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: The camera or data recording apparatus (30) consists of an optical system for creating a data record on a photosensitive medium and includes a laser (36) for generating a light beam and mirrors (62, 72, 74 and 82) for transmitting the light beam to a final light beam path (56e) which is rotated about an axis (63) parallel spaced from the final light beam path (56e). Further the camera (30) includes an assembly (38) for shaping and focusing the light beam to have a bar shape cross section which is directed to the rotating final light beam path and imaged onto a photosensitive medium (86). A modulator (58, 60) modulates the light beam from the laser (36) intermittently to image or record light beam bar shape cross sections defining data in an arcuate path (14) on the photosensitive medium (86), a computer (32) controls the modulator (58, 60) and a carriage (88) is provided for moving the photosensitive medium (86) toward and away from the axis (63) about which the final light beam (56e) rotates.

Abstract: An information record has a body of photographic film, paper, plastics material or the like, in which digital information is carried on a body in equal-radii, arcuate rows which extend across the body. The information may be stored as dark spots, light spots or dark-to-light or light-to-dark transitions with respect to transparent substances and in reflective areas, non-reflective areas or reflective-to-non-reflective or non-reflective-to-reflective transitions.

Abstract: The coded data (12) on the record carrier (10) and the method for encoding such data (12) in tracks (14) provide a relatively simple and yet very effective means for making the data record carrier (10), and particularly the data (12) recorded thereon, highly tolerant of errors such as "burst errors" where one or more spots of data on the data record carrier (10) are obliterated. The data (12) is recorded on the data record carrier (10) in arcuate nested tracks (14), each track (14) comprising a stream of data bits. The stream of data bits includes an encoded front track address (32) and encoded back track address (44) with coded groups or so-called Hamming type coded groups (52) of data bits therebetween each of which can comprise 96 or 105 data bits. Error correction is provided by including in the coded groups data words which include a data byte and a field of parity bits, typically an eight bit data byte followed by a four bit parity field.

Abstract: A method for optically encoding digital data (12) on a substrate (11) without timing or synchronization data to form a data record carrier (10) includes the steps of: selecting a track (14) path on the substrate (11); selecting a data cell length (L) in the direction of the track (14) for each bit of data to be stored in each cell (15) on each track (14); selecting a cell width dimension (W) transverse to the direction of the track (14); selecting an optical non-transition cell (15) for one form of logic (0 or 1) to be stored in each such non-transition cell (15); selecting an optical transition cell (15) for the other form of logic (1 or 0) to be stored in each such other transition cell (15); creating at least one track (14) of digital data (12) on the substrate (11) comprised of a series of cells (15) each having the same cell length (L) in the direction of the track (14); establishing in each non-transition cell (15) on the substrate (11) a fully reflective or transmissive surface or a fully non-reflectiv

Abstract: The method for formatting optically encoded digital data on a planar substrate (11) without timing or synchronization data to form a data record carrier (10) includes the steps of: selecting an accuate track path on the substrate (11) for each one of a plurality of arcuate tracks (14, 14a, 14b) of data (12); selecting a data cell length (15) in the direction of each track (14) for each bit of data to be stored in each cell (15) on each track (14); selecting a cell width dimension transverse to the direction of the track (14); selecting a non-transition cell (A, C) for one form of logic (0 or 1) to be stored in each such cell (15); selecting a transition cell (B) for the other form of logic (1 or 0) to be stored in each such other cell (15); establishing a leader section (22) for each track (14); establishing a tailer section (24) for each track (14); establishing a front track address section (32) for each track; establishing a back track address section (44) for each track (14) and creating the tracks (14a a

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.