Microfilm from magnetic tape

Press, 25 May 1977, Page 13

Microfilm from magnetic tape

By

L. J. BLACKMORE,

M.F. Systems, Ltd

There have been tremendous advances in the equipment and technology, for producing microfilm from computer magnetic tapes. No longer is it necessary for the computer user, to reformat tapes for Computer Output Microfilm (Com) production. Computer Output Microfilming (Com), which puts computer-generated reports and records directly on.microfilm instead of on paper, is used by many businesses, whose operations involve large quantities of information produced by computers. COM units are capable of producing microfilm at transfer rates up to 120,000 characters per second, which is approximately 20 times faster than the line impact printers used for printing on paper. This means that in one minute over 300 computer size pages can be transferred from magnetic tape to microfilm. Some 270 pages of information can be placed on a 4in x 6in (W x 15cm) piece of film called a microfiche. The name a French word “Fiche” meaning a file index card. Microfiche is derived from The microfiche masters

produced from the COM can be copied by high speed duplicators. These copies provide convenient means for distribution and posting to branches and overseas offices. At these distribution points all that is required to read the information, is a simple viewer which can be operated by any member of the staff. Alternatively, hard copy print-out can be produced at the push of a button. The recent advances in COM technology have been made possible by front-ending COM units with a mini-computer having a Magnetic Tape Reformatting System (MTRS). In the past COM users have had to make changes to their tapes to allow the information to be accepted by COM and printed out in a desirable form. Now the mini-com-puter performs this function as the MTRS is a complete system for offline reformatting of print image tapes. A significant feature is that the software designed by the manufacturers

offers great flexibility, as it can translate in-put from virtually any type of computer. Easier retrieval of information is made possible by the automatic addition of Titles and Indexes. The MTRS also simplifies and speeds up operation as it allows automatic programme loading, assisting job set up, and control. The conversion and reformatting software is stored in. a mini cartridge in the terminal allowing the mini computer instant access to programmes routine, and job parameters. The operator simply mounts a job tape from the computer system on the MTRS tape drive, sets a switch for the appropriate tape format, and types the job name on the terminal board. The tape data is converted, formatted, and given to the COM. As microfilm becomes more and more a day to day tool, and paper costs and computer time charges continue to escalate, this type of equipment will become an integral part of operations of most major computer users.