Keyboard to tape data input preparation unit

TLDR: A data input preparation machine having a keyboard means for use in entering data into buffer storage and processing such data to and from magnetic tape as mentioned in this paper, the buffer storage includes a plurality of positions, each of which positions has storage means for both program and data information.

Abstract: A data input preparation machine having keyboard means for use in entering data into buffer storage and processing such data to and from magnetic tape. The buffer storage includes a plurality of positions, each of which positions has storage means for both program and data information. Automatic verification means provide automatic verification of program entries at machine speeds, and memory and field backspace keys permit automatic backspacing to the previously keyed character of the most significant position of a field. The most significant position entries in the program section of buffer storage are also used for the LOF sequences for individual characters in such field, the transport being from the more significant positions of the field to the less significant positions of the field. Alphanumeric display means provide display of characters in a pattern identical to the character pattern on the keyboard; individual members for identifying the selected positions in memory, and alphanumeric program field identifiers all of which materially reduce operator time in the data processing operation. Novel register and memory arrangements using a reduced amount of equipment minimize the cycle process time for both program and data entry.