US3617634A

US3617634A - Stenographic apparatus providing a photographically recorded digitally encoder record

Info

Publication number: US3617634A
Application number: US858803A
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard K Snook; John C Burton
Original assignee: DIGIMETICS Inc
Current assignee: DIGIMETICS Inc
Priority date: 1969-09-17
Filing date: 1969-09-17
Publication date: 1971-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 1988-11-02

Abstract

An apparatus capable of being operatively connected to a conventional key operated stenographic machine for producing a digitally encoded photographically recorded record. The apparatus is operable by actuation of the keys of the stenographic apparatus. Operation of each of the keys of the stenographic machine energizes a selected circuit of the recording apparatus and release of the key provides an advance signal to bring an unrecorded area of the photographic film into recording position. A plurality of lamp circuits are provided and will be energized by means of a code conversion matrix interposed between a suitable camera and the stenographic machine. The lamps are operatively associated with fiber optic light guides which are located to produce an image on the photosensitive surface of the photographic film upon energization of the light source. A second pair of light paths are provided for making an exposure on each margin of the film in alignment with the data exposures so that the energization of one or more lamps represents a keyboard operation. Thus, the apparatus provides a photographic record which corresponds to the printed record of the stenographic machine and which photographic record is readable by digital computing equipment for automatically preparing a printed transcription of the record. An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a mechanism for photorecording by means of a crystalline material, which is made to change the degree of attenuation of light passing through the material by application of an electrical current. A second alternative embodiment provides a single light source mounted beneath the keyboard. A system of fiber-optics light guides are arranged as in the first described system with this difference, that the lower surface of each key lever is provided with a shutter which prevents the light from the source from reaching the input end of the light guide associated with that key until the key is depressed. A shutter will be opened by the actuation of the key to permit light to be directed upon the input end of the selected guide or guides and to thus produce the pattern of exposure described in the preferred embodiment.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventors Richard K. Snook Bridgeton; John C. Burton, St. Louis County, both of Mo.

[2]] Appl. No. 858,803

[22] Filed Sept. 17, 1969 [45] Patented Nov. 2, 1971 [73] Assignee Digimetics Incorporated [54] STENOGRAPHIC APPARATUS PROVIDING A PHOTOGRAPHICALLY RECORDED DIGITALLY ENCODER RECORD 29 Claims, 19 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl.. 178/15 [51] Int. Cl 1104117/14 [50] Field of Search 178/15, 17

D, 17 E, 21, 90; 350/96 B, 96 T, 96 W0 Primary Examiner-Kathleen 1-1. Claffy Assistant Examiner-Horst F. Brauner AttorneyRobert J. Schaap ABSTRACT: An apparatus capable of being operatively con nected to a conventional key operated stenographic machine for producing a digitally encoded photographically recorded record. The apparatus is operable by actuation of the keys of the stenographic apparatus. Operation of each of the keys of the stenographic machine energizes a selected circuit of the recording apparatus and release of the key provides an advance signal to bring an unrecorded area of the photographic film into recording position. A plurality of lamp circuits are provided and will be energized by means of a code conversion matrix interposed between a suitable camera and the stemgraphic machine. The lamps are operatively associated with fiber optic light guides which are located to produce an image on the photosensitive surface of the photographic film upon energization of the light source. A second pair of light paths are provided for making an exposure on each margin of the film in alignment with the data exposures so that the energization of one or more lamps represents a keyboard operation. Thus, the apparatus provides a photographic record which corresponds to the printed record of the stenographic machine and which photographic record is readable by digital computing equipment for automatically preparing a printed transcription of the record. An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a mechanism for photorecording by means of a crystalline material, which is made to change the degree of attenuation oflight passing through the material by application of an electrical current. A second alternative embodiment provides a single light source mounted beneath the keyboard. A system of fiber-optics light guides are arranged as in the first described system with this difference, that the lower surface of each key lever is provided with a shutter which prevents the light from the source from reaching the input end of the light guide associated with that key until the key is depressed. A shutter will be opened by the actuation of the key to permit light to be directed upon the input end of the selected guide or guides and to thus produce the pattern of exposure described in the preferred embodiment.

I reAA/smnA/ T COMPUTER OUTPUT TEA/VSCR/PT/O/V VPATENTEUNUIVI 2 l9" Q: 3 17 sum 20F 7 v 5 I v I I I I I I I I I I I 7 ml I lNVN 0E5 mam/e0 K. NOOK JOHN C. BUB/UN I BY My: MM W ATTOENE) STENOGRAPHIC APPARATUS PROVIDING A PHOTOGRAPHICALLY RECORDED DIGITALLY ENCODER RECORD This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in stenographic apparatus, and more particularly, to stenographic apparatus providing a photographically recorded digitally encoded record which is readable by digital computing equipment for automatically preparing a transcription of the subject matter being recorded.

One of the most efi'ective techniques presently used in preparing transcripts of official records, such as court proceedings and the like, resides in the use of conventional key operated stenographic machines. Other systems involve the use of shorthand codes which require a human agent to write the proceedings in such code for further transcription. Many of the parties recording such proceedings often rely upon conventional tape recorders with microphone inputs in order to audibly record the proceedings. However, such tape records per se are not admissible as court evidence and can only be used as an assist by the party recording the proceeding in addition to the stenographic tapes or shorthand notes which are produced at the proceeding.

It is therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which is capable of being interfaced with a conventional key operated stenographic machine for producing a digitally encoded photographically recorded record in response to the operation of the stenographic machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of the type stated which will provide a photographically recorded digitally encoded record readable by digital computing equipment for automatically preparing a transcript of the subject matter being recorded.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of the type stated which is highly reliable in its operation and which can be constructed in the form of a small, compact, lightweight, easily transportable unit.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of the type stated which is capable of producing a photographically recorded digitally encoded record which corresponds to a printed tape record produced by a conventional key operated stenographic machine.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method of producing a photographically recorded digitally encoded record in response to the operation of a conventional key operated stenographic machine.

It is another salient object of the present invention to provide a photorecording mechanism which is capable of producing a digitally encoded record on receipt of an external signal.

With the above and other objects in view, our invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts presently described and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings (7 sheets):

FIG. I is a schematic illustration in the form of a flow chart illustrating the various apparatus and steps which are necessary in order to automatically produce a transcription which corresponds to a stenographic record produced by a key operated stenographic machine;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera which forms part of the system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tensioning mechanism equivalent to a view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a photogram device equivalent to a view taken along line 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the control circuit forming part of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a modified form control circuit forming part of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the conversion matrix which may be used with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic side elevational view of a film reader constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a reading circuit used with the film reader of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the relationship between the printed tape record produced by the stenographic machine and the photographic record produced by the camera of the present invention with one code system;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating the relationship between the printed tape record produced by the stenographic machine and the photographic record produced by the camera of the present invention with another type of code system;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view partially broken away and in section showing a portion of a modified form of camera constructed in accordance with and embodying the present inventron;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view partially broken away and in section showing a portion of another modified form of camera constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of another modified form of camera constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of modified form of film recording mechanism which is constructed in accordance with and embodies the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another modified form of film recording mechanism similar to that of FIG. 18 and which is constructed in accordance with and embodies the present invention.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a system which is capable of being interfaced with a stenographic machine of the type having a plurality of keys which are manually operated in predetermined combinations to make a printed record suitable for later transcription. Depending on the code employed, the apparatus may include a code conversion matrix which is interfaced between the key operated stenographic machine and a uniquely designed incremental film advanceable photographic recording camera.

Actuation of any key or group of keys on the stenographic machine will cause energization of a lamp circuit in the camera as determined by the code conversion matrix. Each lamp in the camera is operatively associated with a fiber-optic light guide which conducts the light from the lamp and causes an image to be recorded on the photographic film. Each of the lamps is mounted in a housing of lighttight construction. The film which is located in a cassette removably disposed in the housing, is supported in slightly spaced relationship to each of the light guides by means of a pressure plate which insures that the optical path will remain constant.

Deactuation of any of the keys which have been previously actuated will serve to energize a selected circuit for advancing a fresh unrecorded area of the photographic film into a recording position.

The present invention also provides a photorecording process which may be accomplished by means of a crystalline material which is made to change the degree of attenuation of light passed through the material by application of an electrical currentQA pair of opposed members containing parallel strips of electrical conductors with a crystal containing fluid constrained therebetween are connected to the keyboard of the stenographic machine. Actuation of the keys will cause current flow along these conductors in such manner to change the opacity of the transparent members which hold the conductive strips. By positioning the two sets of strips in perpendicular relationship, it is possible to form a small dot of light at the effective intersection of the strips thus energized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 8 designates a conventional stenographic machine of the type having a plurality of keys 1 which may be manually operable in predetermined combinations to produce a printed record suitable for later transcription by the operator or other person knowing the code format used in operating the machine S. Actuation of each of the keys 1 on the stenographic machine S will produce a printed record 2 which typically comprises a paper tape. Each separate operation of the stenographic machine prints a line or horizontal row of characters on the paper tape. One character is produced in each line for each operation of each key on the stenographic machine. Furthermore, the characters produced by one key are distinct from the characters produced by any other key 1 of the stenographic machine. When the keys 1 are released, the paper tape 2 is advanced so that the next operation of a group of keys prints its characters in a new line on the tape. Certain of the stenographic machine keys may also be caused to print a second character which is also distinct from all of the other characters, by operation of a shift key which shifts the type face with respect to the printing platen.

By reference to the flow chart of FIG. 1, it can be seen that the stenographic machine S is connected to a code conversion matrix M, which is, in turn, operatively connected to a suitable camera C, the latter being hereinafter described in more detail. The camera C is capable of producing a photographic record 3, which corresponds to the printed record 2. The keys 1 on the stenographic machine S produce a stenographic record in first code which corresponds to elements of intelligible language, namely the code used in the stenographic machine 5. Each key represents an intelligible member of the first code. The photographic record includes intelligible members of a second code which is essentially a binary code. The actuation of a key 1 on the stenographic machine S will cause the production of an intelligible member of the second code on the photographic record 3. The photographic record 3 is capable of being read by an optical reader R, which can be interfaced to a translating automatic computer T and which, in turn, is capable of producing an output transcription 4.

The camera C, which is more fully illustrated in FIGS. 2-7, generally comprises an outer housing 10. The housing is provided with an open rear wall 11 having a swingable back 12 secured to one transverse end wall of the housing 10 by means of conventional hinges 13. The back 12 may be secured to the housing W in lighttight position by means of a conventional locking mechanism 14 secured to the opposite transverse wall ofthe housing 10. Thus. it can be observed that the housing 10 with the back 12 in the closed position provides a lighttight structure.

Rigidly secured to the top wall of the housing 10 is a terminal strip 15 having a plurality of contacts 16 capable of accepting conventional conductors (not shown) for a purpose to be hereinafter described in more detail.

Mounted internally within the housing 10 is an upstanding bracket 17 and rotatably journaled in the bracket by means of suitable bearings (not shown) are a pair of transversely extending longitudinally spaced spindles 18. A film containing cassette 19 is capable of being removably mounted on spindles 18 in such manner that the spindles 18 engage a supply spool 20 and a takeup spool 21 which are located internally within the cassette 19. The cassette 19 generally includes an outer housing 22 having an elongated upper slot 23 in order to provide access to an unexposed photographic film 24 having a photosensitive emulsion on the upper surface thereof. By further reference to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the film is trained about the supply spool 20, is passed through the elongated slot 23, and is taken up by the takeup spool 21. The film 24 passes into and out of the cassette housing 19 through elongated apertures 25 having a velvet, felt or similar light sealing material 26 extending around the periphery of the apertures 25 in order to prevent exposure of the film contained within the cassette housing.

The rearwardly presented margins of the housing 10 and the forwardly presented margins of the back plate 12 are each provided with a double lip construction (not shown) in order to achieve a lighttight sealingwise closure position. This type of double lip construction is conventional in camera construction and is therefor neither illustrated nor described in detail herein.

Also mounted internally within the housing 10 is a lamp housing 27, preferably of lighttight construction and which contains 24 aligned transversely extending fiber optic light guides 28 which extend outwardly from the lower margin of the casing 27, and terminate in close proximity to the photosensitive surface of the film 24. The guides 28 actually terminate by a very minimum distance from the photosensitive surface of the film 24 so as to prevent abrasion of the emulsion on the film 24. Mounted on the upper end of each of the light guides is a gaseous discharge lamp 29 such as neon and the like and which can be operated on high rates of speed relative to the transfer rate which can be anticipated from an input signal source of the stenographic machine keyboard. The film 24 is supported in a relationship of close proximity to the lower ends of the guides 28 by means of a pressure plate 30 which serves to insure that the optical path remains relatively constant. The plate 30 is provided with bevelled edges in the direction of movement of the film 24, is preferably formed of a smooth nonabrasive material. Two additional light guides 31 extend outwardly from the end walls of the light casing 27 in order to provide a synchronous pulse or so-called clock pulse track on each longitudinal margin of the film 24 in a manner to be hereinafter described.

Each of the light guides 28, 31 have their terminal ends located in a supported block 31' where the light guides terminate at the lower face of the block 31'. Furthermore, the ends of the light guides 28, 31 are headed to form a lenselike element on the lower ends of each of the respective guides to thereby aid in preventing diffusion of the light passing through each of the guides.

The fiber optic guides 28 are in such construction that when the discharge lamps 29 are energized, the light will be conducted through the guide 28 and exposed directly on the photosensitive surface of the emulsion on the film 24 to photographically create a small dotlike element. These guides 28 are formed in such manner that light may not be conducted through any other light where the discharge lamp associated with such guides has not been energized. In addition, the light is reflected internally in the guides 28 in such manner that the light is essentially collimated and does not scatter at the terminal end of the guide 28. Furthermore, it can be observed that when any one or more discharge lamps 29 in the casing 27 are energized, the light will be conducted through each of the end light guides 31. Accordingly, on each energization of any particular lamp or lamps 29, to cause an exposure on any of the 24 tracks, an exposure will always be made on each of the two clock tracks by means of the fiber-optic light guides 31. Thus, a clock exposure or clock pulse is created on each exposure producing a data pulse.

A simple switch or pair of contacts (not shown) can be operatively located under each key 1 of the stenographic machine S, so that a circuit can be completed under actuation of any one or more of the keys 1. Release of any of the keys 1 which have been actuated will serve to advance the film to a new unrecorded section thereof by means of a film advance mechanism 32. One additional light guide may be employed in the row of 24 light guides 29 to create an exposure on the film 24 upon actuation of the shift key on the machine S. A proper tension is maintained on the film 24 as it passes between the pressure plate 30 and the lower ends of the light guides 28 and 31 and to maintain the film 24 in a proper optical path. A motor 33 provides proper tension on the takeup spindle 18 and spool 21 and rotates a disk 33' which holds the spindle 18. A spring biased pin 33" selectively extends into apertures in the cassette spool 21 to serve as a tensioning mechanism. Hence, it can be seen that a mechanical brake tension mechanism 34 is provided for the supply spool as illustrated in FIG. 5. The felt sealing material 26 also aids in maintaining the proper tension on the film 24.

The film advance mechanism 32 generally comprises a pair of pressure rollers 35 which engage upper and lower surfaces of the film 24 in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 3. The upper pressure roller 35 is mounted on an idler shaft 36 and the lower pressure roller 35 is mounted on a shaft 37 which is driven by means of a rachet 38. A pawl 39, which engages the teeth on the rachet 38 is connected to a link 40 which is, in turn, operable by means of a solenoid 41. A detent 42 prevents unauthorized rotation of the ratchet 38 in the opposite direction. A spring 43 biases the link 40 and hence the pawl 39 out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet 38. However, it can be observed that energization of the solenoid 41 will cause a shifting of the link 40 and hence a movement of the pawl 39 to, in turn, cause rotation of the ratchet 38. Since the ratchet 38 is coupled to the shaft 37, the roller 35 will cause the film 24 to advance in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3. Thus, it can be seen that each energization of the solenoid will cause the film 24 to advance for a predetermined distance in order to place a fresh unrecorded section of the film beneath the fiber-optic light guides 28. Furthermore, it is to be observed that the keys 1 of the stenographic machine which are connected to the lamps 29 are also in turn connected to a switch which causes energization of the solenoid 41. Thus, upon release of each of the keys, a circuit to the solenoid 4! is enabled, thereby energizing the latter to cause an advance of the film 24.

It can thus be seen that each fiber-optic light guide enables the recording of a pulse on a track of film 24. Furthermore, energization of one or more of the lamps associated with these guides provides a data pulse in a data pulse position in the respective track associated with such guide. Accordingly, the energization of one or more lampsv represents a keyboard operation which will produce an exposure on the tracks as well as a clock exposure in each of the clock tracks on the longitudinal margins of the film. It should also be observed that other film advance mechanisms such as that obtained by means of a geneva mechanism could be employed in place of the film advance mechanism 32 described herein. However, it has been found in connection with the present invention that the film advance illustrated and described herein is more effective.

Also mounted within the housing is a timer 50 which is connected to the solenoid 41 and which is also connected to a spring biased switch 51, the latter being actuable by opening of the back plate 12. Thus, when the back plate 12 is opened and then closed, the switch 51 will cause the timer to energize the solenoid 4! for a predetermined limited number of times so that the film advance mechanism 32 will advance the then exposed portion of the film 24 or leader to a position where a fresh unexposed portion of the film 24 is placed into recording position. In this manner, it can be observed that when the back plate 12 is opened, the portion of the film 24, which is located in theelongated recess 23 is exposed to the external source of light. However. when the back plate 12 has been closed, the film advance mechanism 32 will cause the exposed portion of the film 24 to be advanced so that an unexposed portion of the film can be located in recording position.

It is to be noted that the film 24 willproduce a photographic digitally encoded record in response to actuation of any of the keys 1. However, while the code in digital format forms an intelligible message, it is not easily discernible to the average reader. Accordingly, the camera C of the present invention provides a means for producing a photogram on the surface of the film 24 in the manner as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6. A

simple message written in an easily discernible intelligible language can be printed on a transparent medium 53 and placed between a pair of transparent support blocks 53 to be retained in close proximity to the photosensitive surface of the film 24, prior to the closing of the back plate 12. Thus, as the film 24 has been advanced through closing of the back plate 12, a fresh unrecorded portion of the film 24 is also located beneath the transparent medium 53. A convenient holder 53' may be provided for holding the transparent medium 53 and removable insertion between the blocks 53'.

An exciter lamp 54 can be located above the transparent medium 53 and is, in turn, connected to the timer 50 through a capacitor 54'. Thus, after the film has been advanced for a predetermined distance, the timer 50 will cause a charging of the capacitor 54 and in turn, energize the exciter lamp 54. The energization of the lamp 54 will cause a photogram to be exposed on the photosensitive film emulsion 24. It should also be observed that the exciter lamp 54 is energized only once in response to a closing of the back plate 12. In this manner, the operator of the stenographic machine S will have an easily discernible message printed on a portion of the film leader for identification purposes.

lt is also possible to detect the end of the film 24 and provide an advisory signal thereon. For this purpose, a pair of photocells (not shown) can be located adjacent to the pres sure plate 30 in approximate vertical alignment with the end light guides 31. Thus, as long as unexposed film 24 is moving beneath the light guides 31, the photocells will remain deenergized. However, when the amount of film has expired, the light guides 31 will cause radiation to be directed on the photocells. The photocells can be connected to the control circuit in any conventional manner and to an advisory signal device to cause the presentation of an advisory signal upon the expiration of the film. It is also possible to use a microswitch which rides on the surface of the film and which is selectively engageable with an aperture in the film near the end thereof. In this manner, when the contact of the microswitch engages the aperture, it will cause the transmission of an advisory signal to a remote warning device.

it can be seen that the use of a photographic emulsion as an information storage medium offers several advantages which are not available in other types of equipment providing information storage mediums. It can be observed that the recording camera C is small, light in weight, and very silent in its operation. In addition, the image which is formed in digital format is permanent and more importantly, can be examined by the eye. This rather unique feature obviates the difficulty of acceptance by various organizations which are reluctant to accept the validity of an unobservable record. Furthermore, the high inherent resolution of the photographic system enables an extremely high-packing density to be achieved. One other unique advantage of this system is that interfacing at the computer by a continuous film transport enables a transfer of data at relatively high rates of speed. The film is very rapidly and easily loaded by means of the simple cassette and, therefore, the skill required to operate the device is not extensive. Programming which is necessary for other types of equipment operating in this environment is not nearly so extensive for the use of a photographic information storage medium and the attendant electronic circuitry is greatly simplified, thereby lending itself to a relatively simple and inexpensive mechanism.

It can thus be seen that successive operations of the stemgraphic keys 1 in predetermined combination will produce successive sections of a digital code on the photographic film 24 and in which each section includes the digitally encoded representation of all the characters used in each respective line of the printed record. It should be observed that actuation of one or more of the 24 keys on the stenographic machine will produce equivalent digital representations on the film 24 and that the film will be advanced only one clock pulse position for actuation of one or more keys in simultaneous combinations. Thus, recording of a dot on the film 24 in one of the 24 tracks constitutes complete identity of the respective key 1 actuated on the stenographic machine S, the respective'dot being identified by its positional location on the film 24. Accordingly, each line on the film 24 contains information representing a single line on the printed tape record from the stenographic machine in a manner to be hereinafter described in more detail.

The camera C is provided with a control circuit E for energizing each of the lamps 29 on a proper time basis with respect to actuation of the keys 1 and is more fully illustrated in FIG. 8. The control circuit may be conveniently located on a printed circuit card (not shown) which may be disposed in the camera C. The control circuit E may be conveniently powered by a suitable source of electrical current (not shown) or it may be powered by a suitable battery 55 in order to provide a portable construction to the camera C. The control circuit E is illustrated as having three individual discharge lamps 29 for purposes of brevity, whereas in actual construction, 24 individual discharge lamps 29 would be employed. In addition, the associated circuit active elements are shown only for the three discharge lamps 29. The circuit E, is connected to the contacts 16 on the terminal strip in such manner that the individual circuit elements associated with the energization of exciter lamps are each connected to an individual contact 16. Each contact 116 on the terminal strip i5 is then connected to an individual switch associated with a particular key II on the stenographic machine S.

Operation of any key or keys 1 will cause a switch 56 to close and provide power to each of the individual lamp circuits so that the lamps associated with the operation of any key I will be energized or caused to fire." Each of the lamps 29 have one terminal connected to a conductor 57 and the opposite terminal connected to the anode of a silicon controlled rectifier 58, the gate of which is connected to the switch or contact associated with each of the keys I through signal line 59. The cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier 58 is connected through a capacitor 60 to a conductor 61, the conductors 57 and 61 being in turn, connected to the battery 55. It should be observed that each of the lamps 29 is connected to similar signal lines 59 in the same manner. A pair of resistors 62 associated with each lamp 29 are also connected across the conductors 57, 61 and the common connection of the two resistors 62 are connected to the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier 58. A shunt resistor 62' is connected across the conductor and one terminal of each lamp 29 and serves as a protection circuit to hold the lamp 29 in the deenergized condition against the possible current leakage.

The application of a gate signal on any of the selected lines 59 will cause the gate electrode of the silicon controlled rectifier to bias the rectifier for conduction. Simultaneously therewith, current flow from the battery 55 through the switch 56, which has been closed, will flow until the capacitor 60 has been fully charged. At some point in time after initial conduction of the silicon controlled rectifier 58, the ionization potential of the lamp 29 will be reached and the lamp 29 will fire. This current flow through the lamps 29 will cease when the capacitor 60 has reached a state of charge which will produce sufficient voltage across the circuit to cause the lamp potential to drop below its energization potential level. At this point in time, the lamp 29 will be extinguished. It should be recognized that the lamp 29 will only fire for a relatively short period of time. Furthermore, the use of the capacitor 60 in the circuit prevents multiple flashing and controls the length of time that the lamp will fire. In this manner, the exposure of the photosensitive coating on the film 24 may be controlled for optimum resolution and contrast.

The control circuit E, also includes an advance circuit 63, more fully illustrated in FIG. 8, and which cause advancing of the film 24 upon release of any of the keys 1. The advance circuit 63 includes a film advance solenoid coil or similar control relay 64 which is connected to the conductor 57 and to the anode of a silicon controlled rectifier 65. The cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier 65 is connected through a capacitor 66 to a conductor 67, the latter being connected to the normally closed contact of the switch 56. The gate and the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier 65 are connected to a suitable resistive network including resistors 68, 69 to provide a path for the discharge of the energy stored in the capacitor 66 at the time of actuation of the key 61 so that the circuit can be operated at the input data rate. It should be observed that when any of the selected keys 1 are released, the switch 56 will swing back to its initial position at which time a circuit will cause the film advance solenoid coil 64 to become energized. It should be observed that the solenoid coil 64 actually forms part of the advancing solenoid 4] in the camera It is also possible to provide a control circuit E,, which is more fully illustrated in FIG. 9 and which is similar to the control circuit E except that the control circuit E, does not employ silicon controlled rectifiers. The control circuit E, includes individual lamp energization circuits 70, each include a signal line 71 which is operatively connected to the switch associated with a selected key I on the stenographic machine S, through the terminal strip 15. The signal line 71 is connected to the base of a PNP transistor 72 through a charging capacitor 73. The emitter of the transistor 72 is grounded and the collector is connected to one terminal of the lamp 29. The other terminal of the lamp 29 and the collector of the transistor 72 are respectively connected to

conductors

74, 75 through current limiting resistors 76, 77.

It can be seen that the individual lamp energization circuits associated with each of the other lamps are also connected to the conductors 74, in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 9. It should also be observed that the remainder of the circuit E, is similar to the circuit E,. Furthermore, the

conductors

74 and 75 are each connected to power supplies 78, 79 respectively, each of the power supplies having opposite polarity.

The base of each of the transistors 72 is normally biased for conduction. If the transistor '72 is biased to the nonconductive condition, then the collector potential will rise toward the level of the negative power supply 79 and the collector will no longer be held at the ground level. It can be seen for example, that if each power supply were rated at 50 volts, then only 50 volts would be maintained across the lamp 29. However, when the transistor is deenergized, then the full potential of I00 volts would be available across the lamp 29 and this voltage will exceed the ionization potential of the lamp which will strike and begin to conduct current. When the lamp 29 is ionized, the resistors 76, 77 become current limiters. The lamp 29 is then extinguished when the transistor is energized.

It should be recognized that the code conversion matrix M is not necessarily employed in the system thus described since each actuation of a key 1 will cause the energization of the associated discharge lamp 29 rendering a pulse discernible by its location. However, it is also possible to operate the camera C in conjunction with the stenographic machine S by using a code system similar to that described in US. Pat. No. 3,372,865 to F. L. Pellegrini. In this patent, which relies on a punched tape record, eight tracks of 24 possible punch hole bits are used to represent one or more simultaneous actuation of the keys. A greater redundancy and less potential for error is attained by employment of this type of code. The system of the present invention can be used with this technique by instituting a code conversion matrix M as illustrated in FIG. 10 and by employing eight banks of lamps 29, where each bank includes 24 lamps. Thus, one full section of photographic record consisting of 24 transverse lines is produced for each row or line of the stenographic record 3. In other words, successive operations of the stenographic machine keys in predetermined combinations will produce successive sections of a photographic record in which each section includes 24 transverse rows of digitally encoded representation for each operation of one or more simultaneous actuations of the stenographic machine keys 1.

The code conversion matrix M generally consists of a diode matrix M which is connected to the various signal lines 59 in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 10. It can be seen that 24 data transfer lines extending from the stenographic machine to the camera C are employed. Accordingly, the control circuit IE1 in FIG. 8 is modified to include the additional number of discharge lamps 29.

After the entire film 24 contained in the cassette C has been exposed, the cassette can be sent to any suitable processing laboratory for rendering the digitally encoded record formed on the photosensitive emulsion of the film 24. One unique advantage of this system resides in the fact that conventional film-processing techniques may be employed in producing the photographic record. Thus, a prominent visible record is attained which is exceedingly superior to the paper tape record produced by the stenographic machine in that the film can be stored in a small compact area thereby eliminating the need for a large storage area for reams of paper tape.

As indicated previously, the digital code recorded on the photographic record 3 can be conveniently read by an optical reader such as by the type schematically illustrated in FIG. 11. The optical reader generally comprises an outer housing 80 having an idler spool shaft 81 and a power spool shaft 82, the latter being energized by means of a conventional electric motor (not shown). A conventional supply spool 84 containing the processed film 24 can be removably mounted on the idler shaft 81, and a takeup spool 85 can be conveniently mounted on the drive spool shaft 82. The film 24 may be transported in the housing 80 by means of a pair of powered rollers 86 which engage the opposite surfaces of the film 24 upon command from the data processing equipment to which the reader is connected. Furthermore, the film 24 is trained between a pair of guide blocks 87 in order to hold the film 24 in a proper optical path.

A light source 88 is located to direct a source of light on I each of the 24 data and sync tracks contained on the photographic film 24. Disposed above each of the positions corresponding to a data level is an individual photocell 89 associated with each of the 24 tracks of data and the two tracks of sync pulses to read the data on the data tracks as well as the pulses on the clock tracks contained on the film 24. The photocells 89 are preferably of the photosensitive type such as cadmium sulfide, lead selenide, etc. I

The outputs of each of he photocells 89 are connected to a reading circuit 90 as illustrated in FIG. 12. Each photocell 89 has one terminal connected to a source of electrical power 91 and to a Schmidt trigger 92 in the manner as illustrated in FIGS. II and 12. The output of the Schmidt trigger 92 associated with each of the photocells 89, is in turn, gated with the clock pulses at respective AND gates 93 associated with each photocell 89. The clock pulses read from the clock tracks by the photocells 89 are also introduced into an AND gate 94 and which are added with each of the other respective AND gates 93 associated with the data tracks. The output of each of the respective AND gates 93 as well as the clock pulses from the AND gate 94 are all introduced into an entrance register 95 which may be in the form of a storage register or a shift register.

It can thus be seen that the camera C of the present invention is not limited to use in systems for producing a record corresponding to a stenographic record. The camera C could be effectively employed as a device for recording any type of digital data at either a proximate or remote site. For example, one could take the output of a device, convert the output to a digital code through the code conversion matrix or suitable analog to digital converter, and transmit the data to the camera at a remote site. The camera would then effectively record this information for ultimate processing. As another example. the system of the present invention could be used as an analog peak sensing network where a particular voltage is assigned to each lamp, so that when the film is moved the lamps are flashed to produce an exposure. The code thereon can be examined to determine the peak amplitude of current or voltage change at selected intervals of time in an analog to digital converter.

The output of the film reader is next transmitted to a conventional digital computing equipment in the manner as previously described for preparation of a transcription of the subject matter recorded on the film 24. FIG. 13 illustrates the relationship between the printed tape record produced by the stenographic machine S and the photographic record produced by the camera C. As noted previously, one full transverse line of the film 24 is encoded for each row or line of the printed tape record produced by the stenographic machine. By further reference to FIG. 13, it is to be noted that the first printed line includes only the character T on the translation 4 and thus, the first section of the record tape, that is the first row, is recorded with a dot in a location representative of this character T. The following row on the readout transcription bears a series of reference letters which are in turn, correlated to the second row on the photographic record 3.

In like manner, a photographic record similar to that illustrated in FIG. 14 would be produced if the code system employed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,372,865 is used in the present invention. In this case, successive sections of the photographic record are illustrated, one on top of the other to more clearly show the relationship between the two record forms; but it should be understood that the successive sections are produced end-to-end so as to constitute the length of the photographic film. In like manner, a single dot would be recorded in the upper right-hand comer above the level of the rows of eight digital representing dots. This single dot indicates edge of a section of film containing the information representing a single line of the printed tape record from the stenographic machine S, and does not represent a part of the record information. In this system, the first printed line of the record 4 includes the character T and thus the first section of the photographic film is recorded with a series of dots in one vertical row only, the row corresponding in position to the lateral position of the character T within the output transcrip tion 4. This pattern of digitally encoded dots in the photographic film represents the character T according to an alphanumeric code selectively employed in computer usage.

By further reference to the system employing the code of U.S. Pat. No. 3,372,865, it can be seen that the second printed line has five characters and in the section of the photographic film corresponding to this line, five vertical rows are recorded with dots representative of the digital code. The in each row is distinctive and represents the respective character in the alpha-numeric code mentioned previously.

It is also possible to use a modified form of camera D in accordance with the present invention and which is more fully illustrated in FIG. 15. The camera D also comprises an outer housing and is similar in its construction to the camera C except that the camera C employs a different form of exposure mechanism. The film 24 in the camera D is similarly located in a removable cassette 19. In like manner, a pressure plate 101 is located beneath the film 24 and insures a relatively constant optical path. In the camera D, the light casing 27 containing the lamps 29 and the light guides 28 are eliminated. In their place, is a crystalline cell 102 which is interposed between the photosensitive emulsion of the film 24 and a gaseous type discharge lamp 103. The cell 102 represents a pair of spaced opposed sheets or plates of transparent material such as glass, methyl methacrylate, or the like 104 and 105. The interiorly presented opposed surfaces of the

plates

104, 105 are provided with a transparent electrically conductive surface layers 106, 107 in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 15. Parallel transversely aligned transparent electrical conductors 108 in the form of thin parallel strips are bonded to the lower surface of the upper plate 104. Each of these strips 108 is connected to a switch operable by the keys 1 on the stenographic machine. The coating on the underside of the conductive layer 106 is also connected to the keyboard circuit in such fashion that when a key 1 is actuated, the strip 108 corresponding to that key is connected to one polarity of a power supply voltage (not shown), the surface layer 106 of the upper plate 104 is connected to the opposite t efminal of this power supply voltage. An electrochronic crystal containing fluid 109 is constrained between each of the

plates

104, 105.

Current flow between the strip 108 and the conductive surface 106 through the fluid 109 causes a change in the light transmitability of the crystal-containing fluid 109. it should be recognized that a sealing member (not shown) is necessarily employed in order to retain or constrain this crystal-contaim ing fluid 109 between the two

plates

104, 105. At the point where current flow is greatest, the opacity will also be greatest. If all of the unselected strips 108 are connected to the same potential as the conductive layer 106, the darkening effect will be in the form of strips which will form a digital code on the photosensitive emulsion of the film 24. It should also be observed that if the coacting 107 on the plate 105 is formed as a narrow strip 109 centered on the plate 105, and positioned perpendicularly to the individual key strips 108, the opaque area will take the form of a dot at the effective intersection of the strips 108 and the strips on the plate 104. Thus, it can be seen that the camera D is also quite effective in producing a digitally encoded record in response to receipt of a signal from an external source. The remainder of the system operates in the manner previously described.

It is also possible to provide another modified form of camera D, which is more fully illustrated in FIG. 16 and which can also be used in the system described herein. The camera D generally comprises an outer housing and is similar in its construction of the camera C except that a different form of exposure mechanism is employed. The camera C also accepts removable cassettes 19 containing the film 24 and employs a pressure plate 111 located beneath the film. A lighttight casing 112 houses a crystalline cell 110 which is constructed in the form of a rectangular member having a transparent top wall 113 formed of glass or methyl methacrylate and a transparent bottom wall 114 similarly formed of glass, methyl methacrylate or the like. A pair of side walls 115 extend along the transverse longitudinal margins of and connect the top and

bottom walls

113, 114 in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 16. The sidewalls 115 are provided on their interiorly presented opposed surfaces with conductive strips 116. The strips 116 extend for the vertical length of the cell and constitute a rather small area. A plurality of small fluid sealing conductive terminal posts 117 are located on the strips 116 on the interior surface of the wall 115 and each of these conductive terminal posts 117 is connected to a signal line from the keyboard of the stenographic machine S. A conductive layer on the interior surface of the opposing sidewall 115 is connected to a source of electrical current (not shown) through a conductor 118. Accordingly, 24 signal lines representing data inputs are connected to the 24 conductive dots on the sidewall 115. A light source 119 in the form of a gaseous discharge-type lamp is located above the top wall 113.

Proper connection of polarity of the selected and unselected elements 117 will cause proper current flow in a fluid 119 contained in the cell to thereby transmit light in the form of a small dot. Accordingly, when one of the elements 117 is deenergized, a small transparent area will be created enabling light to pass through the top and

bottom walls

113, 114 to print an image on the photographic film 24.

It is also possible to interpose a photoetched mask 120 between the several lamps 29 in the camera C and the film 24 contained in the cassette 19 in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 17. A suitable image forming lens 121 would be located between the mask 120 and the photosensitive emulsion of the film 24. The mask 120 which could be produced by a number of well-known photographic techniques would contain the characters 122 which are produced by the stenographic machine S. This system has several distinct advantages over the previously described systems in that the retention of the shape and location of the information as used in the printed tape would permit use of standard microfilm reading projectors for viewing and transcribing the printed record. Moreover, additional redundancy of both positional and case information would increase the reliability of machine translation.

with the recording methods previously described, it would be possible to provide a projection mask for a microfilm reader, except that the operator would be required to recognize the shift information on the record and to press a lever to reposition the mask to project the lower or upper case sets of characters as required. It would also be within the purview of the skilled artisan to provide a mechanism for detecting the presence of upper case characters on the record and automatically positioning the projection mask at the focal plane of the projector.

It is also possible to provide a combination stenographic machine and camera G, as illustrated in FIG. 18. This combination device would contain each of the discharge lamps 29 and a first light guide having one end located in close proximity to the lamp 29. The light guide 130 would terminate in close proximity to a lever 131 forming part of the key 1. A depending boss 132 on each key lever 131 would be located in alignment with the opposite end 133 of the light guide 130 when the key 1 was in the unactuated or rest position. When the key is pressed to the actuated position, the end 133 of the light guide 130 would be located in alignment with an aperture 134 formed in the key lever 131.

A second light guide 135 is located on the opposite side of the key lever 131 and also has one end 136 located in alignment with the boss 132 when the key is unactuated and in alignment with the aperture 134 when the key 1 is pressed. The opposite end of the light guide 135 is located in close proximity to the film 24 in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 18. Thus, when the key 1 remains in the unactuated or rest position, light from the lamp 29 will not pass through the light guide 135. However, when the key 1 is pressed to the actuated position, light will pass through the guide 130, the aperture 134, and the guide 135 to the film 24. It should be observed that the entire assembly can be mounted in one housing as a unitary package. Furthennore, the above described light system for the one key would be employed for each key on the stenographic machine S.

It is also possible to provide a modified form of combination stenographic machine and camera G, as illustrated in FIG. 19. This device differs from the device G, only in that a notch 138 is formed in the key lever 131. Thus, when the key is in the unactuated position, the two ends of the opposing light guides will be blocked by the flat walls of the lever 131 and when the key 1 is pressed, the two opposing ends of the two light guides will be opposed to each other in light transmitting position.

It can be seen that the cameras D and D, as well as the devices G and 0, have the same versatility as the camera C and can also be used in a wide variety of applications.

It should therefore be understood that changes and modifications in the form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts presently described and pointed out in the claims can be changed and substituted for those herein shown without departing from the nature and principle of our inven tion.

Having thus described our invention, what we desire to claim and secure by Letters Patent is:

1. For use with a stenographic machine of the type having a plurality of keys which are manually operated in predetermined combinations to make a record suitable for later transcription, a system for providing a digitally encoded record corresponding to the printed record, which digitally encoded record is readable by digital-type equipment for automatically preparing a transcription of the record according to the correlation of said predetermined combinations with the subject matter being recorded, said system comprising:

a. means for recording an element on a radiation sensitive member upon actuation of any of said keys in said predetermined combinations, said element forming part of a digital code and which element is characterized by its position on said radiation sensitive member in order to produce said photographically recorded digitally encoded record,

b. means responsive to the release of any of said keys of said stenographic machine for advancing said radiation-sensitive member in said system to place an unrecorded section of said radiation-sensitive member in position for recording, whereby a section of said radiation-sensitive member is recorded for each operation of said keys in said predetermined combinations, thereby providing a digitally encoded record suitable for automatic transcription of the subject matter.

2. The system of claim 1 further characterized in that said code is recorded in a position transverse on said member with respect to movement of said member responsive to actuation of said keys, and where on operation of said keys produces elements of said digital code in only one transverse area of said radiation member.

3. An apparatus for producing a digitally encoded record in a first code on a radiation sensitive record material corresponding to the printed record in a second code of a stemgraphic machine having a plurality of manually operable keys, said apparatus comprising:

a. means for enabling operative connection between said apparatus and said stenographic machine,

b. a plurality of radiation emitting sources arranged to produce an exposure on said radiation-sensitive record material forming at least one digital bit in said first code responsive to actuation of associated keys on said stenographic machine and where the elements of said second code are produced by operation of said keys,

c. means responsive to operation of said keys to actuate a selected one or more of said radiation emitting sources,

d. advancing means responsive to release of said keys to advance said record material to an unexposed section thereof to a position for recording thereon,

whereby a section of said record material is recorded with a plurality of digital bits in said first code in response to operation of said keys to produce a digitally encoded record suitable for automatic transcription, and where the location of said digital bits on said record material corresponds to and is correlatable to the printed record in said second code.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that the element of said first code produced by exposure of said radiation sensitive material is characterized by its location on said record material and is thereby distinct from elements of said digital code produced by other of said radiation-emitting sources.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that the record is readable by automatic computing equipment of digital or digital-analog construction for automatically preparing a transcription of said record.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that a solenoid actuable device is actuated to advance said radiationsensitive material a predetermined distance upon release of any of said keys of said stenographic machine.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that said radiation sensitive member is a photographic film and that said radiation emitting sources are sources of radiant energy of wavelength to cause an exposure of said film when energized, and that energization of one said sources will cause a small discrete dotlike structure to be exposed on said film.

8. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that a light guide is associated with each source of radiant energy and terminated in close proximity to said film.

9. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that a series of clock pulses in at least one track are formed on said radiation-sensitive member responsive to energization of the radiation-emitting sources.

10. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that means is located in said apparatus toenable formation of a photogram on said radiation-sensitive member and where said photogram may be in an intelligible language.

I]. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that said apparatus includes an openable and closable element capable of providing access to the interior of the apparatus and that said radiation-sensitive record material includes'a leader portion, and interlock means operatively connected to said openable and closeable element and said advancing means to cause said advancing means to advance said leader portion a predetermined distance when said openable and closable element is shifted to its closed position.

12. The method of providing a digitally encoded record corresponding to the printed record made from a stenographic machine having a plurality of keys thereon; said method comprising:

a. operating the keys on said machine to produce a stemgraphic record from elements of a first code corresponding to elements of a intelligible language, and where each key produces an element of said first code which is distinct from the element of the first code produced by any other key, energizing one of a plurality of radiation sources substituted therefor, in response to actuation of the keys on said stenographic machine to expose a radiation-sensitive record member to form digital bit elements of a second code and thereby produce a digitally encoded record on said record member, the digital bit elements of said second code corresponding to elements of said first code and to elements of said intelligible language by location on said record member,

c. automatically advancing said stenographic record and digitally encoded record member upon release of keys of said stenographic machine and in temporal relationship to place unrecorded sections of said stenographic record and digitally encoded record member in position for recording, and

d. automatically transcribing said digitally encoded record member.

13. The method of claim 12 further characterized in that each radiation-emitting source and the location thereof with respect to said radiation-sensitive material represents an element of the second code which is distinct from another element of the second code produced by any other radiationemitting source.

14. The method of claim 12 further characterized in that the method includes the formation of a track of clock pulses upon actuation of each of said keys and where the actuation of a key will produce one clock pulse in said track.

15. The method of claim 14 further characterized in that the method includes the exposing of the radiation-sensitive record material to form a track of clock pulses and where exposure of said record member to produce elements of said second code in response to simultaneous actuation of one or more keys will produce one clock pulse in said track.

16. Apparatus for producing a digitally encoded member in response to external signals generated from a key operated machine having a plurality of operable keys and which member is capable of being read by digital-type equipment, said apparatus comprising:

a. a radiation-sensitive film member capable of having digital-type images formed thereon upon exposure to a source of radiation;

b. advancing means for incrementally moving said member through said apparatus upon actuation and release of any of said keys of said key operated machine; machine;

0. a plurality of first radiation-emitting sources located with respect to the movement of the radiation-sensitive member to cause the formation of a digital data elements on said radiation sensitive member, by introducing a source of radiant energy on said radiation-sensitive member;

d. at least one second radiation-emitting source located with respect to movement of the radiation-sensitive member to cause formation of a digital sync element on said radiation-sensitive member and where a digital sync element exists for each group of one or more digital data elements,

e. and means operatively associated with said advancing means to cause movement of said member upon release of said keys and after formation of one or more digital elements onsaid radiation-sensitive member.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 further characterized in that the element of the digital code is characterized by its location on said radiation-sensitive member and where the location of the digital element on said member renders it distinct from other digital elements characterized by location on said radiation-sensitive member.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 further characterized in that said radiation-emitting sources are sources of radiant energy of wavelength sufficient to cause an exposure of said radiation sensitive member, and that energization of one of said sources will cause a small digital element to be exposed on said radiation-sensitive member.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 further characterized in that a plurality of first radiation-emitting sources are located with respect to movement of said radiation-sensitive member to form digital data elements on said radiation-sensitive member and at least one second radiation-emitting source is located to form digital sync elements on said radiation-sensitive member and where a digital sync element exists in each row of digital data elements transverse to the movement of said radiationsensitive member.

20. The apparatus of claim 16 further characterized in that said apparatus includes a substantially lighttight enclosure, said radiation-emitting sources include said plurality of first radiation-emitting sources located in said enclosure and being positioned with respect to movement of said radiation-sensitive member and being capable of emitting sources of radiant energy, first radiation-conductive means operatively associated with each of said sources to carry said radiant energy to said radiation-sensitive member, to cause formation of digital data elements on said radiation-sensitive member and second radiation-conductive means being operatively connected to said enclosure to carry radiant energy to said radiation-sensitive member to form a digital sync element on said radiation-sensitive member upon energization of any of said first radiation-emitting sources.

21.. The apparatus of claim 16 further characterized in that means is located in said apparatus to enable formation of a photogram on said radiation-sensitive member.

22. The apparatus of claim 16 further characterized in that said apparatus includes an openable and closable element capable of providing access to the interior of the apparatus and that said radiation-sensitive record material includes a leader portion, and interlock means operatively connected to said openable and closable element and said advancing means to cause said advancing means to advance said leader portion a predetermined distance when said openable and closable element is shifted to its closed position.

23. The method of producing a digitally encoded member in response to external signals generated from a key operated machine having a plurality of keys and which member is capable of being interfaced to digital-type equipment, said method comprising:

a. locating a radiation-sensitive member in exposure receiving position with respect to a plurality of first radiationemitting sources and at least one second radiationemitting source,

b. energizing selected ones of said first radiation-emitting sources to cause formation of first digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member in response to said external signals,

c. energizing said second radiation source at least substantially simultaneously with each energization of one or more of said first radiation sources to cause formation of second digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member in response to said external signals,

d. and advancing said radiation-sensitive member to place an unexposed portion thereof in exposure-receiving position after actuation and release of the keys of said key operated machine and energization of selected ones of said radiation-emitting sources.

24. The method of claim 23 further characterized in that said radiation-emitting sources and the location thereof with respect to the radiation-sensitive material represents elements of a digital code which is distinct from any other element of the digital code produced by any other or selected combinations of any other radiation-emitting sources.

25. The method of claim 23 further characterized in that the first digital elements formed on the radiation-sensitive member are data digital elements and that the series of second digital elements also formed on said radiation-sensitive member are digital sync elements and that a sync-type element is located at each possible row of data digital elements positioned transverse on said radiation-sensitive with respect to the direction of movement of said radiation-sensitive member.

26. An apparatus for producing a digitally encoded record in a first code on a radiation-sensitive photographic film record material corresponding to the printed record in a second code of a stenographic machine having a plurality of manually operable keys, said apparatus comprising:

a. an outer housing having an aperture providing access to the interior thereof,

b. a closure plate on said housing and being swingable from an open position to a closed position where said plate covers said aperture in a light-blocking position,

c. first spindle means in said housing for accommodating a photographic film record material supply spool having a supply of said film record material thereon,

d. second spindle means in said housing for accommodating a takeup spool to receive the film record material from said supply spool,

. a substantially lighttight enclosure located in said housa pair of rollers located on opposite sides of said film record material as it extends from said supply spool to said takeup spool and being in contact with the opposite sides of said film record material,

a ratchet wheel operatively connected to one of said rollers to cause rotation thereof,

a pawl in operatable contact with said ratchet wheel and causing rotation of said ratchet wheel and said last-named roller,

. solenoid means operatively connected to said pawl for moving said pawl upon receipt of a signal from said solenoid means to cause rotation of said ratchet wheel and last-named roller to thereby advance the film record material,

j. timing means operatively disposed in said housing and being operatively connected to said solenoid means and said closure plate to advance said film record material a predetermined distance after shifting of said closure plate to its closed position,

k. transparent plate means located above the radiation-sew sitive surface of said film record material to receive a transparent material having indicia in an intelligible language imprinted thereon, said last-named material being substantially transparent to passage of radiation therethrough and said intelligible language being substantially opaque with respect to passage of radiation therethrough,

l. a light located above said transparent plate means for exposing said photographic film record material to the indicia in intelligible language to thereby form a photogram on said film record material,

m. means including a capacitance circuit operatively connected to said timing means and said light to cause energization of light after said film record material has advanced said predetermined distance after shifting of said closure plate to its closed position over said aperture, to thereby form a photogram of the intelligible language indicia on the radiation-sensitive surface of said film record material,

n. a plurality of light emitters located in said substantially lighttight enclosure and being located in a position transverse to the movement of said record material past said light emitters,

-. a fiber-optic light guide associated with each of said light emitters in light-receiving position with respect to said emitters and extending outwardly of said enclosure, said fiber-optic light guides terminating in close proximity to on said record material,

. means operatively included in said exciter circuit means respect to movement of the radiation-sensitive member to cause formation of a digital sync element on said radiation-sensitive member and where a digital sync element exists for each possible row of digital data elements posisaid radiation-sensitive surface of said film record materitioned transverse on said radiation-sensitive film member al to carry the light from the light emitters to said record with respect to the direction of movement of said radiamaterial, tion-sensitive member,

. exciter circuit means operatively connected to said light said digital data elements being characterized by their loemitters and to the keys of said stenographic machine to cation on said radiation-sensitive member and where the cause energization of said light emitters responsive to acl0 location of the digital data element on said member tuation of keys on said stenographic machine and where renders it distinct from other digital data elements each key on said stenographic machine is associated with characterized by location on said radiation-sensitive a particular light emitter, and where energization of a parmember; ticular light emitter will cause exposure of said film and means operatively associated with said advancing record material forming a data element in a digital code means to cause movement of said member after formation of one or more digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member.

to transmit a signal to said solenoid means for energizing said solenoid means to thereby advance said film record material upon release of any of said keys on said stenographic machine, thereby advancing said film record material to move an unexposed section thereof to a position beneath said fiber-optic light guides for recording thereon,

r. and two additional fiber-optic light guides having one end thereof terminating in said enclosure and the other ends thereof terminating in close proximity to the radiationsensitive surface of said film record material, said lastnamed two fiber-optic light guides being capable of receiving light upon energization of any of said light emitters to cause exposure of said record material and thereby record a pair of tracks of sync pulses on said record material.

27. Apparatus for producing a digitally encoded member in response to external signals and which member is capable of being read by digital-type equipment, said apparatus compris- 28. The method of producing a digitally encoded member in response to external signals and which member is capable of 20 being interfaced to digital-type equipment, said method comprising:

a. locating a radiation-sensitive member in exposure-receiving position with respect to a plurality of first radiationemitting sources and at least one second radiationemitting source b. energizing selected ones' of said first radiation-emitting sources to cause formation of first digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member in response to said external signals,

. energizing said second radiation source at least substantially simultaneously with each energization of one or more of said first radiation sources to cause formation of second digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member in response to said external signals,

d. said second digital elements being located at each possible row of said first digital elements positioned transverse on said radiation'sensitive material with respect to the in i a radialiomsensmve film member capable of having direction of movement of said radiation-sensitive materidi ital-t ima es formed thereon u on ex osure to a Soiree gli g P p 40 e. and advancing said radiation-sensitive member to place b. advancing means for incrementally moving said member unexposed f f thereof m exposure F thmugh said apparatus, tion after energization of selected ones of said radiationemitting sources.

29. The method of claim 28 further characterized in that the first digital elements formed on the radiation-sensitive member are data digital elements and that the series of second digital elements also formed on said radiation-sensitive c. a plurality of first radiation-emitting sources located with respect to the movement of the radiation-sensitive member to cause the formation of a digital data elements on said radiation-sensitive member, by introducing a source of radiant energy on said radiation-sensitive b member are digital sync elements. d. at least one second radiation-emitting source located with s s a

Claims

1. For use with a stenographic machine of the type having a plurality of keys which are manually operated in predetermined combinations to make a record suitable for later transcription, a system for providing a digitally encoded record corresponding to the printed record, which digitally encoded record is readable by digital-type equipment for automatically preparing a transcription of the record according to the correlation of said predetermined combinations with the subject matter being recorded, said system comprising: a. means for recording an element on a radiation sensitive member upon actuation of any of said keys in said predetermined combinations, said element forming part of a digital code and which element is characterized by its position on said radiation sensitive member in order to produce said photographically recorded digitally encoded record, b. means responsive to the release of any of said keys of said stenographic machine for advancing said radiation-sensitive member in said system to place an unrecorded section of said radiation-sensitive member in position for recording, whereby a section of said radiation-sensitive member is recorded for each operation of said keys in said predetermined combinations, thereby providing a digitally encoded record suitable for automatic transcription of the subject matter.

3. An apparatus for producing a digitally encoded record in a first code on a radiation sensitive record material corresponding to the printed record in a second code of a stenographic machine having a plurality of manually operable keys, said apparatus comprising: a. means for enabling operative connection between said apparatus and said stenographic machine, b. a plurality of radiation emitting sources arranged to produce an exposure on said radiation-sensitive record material forming at least one digital bit in said first code responsive to actuation of associated keys on said stenographic machine and where the elements of said second code are produced by operation of said keys, c. means responsive to operation of said keys to actuate a selected one or more of said radiation emitting sources, d. advancing means responsive to release of said keys to advance said record material to an unexposed section thereof to a position for recording thereon, whereby a section of said record material is recorded with a plurality of digital bits in said first code in response to operation of said keys to produce a digitally encoded record suitable for automatic transcription, and where the location of said digital bits on said record material corresponds to and is correlatable to the printed record in said second code.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that a solenoid actuable device is actuated to advance said radiation-sensitive material a predetermined distance upon release of any of said keys of said stenographic machine.

10. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that means is located in said apparatus to enable formation of a photogram on said radiation-sensitive member and where said photogram may be in an intelligible language.

11. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that said apparatus includes an openable and closable element capable of providing access to the interior of the apparatus and that said radiation-sensitive record material includes a leader portion, and interlock means operatively connected to said openable and closeable element and said advancing means to cause said advancing means to advance said leader portion a predetermined distance when said openable and closable element is shifted to its closed position.

12. The method of providing a digitally encoded record corresponding to the printed record made from a stenographic machine having a plurality of keys thereon; said method comprising: a. operating the keys on said machine to produce a stenographic record from elements of a first code corresponding to elements of a intelligible language, and where each key produces an element of said first code which is distinct from the element of the first code produced by any other key, energizing one of a plurality of radiation sources substituted therefor, in response to actuation of the keys on said stenographic machine to expose a radiation-sensitive record member to form digital bit elements of a second code and thereby produce a digitally encoded record on said record member, the digital bit elements of said second code corresponding to elements of said first code and to elements of said intelligible language by location on said record member, c. automatically advancing said stenographic record and digitally encoded record member upon release of keys of said stenographic machine and in temporal relationship to place unrecorded sections of said stenographic record and digitally encoded record member in position for recording, and d. automatically transcribing said digitally encoded record member.

13. The method of claim 12 further characterized in that each radiation-emitting source and the location thereof with respect to said radiation-sensitive material represents an element of the second code which is distinct from another element of the second code proDuced by any other radiation-emitting source.

16. Apparatus for producing a digitally encoded member in response to external signals generated from a key operated machine having a plurality of operable keys and which member is capable of being read by digital-type equipment, said apparatus comprising: a. a radiation-sensitive film member capable of having digital-type images formed thereon upon exposure to a source of radiation; b. advancing means for incrementally moving said member through said apparatus upon actuation and release of any of said keys of said key operated machine; machine; c. a plurality of first radiation-emitting sources located with respect to the movement of the radiation-sensitive member to cause the formation of a digital data elements on said radiation sensitive member, by introducing a source of radiant energy on said radiation-sensitive member; d. at least one second radiation-emitting source located with respect to movement of the radiation-sensitive member to cause formation of a digital sync element on said radiation-sensitive member and where a digital sync element exists for each group of one or more digital data elements, e. and means operatively associated with said advancing means to cause movement of said member upon release of said keys and after formation of one or more digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 further characterized in that a plurality of first radiation-emitting sources are located with respect to movement of said radiation-sensitive member to form digital data elements on said radiation-sensitive member and at least one second radiation-emitting source is located to form digital sync elements on said radiation-sensitive member and where a digital sync element exists in each row of digital data elements transverse to the movement of said radiation-sensitive member.

21. The apparatus of claim 16 further characterized in that means is located in said apparatus to enable formation of a photogram on said radiation-sensitive member.

23. The method of producing a digitally encoded member in response to external signals generated from a key operated machine having a plurality of keys and which member is capable of being interfaced to digital-type equipment, said method comprising: a. locating a radiation-sensitive member in exposure receiving position with respect to a plurality of first radiation-emitting sources and at least one second radiation-emitting source, b. energizing selected ones of said first radiation-emitting sources to cause formation of first digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member in response to said external signals, c. energizing said second radiation source at least substantially simultaneously with each energization of one or more of said first radiation sources to cause formation of second digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member in response to said external signals, d. and advancing said radiation-sensitive member to place an unexposed portion thereof in exposure-receiving position after actuation and release of the keys of said key operated machine and energization of selected ones of said radiation-emitting sources.

26. An apparatus for producing a digitally encoded record in a first code on a radiation-sensitive photographic film record material corresponding to the printed record in a second code of a stenographic machine having a plurality of manually operable keys, said apparatus comprising: a. an outer housing having an aperture providing access to the interior thereof, b. a closure plate on said housing and being swingable from an open position to a closed position where said plate covers said aperture in a light-blocking position, c. first spindle means in said housing for accommodating a photographic film record material supply spool having a supply of said film record material thereon, d. second spindle means in said housing for accommodating a takeup spool to receive the film record material from said supply spool, e. a substantially lighttight enclosure located in said housing, f. a pair of rollers located on opposite sides of said film record material as it extends from said supply spool to said takeup spool and being in contact with the opposite sides of said film record material, g. a ratchet wheel operatively connected to one of said rollers to cause rotation thereof, h. a pawl in operatable contact with said ratchet wheel and causing rotation of said ratchet wheel anD said last-named roller, i. solenoid means operatively connected to said pawl for moving said pawl upon receipt of a signal from said solenoid means to cause rotation of said ratchet wheel and last-named roller to thereby advance the film record material, j. timing means operatively disposed in said housing and being operatively connected to said solenoid means and said closure plate to advance said film record material a predetermined distance after shifting of said closure plate to its closed position, k. transparent plate means located above the radiation-sensitive surface of said film record material to receive a transparent material having indicia in an intelligible language imprinted thereon, said last-named material being substantially transparent to passage of radiation therethrough and said intelligible language being substantially opaque with respect to passage of radiation therethrough, l. a light located above said transparent plate means for exposing said photographic film record material to the indicia in intelligible language to thereby form a photogram on said film record material, m. means including a capacitance circuit operatively connected to said timing means and said light to cause energization of light after said film record material has advanced said predetermined distance after shifting of said closure plate to its closed position over said aperture, to thereby form a photogram of the intelligible language indicia on the radiation-sensitive surface of said film record material, n. a plurality of light emitters located in said substantially lighttight enclosure and being located in a position transverse to the movement of said record material past said light emitters, o. a fiber-optic light guide associated with each of said light emitters in light-receiving position with respect to said emitters and extending outwardly of said enclosure, said fiber-optic light guides terminating in close proximity to said radiation-sensitive surface of said film record material to carry the light from the light emitters to said record material, p. exciter circuit means operatively connected to said light emitters and to the keys of said stenographic machine to cause energization of said light emitters responsive to actuation of keys on said stenographic machine and where each key on said stenographic machine is associated with a particular light emitter, and where energization of a particular light emitter will cause exposure of said film record material forming a data element in a digital code on said record material, q. means operatively included in said exciter circuit means to transmit a signal to said solenoid means for energizing said solenoid means to thereby advance said film record material upon release of any of said keys on said stenographic machine, thereby advancing said film record material to move an unexposed section thereof to a position beneath said fiber-optic light guides for recording thereon, r. and two additional fiber-optic light guides having one end thereof terminating in said enclosure and the other ends thereof terminating in close proximity to the radiation-sensitive surface of said film record material, said last-named two fiber-optic light guides being capable of receiving light upon energization of any of said light emitters to cause exposure of said record material and thereby record a pair of tracks of sync pulses on said record material.

27. Apparatus for producing a digitally encoded member in response to external signals and which member is capable of being read by digital-type equipment, said apparatus comprising: a. a radiation-sensitive film member capable of having digital-type images formed thereon upon exposure to a source of radiation; b. advancing means for incrementally moving said member through said apparatus; c. a plurality of first radiation-emitting sources located with respect to the movement of the radiation-sensitive member to cause the formation of a digital data elements on said radiation-sensitive member, by introducing a source of radiant energy on said radiation-sensitive member; d. at least one second radiation-emitting source located with respect to movement of the radiation-sensitive member to cause formation of a digital sync element on said radiation-sensitive member and where a digital sync element exists for each possible row of digital data elements positioned transverse on said radiation-sensitive film member with respect to the direction of movement of said radiation-sensitive member, e. said digital data elements being characterized by their location on said radiation-sensitive member and where the location of the digital data element on said member renders it distinct from other digital data elements characterized by location on said radiation-sensitive member; f. and means operatively associated with said advancing means to cause movement of said member after formation of one or more digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member.

28. The method of producing a digitally encoded member in response to external signals and which member is capable of being interfaced to digital-type equipment, said method comprising: a. locating a radiation-sensitive member in exposure-receiving position with respect to a plurality of first radiation-emitting sources and at least one second radiation-emitting source b. energizing selected ones of said first radiation-emitting sources to cause formation of first digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member in response to said external signals, c. energizing said second radiation source at least substantially simultaneously with each energization of one or more of said first radiation sources to cause formation of second digital elements on said radiation-sensitive member in response to said external signals, d. said second digital elements being located at each possible row of said first digital elements positioned transverse on said radiation-sensitive material with respect to the direction of movement of said radiation-sensitive material, e. and advancing said radiation-sensitive member to place an unexposed portion thereof in exposure receiving position after energization of selected ones of said radiation-emitting sources.

29. The method of claim 28 further characterized in that the first digital elements formed on the radiation-sensitive member are data digital elements and that the series of second digital elements also formed on said radiation-sensitive member are digital sync elements.