Data storage and retrieval system

Abstract

A data storage and retrieval system is provided utilizing digital or analog data input signals to energize one or more data recording heads which can produce a selection of sizes of alpha-numeric, pictorial or digital coded images on a recording medium. Where alpha-numeric or pictorial images are produced, the images are both human and machine readable. Such alpha-numeric or pictorial images can be sequentially or simultaneously selectively produced full sized and/or reduced substantially in size to form at least 24:1 or greater size reductions of these images on the same or different recording media. Thus, for example, X-ray pictures or letters and the like can be simultaneously produced in reduced form on a microfilm recording medium for record storage purposes and full sized simultaneously on a recording medium for direct examination and delivery to third parties. The reduced data is directly human readable by projecting light preferably through the recording medium and magnifying and projecting the image on a screen. Alternatively, the data is machine readable as by scanning small segments of the image with a capacitance or resistance responsive or photo-electric display device, to develop electrical signals which can operate conventional display readout devices. The microfilm recording and electrical readout operations most advantageously are achieved by supporting the recording head or readout unit on a carrier which moves across the recorded area of the recording medium in a line-by-line scanning operation, carried out so rapidly that a complete page of information can be recorded upon the recording medium or read therefrom in at most a manner of a few seconds or less.