Position memory system

Claim 1

A position memory system for storing information relating to the position of randomly distributed objects as the objects move through a zone having at least three arbitrarily defined imaginary channels, comprising scanning means to scan across said channels and to provide first signals representing objects traversed by the scan, timing register means to provide second signals representing the instant of time at which a scan traverses the boundaries of said channels, a plurality of modules fewer in number than the number of said channels, arranged in a predetermined sequence and connected to receive said first and second signals, each module being adapted to handle information relating to one object and to remain associated with that object while the object moves past the scan, whereby the first module in the sequence not handling information related to an object will be receptive to signals representing the next object encountered for the first time by the scan, a number of storage register means equal in number to the number of said channels and each associated with one of said channels indicative of the lateral position thereof, each said storage register means being connected to every module, each said module being responsive to said first and second signals to select appropriate storage register means representing the lateral position and extent of the particular object being handled by the module and to pass to said appropriate storage register means a third signal representation of the longitudinal extent of the particular object being handled by the module, said third signal representation being retained in said storage register means and advancing along said storage register means at a rate related to the rate of movement of the particular object through said zone.