Digitizing Graphic Records For Computer Analysis

A method for digitizing graphic records is presented. First, the TRACER is described. This electromechanical device is used on-line with a digital computer (LINC) having analog-to-digital input channels. As the stylus on the TRACER is moved over the record to be digitized, its position is indicated by a unique set of resistance values. These are converted to voltages which are forwarded to the computer as (X, Y) coordinate values. The computer stores these values, operates on them and displays the converted record on an on-line oscilloscope. Associated computer programs are discussed as well as applications. A section on errors and a comparison with presently available methods is included.