Kódtárcsa

Kódtárcsa, which translates to "code disk" or "code disc" in English, is a component found in various mechanical and electro-mechanical systems, particularly in older technologies like typewriters, cash registers, and early computing devices. Its primary function is to encode information by associating a specific physical position or pattern of the disk with a particular character, symbol, or command.

These disks are typically circular and made of metal or plastic. They feature a series of precisely arranged holes, notches, raised patterns, or conductive segments. As the kódtárcsa rotates or moves, sensors (often optical or mechanical) interact with these features. For instance, a beam of light passing through a hole might indicate a specific state, or a physical contact with a raised segment could trigger an action.

In a typewriter, a kódtárcsa could be part of the mechanism that selects and positions the correct type slug for printing. In a cash register, it might be used to encode the price or item selected. Early computing devices sometimes used them as part of encoders or decoders to translate physical movements into digital signals. The precise arrangement and nature of the markings on the kódtárcsa are crucial for its intended function, allowing for a defined set of outputs based on its physical state. While largely superseded by electronic components, the kódtárcsa represents an ingenious mechanical solution to data encoding.