Automatic format, mode control and code conversion for data processing and printing apparatus

Abstract

Abstract The present invention is concerned with the control of the format of documents, such as letters, prepared automatically on a printer in response to code signals read from a record medium (magnetic storage medium) and to mode control means for associated apparatus. The invention concerns itself particulary with the handling of left margins and indentation levels for different paragraphs in a document especially when a document under preparation has line lengths that are either shorter or longer than the line lengths of an original document that was prepared concurrently with the storage of the coded signals on the record media. A preferred embodiment includes an input/output printer having a keyboard for entry of information and a single element print head for printing of information and an associated unit including an associated recorder for recording key entries as code signals on a magnetic tape record medium and an associated reader for subsequently reproducing the code signals for printing. Counter means are provided for controlling indentation levels during playback of information from a magnetic tape. In a first version, the signal element print head is returned all the way to the left margin and tab operations are performed to bring the print head to the beginning of the line for the individual paragraphs. In another version, the counter control establishes a particular one of a number of available left margins automatically in order that the print head returns directly to the selected left margin and tab operations are therefore unnecessary. In still another version, a program tape is sensed in connection with a counter status to determine an indentation level for individual paragraphs. In a final version, a movable follower stop moves along with the print head as it is tabbed from the left margin and assumes the farthest position to the right to which tabbing occurred thereby serving as a movable left margin until reset for a subsequent paragraph. Special codes are recognized to establish one mode termed an Adjust mode, wherein the automatic format control is effective, and another mode termed Playback wherein the automatic format control is ineffective. The mode control capacity may be made available, whether or not the automatic format control means is provided in the apparatus. In addition, provision is made for reading format, character, and functional code signals on a source media according to one indentation format, translating and printing characters according to another indentation format, and recording another media in accordance with the printer action by performing code conversion of signals, including format signals, derived from the source media.

Inventors

• 👤 Peter J. DeGeorge
• 👤 Roger F. Ross
• 👤 Donald E. Sims

Bibliographic Details