Abstract A data logging and organizing machine which obviates the necessity for a traditional type computer, computer programmer, keypunch machine, and keypunch operator. Data is entered directly into the machine by an employee from his time card through a combination of automatic and manual processes, stored on an inexpensive tape cartridge, and made availabe according to any of a number of desired classifications or criteria. The machine itself sequentially provides information as to its operation so that almost any lay person can quickly enter and retrieve data simply by selecting a category and pressing buttons in accordance with preprogrammed instructions. A search of the tape is accordingly executed and all data corresponding to the category chosen is retrieved and printed out by a conventional printer.
A data logging and organizing machine operable to accept data from a card which has address information characters printed in written language and in machine readable encoded dot patterns on one portion thereof and numerical hand entered data on another portion and further operable to return that data in organized categories selected by the operator comprising in combination: data accepting means comprising an optical reader adapted to automatically reCord said address information characters and keyboard input connected to feed data in with said address information; memory storage means comprising a main electronic recycling type memory coupled to a final permanent tape memory so as to transfer data thereto, said memory storage means connected to said data accepting means; a tape control circuit operable to return the data recorded on the tape back into said main memory; a parameter memory connected to said main memory to accept data therefrom in response to the operation of said tape control circuit; a printing means; comparing means comprising a comparator connected to said main and parameter memories so as to compare address information characters in the two memories and also connected to a gating means between said main memory and said printing means so as to gate data from said main memory into said printing means when the address characters do not disagree with the corresponding address characters in the parameter memory; sequencing circuit means connected to a plurality of indicator lights on said machine to guide the operator of the machine in the correct sequence by illuminating indicator lights adjacent successive portions of said card to indicate to the operator to enter data on that portion of the card into the memory with the keyboard, said sequencing circuit being activated by the manual selection of the category of data with a switch, by the operation of the manual switch for some of the preceding functions in the sequence, and by the completion of the other preceding functions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
324 words
A data logging and organizing machine operable to accept data from a card which has address information characters printed in written language and in machine readable encoded dot patterns on one portion thereof and numerical hand entered data on another portion and further operable to return that data in organized categories selected by the operator comprising in combination: data accepting means comprising an optical reader adapted to automatically reCord said address information characters and keyboard input connected to feed data in with said address information; memory storage means comprising a main electronic recycling type memory coupled to a final permanent tape memory so as to transfer data thereto, said memory storage means connected to said data accepting means; a tape control circuit operable to return the data recorded on the tape back into said main memory; a parameter memory connected to said main memory to accept data therefrom in response to the operation of said tape control circuit; a printing means; comparing means comprising a comparator connected to said main and parameter memories so as to compare address information characters in the two memories and also connected to a gating means between said main memory and said printing means so as to gate data from said main memory into said printing means when the address characters do not disagree with the corresponding address characters in the parameter memory; sequencing circuit means connected to a plurality of indicator lights on said machine to guide the operator of the machine in the correct sequence by illuminating indicator lights adjacent successive portions of said card to indicate to the operator to enter data on that portion of the card into the memory with the keyboard, said sequencing circuit being activated by the manual selection of the category of data with a switch, by the operation of the manual switch for some of the preceding functions in the sequence, and by the completion of the other preceding functions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including empty character counting means connected to said data accepting means and to said gating means so as to pass data from said main memory to said printing means if all the entries on the card are empty.