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.