1.1 The FR 80 User's Manual is designed to be of assistance to the open shop user of the FR 80 Computer Output Microfilm (COM) Recorder. Chapters 1 and 2 contain a brief introduction to COM recording and a description of the FR 80 system. Chapter 3 describes the applications software available to the FR 80 user. Chapter 4 explains the FR 80's cameras and film outputs. Chapter 5 discusses typical applications currently run on the FR 80. Chapters 6 through 9 present detailed information concerning the FR 80's carriage controls, character codes, form design language, and standard data format.
1.2 The FR 80 is designed and manufactured by Information International, Inc. (hereinafter called III). The configuration of the FR 80 system is shown in figure 1-1. The system normally operates off-line. While reading digital data from magnetic tape, the system processes the information and records characters and vectors on a high-precision, cathode-ray tube. A special camera system photographs the face of the tube. The resulting film must be processed in an off-line unit. The method of processing will determine the polarity of the photographic image as positive or negative. Film duplicates, enlarged paper reproductions, or printing masters can be made from the original film.
1.3 The FR 80 is organized into four functional sections:
1.4 Standard FR 80 input consists of 7- or 9-track magnetic tape units, a master tape controller, Teletype, and paper tape reader. The master tape controller may be expanded to four magnetic tape units and provides switch selection of the desired input. The input section controls the flow of data to the processor at a nominal transfer rate of 30,000 18-bit words per second. The Teletype and paper tape units serve as a 10-character-per-second auxiliary communications link with the processor unit.
Figure 1: FR 80 System
1.5 The basic binary processor utilizes an 18-bit word and a 4096-word expandable core memory. Serving as the central control unit of the system, the processor combines operating data and plotting instructions for routing to the data translator. Under program control, the processor instructs the data translator to generate the alphanumerics, vectors, and special forms required.
1.6 The high precision and versatility of the FR 80 is determined by the function generators and control circuitry contained in the data translator, which is subdivided into a vector generator, character generator, point plot circuitry, and control circuits for the monitor and recording section. Upon command from the processor, the digital data received by the translator is converted to analog signals that control the precision light source deflection beam. The deflection drive signals are corrected for linearity and appropriate focus. Astigmatism signals are generated and routed to the light source deflection coils. Control signals from the data translator maintain control of the camera and monitor functions.
1.7 Electrical signals are converted into a recorded film image in the recording unit, which comprises a precision light source, optics, and microfilm camera. Electromagnetic deflection is used to position the light source beam and achieve the best possible image quality. The created image is focused by the optical system and recorded by the microfilm camera. The recording cameras are available with incremental pulldown. The flexibility of the FR 80 permits the addition of Miracode and other retrieval codes to the microfilm record. A display monitor provides the operator with a window into the system. A 10" × 13" cathode-ray display tube is driven in parallel with the precision light source to provide an accurate view of the recorded image.
