|
how useful is that
indeed?
The technology isn't new.
Today we commonly use chipped cards and even our pets can be located
from space (probably) but back in 1983 the world wasn't ready for "the
integrated data disk format" - despite all of its inherent advantages...
|
| Here's how I described the
invention back then in the specification:- |
| Integrated Data Disk
Format (UK Pat App. 8321830) |
| This invention relates to
an integrated data disk format. |
| Solid state microchips are
well known electronics devices which comprise integrated micro-circuitry
usually encapsulated in a rectangular ceramic block with protruding pin
terminals at perimeter edges for mounting into matched sockets. Microchips
and their mountings are generally held stationary within the confines
of their adjacent circuitry during operation. Moreover, their exterior
surfaces are utilised to carry only visual identification and mounting
orientation codes. |
| Storage on disk is a well
known format for playing and recording digital and analogue data programs.
|
| According to the present
invention there is provided an integrated data disk comprising a body
in the form of a safe-edged truncated right circular cone with a directionally
keyed central locating slot to enable any on-board circuitry to be interfaced
with suitable peripheral equipment simultaneously allowing accurate concentric
rotation of the body thus rendering the exterior surfaces of the body
available for data storage, the body shape ensuring correct orientation
at suitable interfaces. |
| A specific embodiment of
the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the
accompanying drawing in which:- |
|
 Figure
1 shows in perspective the integrated data disk held by a human hand;
|
|
Figure
2 shows perspective, sectional
and plan views of the integrated data disk.
|
| Referring to the drawing
the integrated data disk comprises a body 8, with a safe edge 9, a directionally
keyed central locating slot 10, a large circular face 11, a right conical
face 12 and a small circular face 13. |
| Contact terminals (not shown)
which may be arranged radially in single or multiple tiers around the
walls of or adjacent to central slot 10, or upon the face 13, enable direct
access between any on-board circuitry and peripheral equipment.. |
| The disk may be manually
handled and its shape serves as an orientation code when presented at
any suitable matching interface, where it may be rotated and scanned for
data storage access. |
| The body may incorporate
at least one transducer. |
| A body of the same shape
but made of absorbent material to carry solvent may be provided to clean
interface contact points. |
