Abstract: The method of reading data from a data record carrier on which data has been recorded in arcuately nested, equal radii data rows which are equally spaced apart along a common centerline that is coextensive with a radius for each data row, comprises the steps of: incrementally moving the data record carrier in steps transversely of the data rows; projecting a light beam onto the plane in which the data record carrier moves; rotating the light beam about an axis parallel to the axis of said light beam to rotate said light beam in an arcuate path across the data record carrier, the radius of the arcuate path being the same or approximately the same radius of each data row; detecting scattered light outside the cone of specular reflection from the light beam impinging on the data record carrier, or the lack of scattered light, as the light beam traverses each data row; and sensing, and correcting for, difference between the arcuate path of said light beam and the arcuate path of the data row being traversed by sa

Abstract: Data recorded in non-parallel arcuate paths on a data carrier are read with a laser beam which rotates relative to the data record.

Abstract: An optical floppy disc constructed of microfilm, thermoplastic or paper and bears digital and/or graphic information. Digital information may be stored in radial lines each of which comprises the digital information to be retrieved and line addresses at the end of a line or dispersed within a line. Digital information may also be stored in a plurality of coaxial circular tracks and be retrieved by addressing the track and portion of the track containing the desired information. Information retrieval systems, both continuously rotating and start-stop systems are provided for reading the various types of discs. Of particular importance is the use of a disc as an easily up-dateable catalog.

Abstract: A parts management and inventory control system includes a microfiche data base of two types of microfiche cards. One type is machine readable only, while the other type card bears machine readable information and visually readable information. The microfiche cards bear digital information for machine reading. The digital information includes information to be read as output data and/or information for controlling a microfiche card transport or a scanner transport in order to accurately position microfiche cards for information retrieval. The system may interface with a central computer for parts ordering, cancellation and the like, and a printer provides a permanent business record. The system may also be employed in the field of finance in order to provide credit or bank account information with complete privacy with respect to the identification of the person whose account is being checked.

Abstract: Microfiche cards bear digital information. The digital information includes information to be read and/or information for controlling a microfiche card transport and/or scanner in order to accurately position the microfiche card for information retrieval. Static alignment techniques are also disclosed for aligning the information content of a microfiche card with respect to the transport.

Abstract: In contrast to standard microfiche devices in which discrete areas of information storage are provided in an x-y array, a scrolling microfiche includes a plurality of parallel rows of information storage areas in which, in at least one of the rows, a plurality of information storage areas contain information which bridges from one area to the next and completes the information stored from one area to the next so that the fiche may be scanned and an area may be read without the observation of frame divisions between frames. The fiche is produced by photographic processes. In one embodiment the process includes the generation of original elongate strip artwork, laying out the strips with respect to a rotary camera, reproducing each strip as a separate row on microfiche film, repeating laying out and reproduction as necessary for completion of the story of the fiche, and subsequent cutting operations and the like to produce a scrolling microfiche.