Apparatus for converting visually legible numerical characters into a binary code

Apparatus for converting into a binary code a visually legible numerical character selected from a closed group of numerical characters, said numerical character being present within a character format area on a support, said apparatus comprising:

• a set of exactly four character-identifying sensing elements, each for deriving from a predetermined portion of the character format area, a binary information element;
• means for juxtaposing said set of sensing elements in proper alignment with said character format area, said sensing elements sensing and directly converting a machine printable numerical character into a corresponding unique four-bit digital number;
• and
• means for converting the group of unique digital numbers corresponding to said closed group of numerical characters into binary digital form;
• wherein said character format area includes alignment areas and said apparatus includes an additional sensing element for deriving alignment information;
• wherein a fifth sensing element is provided for deriving a fifth binary information element from a fifth predetermined portion within the character format area, said sensing element for supplying a parity determining information signal derived from the said fifth predetermined portion and the shape of the numerical character;
• wherein said closed group of numerical characters are the numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0, said four sensing elements being substantially colinear and being consecutively designated 3, 4, 5, and 6, said elements sensing and converting said numerals into four-bit digital numbers in accordance with the following table:
• Elements Numerals 4 5 6 3 ______________________________________ 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 1 4 0 1 0 0 5 0 1 0 1 6 0 1 1 0 7 0 1 1 1 8 1 0 0 0 9 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0. ______________________________________