US3680075A

US3680075A - System for composition of symbols

Info

Publication number: US3680075A
Application number: US34232A
Authority: US
Inventors: Cedric F O'donnell; Richard C Platzek; James S Sweeney
Original assignee: North American Rockwell Corp
Current assignee: Boeing North American Inc
Priority date: 1970-05-04
Filing date: 1970-05-04
Publication date: 1972-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 1989-07-25
Also published as: DE2218075A1

Abstract

A system for composition of symbols in inclusive of a first means for scanning a plurality of the symbols simultaneously. The system comprises a second means which is responsive to the first means for imaging the scanning of all the symbols simultaneously and for sensing the scanned symbols. The system also provides for a third means which includes a computer system and which is in communication with the second means for automatically selecting the symbols in a predetermined order and placing the symbols in predetermined locations thereby enabling a preselected composition of the symbols to be created. A fourth means is in communication with the third means for permanently recording the composition on a permanent medium. Symbols may be alternatively injected by a fifth means into the computer portion of the third means by utilization of a manual keyboard.

Description

ited States Patent ODonnell et a]. [4 July 25, 1972 [s41 SYSTEM FOR COMPOSITION OF 3,336,497 8/1967 Osborne ..340/324 A x SYMBOLS 3,336,498 8/1967 Castanera ..340/324 A X 3,349,172 [0 i967 Mauchel.... ..340 324 A X [721 lnvemm P 3,s0s,24s 451910 Purdy et al ........3' t0/324 A Platzelt, Whittier; James S. Sweeney, Beach Primary Examiner-David L. Timon [73] Assignee: North American Rockwell Corporation Attorney-L. Lee Humphries, H. Fredrick Hamann, Edward 22 Filed: May 4, 1910 and 21 Appl. No.: 34,232 [51] ABSTRACT A system for composition of symbols in inclusive of a first [5 2] U.S. Cl. ..340/324 A, 95/45 R, l78/6.7 R, means for scanning a plurality of the symbols simultaneously. 340/173 LM The system comprises a second means which is responsive to [51] Int. Cl. ..G06i 3/14 the first means for imaging the scanning of all the symbols [58] Field of Sear h 3 0/ 173 M, 173 simultaneously and for sensing the scanned symbols. The 340/ l 3 L 5/ R system also provides for a third means which includes a computer system and which is in communication with the second References Cmd means for automatically selecting the symbols in a predetermined order and placing the symbols in predetermined loca- UNITED STATES PATENTS tions thereby enabling a preselected composition of the sym- 2,59S,646 5/l952 Doba et al ..340/324 A X bols to be created. A fourth means is in communication with 2,830,235 9 Da is 6! al- ....340/ I73 L X the third means for permanently recording the composition on 3,099,320 1963 Kelchledgem ----3 L X a permanent medium. Symbols may be alternatively injected 3,102,998 9/1963 Staehler ....340/1 73 LM by a means into the computer portion of the third means 3, l 82,5 74 5/1965 Fleisher El 3|. 95/4.5 by utilization ofa manual keyboard, 3,273,476 9/1966 Haynes ..l78/6.7 X 3,324,346 6/ i967 Stone ..340/324 A X 16 Claims, 10 [having Flgures SCAN-SYNC gl oeo cm 52 ,l;

rzn- 5| 4| m 72b 40 ,sggrg SYMBOL SELECTOR MAKING CHANNEL] MEANS CHANNEL 2 l5 CHANNEL I x- P tame mm a. mama 2 CHANNEL 2 t CH CMNNE I I7 "cl'iblis BUFFER I 3u'|=r"qw|rs l gaw In??? y ORDER. swoon. wmuu. r. .QFB fi COORDINATES H msmoav AND mum-:1. 2 can swans: mrur or gegggp 2 ID COMPUTER 23 "AMML W K 0m W MW: 22 21 PATENTEJUL 25 972 SHEET 1 OF 4 P'ATENTEMmzs I972 FIG sum u or 4 YES YES

STOP

CEDRIC F. O'DONE RICHARD C. PLATZEK BY JAMES S. SWEENEY AGENT SYSTEM FOR COMPOSITION OF SYMBOLS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention The invention relates to automated symbol composition by an optical-electronic means utilizing a method for scanning all symbols simultaneously and in accordance with a predetermined program and symbol order to command a computer to arrange the symbols in desired fashion for obtaining the required composition of the symbols.

2. Prior Art The development and widespread application of the digital computer has spurred the development of terminal display equipment which presents the operator with the computer output data. The data usually consists of alpha numeric data although the special symbols associated with computer generated maps, electronic drawings, aircraft plans, automobile design graphic arts are requiring masses increases in symbol capacity.

The oldest method is one where the symbols are generated by the formation of lissajous patterns by a repetitive electronic generator. Positioning the symbol on the display is essentially independent of the symbol generator. The disadvantages of this method are that each symbol will require a separate electronic generator and the generation time may be different for each symbol and changing a symbol repertoire requires changing of the associated symbol generator circuitry.

A second symbol generation method is similar to the lissajous method but depends upon the selection of stored stroke commands in such a time sequence that a symbol is generated. This approach is quite flexible and yields a symbol of excellent graphics quality. The stroke method is particularly suited to symbols composed of straight line segments. However, curved lines introduce considerable complexity into both the addressing and generation timing. This approach therefore requires extensive buffer storage and refresh memory and is suitable primarily for displays requiring a limited number of symbols, 300 500 symbols/second.

Another form of symbol generation utilizes electronic function generators which in conjunction with the horizontal and vertical deflection sweep signals are used to develop an on-off intensity modulation signal in raster scan video. The disadvantages of symbols generated in this way are that they are dependent upon the raster scan properties of the display. Each character will require the fabrication of a complex electronic function generator and will require a new design for a new symbol. Symbols written using circular or diagonal elements are quite difficult to instrument. The number of symbols available is literally dependent upon the number of function generators provided. The precision of symbol positioning is not high since the limit is reached as a function of sweep linearity, raster stability and timing accuracy. This is generally a flexible but expensive methodology.

Another method of symbol generation uses a direct electronic analogue of the symbol where a symbol font is selected and read out directly. These systems provide about 5,000 10,000 characters per second. However, the symbols are difficult to change since a new font is constantly required. As a general rule, each symbol is generated on a serial basis as opposed to simultaneous generation.

A number of patents have been issued in this field but all have one detriment or another insofar as high speed automatic composition is concerned.

A patent for a Character Generator System, U. S. Pat. No. 3,324,346, although utilizing a cathode ray tube scanner of a font of characters, scans only a portion of the font rather than the entire font with the result that all characters are not made simultaneously available for rapid electronic selection and composition.

A patent for a Cathode Ray Tube Display and Printer Controlled by Coded Mask, U. S. Pat. No. 3,226,706 utilizes a flying spot scanner in conjunction with a mask on which characters are encoded in a digital format rather than utilizing a transparency of the actual character. Additionally, this patent too suffers from lack of making all characters simultaneously available for selection.

A patent for a Modified Optical system for Off-Axis F lying- Spot Scanners, U. S. Pat. No. 2,984,750 has a cathode ray scanner but employs mask-blades for maintaining equal light intensity over a scan period. This invention is directed principally to maintaining color balance and is not addressed to making available a plurality of characters simultaneously for automated selection and composition thereof.

A patent for Selective lndicia Production, U. S. Pat. No. 2,907,018 shows a character generator system utilizing three cathode ray tubes. Two of the cathode ray tubes are used to provide horizontal and vertical scan of two matrices and a third cathode ray tube is used to display the character generator. The basic principle used in this patent is the lissajous pattern generation hereinabove stated rather than raster scan generation.

A patent for a Character Synthesizer, U. S. Pat. No. 2,754,360 although using a flying spot scanner, the system only generates one character at a time from one lens and hence does not make a plurality of characters available simultaneously for rapid selection and composition.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The invention to be described here is unique in that any and all symbols desired are electronically available at all times. All symbols are generated simultaneously and symbol selections are very simple. A cathode ray tube system with deflection, blanking, and synchronization electronics generates a constant raster pattern. The raster pattern selected contains a number of lines consistent with the symbol quality desired (usually about 24 lines). This pattern is viewed by each element of a matrix lens array, each element of the matrix corresponding to a symbol of a matrix of symbols referred to herein as a font matrix.

The light rays emitted by the scanning cathode ray tube beam are imaged by a lens matrix on the symbol mask. Where the mask is transparent, the light rays will energize the photosensitive element behind the mask. This electronic symbol will then provide a line of video corresponding to the line of scan as modulated by the transparent sections of the symbol. The selection of the symbol to be displayed consists then simply of closing an electronic switch thereby passing only the scanned symbol selected from a particular photosensitive element.

Synchronizing line scan sweep signals are provided by driving the scan cathode ray tube and composing cathode ray tubes with the scan-sync-sweep generator. The symbol is positioned at its proper location on the face of the composing cathode ray tubes by coordinates automatically produced by the data stored and acted thereon by the computer routines utilized. The input format program provides the symbol selection signal and the symbol position information. The symbol position information is fed to the composing cathode ray tubes through a computer system.

All symbols of a matrix font, are generated simultaneously and matrix fonts as desired may be readily interchanged in the system. In addition to the increased number of symbols providedfin a font matrix, and the different symbols required and made possible by this invention, an advantage offered is that the output scan rate of symbols match or exceed that of the digital computer to avoid excessive computer stand-by time, and to have symbols ready for computer processing when a time-shared computer system is utilized.

in stipulating the advantages of this invention over prior art, it may be summarized briefly as a system for composition of symbols, having a group of subsystems which are comprised of first means of scanning a plurality of said symbols simultaneously, second means responsive to said first means for imaging the scanning of all said symbols simultaneously and for sensing the scanned symbols, and third means including computer programmed equipment, computer programs and a digital computer in communication with said second means for providing automatic selection of the symbols in a predetermined order and placing said symbols in predetermined locations thereby enabling a preselected composition of said symbols.

The system also includes fourth means which retains at least one plate therein, and which is in communication with the third means for permanently recording the composition on at least one plate in the fourth means.

The system also may have a fifth means as an input to said third means for providing a manual input of said symbols in a predetermined order, said third means providing the locations of the symbols inputted from said fifth means for also enabling said preselected composition of said symbols.

The system for composition of symbols, may be operatively stated by the sequential steps of: (l) scanning a plurality of said symbols simultaneously; (2) imaging said symbols simultaneously; (3) preselecting any of the imaged symbols; (4) positioning the preselected imaged symbols in a predetermined composed order; (5) displaying the composed symbols, and/or (6) transferring the display of the composed symbols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. I is a schematic of a system for automatic composition of symbols in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the font matrix storage subsystem utilized as a component portion of the system for automatic composition of symbols, and including a lens matrix, a font matrix assembly, and a photodetection as sembly. The photodetection assembly is arranged to have as many individual photodetectors as are available in the font matrix assembly and is in registration with each symbol corresponding to a specific photodetector.

FIG. 3 is an inverse elevation plan view of the font matrix assembly utilized as a component portion of the font matrix storage subsystem.

FIG. 4 is the lens matrix assembly, analogous to a flys eye or equivalent lens system, which has a plurality of lenses, each lens allocated to specifically align and register with one of the symbols of the font matrix assembly.

FIG. 5 is an optical schematic displaying a single line scan of the video scan tube or flying spot scanner and showing how that single line scan is imaged by all the individual lens elements of the lens matrix, thereby reproducing the scanned line in all the individual lens elements simultaneously.

FIG. 6 shows two symbols of the font matrix and an example where those symbols are scanned by three different scan lines at three different horizontal locations of the symbols. The symbols are viewed from the direction of the face of the video scan tube.

FIG. 7 shows the electrical output pulses obtained when the flying spot scanner scans at the top-most scan line location of the symbols. The electrical output pulses indicate the passing of light through specific portions of the symbol. Consequently no pulses will be present where the background of the symbol is opaque to light.

FIG. 8 shows the electrical output pulses obtained when the flying spot scanner scans with the second scan line in the center location of the symbols.

FIG. 9 shows the electrical output pulses obtained when the flying spot scanner scans at the lower-most scan line location of the symbols.

FIG. 10 is a computer program in flowchart format showing the computer routines utilized when the system for automatic composition of the symbols requires a plurality of output channels so as to automatically provide at least two different compositions or a multiplicity of the same composition simultaneously.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT Theory O Operation The number of symbols that can be simultaneously presented for selection is a function of the slowest operating component in the system. Typical operating periods of the critical system components and other related parameters are given in Table 1 below:

The phosphor decay time is defined to be the time necessary for the phosphor brightness to decay to 30 percent of the original brightness, since each resolution element must be spaced sufiiciently far apart in time that the phosphor excitation from the previous trace has decayed to a level that will not excite the photodetector at the time that the scanning beam passes through the next aperture. A conservative estimate indicates that this decay time will be in the region of 0.1 X 10 seconds if video thresholding is employed.

The time required to scan a frame or a symbol, in accordance with this invention and all the symbols in the font matrix, since all such symbols are simultaneously imaged and scanned, is given by the equation:

where T,= symbol scan time in seconds/symbol T, phosphor of CRT decay time to the 30 percent level in seconds/resolution element N,= number of resolution elements/line N number of lines/symbol 1 retrace time internal to the cathode ray tube in seconds/symbol Utilizing the typical numbers assigned in Table l:

T,= 67.75 X 10" seconds/symbol Hence, the number of symbols per second for the system under the typical values assigned are:

N l/T,= [4,800 symbols/seconds.

In order to avoid flicker due to the optical components used, a repetition rate of the scan of 30 cycles per second is required. Therefore, the total number of symbol rate possible for a single display is:

S, N/Repetition Rate 14,800/ 30 490 symbols/second.

The scanner cathode ray tube does not need to be accurate in any way wince it is used only as a time sampling exposure device. The position accuracy of the symbol then is a function of the position accuracy of the display cathode ray tube system.

An inexpensive electro-optical system employing a cathode ray tube exposure system generates all symbols simultaneously. All symbols for display are selected uniquely by a digital process and displayed on a remote cathode ray tube far more rapidly than any existing symbol generator.

Further, the generator system can drive as many separate display units as desired, each with a separate format. The

number of symbols to be used may be easily changed and the insertion of special font matrices unique to a particular user is possible. In this system, there is no limit to the symbol configuration to be employed. The quality of the reproduced symbol is essentially dictated by the choice of the user since the greater the number of scan lines per symbol, the greater will be the quality of the composition on the CRT display tube, although done at the expense of reducing the symbol rate. Interrelationships of Component Portions of the System Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a system for automatic composition of symbols is displayed in schematic form. This system utilizes among other things a digital computer of which main memory and related circuits of the digital computer are shown at 10. This system will be discussed in relationship to providing two data input channels. Data input means' for channel l is shown at 11. Input means 11 comprises a source for data storage inclusive of symbolic order of the data and required symbol locations. Input means 11 is shown connected to OR logic gate 13. It is to be appreciated that the data as stored in connection with means 11, could be manually inputted into the system by means of manual data keyboard 17 for channel 1. Keyboard input 17 hence would be connected to OR gate 13, the output of OR gate 13 being connected to main memory of the digital computer.

Data input means for channel 2 is shown at 21. Input means 21 comprises a source for data storage inclusive of symbolic order of data and required symbol locations. Input means 21 is shown connected to OR logic gate 23. It is to be appreciated that the data as stored in connection with means 21 could be manually inputted into the system by means of manual data keyboard 27 for channel 2. Keyboard 27 hence would be connected to OR gate 23, the output of OR gate 23 being connected to main memory 10 of the digital computer.

Therefore, data storage means 11 or 21 are in input relationship to the computer means for storing symbol data in said computer means, said computer means including symbol posi tioning means and symbol selection means for automatically directing execution of the functions of the systems.

Computer routine input means for channel 1 is shown at 12, the output thereof being connected to the input of main memory 10. Computer routine input means for channel 2 is shown at 22, the output thereof being connected to the input of main memory 10.

The output of main memory 10 is connected to the input channel 1 buffer circuits and amplifiers of the computer as at 14. Likewise, the output of main memory 10 is connected to the input of channel 2 buffer circuits and amplifiers of the computer as at 24.

The output of buffer 14 is connected to the input of symbol selector 15 for channel 1 of the computer. Also, another output of buffer 14 is connected to the input of X-Y symbol positioner 16 of channel 1 of the computer.

The output of buffer 24 is connected to the input of symbol selector 25 for channel 2 of the computer. Also, another output of buffer 24 is connected to the input of X-Y symbol positioner 26 of channel 2 of the computer.

The third means as above stated, includes means 15 and 25 for providing selection of at least one of the plurality of symbols, and means 12, 22, 10, 16, and 26 for determining the proper symbol position of the preselected composition of the symbols.

A sweep generator is shown at 30 for providing inputs to the flying spot scanning subsystem and to the cathode ray tube display system, for synchronizing the scanning sweep with the display sweep.

One output of sweep generator 30 is thereby connected to the input of video scan circuit as at 31. The outputs of scan circuits at 31 are connected to the input of scanner tube 32. The video scan circuits are conventional as might be common to a television scanner and hence need not be discussed.

Therefore, as above stated, the first means includes, video scan circuits 31, and a video scan tube 32.

Font matrix storage system is shown at 40 in spatial relationship with the respect to the face of scan tube 32. System 40 is comprised of font matrix 41, positioned between lens matrix assembly 33 and photodetection assembly 51. It is appreciated that in any specific font matrix one may have one-hundred or more symbols, but for convenience of illustration only four symbols such as 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d have been depicted in the illustrated font matrix 41. Corresponding to those symbols are

individual photodetectors

52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d. Also corresponding to those symbols are corresponding

lens elements

32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d of lens assembly 33.

Photodetection assembly 51 is comprised of transparent support structure 53 for mounting the

individual photodetectors sensors

52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d thereon. Photodetector 52a output is electrically connected to the input of the electronic switch 62a and to input of electronic switch 72a. Photodetector sensor 52b output is electrically connected to the input of the electronic switch 62b and to the input of the electronic switch 7212. Sensor 52c output is electrically connected to the input of the electronic switch 62c and to the input of the electronic switch 72c. Sensor 52d output is electrically connected to the input of the electronic switch 62d and to the input of electronic switch 72d.

The output of the symbol selector 15 for channel 1 has individual outputs to each of the

switches

62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d for the purpose of closing any of those switches upon proper computer command. The output of the symbol selector 25 for channel 2 has individual outputs to each of the

switches

72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d for the purpose of closing any of those switches upon proper computer command.

All outputs of

switches

62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d are electrically connected together and fed into the input of video view circuits 81 for channel 1. The outputs of

switches

72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d are all electrically connected together and fed into the input of video view circuits 91 for channel 2.

The third means also includes switch means 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, 72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d comprising a plurality of switches and connected between the sensing matrix and video display means for providing selectability of any of said plurality of symbols in accordance with the sequence of activation of any of the switches of said switch means.

The switch means is responsive to commands issued by said symbol selection means for selection of any of said symbols.

The output of X-Y symbol positioner 16 is connected to the input of video view circuits 81 of channel 1. Similarly the output of )(Y symbol positioner 26 is connected to the input of video view circuits 91 for channel 2.

The output of sweep scanner synchronizer 30 is connected to the inputs of

video view circuits

81 and 91 for synchronizing the video sweeps displayed on the respective cathode ray display tubes with the sweep provided by scanner tube 32.

Finally, the output of the video view circuits 8] are connected to cathode ray display tube 82 for channel 1. Similarly, the output of video view circuits 91 are connected to cathode ray display tube 92 for channel 2.

Hence, the third means includes video view circuit means 81 and 91, video display tube means 82 and 92, and synchronizing means 30 connected to the video scan circuits and to the video view circuit means for synchronizing the scanning of the video scan tube with the video display tube means. Hence, displays as composed on the face of

display tubes

82 and 92 will be photographed or otherwise optically transferred to plates or photograph making means 83a, 83b, 93a or 93b provided respectively in composing plate or photography means 83 or 93 of channels 1 and 2, respectively.

It should be noted that an auxiliary computer storage means is inherent to and may be part of digital computer 10, so that data can be transferred from main core memory to the auxiliary storage as desired, or upon composition of a given set of symbols in readiness for being called upon to display the composition on particular display tubes 82 and/or 92.

The fourth means will be comprised of

means

83 and 93 retaining at least one plate therein such as 83a, 83b, or 93a,

93b, in communication with the third means for permanently recording the preselected composition on said at least one plate.

The plurality of plates 83a, 83b, 93a, 93b may be identical in terms of said composition or may differ in from one another in composition matter or method of composing, resulting in either identical plates, plates of the same symbols but differently arranged, or plates of entirely different composition.

Reference is made to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 detailing second means 40, which is a font matrix subsystem. Subsystem. Subsystem 40 is comprised of a lens composite 33 comprising a plurality of

lenses

32a, 32b, 32, and 32d, font means 41 containing a plurality of said 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d symbols, said plurality of symbols corresponding to a respective plurality of said plurality of lenses, and a sensing matrix 51 comprising a plurality of

sensors

52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d, said plurality of sensors corresponding to a respective plurality of the plurality of symbols.

The lens composite may have an optically transparent background 35 or may include the plurality of lenses in integral form such as a flys eye lens. The font means 41 will generally have an opaque background 43, and the background of the symbols proper will also be opaque, so as to transmit light only through the symbols proper. The sensing matrix background 53 may be either transparent or opaque. Since the sensors thereof are generally of a photoresponsive material such as cadmium sulfide or the like, it does not really matter whether background 53 is opaque or transparent.

It is noted, that although only four symbols are illustrated for simplicity of illustration, it is obvious that actually a font matrix of symbols and corresponding lens sensor means will handle upwards 100 symbols.

Operational Relationships Reference is made to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 for explanation of the method used which has the unique capability of imaging all symbols of the font matrix simultaneously.

A single sweep or line is made by the moving beam of the flying spot scanner cathode ray tube 32. This sweep starts at point A, the spot moving to point B horizontally across the face of tube 32 in a direction denoted by arrow (A-B). Return trace of the swept line or blanking thereof is conventional to cathode ray oscilloscopy and is not discussed therein.

Light from the spot at point A is viewed by the font matrix subsystem 40, wherein specifically all the lens elements shown herein as lens elements 320 and 3212, all the symbols of the font matrix shown herein as

symbols

42a and 42b, and all the individual photodetector sensors shown herein as

sensors

52a and 52b are responsive to the spot of light from point A. As this spot moves making trace (B) from point A to point B, the above stated lens elements, symbols and sensors are responsive to this motion due to imaging by all the lens elements of the moving beam simultaneously. Consequently, lens element 32a, symbol 42a, and sensor 520 will respond to beam motion (A-B) providing light motion imaged thereby and moving from point A to point B in a direction denoted by (A'-B). Similarly, lens element 32b, symbol 42b, and sensor 521) will respond to beam motion (A-B) providing light motion imaged thereby and moving from point A" to point B" in a direction denoted by (AB").

In terms of FIG. 6, the single line swept by beam motion (A-B) will result in the sweep (A-B' across the symbol 42a between A, and B and the sweep (A"-B") across the symbol 42b between A," and 8,".

Although only one sweep of the cathode ray tube (A-B) is shown, for further explanation, sweeps at three different horizontal locations of cathode ray scanner 32 are discussed.

Therefore the effect 'of sweep (A-B) resulted in the sweep at the uppermost location of the symbols to result in sweeps from A, to B and from A," to B,'.

Similarly, if a sweep of tube 32 occurred at the center thereof, symbol 42a would be scanned between points A and B and symbol 42b between points A and B Also if a sweep of tube 32 occurred at the lower portion of the tube, symbol 42a would be scanned between points A and B and symbol 42b would be scanned between points A3" and B3.

Hence, as the scan across

symbols

42a and 42b occurred at its topmost location, light passing through the transparent portions of the symbols are manifested and sensed as pulses, the width thereof being proportioned to the time during the scan which light will pass therethrough. Therefore in FIG. 7 the width of the pulse outputted from sensor 52a will be narrower than the width of the pulse outputted from sensor 52b due to the scan time.

Similarly, in FIG. 8, a scan sweep across the center of symbol 42a will encounter two transparent portions thereon, and hence there will be two pulses outputted by sensor 52a, due to the scan occurring at the center of scanner tube 32. By the same token a single pulse will result from sensor 52b due to the sweep thereacross.

When the scanner tube sweeps across its lowest portion, the pulse outputs of FIG. 9, show that single pulses will be outputted from

sensors

52a and 52b. In all cases the scan direction or time orientation of sensor output pulses are read from right to left in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

It is therefore obvious that not only is one symbol scanned when the cathode ray tube is scanned, but all symbols comprising the font matrix are scanned simultaneously, thereby enabling the computer as commanded to select any of the symbols desired in a predetermined order and controlled by the data and the computer routines.

Computer Programming the System Referring to FIGS. 1 and I0, the computer routine 12 for channel I is stated in table 2, and the computer routine 22 for channel 2 is stated in table 3, below.

Computer routine read instructions for channel I are provided by instruction 95, whereas computer routine read instructions for channel 2 to be read into computer are provided by instructions 94.

Stored data of channel I comprising the composition to be provided of the symbols and initial symbol coordinates by virtue of relationship of one symbol with respect to another is shown at 11 and computer read instructions 97 provide the requisite command to read in the information into the computer. Likewise data of channel 2 comprising the composition to be provided of the symbols and their initial symbol coordinates by virtue of the relationship of one symbol with respect to another is shown at 21 and computer read instructions 96 provide the requisite command to read in the information into the computer.

Should manual input of data to the computer be desired, it is accomplished by manual data keyboard 17 for channel I, and the command to accept such manual keyboard input data is given by instruction 99. Similarly, the command to accept manual keyboard data from keyboard 27 for channel 2 is given by routine instruction 98.

All input instructions, computer routines, stored data and such other data or instruction as is processed by the computer for either channels I or 2 given by execution of instruction 100 which transfers data from auxiliary storage sources or from manual or other inputs into the central core memory of the computer system used.

Computer instructions I01 and 102 are provided for channels 1 and 2 respectively for setting the right and left margins of the column to be composed. It is appreciated that the length of the line is given in inches to enable execution of these instructions. This action is known as justification of right and left margins. It is understood that instruction I01 may be different from instruction 102 since a different width of line may be desired. Since a different composition of words may be required in channel 1 as compared to channel 2, the resulting compositions may be difierent or if a multiplicity of the same compositions are desired to be made simultaneously, the channel 1 and 2 instructions will be the same.

data words for a line of the particular channel is sufficient to comprise a full line. If the computer determines that there are insufficient amount of words to comprise a line, it will demand that more words be read into the line by executing instructions 127 for channel 1 and instructions 128 for channel 2. As a result of execution of these instructions, instruction 103 will be repeated for channel 1 and 104 for channel 2. These instructions will be followed by an interrogation of the computer by instructions 105 and/or 106 for channels 1 and/or 2, as the case may be. If the interrogation, as a result of execution of

instructions

105 or 106 provides a Y E S response, namely that there are sufficient words providing a full line, then

instructions

107 and 108 will be respectively executed for channels 1 and 2.

Instructions

107 and 108 provide appropriate adjusting of the spacing between words of channels 1 and 2 respectively, so as to justify the right and left hand margins thereof.

The computer is next interrogated by

instructions

109 and 110 for channels 1 and 2 respectively. This interrogation asks whether the particular line just composed has been justified. If the answer is N O, the computer is instructed to go back to

reexecute instruction

107 or 108 respectively for channels 1 or 2. If the answer is YES Y E S instructions 111 and '112 for channels 1 and 2 respectively are executed. Instructions 111 and 112 asks the computer to recompute the X-Y coordinates of each symbol which has been repositioned from its initial input position in either of the channels.

Instructions

113 and 114 for channels 1 and 2 respectively are provided for moving each symbol in accordance with the X-Y coordinates recomputed and remembering the new locations of each symbol so moved.

The computer is next interrogated with

instructions

115 and 116 for channels 1 and 2 respectively to inquire whether spacings between lines are equal to the length of the column to be composed as required. If the answer is

Y E S instructions

119 or 120 are executed for channels 1 and 2 respectively.

Instructions

119 and 120 are executed for channels 1 and 2 respectively.

Instructions

119 and 120 provide for computation of the vertical positions of each line and for moving the lines according to the computed positions and for memorizing such positions in the central core memory. If the answer to

instructions

115 or 116 are N 0 then

instructions

117 or 118 for channels 1 or 2 are provided. These instructions provide for adjusting the vertical spacing between the lines in each respective channel, either in a manner predetermined or to provide equal spacing adjustment. Subsequent to execution of

instructions

117 or 118,

instructions

119 and 120 are then given as hereinabove stated and in the same manner as when the answer to

interrogation

115 or 116 was YES.

The computer is interrogated by use of

instructions

121 or 122 for channels 1 or 2 respectively. These instructions asks the computer to determine if all channel data as stored or as desired to be inputted into the computer system, has been read. If the answer is NO then

instructions

129 or 130 are executed respectively for channels 1 or 2. These instructions provide for reading such additional data as may be stored in the core or in other auxiliary storage or input devices to be read into the core of the computer. It will now be necessary for the computer to re-execute all instructions for both channels 1 or 2, beginning with instruction 100 has hereinabove described until the logic system comprising the computer routines-reach and execute a Y E S response in answer to command

instructions

121 or 122.

When the YES instruction commands 121 or 122 have been accomplished,

instructions

123 or 124 for channels 1 or 2 respectively will be provided. These instructions are designed to transfer the composed data from the central memory of the computer and store it on an auxiliary tape storage means.

Upon execution of

instructions

123 and 124,

instructions

125 and 126 are given for channels 1 and 2 respectively. These instructions provide for automatic display of the composed material consisting of the symbols and such other data as might have been composed on video display tube 82 for channel 1 and video display tube 92 for channel 2 composition. These instructions also provide for photographing or transfer of the compositions from

display

82 and 92 respectively to plate making means 83 for channel 1 and plate making means 93 for channel 2. The composition as displayed may then be photographed or optically transferred on permanent plates such as plates 83a and 83b which are inserted in plate making means 83, and plates 93a and 93b which are inserted within plate making means 93.

Once

instructions

125 and 126 have been executed the computer system, and consequently the entire system for automation of symbols, is automatically shut down as indicated by the S T O P instructions for both channels 1 land 2.

TABLE 2 Channel 1 Computer Routine READ IN CHANNEL 1 DATA BY KEYBOARD INPUT READ IN CORE MEMORY OF COMPUTER SET LEFT AND RIGHT HAND MARGINS FOR CHANNEL 1 COMPUTE A LINE OF WORDS AND X-Y COORDINATES FOR EACH SYMBOL ARE DATA WORDS OF CHANNEL 1 SUFFICIENT FOR FULL LINE? ADJUST SPACING BETWEEN WORDS OF CHANNEL 1 IS LINE OF CHANNEL 1 JUSTIFIED? RECOMPUTE X-Y COORDINATES OF EACH SYMBOL REPOSITIONED IN CHANNEL I MOVE EACH SYMBOL OF CHANNEL 1 ACCORDING TO RECOMPUTED X-Y COORDINATES ARE LINE SPACINGS CHANNEL 1 LENGTH OF COLUMN CHANNEL 1? ADJUST VERTICAL SPACING BETWEEN LINES CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 1 COMPUTE VERTICAL POSITION OF EACH LINE AND MOVE LINE ACCORDING TO COMPUTED POSITION HAS ALL CHANNEL 1 DATA BEEN READ" STORE COMPOSITION ON TAPE STORAGE DISPLAY COMPOSITION OF CHANNEL 1 DATA AND PHOTOGRAPH DISPLAYED CHANNEL 1 COMPOSITION ON COMPOSITE PLATE OR PLATES READ MORE WORDS IN LINE READ ADDITIONAL CHANNEL 1 DATA IN CORE TABLE 3 Channel 2 Computer Routine 100 READ IN CORE MEMORY OF COMPUTER 102 SET LEFT AND RIGHT HAND MARGINS FOR CHANNEL 2 104 COMPUTE A LINE OF WORDS AND X-Y COORDINATES FOR EACH SYMBOL 106 ARE DATA WORDS OF CHANNEL 2 SUFFICIENT FOR FULL LINE? 108 ADJUST SPACING BETWEEN WORDS OF CHANNEL 2 109 IS LINE OF CHANNEL 2 JUSTIFIED? 112 RECOMPUTE X-Y COORDINATES OF EACH SYMBOL POSITIONED IN CHANNEL 2 I14 MOVE EACH SYMBOL OF CHANNEL 2 ACCORDING TO RECOMPUTED X-Y COORDINATES I16 ARE LINE SPACINGS CHANNEL 2 LENGTH OF COLUMN CHANNEL 2? I18 ADJUST VERTICAL SPACING BETWEEN LINES CHANNEL 2 120 COMPUTE VERTICAL POSITION OF' EACH LINE CHANNEL 2 AND MOVE LINE ACCORDING TO COMPUTED POSITION 122 HAS ALL DATA CHANNEL 2 BEEN READ? 124 STORE COMPOSITION ON TAPE STORAGE 126 DISPLAY COMPOSITION OF CHANNEL 2 DATA AND PHOTOGRAPH DISPLAYED CHANNEL 2 COMPOSITION ON COMPOSITE PLATE OR PLATES I28 READ MORE WORDS IN LINE 130 READ ADDITIONAL CHANNEL 2 DATA IN CORE We claim:

I. In a system for composition of symbols, comprising in combination:

first means for scanning a plurality of said symbols simultaneously; second means responsive to said first means for imaging the scanning of all said symbols simultaneously and for sensing the scanned symbols; and third means, in communication with said second means, comprising means for providing selection of the symbols individually in a predetermined order and means for displaying said symbols in predetermined locations thereby enabling a preselected composition of said symbols. 2. The system as stated in claim 1, including: at least one plate; and fourth means retaining said at least one plate therein in communication with said third means for permanently recording the composition on said at least one plate. 3. The system as stated in claim 1, wherein said third means includes:

computer means; and data storage means in input relationship to said computer means for storing symbol data in said computer means, said computer means including symbol positioning means and symbol selection means for automatically directing execution of the functions of the systems. 4. The system as stated in claim 1, wherein: said first means includes:

video scan circuits; and a video scan tube; said third means includes:

video view circuit means; and video display tube means; and synchronizing means connected to the video scan circuits and to the video view circuit means for synchronizing the scanning of the video scan tube with the video display tube means. 5. The system as stated in claim 4, wherein said second means comprises:

a lens composite comprising a plurality of lenses;

font means containing a plurality of said symbols, said plurality of symbols corresponding to a respective plurality of said plurality of lenses; and

a sensing matrix comprising a plurality of sensors, said plurality of sensors corresponding to a respective plurality of the plurality of symbols.

6. The system as stated in claim 5, wherein said third means includes:

video display means; and

switch means comprising a plurality of switches and connected between the sensing matrix and video display means for providing selectability of any of said plurality of symbols in accordance with the sequence of activation of any of the switches of said switch means.

7. The system as stated in claim 6, wherein said third means includes:

computer means; and

data storage means in input relationship to said computer means for storing information in said computer means, said computer means including symbol positioning means and symbol selection means.

8. The system as stated in claim 7:

said switch means being connected to said symbol selection means and being responsive to commands issued by said symbol selection means for selection of any of said symbols. I

9. The system as stated in claim 8, wherein said third means includes:

means for providing selection of at least one of the plurality of symbols; and

means for determining the proper symbol position of the preselected composition of the symbols.

10. The system as stated in claim 9, including:

at least one plate; and

fourth means retaining said at least one plate therein in communication with said third means for permanently recording the preselected composition on said at least one plate. I

11. The system as stated in claim 2, wherein:

said at least one plate is a plurality of plates; and

said fourth means is a plurality of plate making means for making said plurality of plates.

12. The system as stated in claim 11, wherein:

said plurality of plates are identical in terms of said composition;

said plate making means enable said composition to be transferred on said plurality of plates.

13. The system as stated in claim 11, wherein:

each said plurality of plates has at least one said composition thereon which differs from another of the composition on at least another of said plurality of plates; and

said plate making means enable the making of said plurality of plates which are difierent from each other in terms of said composition.

14. The system as stated in claim 1, including:

fifth means as an input to said third means for providing a manual input of said symbols in a predetermined order, said third means providing the locations of the symbols inputted from said fifth means for also enabling said preselected composition of said symbols.

15. In a system for composition of symbols, the steps of:

scanning a plurality of said symbols simultaneously;

imaging said symbols simultaneously;

preselecting any of the imaged symbols; I

positioning the preselected imaged symbols in a predetermined composed order; and

displaying the composed symbols.

16. The method as set forth in claim 15, including the additional step of:

transferring the display of the composed symbols.

Claims

1. In a system for composition of symbols, comprising in combination: first means for scanning a plurality of said symbols simultaneously; second means responsive to said first means for imaging the scanning of all said symbols simultaneously and for sensing the scanned symbols; and third means, in communication with said second means, comprising means for providing selection of the symbols individually in a predetermined order and means for displaying said symbols in predetermined locations thereby enabling a preselected composition of said symbols.

2. The system as stated in claim 1, including: at least one plate; and fourth means retaining said at least one plate therein in communication with said third means for permanently recording the composition on said at least one plate.

3. The system as stated in claim 1, wherein said third means includes: computer means; and data storage means in input relationship to said computer means for storing symbol data in said computer means, said computer means including symbol positioning means and symbol selection means for Automatically directing execution of the functions of the systems.

4. The system as stated in claim 1, wherein: said first means includes: video scan circuits; and a video scan tube; said third means includes: video view circuit means; and video display tube means; and synchronizing means connected to the video scan circuits and to the video view circuit means for synchronizing the scanning of the video scan tube with the video display tube means.

5. The system as stated in claim 4, wherein said second means comprises: a lens composite comprising a plurality of lenses; font means containing a plurality of said symbols, said plurality of symbols corresponding to a respective plurality of said plurality of lenses; and a sensing matrix comprising a plurality of sensors, said plurality of sensors corresponding to a respective plurality of the plurality of symbols.

6. The system as stated in claim 5, wherein said third means includes: video display means; and switch means comprising a plurality of switches and connected between the sensing matrix and video display means for providing selectability of any of said plurality of symbols in accordance with the sequence of activation of any of the switches of said switch means.

7. The system as stated in claim 6, wherein said third means includes: computer means; and data storage means in input relationship to said computer means for storing information in said computer means, said computer means including symbol positioning means and symbol selection means.

8. The system as stated in claim 7: said switch means being connected to said symbol selection means and being responsive to commands issued by said symbol selection means for selection of any of said symbols.

9. The system as stated in claim 8, wherein said third means includes: means for providing selection of at least one of the plurality of symbols; and means for determining the proper symbol position of the preselected composition of the symbols.

10. The system as stated in claim 9, including: at least one plate; and fourth means retaining said at least one plate therein in communication with said third means for permanently recording the preselected composition on said at least one plate.

11. The system as stated in claim 2, wherein: said at least one plate is a plurality of plates; and said fourth means is a plurality of plate making means for making said plurality of plates.

12. The system as stated in claim 11, wherein: said plurality of plates are identical in terms of said composition; said plate making means enable said composition to be transferred on said plurality of plates.

13. The system as stated in claim 11, wherein: each said plurality of plates has at least one said composition thereon which differs from another of the composition on at least another of said plurality of plates; and said plate making means enable the making of said plurality of plates which are different from each other in terms of said composition.

14. The system as stated in claim 1, including: fifth means as an input to said third means for providing a manual input of said symbols in a predetermined order, said third means providing the locations of the symbols inputted from said fifth means for also enabling said preselected composition of said symbols.

15. In a system for composition of symbols, the steps of: scanning a plurality of said symbols simultaneously; imaging said symbols simultaneously; preselecting any of the imaged symbols; positioning the preselected imaged symbols in a predetermined composed order; and displaying the composed symbols.

16. The method as set forth in claim 15, including the additional step of: transferring the display of the composed symbols.