Abstract: Coding systems utilizing machine-readable coding are disclosed. The coding systems are extremely simple to use and preferred embodiments of the machine-readable coding require no external reference or reference code or starting point or orientation for reading or decoding. The number of usable codes for any given number of code elements (bits or digits) is maximized, or, conversely, a minimum number of code elements is required for a given application, thus allowing each code element to be of maximum size for a given coding area. Also, methods and apparatus for encoding objects, and for reading, decoding, processing and using the information obtained from such encoded objects are disclosed. The coding may be applied to objects such as casino chips, currency, automated production line components, consumer products, household items, zip coded objects, etc.

Abstract: A width card associated with a film strip both of which are adapted to be used in a phototypesetting machine, the film strip containing a plurality of fonts, each of which contains a plurality of characters. The width card includes a memory for storing a plurality of sets of character width information for each of the fonts contained on the associated film strip, means for selecting one of the sets of character width information for all of the fonts contained on the associated film strip and means for permitting the phototypesetting machine to obtain from the memory the width information for a character in a particular font by accessing the selected set of character width information for the particular font. In response to access of the memory by the phototypesetting machine, a visual indication of the particular font accessed and the set of character width information selected is provided.

Abstract: A film font for use in conjunction with photocomposing equipment includes a rectangular piece of film having a pair of apertures at either end spaced to fit over a corresponding number of support pins on a font-carrying drum. The film element includes, at one end, a rigidifying bar adapted to fit snugly against the first paid of pins and, at the other end, a cam action slide adapted to lock against the second set of pins to maintain the font in rigid position.