Negative coordinates are expressed by 9's complements. A vector is plotted between each sucessive pair of points. A field of 5000 signifies the end of a string of connected vectors. When this field is sensed, plotting is terminated at the last point and is resumed at the next point. A field of 5050 signifies the end of the character.
The raw data are not suitable for efficient machine computation.
They must be reformated in binary mode in such a way as to minimize the memory which is required to store them and to minimize the programming which is required to synthesize printer instructions from them. Although the synthesis of printer instructions could be done in FORTRAN, it is doubtful if this would be as efficient as a synthesis of printer instructions in machine language. STRAP routines are under development for conversion and extraction of data on STRETCH.
REPORT PREPARATION
The usual method for preparing reports at the Naval Weapons Laboratory consists in the typing of a manuscript with an ordinary typewriter which is fitted with Typits. The report herewith was prepared on a Yarityper. Six decisions must be made before a character can be struck. These are concerned with horizontal position, vertical position, character style, character size, keyboard bank, and typewriter key. The many errors which occur are painted over or are cut out and replaced laboriously with corrective patches. The alternative would be the typing of the report on a paper or magnetic tape, which could be rewritten and corrected as many times as necessary. Once a correct tape has been achieved, all further conversion and printing becomes automatic. Writing on tape has the disadvantage that the typist must be trained to use function codes. All coding should be mnemonic or phonetic as far as possible without undue complication.
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