GB1164651A - Data Coder and Input Device - Google Patents

Abstract

1,164,651. Data encoders. BOLT, BERANEK & NEWMAN Inc. 29 June, 1967, No. 30137/67. Heading G4H. A data encoder includes a track movable along a table 14 (Fig. 1) in one direction x and a cursor 18 movable along the track in a direction perpendicular to the first direction y, coders encoding the x and y co-ordinates of the cursor. In the embodiment described in which the table has either a two-dimensional matrix 26 on it or the image of such a matrix projected on to it, the track comprises a pair of rails 16 mounted upon trucks 46, 48 (Fig. 2) which ride on rollers (50, 52, Fig. 4 (not shown)). The trucks are interconnected by cables (54, 56). The truck 46 carries a brush block (170, Fig. 3, not shown) which as it moves contacts a code card (45<SP>1</SP>) having conducting and non-conducting areas arranged in e.g. reflected binary or Gray code. Cables 32, 38 (Fig. 2) linking the cursor 18 and a second brush block 30 are such that as the cursor moves in one direction the brush block moves in the opposite direction contacting a further code card 44. A button 22 may be pressed when read out of the cursor position is required. The apparatus may be used for preparing patients' orders in a hospital in which case the signals are fed to a computer.