Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 1968"

Hardware implementation

Abstract: The area of hardware implementation shall be (some-what arbitrarily) defined to include placement, wire routing, terminal assignment, and the interface to hardware fabrication devices. At this stage, many companies have automated at least some of these steps. In the first three areas, we encounter problems which must be solved by analysis into sub-problems and by development of algorithms; in the last area, we are faced with the problem of developing a convenient means of man-machine communication. LSI Mask Design, for which various systems were developed over the last few years, falls into the latter area.

Control unit for input/output devices

Abstract: A versatile, general purpose control unit is provided for controlling a wide variety of digital computer peripheral devices and systems and for facilitating their attachment to the complex system I/O interface. Programmable digital interfaces and control circuitry are provided in the control unit for affecting a wide variety of external device operations in addition to conventional data read and data write functions. Means are further provided for directly interconnecting two peripheral devices through the control unit without computer system activity during data transfer; this eliminates unnecessary interference with the system memory or with the I/O channel. An additional aspect allows the attached peripheral equipment to change the effective system address of the control unit in order to more effectively utilize control unit facilities.

Random data acquisition interface system

Abstract: A data acquisition interface system for translating real-time randomly occurring complex input signals into data processing usable form for transmission to an online data processing system. The system includes a plurality of interchangeable data acquisition components of the monitor register, scaler/timer and analogue to digital converter type which are activated by external means for gathering data, counting inputs, measuring time and making analogue to digital conversions and an interface control unit for organizing the data transfer from the components to the data processing system. The occurrence of an input signal, the time coincidence of two or more input signals or the presence and absence of input signals or the like are termed events. In response to the occurrence of an event, the interface control unit initiates a sequential component data transfer from the components associated with the event preceded by a word identifying the event. Events are processed in numerical sequence, but processing may be selectively modified to permit processing in priority sequence. Events may be programmed to exclude other events which share a common component.

Circuit for and method of multiplexing for monitoring a plurality of separate machine tools

Abstract: The multiplexing circuit disclosed includes a translator and a plurality of separate interface circuits adapted to be alternatively connected to the translator over a single buss. Each of the interface circuits is connected to a plurality of specific points at which electrical conditions are to be monitored in a corresponding one of a plurality of machine tool control panels. Monitoring of all the control panels is accomplished in conjunction with one translator multiplexed to the separate interface circuits under sequencing control of a computer connected to the translator and interface panels. The translator converts the usual 115-volt alternating current signals from the control circuits into signals usable by the computer. In operation the computer at a desired speed and in a desired sequence will provide control signals to the separate interface circuits to connect the control panels of individual machine tools to the translator for translation of monitored signals to the computer. Thus each of a plurality of separate machine tools is monitored with a single computer without the necessity of separate conversion circuits at each control panel. Only the standard 115-volt 60-cycle alternating current electric energy of the control panels pass between the interface panels and the translator.

The Sylvania data tablet: a new approach to graphic data input

Abstract: Advances in the computer field have been spectacular and profuse. Sophisticated software can lead multiple users through a time-sharing maze while hardware developments offer increasing speed and flexibility. Research into the man-machine interface, however, uncovered serious deficiencies in equipment available to input graphical data into a computer. This fact prompted work by H. Teager at MIT and others, and by the Rand Corporation which resulted in an ingenious device known as the Rand Tablet. This equipment allows the user to enter two-dimensional information with a free moving electronic pen and flat, pad-like tablet. One simply prints alphanumeric data or sketches circuit diagrams, structural diagrams, or waveforms on the tablet. The computer is continuously supplied with X-Y pen coordinates and can therefore "see" what the operator has drawn.

Input/output controller with linked data control words

Abstract: IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE THROUGHPUT OF AN INPUT/OUTPUT CONTROLLER WITHIN A MODULATOR DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM, APPARATUS IS PROVIDED WITHIN THE INPUT/OUTPUT CONTROLLER FOR TRANSFERRING INFORMATION ACROSS AN INTERFACE TO A MEMORY AT AN INCREASED RATE WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS IMPOSED BY THE INTERFACE. INFORMATION IS TRANSFERRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH DATA CONTROL WORDS. MEANS ARE PROVIDED WHEREBY A FIRST DATA CONTROL WORD IS USED UNTIL ITS WORD COUNT FIELD IS EXHAUSTED AND IN ANTICIPATION OF THIS, ANOTHER DATA CONTROL WORD MAY BE FETCHED IN ORDER THAT INFORMATION TRANSFER MAY CONTINUE.

“Basic Black” in computer interfaces for psychological research

Abstract: In this paper we present the specifications of a set of interface components able to connect a digital computer to any of a large number of psychological experiments We believe this set to be nearly inclusive of most of the needs of current computer controlled psychological research. The function and special requirements of each of the devices is described and a block diagram presented Specific details of electronics construction are not discussed

Digital-computer interface systems

Abstract: Digital-computer interface design is of vital and increas ing importance in simulation, control, instrumentation, and data processing. Hybrid-computer linkage design deals only with a small facet of the interface world, but reflects many of its problems. This tutorial report re views the important techniques for transferring data and control signals between digital computers and the out side world and discusses, in turn, device selection and control for a party line I/O bus, device control, sensing, interrupts and automatic data channels with direct mem ory access. Interfaces for iterative analog computers, for combined simulation, and for simple graphic displays are described as examples. Finally, special interfaces for random-process measurements and interfaces employ ing an intermediate digital processor are discussed.

An on-line computer in a visual perception laboratory

Abstract: The use of a small data acquisition computer (PDP-8) is described for on-One operations in visual perception experiments. A typical pro&um to control an experiment on short-term visual memory is presented, and the interface to connect the computer to the external stimulating and response devices is described in some detail A brief description is given of some special purpose interface components and how the computer could be used for experimental situations other than those in visual perception.

The data concentrator

Abstract: : This report describes a programmable transmission control unit which is attached to an IBM System/360 Model 67 machine operated in a timeshared environment. Called the Data Concentrator, this device provides service for AT+T teletype equipment, IBM typewriter terminal equipment, and remotely located computer equipment interconnected with serial-synchronous transmission data sets. The data Concentrator is constructed of several different kinds of line adapters which connect on one hand to all types of AT+T data sets available for use on the switched-network, and on the other to a modified Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-8 computer. Connection is made between the System/360 multiplex channel and the PDP-8 by means of a special interface which provides a direct connection to the control lines emanating from the multiplex channel and presents a behavior compatible with other IBM transmission control units. The programmable nature of the Data Concentrator provides an unusually rich variety in transmission protocol and operational modes for its attached terminal equipment yet with minimal modifications to extant System/360 control programs.

Hardwareߝsoftware tradeoffs in testing

Abstract: The application of digital computers to reliability testing, although not a new concept, is gaining wider acceptance in the manufacturing and aerospace industries; it is replacing or supplementing special hardware that has provided the necessary test capabilities in the past. Unfortunately, arbitrary decisions are sometimes made as to tradeoff between software and special hardware. Before such decisions are made concerning the total system, it is necessary to analyze the needs of the information, control, and interface subsystems as well as the unit to be tested.

GLEAM/1130-a production system base for computer-aided design

Abstract: The partitioned computing system, operating several tasks concurrently, is an effective tool for computer-aided design. Such a system offers a high-performance man-machine interface and at the same time operates the low-speed graphic devices (such as plotters) continuously with small drain upon the system. The concept of queueing tasks for devices, instead of queueing users for the system, improves user-access and maintains a reasonably constant load upon the system's hardware. Strong resident support eases programming and extends the computing power by efficiently utilizing the resources of the small computer. The communications connection to a larger computer greatly expands the system's capability.

An integrated hardware-software system for computer graphics in time-sharing

Abstract: This report describes the ESL Display Console and its associated user-oriented software systems developed by the M.I.T. Computer-Aided Design Project with Project MAC. Console facilities include hardware projection of three-dimensional line drawings, automatic light pen tracking, and a flexible set of know, switch, and push-button inputs. The console is attached to the Project MAC IBM 7094 Compatible Time-Sharing System either directly or through a PDP-7 Computer. Programs of the Display Controller software provide the real-time actions essential to running the display, and communication with the time-sharing supervisor. A companion graphics software system (GRAPHSYS) provides a convenient, high-level, and nearly display-independent interface between the user and the Display Controller. GRAPHSYS procedures allow the user to work with element "picture parts" as well as "subpictures" to which "names" are assigned for identification between user and Controller programs. Software is written mostly in the machine-independent AED-0 Language of the Project and many of the techniques described are applicable in other contexts.

Flexible, high-speed interface between IBM 1800 and DEC PDP-7 computers

Abstract: : The principal function of the interface is to transfer blocks of data from the memory of either computer to the memory of the other. Once initialized, the interface transfers data via cycle-steal with respect to each of the two computers' memories. Either computer can detect the status of the interface at any time during a data transfer, and can halt or modify the operation as desired. When a transfer operation has been completed, the interface can signal either or both computers. Special circuitry permits resolution of conflicts resulting from simultaneous attempts by both computers to use the interface. Provision is also included for direct signalling of either computer by the other, via an 'interruption.' The operation of the interface during data-transfers is completely controlled by registers internal to itself which can be loaded by either computer; and the condition of the data- handling circuits is indicated at all times by these same registers, which can also be read by either computer. This allows the interface to be commanded fully by either computer or by both. The use of addressable registers to control the interface permits considerable and unusual flexibility in its operation.

The Baylor Medical School teleprocessing system: operational time-sharing on a system/360 computer

Abstract: The Baylor Teleprocessing System (BTS) is designed to operate as a time-sharing system. It accomplishes the following functions:1. It allows several jobs initiated from various terminals to run concurrently with one batch job stream.2. It permits the use of high-level languages for the construction of all programs, including those designed for remote terminals.3. It insulates the user program from changes in the operating system by providing a set of macroinstructions and interface routines for input and output over telecommunication lines.4. It provides certain utility functions for the terminal user, including the ability to build, alter, and retrieve data sets, and to communicate with the machine operator and other terminal users.5. It provides a means by which programs originally written to run as batch jobs may be used from a remote terminal.6. It insulates user programs from hardware errors originating during data transmission.

Design of a 100-nanosecond read-cycle NDRO plated-wire memory

Abstract: Plated-wire memories are now attaining a promising position in main memories. UNIVAC claims that, in the non-destructive readout (NDRO), the cost of peripheral circuit can be reduced, since peripheral circuits are useful enough to maintain multiple words. However, the NDRO is most effective only for slower memories with a comparatively small number of interface bits. The main memories such as 72-bit-per-word 100-nsec read-cycle memory system cannot be improved by the use of the NDRO as recommended by UNIVAC.

A 201a data communication adaptor for the pdp-8: preliminary engineering design report

Abstract: : This report discusses the design and use of equipment built for data communication to and from a PDP-8 through a 201A data set The purpose of the data communication interface is to allow a PDP-8 to send and receive digital data through a 201A data set in half-duplex mode Basic design objectives and decisions are described first A brief overall system description together with a sketch of a data format scheme and programming considerations is followed by a detailed description of the interface logic

Graphic update of automated logic diagrams

Abstract: The Automated Logic Diagram, or ALD, is a well defined document prepared by engineers to specify the design of a machine. 1 The document is coded for computer input by highly trained transcription personnel. Changes or corrections are batched for a master file update computer run. Because of the number of queues involved, a day or more is normally required to complete this process.A project was undertaken to investigate the utility of a graphic display device as a direct interface between the designer and the computerized data base. The purpose was to drastically reduce the turnaround time of updating ALD's.In this paper, the format and contents of the ALD are first defined. This will aid the reader in understanding the document which this project was designed to display and update at the graphic console.

A medium-scale hybrid interface

Abstract: A flexible, low-cost hybrid interface linking a DEC PDP-9 digital computer with an EAI 231 R-V analog computer is described. The interface includes provision for complete mode control of the 231 R-V by the PDP-9, as well as signal selection and potentiometer setting facilities. Data transfer is accomplished by using double-buffered D/A registers with provision for controlling the transfer of data from either the analog or digital side of the interface. In addi tion, provision is made for the updating of several D/A channels simultaneously. A sixteen channel analog multi plexer with a settling-time of less than two microseconds has been designed and is employed with a twelve-bit twenty-microsecond A/D converter for high-speed analog- to-digital data transfer.

A cyclic check computer for error detection

Abstract: : The report discusses the design and use of equipment built to aid intercomputer communicatitions via serial-synchronous data transmission techniques. The interface described computes on a character-by-character basis, a cyclic redundancy block checksum which is appended to outgoing or checked against incoming messages. This hardware techniques reduces checksum computation on a small computer from several hundred microseconds per character to only several microseconds; a reduction that is necessary if more than several 201 type data modems are to be operated simultaneously under control of a single processor. Basic design objectives and decisions are described first. A brief overall system description with background information is then followed by programming considerations and detailed descriptions of the checksum computer logic. Finally diagnostic software and wirewrap documentation is provided for maintenance and/or reproduction purposes.

Specialized system software for interacting dec pdp-7 and ibm 1800 computers

Abstract: : A collection of programs written for interacting DEC PDP-7 and IBM 1800 is described. These programs provide: Device support for interaction between 1800 and PDP-7; A serial-by-character logical file system on the 1800 disk (2310) for use by both computers; A file manipulation utility package; A file-oriented text editor running on PDP-7 used for preparing both PDP-7 and 1800 programs; Modifications to the assemblers of each computer to read from the logical file system; and A keyboard-oriented debugging package for the 1800. A (temporary) single-character full-duplex interface between 1800 and PDP-7 is also described.

Interactive graphics in data processing: conversational job control

Abstract: A graphic job processor enables nonprogrammers to introduce application programs conversationally from a display console. Although not restricted to graphics applications, the processor makes the same display console available for both job definition and interaction with a graphics application program. This paper discusses some of the factors considered in designing displays to elicit information from the user. The structure of the processor is then described, including its interface to the operating system under which it functions. It also discusses communication among the system operator, the console user, and the application programmer.

Programmed computer control for laser tracking Final report, 16 Mar. 1967 - 22 Apr. 1968

Abstract: Systems design of digital computer real-time control system, and interface hardware for early launch laser tracking system