Patent GB-790979-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to machines for facilitating comparison and verificationof records
Filed: 1956-07-23
Abstract: 790,979. Statistical apparatus. COMPAGNIE DES MACHINES BULL. July 23, 1956 [Aug. 3, 1955], No. 22764/56. Class 106 (1). [Also in Group XVIII] A machine for comparing and checking records comprises two tracks along one of which are fed the records to be checked and along the other of which are fed reference documents against which the records are checked, sensing means on each track, means for storing the data sensed and means for comparing the data stored. There is also provided means for stopping the record and corresponding reference document at predetermined positions in their tracks to allow them to be compared visually. The records to be thus verified are fed from a magazine 1 forwarded along the track CH by rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 passed under sensing devices AN1, AN2 and deposited in a receiver 8. The feed rollers are driven through a one-revolution clutch EM1 and belts T1. The reference documents are similarly fed along track ID under a sensing device AN3 the feed rollers being driven through one-revolution clutch EM2. The clutches are engaged in the first instance by start button P but then subsequent control may be by comparators Cl, C3, C4. The sensing devices ANI, AN2, AN3 are connected to storage means M1, M2, M3, the comparators being connected between the storage means. The record and reference document may be stopped in positions EX1, EX2 for visual comparison, e.g. of a signature. In these positions they are illuminated by lamps and the images projected on to a screen. The records and documents are arranged in the magazines in order of number, e.g. account number. After the button P is pressed three times the first record is fed along track CH until it arrives at the position EX1, where it stops. During the feeding sensing devices AN1, AN2 have read and transferred to stores M1, M2 certain data from the record. At the same time a reference document is brought to position EX2 data being sensed on it and transferred to store M3. If comparator C1 indicates that stores M2 and M3 have equal data the reference document stops at position EX2 and the visual comparison may be made. Where comparator C1 indicates disagreement feeding continues until a reference document of the desired number is presented at position EX2. After the visual comparison the button P is pushed again to cause the next record to be fed to the inspection position. When there are several records to be verified having the same number, they will be arranged in a group and the comparator C3 between stores M1 and M2 will detect that the record in position EX3 has the same number as that in position EX1. This comparator is then operative to prevent the reference document being fed from position EX2, all the records of equal number being visually compared with it. The comparator C1 may be arranged to give indications that the number of the record is larger, equal or smaller than that of the reference document. By this means a warning can be given when a record document corresponding to the record in position EX1 is missing. In such a case the record will remain stationary in position EX1 while the documents are fed through position EX2. The comparator indication will be " low " at first and will change to " high " without having passed through " equal ". The means M give a warning in such circumstances and stop the machine. Comparator C2 compares sensed information other than the account number, e.g. a customer's address used for identifying the records and reference documents Comparator C4 between Cl and C2 checks that their indications are the same, i.e. that they are both " equal " or both " different ". If C4 detects a different indication, a signal AL warns the operator that information carried by the record is not the same as information on the corresponding reference document. Specification 636,911 is referred to.