
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SENSOR ARM
DRIVE PACKAGE
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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programmed by a follower arm riding on the supply spool film diameter.
In this manner the synchronous motor sees a relatively uniform load once it
is up to speed. This assures an accurate uniform film speed for data read-
out.
The read head is located above the glass capstan. The supply and take-
up guide roller on either side of the capstan edge guide the film in the read-
out path by means of an axially spring loaded flange. The spring loaded
date any one of the four film widths which may be used. 1 The film is illumin-
flange on the guide roller is positioned in any one of four detents to accomo-
ated through the glass capstan by a tungsten lamp and a cylindrical condense
For rewind, the synchronous motor is reversed and the torquer ove
The reading photodiode array is mounted on the upper arm of a pivoted
assembly straddling the glass capstan at the data side of the film. The pivot
enables an initial manual setting to compensate for static skew misalignment
which is limited to 3 ? either side of the perpendicular to the guiding edge.
drives the supply spool to maintain a taut film path. A drag brake is pro
vided on the take-up spool to prevent overspooling.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
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Variations in the skew due to the. dynamics of recording are assumed to be
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within . 0025 per inch throughout the entire roll. Dynamic skewing in the
reader loop will be held to .001 in. per in. The total dynamic skew of.0035
in. per in. will be accommodated by the photodiode array without requiring
motion of the array. The light source together with its cylindrical focusing
lens must adjust concurrently with the photodiode array, and so is mounted
on the lower arm of the yoke. Both light source and photodiode array will
be adjusted linearly along their respective yoke arms by means of a common
lead screw to accommodate variations in distance of the data block from the
guiding film edge. This will be an initial manual setting with dynamic vari-
ations compensated by the electronic reading technique described elsewhere
in this proposal. Both the manual skew adjustment and edge distance setting
will be facilitated by providing a suitable magnifier and reticle either in place
of or adjacent to the photodiode array, and providing suitable illumination for
viewing by the operator. These settings should not have to be made more
frequently than once at the beginning of each film roll, and possibly less
frequently if the conditions are identical between similar recording devices.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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4.3.2 Read Head
The read head consists of an array of silicon photodiodes spaced 0. 006
inches apart, see Figure 11. These diodes are photoresponsive devices
which are reverse biased and connected to a load resistor, see Figure 12.
As the diode is illuminated, photons are absorbed causing the release of
current carriers. These carriers are transported across the junction
causing a current to flow. Each diode, therefore, acts as a current gener-
ator whose output is a function of the light incident on it.
4. 3. 3 Signal Conditioning
The major problem in detecting the presence of a digital bit, or dot
recorded on film is that the background as seen by the diode is foggy, not
clear. This foggy background also produces a signal which must be considered
as noise. Normally, the output of the read amplifier is connected to some form
of biased switch whereby the bias is set above the noise level so that only the
true information is amplified. The flog in the film, is not a constant, but
varies over the length of the film from roll to roll. The bias, however, is a
constant and must be set for the highest level of noise that may be encountered.
Therefore, the allowable information window becomes very small and it is poss-
has developed a method where-
STATINTL
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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by the fog signal is subtracted from the head output. The resulting signal
to noise ratio is strictly a function of the strength of the information signal
relative to the electrical noise in the amplifier.
Through the development of integrated circuits by our Semiconductor
Division, it was found that those transistors made on the same silicon chip
or wafer had very close characteristics. The same holds true for photo-
diodes. If instead of comparing the output of the read amplifier to a fixed
bias level, the output of a diode on the same substrate, which is looking at
the background only, is subtracted from it, the difference will be the inform-
ation plus the variation in dark currents of the diodes. Since the diodes are
on the same silicon chip, their dark currents will be almost identical. This
subtraction is actually made in a difference amplifier whose output is then con-
nected to a switch which is biased to inhibit noise on the voltage lines. The
net effect is a read amplifier whose detection reference is dynamically com-
pensated for variations in fog levels.
4.4 LOGIC SECTION
The function of the Logic Section is to accept the signals as received from
the read head, recognize when the data has been read, store the data for the
4-8
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
output operation and feed the output media under command of the programmer.
To minimize cost and increase reliability this section of the machine will be
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4.4.1 Head Selector
The assignment of the appropriate photodiode array in the read head is
dictated by the data format. Data Block types A, B and C share the same
photodiode array, since they contain codes of the same dot size, shape and
spacing. Data Block type D utilizes a second array, with its photodiodes
spaced to coincide with the bit spacing of the type D code.
The operator, by manually setting the format selector switch, will cause
the head selector to connect the proper photodiode array to the reader's elect-
ronics. This setting is maintained until a reel of a different type is loaded
into the reader.
4. 4. 2 Data Block Locator
As the film is transported, all variations in density patterns are sensed
by ;.he read head. These variations may be caused by either the digital data
or the photographic frame itself. Therefore, a discrimination process is
established, which enables the reader to read the digital data, and ignore all
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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other prographic data. Depending on the data block type, the reader may
utilize any of two techniques for the location of the data. The setting of
the format selector switch will determine which method is to be employed.
4. 4. 2. 1 Data Block Type s B and D
In these types, the digital data is recorded in the horizontal margin
and is not intermixed with the frame patterns. Therefore, the area between
data blocks is of ark even density. However, due to the unavoidable film
D 3/2S ~~ : ~3~
wander of t. 030", the read head has to be at least .060" wider than the
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data block. Consequently, part of the head may cover a portion of the picture
area. Thus, a dark pattern in the lower portion of the read head does not
necessarily consitute digital data.
The locating of block types B and D is performed by searching for the
first bit of the index row. Since the nominal distance from the edge of the
film to the index or clock bits is known, a portion of the head .030" wide on
either side of this position is assigned as a search window during the locating
mode. The first dot detection by this window will establish the beginning of
the block and switch the reader out of the locating mode and into the read
mode. The unit will automatically switch back to the locating mode after the
block reading has been completed.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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4. 4. 2. 2 Data Block Type s A and C
In these types, the data is recorded vertically in the interframe space.
The gap between data blocks is of variable density and therefore, the locat-
ing method described previously is insufficient. Since data blocks type A
and C are always preceded by a uniform density area which under worst case
conditions (type C-1) is at least .018" wide. The locating procedure will be
inhibitted until this areais found.
The locating procedure for types A and C is accomplished in two steps.
First, the uniform density area is found, and then the index bit of the data
block is located.
To detect the uniform density area, a split photodiode array is mounted
.010" behind the reading array. The length and the vertical position of this
array is such, that with maximum film wander in either direction part of it
will always scan the picture area and the other part will always scan the
margin. When the sensing array is over the picture area the two sections
will always have different outputs. However, when the array is positioned
over the inter-frame area, the outputs will be identical. At this time the
reading array will also be in the uniform density area since it preceeds the
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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sensing array by .010" . The fact that the two outputs are identical will be
detected and used to switch the unit over to the data block location routine.
This routine will be identical to that outlined in paragraph 4. 3. 2. 1 for
types B and D.
Figure 13 shows the relationship between the sensing array, the search
window and the film format. Data Block type C-1 is shown in this example.
4. 4. 3 Data Processor
Once the data block is located, the reading head will provide the reader
electronics with electrical signals corresponding to the data pattern. These
signals, are forwarded as outputs of the individual elements of the photodiode
array and have to be segregated and organi~d before they can represent the
coded data.
The analysis and organization of the head output patterns will take advant-
age of the fact that the recorded data has a fixed geometry and that the toler-
ance between the silicon light pulsers which recorded the data and the photo-
diodes in the read head can be kept under .0003".
As shown in Figure 11, the photodiodes in the read head are spaced .006"
apart, while the recorded bit spacing is on an .018" pitch. Each bit spacing
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Proposall~TO. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
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is, therefore, covered by three diodes. The diodes are grouped in three sets -
A, Band C, creating three separate heads physically interlaced with each other.
Due to film wander, the distance of the index bit from the edge of the film is a
variable, and therefore it may be read by any one of the diodes of the three
groups. Because of the accurate matching of the read and record heads, once
a diode from a particular group in the search window detects an index bit, the
remaining diodes of that group will read the other corresponding bits.
The read head consists of 108 diodes (36 bits x 3 diodes/bit), while the
maximum data block contains 32 bits, requiring only 96 diodes. The remain-
ing 12 diodes cover an additional .072" of film, insuring coverage of the block
under maximum film wander condaons. However, since the head is wider
than the data, the index bit will not necessarily be encountered by the first
bit positio.: of the head (diodes A1, B1, C1). Actually , it could be detected
by any of the first 12 diodes (A1, B1, C1 throu'gh A4, B4, C4). The data is,
therefore, transferred into a register, where it is shifted in the direction of
the index bit t:.-.i'~~~ ~~___ .... _ .: of rogister contains a dot. By definition, the
index bit is always the first dot recorded in every line of data. The shifting
operation, therefore, always places the index bit in position "1" of the shift
register, which in turn places the data bits in positions 2 through 32. Figure
~~~~? ~~~'~E ~~~ .aft:
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8 March 1 96 ~
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14 shows in block form the selection of the proper photodiode set, and the
data flow from the -_~ead head into the shift register.
4. 4. 4 Buffer Store
The bits within the data block are recorded in a small area, while the
blocks throughout the film are scattered. As a result, the data within the
block is retrieved during 10?je of the time, whereas no reading is performed
90~c of the time. The buffer store will accept the data at the fast retrieval
speeds, and forward it to the output device at lower speeds during the inter-
block gap period. This enables efficient utilization of medium speed output
devices, as opposed to 10% utilization of very high speed output devices which
would be required without the buffer store.
The data will be transferred from the shift register into the buffer store
one line at a time under control of the programmer. During the transfer the
data will be rearranged to conform with the format of the output device. The
required amount of storage will vary according. to the type of output device
used with the reader, and designed to accomodate the outputing of the largest
block read -by the system, namely block type C.
If the output is selected to be punched cards, the storage will contain
780 bits. For magnetic tape, only 380 bits of storage are required.
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 ivlarch 1965
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4.4.5 Programmer
The programmer is the control section for the entire operation. Since
four different data types are to be read, the programmer will contain four
different wired programs. Selection of the proper program will be auto-
matically made when the operator depresses the format selector switch on
the control panel. The control functions which the programmer provides,
include, control of the wander correction logic, transferring the data from
the input register to the buffer store, formatting the data in the store, se-
quencing the data onto the output lines, signalling the output recorder that
the information is present and supplying the output media with any special
command required for format and control (end of record, inter-record, card
4.5 OUTPUT
Two options are proposed for the reader's'~output. The system will be
c'.esi;~ned to overate with-one option only, as chosen by the customer.
Under this option the output medium will be punched cards. Two computer
words will be punched in every row of the card. The data will be punched in the
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Proposal No. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
STATINTL
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format read from the film, except in the case of block type C where the BCD
excess three code will be translated into 8421 BCD. Wherever parity exists
in the data block format, it will be checked when the data is transferred from
the buffer store to the punch drivers, but will not be punched on the card.
The output equipment used will be an IBM 5I4 Model 2 card punch, which
is capable of punching 100 cards per minute. The card punch will not be
supplied as part of this system. All necessary electronic interface equipment
will be supplied by
0
4. 5. Z Option B -Magnetic Tape
Under this option the output medium will be magnetic tape. The datlal -Iwill
be recorded on 1 /2" magnetic tape at a packing density of 556 bits per irttYrEGIB
BCD excess three code will be translated into 8421 BCD. The parity bits re-
quired by the tape format will be generated for all data block types. The orig-
final parity bits will be used for validation of the reading process, then stripped
out of the code, and a new parity bit generated to conform with the magnetic
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Proposal \TO. SME-PR-09
8 March 1965
tape format.
The tape recorder used will be a Cook Electric Model 150 incremental
recorder or equivalent. The tape reel will be 10-1 /2 inches in diameter
with hubs compatible with IBM equipment.
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