Hollerith Punched Card

Punched card format invented by Herman Hollerith. The original Hollerith code format was based on a rectangular paper punched card with 45 columns and round punched holes. Data is stored on the card by punching holes, which represent letters or numbers, in specific column locations that relate to the information being recorded. To read this data, the card must be run through a machine that can detect or ‘sense’ the location of the holes.