Showing papers on "Application software published in 1977"

Real-Time Determination of How a Human Has Allocated His Attention between Control and Monitoring Tasks

Abstract: A computer algorithm employing fading-memory system identification and linear discriminant analysis is proposed for real-time detection of human shifts of attention in a control and monitoring situation. Experimental results are presented that validate the usefulness of the method. Application of the method to computer-aided decisionmaking in multitask situations is discussed.

Integrated Design and Verification of Simulation Programs

Abstract: One of the more critical problems in computing science today is the rapidly increasing cost of developing and maintaining software for new automated data systems. New software development is generally a standardized process whereby software evolves from an idea to a useful system operating on a computer. The traditional model for a software development project includes feasibility study, requirements analysis, system design, program design, coding, testing, documentation, and implementation. Program design, coding, and testing are relatively well defined activities, but they are rarely straightforward. Involving many iterations among the phases and the activities within the phases, these iterations are a result of the knowledge gained as the system is being generated. We will describe here a different approach to the software development process. This approach, called "top-down modular design," attempts to minimize the numerous iterations of the development cycle. The basic philosophy, similar to that of structured programming, has already been applied to a variety of applications but has not yet been utilized in the general process of constructing simulation programs.

Pruf and its application to inference from fuzzy propositions

Abstract: novel type of synthetic language which is intended t o seme as a t a r g e t l a n g u a g e f o r t h e r e p r e s e n t at i o n of meaning of e x p r e s s i o n s i n a n a t u r a l language. PRUF i s based on the premise that the uncer-t a i n t y i n t h e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f a p r o p o s i t i o n i n a n a t u r a l l a n g u a g e i s p o s s i b i l i s t i c r a t h e r than prob-a b i l i s t i c i n n a t u r e. T h i s i n p l i e s t h a t a proposition , p, of the form "X i s F," where X i s t h e name of a v a r i a b l e a n d F i s a fuzzy subset of a universe of discourse U, translates i n PRUF i n t o an expression , P, which defines a procedure whose domain i s t h e set o f p o s s i b l y f u z z y r e l a t i o n s i n a database. (1) T h u s , (1) i m p l i e s t h a t t h e p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t X may t a k e t h e v a l u e u i s given by Poss{X=ul = TX(U) = VF(U)

Microprocessor Applications [Guest editor's inroduction]

Abstract: This special issue of Computer presents five papers covering as many major areas of microcomputer applications: high-level languages development for microcomputer applications, special-purpose microcomputers, computer peripherals and instrumentation, microcomputer networks, and distributed process control.

Modeling of water distribution systems

Abstract: The objective of water distribution control is to provide an adequate level of service at all points in the system economically under varying conditions of loading. With the increase in size and complexity of water distribution systems, the need for economic and reliable operation makes it necessary to use digital computers for data acquisition and supervisory control. This paper considers the application of mathematical models for simulation and optimization of the distribution system operation. With these models, it is possible to analyze the system data to perform operations planning and system load management.

Microprocessor-based digital system design fundamentals and the development laboratory for hardware designers and engineering executives

Abstract: This paper reviews the fundamentals of the basic digital computer sufficient enough for the hardware engineers and engineering executives to deal with microprocessors as components in digital system design. Two examples are used as a vehicle to guide the readers who are presumingly accustomed to thinking in hardware terms towards thinking in software. An algorithm utilizing state-minimization concepts to implement sequential logic by a set of mnemonic instructions is introduced. A brief view of microcomputer software is then presented as an attempt to arouse the designer's awareness of application, system, and development-aid softwares. Next, economic considerations are presented for overall decision making. Finally, a minicomputer-driven microprocessor laboratory oriented to both teaching and system development purposes is described. For completeness as well as for a comparison of the logic realization by INSTRUCTIONS with that implementation of logic by hardwire logic, ROM, and PLA, the latter age included in Appendices I and II. An extensive bibliography is provided for interested readers who wish to persue this topic further.

On the Selection of Architectures for Distributed Computer Systems in Real-Time Applications

Abstract: To achieve an acceptable balance between cost and performance in designing distributed systems, architectures must be selected to match the specific requirements of each application. Because of the long lead time in large projects like nuclear power plants, a decision to exploit distributed systems cannot wait until all pertinent information becomes available. Using established concepts, a number of "building blocks" are defined as necessary components of a representation from which system characteristics can be derived. A generalized design sequence is formulated to help identify three major problem areas: processing clusters, data communications and data base. The design of a distributed data base is the area of most concern as it is the least understood and is complicated by its interaction with the selection and implementation of a partitioning strategy. A representation of a generalized data base is built up from traditional structures and a concept of common ports is introduced to satisfy all information transfer requirements between local data bases. It is concluded that a design methodology for distributed systems can be built, through derivation and generalization, from techniques established for centralized systems and computer networks.

An Automation-Oriented Microprocessor-Based Developmental System

Abstract: A general purpose microprocessor-based system aimed at the development of a host of automated test and control applications is presented. The system and I/O interface architectures are detailed with emphasis on the philosophical motivation underlying their organizations. The advantages and system implications of microcomputer controlled automation systems, along with software structure and development considerations, are outlined.

A Microprocessor-Based Digital Filter Programed in a Block Diagram Language

Abstract: A programmable digital filter with arbitrary characteristics and configurations for on-line, real-time applications is easily implemented by using a micro-processor. The program language used here is directly based on a block diagram representing the digital dilter which is familiar to many control engineers. The hardware and software used for the implementation of system are described. Practical examples of the filter implementation are presented to illustrate how the block-diagram language programming can easily be done without any need to learn assembly language and the program steps to be required can extremely be reduced. Frequency and time responses of digital filters obtained thus are also presented on a cathod ray tube through TTY.

Implementation of an Intel 8080 Microprocessor Development System Using Existing Minicomputers

Abstract: The INTEL 8080 has become one of the two most widely used microprocessors (?P's) at CERN, the other being the MOTOROLA 6800. Even though this is the case, there has been up to date only rudimentary facilities available for aiding the development of application programs for this ?P. An ideal development system is one which has a sophisticated editing and filing capability, an assembler/compiler, and access to the ?P application. In many instances one also requires access to a PROM programmer as the application may utilize only PROMs for program storage. With these thoughts in mind, an INTEL 8080 ?P development system was implemented in the PS Division at CERN. While any other minicomputer would be suitable, this system utilizes a PDP-11/45 minicomputer as the editing and file-handling machine, and an MCS 8/ MOD 80 ?P development system for assembling, PROM programming, and debugging user programs at run time. The two computers are linked by a CAMAC crate system, which provides the means of access to ?P applications in CAMAC and the interface of the development system to other applications.

Structured Programming And Software Engineering Of Hard-real-time Minicomputer Systems

Abstract: This paper describes a structured approach to the development and implementation of real-time minicomputer software systems. The method adapts sound, proved engineer ing techniques into software project engineering terms. These software engineering practices presume technical expertise as a necessity, but also utilize top-down design and implementation principles, structured programming concepts, concurrent documenta tion and implementation activities, management visibility and control mechanisms, soft ware standards, and coordinated project teamwork.