This 60-channel tape reader and punch was developed for the FACOM 100 (Japan's first practical relay-based automatic computer) from Fuji Tsushinki Manufacturing Corporation (currently Fujitsu). It's principle of operation and construction were similar to that of 6-channel tape readers and punches used at the time for telegraphs, but it was modified to 60-channel to increase efficiency. The system used wide paper tape for numerical values, and durable non-woven film for instructions to withstand repeated use. The FACOM 100 (completed in October 1954) was connected with four instruction tape readers, three numeric value tape readers, and 3 numeric value tape punches.
When performing numerical calculations using the FACOM 100, the user would create an instruction tape and numerical value tape using the paper tape puncher to the right of the operating console (see the photo "Equipment Comprising the FACOM 100 System"), and those tapes were then read, respectively, by the instruction tape reader and numerical tape reader. Calculation was done by following the instructions given on the instruction tape, and reading data from the numerical value tape. A printer and tape punch were used for output.
