US3577142A
Expired / Lapsed
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Code translation system
Assignee: National Computer Systems Inc
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Filing: 1969-02-28
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Granted: 1971-05-04
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Expires: 1989-02-28
Abstract
Abstract A system for translating a 12-bit per byte digital code into an 8-bit per byte code so that the latter may be transmitted on 8bit binary lines. The system is used to translate information electronically from a standard punched-hole card, which is normally in a 12-row, 80-column format, into an extended binarycoded decimal interchange code that can be more easily transmitted between computer channels and other devices such as card readers and punches.
Inventors
- 👤 John V Mcmillin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 13:41
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03M; H03M7/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
A code translation system for converting a first multibitper-byte digital code into a second digital code in which each byte contains a fewer number of bits than said first code, said system comprising, input storage means adapted to receive and store successive multibit input bytes of a first code in which combinations of bits within each byte represent items of coded information, command means for reading out each entire input byte from said input storage means at selected times prior to entry of the next succeeding multibit input byte into said input storage means, means for dividing each input byte into two groups of bits when each input byte is read out by said command means, and means responsive to read out of said groups of bits by said command means for translating each group of bits into an output byte of a second code containing fewer bits per byte than the input byte of said first code from which said output byte was converted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
A code translation system for converting a first multibitper-byte digital code into a second digital code in which each byte contains a fewer number of bits than said first code, said system comprising, input storage means adapted to receive and store successive multibit input bytes of a first code in which combinations of bits within each byte represent items of coded information, command means for reading out each entire input byte from said input storage means at selected times prior to entry of the next succeeding multibit input byte into said input storage means, means for dividing each input byte into two groups of bits when each input byte is read out by said command means, and means responsive to read out of said groups of bits by said command means for translating each group of bits into an output byte of a second code containing fewer bits per byte than the input byte of said first code from which said output byte was converted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The code translation system of claim 1 in which said means for dividing said input byte into two groups of bits divides said byTe in groups containing an equal number of bits, and command means is provided for transmitting said groups into an output byte in alternating patterns.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The code translation system of claim 1 in which said input byte of said first code contains 12 bits, and said input byte is divided into two groups of bits, a first group containing 8 bits of the 12-bit input byte, a second group containing 4 bits of the 12-bit input byte, said first group being translated into a 4-bit output nibble, and said second group being translated into a 4-bit output nibble.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The code translation system of claim 3 in which the translation of said first and second groups takes place substantially simultaneously, and said nibbles thereby form an 8-bit output byte, the bits of which can be transmitted from said system simultaneously.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The code translation system of claim 3 in which there are selected 256 valid patterns of the possible combinations of bits of the byte of said first code, which 256 patterns define the permissible characters of said second code, and validity detection means is provided in connection with said input storage means to detect combinations in each input byte other than said 256 valid combinations.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The code translation system of claim 5 in which 7 selected bits of said first group of 8 bits of an input byte there can be only 1 valid bit in each byte, and said validity detection means will detect the presence of more than 1 such bit in a byte.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
The code translation system of claim 5 in which there is provided intermediate decoder means responsive to an output from said input storage means to translate each of the 4 bits of said second group of the input byte into one of 16 hexadecimal code bits, and means responsive to an output from said intermediate decoder means to translate said 16 hexadecimal code bits into the 4-bit output nibble.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
The code translation system of claim 7 in which in 7 selected bits of said first group of 8 bits of an input byte, there can be only 1 valid bit in each byte, and means is provided to detect the presence of more than 1 such bit in a byte.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
The code translation system of claim 8 in which modifying means is provided responsive to the outputs of each group of bits read out from said input storage means to modify certain of said outputs in order to make the proper conversion from the first code to the second code.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of converting from a first 12-bit-per-byte digital code representing items of coded data into a second code having in each byte 8 bits, said method comprising: storing each byte of data coded according to said first code; reading out each entire byte from storage by predetermined signals prior to entry of the next succeeding multibit input byte into said input storage means; dividing the output from storage of each said first code byte into two groups of bits, one group containing 8 bits and the other group 4 bits; separately translating the bits of each said group into a 4-bit nibble; and forming said nibbles into an output byte of said second code containing 8 bits per byte.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of converting from a first 12-bit-per-byte digital code representing items of coded data into a second code having in each byte 8 bits, said method comprising: storing each byte of data coded according to said first code; reading out each entire byte from storage by predetermined signals prior to entry of the next succeeding multibit input byte into said input storage means; dividing the output from storage of each said first code byte into two groups of bits, one group containing 8 bits and the other group 4 bits; separately translating the bits of each said group into a 4-bit nibble; and forming said nibbles into an output byte of said second code containing 8 bits per byte.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 10 in which said second group of 4 bits is first translated into 16 bits of a hexadecimal code, and then translated into a 4-bit nibble.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-03 | 1974-11-02 | 1975-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-03 | 1978-11-02 | 1979-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-03 | 1982-11-02 | 1983-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |