Showing papers on "Application software published in 1969"

On Man-Computer Interaction: A Model and Some Related Issues

Abstract: A survey of the literature related to man-computer interaction reveals the many aspects of this problem, which appears to be in the crossroads among such diverse fields as computer languages, computer systems operational characteristics, control theory, decision theory, information theory, applied psychology, computer display and interface engineering, etc. In this paper we have chosen to present the on-line interaction from an information and decision point of view. After a brief discussion of classes of on-line situations and tasks, we propose an information-processing model of the case in which a human operator is engaged on-line in the solution of a problem like debugging a program, testing a model in a scientific application, or performing a library search. In this model the human operator is considered to seek to maximize overall cost. This cost is obtained by adding the operational cost of both man and computer to a remnant terminal cost originated by the remaining uncertainty. This analysis, performed for each of a set of possible alternatives for action, may lead the man to select and execute one of them, to terminate the process, or to reevaluate the possible alternatives and/or hypotheses in a search for new ones. Some practical applications in terms of response time and other characteristics of a computer utility are discussed, as well as some theoretical implications from an informational point of view.

Automation developments in the control of interconnected electric utility systems

Abstract: The rapidly increasing capability of the digital process control computer permits the economic solution of many electric utility system operating problems in a more accurate and timely manner. In this paper, the extension of the application area from the field of economic dispatch of generation to more sophisticated functions of system security is traced. Other related problems in the area of operations planning, operations control, and operations accounting are also reviewed. The requirements of communication systems to provide remote input data to the process computer are discussed, and the close interrelation of business and process computers is recognized. Information display is shown to play a very significant part in providing output to the system operators for further action. Concurrent with the developments in hardware have been significant advances in analytical techniques to encompass the increasing number of problems of system operation. These are reviewed in relation to the two major concerns, system security and system economics. An integrated information and control system may he achieved today for business, engineering, and system operation as a result of significant developments in hardware and in problem solution concepts. The optimum application of these improved equipments and analytical tools requires a total systems viewpoint in relation to both hardware and software.

Automated chemistry laboratory: Application of a novel time-shared computer system

Abstract: A promising strategy for providing a hospital information system is the gradual development and subsequent integration of well-defined information processing modules. A computer system which is suitable and economical to serve one or more of these modules has been developed. Its unique feature is that it uses an interpretive language for all the application programs both in the developmental and service modes of operation. The interpretive language, which has been designed specifically for data management applications, facilitates the creation and debugging of programs; in addition, it allows the time-sharing of a relatively small computer with a negligible overhead for switching control from one program to the next. The multiterminal, real-time remote-access computer system has been in service operation at the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory of the Massachusetts General Hospital since the early Fall of 1968. Presently, the system accepts typed-in requisition information, creates patient files, and generates schedules for centrifuging blood samples and for the performing of all tests; the system also accepts test results and provides reports on individual patients. In the near future all test results will be manually entered into the machine, which will then generate cumulative test reports each day. The on-line connection of automated laboratory equipment (AutoAnalyzers) will soon follow. Analysis of the system performance shows that the use of an interpretive language is suitable for this application, and it also indicates that the system has sufficient capacity for serving additional information processing needs.

Analytical Model of Half-Duplex Interconnections of Computers

Abstract: Computer interconnections allowing half-duplex data communications have been analyzed using a single-server dualqueue model. Storage usage for message queuing at each computer and associated message delays are considered as functions of communications parameters.

A Multiprogrammed Operating System for Nuclear Physics Data Acquisition

Abstract: A multiprogrammed operating system for nuclear physics data acquisition has been developed as part of a Yale/IBM Joint Study. The system supports multiple users in a fully protected environment. Features of the system include dynamic storage allocation, a fully reentrant supervisor, language and device independence, dynamic priorities, virtual device utilities, and extensive inter-task communication facilities. An application example is presented.

Empirical parameter correlations for the synthesis of linear feedback control systems

Abstract: Certain empirical correlations between the step-transient features and the real and complex frequency-domain parameters of type-1 linear feedback control systems are summarized. These correlations have been obtained by means of analog computer studies on a large number and variety of such systems. They have been found quite reliable for application in analysis and synthesis situations.

Modern Design Methods for Electronics

Abstract: Widely used methods, such as copy, modify, cut and try, and graphical and mathematical analysis, tend to focus on circuits previously created. Mathematical synthesis of circuits is very limited in application. The synthesis of circuits or large-scale systems can be aided by a methodology called the engineering design process. To obtain the physical reality of an electronic design, so many decisions are needed that data reduction methods are required. Computer programs can simplify decision making by the analysis of interaction matrices. From architecture we get Alexander's HIDECS, and from psychology we get factor analysis programs. Their use and misuse is illustrated by the application of their rationales to the combining of subsystems of a color television receiver.