(1) On-line video terminals. The most common means of entering data and
instructions, on-line video terminals, have a keyboard that transmits data in binary code
to the computer. The data are "typed" on a 'television" screen. The cathode-ray tube
(CRT) of the screen can also accept data from the computer and display the information
much faster than it could be printed. (When hard copy is required, a printer can be
instructed to print out the data that is on the screen.)
on-line: In direct communication with the computer.
(2) Magnetic-ink-character recognition. Magnetic ink characters are used
by the banking industry to facilitate check processing. Characters, formed with
magnetized particles of zinc oxide, can be read by both humans and machines. The
characters are read and interpreted by a magnetic-ink- reader that can read and sort
750 to 1500 checks per minute.
Figure 2-19. Magnetic ink characters
Figure 2-20. Sample check with magnetic ink characters
MD0057
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