Read only memory

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a charge coupled device (CCD) read only memory (ROM) capable of storing the data stored in a punch card or photographic film and reading same out on commands. This is accomplished by providing a charge coupled imager, which may be of standard design, with frames arranged in a rectangular array to coincide with the regions in the card or film, in which holes are capable of being punched or slots on the photographic film will appear. The total size of the frames on the charge coupled device imager can be made large enough relative to the focused image from the punched card or film so that rotational and translational misalignments of the card or film will not produce errors. The reader includes a card or film holder for properly aligning the card or film with respect to the frames of the imager, an optical source which includes a light and a lens or optical system to properly illuminate all the possible hole locations on the punched card or film. In this way, light impinges on those frames of the imager wherein holes have been punched in the card or appropriate spots appear on a film, the imager then transforming the charges in the locations wherein light impinges to a buffer storage region of the CCD to provide the storage function on command. The data is then shifted out of the CCD buffer region, on command, in standard manner onto a transmission line or the like to travel to a computer for operation therein and is also recirculated, if desired, to the optical integration section of the imager.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.