Abstract: A stage driving apparatus comprises a stage mounted with a sample and rotatable about an optical axis of an observation optical system for observing the sample, and two guides, for moving the stage within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical system, rotatable together with the stage and oriented orthogonal to each other. The apparatus further comprises an input device for inputting a signal representing a moving direction of the stage, a converter for converting a signal inputted to the input device on the basis of an observation image of the sample on the stage through the observation optical system into an output signal with a compensated relative rotational deviation between a moving direction defined by the observation image and a moving direction defined by the two guides and a driving device for moving the stage along the two guides on the basis of the output signal from the converter.

Abstract: A conversation type inquiry-and-answering system that can be used, for example, in a diagnosing system. The inquiry-and-answering system can process data in a conversational manner between an operator and the system on the basis of a knowledge data base. The knowledge data base includes a first memory for storing information, such as facts and rules, and a second memory for storing the contents of inquiry and their responses. Also, there is an editing system for the data base.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inputting system for an inquiry-and-answer which removes the necessiates for strict analysis of the meaning of a response to an inquiry in order to extract necessary facts for inferences. By considering the response by an operator along with its corresponding inquiry from the system, the inputting system is enabled to editing the knowledge data base in a much easier fashion than the prior art. The inputting and editing system analyzes the answer to an interrogative and matches the pronouns and other elements of the answer with their corresponding elements from the interrogative so that the operator does not have to answer the interrogative with the exact language of the interrogative for the system to understand and utilize the answer properly.

Abstract: A microfiche retrieval scheme having input means for introduction of index information indicative of desired subjects for retrieval, store means which provide pieces of frame address information for one or more microimages concerning the desired subjects in response to the index information and an optical system for projecting the selected microimages onto a viewing screen in accordance with the thus delivered frame address information. The above scheme further comprises a printer adapted to print out information contained on the microimages selected and transmitted to the optical system, a print control adapted to control the microfiche retrieval scheme and the printer and means for providing for the print control a signal indicating the printing out of the information of the selected microimages or that of their next succeeding microimages.

Abstract: A card retrieval system in which each card is provided at its one peripheral edge with a magnetic strip which includes a unique notch structure for the purpose of retrieving individual cards. A plurality of selector bars are positioned in a manner to meet at right angles to a stack of the cards, while a magnet is positioned against the magnetic strips of the stacked cards. By the attracting force of the magnet, a specific card is slightly drawn out from the card stack in cooperation with the selector bars and the notch structure. Subsequent to this, locking members are operative to preclude the drawing out of the other cards and the plurality of the selector bars are withdrawn over the retrieved card transportation course. In this manner, the retrieval of a specific card is accomplished by the magnet.