Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 1969"

Module switching apparatus with status sensing and dynamic sharing of modules

Abstract: An input/output interface switching apparatus for switching I/O interfaces connecting I/O control units between channels. The I/O interface switching apparatus provides means for attaching one or more strings of control units to one or more channels and provides a means for switching these strings of control units between the channels under configuration control. The switching apparatus is so arranged that a single failure within one interface affects at most only the channel to which the interface is associated. A switching matrix is provided, within the apparatus, which is physically centralized to minimize the number of I/O interface cables and connectors. The switching functions are, however, logically decentralized from a reliability standpoint so that a single component failure will not result in total switching system failure.

Vibrating varifocal mirrors for 3-D imaging

Abstract: As technology advances, the interactions between man and machine become more complex. A reliable three-dimensional man-machine interface could help alleviate some of the complexity; but an effective 3-D display has, so far, eluded technologists. Thus, we have been forced to make unnatural compromises when dealing with data that are essentially three-dimensional in nature. This article describes a system that may meet the autostereoscopic display requirements in many situations.

Computer generated graphic segments in a raster display

Abstract: The increased use of computer graphics to enhance the man-machine interface has resulted in many and varied systems and devices to meet a multitude of needs. One type of display that is receiving new emphasis as a computer output device is the "raster format" display (of which standard television is a particular type). Among the reasons for using this type of display are: (1) the relative simplicity of the display device, (2) the ease of remote operation for multiple station users, (3) the low cost per station, (4) capability for mixing output with standard television sources, and (5) good position repeatability for computer generated data.

Multiple process control system

Abstract: In a process control system employing a digital computer, an apparatus for and method of simultaneously controlling a plurality of processes. A parallel control input interface interrogates a set of output variables from each process and forms a plurality of data words which are addressed for display to the digital computer. The computer develops control words from the data words by the execution of a command program and addresses a parallel control output interface. The parallel control output interface accepts the control words from the digital computer and interprets the control words to simultaneously control the plurality of processes.

Interface aspects of a hospital information system.

Abstract: The successful application of technology to clinical medicine often depends on the resolution of problems concerned with the interface of the technology and the human being. This is exemplified in the field of organ transplantation, in which the major consideration involves the acceptance of the foreign tissue by the host. In the application of computer technology to hospital information systems, we have a similar problem of host acceptance. A computer-based information system must also be appropriately interfaced with its host-the hospital-in terms of the hospital objectives, staff, and environment; the implications of this are broad-ranging and complex. In papers devoted to the problems of hospital information systems, there is often a strong feeling of d& vu. For the past decade it has been repeatedly claimed that computers will be of enormous usefulness in patient care and in hospital practice. On innumerable occasions our old men have dreamed dreams and our young men have seen visions. Yet, when we critically examine what is actually being implemented in our hospitals, we are most impressed by the number of slow or halting starts, and the number of projects that have been abandoned or in which the objectives have been greatly watered down. The discrepancies between the visions and the realities are startling. What is the cause of this state of underachievement when the need is so great, and the technology supposedly so powerful? This is a significant problem which merits considerable analysis. It is our thesis that a considerable portion of the difficulty involves the recognition and solution of the “interface” problems. There are three important classes of interface problems: (1) the interface of the hospital with the development and implementation of a computer system;

No. 2 ESS: Control unit system

Abstract: The control unit system consists of the combination of elements which direct and control the operation and functions of the system It includes the stores and processing units as well as the elements of the man-machine interface This paper describes the organization of these units, the processor order structure, and some rationale as to why certain design choices were made

Promenade - an improved interactive-graphics man/machine system for pattern recognition.

Abstract: : The report describes the concluding year of a two-year research effort on man/computer interaction using, as principal interface, a high-performance CRT screen for computer output and a typewriter-like keyboard for input to the medium-size CDC 3100 computer. A computer system (PROMENADE) for multivariate data analysis and pattern recognition, is described. The PROMENADE system is used to explore data using a number of manipulative, graphic and numeric programming subsystems that are linked together under a single executive program. Interactive interface between subsystems is as important as interactive interface between computer and user. Principal features of the system are convenience, flexibility, and on-line interaction. Facilities are available for keeping a record of the analysis, using the line printer, still and movie cameras, and the off-line plotting table. (Author)

Computer-alarm interface system

Abstract: A computer-alarm interface system interconnects conventional leased telephone line, polarity reversal alarms at multiple protected premises to a digital computer. The system, installed to function with a time-sharing computer equipped for communications, notifies police for other appropriate authorities of the nature and location of an alarm, trouble or tamper condition. Each protected premises is associated with a respective module at a central station which registers normal, alarm, or telephone line trouble conditions at the premises, and optionally provides tamper protection. The modules are continuously monitored for changes in conditions at their associated protected premises and transmit coded information pertaining to the nature and location of these changes to the computer. The latter provides a written record of this information at the office of the appropriate authority and also checks the alarm system to assure that the information received by the computer is correct.

A Programmable Data Concentrator for a Large Computing System

Abstract: Most large time-sharing computers require some sort of a data concentrator or multiplexor to accept inputs from a large number of low-speed remote terminals. Two major disadvantages of most of these concentrators are that they are nonprogrammable and relatively expensive. This paper describes the use of a small microprogrammed computer with a special instruction wired into the READ-ONLY memory to perform the multiplexing action. This approach has resulted in a programmable terminal controller which will handle up to 32 remotes, and provides enough processing capability to do code conversion and editing. This not only relieves the main computer of these routine tasks, but also reduces the amount and complexity of system modification within the main computer.

A Compact Data Acquisition and Control Terminal for Particle Accelerators

Abstract: The present trend towards automation of information-processing in particle accelerators dictates the need for a thorough evaluation of the method used in collection and dissemination of this information. A compact, remote terminal for use in automatic data acquisition and control of particle accelerators will be described. The terminal may be controlled by either special-purpose digital logic or by a central control computer. Interfacing to the various accelerator equipment is provided through analog and on-off control and monitoring modules. The detailed design of the logical portion of the remote terminal, in regard to data format, instruction, and command decoding, will be discussed. The method of selection of the appropriate module interface for completion of the desired function will also be treated. In addition, the equipment-interfacing design criteria resulting from actual implementation on accelerator devices will be discussed.

System for computing in the hybrid domain

Abstract: A programmable, sequential-step electronic computing system is disclosed which utilizes, for its basic mathematical capability, a hybrid computing element having an operational amplifier, comparator amplifier, summing resistor network, current-switching network and digital register, being interconnected by control circuitry to provide a plurality of mathematical operations. An input multiplexor and output distributor provide the hybrid computing element with capability to interface with analog and digital systems. Programmed memory and logic circuitry effect sequential step-by-step operation of the hybrid computing element upon the multiplexed signals, providing the program flexiblity of a digital system.

On the varieties of computer experience

Abstract: An on-line, real-time, high-level experiment control language is described. It is written to run on a PDP/8I with 8K memory, automatic multiply-divide. PT08B and RO-33 Teletype, and a interface hardware system.

Computer Augmented Oscilloscope System

Abstract: The Computer Augmented Oscilloscope System (CAOS) is a laboratory-computer terminal intended for experiments involving waveforms and their interpretation. The terminal is portable and can be used wherever telephone access to a suitably programmed computer is available. The CAOS laboratory equipment includes a sampling oscilloscope with a storage CRT, the terminal proper, and a telephone line connection. The terminal includes alphameric and function keyboards, A/D and D/A converters, a read-only store character generator, sequencing and control logic, and circuits for interfacing to the oscilloscope and the telephone line. CAOS is an interface between the experimenter, the experiment, and the computer. It provides digital acquisition of waveform data, system calibration, data analysis, experiment control, and graphic and alphameric display. CAOS can emulate a number of laboratory instruments and can operate additional X-Y storage oscilloscopes.

Centralized crosspoint switching unit

Abstract: An input/output interface switching apparatus for switching I/O interfaces connecting I/O control units between channels. A matrix of transistor cross-point switches is provided for attaching one or more strings of control units to one or more channels. These strings of control unit are switched between the channels under configuration control. The cross-points are arranged so that a single failure within one interface affects at most only the channel to which the interface is associated. The switching matrix is physically centralized to minimize the number of I/O interface cables and connectors. The switching functions are, however, logically decentralized from a reliability standpoint so that a single component failure does not result in total switching system failure.

Real-time reduction of nuclear physics data

Abstract: Small scientific computers have been widely used in research laboratories for on-line data acquisition to improve the efficiency of data collection and to perform sophisticated data manipulation before storage. An equally productive use of such computers is for the subsequent reduction of these data in real time, permitting interaction between investigatar and computer and providing immediate interpretation of masses of data. This report describes the philosophy and techniques developed for the SCANS (Stanford Computers for the Analysis of Nuclear Structure) system for the reduction in real time of multichannel pulse-height spectra, which comprise the bulk of data in Nuclear Physics. The programming language for users is FORTRAN, to provide flexibility and ease in introducing and modifying sophisticated concepts such as nonlinear least-squares fitting. Software interface to specific real-time hardware devices such as oscilloscope display and light pen is accomplished via library subroutines which perform a variety of general purpose services. Several different applications of this approach to various types of data spectra are discussed to illustrate the degree of mutual interaction achieved between investigator and computer and the resultant optimization of reduction techniques to suit particular types of data.

Interface unit for a telephone exchange

Abstract: An interface unit is provided for connection between each of a plurality of peripheral devices and a central processing unit. The peripheral devices include such things as subscribers lines, trunks and junctors. The interface unit includes a temporary memory for storing status information or instructions regarding the peripheral devices. A permanent memory delivers regulating signals for scanning current test inputs and comparing them with data stored in the temporary memory. When there is a discrepancy in the data in the memories, the unit calls the central processor and sends its information to the central processor, where it is processed and new data is sent back to the unit.

The Data Collection Interface Used by the BNL Data Acquisition and Analysis Complex

Abstract: The Data Collection Interface used by the BNL Data Acquisition and Analysis Complex provides a convenient generalized means of interconnecting a series of unrelated devices into as many as eight logically independent arrays. For each array data are read from the devices, packed together to form convenient descriptor addresses and then transmitted to the computer to be stored in an independent spectrum of arbitrary size and number of dimensions.

Test apparatus for process computer interface instrumentation

Abstract: A CONTROL LOOP INTERFACE BETWEEN A DIGITAL COMPUTER AND A PNEUMATICALLY OPERATED REGULATOR FOR AN INDUSTRIAL PROCESS VARIABLE INCLUDES VARIOUS CONVERTERS IN THE COMPUTER OUTPUT AND FEEDBACK CIRCUITS AND THE PNEUMATIC PIPING. CUTOFF VALVES AND MANOMETER CONNECTIONS ARE PROVIDED IN THE PIPING BETWEEN EACH CONVERTER AND THE REGULATOR, AND CONNECTORS ARE PROVIDED IN THE COMPUTER OUTPUT AND FEEDBACK WIRING SO THAT EACH INSTRUMENT MAY BE ISOLATED FROM THE SYSTEM, WHILE COINCIDENTALLY LOCKING THE REGULATOR IN THE OPENING CONDITION OF THE MOMENT. SUITABLE TEST INSTRUMENTATION IS THEN APPLIED TO THE CONNECTORS FOR INDICATING THE OPERATION OF THE PARTICULAR SEGREGATED INSTRUMENT. PREFERABLY, THE VARIOUS PNEUMATIC COUPLINGS, ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS, AND VALVE ACTUATORS ARE PROVIDED ON A CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TEST PANEL. WHERE A MULTIPLICITY OF VARIABLES ARE COMPUTER CONTROLLED, AS IS USUALLY THE CASE, ALL OF THE TEST PANELS WILL BE CONVENIENTLY GROUPED SO THAT A RELATIVELY UNSKILLED WORKMAN CAN TEST ALL OF THE INTERFACE INSTRUMENTS IN A RELATIVELY SHORT TIME.

Errors in frequency-domain processing of images

Abstract: Practical techniques for the determination of image spectra have been developed and become popular in the past few years. Both optical processing systems and digital computers can be used to perform linear filtering via the frequency domain. Optical processing systems use Fourier-transforming lenses and coherent light. Digital computer software uses the Cooley-Tukey algorithm to advantage, while computer hardware must be augmented by optical scanning devices that interface with images. Processing errors arise in both types of systems, but for different reasons. In this paper we present some results concerning errors in the spatial frequency domain.

Experience with the use of the British Standard Interface in computer peripherals and communication systems

Abstract: The new British Standard Specification(1) 4421 entitled “A Digital Input/Output Interface for Data Collection Systems” is gaining wide recognition in the United Kingdom and has been submitted to the International Standards Organisation for International appraisal.Although the B.S. Interface has been described elsewhere (5)(6)(7) a brief outline is given here to facilitate the subsequent discussion of its applications to computer peripherals, small computers, and the NPL data network.

A new graphic display/plotter for small digital computers

Abstract: This report describes a new inexpensive cathode-raytube-display and recorder interface designed to provide graphical output for many of the increasingly popular small digital computers in the 12-to 24-bit class. Our original design was developed to produce differential-equation solutions, phase-plane plots, correlation functions, spectra, and amplitude distributions for on-line digital simulation with the 18-bit PDP-9; but the interface logic is flexible enough to serve many other computers and applications.

Preprocessors in a data communication computer environment

Abstract: Realizing the need for a highly adaptable transmission control unit to interface varied terminal equipment to the Michigan Timesharing System (MTS), the University of Michigan initiated in 1965 the development of a special control unit to be used in conjunction with the System/360 Model 67. Called the Data ConcentratorThe design approach taken in the Data Concentrator has been to nucleate about a small general-purpose computer a number of special-purpose interfaces to the various data set equipment. An integral part of the design is an interface which connects directly to the Model 67 multiplexor channels on one hand and to the Data Concentrator computer on the other. This approach avoids the operational restrictions imposed by an off-the-shelf IBM control unit to interface the two machines.In the next section several points will be raised concerning the design goals of this equipment, concerning general characteristics desirable in any terminal control unit and supporting supervisory system.Following this is a detailed description of the Data Concentrator hardware and an overview description of its supervisory program system. Much of this material has appeared in [3 and 6].

Use of an on‐line, video‐display computer system in medical research

Abstract: Although batch processing may be adequate for some computer applications such as the preparation of scheduled reports, an on-line computer system is needed to enable the research physician or medical scientist to readily interrogate, edit, and reorganize his data. In such a computer system, the man-machine interface may best be provided by an input-output device such as a teletypewriter or video-display terminal.

An interactive graphical display monitor in a batch-processing environment with remote entry

Abstract: A graphic monitor program is described. It was developed at Carnegie-Mellon University for the CDC G21 computer, which is a general purpose, batch-processing system with remote entry. The existing G21 system and the graphics hardware are described. The graphic monitor is a resident auxiliary monitor which provides comprehensive managerial capability over the graphical system in response to commands from the human user. It also will respond to commands from a user program through a similar interface, where routine calls take the place of manual actions. Thus the human and program can interact on a symmetrical and equal basis through the medium of the graphic monitor.The choices made in designing the graphic monitor, given the constraints of the existing hardware and computer system, are discussed.The structure of the monitor program and the human and program interfaces are described. There is also a transient swapping version with a small resident part, and provision for swapped used submonitors.

Digital control simulation system

Abstract: Today there is widespread application of digital control circuitry in a wide range of products. This paper describes a simulation system in which the designer of these control circuits can interact with his design ideas before they are implemented in hardware. The Digitial Control Simulation System (DCSS) is a digital design description language with a set of programs to generate and execute a simulation program. The main use of this system (with an appropriate hardware interface) is the testing of, and possibly on-line simulation of, the control of a system being designed and constructed.