Abstract The disclosure relates to a charge coupled device (CCD) reader capable of reading and buffer storing the data stored in a punched card. This is accomplished by providing a charge coupled imager which may be of standard design with frames arranged in a rectangular array to coincide with the regions in the card in which holes are capable of being punched. The total size of the frames on the charge coupled device imager can be made large enough relative to the focused image of the punched card so that rotational and translational misalignments of the card will not produce errors. The reader includes a card holder for properly aligning the card with respect to the frames of the imager and an optical source which includes a light and a lens or optical system to properly illuminate all of the possible hole locations on the punched card. In this way, light impinges on those frames of the imager wherein holes have been punched in the punched card, the imager then transforming the charges in the locations wherein light impinges to a buffer region of the CCD to provide the buffering function. The data can then be shifted out of the CCD buffer region in standard manner onto a transmission line or the like.
A reader for reading information stored in cards by means of holes formed therein, which comprises: a. means for holding punched cards with predetermined alignment, said cards having locations thereon in which holes have been formed in a predetermined patter; b. a charge coupled imager having a plurality of frames; and c. means for directing light through said holes in the punched card and for focussing said light on corresponding frames of said charge coupled imager; d. said frames of the charged coupled imager having a total area greater than the focussed area of the punched card.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A reader for reading information stored in cards by means of holes formed therein, which comprises: a. means for holding punched cards with predetermined alignment, said cards having locations thereon in which holes have been formed in a predetermined patter; b. a charge coupled imager having a plurality of frames; and c. means for directing light through said holes in the punched card and for focussing said light on corresponding frames of said charge coupled imager; d. said frames of the charged coupled imager having a total area greater than the focussed area of the punched card.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A reader as set forth in claim 1 wherein said charge coupled imager includes an optical integration section and a read-out storage section and means for transferring data from said optical integration section to said read-out storage section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A reader as set forth in claim 1 further including means for transferring data stored in said imager to an output transmission line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A reader as set forth in claim 2 further including means for transferring data stored in said imager to an output transmission line.