A scanning encoder comprises a code-generating means such as a binary counter which directly outputs a desired code to a decoder which produces a pulsed output which is unique to each of a sequence of asynchronous events. The decoder output signals are coupled to an event indicator which indicates the happening of any given event in the sequence. In an application to a data input keyboard the closure of a given key provides a conducting path whereby the decoder pulse for the corresponding code is directed as an enable signal to a register. Application of the enable signal to the register permits entry of the corresponding code from the counter through the register to a data output terminal. A shift means is provided to manipulate selected data bits to obtain for example upper and lower case characters or the like.
A plurality of key switches are provided, each of which is connected, at one end, to the ground, and at the other end, to a power supply, by means of a resistor. The key switches are coupled, at the connection point with the resistor, to input buffers. Each input buffer outputs an electrical signal when the corresponding key switch is turned on. A counter circuit is provided for counting clock signals supplied from a CPU at predetermined intervals. The output data of this counter circuit is supplied to selectors, which select one of the input buffers, in accordance with the output data of the counter circuit, and supply the output signal of the selected input buffer to the CPU.
A digital encoding keyboard apparatus based on the use of a series of switches arrayed in a matrix configuration is disclosed, together with circuitry for scanning, detecting, shifting, preventing multiple detection, and encoding an output.
Non-destructive testing system in which a laser beam is impinged on an oscillating mirror to produce on a surface of a part a scanning spot moved in forward and reverse scan directions while the part is moved in a transverse direction. Photocell means respond to light from the surface of the part to develop defect-indicating information signals which are applied through band-pass filter and analog gate means to a main memory comprising a plurality of serially connected LSI shift-register units, the outputs of which are applied to shift-register sections of an auxiliary memory, each section comprising a plurality of stages. The stages of the auxiliary memory are connected to decoder circuitry including parallel to serial converters and pre-settable counters, to develop output signals in response to predetermined patterns. Clock signals for the memory are also applied to a sweep generator which generates a staircase signal applied to a drive system for the oscillating mirror.
The disclosure relates to a remote terminal card reader-imprinter facility which is connectable to a central facility via telephone lines or the like. The remote terminal scans information set into the scanner including the information on a coded card upon command and transmits same to the central facility, the reader-imprinter providing a printing operation only upon receipt of predetermined information from the central facility. The scanner includes the features of checking all positions to be scanned prior to scanning to locate a faulty circuit such as a ground. The scanner further includes a circuit wherein at least one indicia switch must be moved from a position in which it was set during a prior scan before the scanner can be activated. Furthermore, an error detector is provided at the scanner output which counts the number of characters transmitted and provides a retransmit signal in the event the proper number of characters has not been transmitted to the output. The disclosure also includes a multiplexer for use with a plurality of remote terminals for transmitting information from the remote terminals to the central facility.
