Post #4155857
2026-07-28 05:47 UTC
Related question for old data media enjoyers: I have extremely vague memories of a computer I used as a kid that had a punchcard like system where the holes had colored cellophane or something in them, presumably to add a few more bits of data per hole. I think the cards were probably some sort of plastic or maybe laminated paper? Has anyone heard of something like this?
Replies (2)
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@ExLisper@lemmy.curiana.net 2026-07-28 06:12
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@Nouvellalia@lemmy.world 2026-07-28 16:46
I’ve seen punch cards where the optical media meant to be illuminated and projected for people to see, was accompanied by punched information for a computer to read. They were both on the same punch card. I want to say the USGS, the patent office, the army, and maybe Bell systems used these at some points? I think this may be what you remember? I’ve never seen one where the holes carried a few extra bits of color information though. I do not think that existed on an industrial scale. Was it in a niche children’s toy?