Scanning with a cathode ray tube under the direction of a computer program, the first FOSDIC translated up to 10 million "answer positions" per hour into computer input.
FOSDIC enabled the switch to multiple-choice documents and, by 1970, self-enumeration by the public, a cost-saving measure. Updated versions of the device processed data collected in the censuses held every 10 years from 1960 until 1990, introducing automation to this massive survey.īefore FOSDIC, census data were key-punched into cards. The Film Optical Sensing Device for Input to Computers, which scanned microfilm of hand-marked forms and converted the markings into electronic form, was developed by NIST for the U.S. Without realizing it, most Americans adults likely have had some of their household information scrutinized by FOSDIC. Wisconsin Governor's Letter about Centennial.Washington Governor's Letter about Centennial.Virginia Governor's Letter about Centennial.Tennessee Governor's Letter about Centennial.South Carolina Governor's Letter about Centennial.Rhode Island Governor's Letter about Centennial.Pennsylvania Governor's Letter about Centennial.Oklahoma Governor's Letter about Centennial.Ohio Governor's Letter about Centennial.North Carolina Governor's Letter about Centennial.New York Governor's Letter about Centennial.New Mexico Governor's Letter about Centennial.Nebraska Governor's Letter about Centennial.Indiana Governor's Letter about Centennial.Delaware Governor's Letter about Centennial.Connecticut Governor's Letter about Centennial.California Governor's Letter about Centennial.Alaska Governor's Letter about Centennial.Congratulatory Letters from the State Governors Expand or Collapse.President Bush Congratulates NIST on its Centennial.NIST at 100: Foundations for Progress Expand or Collapse.