Patent GB-1352161-A (GB)
Title: Process and system for automatic retrieval of n partial forms of  information items in n retrieval sequences
IPC: G06Q30/00
Filed: 1971-04-19
Abstract: 1352161 Data processing systems; selective signalling BREVATOME SOC FRANCAISE POUR LA GESTION DES BREVETS D' APPLICATION NUCLEAIRE 19 April 1971 [13 Feb 1970] 21802/71 Headings G4H and G4M In a data processing system for producing lists of data items selected from a block of data, a control store controls the preparation of a first record. A first list is prepared by reading the first record and at the same time a second record is prepared from the first. By reading the second record a second list and a third record are prepared, and so on. In the embodiment described the records and the control store are punched tapes but other forms of storage may be used. As disclosed, lists of items relating to patent documents are to be made. Using known equipment, a pre-punched control tape loop is used to control the punching of a first tape. The control tape contains function codes necessary to cause the required operation of a keyboard printer, the tap punch, and a card punch during the preparation of other tapes and the reproduction of the various lists required. During a first pass of the control tape the printer and then the tape punch are switched on. All subsequent function codes on the control tape are then transferred to the first tape via the tape punch. At the appropriate points the control tape is stopped for the operator to key in to the first tape the relevant item of information concerning a first patent. The various items are illustrated by the typewritten information in the central panel of Fig. 2. During this pass of the control tape all of the items of the first patent are keyed in to the first tape, as diagrammatically indicated by the cross-hatched portions of sequence 0. During the next pass, items relating to a second patent are added to the first tape, and so on. The control tape is now discarded. The first tape is placed in the reader and is read once to control the operation of the printer and/or the card punch to produce a first list. As described a printed list of the items 1a, 2-7, and 10 is made, as indicated in sequence 1, for each patent. Simultaneously the tape punch prepares from the first tape a second tape which includes all the items and function codes required to prepare a second list and third and subsequent tapes, but contains no items and codes which are not so required. The amount of data in the second tape will be less than that in the first. When the second tape is read a third is prepared, and at the same time the printer prepares a second list containing items 1a-1c, 2a and 3-9, sequence 2a, and the card punch prepares cards carrying only items 1a-1c, sequence 2b. Similarly, tape 3 causes a list of items 1a to be printed. Among the function codes that may appear on a tape are by-pass codes BY. When a BY code is read the immediately following function code, e.g. P3, does not cause the corresponding function to be performed. Further the BY code is not transferred to the tape being prepared so that the other code (P3) will be effective when this tape is read. The effect of this operation may be, for example, to ensure that an item is not printed during reading of one tape but is printed when the next tape is read. By the use of two (or more) consecutive BY codes a dunction is inhibited until the next but one (or subsequent) tape is read.