Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 1973"

Graphic input device

Abstract: An interface device is provided comprising a screen made of a material such as plastic or glass whereby the two dimensional coordinates of the location at which the screen is tapped, by an object, such as a stylus, is obtained in the form of representative electrical signals, which may be supplied to a data processing machine.

Multiplexer control system for a multi-array test probe assembly

Abstract: A multiplexer control system for a multi-array test probe assembly for controlling the simultaneous interface contact of the probe arrays with a plurality of electronic devices and the successive interconnection of said arrays with electronic test equipment.

Data communication system

Abstract: A data communication system is disclosed which is particularly suited for ''''in-house'''' or localized on-line data transactions. The system includes a central communication processing unit, such as a digital computer, coupled to a plurality of remotely located units through a single, wide bandwidth, bidirectional communication line, such as a coaxial cable. The system includes interface logic for coupling a large number of remote units to the communication line in a ''''daisy chain'''' configuration, thereby permitting all remote units to have simultaneous access to the single communication line. An addressing scheme is provided to allow selective data transactions to be carried between the central communication processing unit and individual remote units.

Data processing system fault diagnostic arrangements

Abstract: The invention provides arrangements for diagnosing faulty equipment using background job diagnostic software running in the on-line PP250 system. Each processor is provided with a diagnostic interface which is connectable to a processor-store bus, either directly or by way of a multiplexor, and which is addressable as part of the PP250 memory complex. Each diagnostic interface provides facilities for (i) forcing data patterns into the microbits and the data area (highway HO), (ii) monitoring important points in the processor equipment such as highway HO, the data-out register, the microbits and (iii) various basic functions relative to the stopping of the micro-program. The diagnostic interface printed circuit boards are normally removed and inserted only when a processor is to be diagnostically exercised.

Multirequest grouping computer interface

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer system utilizing an interface unit for controlling coordination among central processor units and a peripheral such as a memory, in a temporal multiplex manner whereby a plurality of requests for access to the memory are clustered for response during a time period prior to grouping of other requests. The system includes at least two independently operable processors and a memory, the latter being connected to the former through the interface, and a positional or other priority resolver operable on a requestor group during the latter's access time period.

Course Modularization Applied: The Interface System and Its Implications For Sequence Control and Data Analysis.

Abstract: The Interface System is a comprehensive method for developing and managing computer-assisted instructional courses or computer-managed instructional courses composed of sets of instructional modules. Each module is defined by one or more behavioral objectives and by a list of prerequisite modules that must be completed successfully before the specific module can be attempted. The system's key components are: 1) a standari general structure for all modules; 2) a consistent methcd of labeling logic and text elements; and 3) computer programs (presently written in COURSEWRITER with Assembly Language functions) to regulate inter-module student traffic and to execute system-controlled and student-controlled instructional decisions. (PB) Professional Paper 10-73 HumRRO-PP-10.73 iffumFIFICS Course Modularization Applied: The Interface System and Its Implications For Sequence Control and Data Analysis

A Hybrid Digital/Optical Computer System

Abstract: A brief review of the principles of optical data processing (ODP) with its high throughput data rate and parallel processing potential is given, followed by a description of a viable on-line electron-beam addressed electrical-to-optical input transducer. A proposed on-line hybrid digital/optical two-dimensional processing system is then described. An output plane optical-to-digital interface and several applications of the system to high bit-rate on-line data processing situations are included.

Hybrid computer system including an analog calculator for rapidly generating electric power system loadflow solutions

Abstract: A hybrid loadflow computer arrangement includes a modularized analog network simulator and a digital computer which acquires and processes on-line data and operator data related to the power system for which a loadflow problem is being solved. The analog simulator includes modular circuits representative of power system buses, lines, generators and loads and the interface between the digital computer and the analog network simulator is provided by analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters. The hybrid arrangement operates without iteration, with the analog network simulator providing a bus voltage solution for a set of network simultaneous equations and the digital computer providing generator real power and voltage magnitude set points and real and reactive load power set points. The modular bus circuits are interconnected with the modular generator, load and line circuits to simulate the power system and operate to enforce current and voltage laws to provide the bus solution.

Digital Laser Raman Spectrometer System with On-Line Computer Control of Data Acquisition and Reduction

Abstract: An interface for coupling a laser Raman spectrometer employing photon counting detection to an on-line programmable calculator or minicomputer is described. The resulting system provides both background and spectral data in digital form that allows data manipulation to be easily performed. In addition online computer control allows the enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio by signal averaging. The spectrum of gaseous N(2) and O(2) taken with the system illustrates the capability of the interface and computer when coupled with the spectrometer to make precise and sensitive measurements.

A sampling monitor for applications programs

Abstract: Periodic location counter sampling is a well-known technique for conducting performance measurements on operating systems. It is also extremely useful for applications programs. This paper describes a set of interface conventions for such a monitor. SPY, a monitor obeying these conventions, has been implemented on three different computers. © 1973 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A model implementation for protective domains

Abstract: A combination hardware/software mechanism is presented which supports very general capabilities for the protection of and controlled access to sharable information structures. It is defined through symbolic algorithms in terms of the dedicated model hardware. The model centers on two key concepts, that of thetenant, who is a “storage holding” entity, and that of thedomain, which is an “information accessing” entity. The domain, defined as “a capsular collection of mutually accessible information structures having a single common external protective interface,” is an integral part of the hardware logic. It is contended that the definition of a mechanism to enforce access authorizations must include an underlying philosophy specifying the conditions under which such access authorizations may be granted. Such a philosophy is suggested. It is based on theprinciple of ownership according to which any area of storage is at all times held by a single tenant who has the exclusive right to grant/revoke access privileges to his proprietary information structures, i.e., information residing in proprietary storage.

A computer method for automatic acquisition of wind speed data

Abstract: Pulse generating anemometers have been incorporated into a computer-controlled data acquisition system for taking meteorological measurements. A computer accepts data in digital form, and pulses from 16 anemometers can be fed into the computer via a single general purpose interface card. The interrupt system is used directly to record and count the pulses, and the necessary programmes use only 222 locations of memory. The final on-line output consists of five-minute and hourly averages of wind speed from each of the sensors and a plot of wind profiles. The system has been used successfully for three years and has now collected over 3000 hours of data.

Drive interface system

Abstract: A film driving system including a film cassette and an external film driving mechanism. The cassette includes drive interface means which positively engage with the external drive mechanism so that the film within the cassette can be transported between a pair of film reels provided in the cassette.

Microwave data link for computer communication

Abstract: An experiment is described in linking to a large digital computer at data rates in the order of 107 bit/s. The system is based on standard British Post Office microwave equipment and well established high-speed wire links; the interface between the two sections uses the CAMAC-system convention. The total system is described, and details are given of some of the equipment not previously published. Important features of the system are the termination of both ends of the link in a high-level-language module (in this case PL1), executing in a multiprogramming operating system, and corrected error rates better than 1 bit in 109.

Fluid biased head assembly

Abstract: A head assembly for transducing signals between a head and a recording medium includes a mechanically biased pad for pressing the medium against the head. A first fluid introduced through the head into the head/medium interface produces a first force on the medium. A second fluid introduced through the pad into the pad/medium interface produces a second, opposite force on the medium. The first force reduces the friction forces on the head while the second force maintains the medium in contiguous relationship with the head. In combination, the first and second forces pinch the medium to provide the medium with a rigid configuration. The second force also opposes the biasing force on the pad so that the pad is provided with a frictionless relationship with the medium. The pressures of the first and second fluids provide for self-cleaning of the respective interfaces.

ACCNET: a corporate computer network

Abstract: The installation of a Digital Equipment Corporation DEC 10, in close proximity to an existing IBM 370/165, initiated an investigation into the techniques of supporting communication between the two machines. The method chosen, use a mini-computer as an interface, suggested the possibility of broadening the investigation into a study of computer networks---the linking of several large computer systems by means of interconnected mini-computers. This paper explains the concept of a network and gives examples of existing networks. It discusses the justifications for a corporate computer network, outlines a proposed stage by stage development, and analyzes and proposes solutions for several of the problems inherent in such a network. These include: software and hardware interfaces, movement of files between dissimilar machines, and file security.

Electric Double Layer on the Semiconductor-Electrolyte Interface

Abstract: Studies of the structure of the semiconductor/electrolyte solution interface are of interest both for the physics of semiconductors inasmuch as they throw light on some fundamental characteristics of solids ..:_ and for electrochemistry since the structure of the interface is in many respects the decisive factor in determining the rate of electrochemical reactions on semiconductor electrodes. The object of this review is to give a general idea of recent results obtained in those sections of the electrochemistry of semiconductors which treat the semiconductor electrodes in the equilibrium state. The problems considered are: 1. The electric double layer structure at semiconductor electrodes (potential distribution, charge, relaxation). 2. Methods of investigation. The characteristic features and limits of applicability of basic methods (»field effect«, differential capacity, fast and slow charging curves, electrooptical). 3. Review of experimental results on the electric double layer structure on germanium, silicon and binary compounds.

Versatile interface for PDP-8 computers

Abstract: The design, construction and three typical applications of a versatile interface for PDP-8 computers, adaptable to PDP-11 systems, are described. The interface is conceived for on-line control and data acquisition in a wide variety of physical and chemical experiments. Design principles and specifications as developed from experience are discussed. A detailed description of such a system is presented, together with three typical on-line applications in the field of ESR, ENDOR and Fourier spectroscopy.

Remote synchronous loop operation over half-duplex communications link

Abstract: A remote synchronous loop which operates in the manner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,932 is connected to a central control unit by a local interface unit and a half-duplex communications link. The local interface unit provides an interface between the halfduplex link and the loop and has four modes of operation. These modes are stand by, receive, turn-around and transmit. During stand-by mode, the devices on the loop are neither receiving or transmitting data and the local interface unit provides clocking and synchronization signals for the devices on the loop. During receive mode, the local interface unit provides for gradual synchronization of the loop devices to the received data clock without loss of data. During turn-around mode which occurs between receive and transmit, the local interface unit maintains synchronization of the remote loop devices and enables transmission when the half-duplex link is clear. During transmit mode, the interface unit enables the remote loop devices and passes the received data from the loop to the half-duplex link. This mode is entered from the turn-around mode after the halfduplex link is clear.

Peripheral control unit for a communication switching system

Abstract: A peripheral control unit for use in a communication switching system, which serves as an interface between a central processor unit and telephony and switching equipment of the system includes a plurality of control matrices each comprised of a plurality of bistable control devices which are connected to control points of the system, a plurality of sensing matrices each comprised of a plurality of sensing devices which are connected to sensing points of the system, and a peripheral controller for enabling access of a group of control devices or sensing devices of a given matrix in response to an instruction provided by the central processor to selectively change the states of predetermined control devices or to read out the conditions of sense points connected to the selected sensing devices.

A microprogrammed data communications procedure controller

Abstract: This paper describes a microprogrmmaed data communications management. It is divided into three sections.1) presentation of the information structure and how current procedures work in data communications. 2) design and architecture of a microprogrammed controller executing the previous functions, avoiding most of software interventions during a transmission. 3) description of the interface between the software communications and the controller on the one hand and the relations between the different parts of that controller on the other hand. This architecture permits the use of low cost microprocessor and hardware and can use a standard channel for data communications.

Digital interface module

Abstract: An interface module making use of photo-optical coupling techniques both in the logical control circuitry and in the load waveform responsive circuitry to optimize the degree of isolation between digital circuits and an industrial environment with its associated high voltage and noise

Digital data interface system

Abstract: An interface system is disclosed for digital data with the data appearing on a transmitter assembly as plural bits defining individual digitized words in a sentence. One or more words is established on each of a plurality of transmitter extenders and each transmitter extender is scanned in sequence by clock pulses to determine simultaneously the status of all bits in a word. Enabling means is provided in the transmitter assembly which develops a check advance pulse as each extender or word is being scanned. Reset means establishes reset of the scanning means upon unequal outputs from the clock pulse and from the enabling means being supplied to a comparator such as occurs at the end of the sequence of extenders. A change detector is connected on each word input means to detect a change in any of the plural bits of a digitized word. Upon detecting a change, an interrupt signal is generated. As each extender is scanned, the scan passes through the extender by actuating the enabling means if there is no change in the word. If there is a change in the word, the interrupt signal freezes the scan and establishes the status of the word on a plurality of conductors interconnecting the transmitter extenders. Address information as to the address of the changed word is produced and both the address information and status information is thus available to a computer which acknowledges the information and restarts the scanning. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Fundamentals of MOS Technology

Abstract: A survey of the present state of MOS physics and technology is given. After a short introduction into the principles governing the electrical behavior of MOS structures, technological steps and problems to fabricate the elements are discussed. The properties of the silicon surface, the Si−SiO2 interface, the oxide, and the metal electrodes are described. A special section is concerned with ion implantation used in MOS technology. In each case, device aspects are considered.

Preliminary design and simulations of a Shuttle-Attached Manipulator System.

Abstract: The preliminary design of a Shuttle-Attached Manipulator System is based on two arms that are articulated at shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Details of manipulator design are considered, giving attention to arm reach, velocity, acceleration, torque, joint angular travel limits, control, crew systems and man-machine interface, and telecommunications. The results of man-in-the-loop simulations show the feasibility of grappling a representative space payload from the Shuttle using a long boom manipulator system. The task, however, is sufficiently difficult to require the full concentration of one operator who should be relieved of any other tasks while performing operations with the manipulator system.

A translating computer interface for a network of heterogeneous interactive information retrieval systems

Abstract: The need for a network of heterogeneous interactive bibliographic information retrieval systems is projected from the facts of wide acceptance and growing demand for these systems and the limitations of their use caused by limited online data base size. Because of the established characters of the different I-R systems and unlikelihood that a standardized I-R system leading directly to the ultimate uniform network will soon be generally adopted, we propose an intermediate solution in which computer interfaces would provide the networking capability by translating and converting among the diverse languages and data bases of existing systems.We have begun work on such a network in which the computer interface is based on the concept of a common language for commands, indexing vocabularies, and data base structures. In particular, the common language for commands and data base structures is based on identifying the basic or primitive I-R functions and bibliographic data base elements. The conversion among indexing vocabularies is based on the concept of a Master Index and Thesaurus containing the conglomerate thesaurus information from the separate data bases. In addition, the phrase decomposition and stemming of the individual words in the search request and subject index phrases are used as further techniques for automated conversion among diverse vocabularies. An initial experimental interface is described which interconnects the M.I.T. Intrex system, the MEDLINE retrieval system, and the TYMNET computer network using the ARPANET Terminal Interface Processors for intercomputer communication.

Information Management System: Master links — a hierarchical data system

Abstract: MASTER LINKS is a software system used to build, administer, and access hierarchical data bases. It is designed to operate in a time-sharing environment, and, in particular, it allows multiple concurrent updates and retrievals on the same data base. A BUILD module is used to specify the hierarchical configuration of a data base and an initial “storage mapping” of the elements of the hierarchy into a particular file layout. A set of administrative routines is provided for altering the mapping and other such maintenance purposes. The access routines have three levels of interface, from primitive and flexible to sophisticated and functional. The interfaces are all defined in terms of the hierarchical structure and independent of the storage mapping. Thus, an alteration of the storage mapping for a data base does not require changing any programs that access data using these interfaces. The lowest-level interface enables the calling program to add to the data base, update a value, or retrieve a value, in terms of a hierarchy position. The second-level interface facilitates traversal of a hierarchy by enabling the calling program to specify portions of the hierarchy over which a process is to operate. Such a specification, called an “access tree,” consists of data which can be generated at execution time by the calling routine. As in the first level, data are transferred one at a time. The third-level interface is a function evaluation mechanism which computes values from data base values and other computed values according to function definitions passed to it at execution time. Like an access tree, a function definition is itself data which can be constructed at execution time by the client process.

A GPSS model of a complex on-line computer system

Abstract: This paper describes the development of a GPSS model of the First National Bank of Boston's Real Time System (RTS). RTS is a generalized on-line teleprocessing, data base management, and work scheduling system which provides an interface between the IBM operating system (OS/MFT) and on-line COBOL applications programs. The architecture of the model, based on a hierarchical process string structure, is described along with specific techniques of implementation. Methods used to establish parameters and aspects of interpretation of the model which may be useful to others dealing with similar problems are discussed. A listing of the model is included as an appendix.

A 30-cm thruster power processor test console

Abstract: The development of a high performance ion propulsion system composed of an ion thruster and its associated power processing equipment, dictates the establishment of a mutually compatible set of electrical characteristics. A 30-cm thruster power processing console has been developed which utilizes power and control circuitry applicable to flight hardware designs, incorporates interface circuitry for optional direct computer control, and has self-contained instrumentation for assessing steady-state and dynamic system behavior. This paper discusses the console's design, utility, performance, and the potential impact of this development effort on future hardware designs.