FR2497152A1 - TYPOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

A. TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSITION SYSTEM INCLUDING SEVERAL USER TERMINALS THAT CAN BE CONNECTED TO A REMOTE CENTRAL OFFICE OF TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSITION THROUGH THE PUBLIC TELEPHONE NETWORK. B. EACH TERMINAL INCLUDES A DISPLAY OR VDU 3, AN INPUT KEYPAD 4 AND A FACSIMILE PRINTER 9. THE CENTRAL OFFICE INCLUDES A PHOTOCOMPOSITION PLANT 22, 23 AND A COMPUTER PROOF GENERATOR 24. ON A COMMAND ISSUED BY A USER, GENERATOR 24 TRANSMITS ON THE CONNECTED TELEPHONE LINE 6 SIGNALS THAT MAKE ACTION THE FACSIMILES PRINTER 9 LOCATED IN THE USER TERMINAL TO ESTABLISH A TEST IN THE FORM OF A HARD COPY OF THE IMAGE TYPOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERS INTRODUCED IN A MEMORY 28 OF THE COMPOSITION INSTALLATION BY THE USER. THIS FAC-SIMILAR TEST CAN BE OBTAINED BEFORE THE COMPOSING MACHINE 23 DEFINITELY COMPOSES THE CHARACTERS. C. COMMON TYPOGRAPHIC APPLICATION.

Description

2,497,152

  The present invention relates to typographic composition systems

  than using a computer typographic composition installation.

  Computer typographic typing systems are now well established, but many people and organizations, who could use the sophisticated systems available to advantage, are not able to afford the benefits of these systems. Examples include printers who do city work and others who are priced too high or who do not have enough work to justify the purchase of a direct dialing machine. still those whose work does not adapt to the limited possibilities of a machine to

direct entry.

  Some composition offices have been established and although some

  of them provide remote entrance access to the user's premises.

  they can not see the results of their efforts before the end

  of the composition. The reason is, in large part, the lack of a possibility

  correction on local and fast test. And the main purpose of the invention

  tion is to overcome this disadvantage of existing systems. According to the invention

  a composition system comprises a composition input terminal at the user, comprising a display screen and a keyboard connected by a connection means to a computer composition installation which includes a computer proof generator and a facsimile printer associated with the

  input terminal, the user-controlled proof generator, trans-

  putting on the means of connection to the facsimile printer signals intended to activate it to perform a test, in the form of

  of hard copy, images of the composition characters introduced before

  in a memory of the installation by the user, who can then

  give the right to print or edit or edit the text as needed and

  kill an appropriate update of the memory, before the composer makes the composition. The proof-corrected text stored in the memory can be composed in real time or stored in a memory block for later composition. The terms "character" and "text" must be understood in their broadest sense and are not limited in particular to alphanumeric characters. For example, terms used include displays

  graphics, stenograms. In the description below, the term "test"

  two-sided, appropriately qualified; thus, a "facsimile" proof is an exact representation of the characters to be composed whereas a "proof-text" is simply the text as it could be read for example

by a line printer.

  Preferably, the terminal of the user is a terminal of

  Smart Viewdata for two purposes, to allow its use, when not in composition mode, with the Prestel or other system

  "Viewdata" established and / or with a "Viewdata" system forming part of the

  tion. Preferably, the user terminal can also operate outside of

  line as an independent apparatus comprising data and programs stored locally, these additional programs being available, as needed, from a central composition office. The connection between the user terminal and the dialing installation is preferably provided by the public telephone network, in which case the terminal may comprise a

  automatic number redial system.

  The user terminal preferably includes, or may be expanded to include, floppy drive and additional memory

  allowing the use of software called "Telesoftware", an extension of

  may include an audio cassette for the temporary storage of data relating to "Viewdata" images and for temporary storage of local text being prepared. An audio-to-frequency output intended to be connected to the printer of the data will normally be provided, and the terminal

  can feed a printer (normally a printer called "daisywheel").

  The composition installation may include a "Viewdata" system

  constituting the front end of the installation and providing two main functions

  cipales; first as a standard "Viewdata" system for sending information

  users to user terminals and secondly to operate in "transparent" or "pass" mode to allow the user to dialogue "through" the Viewdata system with the dialing system behind. The Viewdata system can be associated with software that provides self-instruction programs to the user that could be one of several

  users share the installation and each has its own terminal.

  Thus, the overall system might interest not only people who already have specific knowledge of the composition but also those who are

  ready to learn using a self-study program.

  In this way the user can not only benefit from the composi-

  provided by a system according to the invention based on the use of a smart Viewdata terminal, but it can use the terminals for other commercial functions - such as access "Prestel", word processing

  and commercial accounting. These possibilities make the system beautiful.

  more interesting for small printers whose work of composi-

  could not otherwise justify the costs involved, although these costs

  the purchase of a dial-input dialing machine

  rect. An embodiment of the present invention is hereinafter described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings which schematically illustrate a user terminal and the photocomposition installation of a typical office composition system in accordance with FIG. the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1 represents the user terminal; and - Figure 2 shows the office composition facility

central.

  This system is designed especially for users such as small

  commercial printers who do not have their own composition system.

  Other users than the system according to the invention could interest

  include larger printers needing a retrieval.

  composers seeking the refinement provided by the composing facility used and the advertising agencies wishing to compose their own texts. Large companies with a design office using dry transfer lettering could also use advantageously

this system.

  The user terminal shown in FIG. 1 is an intelligent "Viewdata" terminal for two-purpose dialing. It essentially comprises a central microprocessor 1, an associated memory 2 (typically 64 K bytes

  available memory of at least 48 K are contiguous, which is a

  required for CAP Telesoftware software), a tube display

  cathode or VDU 3, an input keyboard 4, a modem 5 connecting the microproces-

  I to a line of the telephone network 6 to connect the terminal used

  at the central office facility shown in FIG. 2, an automatic number calling unit 7 and, connected to the telephone line so as to be able to operate alternately, a loudspeaker or handset.8 and

  facsimile printer 9. In addition, two sets can be provided.

  10, a "daisywheel" printer 11 and an audio cassette unit 12. The VDU 3 normally provides a monochrome display, but it can be provided

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  an adapter 13, shown in phantom in FIG.

display a color display.

  The interface between the screen and the microprocessor 1 can control the cathode ray tube according to two selectable software standards, namely the British standard "Viewdata" of 40 characters / lines, 24 lines including graphics and characters double height or 80 characters / lines, -24 lines (possibly with groups of alternative characters 14) that can be used alternately during operation in the composition mode. The "Viewdata" section of the terminal providing various functions and including for example a low speed modem as an integral part with

  automatic number app.el using units 5 and 7 described above

  above. The audio cassette unit 12 for local data storage is controlled by this section and the PTT requirement of an audio-frequency output for the speaker o the handset 8 is, as already noted , used to alternately send the output to the facsimile printer 9. The

  the possibility of automatic number calling also meets the

  these PTTs, including the mandatory remote programming of the terminal number and the telephone number, with remote interrogation of the terminal number. The storage interface at microprocessor level 1 can support

  two sets of 10 to 1/4 M byte soft disks.

  The input keyboard 4 includes numeric keys of the kind of

  those used in telephony and a touch of erasure and drafting

  through a lock, thus also responding to

  Prestel requirements. A QWERTY keyboard is provided with various keys.

  additional steps required for dialing operations, classical keyboard

  that will not be described further, ensuring a typographic layout

  which meets the main requirements of Viewdata and composition.

  The photocomposition facility shown in Figure 2 is

  connected to the telephone line 6 via a modem 20 and

  essentially takes a Viewdata 21 system, a composition system 22, 23 and a computer proof generator 24. The modem 20 can be switched, by means of a switch 25, so that the telephone line 6 can be connected either at the entry of the Viewdata system 21 for Viewdata reception or interactive composition, or at the output of the proof generator 24 when the user wishes to obtain a facsimilated proof of the characters that have been

  introduced and stored in the memory of the proof generator.

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  The Viewdata 21 system is of a substantially standard form, adapting

  The main purpose of using it with the system of the invention is in the possibility of operating in transparent or passing mode when the user selects the dialing mode at the terminal. Other necessary adaptations will be obvious to those skilled in the art as well as the necessary software that does not fall within the scope of the invention. The system

  Viewdata 21 includes its own disk memory 26 (which may have typical

  10 M bytes) and is associated with a printer 27. This printer can be used, under the control of the system 21, to perform other tasks. For example, it can print invoices, etc., all the imputation functions being provided by the system 21, which is programmed to

  billed at the appropriate rates according to the benefits provided when the

  The user functions in a Viewdata mode as well as the composi-

  when the user terminal is in composition mode and the

  fees for any event provided. The printer 27 may further be used

  to automatically print address labels for the purpose of sending the user concerned, by post or by any other means,

definitely composed.

  The composition system is of the V Linotype-Paul system type comprising

  a computer 22, which is constituted in this case by a computer Prime

  associated, in general, with a 10 or 60 megabyte disk

  The terminal 29 and the printer 30 are associated with the computer 22 in a conventional manner. The composition system also comprises the composing machine

  said, 23 which in the installation described is materialized by a machine

  China Linotype-Paul type 202 photocomposition camera.

  When a user terminal operates in dialing mode, the computer 22 generates the appropriate input signals to the dialing machine 23, these signals being stored locally in the memory 28. When the central office provides an archive service, the signals can be stored in this memory, the appropriate information relating to the archive load being developed by the system 21. However, when an archive service is provided, this is normally done in preference to using another disk memory (not shown) provided specifically for this purpose, which leaves the entire capacity of the memory 21 available for short-term storage; for example, the charge on the composition may

  include free storage in the memory 28 for a week, for example

  ple. In this case, when the user extracts the stored text for display on his terminal screen, it preferably has a mention specifying

  how much free storage time remains. Users can change

  at will the signals stored in the composition system 22, 28 and, when receiving a "final composition" or "test composition" command sent by the user terminal, the signals are returned to the

machine 23.

  The signals stored in the system 22, 28 are introduced into the system.

  computer test editor 24, which is a custom-made apparatus for purposes of this system but is also based on the Prime 100 computer in this case. The signals are sent to the computer 24 via the machine. 23 when receiving a "transmit proof facsimile" command from the user terminal, a control signal from the computer 22 controlling the appropriate switch 25 to connect the

  output of the generator 24 to the telephone line 6 concerned. Signals

  sent to the challenge generator 24 are converted into the memory into a challenge image and are sent, by the switch 25 and the interconnected telephone line 6, in a form suitable for operating the facsimile printer in the user terminal. link. This printer produces

  then a hard copy of the image or images of characters such as

  posed by the user, who is then able to approve it or

  reshape the characters before giving the command signal "compose the

  Once the facsimile signals have been transmitted, a signal from the generator 24 actuates the connected switch 25 to cut off the connection between the generator output and the telephone line. proof, text or other input material stored in memory 28, which material may be further modified and / or revised before it is finally composed

  (or recomposed) by the dialing machine 23 or corrected on a facsimi-

  (or corrected) by the proof generator24. In this case, the signals

  stored in the system 22, 28 are retransmitted back directly by the

  Viewdata 21 system, switch 25 and telephone line 6. This proof of text can be displayed on VDU 3 and / or a hard copy

  can be established by the printer (Figure 1).

  Conventionally, the dialing machine 23 comprises circuits

  of calculation / conversion and a cathode / photographic tube section, the first

  the latter, and converting the input signals

  from the computer 22 into appropriate coordinate control signals,

  means for controlling the cathode ray tube for displaying the image

  compound characters. Although this composing machine can be used

  In order to compose the characters in real time, it is envisaged that in general the possibilities of this machine will be fully exploited during

  normal working hours by ensuring the necessary entry of the epoxy generator.

  24. Thus, the approved characters will be stored in memory 28 until they are dialed at a more convenient time, for example at the time of writing.

lunch or evening.

  The system just described uses a photo installation

  Linotype-Paul type composition which is a good example illustrating the techno-

  Modern software currently available for use in a system

  according to the invention. However, it is easy to see that, although the photo-

  composition is preferred at present for the available technology.

  future embodiments of the invention could make use of

  various computer composition techniques currently under study and

  to be marketed in the future. In addition, although the VDU 3 has a large display screen for example to display an entire page of text, it could as well provide a screen showing for example that a

single line of text.

Claims (10)

  1. Typographic composition system including a terminal   composition input device, having a display screen and an input keyboard, connected by a link to a computer typographic composition installation, characterized in that the typographic composition installation comprises a generator of computer proofs (24) and that a facsimile printer (9) is associated with the input terminal, the proof generator   serving, on a command issued by the user, to transmit via the   connection of the signals (5) to the facsimile printer (9) with the signals which use it to establish a hard-copy proof of the image or images of composite characters previously introduced into a memory (28). of the installation by the user, who then has the option of approving the proof or modifying or writing the text to the extent necessary and performing an appropriate update of the memory before   the dialing machine (23) permanently dials the characters.   2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the user terminal is constituted by a smart terminal Viewdata composition   for two purposes, allowing it to be used when it is not in composi-   with a Prestel system or other established Viewdata system and / or with a   Viewdata system that is part of the installation.   3. System according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the user terminal can operate offline as   independent unit with data and programs stored locally.   4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the terminal   user can operate offline as a word processor.   5. System according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the programs stored locally are available according to the needs   in a central office where the composition facility is located.   6. System according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the user terminal comprises or may be expanded to include flexible disk assemblies (10) and additional memory   (2) allowing the use of software of the "Telesoftware" type.   7. System according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the composition facility includes a Viewdata system   constituting the front end of the installation and providing two main functions   the first to serve as a standard Viewdata system to provide information to a user at the user terminal and secondly to operate in "Pass" mode to allow the user   dialogue through the Viewdata system with the dialing system killed behind this one.   8. System according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the system composition system comprises separate sections of calculation and composition, the calculation section being associated with a disk memory while the composition section provides the input signals of the proof generator to computer when she receives   a "transmit proof" command from the user.   9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the   signals sent by the composing unit to the ordi-   are converted by the latter into a test image in memory and are de-   delivered in a form suitable for directly controlling the facsimile printer to obtain, at the user terminal, a hard copy of the image   or images of composed characters.   10. System according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized   in that the connection between the user terminal and the composition installation is connected alternately to the input of the installation or to the   output of the computer proof generator through a switching   which, for the transmission of facsimile test signals, receives circuit signals from the computer system   composition and out-of-circuit signals from the test generator ves.