US3219806A - Typesetting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Pl CLET Nov. 23, 1965 R. c. OBRIEN 3,219,806

TYPESETTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 1, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG-1 KEYBOARD 8 PERMUTATION SWITCHES AUXlLlARY I05 ,IO?

KEYBOARD LC LC LC LC 1 2 4 8 1.0 LG L0 PUNCH UNIT 80 52 INVENTOR.

3 RICHARD C. OBRIEN ww w ATTORNEYS Nov. 23, 1965 R. c. OBRIEN 3,219,806

TYPESETTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 1 1962 FIG-8 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 05 I07 KEYBOARD AUXILIARY KEYBOARD [O3 ENCODER l T "T LC LC LC LC Le 64 12s 256 512 INVENTOR.

RICHARD C. O'BRIEN ATTORNEYS Nov. 23, 1965 R. c. O'BRIEN 3,219,806

TYPESETTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 1, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG-IO e65 W KEYBOARD l mmkrz ENCODER 57 10a 30 l 12 PUNCH an!!! or? F T' t 22b 25 2: 25 q I i i sc sc F 8 32 64 3 FLASH"37 INVENTOR.

RICHARD c. O'BRIEN ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,219,306 TYPESETTING APPARATUS Richard C. OBrien, Brooklyn, N.Y., assignor to Harrisintertype Corporation, Cleveland, ()hio, a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 1, 1962, Ser. No. 214,427 13 (Ilaims. (Ci. 235-45122) This application is a continu:ation-in-part of copending application Serial No. 39,857, filed June 30, 1960, now abandoned.

This invention relates to typesetting, and particularly to correction of records, such as perforated code tape or the like used for controlling the operation of automatic typesetting machines, to accommodate changes in space allotment when an error is corrected during preparation of the record, i.e., during composition of a line. The invention is, in some of its aspects, applicable both to linecasting machines and to photographic typesetting machines, and the invention also relates, where it is concerned with certain kinds of photographic typesetting machines, to adjustment of the space allotted to individual character images, such technique being referred to as spot kerning.

The present invention concerns typesetting machines of the two unit arrangement, wherein a first or keyboard unit includes apparatus for preparing coded records for complete lines of composition, for example in the form of a perforated tape, identifying the individual characters to be produced in proper sequence, as well as identifying the location of interword spaces, and for phototypesetting machines supplying the necessary information concerning the required adjustment of such interword spaces to produce a justified line of composition of predetermined length. This record is then utilized to control the operation of a high speed typesetting machine, the second unit, which may be a linecasting machine, or a phototypesetting machine operating on the same principle as a linecasting machine and using individual mats for the various characters, or a high speed photographic machine in which the character images are produced from a common character matrix.

The general arrangement of the first unit or keyboard machine includes a selector keyboard to be manipulated by the compositor or operator including an auxiliary keyboard for control of different functions. The arrangement of the auxiliary keyboard may vary somewhat, depending upon the type of coded record to be produced, particularly depending upon whether the record is to be used to control a linecasting machine or a phototypesetting machine. The keyboard is arranged to feed into an encoding device which produces a code signal identifying a selected character, or a desired function and the particular nature of such function.

During the course of composing lines of composition, i.e., selecting the characters in desired sequence, information from the encoding device also is fed into apparatus within the keyboard machine, arranged to calculate the actual space to be allotted to each selected character during reproduction of the second or automatic controlled unit. This system of operation contemplates that the keyboard machine will include apparatus functioning to calculate such actual space information for each elected character. Particularly in the case of phototypesetting machines as the second unit, this space information will represent the actual or absolute space occupied by the image of the character which is recorded for example on Patented Nov. 23, 1965 ice a galley film. Such information could also represent the actual width, for example in picas or fractions of a pica, of the character mats in a linecasting machine. In either event, if an erroneous character selection i made in the keyboard machine in order to avoid cancelling and recomposing the entire line, the erroneous character identification code must be erased and space information computed for an erroneous character must be subtracted before composition can proceed, in order to produce a rec- 0rd which will result in a correct and properly justified line.

Accordingly, the primary object of this invention is to provide a novel system for correcting a control record for typesetting apparatus as above described, whereby the code identifying an incorrect character can be erased from or obliterated on the control record, or equivalent, and whereby the space allotted to the incorrect character may be subtracted from the summation of space used in the line for characters.

A further object of this invention is to provide space computing for typesetting apparatus including a binary counter which may be selectively operated to count forward or in reverse while receiving input pulses from the same source, and also wherein the counter may be operated in reverse to subtract space representing information, and may be operated forward to maintain a summation representing the space used, or occupied by characters, during composition of a line.

Another object of this invention is to provide novel arrangements of keyboard units for preparing records to control automatic typesetting machines, wherein the keyboard unit operates on an absolute or actual space system and includes devices which function to compute the actual space in a line of predetermined length which is occupied by the characters, wherein the operator of such keyboard unit is provided with visual information :as to the space used during composition of such lines of predetermined length, and wherein selection of an erroneous character can be corrected by removing or destroying the identifying code therefor as Well as by recomputing the space occupied by such erroneous character while operat ing the line length counter and indicating mechanism in reverse to subtract the actual space of the erroneous character.

An additional object of the invention is to provide auxiliary controls, particularly for keyboard units used to prepare control records for phototypesetting machines, wherein the actual space normally allotted to a character image, and computed therefor, may be varied and particularly reduced to produce a kerning function in the phototypesetting machine operated from the record tape.

Another object of the invention is to rovide such apparatus for a kerning function, wherein the actual space for a character image is introduced as digital information into a line length accumulator counter, and subsequentiy a kerning function code is produced in the record together with a code representing the space to be subtracted for the kerning operation, and wherein such space is subtracted from the accumulator counter to maintain an accurate representation for display to the operator of the actual space in the line occupied by the characters.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompany ing drawings and the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block type diagram illustrating the general arrangement of phototypesetting apparatus in accordance with the invention, particularly of the record preparing portion thereof which assembles and records information from which a second or photographic unit is controlled;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a suitable space computing disc used in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating successive stages of a counter, which may be either the word space counter or the accumulator counter, showing the manner in which operation of these counters may be reversed, and also illustrating the manner in which readout from these counters is effected;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the selective forward and reverse operation of the counters;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a suitable arrangement of auxiliary keyboard and showing its connection into the system;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating the manner in which character identification code may be obliterated from the record tape;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating one type of keyboard unit used to produce a coded record for control of typesetting machines such as a linecasting machine; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of another type of keyboard unit for preparing code records to control a linecasting machine, or other typesetting machines of that nature, in accordance with the invention.

The present invention is disclosed first in combination with other features, as it reaches to high speed phototypesetting apparatus including a first or keyboard machine, shown schematically in FIG. 1, which is adapted to prepare a record tape of the lines of composition, and a second or photographic machine, having a common character matrix bearing a number of different characters, which operates under control of the prepared tape to produce an exposed galley film on which the lines of composition are formed as latent photographic images to be developed. The keyboard machine includes a main keyboard 10 which has a number of keys for selection of different characters, together with permutation switches (not shown) constituting an encoder which cooperates with the keys in known manner to produce a binary selection code in the form of electrical pulses or voltage applied to one or more of the seven selection output lines 12. These lines are connected through diode rectifiers 13 to the first seven of eight input lines 15 controlling operation of a conventional coding and recording mechanism such as a perforator or punch unit through which record tape, for example in the form of paper tape 22 to be perforated in a characteristic manner is supplied for producing a permanent record respective of each character selected by operation of the keyboard 10.

All of the characters which make up a font, including upper and lower case letters, numerals, punctuation, etc., should be allotted space in accordance with their relative widths. For example, the character M obviously requires considerably more width than the character i. Furthermore, for versatility in machines of this type it is desirable to enlarge or reduce the characters in the photographic machine through a suitable optical system, and in such optical change allowance must be made for the variation in actual width occupied by the same characters at different enlargements. This may be conveniently accom lished by determining the relative or unit width of any selected character and multiplying this unit width by a point set factor which is a function of the enlargement produced by the optical system at that time, and whereby the product of unit width and the point set factor is representative of the actual width occupied by each selected character. In accordance with this invention the unit width measurements and point se-t factors are so selected that the actual width of each character is represented by a digital output defining the actual width of the selected characters in picas and fractions of a pica, hereafter referred to as iclets.

For the purpose of determining the relative or unit Width of each selected character, and thence computing the actual space to be occupied by that character at a given point set, the keyboard code ouput lines 12 are connected respectively to seven buffer amplifier units 25a- 25g, which in turn are connected to preset the individual stages SCI, SC2, 8C4, SC8, SC16, SC32 and SC64 of a selector counter-space computer binary counter. These stages may conveniently be in the form of conventional Eccles-Jordan or similar flip-flop stages connected in cascade. This counter is designed to perform a dual function, namely first to select the unit space information pertaining to a selected character which is identified by the input code through the aforementioned bufler amplifiers, and secondly to cooperate with other appraatus in computing the actual space information for the selected character.

The unit space information is provided by a six digit binary code formed as differential light transmitting portions on a continuously rotating space code disc 30 which is fixed to a rotating shaft 32 driven by motor 33. The code is formed by having light transmitting slits (or inversely opaque marks) on the disc 34 in each of the six code positions, and the selected unit space information is picked up by causing flashing of a high speed flash lamp 35, under the control of a flash control unit 37 to energize appropriate ones of the six pickup photocells 40, each one. of which is positioned in alignment with a respective code position. These photocells have six separate output lines 42 which extend to the buffer amplifiers 25bg for presetting the corresponding stages SC2-SC64 of the counter in accordance with the selected space code.

Accordingly, when a character is selected by pressing a key on keyboard 10, the character selection code is set up in lines 12 and is transmitted through the rectifiers 13 to the punch input lines 15, for the purpose of actuating the punch to produce a characteristic punch code in the record tape 22 which identifies the character selected. At the same time the selection code is transmitted through the lines 12 to the buffer amplifiers 25a25g, to preset the selector counter to the identification code number. The unit space code information on the rotating disc 30 is arranged in complementary fashion such that the unit space code for a selected character is spaced from a fixed point on the disc by a number of places which is, in the count of places, a complement of the selection code entered in the selector counter.

The fixed position, also referred to as the synchronizing position, is determined by a synchronizing light transmitting mark 45 on a timing and computing disc (FIGS. 1 and 2) which is secured to shaft 32 in predetermined fixed position with respect to code disc 30, and cooperates With a photocell 52 and a light source (not shown) on the opposite side of disc 50 to produce a synchronizing pulse once for each revolution of the discs 30 and 50. This synchronizing pulse is transmitted through line 54 to a control gate circuit G1. This gate circuit is controlled by a flip-flop circuit F1 to follow the state thereof. Thus, when flip-flop F1 is in its first or 0 state G1 is closed or will not pass pulses transmitted thereto, and when F1 is in its 1 state, G1 is open and pulses transmitted through line 54 will be passed on through line 55 to a second control flip-flop F2. F1 is normally in its 0 state, closing gate G1, but will be switched to its 1 state by transmission of an initiate pulse through line 57 from keyboard 10. A pulse is transmitted through this line each time a character is selected, by depression of a key, or in some other suitable manner.

The timing disc 50 also is provided with pulse generating marks about its entire periphery in a radial zone separate from the synchronizing mark, and these timing marks cooperate with the aforementioned light source and a photocell 60 to generate timing pulses in line 62 which are transmitted to a further gate circuit G2 connected to follow flip-flop F2. Therefore, since F2 is normally in its 0 or oil state, the gate G2 also will normally be closed and timing pulses will not pass through this circuit until F2 is caused to switch by receiving a pulse from line through gate G1. However, when this occurs and F2 switches to its 1 state, G2 will open and pulses from line 62 will pass through G2 and its output line 64 to the input on stage SCI of the selector counter at the same time, a reset pulse will pass on line 65 to flip-flop F1, causing it to revert to its normal 0 or otf" state and gate G1 will again close. Timing pulses will continue to pass through G2 into the selector counter until this counter fills up.

For example, assuming that the binary code for a selected character is 0010100 (corresponding to 20 in decimal numbers), then in order to fill up the selector counter 107 more pulses must be received, at which time the counter will read 1111111. The next or 108th pulse will clear the selector counter and cause an output pulse at its output line which is connected to the input of a flip-flop circuit F3, and at the same time a reset pulse will pass through line 72 to reset F2 to its 0 state, closing G2. F3 is connected through line 75 to control the peration of flash circuit 37, such that the flash control unit follows the state of F3. Therefore, F3 is normally in a state where the flash control unit is deenergized, but a pulse through the selector counter output 70 causes F3 to change its state and a pulse is transmitted through line 75 causing the flash control unit to produce an instantaneous flash of light from the flash lamp 35 as the space code information in the 108th position past the synchronizing or starting position is aligned with the photocell read-out bank 40.

The impulses generated by one or more of these photocells will be transmitted through the outputs 4-2 to preset the selector counter stages SC2SC64, through the butter amplifiers 2Sbg, and these last six stages of the selector counter now function in cooperation with the computing disc 50 to compute the actual space to be occupied by the just selected character at a given point set.

The spacing computing operation proceeds as follows. When F3 was caused to change its state and actuate the flash control unit 37, this also produced a signal in line 78 causing the normally closed gate circuits G3 and G4 to open. The input to the selector counter is now through gate G3 and line 82 which receives impulses from the units photocell 80 which cooperates with units pulse generating marks on disc 50, there being, for example, one units marl; for each quadrant, or four for each complete revolution of disc 50. The pulses generated by photocell 80 thus pass through line 82 to gate G3 and thence into stage SC2 of the selector, to accumulate therein and eventually to fill up the last six stages of this counter which have now been preset to a binary number representing the unit space width of the previously selected character, from the space code disc 30.

The input to gate 64 is from a piclets photocell 35 which transmits pulses through line 86 to gate G4, and when this gate is open to the input line 87 of the line length accumulator counter which comprises twelve binary stages identified as LC1LC2048. The pi-clets input pulses to this counter each represent a discrete fraction of a pica, which is a standard printers measurement equaling one-sixth of an inch.

There are a number of different characteristic radial zones from which the piclets photocell may read selectively, as shown in FIG. 2. This selection is accomplished by moving the photocell 85 into alignment with a desired one of the radial zones of piclets impulses gen erating marks 90-95 such that a greater or less number of piclets impulses will be generated by this photocell between successive units impulses generated by the photocell 80.

As the units impulses are transmitted to and accumulated in the selector counter, this counter will begin to fill, and the number of units pulses required to fill the selector counter will be the complement of the unit space code preset into the counter from the photocell bank 40. Thus, when the last six stages of the selector counter are filled from the units input through gate G3, then the next units input pulse will transmit through line 70 to F3, causing this flip-flop to revert to its normal state and close the gate circuits G3 and G4. The total number of impulses transmitted through gate G4 to the line length accumulator counter during this interval will thus represent a digital input the sum of which is the total actual space to be occupied by the selected character, and this information is stored in the line length counter in this manner for each selected character, with subsequently received space information being added to that already stored in the counter to maintain a summation of the space in the line of composition to be occupied by the characters.

Similarly, every time there is an interword space in the line of composition the operator presses the space bar on the keyboard, closing a switch and transmitting a pulse through output line 160 which connects through the auxiliary keyboard to the line 107 which transmits input pulses to the first stage of a word space counter comprising six cascade connected binary stages WC WC2, WC l, WC8, WC16 and WC32. Thus this counter maintains a summation of the number of word spaces in the line of composition.

For the purpose of reading the information in the line length accumulator counter and word space counter each stage of each of these counters is connected through a following amplifier to operate a relay. A typical arrangement of a binary stage with its following amplifier and relay, and showing also the reversing connection between successive cascade connected stages, is shown in FIG. 3. It should be understood that this arrangement is followed for all stages of the line length accumulator counter and the word space counter, with certain exceptions as will be noted.

Thus, referring to FIG, 3, the binary stage has an input connection 110 to an input condenser 112 connected to both cathodes of the input dual diode, which may be for example type 6AL5. The plates of the dual diodes are connected to the plates of a dual triode, for example type 5963, which is incorporated in a conventional Eccles Jordan circuit as shown. These plate circuits are also connected through 100 mmf. capacitors to the forward and reverse output contacts 115 and 116 for this stage, which may be alternatively connected through the relay control switch 120 to transmit carry pulses to the input line 122 of the next stage. In the usual manner, one side or the other of the dual triode is conducting while the opposite side is cut off, and this condition reverses in response to each input pulse received at the input capacitor 112. Thus, the grids of the dual triode are alternately, and oppositely, at a slightly positive potential, and a following connection 125 is provided to the grid of a triod-e amplifier tube 127 which controls the fall of current through the coil of a relay 130. When triode 127 conducts relay 130 will be energized to close the contacts thereof and prepare a circuit through the contact 132 and a neon bulb 133 to a characteristic output line in the eight channel output matrix which controls operation of punch 20.

This circuit is not completed until the end of the line of composition is reached, and therefore the outputs are shown schematically from the line length accumulator counter and the word space counter, respectively, as output cables 135 and 136 (FIG. 1) which go to the end of line control 140. Therefore, although the relay 130 of each stage of these counters may be energized or deenergized several times during the composition of a line, only the final setting of these relays, after the line has been completed, is utilized to complete the read out circuits which then cause coded information to be punched into tape 22 corresponding to the complement of the summation of space occupied by characters from the line length accumulator counter (i.e., the space remaining to be divided up for word spaces) and the direct reading of the number of word spaces in the line from the word space counter.

From the above description it will be noted that as each character is selected, and its selection code recorded on the punch tape, the actual space to be occupied by the character image in the second unit or photographic machine is computed from the point set information supplied by the compositor and the relative width data supplied from the space code disc. The information is transmitted to the accumulator counter as a burst of pulses representative of the space to be allotted to the character image in picas and piclets. The accumulator counter maintains a summation of this space information since it merely adds each burst of pulses to the count which it maintains during composition of a line.

In the event that the operator strikes an incorrect character and notices this immediately, then he may press the correction key 145 on the auxiliary keyboard (FIG. and this will close switch 146 to obliterate the al ready recorded character identification code by punching holes in all eight possible positions, since a pulse will be transmitted over each of the lines through theneon tube matrix indicated by the general reference numeral 147. In reading the tape in the second unit, the reader will then recognize this condition as an erased character, and will ignore it, moving on to the next character identification code. However, it is also necessary to subtract the space information from the accumulator counter in order to maintain the proper summation for arriving at the correct justifying data when the line is completed. This subtraction is provided by the reversal of the accumulator counter as follows.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, and assuming for purposes of explanation that when each stage or bit of the counter is in the 0 or flopped condition, the output at contact 115 of switch 120 is in condition to emit a positive pulse when that stage changes. Therefore, the output at contact 116 is in condition to emit a negative pulse when the stage changes, and if this stage is in the 1 or flipped condition the status of these outputs is reversed. However, When the counter is static there is no output at either contact, and the switch 120 may be moved without disturbing the counter.

On the other hand the following stages can accept only a negative pulse by virtue of the input receiving diodes (6AL5). Accordingly, with the switches as shown, for example with switch 120 closed on the 115 contact, carry pulses from stage to stage can occur only when the preceding stage is going from the 1 or flipped condition to the 0 or flopped condition. Counting will thus pro- On the other hand, if all of the switches 120, 120a are thrown the other way, carry pulses from stage to stage will be effective only when the preceding stage is Input pulse Counter Dec. equiv.

From the above it will be understood that if the operator obliterates the identification code for an erroneous character and by pressing the correction button on the auxiliary keyboard, this will also close switch 152 and energize the reversing relay and simultaneously disable the punch control 20 by a signal through the same controlling line 153 while the operator again selects the erroneous character. The apparatus computes again the actual space for the erroneous character and transmits an appropriate number of pulses to the accumulator counter while it is connected for reverse operation, thus effectively subtracting this space from the summation in that counter so that further composition of the line can proceed.

The foregoing description relates to the reversing of the line length accumulator counter for the purpose of subtracting space information recorded therein for an erroneously selected character. It should be understood that the word space counter, comprising stages WC1 WC32, is also connected in the same manner as generally illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 such that a count therein representing space or spaces between words can be subtracted if so desired. The operation is essentially the same, with the reversing relay 150 being energized from the auxiliary keyboard and the punch 20 likewise disabled, after the word space identifying code is obliterated. When relay 150 is energized the space bar on the keyboard is depressed once for each word space which it is desired to subtract. The reverse operation of the word space counter is the same as previously described, and thus when relay 150 is deenergized to restore the forward cascade connections between stages of the word space counter, the desired subtraction will have been effected.

Auxiliary circuits from keyboard 105 include those for kerning, which is broadly defined as the provision of a less than standard space for a given char-acter image. In connection with the present invention, kerning control is provided as a technique which the operator or compositor may exercise to decrease the space normally allotted to a given character image at a selected point size. The same reverse operation of the accumulator counter is employed in conjunction with function controls which place upon the record tape a function code indicating that a kerning operation is desired together with an indication of the decrease in space which has been accomplished by the kerning function.

Thus, the operator may select a given character, at a desired point size which it may be assumed will be constant for purposes of this explanation. Taking the character T as a typical example, and assuming that the operator wishes to hem by placing a portion of a following character a beneath the arm of the T, he selects the appropriate key for T and the space to be occupied by this character at the selected point size is computed in the manner previously explained, with the full burst or string of space representing pulses for T passing into the accumulator counter.

Then, prior to selecting a, the compositor depresses the kern key 160 on the auxiliary keyboard and this completes two circuits. First of all it completes a coding circuit through switch 162 to select ones of the output line 14- to produce the function code for kerning through the punch unit 26 onto the tape 22. Secondly, the kern key depression completes a circuit through switch 163 to energize the reversing relay 159. The compositor then depresses one of a bank of space representing keys on the auxiliary keyboard. In a typical embodiment of the invention th re may be six keys 165, 156, 167, 168, 169, 17G, representing respectively spaces of em, em, cm, /12 em, cm, and one em. Closing of a selected one of these keys completes a related circuit through the matrix 147 to emit pulses through the appropriate code output lines 12 to preset the selector counter of the space computer and select appropriate relative space information from the space code disc 39. This information is then utilized to reset the selector counter for space computing purposes in conjunction with the computing disc, thereby transmitting to the accumulator counter a string of pulses representing the actual width of the kerning at the selected point size. Since the accumulator counter is set up for reverse operation by relay this count is subtracted from the counter.

At the same time that the selector counter was first preset by depression of the desired space key, this information is appropriately passed onto the punch unit 24) which produces a space representing code on tape 22 following the kerning function code. Therefore, the apparatus reading the tape will be informed that the next information following the kerning code represents space to be subtracted in the photocomposing operation to produce the desired kcrning.

The operator then selects the character a and its selection code is reproduced on the tape and the actual space which this character will occupy at the point size is computed as previously explained with this digital information passing into the accumulator counter, which has again been set up for forward or additive counting when the kerning key is released.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show segments of a typical code tape 22 for the purpose of illustrating the features provided by this invention. It should be understood that this tape may be paper with holes punched therethrough, or a transparent material with marks in the appropriate portions, or any other suitable recording media.

For purposes of explanation, it will be assumed that an opaque paper tape is used, and that the circles represent holes punched therein to form a code, with one code number or set being a row transversely of the tape, top to bottom as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Also, to facili tate the description, it will be assumed that the tape is divided transversely into eight channels or digit areas, and that a hole or mark in these various channels has a numeral significance in a binary progression. Thus, it will be noted that the channels have assigned thereto code values 1, 2 128. It should be understood that this significance can be reversed, or in any other convenient order.

Thus, referring to FIG. 6, if the operator desires to compose a line beginning with the words Now is the, selection of the capital N will cause the appropriate code to be placed upon the tape, this code being holes in the 2, 4, 8 and 54- channels. The next letter, lower case 0, is represented by perforations in the 1, 2, 4 and 8 channels, and w is represented by code markings in the 1, 2, 4 and 16 channels.

The next operation would be the provision of a word space, between the words Now and is. This requires a function instruction or code, and for purpose of simplicity in read out, a hole or other marking in the 128 channel will represent or signal the presence of a function code as distinguished from a character identification code. In other words, a perforation in this channel, together with further perforations in other channels, will represent a function code and the other markings or holes in the code will provide information as to the particular function. Thus, the presence of an interword space, indicating that a word spacing function is desired, may be represented by perforations in the 1, 2 and 128 channels. Such encoding of the information for lines of composition will thus proceed, with a different function code (including a perforation in the 128 channel) for the various other functions such as, end of line, justifying information, kern-ing, etc.

Referring to FIG. 7, the operations for indicating erasing of a character and for kerning, are illustrated on a segment of the record tape. As to erasing or correction, assuming that the compositor wished to write the word Now, and that he struck the wrong key for the 0, and assuming that he noticed this mistake immediately since the keyboard is provided with an ordinary typewriter reproduction unit for his visual check, after the tape is backed one step, the correction key on the auxiliary keyboard is depressed. While the correction key is depressed the operator again selects the character key which he mistakenly depressed, whatever it may be. This causes all eight channels to be activated, placing a perforation in all of the channels 1 128. This serves effectively to obliterate whatever the incorrect code may have been, and a suitable read-out device can be arranged to ignore any code where all eight channels are punched at once. Simultaneously, the space value which had already been computed for this incorrect character is again computed with the accumulator counter operating in reverse, as previously described. The end result, therefore, is that after the correction code the machine is returned to the same condition as before by releasing the correction key.

In connection with the kerning function, the mechanics of which have been described previously, assuming that it is desired to kern by placing a portion of the character a beneath the arm of the T, the selection code for T is represented in FIG. 7 as a perforation in channels 4 and 64. This is followed by a function code for kerning. This is produced by depressing the kern key 160, a perforation in channels 16, 64 and 128 (recalling that in the last channel a perforation means a function code). Following this is a code representing the space to be subtracted for kerning purposes, to move the a under the arm of the T. Depressing the kerning key again produces the same kern code on the tape and returns the keyboard machine to normal operation. Recording of the next character a then follows, with a hole in the 1 channel representing a.

The appearance of the kern code in the photographic unit controlled from the tape will cause its space computer to operate in reverse for kern spacing, and then to proceed with normal operation.

As noted in the introduction to this specification, the present invention is also applicable to the formation of coded records for controlling automatic linecasting machines, or phototypesetting machines which operate on the same general principle as a linecasting machine, using individual mats of varying widths for each character and assembling these mats according to the composition of a line. FIGS. 8 and 9 show an arrangement of a keyboard machine for preparing a six channel or six bit perforated record tape of this type. Many of the parts are identical to parts shown in FIG. 1 and previously described in connection therewith. Accordingly, Wherever the same parts are employed and have the same function these same reference numerals are used.

Thus, this keyboard machine includes a conventional manual keyboard 10, which may be either of the same general arrangement as a typewriter keyboard, or the same arrangement as a conventional linecasting machine. Operated from the keyboard is an encoding device 1% which serves to form a binary code (for example) identifying a character selected by manipulation of a key by the operator or compositor.

Preferably, although not necessarily, the first six channels of the seven channel or seven bit output from the encoder are connected to a punch or tape perforator 20. The perforator normally advances the tape after each code word is formed in the tape, but manual controls are provided to move the tape in either forward or reverse directions through the perforator. Such an arrangement is useful in connection with the erasing function and the forming of a rubout code in the tape as will be described. This code is generally the one where holes are formed in all six channels.

Accordingly, each time a key is depressed on the keyboard a corresponding character identification code is formed in the encoder a and the perforator 20 is caused to form the character identifying code in the record tape 22a. At the same time, the character identifying code is set up through the amplifiers 25ag in the selector counter, comprising the seven cascade connected binary stages SC1SC64. An initiate pulse passes through line 57 to the first control flip-flop F1 which is connected, when it is turned to its on or flop condition, to open or energize a gate circuit G1, permitting such circuit to pass synchronizing pulses from line 54. Such pulses originate in the photocell 52 which in turn is caused to emit a pulse once for each revolution of the computing disc 50, as by passage of light through the synchonizing mark 45. When any character is selected an initiate pulse opens or turns on the control flip-flop F1 to open gate circuit G1, and the next synchronizing pulse through G1 passes to the second control flip-flop F2, turning it on. This flip-flop in turn regulates gate circuit G2 now causing it to open and to receive pulses through line 62 from the timing photocell 60, which in turn is caused to generate timing pulses by the timing marks 61 on disc 50. The first of these pulses, passing through gate circuit G2, also passes from the output line 64 of this circuit simultaneously into the first counter stage SCI and through line 65 to the first control flip-flop F1, changing it to its off condition at which it remains, closing gate circuit G1 until the next initiate circuit is received.

The selector counter has been preset by the encoder to a number identifying the selected character, and when the timing pulses through G2 fill up the selector counter there will be an output pulse through line 70 to the third control flip-flop F3, causing it to switch to its flop or on condition and thereby opening gate circuits G3 and G4. At the same time F3 also provides a triggering pulse through line 75 to the flash control unit 37. This causes the flash tube 35 to illuminate the code marks then appearing in front of it on the space code disc 30 which is rotated in synchronism with the computer and timing disc 50. The space code, giving the relative or unit width for the selected character, is set up by causing pulses to be transmitted from one or more of the pickup cells 40, through cable 42, to reset the last six stages of the selector counter through amplifiers 2515-255.

Inthe same manner as described in connection with FIG. 1, piclet pulses are caused to be generated in photocell 85 and pass through line 86, through gate circuit G4, and into the line length counter accumulator, LCl- LC2048. Units pulses for computing purposes are generated in photocell 80 and pass through line 82 and through gate circuit G3 to the input of the second stage SCZ of the selector counter. When it fills up again, flip-flop F3 is caused to transfer back to its flip or off condition, closing gates G3 and G4 and thus signalling the end of the computing operation for the previously selected character.

A count of the number of interword spaces is likewise kept by causing generation of a pulse through line 107 into the word space counter WC1WC32 every time an interword space is selected, as by actuating the space bar on the keyboard. 7

This system operates on an absolute or actual space computation. In other words, the piclet pulses fed into the line length counter represent discrete physical measurements corresponding to the actual widths of the selected characters. In linecasting machines, or other typesetting machines operating on the same principle, the space of the character is determined by the thickness of the mat which is selected. In other words, when the code reading apparatus on the linecasting machine serves the character identifying code on tape 22a, it causes the proper mat to be selected, and this automatically supplies the required character width, since such width is measured from the mat thickness.

Likewise, justification is accomplished by the use of variable space bands or wedges, of known construction, which are inserted between the mats wherever an interword space is to appear. The mats are assembled be tween stops fixed apart according to the predetermined line length. When the mats for an entire line are assembled the space bands are manipulated to adjust their thickness, and thus the interword spaces, until the assembly of mats fills the spaces between these stops. Such space bands normally have a range of movement which can be identified as minimum and maximum space band width, or minimum and maximum interword space.

The operator of the keyboard machine, as just de scribed, must be informed of the space used during composition of a line and of the range of justification possible by the number of space bands used, and it is for this purpose that the count of absolute space is mounted in the accumulator counter LCl-LC2048, and that the number of interword spaces is counted in the word space counter.

These counters can be of the same reversible type as previously described in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. However, the information in them is used merely for visual purposes in aiding the keyboard operator, and no information from these counters is recorded in the perforated tape 22a.

With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, it will be noted that the plate circuit of the control amplifier tube 127 includes the coil of a relay 175, and that for one state of the corresponding stage of the counter the tube is conducting and the relay is energized. For convenience, it will be assumed that this is when a counter stage is in its one or flop condition, the tube will be conducting and the relay will be energized to close its contacts 177. This completes a circuit between a supply line connected to a source of positive voltage, for example +225 v. as shown, through an appropriate resistor LCR, to a further control line 178. It will be understood that for each stage of the word space counter WCl-WC32, and that for all but the three lowest stages of the line length counter, there will be an appropriate relay contact such as 177, and a corresponding resistor to the resistor LCR.

FIG. 9 shows a space indicator arrangement used in conjunction with the type of keyboard machine construction shown in FIG. 8. Details of the operation of this type of circuit are disclosed in the copending application of Richard C. OBrien et al., Serial No. 40,071, filed June 30, 1960, now US. Patent No. 3,139,803 issued July 7, 1964, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application. The circuit shown in FIG. 9 operates on the same principle, but contains some additional features to provide an indication of line length remainder as composition of a line provides, based on 13 the possible minimum and maximum widths of the space bands being selected.

As noted, the space information which is supplied in digital form to the line length counter is representative of actual space, in picas and in fractions of a pica. Depending upon the information supplied to this counter at any given time, one or more of the relay contacts shown in FIG. 9 under the heading LCS-LC2048 (connected to the common positive voltage supply line 173) will be closed. Thus, one or more parallel circuits will be formed between line 178 and lines 180 and 180:: through the LCR resistors, which are numbered 181489 and 181a-189a, respectively.

The information supplied to the Word space counter, however, is merely a count or a number and is not as such indicative of a space used. The system shown in FIG. 9 provides for conversion of such information into spacing information which has a direct relation to actual space used for interword spacing. The multi-contact switches 19%) and 192 have their wipers 193 and 195 connected together for concurrent movement. The various contacts of these switches represent the difierent point sizes selected, and the wipers are moved either concurrently with, or in some predetermined relation to, the movable piclet photocell 85 previously described. There should be as many contacts or positions for the wipers 1% and 195 as there are positions for the piclet photocell 85, although the drawings do not so indicate for purposes of simplification.

The space remainder is represented by controlling the amount of electric current flowing between ground, to which one side of the meters 200 and 202 are connected, and the control line 180. In actual practice, the meters may have scales calibrated in picas remaining, to provide a direct reading of the space remainder in absolute measure, and the meter 2.5% may be used to indicate space remainder with respect to the space bands at their minimum Width, while the meter 202 can indicate the space remainder with the space bands at their maximum width.

Since these meters need not become operative until near the end of a line of composition, a bias current is provided by connecting the control lines 139 and 18th:, and through biasing resistors 295, to a source of negative voltage (indicated for example at 75 v.). The six stages of the word space counter are provided with indicator relays corresponding to the relays 175, 177. These relays, however, have two sets of contacts, as shown in FIG. 9, and indicated under the label WSC. The first set of word space counter relay contacts, indicated by the general reference numeral 219, are connected in parallel to a line 212 which leads to the wiper 195 of the multiposition switch 192. The second set of word space counter relay contacts, indicated by the reference numeral 215, are connected in parallel to a line 217 which leads to the wiper 193 of switch 19%. The contacts 210 control the connection of one or more resistors 221226 to the control line 18% and this control line also is connected to the meter 200. Similarly, each of the relay contacts 215 controls connection of resistors 231-236 to the other control line 183a, which is also connected to meter 202.

Each of the resistor strings connected between the contacts of the switches 19% and 192 is connected on one side to ground and on the other side to a negative variable voltage supply control, these being indicated at 24%) and 2 5 respectively. Adjustment of the variable supplies will increase or decrease the biasing voltage to a desired voltage which is proportionate to the unit value to be allotted to word spaces. Thus, the two strings of resistors connected between the contacts of the switches 190 and 192 convert the numerical information of the number of word spaces, which is given appropriate unit values by adjustment of the variable negative voltage supply controls 249 and 245, into pica values which can be subtracted from the pious remaining in a line of predetermined length, as indicated by the position of the relay contacts controlling the connection of the resistors 1S1l89 in the circuit. As noted, the meters are calibrated to show how much actual space remains in a line. When the needle of meter 2% reaches the zero indication on its scale, the line will be justified with the space bands used occupying their minimum width, and when the needle on meter 202 reaches its zero indication the line will be justified with the space hands used at their maximum possible width. By observing these two meters the operator will know when he has reached the possible range of justification for a line, and when he is about to exceed such range.

it will be apparent from the foregoing that in the same manner as previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 3, when it is necessary to erase an erroneous character, the rub-out code can be applied to obliterate the wrong character code from the tape 22a. At the same time, the erroneously selected character is again selected with the counters connected for reverse operation, and the actual space previously computed for the wrong character (or for the wrongly selected interword space) is subtracted so that when composition of the line proceeds thereafter the indication on the meters 200 and 202 is proper. The machine reading the tape will, of course, recognize the rub-out code and pass over it in operating from the control tape.

PEG. 10 shows another application of the invention to a keyboard machine which may be used to prepare control tape for linecasting machines, or other type setting machines operating on the same principle. A portion of the keyboard arrangement is similar to that shown in FIG. 8, and therefore the same reference numerals are used Wherever they apply to corresponding parts operating in the same manner.

Thus, the keyboard It: and its associated encoder 10a are arranged to transmit character identification codes for each key operated to the seven amplifiers 25a-25g which in turn preset the seven stages of the selector counter SCi-SC64 to a corresponding code number. The first six digits of this code are used as character identification codes for the linecasting machine, and accordingly the first six of the encoder output lines 12 are connected to a conventional perforator or punch 2% which marks or perforates the appropriate character identification code in the tape 22!).

Also, in the same manner, the character width codes are provided on a rotating disc 36 which is continuously rotated by motor 33. It is also possible to use a carrier drum or disc which can receive interchangeable covers bearing the actual space code marks. A timing disc 229 l kewise is rotated by the same motor in synchronism with the space code disc 30. This disc contains only the synchronizing marks and the timing marks, in the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 2. The synchronizing marks cause pulses to be transmitted from timing photocell 60 through line 62 to gate circuit G2. Likewise in the same manner the initiate signal passes from the keyboard (or it could pass from the encoder) through line 57 each time any character is selected, to turn on the first control flipfiop F1 which opens gate circuit G1, permitting the next synchronizing pulse from photocell 52 to turn on the second control flip-flop F2, which in turn opens gate circuit G2 allowing the timing pulses to pass therethrough.

The first timing pulse turns off F1 to close G1, as well as passing into the first stage SCI of the selector counter, subsequently causing F3 flip-flop to change state and transmit a flash initiating pulse through line 75 to the flash control unit 37, which causes the lamp 35 to flash and thereby select the character width code. This code is applied, as one or more pulses from the bank of photocells 49, to reset the last six stages of the selector counter in the same manner as previously described. At the same time when F3 changes state it opens, and holds open, gate circuit G3. This circuit has an input line 82 from a photocell 225 which can be moved into alignment with 15 any selected one of a plurality of circles of pulse generating marks, designated 23%:1-230d, on a rotatable wheel or the like 230.

It will be understood that there is a suitable light source (not shown) on the other side of the wheel 230 which cooperates with the marks in the several circuits to function as a light chopper, causing the photocell 225 to transmit pulses. It will also be understood that the wheel 230 could be provided with a separate disc or drum rotating therewith and carrying a plurality of circles of pulse generating marks for the same purpose. It is also within the present concept to provide transparent drums or discs of this type upon which can be placed different interchangeable covers bearing the circles of pulse generating marks in different arrangements.

The wheel 230 is mounted on a rotatable shaft 235 extending from a normally engaged brake 237 which is controlled by a suitable solenoid 238, or its equivalent. For example, when the solenoid is energized, the brake is released to permit shaft 235 to rotate. The drive for this purpose is provided by a reversible motor 2 40 connected to rotate a slip clutch 242 which has an output shaft 243 extending to the brake 237.

Brake controlled solenoid 238 is connected to the controlled flip-flop F3 such that when gate G3 is open the solenoid is energized and the brake is released permitting the wheel 230 to rotate, normally in a forward direction, clockwise as viewed in FIG. 10. Therefore, pulses will be generated by photocell 225, at a rate corresponding to which of the circles 230a-230d it is scanning, and these spacing pulses will pass through G3 to the input of the second counter stage 802. When the counter fills up, F3 will reverse its state due to the output from the last stage of the counter through line 70, and the solenoid 238 Will be deenergized permitting the brake 237 to engage immediately and stop the wheel 230.

The Wheel cooperates with another or take up wheel 250 to support and to move a space indicating band 255. This band is provided with visible markings 256 and is supported to be viewed by the keyboard operator. The marks are arranged to indicate actual space used during composition of a line in picas and fractions of picas (or piclets). As the wheel 230 is rotated for each character selected, the indicating band 255 will be drawn (to the left as seen in FIG. past indicator marks 260 and 262, and this movement of the band will indicate actual space occupied by the characters in the line of composition.

In order to show the range of justification possible, the indicators 260 and 262 are likewise movable, in this case to the right as viewed in FIG. 10, by separate adjustable variable escapements indicated schematically at FIG. 10. The escapement member 264 is connected to move indicator 26, each time it receives a pulse through line 265 indicating selection of an interword space at the keyboard. The escapement 264 will move the indicator 260, each time it receives such a pulse, by an amount equal to the actual minimum interword space which could be occupied by a space band in the linecasting machine.

Similarly, another variable escapement 267 is provided to move the indicator 262 upon receiving a signal through line 265 that an interword space has been selected. This second escapement is adjusted to move its indicator, each time, by an amount corresponding to the maximum pos sible width which a space band can occupy. There are a number of types of adjustable variable escapements known, and accordingly details of such mechanisms are believed unnecessary. It will be understood that before composing a line, the operator will move the photocell 225 to the appropriate circle of space pulse generating marks according to the point size of the characters to be used in the line of composition, and at the same time he will make appropriate settings of the escapements 264 and 267 to adjust them according to the range of widths which can be achieved by the space bands to be selected.

The perforator or punch 20 may include conventional manual controls for advancing or retracting the tape 22b with respect to the punch dies. Thus, for example, if the operator should strike a wrong key and select an erroneous character, he can back up the tape and obliterate the wrong character code by punching in the so called rub-out code, which usually is a perforation in each of the six channels of the tape. However, when such character was selected its actual space was computed and added to the indication shown by the indicator band 255. In order to keep an accurate account of the space used by the characters this erroneous character space must again be computed and subtracted.

The wheel 250 is connected to rotate concurrently with wheel 230, as by means of the pulleys 269 and belt 276. Thus, if the direction of rotation of motor 240 be reversed, the wheel 250 will be rotated to take up the indicating band 255.

When an erroneous character is selected, and the rubout code is used to cancel the erroneous character identification code, reversing switch 275 is depressed while the key for the erroneously selected character is again actuated. Thi causes the computing mechanism to select the space code for the erroneous character again, but since wheels 230 and 250 are rotating in the opposite direction the space computed is subtracted from the indication on the band. It is also possible to cause a reverse movement of the variable escapements 264 and 267 to subtract the minimum and maximum space indications put into the system for an erroneously selected interword space.

If desired, it is also possible to provide a suitable adjustable indicator member 278 on the indicating band 255 for the purpose of indicating a predetermined line length. If this member be of a different color, for example it can readily be seen by the operator and thus will assist him in determining when and in what manner he should end the line he is composing. At the end of a line of composition the escapements 264 and 267 are returned to their positions where the marks 260 and 262 are aligned and indicate no interword spaces used. Likewise, for example by using the reversing switch 265, the indicating band is also returned to its zero position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such return to a beginning of a line condition could be achieved automatically by a suitable control responsive to operation of a carriage return key on the keyboard, or in any other suitable manner.

While the forms of apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for producing a coded record used to control a typesetting machine, comprising a keyboard unit, an encoding device operated by said keyboard unit to produce character identification codes, recording means connected to said encoding device to produce a record of such character identification codes in the order in which such codes are produced, a character width computer including means connected to said encoding device for determining the unit width of each selected character and means selectably operable according to the desired point set of the characters to multiply the unit width of each selected character by a point set factor to obtain the actual space to be occupied by each selected character, said computer being arranged to produce an output corresponding to the actual space to be occupied in a line of predetermined length by each character, a reversible line length accumulator counter operatively connected to said computer for normal forward operation totaling the space information computed for each character to maintain a count representing the actual sla'iasbe space in a line to be occupied by the selected characters, erasing control means operative to run said counter alternatively in reverse to subtract space previously added for an erroneously selected character by again selecting such character and computing its width while said counter is connected for reverse operation, and means for erasing the identification code for the erroneously selected character from the record.

2. In typesetting apparatus the combination of means for selecting a code indicative of a desired character, means operable by said code selecting means to determine the spacing of each selected character, a line length accumulator counter connected to receive digital input spacing information from said character space determining means and arranged to total the spacing information to maintain a count representing the space in a line to be occupied by the characters, said counter including a plurality of stages having forward cascade connections to carry from a lower stage to the next highest stage, reversing cascade connections between said counter stages, control means for said casecade connections adapted to connect said stages alternatively through said forward and reverse connections to cause said counter to operate selectively in forward and reverse from the same digital information supplied from said space determining means, and an erasing control connected to said control means for causing reverse operation of said counter to subtract the space previously added for an erroneously selected character by again selecting such character while said counter is connected for reverse operation.

3. In typesetting apparatus the combination of means for selecting a code indicative of a desired character, means operable by said code selecting means to compute the actual spacing of each selected character and supply said information as a variable digital output, a line length accumulator counter connected to receive said digital spacing information from said computing means and arranged to total the spacing information to maintain a summation of the space in a line of predetermined length to be occupied by the characters, said counter including a plurality of binary stages having forward cascade connections to carry from a lower stage to the next highest stage in response to a predetermined change of state of the lower stage, reversing cascade connections between said counter stages for causing an opposite change of state of a lower stage to produce a carry into the next highest stage, control means for said cascade connections adapted to connect said stages alternatively through said forward and reverse connections to cause said counter to operate selectively in forward and reverse from the same input connection, and an erasing control connected to said control means for causing reverse operation of said counter to subtract the space previously added for an erroneously selected character by again selecting such character while said counter is connected for reverse operation.

4. In typesetting apparatus of the character described the combination of means for recording on a record tape character identification code information representing selected characters in a line of composition, selector means for producing a code indicative of a selected character, means connecting said selector means to said recording means for recording the selection code on the record tape, means operatively responsive to said selector means for determining the spacing width of each selected character with respect to other characters of different widths and producing a digital output representative of such character width, a line accumulator counter receiving spacing information from said character width determining means and arranged to total the spacing information received for summation of the space in the line to be occupied by the characters, the stages of said counter normally being connected to carry additively from a lower stage to a higher stage, erasing control means including reversing 18 connections between said counter stages for causing said counter to count in reverse, operating from the same input from said width determining means, said erasing control means being selectively operable to cause reverse operation of said counter for subtracting space previously added for an erroneously selected character by again selecting such character while said counter is connected for reverse operation, and means responsive to said erasing control to obliterate the character identification code placed on said tape for identifying the erroneously selected character.

5. In type setting apparatus of the character described the combination of selector means for producing a code indicative of each selected character, recording means connected to said selector means for recording of the selection codes on a record tape in the order of their selection, means connected to said selector means for determining the relative width of the selected character with respect to other characters of different widths, means for selecting a point set factor by which said relative width of each selected character is to be multiplied to determine the actual space occupied by each character in the line of composition, computer means having inputs from said relative width determining means and from said point set selecting means and arranged to represent the product thereof as a digital output, a line length accumulator counter receiving input spacing information from said computer means and arranged to total the actual spacing information received for summation of the space in the line to be occupied by the characters, the stages of said counter normally being connected to carry additively from a lower stage to a higher stage, manually controlled spacing means also connected to supply inputs of digital spacing information to said counter, and con trol means including reversing connections between said counter stages for causing said counter to count in reverse operating selectively from the same inputs from said computer and said manually controlled spacing means.

6, In typesetting apparatus of the character described, the combination of selector means for creating codes identifying selected characters forming lines of composition, recording means connected to said selector means for recording of the codes on a record tape, means connected to said selector means for determining the relative width of each selected character with respect to other characters of different widths, means for selecting a point set factor by which said relative width of each selected character is to be multiplied to determine the actual space occupied by each character in the line of composition, computer means having inputs from said width determining means and from said point set selecting means and adapted to represent the product thereof as a digital output, a line length accumulator counter receiving input spacing information from said computer and arranged to total the actual spacing information received therefrom, the stage of said counter normally being connected to carry additively from a lower stage to a higher stage, erasing control means including reversing connections between said counter stages for causing said counter to count in reverse operating from the same input connection to said computer, said erasing control being selectively operable to cause reverse operation of said counter for subtracting space previously added for an erroneously selected character by again selecting such character and computing the spacing information there for while said counter is connected for reverse operation, and means responsive to said erasing control to obliterate the character identification code placed on said tape for identifying the erroneously selected character.

7. In typesetting apparatus the combination of means for selecting a code identifying a desired character, means operable from said code selecting means to determine the relative space requirements of the selected character with respect to other characters of different relative size, means for selecting a point set factor by which the relative character size is multiplied to determine the actual width to be occupied by the character in a line of composition, computer means having inputs from said character space determining means and said point set factor selecting means and adapted to compute the actual spacing of a selected character and to represent such actual spacing by a digital output, a line accumulator counter connected to receive input spacing information from said computer and arranged to total the digital spacing information to maintain a continuous summation of the space in a line of composition occupied by the selected characters, said counter including a plurality of binary stages having normal forward cascade connections to carry from a lower stage to the next higher stage in response to a predetermined change of state of the lower stage, normally inoperative reversing cascade connections between said counter stages and adapted when closed to cause an opposite change of state of a lower stage to produce a carry into the next higher stage, and erasing control means connected to said cascade connections for opening said forward connections and closing said reverse connections to cause reverse operation of said counter for subtracting the space previously added as the result of an erroneously selected character by again selecting such character and computing its actual width while said counter is connected for reverse operation.

8. In phototypesetting apparatus of the character described, the combination of means responsive to the selection of a predetermined character in a line of composition to compute the actual space in said line to be occupied by the selected character and to represent such space by a digital output, means operative to form a coded record of selected characters in sequence, a binary line storage counter connected to receive said digital space information and including a plurality of stages having forward cascade connections arranged to carry from a lower stage to the next higher stage in response to a predetermined change of state of the lower stage as said digital information is received by said counter for each selected character, reversing cascade connections between said counter stage-s for causing an opposite change of state of a lower stage to produce a carry into the next higher stage, control means connected to said cascade connections for selectively causing reverse operation of said counter to subtract space previously added thereto, a kerning control connected to form a code record representing a kerning function, and selectively manually operable means for supplying a digital space code to the input of said counter in accordance with space to be subtracted for a kerning function while said control means maintains reverse connections in said counter.

9. In phototypesetting apparatus the combination of means for selecting a sequence of characters and interword spaces to make up lines of composition, means operable in response to said selecting means to compute the space to be allotted to each selected character at the time of its selection, said computing means having an output providing in digital form the space information for each selected character, a line length accumulator counter connected to receive said digital spacing information and arranged to total the spacing information to maintain a count representing the space in a line to be occupied by the characters, said counter including a plurality of stages having forward cascade connections to carry from a lower stage to the next higher stage, reversing cascade connections between said counter stages, control means for said cascade connections adapted to connect said stages alternatively through said forward and reverse connections to cause said counter to operate selectively in forward and reverse from the same digital input, manually controlled spacing means also connected to supply digital spacing information to said counter, and a reversing control connected to said control means for causing reverse operation of said counter to subtract space therefrom in accordance with additional digital inputs supplied from said computer and/ or said manually operable means.

10. In phototypesetting apparatus the combination of means for selecting a sequence of characters and interword spaces to make up lines of composition and for making a control record having an identification code for each character in the succession of selection thereof, means operable in response to said selecting means to compute the actual space to be allotted to each selected character at the time of its selection, said computing means having an output providing in digital form the space information for each selected character, a line length accumulator counter connected to receive said digital spacing information and arranged to total the spacing information to maintain a count representing the space in a line to be occupied by the characters, said counter including a plurality of binary stages having forward cascade connections to carry from a lower stage to the next higher stage, reversing cascade connections between said counter stages, switch control means for said cascade connections adapted to connect said stages alternatively through said forward and reverse connections to cause said counter to operate selectively in forward and reverse from the same digital information, manually controlled spacing means also connected to supply digital spacing information to said counter, and a reversing control connected to said switch control means for causing reverse operation of said counter to subtract space therefrom in accordance with additional digital inputs supplied from said computer and/or said manually operable means.

11. In phototypesetting apparatus the combination of means for selecting a sequence of characters, means operable in response to said selecting means to compute the actual space to be allotted to each character at the time of its selection, said computing means having an output providing in pulsed digital form the space information for each selected character, a line length accumulator counter connected to receive the spacing pulses and arranged to total the spacing information to maintain a count representing the space in a line to be occupied by the characters, said counter including a plurality of stages having forward cascade connections to carry from a lower stage to the next higher stage, reversing cascade connections between said counter stages, control means for said cascade connections adapted to connect said stages alternatively through said forward and reverse connections to cause said counter to operate selectively in forward and reverse from the same digital information, man ually controlled spacing means also connected to supply spacing pulses to said counter, and a reversing control connected to said control means for causing reverse operation of said counter to subtract space therefrom in accordance with digital inputs supplied from said computer and/ or said manually operable means subsequent to operation of said reversing control.

12. In typesetting apparatus the combination of means for selecting a code identifying a desired character, means operable from said code selecting means to determine the relative space requirements of the selected character with respect to other characters of different relative size, means for selecting a point set factor by which the relative character size is multiplied to determine the actual width to be occupied by the character in a line of composition, computer means having inputs from said character code selecting means and said point set factor selecting means and adapted to compute the actual spacing of a selected character and to represent such actual spacing of a selected character by a digital output, a line accumulator counter connected to respond to input spacing information from said computer and arranged to total the digital spacing information, visual output means operative by said counter providing a continuous summation of the space in a line of composition occupied by the selected characters, means for operating said counter in a normal forward carrying condition, normally inoperative reversing means adapted when actuated to cause said counter to subtract, a code corresponding to an erroneously selected character. and control means connected to disable said forward operating means to actuate said reversing means for subtract- References Cited by the Examiner ing space from said accumulator counter corresponding to UNITED STATES PATENTS the space previously computed for an erroneously selected 5 141842 8/1955 Heaven 95 4.5 character.

13. In apparatus as defined in claim 12, means forming 312L074 2/1964 O Brien 95-45 a record of each character identifying code in the order Of their selection, and means for erasing irorn the record MALCOLM MORRISON Primary Examiner

Claims (1)

1. APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A CODER RECORD USED TO CONTROL A TYPESETTING MACHINE, COMPRISING A KEYBOARD UNIT, AN ENCODING DEVICE OPERATED BY SAID KEYBOARD UNIT TO PRODUCE CHARACTER IDENTIFICATION CODES, RECORDING MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID ENCODING DEVICE TO PRODUCE A RECORD OF SUCH CHARACTER IDENTIFICATION CODES IN THE ORDER IN WHICH SUCH CODES ARE PRODUCED, A CHARACTER WIDTH COMPUTER INCLUDING MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID ENCODING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE UNIT WIDTH OF EACH SELECTED CHARACTER AND MEANS SELECTABLY OPERABLE ACCORDING TO THE DESIRED POINT SET OF THE CHARACTER TO MULTIPLY THE UNIT WIDTH OF EACH SELECTED CHARACTER BY A POINT SET FACTOR TO OBTAIN THE ACTUAL SPACE TO BE OCCUPIED BY EACH SELECTED CHARACTER, SAID COMPUTER BEING ARRANGED TO PRODUCE AN OUTPUT CORRESPONDING TO THE ACTUAL SPACE TO BE OCCUPIED IN A LINE OF PREDETERMINED LENGTH BY EACH CHARACTER, A REVERSIBLE LINE LENGTH ACCUMULATOR COUNTER OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID COMPUTER FOR NORMAL FORWARD OPERATION TOTALING THE SPACE INFORMATION COMPUTED FOR EACH CHARACTER TO MAINTAIN A COUNT REPRESENTING THE ACTUAL SPACE IN A LINE TO BE OCCUPIED BY THE SELECTED CHARACTERS, ERASING CONTROL MEANS OPERATIVE TO RUN SAID COUNTER ALTER-

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