Patent GB-1144941-A (GB)
Title: Input output controls
IPC: G06F9/04
Filed: 1966-02-23
Abstract: 1,144,941. Digital electric processor. SCM CORP. 23 Feb., 1966 [23 Feb., 1965], No. 7862/66. Heading G4A. A computer controlled by record media containing instruction words formed by a series of characters has a storage register, a control character determining a particular computer operation, and stored on the media, an Execute the instruction character stored on the media following the control character, a reader sequentially sensing characters in the record media, a plurality of bi-stable elements, means responsive to the sensing of characters to set related ones of the bi-stable elements in one of their conditions and sequence control means in the computer for performing the operation as determined by the bi-stable elements in response to the setting of the bi-stable related to the Execute the instruction character. The computer also has a first control character indicating that succeeding control characters are to be responded to and not recorded and a second control character indicating that succeeding characters are to be recorded and not responded, appropriate bi-stable elements set by the first and second control character controlling the machine operation. The computer is described in relation to an invoicing machine and an invoice (Fig. 26, not shown) and programming steps (Figs. 27a- 27f, not shown) are illustrated. An assembly of instruction characters is available on a tape loop 123 and other assemblies of instruction characters and invariable data (item identification, price description &c.) on edge punched cards or tape strip 125. The programme is interrupted at appropriate locations to permit operator entry of variable data via the keyboard machine 100. An initial loading operation at the commencement of each day's operation is controlled by a special card or tape, clears all registers and allows operator entry of invoice number and date into storage for automatic recall under control of the main programme. The tape loop then controls operation and allows multiplication of items and price and entry on the invoice. Data is stored in selected locations on a magnetic disc. Input is under control of a PA1 sequence which allows automatic and manual entry, specifies the entry position of the most significant digit in the register, specifies the register and the process. APA2 sequence controls an internal accumulative transfer. APA3 controls normal output from a portion of a selected storage register. PA4 controls zero output from all but a designated portion of a selected storage register output otherwise being as PA3. PA5 is as PA3 with an additional transfer of the output to a multiplicant register the storage register normally being cleared unless prevented by a plugboard. PA6 controlling selection of a register and examination of zero content. A patchboard controls location of the start and end of a data signal and converts at least a pair of signal lines to a source of electrical potential, the signal lines corresponding in number to the number of register orders, a counter giving a count for each order of the register being advanced to the corresponding count. The connections control a bi-stable element one line setting it to a first state to control readout when the appropriate stage is reached for start of readout and the other line resetting it when the required last readout stage is reached. A pair of signal lines can be provided for each register. The connection to one of the lines also defines the decimal point. If an operator error occurs the manual control carriage can be backspaced to allow correction. Data can be printed or punched on readout.