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Showing papers on "System integration published in 1985"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data acquisition and processing system is described, designed at a fraction of the cost of most commercially available systems, and which in many ways exceeds their capabilities.
Abstract: A new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data acquisition and processing system is described. Designed at a fraction of the cost of most commercially available systems, it in many ways exceeds their capabilities. The use of state‐of‐the‐art components in an open‐architecture system where each component is relatively loosely coupled to the rest of the system and thus can be chosen, upgraded, or replaced without major changes to other components, provides for a flexible and expandable system. The principle of incorporating sufficient intelligence into each of the system components allows the use of serial protocols for all noncritical intrasystem communications, simplifying the task of system integration and reducing cost. Such ‘‘unbundling’’ of the hardware also results in a superior adherence to industry standards at the level of individual components. While the technical details are directed primarily at the NMR researchers, a number of general considerations and the description of the principles and crite...

50 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Apr 1985
TL;DR: The concept of generalized icons is proposed as a means to help achieve system integration in image information systems, which emphasizes program portability and modularity, self-descriptive data structures, unified image processing language and programming environment, and flexible user interface.
Abstract: Recent advances in hardware technology have made feasible the design of sophisticated image information systems. There is need for image information systems in many application areas. A survey of commercial systems that are currently available indicates the diversity of product orientations, nonuniformity, and lack of integration in their capabilities. A survey of R & D efforts indicate that many sophisticated techniques and concepts have been developed, but lack of integration again prevents their immediate applications. Based upon these considerations, an approach to software design for image information systems to achieve system integration is suggested, which emphasizes program portability and modularity, self-descriptive data structures, unified image processing language and programming environment, and flexible user interface. The concept of generalized icons is proposed as a means to help achieve such system integration.

45 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Mar 1985
TL;DR: The intended objective is to build a programming and decisional environment which allows construction of assembly applications, and to endow the on-line system with decision-making capabilities.
Abstract: This paper is divided into four sections. The first section discusses Flexible Assembly Cell (FAC) programming requirements. Sections 2 and 3 present an approach to FAC modelling and programming. The intended objective is to build a programming and decisional environment which allows construction of assembly applications, and to endow the on-line system with decision-making capabilities. The last section describes the current state of an actual system which is a first approach to meeting the discussed requirements.

21 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
12 Apr 1985
TL;DR: A prototypical application of optical disks to the publishing of the Library of Congress's machine-readable collection (the MARC and REMARC databases) is discussed and a number of issues common to the publication of such databases are discussed: data structures, search strategies, precomputation of retrieval results, and issues pertaining to standardization and publication formats.
Abstract: Bibliographic databases are quite large and relatively static, making them ideally suited for storage on optical media now becoming available. Consequently, libraries and publishing houses are pioneering certain applications of optical disks. The high storage density and the economy of optical disks make them attractive media for large databases. However, two factors create problems in the design of sophisticated retrieval software: certain device characteristics (e.g., slow access time compared to magnetic media), and the user interface requirements for bibliographic data. We discuss a prototypical application of optical disks to the publishing of the Library of Congress's machine-readable collection (the MARC and REMARC databases). The prototype disk is manufactured from pre-mastered videotape and is controlled by an IBM PC microcomputer. The prototype represents a significant effort in system integration, requiring development of hardware interface, error correction, low-level access software, high-level language interface, and user-friendly front-end applications. To prepare the data for indexing and display, mainframe software was developed. Based on our experience with the prototype, we discuss a number of issues common to the publication of such databases: data structures, search strategies, precomputation of retrieval results (a powerful technique well-suited to optical disk applications), and issues pertaining to standardization and publication formats.

13 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Jun 1985
TL;DR: If the techniques, methods and systems that were developed for database management could be utilized for CAD/CAM integration, they would save a considerable duplication of effort, enhance the integrity of the data, and bring to bear the results and advances that have been achieved through a long period of hard work.
Abstract: Facilitating the communication between different CAD/CAM systems is rapidly becoming an important issue, as more such systems reach the market. A solution to the communication problem can be found if it is considered part of the more general problem of managing the complex information associated with the representation of physical artifacts and environments in the memory of computers, thereby accounting for the operators that are used for accessing the data as well as the data itself. Database management systems have provided powerful solutions to information management problems in a variety of disciplines and enjoy a broad and rigorous research foundation. If the techniques, methods and systems that were developed for database management could be utilized for CAD/CAM integration, they would save a considerable duplication of effort, enhance the integrity of the data, and bring to bear the results and advances that have been achieved through a long period of hard work.

8 citations



Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the technology for mining manganese nodules from the deep seafloor has been presented from a research and developmental point of view instead of from a hardware technology standpoint.
Abstract: Technology for mining manganese nodules from the deep seafloor has been reviewed from a research and developmental point of view instead of from a hardware technology standpoint. Nodule collectors, hoisting systems, and dynamics and remote control are individually reviewed, and systems integration is discussed. The paper concludes with discussion of the importance of systems integration and sweep efficiency.

6 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
16 Sep 1985
TL;DR: One of the most important functions that radiology has to perform is to provide timely and accurate diagnostic reports to referring physicians and careful integration of existing reporting systems can not be overlooked.
Abstract: One of the most important functions that radiology has to perform is to provide timely and accurate diagnostic reports to referring physicians. Because of the importance of the report process and lack of an ideal reporting system, careful integration of existing reporting systems can not be overlooked.

5 citations


31 May 1985
TL;DR: In this article, the TEMPUS animation system, anthropometric lab integration, and the impact of UNIX and local workstations on the OSDS environment are discussed as well as the issues that arise from the system integration issue.
Abstract: Several areas that arise from the system integration issue were examined. Intersystem analysis is discussed as it relates to software development, shared data bases and interfaces between TEMPUS and PLAID, shaded graphics rendering systems, object design (BUILD), the TEMPUS animation system, anthropometric lab integration, ongoing TEMPUS support and maintenance, and the impact of UNIX and local workstations on the OSDS environment.

4 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Dec 1985
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate how the subsystems should cooperate to improve system performance and investigate how to improve the overall performance of the system if each sub-system operates independently and if no cooperation between the subsystem's resources exists.
Abstract: Integration of an Automated Manufacturing System is now recognized as one of the key issues for improving productivity. The separation of a large complex system into smaller subsystems that operate individually contributes to an efficient integration and control of the entire system. However, the overall performance of the system may be reduced, if each sub-system operates independently and if no cooperation between the subsystems' resources exists. This paper investigates how the subsystems should cooperate to improve system performance.

4 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1985
TL;DR: In this article, the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) architecture known as the blackboard model is examined as a framework for designing and building distributed systems requiring the integration of multiple cooperating expert systems (MCXS).
Abstract: The use of an artificial intelligence (AI) architecture known as the blackboard model is examined as a framework for designing and building distributed systems requiring the integration of multiple cooperating expert systems (MCXS). Aerospace vehicles provide many examples of potential systems, ranging from commercial and military aircraft to spacecraft such as satellites, the Space Shuttle, and the Space Station. One such system, free-flying, spaceborne telerobots to be used in construction, servicing, inspection, and repair tasks around NASA's Space Station, is examined. The major difficulties found in designing and integrating the individual expert system components necessary to implement such a robot are outlined. The blackboard model, a general expert system architecture which seems to address many of the problems found in designing and building such a system, is discussed. A progress report on a prototype system under development called DBB (Distributed BlackBoard model) is given. The prototype will act as a testbed for investigating the feasibility, utility, and efficiency of MCXS-based designs developed under the blackboard model.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new integration scheme is proposed which performs more effective information exchange so that it is more tolerant to rf interferences and unmodeled INS errors (such as errors caused by IMU failures) than the conventional scheme.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1985
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the results of a recent study whose focus was to define an advanced integrated power and attitude control system (IPACS) and evaluate its merits for the Space Station application.
Abstract: Integrated Power and Attitude Control Systems (IPACS) studies performed over a decade ago established the feasibility of simultaneously storing electrical energy in wheels and utilizing the resulting momentum for spacecraft attitude control. It was shown that such a system possessed many advantages over other contemporary energy storage and attitude control systems in many applications. More recent technology advances in composite rotors, magnetic bearings, and power control electronics have triggered new optimism regarding the feasibility and merits of such a system. The paper presents the results of a recent study whose focus was to define an advanced IPACS and to evaluate its merits for the Space Station application. A system and component design concept is developed to establish the system performance capability. A system level trade study, including life-cycle costing, is performed to define the merits of the system relative to two other candidate systems. It is concluded that an advanced IPACS concept is not only feasible, but offers substantial savings in mass, and life-cycle cost.

01 Jan 1985
TL;DR: The objective was to develop an integrated avionics system design that enhances rotorcraft single pilot IFR operations without increasing the required pilot training/experience by exploiting advanced technology in computers, busing, displays and integrated systems design.
Abstract: A functional design of a rotorcraft digital advanced avionics system (RODAAS) to transfer the technology developed for general aviation in the Demonstration Advanced Avionics System (DAAS) program to rotorcraft operation was undertaken. The objective was to develop an integrated avionics system design that enhances rotorcraft single pilot IFR operations without increasing the required pilot training/experience by exploiting advanced technology in computers, busing, displays and integrated systems design. A key element of the avionics system is the functionally distributed architecture that has the potential for high reliability with low weight, power and cost. A functional description of the RODAAS hardware and software functions is presented.

01 Jan 1985
TL;DR: In this paper, NASA studies over the last eight years have identified five opportunities for the application of automation and robotics technology: (1) satellite servicing; (2) system monitoring, control, sequencing and diagnosis; (3) space manufacturing; (4) space structure assembly; and (5) planetary rovers.
Abstract: NASA studies over the last eight years have identified five opportunities for the application of automation and robotics technology: (1) satellite servicing; (2) system monitoring, control, sequencing and diagnosis; (3) space manufacturing; (4) space structure assembly; and (5) planetary rovers. The development of these opportunities entails two technology RD both encompass such concerns as operator interface, task planning and reasoning, control execution, sensing, and systems integration.



Proceedings ArticleDOI
21 May 1985
TL;DR: It is shown that new systems for coastal maritime and aeronautical telephone services can be realized economically and quickly by integrating them into an automobile telephone system.
Abstract: This paper describes the design concept for system integration of automobile, maritime and aeronautical telephone services presently under development at NTT. The background, current status and system outline of the public mobile telephone services provided by NTT are described first. The future plans for automobile, maritime and aeronautical mobile telephone services are then described. Finally, it is shown that new systems for coastal maritime and aeronautical telephone services can be realized economically and quickly by integrating them into an automobile telephone system.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1985
TL;DR: A survey of twenty-four executive control systems designed to unify various CAD/CAE applications for use in diverse engineering design environments within government and industry was conducted in this paper, where the focus was on four major areas of ECS development: interdisciplinary usage; standardization; knowledge utilization; and computer science technology transfer.
Abstract: An executive control system (ECS) is a software structure for unifying various applications codes into a comprehensive system. It provides a library of applications, a uniform access method through a cental user interface, and a data management facility. A survey of twenty-four executive control systems designed to unify various CAD/CAE applications for use in diverse engineering design environments within government and industry was conducted. The goals of this research were to establish system requirements to survey state-of-the-art architectural design approaches, and to provide an overview of the historical evolution of these systems. Foundations for design are presented and include environmental settings, system requirements, major architectural components, and a system classification scheme based on knowledge of the supported engineering domain(s). An overview of the design approaches used in developing the major architectural components of an ECS is presented with examples taken from the surveyed systems. Attention is drawn to four major areas of ECS development: interdisciplinary usage; standardization; knowledge utilization; and computer science technology transfer.

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the advantages and limitations of two types of power systems, the photovoltaic arrays (PV) and the solar dynamic system (SD), are discussed from the points of view of cost, overall systems integration, and growth.
Abstract: The design of the power system for supplying the Space Station with insolation-generated electricity is the main Phase B task at NASA-Lewis Center. The advantages and limitations of two types of power systems, the photovoltaic arrays (PV) and the solar dynamic system (SD), are discussed from the points of view of cost, overall systems integration, and growth. Subsystems of each of these options are described, and a sketch of a projected SD system is shown. The PV technology is well developed and proven, but its low efficiency calls for solar arrays of large areas, which affect station dynamics, control, and drag compensation. The SD systems would be less costly to operate than VP, and are more efficient, needing less deployed area. The major drawback of the SD is its infancy. The conservative and forgiving designs for some of its components must still be created and tested, and the development risks assessed.

01 Jan 1985
TL;DR: The Spacecraft 2000 program as mentioned in this paper identifies critical, high-payoff, potential spacecraft technologies, taking into account the formulation, advocation, and the management of the requisite technology development programs.
Abstract: The program 'Spacecraft 2000' has the objective to identify critical, high-payoff, potential spacecraft technologies, taking into account the formulation, advocation, and the management of the requisite technology development programs. This program represents a joint NASA-industry program. The technology areas addressed by 'Spacecraft 2000' are related to spacecraft power/energy storage, thermal control/thermal management, power management and distribution, autonomous operation-control, on-board system integration, spacecraft environmental interactions, secondary propulsion, communications technologies, a total system response approach, and system-subsystem technology verification. The expected benefits of a development of advanced technologies include decreased spacecraft bus system weights, decreased mission costs, increased reliability/lifetimes, and increased operational flexibility.

01 Jan 1985
TL;DR: The life cycle paradigm, schema of software configurations, and hierarchical library structure used by ENCOMPASS is presented.
Abstract: ENCOMPASS is an example integrated software engineering environment being constructed by the SAGA project. ENCOMPASS supports the specification, design, construction and maintenance of efficient, validated, and verified programs in a modular programming language. The life cycle paradigm, schema of software configurations, and hierarchical library structure used by ENCOMPASS is presented. In ENCOMPASS, the software life cycle is viewed as a sequence of developments, each of which reuses components from the previous ones. Each development proceeds through the phases planning, requirements definition, validation, design, implementation, and system integration. The components in a software system are modeled as entities which have relationships between them. An entity may have different versions and different views of the same project are allowed. The simple entities supported by ENCOMPASS may be combined into modules which may be collected into projects. ENCOMPASS supports multiple programmers and projects using a hierarchical library system containing a workspace for each programmer; a project library for each project, and a global library common to all projects.

Proceedings Article
13 Nov 1985
TL;DR: This paper will consider some requirements of end user nodes, also called intelligent workstations, relating to their management and integration into a total health care network.
Abstract: The transfer of information within the academic health center is complicated by the complex nature of the institution's multi-dimensional role. The diverse functions of patient care, administration, education and research result in a complex web of information exchange which requires an integrated approach to system management. System integration involves a thorough assessment of “end user” needs in terms of hardware and software as well as specification of the communications network architecture. The network will consist of a series of end user nodes which capture, process, archive and display information. This paper will consider some requirements of these nodes, also called intelligent workstations, relating to their management and integration into a total health care network.


Proceedings Article
01 Jan 1985
TL;DR: The issues, and a solution, involved with the system integration of applications developed using traditional and artificial intelligence languages are discussed.
Abstract: A computer application system is described which provides nuclear reactor power plant operators with an improved decision support system. This system combines traditional computer applications such as graphics display with artificial intelligence methodologies such as reasoning and diagnosis so as to improve plant operability. This paper discusses the issues, and a solution, involved with the system integration of applications developed using traditional and artificial intelligence languages.