GB2040820A

GB2040820A - Making file cards

Info

Publication number: GB2040820A
Application number: GB8002063A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1979-01-27
Filing date: 1980-01-22
Publication date: 1980-09-03
Also published as: DE2903129A1; GB2040820B

Abstract

Master data prepared on a first recorder such as a typewriter (1) is fed to a data processing system (2) wherein control data is produced from the master data by a predetermined programme. The control data is then fed to a second recorder, e.g. a printer (7) by which it is printed out on a file card. The control data can also be fed into a store (6) for later use. In a second embodiment the first recorder is a teleprinter. In both embodiments the control data can be fed back to the first recorder. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Making file cards The invention relates to a method and apparatus appropriate for making file cards which have to contain master data and control data.

Such file cards are often made for the purpose of monitoring due dates for payment or the like.

It has so far been known to feed the relevant master data of such a file card into a data processing system and to have appropriate reminders printed out when the due dates draw near, the content of the reminders being drawn up according to predetermined programmes.

An appropriate summary of the due dates has not so far been included on the file card.

According to the invention, the master data is fed by way of a first recorder to a data processing system, the control data is computed therein from individual items of the master data, following a predetermined programme, and the control data together with further printing information is passed to a second recorder, by which it is printed out on a file card.

In this way it is possible to have the control data and master data set out clearly together on one and the same file card.

It is possible either to feed the master data required for the programme-controlled further processing to the data processing system by way of a data carrier which is read into the system, or to couple this recorder directly to the data processing system. In the latter case the control data can be written or printed to the file card in the machine on the basis of the programme control by means of one and the same recorder. In the first mentioned case the complete file card can be produced by a computer-controlled printer, with only a control page with master data being produced by hand by means of the first recorder.

To allow for the known, computer-controlled preparation of reminders, the invention provides in a different embodiment for the relevant master data and associated control data to be put into intermediate storage. It can then be recalled as required from the intermediate store, e.g. a magnetic tape, and used for the known production of reminders about the date.

The invention will now be explained in greater detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 and Figure 2 show two different examples in a purely diagrammatic way.

Figure 1 shows a typewriter 1, coupled to a programmable data processing system 2. The data, which is typed in by hand, is recorded on a page or preferably a file card 3.

The arrangement is such that only certain items of the data, which are characterised in known manner, are passed along a first transmission path 4 to the data processing system 2. This processes the data fed into it, by a predetermined programme, and passes the computed data and further writing information back along a second transmission path 5 to the typewriter 1. This automatically writes the computed data to certain parts of the file card 3, and in a predetermined format based on the writing information.

It is possible for the operator to check the entries visually, after which the next file card is placed in the holder and filled in as described. On further expansion of the data processing system 2, however, a different mode of operation would be possible.

A data sheet is placed in the typewriter 1 instead of the file card 3, which is to be used only for checking purposes. All data typed in manually is fed to the data processing system. This passes the data to a store 6, processes the selected data in the manner described above and similarly passes the computed data together with the writing information to the store 6. All data can be recalled from this store for further use.

As soon as the computing programme is over, the data is fed to a printer 7 which then prints out the finished file cards 8.

Which of the two above mentioned modes of operation is chosen will depend on the individual case and on the enlargement of the data processing system 2 or the amount of space occupied in it.

However, other methods which come within the scope of the invention are possible, in cases where only a teleprinter is available to make the file cards.

An example of this type is shown in Figure 2.

A teleprinter 10 is equipped with an apparatus 11 for making a record carrier 12 and possibly with an apparatus 13 for reading a record carrier 14. As explained above in connection with Figure 1, master data is transcribed onto control pages 15 in the teleprinter. The record carrier or carriers 12 with the master data are fed into a reader 16 of a data processing system 17, which processes the data in the manner described above.

The data set produced by the system may be passed to an output element 13, which outputs the record carrier 14. This can be read into the teleprinter 10, which then outputs the finished text of the file card on continuous forms 19.

As a modification of this method it is possible for the teleprinter to be coupled the data processing system through the telegraph network.

This mode of operation for the Figure 2 arrangement can, however, be simplified or accelerated if an external data processing system is used in any case.

The data sets can then be fed to a store 20 which may, for example, produce record carriers 21, e.g.

punched cards or magnetic tapes. The record carriers can then be used to control a printer 22 which makes the file cards on a set of continuous forms 23.

1. A method of making file cards containing master data and control data, wherein the master data is fed by way of a first recorder to a data processing system, control data is computed therein from individual items of the master data, following a predetermined programme, and the control data together with further printing information is passed

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Making file cards The invention relates to a method and apparatus appropriate for making file cards which have to contain master data and control data. Such file cards are often made for the purpose of monitoring due dates for payment or the like. It has so far been known to feed the relevant master data of such a file card into a data processing system and to have appropriate reminders printed out when the due dates draw near, the content of the reminders being drawn up according to predetermined programmes. An appropriate summary of the due dates has not so far been included on the file card. According to the invention, the master data is fed by way of a first recorder to a data processing system, the control data is computed therein from individual items of the master data, following a predetermined programme, and the control data together with further printing information is passed to a second recorder, by which it is printed out on a file card. In this way it is possible to have the control data and master data set out clearly together on one and the same file card. It is possible either to feed the master data required for the programme-controlled further processing to the data processing system by way of a data carrier which is read into the system, or to couple this recorder directly to the data processing system. In the latter case the control data can be written or printed to the file card in the machine on the basis of the programme control by means of one and the same recorder. In the first mentioned case the complete file card can be produced by a computer-controlled printer, with only a control page with master data being produced by hand by means of the first recorder. To allow for the known, computer-controlled preparation of reminders, the invention provides in a different embodiment for the relevant master data and associated control data to be put into intermediate storage. It can then be recalled as required from the intermediate store, e.g. a magnetic tape, and used for the known production of reminders about the date. The invention will now be explained in greater detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 and Figure 2 show two different examples in a purely diagrammatic way. Figure 1 shows a typewriter 1, coupled to a programmable data processing system 2. The data, which is typed in by hand, is recorded on a page or preferably a file card 3. The arrangement is such that only certain items of the data, which are characterised in known manner, are passed along a first transmission path 4 to the data processing system 2. This processes the data fed into it, by a predetermined programme, and passes the computed data and further writing information back along a second transmission path 5 to the typewriter 1. This automatically writes the computed data to certain parts of the file card 3, and in a predetermined format based on the writing information. It is possible for the operator to check the entries visually, after which the next file card is placed in the holder and filled in as described. On further expansion of the data processing system 2, however, a different mode of operation would be possible. A data sheet is placed in the typewriter 1 instead of the file card 3, which is to be used only for checking purposes. All data typed in manually is fed to the data processing system. This passes the data to a store 6, processes the selected data in the manner described above and similarly passes the computed data together with the writing information to the store 6. All data can be recalled from this store for further use. As soon as the computing programme is over, the data is fed to a printer 7 which then prints out the finished file cards 8. Which of the two above mentioned modes of operation is chosen will depend on the individual case and on the enlargement of the data processing system 2 or the amount of space occupied in it. However, other methods which come within the scope of the invention are possible, in cases where only a teleprinter is available to make the file cards. An example of this type is shown in Figure 2. A teleprinter 10 is equipped with an apparatus 11 for making a record carrier 12 and possibly with an apparatus 13 for reading a record carrier 14. As explained above in connection with Figure 1, master data is transcribed onto control pages 15 in the teleprinter. The record carrier or carriers 12 with the master data are fed into a reader 16 of a data processing system 17, which processes the data in the manner described above. The data set produced by the system may be passed to an output element 13, which outputs the record carrier 14. This can be read into the teleprinter 10, which then outputs the finished text of the file card on continuous forms 19. As a modification of this method it is possible for the teleprinter to be coupled the data processing system through the telegraph network. This mode of operation for the Figure 2 arrangement can, however, be simplified or accelerated if an external data processing system is used in any case. The data sets can then be fed to a store 20 which may, for example, produce record carriers 21, e.g. punched cards or magnetic tapes. The record carriers can then be used to control a printer 22 which makes the file cards on a set of continuous forms 23. CLAIMS

1. A method of making file cards containing master data and control data, wherein the master data is fed by way of a first recorder to a data processing system, control data is computed therein from individual items of the master data, following a predetermined programme, and the control data together with further printing information is passed to the first-mentioned or a second recorder, by which it is printed out on a file card.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first recorder and the second recorder are identical, and they are first operated manually to record the master data, and then controlled by the data processing system to print out the control data.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first recorder is operated manually, and the master data thus set out is fed either indirectly by way of a data carrier or directly to the data processing system, and the exit from the system controls a second recorder, which produces the complete file card or prints out master and control data.

4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the master data and/or control data is fed by the data processing system to an intermediate store.

5. Apparatus for carrying out a method accord ingto any of the preceding claims, wherein the first recorder is in the form of a teleprinter which is directly connected to a data processing system.

6. Apparatus for carrying out a method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the first recorder is in the form of a teleprinter with an apparatus for producing a data carrier and the second recorder is formed by a computer-controlled typewriter or a printer.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second recorder contains a supply of paper which is provided with fold lines and possibly separation lines and is pre-printed with a file card text.

8. A method of making file cards substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 or 2 of the accompanying drawings.

9. Apparatus for making file cards constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described and shown in Figure 1 or 2 of the accompanying drawings.