Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 1987"

Voice actuated control system for use in a vehicle

Abstract: A voice actuated control system for controlling vehicle accessories includes a voice processing circuit and memory for storing data representing command words employed to perform control functions for vehicle accessories and for detecting spoken command words and providing data corresponding thereto. A microprocessor compares the data to determine if a word match has occurred and provides a selected control output signal in such event. The microprocessor is coupled by an interface circuit to a plurality of devices to be controlled including for example, a cellular telephone, a radio receiver and the like. Also, in a preferred embodiment a display and control panel is provided to selectively provide visual prompts to the operator and a manual control. The microprocessor is programmed to provide a variety of tests on stored data and spoken word to improve the reliability of the system.

User identifying vehicle control and security device

Abstract: A vehicle control and/or access control and/or anti-theft system for motor vehicles including data entry apparatus designed to enter a predetermined signal, a decoder for processing the signal, apparatus to recognize which one of a plurality of valid signals was entered, and apparatus to control vehicle electrical functions in response to which valid signal was recognized. In the anti-theft system, operation of the vehicle is disabled by interrupting an essential vehicle circuit, and a method is provided together with the decoder for preventing the operation of the vehicle disabling system so that when the operator enters his specific signal the automobile can then be started and operated. In addition, the system monitors all points of entry into the vehicle, and also monitors various sensors for unusual disturbances. The system sounds a siren alarm and/or flashes the vehicle's interior lights, parking lights, and/or headlights, in the event of unauthorized entry or unusual disturbance. The system has the ability to differentiate between a plurality of authorized operators of the vehicle, and contains a logic processing device adapted to interface to automotive electrical functions such as memory devices programmed to adapt specific automotive functions to a plurality of operators. The system provides a diagnostics mode, enhanced exit supervision and a plurality of user-programmable features.

Firefly: a multiprocessor workstation

Abstract: Firefly is a shared-memory multiprocessor workstation that contains from one to seven MicroVAX 78032 processors, each with a floating point unit and a sixteen kilobyte cache. The caches are coherent, so that all processors see a consistent view of main memory. A system may contain from four to sixteen megabytes of storage. Input-output is done via a standard DEC QBus. Input-output devices are an Ethernet controller, fixed disks, and a monochrome 1024 x 768 display with keyboard and mouse. Optional hardware includes a high resolution color display and a controller for high capacity disks. Figure 1 is a system block diagram.The Firefly runs a software system that emulates the Ultrix system call interface. It also supports medium- and coarse-grained multiprocessing through multiple threads of control in a single address space. Communications are implemented uniformly through the use of remote procedure calls.This paper describes the goals, architecture, implementation and performance analysis of the Firefly. It then presents some measurements of hardware performance, and discusses the degree to which SRC has been successful in producing software to take advantage of multiprocessing.

The duality of memory and communication in the implementation of a multiprocessor operating system

Abstract: Mach is a multiprocessor operating system being implemented at Carnegie-Mellon University. An important component of the Mach design is the use of memory objects which can be managed either by the kernel or by user programs through a message interface. This feature allows applications such as transaction management systems to participate in decisions regarding secondary storage management and page replacement.This paper explores the goals, design and implementation of Mach and its external memory management facility. The relationship between memory and communication in Mach is examined as it relates to overall performance, applicability of Mach to new multiprocessor architectures, and the structure of application programs.

Virtual environment display system

Abstract: A head-mounted, wide-angle, stereoscopic display system controlled by operator position, voice and gesture has been developed for use as a multipurpose interface environment. The system provides a multisensory, interactive display environment in which a user can virtually explore a 360-degree synthesized or remotely sensed environment and can viscerally interact with its components. Primary applications of the system are in telerobotics, management of large-scale integrated information systems, and human factors research. System configuration, application scenarios, and research directions are described.

Walkthrough—a dynamic graphics system for simulating virtual buildings

Abstract: As part of our graphics research into virtual worlds, we are building a tool for an architect and his client to use for rapid prototyping of buildings by visually “walking through” them in order to refine specifications.Our first prototype simulated the new UNC Computer Science building with some 8000 polygons. BSP-tree software on the Adage Ikonas gave a colored, shaded perspective view every 3-5 seconds while the user moved a cursor in real-time over floorplans shown on the Vector-General 3300.The current (third) version uses Pixel-Planes to generate 9 updates/second, view images shown 4' x 6' by projector.Active short- and long-term research questions include speed-up, stereo, a 6-DoF interface with eye-level defaults, and an interactive model-building, model-changing system.

An image processing device of multifunctional type

Abstract: An image processing device for controlling data transfer includes an image scanner, an image printer, a facsimile control unit, bus lines for data transfer, a bidirectional parallel interface unit, and a main CPU in a housing. The device is connected to an external data processing device through the parallel interface unit. In addition to the functions which are obtained independent from the external data processing device, the image processing device realizes various kinds of functions by controlling the image scanner, the image printer facsimile control unit and the interface unit by the main CPU in response to commands from the data processing device. As a result, various kinds of image processing functions are carried out.

Digital exchange switch element and network

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a multi-channel space-division switching network capable of providing dedicated line connections from a large number of inlets to a large number of outlets for either analog or digital communication. A flexible and highly modular space-division switching network is constructed using a basic digital exchange circuit element. This element is a basic building block which can be inexpensively manufactured and wired together in large numbers to form space-division switching networks which can be expanded or contracted according to a user's requirements and volume of communications. The building block element is constructed using line receiver/driver buffers as an interface to adapt a wide variety of communications media to the internal electronic media of the space-division switching network. The element also includes bus driver/receivers which are used to transfer communication information to and from intrastage and interstage buses. Input communication information is placed on these communication buses and N-line to l-line multiplexers remove the communication information from the buses and transfer it to the communication destination. In a multi-stage design, a plurality of I/O buses, transfer buses and crossover buses are used in conjuction with a plurality of N-line to l-line multiplexers to select a nonblocking communication path from a requesting port to a destination port. Control of the multiplexers and data transfer throughout the communication network is accomplished by means of distributive processing in microprocessors placed at various stages throughout the network. The microprocessors communicate with one another to forward communications requests by means of a serial communications bus.

Signal viewing instrumentation control system

Abstract: A signal viewing instrumentation control system includes a programmable test instrument, a computer having an input keyboard and/or mouse, a CRT display and a communications interface for the computer to communicate with the test instrument. The test instrument can be a digitizer, a spectrum analyzer, a power supply or a signal generator. The system includes software for the user to interactively control the test instrument through the computer. The software includes a functional characterization of the test instrument for inversely transforming a generic output for the instrument into a generalized set of control setting commands for controlling operation of the instrument. The user can graphically enter into computer a user-specified output for the instrument. The computer converts the graphically-specified output into a specific set of the control setting commands and transmits the specific commands to the test instrument to control its operation. The user can thereby interactively control the test instrument to provide an output function replicating a desired output function without having to enter a control settings to the test instrument either manually or as program language control statements.

Block diagram editor system and method for controlling electronic instruments

Abstract: A block diagram editor system and method is implemented in a computer workstation that includes a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and a mouse, graphics and windowing software, and an external communications interface for test instruments. The computer is programmed for constructing, interconnecting and displaying block diagrams of functional elements on the CRT. From prestored routines for each functional element, the software assembles and executes a program that emulates the functional operations of each element and transfers data from output from each element in turn to an input of a succeeding block, as determined by the block diagram configuration. The block functions include signal generating and analysis functions, and functions for control of various types of test instruments, which can be interactively controlled through the CRT and mouse. The computer converts desired outputs of the instruments into control settings and receives, analyzes and displays data from the instruments. Blocks can also be grouped into macroblocks.

Personal computer--as an interface between a telephone station set and a business communication system

Abstract: This invention is an interface arrangement which interconnects a business communication system with a telephone station set. This interface is implemented in a personal computer which serves to control the operation of the associated telephone station set and also provide business communication services. All signaling from the business communication system is received by the personal computer, interpreted, and appropriate control signals are then forwarded under control of the software resident on the personal computer to activate the digital telephone station set. The signals from the digital telephone station set are intercepted by the personal computer, interpreted, modified and appropriate control messages and signaling are then forwarded by the personal computer to the business communication system. This arrangement enables a user to create software on the personal computer to control the operation of the telephone station set associated with the personal computer. The user can implement new features and services independent of the operation of the business communication system.

High capacity disk storage system having unusually high fault tolerance level and bandpass

Abstract: A relatively large plurality of relatively small, independently operating disk subsystems are coupled to a read/write interface containing error circuitry and data organizer circuitry. The data organizer circuitry organizes read/write data for read/write communication with the disk subsystems via the error circuitry such that the overall system appears as a large, high capacity disk system having an unusually high fault tolerance and a very high bandpass.

Adaptive tracking vision and guidance system

Abstract: An adaptive tracking vision and guidance system for use with robot systems includes a structured light vision system and an expert system based look ahead feature tracker. The adaptive tracking vision system may be used to track a feature on which the robot is to operate and to supply guidance information in real time to the robot or to an adaptive stage on the robot arm train. The vision system may be a structured light system capable of scanning a relatively large window, and a control computer. The feature tracker includes an expert system software package and interface packages for the robot controller, host computer, vision camera and operator console. The vision system does an initial search to locate a feature based on a priori knowledge of characteristics of the feature. Then the system tracks the feature by scanning ahead, adaptively planning future scans, predicting the feature path and choosing the data to be used to reduce processing time. The system can supply guidance information to an adaptive stage controlling an end effector tool so that the robot can perform the desired operation precisely on the feature. If the feature is lost while scanning ahead, the vision system does a recovery search to relocate the feature, including switching to alternative mapping systems if necessary. If the feature cannot be recovered a signal is given to the operator.

An Expert System as a Dispatchers' Aid for the Isolation of Line Section Faults

Abstract: Between power circuit breakers at the two ends of a transmission line, automatic switches have been installed in utility systems to sectionalize the line in case of a fault. Often the operation of automatic switches is not able to isolate the faulted section exactly. In this situation, system dispatchers need to apply reasoning and some heuristics to determine a set of actions which will isolate the faulted section precisely. An expert system to aid decision-making in an operating center environment is developed in this study. The required knowledge has been obtained from discussions with dispatchers. Main issues in the expert system development, such as rule base organization, implementation in control center, interface with a database, and computational efficiency, are discussed.

Adaptive control in human-machine systems

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses contemporary advances in the understanding of adaptive control as applied to systems that include the cooperative action of a machine and its operator. The key component of an adaptive interface is a reasoning process that selects a task allocation policy that changes the loading on the human in such a way as to improve overall system performance. This process must have access to both overall system goals (a model of the task) and information about what the person and machine components of the system are capable of accomplishing (person and system models). As an initial foundation, it is recognized in the chapter that the prosthetics that can surround individuals and augment their capabilities allow human operators to traverse the traditional boundary constraints imposed by the environment. A different approach is advocated where a hierarchical model of the task is built in terms of procedural and knowledge-based components. The human–machine interaction is a view of the task as a knowledge system that requires combined human–machine intelligence along with an interface that permits and controls joint human–machine reasoning. The chapter describes some developments in the understanding of human-adaptive response and the way by which such adaptive capability may be replicated in human–machine systems.

Near-Real-Time Control of Human Figure Models

Abstract: Animating human figures is one of the major problems in computer animation. A recent approach is the use of dynamic analysis to compute the movement of a human figure, given the forces and torques operating within and upon the body. One of the problems with this technique is computing the forces and torques required for particular motions; this has been called the control problem of dynamic analysis. To develop a better understanding of this problem, an interactive interface to a dynamics package has been produced. This interface, along with a collection of low-level motion processes, can be used to control the motion of a human figure model. This article describes both the user interface and the motion processes, along with our experiences with this approach.

Supervisory control and data acquisition

Abstract: The acquisition of data, the processing of those data for use by the operator, and operator control of remote devices are the fundamental building blocks upon which all modern utility control systems are based The systems to accomplish these functions are known as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems This paper provides an overview of the functions of SCADA and the fundamentals of operation of SCADA systems, including a brief description of the key man-machine interface Several of the key issues and problems in modern SCADA systems, ie, message standards, system performance testing, and system obsolescence are discussed The paper concludes with the current trends toward distributed processing, improved man-machine interface, standard systems, smarter RTUs, and standard software The authors' view of the future, using interchangeable system parts, is provided

Use of Model-Based Qualitative Icons and Adaptive Windows in Workstations for Supervisory Control Systems

Abstract: Model-based qualitative icons and adaptive window display interfaces may be valuable tools to enhance the effectiveness of operators in real-time data-intensive supervisory control systems. Qualitative icons may be used to integrate low-level quantitative data into high-level qualitative error detection mechanisms. Using windowing technology, multiple data sources that reflect different aspects of system state can be displayed simultaneously on a single screen. Both technologies were combined and implemented to design an operator interface to the Georgia Tech-Multisatellite Operation Control Center (GT-MSOCC). An operator function model for GT-MSOCC was used to derive workstation features, including hardware configuration, the function of qualitative icons for monitoring, fault detection and identification, and the contents and placement of computer windows. The model also determined sets of windows needed by the operator to undertake major operator control functions. An experiment was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of a workstation incorporating model-based qualitative icons and dynamic operator function window sets. Subjects controlled GT-MSOCC via either a conventional operator interface or the model-based interface. Eleven measures that reflected operator performance were analyzed. Subjects using the model-based workstation operated the system significantly better on nine of these measures. On all measures, performance with the model-based workstation was uniformly better on average and had less variability than performance with the conventional workstation.

Architectural arrangement for a SCSI disk controller integrated circuit

Abstract: A SCSI disk controller integrated circuit (SDC IC) provides much of the hardware necessary to perform asynchronous data transfers between a SCSI host bus and a disk interface circuit through two on-chip rotating buffers. The SDC IC is designed to be used in conjunction with a microprocessor and a stored microprocessor program. The SDC IC with its numerous registers reduce external parts by allowing some of the SCSI disk controller functions to be performed in software rather than hardware. On-chip sequence controllers and the rotating buffers of the SDC IC help the microprocessor to separate the control functions and the data transfer functions in order to maximize data transfer throughput. By arranging the control registers, the rotating buffers, and the sequence controller on a single integrated circuit a high performance, compact and inexpensive disk controller can be built using the SDC IC, a microprocessor and a small number of additional integrated circuits.

User interface simulation and management for program-controlled apparatus

Abstract: An interactive graphical tool is provided for designing the user interface of a program-controlled instrument. The tool runs on a computer workstation and is used to model the application code of the instrument as a first network in which sessions of user interaction with the application code are represented by respective elements of the network. The actual user interaction sessions themselves are modelled by respective second networks; each second network includes information for defining the interface states of the modelled user interaction session. The full user interface can thereafter be simulated by progressing through the first model until a user interaction element is met and then entering the corresponding second network; the interface state information contained in the second network is used to drive a simulation of the instrument interfaace on the display of the computer workstation. The separation of the modelling of the application code from that of the user interaction sessions facilitates modification of the interface simulation.

Master station apparatus for remote supervisory control system with touch panel video display

Abstract: The inventive master station apparatus for a remote supervisory control system makes poke points for selecting remote stations displayed on a video display (3) by an output control circuit (24), so that, when an operator touches one of the poke points on a touch panel (4), a CPU (21) makes the pattern and the current status of a monitored/controlled device of the corresponding remote station and a poke point for a control command displayed. When the poke point for the control command is touched, the CPU (21) transmits a control command to the monitored/controlled device of the corresponding one of remote stations (11, 12, . . . , 1n) through a line interface (5). When control of the corresponding device is executed, the remote station transmits a signal indicating the operation thereof to the master station apparatus (1). On the basis of the operation indicating signal, the CPU (21) updates the content of a status memory (23), and the status indication displayed on the video display (3) through the output control circuit (24).

Computer-telephone interface method and apparatus

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a computer-telephone interface system by which a general purpose personal computer is enabled to perform telephone functions such as dialing, answering ringing lines, and placing lines on hold without the need for a separate telephone instrument. The interface system is responsive to digital signals received from a microprocessor in the computer to implement the signalling functions utilized in a standard switched telephone network. The interface system performs dialing sequences entered either from the keyboard of the computer, a location in the computer memory, a location on a display screen associated with the computer or a location specified by a cursor used in association with the keyboard. Operation of the interface system does not interfere with the concurrent operation by the computer of an applications program.

Environmental control with multiple zone central processor means

Abstract: An environmental control system for use in a greenhouse or another structure which requires the control of an ambient condition regulating element in response to a plurality of sensed parameters The system includes a plurality of sensor elements and actuator elements, which communicate with a central control through communication interface units In an illustrated embodiment the interface units communicate over previously installed AC power lines by frequency shift keyed signals The central control unit maintains a protocol where, in response to operator inputs, addreses are assigned to different peripheral control elements to configure the system The system is configured by assigning sets of equipment to separate zones of the structure which are individually controlled All peripheral control elements are addressed in one zone before sequencing to control the next zone When a peripheral control element is addressed, a sensor responds with data corresponding to a sensed parameter and an actuator executes a command The central control executes a control program which is input by the operator for the most efficient energy use by the system The central control is embodied as a personal computer including an expansion board and a specialized communication circuit which provides data transfer between the communication interface units and the personal computer

Audio editor display interface

Abstract: An audio editor comprising circuitry for converting a received audio sound recording into digital data blocks, where each data block represents a corresponding portion of the sound recording during a predetermined time interval. Also included is circuitry for storing the data blocks as a consecutive sequence representing the sound recording. A display circuit is provided for display the data blocks as a timed based graphical representation to a user. Also provided is a method of displaying the sound recording including the steps of (1) converting the received sound recording into digital data blocks, (2) displaying an axis representing time, (3) displaying a graphical representation of the digital data adjacent to the time axis corresponding to the relative time position of a corresponding sound recording portion in that time period, and (4) displaying at least one user locatable mark on the time axis representing a time point of the sound recording.

Input/output controller incorporating address mapped input/output windows and read ahead/write behind capabilities

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth for transferring data to and from a first bus, to which a first set of high performance devices, including at least one central processing unit ("CPU") is attached, and a second bus, to which a second set of relatively lower performance devices is attached. The aforesaid transfer is accomplished in a manner that facilitates communication between the first and second set of devices while insulating the performance of the first set of devices from the comparatively lower performance of the second set of devices. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, an input/output controller i.e., ("IOC") is disclosed that includes a set of address mapped I/O ports. The I/O ports may be used to transfer data between the high performance channel (hereinafter referred to as the "Local Bus") coupled to the CPU in a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) system and a typically lower performance, peripheral bus (hereinafter referred to as a "Remote Bus"). The resulting IOC interface between the Local Bus and Remote Bus permits a wide performance range of standard peripheral devices to be attached to the RISC system in a manner that does not limit system performance. The IOC may be used as part of a data transfer controller ("DTC") having other components, such as direct memory access components, or may be used independently for transferring data between unmatched buses in, for example, RISC and non-RISC systems and data transmission systems generally.

Security override network interface device

Abstract: A telephone network interface device having differing means for access for the public utility, building owner or apartment manager, and those living in individual housing units; differing means of access provided in part by a latchpiece inserted between a first gate leading to a subscriber compartment and a second gate leading to the utility compartment. Also described is a container using the latchpiece.

Method and apparatus related to simulating train responses to actual train operating data

Abstract: A system includes an interface through which actual train operating data can be transferred from a recording medium, such as a magnetic tape, into a train simulator. The date contents of the magnetic tape are generated from real-time data obtained on-board an operating locomotive. For entering additional data, the interface switches a manual data entry terminal to the train simulator in response to a control signal provided by the train simulator. A method incorporating this system simulates train responses to the actual train operating data.

Method and apparatus used in mounting expansion cards

Abstract: An attachment for a portable computer comprising a rigid case having an interface card that is adapted to attach to the portable computer's expansion slot at one end and is adapted to attach to a standard PC expansion card at the other end. The case has room to insert a standard expansion card of 2/3 length or less. The case is sufficiently small that it may be attached to the bottom of the portable computer and still fit inside the original carrying case.

Distributed computing system with dual independent communications paths between computers and employing split tokens

Abstract: This is a distributed computing system providing flexible fault tolerance; ease of software design and concurrency specification; and dynamic balance of the loads. The system comprises a plurality of computers each having a first input/output interface and a second input/output interface for interfacing to communications networks each second input/output interface including a bypass for bypassing the associated computer. A global communications network interconnects the first input/output interfaces for providing each computer the ability to broadcast messages simultaneously to the remainder of the computers. A meshwork communications network interconnects the second input/output interfaces providing each computer with the ability to establish a communications link with another of the computers bypassing the remainder of computers. Each computer is controlled by a resident copy of a common operating system. Communications between respective ones of computers is by means of split tokens each having a moving first portion which is sent from computer to computer and a resident second portion which is disposed in the memory of at least one of computer and wherein the location of the second portion is part of the first portion. The split tokens represent both functions to be executed by the computers and data to be employed in the execution of the functions. The first input/output interfaces each include logic for detecting a collision between messages and for terminating the broadcasting of a message whereby collisions between messages are detected and avoided.