In 1963, Oki Electric Industry developed a high-speed serial card reader with a read speed of 1,000 cards/minute. This was done based on the card reader design for the OKITAC-5090 general-purpose computer, and as a part of the Ministry of International Trade's large electronic computer development project.
The main features of the reader were as follows:
(1) The system read the card markings by feeding cards column-by-column (i.e. in the long direction), and the read signal and a timing pulse were sent to the computer for each card character. This eliminated the need for memory and a vertical/horizontal conversion function in the computer, and facilitated card channel control.
(2) Solar cells were used as reading elements, and a double-read system with one column delay completely prevented misreading.
(3) Timing pulses were shaped in the machine and sent to the computer, and this eliminated the need for things like counters and decoders for timing on the computer side.
(4) When the number of cards processed per minute was 800, it was possible to start the next card after completion of the read check.
(5) In the unlikely event such as jam occurred, a detection function was actuated and the equipment was immediately stopped.
(6) The holding capacity of the hopper was 3,000 cards, and the reader had two stackers:, one for 3,000 cards and two for 1,000 cards.
| Cards used | 80-column standard cards | |
|---|---|---|
| Read system | Optical (using solar cells) Line direction, 12 line simultaneous read |
|
| Read speed | 1,000card/min | |
| Hopper holding capacity | 3,000card | |
| Stacker holding capacity | 3,000card (main) 1,000card (sub) | |
| Power consumption | 100±5V 50-60Hz 1kW | |
| Dimensions | 1250(W) x 620(D) x 1190(H) (Top of hopper 1547)mm | |
| Weight | 350kg | |
