Automated Typesetting of Existing Computer Tabular Data

Where the computer is used to maintain master information files for inventory management or information retrieval it has become common practice to use the line printer to prepare camera copy for parts catalogs, stock lists, price lists, directories, indexes, technical abstracts, and like publications. When printed, the end result is in many cases a generally unsatisfactory product. Computer printout, because of the limitations of the line printer, usually increases the printed bulk of the publication. The increased bulk results in increased printing costs. High-speed cathode-ray tube phototypesetting machines can be used to photocompose the data in graphic arts quality. The reduction in bulk which can be realized by setting in type effects important savings in labor, materials, and distribution costs. Computer typesetting programs are used to reformat the data into acceptable input for the phototypesetter. Because of the many variations in typeset material the program must be modifiable from job to job by changing specifications or parameters. Conversion of existing computer data to photocomposition usually requires some programming. Publications selected for this method must recover the cost of conversion by savings in printing, binding, and distribution costs.