Minicomputer front end. [Modcomp II/CP as buffer between CDC 6600 and PDP-9 at graphics stations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hudson, J.A.

1976-01-01

Sandia Labs developed an Interactive Graphics System (SIGS) that was established on a CDC 6600 using a communication scheme based on the Control Data Corporation product IGS. As implemented at Sandia, the graphics station consists primarily of a PDP-9 with a Vector General display. A system is being developed which uses a minicomputer (Modcomp II/CP) as the buffer machine for the graphics stations. The original SIGS required a dedicated peripheral processor (PP) on the CDC 6600 to handle the communication with the stations; however, with the Modcomp handling the actual communication protocol, the PP is only assigned as needed tomore » handle data transfer within the CDC 6600 portion of SIGS. The new system will thus support additional graphics stations with less impact on the CDC 6600. This paper discusses the design philosophy of the system, and the hardware and software used to implement it. 1 figure.« less

A TUTOR Minicomputer System

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-02-07

use COMMON data. d. c . f. Extra storage variables (up co 1500 words) which allow the b?.sic data of the lesson to be enlarged . The...34»» »be mbied o* a Ü9H " C tufciUjWHHill ■■ o (’"’led State* potent, DtC »«11, nt .tv cpt’On and of IN t« penie . «.the» p.oture *J< the pul-h, ’iC » » r

Minicomputer Hardware Monitor Design.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

detected signals. Both the COMTEN and TESDATA systems rely on a " plugboard " arrangement where sensor inputs may be combined by means of standard gate logic...systems. A further use of the plugboard "patch panels" is to direct the measured "event" to collection and/or distribution circuitry, where the event...are plugboard and sensor hookup configurations. The available T-PACs are: o Basic System Profile o Regional Mapping o Advanced System Management

Computer System Resource Requirements of Novice Programming Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nutt, Gary J.

The characteristics of jobs that constitute the mix for lower division FORTRAN classes in a university were investigated. Samples of these programs were also benchmarked on a larger central site computer and two minicomputer systems. It was concluded that a carefully chosen minicomputer system could offer service at least the equivalent of the…

Computer program and user documentation medical data tape retrieval system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, J.

1971-01-01

This volume provides several levels of documentation for the program module of the NASA medical directorate mini-computer storage and retrieval system. A biomedical information system overview describes some of the reasons for the development of the mini-computer storage and retrieval system. It briefly outlines all of the program modules which constitute the system.

Downsizing a database platform for increased performance and decreased costs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, M.M.; Tolendino, L.F.

Technological advances in the world of microcomputers have brought forth affordable systems and powerful software than can compete with the more traditional world of minicomputers. This paper describes an effort at Sandia National Laboratories to decrease operational and maintenance costs and increase performance by moving a database system from a minicomputer to a microcomputer.

Feasibility of Executing MIMS on Interdata 80.

DTIC Science & Technology

CDC 6500 computers, CDC 6600 computers, MIMS(Medical Information Management System ), Medical information management system , File structures, Computer...storage managementThe report examines the feasibility of implementing large information management system on mini-computers. The Medical Information ... Management System and the Interdata 80 mini-computer were selected as being representative systems. The FORTRAN programs currently being used in MIMS

MINIS: Multipurpose Interactive NASA Information System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The Multipurpose Interactive NASA Information Systems (MINIS) was developed in response to the need for a data management system capable of operation on several different minicomputer systems. The desired system had to be capable of performing the functions of a LANDSAT photo descriptive data retrieval system while remaining general in terms of other acceptable user definable data bases. The system also had to be capable of performing data base updates and providing user-formatted output reports. The resultant MINI System provides all of these capabilities and several other features to complement the data management system. The MINI System is currently implemented on two minicomputer systems and is in the process of being installed on another minicomputer system. The MINIS is operational on four different data bases.

Proceedings of the Seminar on the DoD Computer Security Initiative Program, National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, Maryland, July 17-18, 1979.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-01-01

specifications have been prepared for a DoD communications processor on an IBM minicomputer, a minicomputer time sharing system for the DEC PDP-11 and...the Honeywell Level 6. a virtual machine monitor for the IBM 370, and Multics [10] for the Honeywell Level 68. MECHANISMS FOR KERNEL IMPLEMENTATION...HOL INA ZJO : ANERIONS g PROCESSORn , c ...THEOREMS 1 ITP I-THEOREMS PROOF EVIDENCE - p II KV./370 FORMAL DESIGN PROCESS M4ODULAR DECOMPOSITION * NON

Integration of New Technology in Army Libraries

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-07-02

libraries in Alaska that belong to WLN. However, three of the NIorth American bibliographic utilities either are marketing minicomputer-based systems...OCLC and UT’LAS3) or a vendor will be marketing a suitable -66- modificatioxi of the software to operate on a minicomputer (WLN/BLIS). There is no...integrated and contain more II special ,features than the Claremont system which OCLC currently is marketing . -75- OCLC’s Claremont Total Library System (TLS

Low-cost Landsat digital processing system for state and local information systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hooper, N. J.; Spann, G. W.; Faust, N. L.; Paludan, C. T. N.

1979-01-01

The paper details a minicomputer-based system which is well within the budget of many state, regional, and local agencies that previously could not afford digital processing capability. In order to achieve this goal a workable small-scale Landsat system is examined to provide low-cost automated processing. It is anticipated that the alternative systems will be based on a single minicomputer, but that the peripherals will vary depending on the capability emphasized in a particular system.

The revolution in data gathering systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cambra, J. M.; Trover, W. F.

1975-01-01

Data acquisition systems used in NASA's wind tunnels from the 1950's through the present time are summarized as a baseline for assessing the impact of minicomputers and microcomputers on data acquisition and data processing. Emphasis is placed on the cyclic evolution in computer technology which transformed the central computer system, and finally the distributed computer system. Other developments discussed include: medium scale integration, large scale integration, combining the functions of data acquisition and control, and micro and minicomputers.

Computer Program and User Documentation Medical Data Input System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, J.

1971-01-01

Several levels of documentation are presented for the program module of the NASA medical directorate minicomputer storage and retrieval system. The biomedical information system overview gives reasons for the development of the minicomputer storage and retrieval system. It briefly describes all of the program modules which constitute the system. A technical discussion oriented to the programmer is given. Each subroutine is described in enough detail to permit in-depth understanding of the routines and to facilitate program modifications. The program utilization section may be used as a users guide.

Study of systems and techniques for data base management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Data management areas were studied to identify pertinent problems and issues that will affect future NASA data users in terms of performance and cost. Specific topics discussed include the identifications of potential NASA data users other than those normally discussed, consideration affecting the clustering of minicomputers, low cost computer system for information retrieval and analysis, the testing of minicomputer based data base management systems, ongoing work related to the use of dedicated systems for data base management, and the problems of data interchange among a community of NASA data users.

Shared-resource computing for small research labs.

PubMed

Ackerman, M J

1982-04-01

A real time laboratory computer network is described. This network is composed of four real-time laboratory minicomputers located in each of four division laboratories and a larger minicomputer in a centrally located computer room. Off the shelf hardware and software were used with no customization. The network is configured for resource sharing using DECnet communications software and the RSX-11-M multi-user real-time operating system. The cost effectiveness of the shared resource network and multiple real-time processing using priority scheduling is discussed. Examples of utilization within a medical research department are given.

Programmable calculator as a data system controller

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barth, A.W.; Strasburg, A.C.

Digital data techniques are in common use for analysis of analog information obtained in various tests, and systems have been developed which use a minicomputer as the central controller and data processor. Now, microprocessors allow new design approaches at considerably less cost. This report outlines an approach to system design based on the use of a programmable calculator as the data system controller. A block diagram of the calculator-controlled data system is shown. It was found that the programmable calculator provides a viable alternative to minicomputers or microprocessors for the development laboratory requiring digital data processing. 3 figures. (RWR)

Design of a microprocessor-based Control, Interface and Monitoring (CIM unit for turbine engine controls research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delaat, J. C.; Soeder, J. F.

1983-01-01

High speed minicomputers were used in the past to implement advanced digital control algorithms for turbine engines. These minicomputers are typically large and expensive. It is desirable for a number of reasons to use microprocessor-based systems for future controls research. They are relatively compact, inexpensive, and are representative of the hardware that would be used for actual engine-mounted controls. The Control, Interface, and Monitoring Unit (CIM) contains a microprocessor-based controls computer, necessary interface hardware and a system to monitor while it is running an engine. It is presently being used to evaluate an advanced turbofan engine control algorithm.

Design and implementation of a simple nuclear power plant simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, William H.

1983-02-01

A simple PWR nuclear power plant simulator has been designed and implemented on a minicomputer system. The system is intended for students use in understanding the power operation of a nuclear power plant. A PDP-11 minicomputer calculates reactor parameters in real time, uses a graphics terminal to display the results and a keyboard and joystick for control functions. Plant parameters calculated by the model include the core reactivity (based upon control rod positions, soluble boron concentration and reactivity feedback effects), the total core power, the axial core power distribution, the temperature and pressure in the primary and secondary coolant loops, etc.

A program for mass spectrometer control and data processing analyses in isotope geology; written in BASIC for an 8K Nova 1120 computer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stacey, J.S.; Hope, J.

1975-01-01

A system is described which uses a minicomputer to control a surface ionization mass spectrometer in the peak switching mode, with the object of computing isotopic abundance ratios of elements of geologic interest. The program uses the BASIC language and is sufficiently flexible to be used for multiblock analyses of any spectrum containing from two to five peaks. In the case of strontium analyses, ratios are corrected for rubidium content and normalized for mass spectrometer fractionation. Although almost any minicomputer would be suitable, the model used was the Data General Nova 1210 with 8K memory. Assembly language driver program and interface hardware-descriptions for the Nova 1210 are included.

Optical computer switching network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clymer, B.; Collins, S. A., Jr.

1985-01-01

The design for an optical switching system for minicomputers that uses an optical spatial light modulator such as a Hughes liquid crystal light valve is presented. The switching system is designed to connect 80 minicomputers coupled to the switching system by optical fibers. The system has two major parts: the connection system that connects the data lines by which the computers communicate via a two-dimensional optical matrix array and the control system that controls which computers are connected. The basic system, the matrix-based connecting system, and some of the optical components to be used are described. Finally, the details of the control system are given and illustrated with a discussion of timing.

Real Time Metrology Using Heterodyne Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Joseph T..., Jr.

1983-11-01

The Air Force Weapons Laboratory (AFWL) located at Albuquerque, NM has developed a digital heterodyne interferometer capable of real-time, closed loop analysis and control of adaptive optics. The device uses independent phase modulation of two orthogonal polarizations of an argon ion laser to produce a temporally phase modulated interferogram of the test object in a Twyman-Green interferometer. Differential phase detection under the control of a Data General minicomputer helps reconstruct the phase front without noise effects from amplitude modulation in the optical train. The system consists of the interferometer optics, phase detection circuitry, and the minicomputer, allowing for complete software control of the process. The software has been unified into a powerful package that performs automatic data acquisition, OPD reconstruction, and Zernike analysis of the resulting wavefront. The minicomputer has the capability to control external devices so that closed loop analysis and control is possible. New software under development will provide a framework of data acquisition, display, and storage packages which can be integrated with analysis and control packages customized to the user's needs. Preliminary measurements with the system show that it is noise limited by laser beam phase quality and vibration of the optics. Active measures are necessary to reduce the impact of these noise sources.

Computer Program and User Documentation Medical Data Update System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, J.

1971-01-01

The update system for the NASA medical data minicomputer storage and retrieval system is described. The discussion includes general and technical specifications, a subroutine list, and programming instructions.

Techniques for digital enhancement of Landsat MSS data using an Apple II+ microcomputer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrington, J. A., Jr.; Cartin, K. F.

1984-01-01

The information provided by remotely sensed data collected from orbiting platforms has been useful in many research fields. Particularly convenient for evaluation are generally digital data stored on computer compatible tapes (CCT's). The major advantages of CCT's are the quality of the data and the accessibility to computer manipulation. Minicomputer systems are widely used for the required computer processing operations. However, microprocessor-related technological advances make it now possible to process CCT data with computing systems which can be obtained at a much lower price than minicomputer systems. A detailed description is provided of the design considerations of a microcomputer-based Digital Image Analysis System (DIAS). Particular attention is given to the algorithms which are incorporated for eighter edge enhancement or smoothing Landsat multispectral scanner data.

Two dimensional recursive digital filters for near real time image processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, D.; Sherrod, E.

1980-01-01

A program was designed toward the demonstration of the feasibility of using two dimensional recursive digital filters for subjective image processing applications that require rapid turn around. The concept of the use of a dedicated minicomputer for the processor for this application was demonstrated. The minicomputer used was the HP1000 series E with a RTE 2 disc operating system and 32K words of memory. A Grinnel 256 x 512 x 8 bit display system was used to display the images. Sample images were provided by NASA Goddard on a 800 BPI, 9 track tape. Four 512 x 512 images representing 4 spectral regions of the same scene were provided. These images were filtered with enhancement filters developed during this effort.

Solving Nonlinear Differential Equations in the Engineering Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Auslander, David M.

1977-01-01

Described is the Dynamic System Simulation Language (SIM) mini-computer system utilized at the University of California, Los Angeles. It is used by engineering students for solving nonlinear differential equations. (SL)

Turnkey CAD/CAM selection and evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moody, T.

1980-01-01

The methodology to be followed in evaluating and selecting a computer system for manufacturing applications is discussed. Main frames and minicomputers are considered. Benchmark evaluations, demonstrations, and contract negotiations are discussed.

The Electronic Hermit: Trends in Library Automation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LaRue, James

1988-01-01

Reviews trends in library software development including: (1) microcomputer applications; (2) CD-ROM; (3) desktop publishing; (4) public access microcomputers; (5) artificial intelligence; (6) mainframes and minicomputers; and (7) automated catalogs. (MES)

Application of a personal computer for the uncoupled vibration analysis of wind turbine blade and counterweight assemblies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, P. R.; Little, R. R.

1985-01-01

A research effort was undertaken to develop personal computer based software for vibrational analysis. The software was developed to analytically determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes for the uncoupled lateral vibrations of the blade and counterweight assemblies used in a single bladed wind turbine. The uncoupled vibration analysis was performed in both the flapwise and chordwise directions for static rotor conditions. The effects of rotation on the uncoupled flapwise vibration of the blade and counterweight assemblies were evaluated for various rotor speeds up to 90 rpm. The theory, used in the vibration analysis codes, is based on a lumped mass formulation for the blade and counterweight assemblies. The codes are general so that other designs can be readily analyzed. The input for the codes is generally interactive to facilitate usage. The output of the codes is both tabular and graphical. Listings of the codes are provided. Predicted natural frequencies of the first several modes show reasonable agreement with experimental results. The analysis codes were originally developed on a DEC PDP 11/34 minicomputer and then downloaded and modified to run on an ITT XTRA personal computer. Studies conducted to evaluate the efficiency of running the programs on a personal computer as compared with the minicomputer indicated that, with the proper combination of hardware and software options, the efficiency of using a personal computer exceeds that of a minicomputer.

libvaxdata: VAX data format conversion routines

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baker, Lawrence M.

2005-01-01

libvaxdata provides a collection of routines for converting numeric data-integer and floating-point-to and from the formats used on a Digital Equipment Corporation1 (DEC) VAX 32-bit minicomputer (Brunner, 1991). Since the VAX numeric data formats are inherited from those used on a DEC PDP-11 16-bit minicomputer, these routines can be used to convert PDP-11 data as well. VAX numeric data formats are also the default data formats used on DEC Alpha 64-bit minicomputers running OpenVMS The libvaxdata routines are callable from Fortran or C. They require that the caller use two's-complement format for integer data and IEEE 754 format (ANSI/IEEE, 1985) for floating-point data. They also require that the 'natural' size of a C int type (integer) is 32 bits. That is the case for most modern 32-bit and 64-bit computer systems. Nevertheless, you may wish to consult the Fortran or C compiler documentation on your system to be sure. Some Fortran compilers support conversion of VAX numeric data on-the-fly when reading or writing unformatted files, either as a compiler option or a run-time I/O option. This feature may be easier to use than the libvaxdata routines. Consult the Fortran compiler documentation on your system to determine if this alternative is available to you. 1Later Compaq Computer Corporation, now Hewlett-Packard Company

Precise Determination of the Absorption Maximum in Wide Bands

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eriksson, Karl-Hugo; And Others

1977-01-01

A precise method of determining absorption maxima where Gaussian functions occur is described. The method is based on a logarithmic transformation of the Gaussian equation and is suited for a mini-computer. (MR)

Minicomputers in the Teaching Laboratory - An Example from Physics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farr, John E.; van den Berg, Willem H.

Microcomputers are commonly interfaced to external devices in scientific, industrial, and consumer settings for data acquisition and for control. The general problem under consideration is the task of taking measurements of some continuous phenomenon, transforming them into digital form, and storing the data in the microcomputer for later use.…

Design and performance of a large vocabulary discrete word recognition system. Volume 2: Appendixes. [flow charts and users manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The users manual for the word recognition computer program contains flow charts of the logical diagram, the memory map for templates, the speech analyzer card arrangement, minicomputer input/output routines, and assembly language program listings.

Transcription of the Workshop on General Aviation Advanced Avionics Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tashker, M. (Editor)

1975-01-01

Papers are presented dealing with the design of reliable, low cost, advanced avionics systems applicable to general aviation in the 1980's and beyond. Sensors, displays, integrated circuits, microprocessors, and minicomputers are among the topics discussed.

Development and application of an interferometric system for measuring crack displacements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharpe, W. N., Jr.

1976-01-01

The development of the first version of a minicomputer controlled system that converts the fringe pattern motion into a voltage output proportional to displacement is presented. Details of the instrument and the calibration tests are included.

Descriptions of Transit Maintenance Management Information Systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1984-10-01

This 289-page report presents an overview of ten maintenance management information systems that are currently operational or near-operational on minicomputers or microcomputers. The systems described address one or more of the following concerns: co...

The Microcomputer Revolution.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fosdick, Howard

1980-01-01

Examines the development of the microcomputer and focuses on its potential for library automation. The characteristics of microcomputers and minicomputers are contrasted and a selected annotated bibliography includes a list of specialty magazines on microcomputers. (RAA)

Information Technology: A Bibliography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, William F.; Hawkins, Donald T.

1981-01-01

This selective annotated bibliography lists 86 references on the following topics: future technology for libraries, library automation, paperless information systems; computer conferencing and electronic mail, videotext systems, videodiscs, communications technology, networks, information retrieval, cataloging, microcomputers, and minicomputers.…

Electron Optics Cannot Be Taught through Computation?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Merwe, J. P.

1980-01-01

Describes how certain concepts basic to electron optics may be introduced to undergraduate physics students by calculating trajectories of charged particles through electrostatic fields which can be evaluated on minicomputers with a minimum of programing effort. (Author/SA)

A computer-aided design system geared toward conceptual design in a research environment. [for hypersonic vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

STACK S. H.

1981-01-01

A computer-aided design system has recently been developed specifically for the small research group environment. The system is implemented on a Prime 400 minicomputer linked with a CDC 6600 computer. The goal was to assign the minicomputer specific tasks, such as data input and graphics, thereby reserving the large mainframe computer for time-consuming analysis codes. The basic structure of the design system consists of GEMPAK, a computer code that generates detailed configuration geometry from a minimum of input; interface programs that reformat GEMPAK geometry for input to the analysis codes; and utility programs that simplify computer access and data interpretation. The working system has had a large positive impact on the quantity and quality of research performed by the originating group. This paper describes the system, the major factors that contributed to its particular form, and presents examples of its application.

Cooperative processing data bases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hasta, Juzar

1991-01-01

Cooperative processing for the 1990's using client-server technology is addressed. The main theme is concepts of downsizing from mainframes and minicomputers to workstations on a local area network (LAN). This document is presented in view graph form.

Atmospheric and Oceanographic Information Processing System (AOIPS) system description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bracken, P. A.; Dalton, J. T.; Billingsley, J. B.; Quann, J. J.

1977-01-01

The development of hardware and software for an interactive, minicomputer based processing and display system for atmospheric and oceanographic information extraction and image data analysis is described. The major applications of the system are discussed as well as enhancements planned for the future.

Technological Discontinuities and Organizational Environments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tushman, Michael L.; Anderson, Philip

1986-01-01

Technological effects on environmental conditions are analyzed using longitudinal data from the minicomputer, cement, and airline industries. Technology evolves through periods of incremental change punctuated by breakthroughs that enhance or destroy the competence of firms. Competence-destroying discontinuities increase environmental turbulence;…

Unix becoming healthcare's standard operating system.

PubMed

Gardner, E

1991-02-11

An unfamiliar buzzword is making its way into healthcare executives' vocabulary, as well as their computer systems. Unix is being touted by many industry observers as the most likely candidate to be a standard operating system for minicomputers, mainframes and computer networks.

Application of Adaptive Decision Aiding Systems to Computer-Assisted Instruction. Final Report, January-December 1974.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

May, Donald M.; And Others

The minicomputer-based Computerized Diagnostic and Decision Training (CDDT) system described combines the principles of artificial intelligence, decision theory, and adaptive computer assisted instruction for training in electronic troubleshooting. The system incorporates an adaptive computer program which learns the student's diagnostic and…

The detectability of supernovae against elliptical galactic disks.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearce, E. C.

A 75 cm telescope has been automated with a Prime 300 mini-computer to search approximately 250 galaxies per hour for young supernovae. The high-speed star-location and comparison algorithms used in the Digitized Astronomy Supernova Search (DASS) system is described.

Introduction to acoustic emission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Possa, G.

1983-01-01

Typical acoustic emission signal characteristics are described and techniques which localize the signal source by processing the acoustic delay data from multiple sensors are discussed. The instrumentation, which includes sensors, amplifiers, pulse counters, a minicomputer and output devices is examined. Applications are reviewed.

The revolution in data gathering systems. [mini and microcomputers in NASA wind tunnels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cambra, J. M.; Trover, W. F.

1975-01-01

This paper gives a review of the data-acquisition systems used in NASA's wind tunnels from the 1950's to the present as a basis for assessing the impact of minicomputers and microcomputers on data acquisition and processing. The operation and disadvantages of wind-tunnel data systems are summarized for the period before 1950, the early 1950's, the early and late 1960's, and the early 1970's. Some significant advances discussed include the use or development of solid-state components, minicomputer systems, large central computers, on-line data processing, autoranging DC amplifiers, MOS-FET multiplexers, MSI and LSI logic, computer-controlled programmable amplifiers, solid-state remote multiplexing, integrated circuits, and microprocessors. The distributed system currently in use with the 40-ft by 80-ft wind tunnel at Ames Research Center is described in detail. The expected employment of distributed systems and microprocessors in the next decade is noted.

Electro-Optic Data Acquisition and Processing.

DTIC Science & Technology

Methods for the analysis of electro - optic relaxation data are discussed. Emphasis is on numerical methods using high speed computers. A data acquisition system using a minicomputer for data manipulation is described. Relationship of the results obtained here to other possible uses is given. (Author)

An inexpensive vehicle speed detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broussard, P., Jr.

1973-01-01

Low-power minicomputer can plug into automobile cigarette lighter. It measures time it takes observed car to travel premeasured distance and provides immediate readout of speed. Potentially, detector could be manufactured for less than $200 per unit and would have very low maintenance cost.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Offpost Contamination Assessment, Technical Plan A003 (Revision A).

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-16

Home Range Relationships of the Box Turtle , Terrapene c. carolina (Linnaeus). Ecol. Monogr. 20(4):351-378. Thorne, D.S. 1979. Biological Monitoring of...is maintained on the minicomputer. Monthly, the analyst will dismantle, clean, and rdassemble the torch and nebulizer to prevent serious sensitivity

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Offpost Contamination Assessment. Technical Plan A003.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-11-09

Stickel, L.F. 1950. Populations and Home Range Relationships of the Box Turtle , Terrapene c. carolina (Linnaeus). Ecol. Monogr. 20(4):351-378. Thorne...maintained on the minicomputer. 3 Periodically, the analyst will dismantle, clean, and reassemble the torch and nebulizer to prevent serious sensitivity

Mass Storage Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ranade, Sanjay; Schraeder, Jeff

1991-01-01

Presents an overview of the mass storage market and discusses mass storage systems as part of computer networks. Systems for personal computers, workstations, minicomputers, and mainframe computers are described; file servers are explained; system integration issues are raised; and future possibilities are suggested. (LRW)

Organizational Strategies for End-User Computing Support.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blackmun, Robert R.; And Others

1988-01-01

Effective support for end users of computers has been an important issue in higher education from the first applications of general purpose mainframe computers through minicomputers, microcomputers, and supercomputers. The development of end user support is reviewed and organizational models are examined. (Author/MLW)

Supervisors with Micros: Trends and Training Needs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bryan, Leslie A., Jr.

1986-01-01

Results of a study conducted by Purdue University concerning the use of computers by supervisors in manufacturing firms are presented and discussed. Examines access to computers, minicomputers versus mainframes, training time on computers, replacement of staff, creation of personnel problems, and training methods. (CT)

A General Purpose Mini-Computer Based Digital Signal Processing Laboratory.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

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Integrated Online Software for Libraries: An Overview of Today's Best-Selling IOLS. Options from the U.S. Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cibbarelli, Pamela

1996-01-01

Profiles the top-selling IOLS (integrated online library systems) software for libraries based on sales figures reported in the 1996 "Library Journal" annual survey of the library automation marketplace. Highlights include microcomputer-based systems and minicomputer-based systems, system components, MARC formats, and market sectors.…

Data Input for Libraries: State-of-the-Art Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buckland, Lawrence F.

This brief overview of new manuscript preparation methods which allow authors and editors to set their own type discusses the advantages and disadvantages of optical character recognition (OCR), microcomputers and personal computers, minicomputers, and word processors for editing and database entry. Potential library applications are also…

LS/2000--The Integrated Library System from OCLC.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Susan

1984-01-01

Discusses design features of the Online Catalog of LS/2000, OCLC's enhanced version of Integrated Library System. This minicomputer-based system provides bibliographic file maintenance, circulation control, and online catalog searching. Examples of available displays--holdings, full MARC, work forms, keyword entry, index selection, brief citation,…

Surface Modeling, Solid Modeling and Finite Element Modeling. Analysis Capabilities of Computer-Assisted Design and Manufacturing Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nee, John G.; Kare, Audhut P.

1987-01-01

Explores several concepts in computer assisted design/computer assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Defines, evaluates, reviews and compares advanced computer-aided geometric modeling and analysis techniques. Presents the results of a survey to establish the capabilities of minicomputer based-systems with the CAD/CAM packages evaluated. (CW)

New Information Technologies: Some Observations on What Is in Store for Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Black, John B.

This outline of new technological developments and their applications in the library and information world considers innovations in three areas: automation, telecommunications, and the publishing industry. There is mention of the growth of online systems, minicomputers, microcomputers, and word processing; the falling costs of automation; the…

CERC Field Research Facility Environmental Data Summary, 1977-79.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

Motorola "Mini-Ranger," coupled to a Hewlett-Packard Mini-Computer and flatbed plotter. This positioning system was put together and operated by Prank... laminations within the core. While one diver collected the sample, the second diver recorded conditions on the bottom. This description included sediment

Translations on Telecommunications Policy, Research and Development, Number 49

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-08-11

Desenvolvimento Economico --was one of the four firms selected by Capre for the production of national minicomputers. [Text] [Rio de Janeiro 0 GLOBO in...the exception—who de- liberately operate properly modulated jamming transmitters. In other words, you can also"hear malice and unfortunately also

IPCS user's manual

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McGoldrick, P.R.

1980-12-11

The Interprocess Communications System (IPCS) was written to provide a virtual machine upon which the Supervisory Control and Diagnostic System (SCDS) for the Mirror Fusion Test Facility (MFTF) could be built. The hardware upon which the IPCS runs consists of nine minicomputers sharing some common memory.

TDRSS data handling and management system study. Ground station systems for data handling and relay satellite control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Results of a two-phase study of the (Data Handling and Management System DHMS) are presented. An original baseline DHMS is described. Its estimated costs are presented in detail. The DHMS automates the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) ground station's functions and handles both the forward and return link user and relay satellite data passing through the station. Direction of the DHMS is effected via a TDRSS Operations Control Central (OCC) that is remotely located. A composite ground station system, a modified DHMS (MDHMS), was conceptually developed. The MDHMS performs both the DHMS and OCC functions. Configurations and costs are presented for systems using minicomputers and midicomputers. It is concluded that a MDHMS should be configured with a combination of the two computer types. The midicomputers provide the system's organizational direction and computational power, and the minicomputers (or interface processors) perform repetitive data handling functions that relieve the midicomputers of these burdensome tasks.

Digital system for structural dynamics simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krauter, A. I.; Lagace, L. J.; Wojnar, M. K.; Glor, C.

1982-01-01

State-of-the-art digital hardware and software for the simulation of complex structural dynamic interactions, such as those which occur in rotating structures (engine systems). System were incorporated in a designed to use an array of processors in which the computation for each physical subelement or functional subsystem would be assigned to a single specific processor in the simulator. These node processors are microprogrammed bit-slice microcomputers which function autonomously and can communicate with each other and a central control minicomputer over parallel digital lines. Inter-processor nearest neighbor communications busses pass the constants which represent physical constraints and boundary conditions. The node processors are connected to the six nearest neighbor node processors to simulate the actual physical interface of real substructures. Computer generated finite element mesh and force models can be developed with the aid of the central control minicomputer. The control computer also oversees the animation of a graphics display system, disk-based mass storage along with the individual processing elements.

Distributed information system (water fact sheet)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harbaugh, A.W.

1986-01-01

During 1982-85, the Water Resources Division (WRD) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) installed over 70 large minicomputers in offices across the country to support its mission in the science of hydrology. These computers are connected by a communications network that allows information to be shared among computers in each office. The computers and network together are known as the Distributed Information System (DIS). The computers are accessed through the use of more than 1500 terminals and minicomputers. The WRD has three fundamentally different needs for computing: data management; hydrologic analysis; and administration. Data management accounts for 50% of the computational workload of WRD because hydrologic data are collected in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific trust territories. Hydrologic analysis consists of 40% of the computational workload of WRD. Cost accounting, payroll, personnel records, and planning for WRD programs occupies an estimated 10% of the computer workload. The DIS communications network is shown on a map. (Lantz-PTT)

Evolution, Nature, Uses and Issues in the Creation of Local School District Comprehensive Information Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hathaway, Walter E.

Efficient and convenient comprehensive information systems, long kept from coming into being by a variety of obstacles, are now made possible by the concept of distributive processing and the technology of micro- and mini-computer networks. Such systems can individualize instruction, group students efficiently, cut administrative costs, streamline…

A Distributed Processing Approach to Payroll Time Reporting for a Large School District.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freeman, Raoul J.

1983-01-01

Describes a system for payroll reporting from geographically disparate locations in which data is entered, edited, and verified locally on minicomputers and then uploaded to a central computer for the standard payroll process. Communications and hardware, time-reporting software, data input techniques, system implementation, and its advantages are…

The prediction of acoustical particle motion using an efficient polynomial curve fit procedure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, S. E.; Bernhard, R.

1984-01-01

A procedure is examined whereby the acoustic model parameters, natural frequencies and mode shapes, in the cavities of transportation vehicles are determined experimentally. The acoustic model shapes are described in terms of the particle motion. The acoustic modal analysis procedure is tailored to existing minicomputer based spectral analysis systems.

Technological Discontinuities and Dominant Designs: A Cyclical Model of Technological Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Philip; Tushman, Michael L.

1990-01-01

Based on longitudinal studies of the cement, glass, and minicomputer industries, this article proposes a technological change model in which a technological breakthrough, or discontinuity, initiates an era of intense technical variation and selection, culminating in a single dominant design and followed by a period of incremental technical…

Technical Processing Librarians in the 1980's: Current Trends and Future Forecasts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kennedy, Gail

1980-01-01

This review of recent and anticipated advances in library automation technology and methodology includes a review of the effects of OCLC, MARC formatting, AACR2, and increasing costs, as well as predictions of the impact on library technical processing of networking, expansion of automation, minicomputers, specialized reference services, and…

Integrated Computer-Aided Drafting Instruction (ICADI).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, C. Y.; McCampbell, David H.

Until recently, computer-aided drafting and design (CAD) systems were almost exclusively operated on mainframes or minicomputers and their cost prohibited many schools from offering CAD instruction. Today, many powerful personal computers are capable of performing the high-speed calculation and analysis required by the CAD application; however,…

RAMAS: The RITL Automated Management System. Master Control and Periodicals Control Subsystems. Stockholm Papers in Library and Information Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ya-chun, Lian

An automated minicomputer-based library management system is being developed at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology Library (RITL). RAMAS (the RITL Automated Management System) currently deals with periodical check-in, claiming, index-handling, and binding control. A RAMAS bibliographic record can be accessed from eight different points…

Setting the Stage for the Interactive Classroom of the 1980s.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hiraki, Joan; Garcia, Oscar N.

1981-01-01

Under a National Science Foundation CAUSE grant, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of South Florida, Tampa, is developing an interactive microcomputer/minicomputer/video disk learning system for engineering and science students. Journal availability: Educational Computer, P.O. Box 535, Cupertino, CA 95015.…

Interactive initialization of heat flux parameters for numerical models using satellite temperature measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carlson, T. N. (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

Progress made in HCMM research, including testing the interactive minicomputer system and preparation of a paper on the analysis of regional scale soil moisture patterns, is summarized. An exhibit on remote sensing including a videotape display of HCMM images, most of them of the State College area, was prepared.

Voice Interactive Analysis System Study. Final Report, August 28, 1978 through March 23, 1979.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harry, D. P.; And Others

The Voice Interactive Analysis System study continued research and development of the LISTEN real-time, minicomputer based connected speech recognition system, within NAVTRAEQUIPCEN'S program of developing automatic speech technology in support of training. An attempt was made to identify the most effective features detected by the TTI-500 model…

Mobile Computer-Assisted-Instruction in Rural New Mexico.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gittinger, Jack D., Jr.

The University of New Mexico's three-year Computer Assisted Instruction Project established one mobile and five permanent laboratories offering remedial and vocational instruction in winter, 1984-85. Each laboratory has a Degem learning system with minicomputer, teacher terminal, and 32 student terminals. A Digital PDP-11 host computer runs the…

Wireless Computers: Radio and Light Communications May Bring New Freedom to Computing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartmann, Thom

1984-01-01

Describes systems which use wireless terminals to communicate with mainframe computers or minicomputers via radio band, discusses their limitations, and gives examples of networks using such systems. The use of communications satellites to increase their range and the possibility of using light beams to transmit data are also discussed. (MBR)

COED Transactions, Vol. XI, No. 7 & 8, July/August 1979. A Miniature Automated Warehouse: A Laboratory Teaching Device.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitchell, Eugene E., Ed.

A do-it-yourself laboratory course in automated systems designed at the University of Florida is described. Using a working model of a warehouse interfaced with a minicomputer as a working laboratory, the student gains hands-on experience in operations programing and applications of scheduling, materials handling, and heuristic optimization. (BT)

BioAir: Bio-Inspired Airborne Infrastructure Reconfiguration

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

PI minicomputer powered by a different supply. The ODROID and Raspberry PI communicate via an Ethernet connection through a software interface named...HardKernel, an Atheros Wi-Fi card connected to it, and a dedicated power pack developed by RavPower. The hexarotor’s autopilot runs on a separate Raspberry

A practical Hadamard transform spectrometer for astronomical application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tai, M. H.

1977-01-01

The mathematical properties of Hadamard matrices and their application to spectroscopy are discussed. A comparison is made between Fourier and Hadamard transform encoding in spectrometry. The spectrometer is described and its laboratory performance evaluated. The algorithm and programming of inverse transform are given. A minicomputer is used to recover the spectrum.

Description and Initial Evaluation of a Computer-Based Individual Trainer for the Radar Intercept Observer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rigney, Joseph W.; And Others

An individual trainer for giving students in the radar intercept observer (RIO) schools concentrated practice in procedures for air-to-air intercepts was designed around a programmable graphics terminal with two integral minicomputers and 8k of core memory. The trainer automatically administers practice in computing values of variables in the…

Networked Resources.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nickerson, Gord

1991-01-01

Explains File Transfer Protocol (FTP), an application software program that allows a user to transfer files from one computer to another. The benefit of the rapid operating speed of FTP is discussed, the use of FTP on microcomputers, minicomputers, and workstations is described, and FTP problems are considered. (four references) (LRW)

The Use of Computer Networks in Data Gathering and Data Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yost, Michael; Bremner, Fred

This document describes the review, analysis, and decision-making process that Trinity University, Texas, went through to develop the three-part computer network that they use to gather and analyze EEG (electroencephalography) and EKG (electrocardiogram) data. The data are gathered in the laboratory on a PDP-1124, an analog minicomputer. Once…

Microprocessors in U.S. Electrical Engineering Departments, 1974-1975.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sloan, M. E.

Drawn from a survey of engineering departments known to be teaching microprocessor courses, this paper shows that the adoption of microprocessors by Electrical Engineering Departments has been rapid compared with their adoption of minicomputers. The types of courses that are being taught can be categorized as: surveys of microprocessors, intensive…

Commonalities in Pedagogy Situating Cell Phone Use in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abend, Laurie Lafer

2013-01-01

Technology has become embedded in all aspects of students' lives as they increasingly rely on mobile technology devices such as cell phones to access and share information. Cell phones function as portable, affordable, and ubiquitous mini-computers, yet few teachers have leveraged the benefits of cell phone technology for teaching and learning…

A Detailed Comparison of Maxicalculators. Illinois Series on Educational Applications of Computers. Number 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doring, Richard; Hicks, Bruce

A comparison is made of four maxicalculators and two minicomputers with an emphasis on two, the HP 9830 and the Wang 2200. Comparisons are in the form of a table with individual guidelines for analysis followed by the specific characteristics of the particular calculator. Features compared include: manual input facilities, screen, secondary…

Interactive Digital Image Manipulation System (IDIMS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleming, M. D.

1981-01-01

The implementation of an interactive digital image manipulation system (IDIMS) is described. The system is run on an HP-3000 Series 3 minicomputer. The IDIMS system provides a complete image geoprocessing capability for raster formatted data in a self-contained system. It is easily installed, documentation is provided, and vendor support is available.

A Guide to Using the Bibliographic Features of the Integrated Library System (ILS).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

King, Susan G.

This manual provides guidance in the use of the Integrated Library System (ILS), a library minicomputer system in which all automated library functions are processed against a single database. It is oriented toward ILS users with no ADP training or experience. Written in MUMPS, a higher-level language, the system includes the following…

The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning: Profiles of Emerging Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Staker, Heather

2011-01-01

Some innovations change everything. The rise of personal computers in the 1970s decimated the mini-computer industry. TurboTax forever changed tax accounting, and MP3s made libraries of compact discs obsolete. These innovations bear the traits of what Harvard Business School Professor Clayton M. Christensen terms a "disruptive innovation."…

Freebies for Investors--Precise Incremental Yield Value

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michelson, Irving

1977-01-01

Competition for savings dollars has led to free gift bonus offers as incentive for new deposits. A concise new formula presented here permits calculation of the total yield using an inexpensive minicomputer. Yield is expressed in terms of interest rate, effective discount value of gift bonus, and period of deposit. (Author/MA)

A High Resolution Graphic Input System for Interactive Graphic Display Terminals. Appendix B.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Arsdall, Paul Jon

The search for a satisfactory computer graphics input system led to this version of an analog sheet encoder which is transparent and requires no special probes. The goal of the research was to provide high resolution touch input capabilities for an experimental minicomputer based intelligent terminal system. The technique explored is compatible…

Speak Out and Touch Someone. The OMLTA Yearbook, 1983.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snyder, Barbara, Ed.

A number of topics of interest to secondary school foreign language teachers are discussed in this issue. The following articles are included: (1) "Teaching and Learning a Foreign Language via Tele(Video)phone: A Futuristic Mini-Computer Design," by G. Harewood; (2) "Meeting Students' Communication Needs," by B. Marckel and "Functional/Notional…

Cloud Computing and the Power to Choose

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bristow, Rob; Dodds, Ted; Northam, Richard; Plugge, Leo

2010-01-01

Some of the most significant changes in information technology are those that have given the individual user greater power to choose. The first of these changes was the development of the personal computer. The PC liberated the individual user from the limitations of the mainframe and minicomputers and from the rules and regulations of centralized…

Radioactivities in returned lunar materials and in meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fireman, E. L.

1984-01-01

Carbon 14 terrestial ages were determined with low level minicomputers and accelerator mass spectrometry on 1 Yamato and 18 Allan Hills and nearby sited meteorites. Techniques for an accelerator mass spectrometer which make C(14) measurements on small samples were developed. Also Be(10) concentrations were measured in Byrd core and Allan Hills ice samples.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tukey, J.W.; Bloomfield, P.

In its most general terms, the work carried out under the contract consists of the development of new data analytic methods and the improvement of existing methods, their implementation on computer, especially minicomputers, and the development of non-statistical, systems-level software to support these activities. The work reported or completed is reviewed. (GHT)

Application of a minicomputer-based system in measuring intraocular fluid dynamics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bronzino, J.D.; D'Amato, D.P.; O'Rourke, J.

A complete, computerized system has been developed to automate and display radionuclide clearance studies in an ophthalmology clinical laboratory. The system is based on a PDP-8E computer with a 16-k core memory and includes a dual-drive Decassette system and an interactive display terminal. The software controls the acquisition of data from an NIM scaler, times the procedures, and analyzes and simultaneously displays logarithmically converted data on a fully annotated graph. Animal studies and clinical experiments are presented to illustrate the nature of these displays and the results obtained using this automated eye physiometer.

Performance of Minicomputers in Finite Element Analysis Pre and Post Processing.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-29

points, and 78 rectangular plate elements. It was generated using the BULKM mesh generation program, which is a part of the GIFTS -5 system [3]. c...The program used, DECOM, is part of the GIFTS system. It uses a hyper-(partitioned) matrix generalization of the Cholesky decomposition algorithm. d...Pub. 2018, Oct. 77. 3. Kamel, H.A. and McCabe, M.W., GIFTS : Graphics Oriented Interactive Finite Element Time-Sharing System. Structural Mechanics

LaRC local area networks to support distributed computing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riddle, E. P.

1984-01-01

The Langley Research Center's (LaRC) Local Area Network (LAN) effort is discussed. LaRC initiated the development of a LAN to support a growing distributed computing environment at the Center. The purpose of the network is to provide an improved capability (over inteactive and RJE terminal access) for sharing multivendor computer resources. Specifically, the network will provide a data highway for the transfer of files between mainframe computers, minicomputers, work stations, and personal computers. An important influence on the overall network design was the vital need of LaRC researchers to efficiently utilize the large CDC mainframe computers in the central scientific computing facility. Although there was a steady migration from a centralized to a distributed computing environment at LaRC in recent years, the work load on the central resources increased. Major emphasis in the network design was on communication with the central resources within the distributed environment. The network to be implemented will allow researchers to utilize the central resources, distributed minicomputers, work stations, and personal computers to obtain the proper level of computing power to efficiently perform their jobs.

A multiprocessor airborne lidar data system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, C. W.; Bailey, S. A.; Heath, G. E.; Piazza, C. R.

1988-01-01

A new multiprocessor data acquisition system was developed for the existing Airborne Oceanographic Lidar (AOL). This implementation simultaneously utilizes five single board 68010 microcomputers, the UNIX system V operating system, and the real time executive VRTX. The original data acquisition system was implemented on a Hewlett Packard HP 21-MX 16 bit minicomputer using a multi-tasking real time operating system and a mixture of assembly and FORTRAN languages. The present collection of data sources produce data at widely varied rates and require varied amounts of burdensome real time processing and formatting. It was decided to replace the aging HP 21-MX minicomputer with a multiprocessor system. A new and flexible recording format was devised and implemented to accommodate the constantly changing sensor configuration. A central feature of this data system is the minimization of non-remote sensing bus traffic. Therefore, it is highly desirable that each micro be capable of functioning as much as possible on-card or via private peripherals. The bus is used primarily for the transfer of remote sensing data to or from the buffer queue.

Transmission monitoring and control of strategic communication systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farrow, J. E.; Skerjanec, R. E.

1986-03-01

This paper discusses a minicomputer-based communication system monitor used by the U.S. Department of Defense to improve the service availability and reduce the operating costs of the new multichannel digital transmission systems. A brief history of the development of the monitor and a general description of the present-generation hardware and software are included.

Maxicalculators for the Whole School. Illinois Series on Educational Applications of Computers. Number 5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doring, Richard; Hicks, Bruce

A brief review is presented of the characteristics of four maxicalculators (HP 9830, Wang 2200, IBM 5100, MCM/700) and two minicomputers (Classic, Altair 8800). The HP 9830 and the Wang 2200 are thought to be the best adapted to serve entire schools and their unique properties are discussed. Some criteria of what should be taken into account in…

Electronic spreadsheet vs. manual payroll.

PubMed

Kiley, M M

1991-01-01

Medical groups with direct employees must employ someone or contract with a company to compute payroll, writes Michael Kiley, Ph.D., M.P.H. However, many medical groups, including small ones, own a personal or minicomputer to handle accounts receivable. Kiley explains, in detail, how this same computer and a spreadsheet program also can be used to perform payroll functions.

An Infrared Data Acquisition and Processing System

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

Display Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terminai High Speed Printer/Plotter . . . . Digital Tape Unit...In addition to the recently procured Honeywell Model 96 analog re- corder, a High Density digital tape unit is planned. This unit will increase the...diagram of Figure 1 we see that a Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) PDP-11/15 minicomputer with 28K of core memory drives the digital section of IRDAPS

Sun Series program for the REEDA System. [predicting orbital lifetime using sunspot values

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shankle, R. W.

1980-01-01

Modifications made to data bases and to four programs in a series of computer programs (Sun Series) which run on the REEDA HP minicomputer system to aid NASA's solar activity predictions used in orbital life time predictions are described. These programs utilize various mathematical smoothing technique and perform statistical and graphical analysis of various solar activity data bases residing on the REEDA System.

A distributed data base management capability for the deep space network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryan, A. I.

1976-01-01

The Configuration Control and Audit Assembly (CCA) is reported that has been designed to provide a distributed data base management capability for the DSN. The CCA utilizes capabilities provided by the DSN standard minicomputer and the DSN standard nonreal time high level management oriented programming language, MBASIC. The characteristics of the CCA for the first phase of implementation are described.

The Use of a Microcomputer Based Array Processor for Real Time Laser Velocimeter Data Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyers, James F.

1990-01-01

The application of an array processor to laser velocimeter data processing is presented. The hardware is described along with the method of parallel programming required by the array processor. A portion of the data processing program is described in detail. The increase in computational speed of a microcomputer equipped with an array processor is illustrated by comparative testing with a minicomputer.

On-Iine Management System for the Periodicals in JAERl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itabashi, Keizo; Mineo, Yukinobu

The article describes the outlines of the on-line serials control system utilizing a mini-computer. The system is dealt with subscription, check-in, claiming, inquiry of serials information and binding of journals. In this system journal acquisition with serial arrival prediction in an on-line mode is carried on a priority principle to record the actual receipt of incoming issues.

A system for the management of requests at an image data bank. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Debarrosaguirre, J. L. (Principal Investigator)

1984-01-01

An automated system was implemented to supersede existing manual procedures in fulfilling user requests made to a remote sensing data bank, concerning specifically LANDSAT imagery. The system controls the several production steps from request entry to the shipment of each final product. Special solutions and techniques were employed due to the severe limitations, in both hardware and software of the host minicomputer system.

Computer program modifications of Open-file report 82-1065; a comprehensive system for interpreting seismic-refraction and arrival-time data using interactive computer methods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ackermann, Hans D.; Pankratz, Leroy W.; Dansereau, Danny A.

1983-01-01

The computer programs published in Open-File Report 82-1065, A comprehensive system for interpreting seismic-refraction arrival-time data using interactive computer methods (Ackermann, Pankratz, and Dansereau, 1982), have been modified to run on a mini-computer. The new version uses approximately 1/10 of the memory of the initial version, is more efficient and gives the same results.

Closely Spaced Independent Parallel Runway Simulation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

facility consists of the Central Computer Facility, the Controller Laboratory, and the Simulator Pilot Complex. CENTRAL COMPUTER FACILITY. The Central... Computer Facility consists of a group of mainframes, minicomputers, and associated peripherals which host the operational and data acquisition...in the Controller Laboratory and convert their verbal directives into a keyboard entry which is transmitted to the Central Computer Complex, where

Operating manual for the RRL 8 channel data logger

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paluch, E. J.; Shelton, J. D.; Gardner, C. S.

1979-01-01

A data collection device which takes measurements from external sensors at user specified time intervals is described. Three sensor ports are dedicated to temperature, air pressure, and dew point. Five general purpose sensor ports are provided. The user specifies when the measurements are recorded as well as when the information is read or stored in a minicomputer or a paper tape.

Through the microcirculatory maze with machete, molecule, and minicomputer (1986 Alza lecture).

PubMed

Bassingthwaighte, J B

1987-01-01

This is a personal historical essay on meanderings through the jungle of the microcirculatory swamp. Because one pretends that the wandering was purposefully exploratory, a few guideposts are placed at positions where one could discern blaze-marks from earlier wanderers, and the path cut a little wider along some of the routes that may be enjoyed by investigators wanting to put their blazes along more distant paths. Naturally, one starts by coming up the broad rivers, then branching into the little streams. Each of us chooses to seek a different "mother lode," up a different stream.

Intelligent Vision On The SM9O Mini-Computer Basis And Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawryszkiw, J.

1985-02-01

Distinction has to be made between image processing and vision Image processing finds its roots in the strong tradition of linear signal processing and promotes geometrical transform techniques, such as fi I tering , compression, and restoration. Its purpose is to transform an image for a human observer to easily extract from that image information significant for him. For example edges after a gradient operator, or a specific direction after a directional filtering operation. Image processing consists in fact in a set of local or global space-time transforms. The interpretation of the final image is done by the human observer. The purpose of vision is to extract the semantic content of the image. The machine can then understand that content, and run a process of decision, which turns into an action. Thus, intel I i gent vision depends on - Image processing - Pattern recognition - Artificial intel I igence

The Human Engineering Eye Movement Measurement Research Facility.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-01

tracked reliably. When tracking is disrupted (e.g., by gross and sudden head movements, gross change in the head position, sneezing, prolonged eye...these are density ^\\ and " busyness " of the slides (stimulus material), as well as consistency . I„ between successive... change the material being projected based on the subject’s previous performance. The minicomputer relays the calibrated data to one of the magnetic

Approximate Linear Regulator and Kalman Filter

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

of Equivalent Dominant Poles and Zeros Using Industrial Specifications," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics and Control Instrumentation, Vol. IECI...true. In recent years, the rapid development of powerful minicomputers and microprocessors makes the industrial applications of optimal control...1976, pp. 677-687. [21] Y. Takahashi, M. Tomizuka and D. I. Auslander, Simple discrete control of industrial processes, Trans. on ASME J. of Dynamic

ART/Ada design project, phase 1: Project plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Bradley P.

1988-01-01

The plan and schedule for Phase 1 of the Ada based ESBT Design Research Project is described. The main platform for the project is a DEC Ada compiler on VAX mini-computers and VAXstations running the Virtual Memory System (VMS) operating system. The Ada effort and lines of code are given in tabular form. A chart is given of the entire project life cycle.

Prospects for Classifying Complex Imagery Using a Self-Organizing Neural Network

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-11

complex imagery. In his original re- port, Fukushima demonstrated that this system could discriminate between simple alphabetical characters...on a VAX-8600 minicomputer. Wire frame models of three different vehicles were used to test the properties which Fukushima had demonstrated. The...Table No. Page 3-1 Parameters for Training on Three Input Images 14 3-2 Trained Results 17 vn 1. INTRODUCTION The Neocognitron of Fukushima [2

Interactive Image Analysis System Design,

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

This report describes a design for an interactive image analysis system (IIAS), which implements terrain data extraction techniques. The design... analysis system. Additionally, the system is fully capable of supporting many generic types of image analysis and data processing, and is modularly...employs commercially available, state of the art minicomputers and image display devices with proven software to achieve a cost effective, reliable image

Forth system for coherent-scatter radar data acquisition and processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rennier, A. D.; Bowhill, S. A.

1985-01-01

A real time collection system was developed for the Urbana coherent scatter radar system. The new system, designed for use with a microcomputer, has several advantages over the old system implemented with a minicomputer. The software used to collect the data is described as well as the processing software used to analyze the data. In addition a magnetic tape format for coherent scatter data exchange is given.

Real-time flight test data distribution and display

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nesel, Michael C.; Hammons, Kevin R.

1988-01-01

Enhancements to the real-time processing and display systems of the NASA Western Aeronautical Test Range are described. Display processing has been moved out of the telemetry and radar acquisition processing systems super-minicomputers into user/client interactive graphic workstations. Real-time data is provided to the workstations by way of Ethernet. Future enhancement plans include use of fiber optic cable to replace the Ethernet.

USSR Report Machine Tools and Metalworking Equipment

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-24

meat -packing plants). In the past, the main emphasis on finished products in individual areas slowed down development and modernization, as well as...social effect . Also related to further improvement in the microelectronic base, micro and minicomputers is development work on the creation of a...more effectively as well as those being built; develop scientific technological and production cooperation; use achievements obtained as a result of

Data base design for a worldwide multicrop information system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Driggers, W. G.; Downs, J. M.; Hickman, J. R.; Packard, R. L. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

A description of the USDA Application Test System data base design approach and resources is presented. The data is described in detail by category, with emphasis on those characteristics which influenced the design most. It was concluded that the use of a generalized data base in support of crop assessment is a sound concept. The IDMS11 minicomputer base system is recommended for this purpose.

Multisite Testing of the Discrete Address Beacon System (DABS).

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

downlink messages from an airborne distributed computer system containing , transponder in addition to performing 36 minicomputers, most of which are...the lockout function. organized into groups (or ensembles) of four computers interfaced to a local Each sensor may provide surveillance and data bus...position and velocity. Depending upon computer subsystem, which monitors the means used for scenario generation, in real time all communication and aircraft

TMS communications hardware. Volume 2: Bus interface unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, J. S.; Hopkins, G. T.

1979-01-01

A prototype coaxial cable bus communication system used in the Trend Monitoring System to interconnect intelligent graphics terminals to a host minicomputer is described. The terminals and host are connected to the bus through a microprocessor-based RF modem termed a Bus Interface Unit (BIU). The BIU hardware and the Carrier Sense Multiple Access Listen-While-Talk protocol used on the network are described.

TMS communications software. Volume 1: Computer interfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, J. S.; Lenker, M. D.

1979-01-01

A prototype bus communications system, which is being used to support the Trend Monitoring System (TMS) as well as for evaluation of the bus concept is considered. Hardware and software interfaces to the MODCOMP and NOVA minicomputers are included. The system software required to drive the interfaces in each TMS computer is described. Documentation of other software for bus statistics monitoring and for transferring files across the bus is also included.

[Quantified self movement--the new mantra of life insurance companies].

PubMed

Becher, St

2016-06-01

Wearables are small personal minicomputers that register biometric data. In such a way, the insurance industry hopes to create new sales opportunities and products, and simplify underwriting. Lower premiums will promote the use of wearables. The related possibilities and unanswered questions are discussed in this article. Utilisation of big data offers the insurance industry a range of new opportunities. The benefit must be proven in the future, however.

Laser velocimeter (autocovariance) buffer interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clemmons, J. I., Jr.

1981-01-01

A laser velocimeter (autocovariance) buffer interface (LVABI) was developed to serve as the interface between three laser velocimeter high speed burst counters and a minicomputer. A functional description is presented of the instrument and its unique features which allow the studies of flow velocity vector analysis, turbulence power spectra, and conditional sampling of other phenomena. Typical applications of the laser velocimeter using the LVABI are presented to illustrate its various capabilities.

An implementation of the distributed programming structural synthesis system (PROSSS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, J. L., Jr.

1981-01-01

A method is described for implementing a flexible software system that combines large, complex programs with small, user-supplied, problem-dependent programs and that distributes their execution between a mainframe and a minicomputer. The Programming Structural Synthesis System (PROSSS) was the specific software system considered. The results of such distributed implementation are flexibility of the optimization procedure organization and versatility of the formulation of constraints and design variables.

Topics in programmable automation. [for materials handling, inspection, and assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosen, C. A.

1975-01-01

Topics explored in the development of integrated programmable automation systems include: numerically controlled and computer controlled machining; machine intelligence and the emulation of human-like capabilities; large scale semiconductor integration technology applications; and sensor technology for asynchronous local computation without burdening the executive minicomputer which controls the whole system. The role and development of training aids, and the potential application of these aids to augmented teleoperator systems are discussed.

Interactive Electronic Circuit Simulation on Small Computer Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-01

longer needed. Do not return it to the originator. UNCLASSIFIED SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE (Whan Dots Entered) REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE... CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE(H7i»n Data Entend) Interactive-mode circuit simulation and batch-mode circuit simulation on minicomputers are compared...on the circuit Q. For circuits with Q less than 1, this ratio is typically 10:1. UNCLASSIFIED 2 SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGEflWiim Data

Functional definition and design of a USDA system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, S. M.; Dario, E. R.; Dickinson, G. L. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

The fundamental definition and design of a U.S.D.A. system utilizing the LACIE technology avaliable as of June 1976, is discussed. The organization and methods described are focused on LACIE technology in terms of its transfer for use applications. The simulation of a feasible system design provided timely answers to system design questions, such as the ability of a minicomputer to handle the proposed geometrical correction of MSS data.

Refractive index and absorption detector for liquid chromatography based on Fabry-Perot interferometry

DOEpatents

Yeung, E.S.; Woodruff, S.D.

1984-06-19

A refractive index and absorption detector are disclosed for liquid chromatography. It is based in part on a Fabry-Perot interferometer and is used for the improved detection of refractive index and absorption. It includes a Fabry-Perot interferometer having a normally fixed first partially reflecting mirror and a movable second partially reflecting mirror. A chromatographic flow-cell is positioned between the mirrors along the optical axis of a monochromatic laser beam passing through the interferometer. A means for deriving information about the interference fringes coming out of the interferometer is used with a mini-computer to compute the refractive index of the specimen injected into the flow cell. The minicomputer continuously scans the interferometer for continuous refractive index readings and outputs the continuous results of the scans on a chart recorder. The absorption of the specimen can concurrently be scanned by including a second optical path for an excitation laser which will not interfere with the first laser, but will affect the specimen so that absorption properties can be detected. By first scanning for the refractive index of the specimen, and then immediately adding the excitation laser and subsequently scanning for the refractive index again, the absorption of the specimen can be computed and recorded. 10 figs.

Computer analysis of digital well logs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scott, James H.

1984-01-01

A comprehensive system of computer programs has been developed by the U.S. Geological Survey for analyzing digital well logs. The programs are operational on a minicomputer in a research well-logging truck, making it possible to analyze and replot the logs while at the field site. The minicomputer also serves as a controller of digitizers, counters, and recorders during acquisition of well logs. The analytical programs are coordinated with the data acquisition programs in a flexible system that allows the operator to make changes quickly and easily in program variables such as calibration coefficients, measurement units, and plotting scales. The programs are designed to analyze the following well-logging measurements: natural gamma-ray, neutron-neutron, dual-detector density with caliper, magnetic susceptibility, single-point resistance, self potential, resistivity (normal and Wenner configurations), induced polarization, temperature, sonic delta-t, and sonic amplitude. The computer programs are designed to make basic corrections for depth displacements, tool response characteristics, hole diameter, and borehole fluid effects (when applicable). Corrected well-log measurements are output to magnetic tape or plotter with measurement units transformed to petrophysical and chemical units of interest, such as grade of uranium mineralization in percent eU3O8, neutron porosity index in percent, and sonic velocity in kilometers per second.

JANE, A new information retrieval system for the Radiation Shielding Information Center

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trubey, D.K.

A new information storage and retrieval system has been developed for the Radiation Shielding Information Center (RSIC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to replace mainframe systems that have become obsolete. The database contains citations and abstracts of literature which were selected by RSIC analysts and indexed with terms from a controlled vocabulary. The database, begun in 1963, has been maintained continuously since that time. The new system, called JANE, incorporates automatic indexing techniques and on-line retrieval using the RSIC Data General Eclipse MV/4000 minicomputer, Automatic indexing and retrieval techniques based on fuzzy-set theory allow the presentation of results in ordermore » of Retrieval Status Value. The fuzzy-set membership function depends on term frequency in the titles and abstracts and on Term Discrimination Values which indicate the resolving power of the individual terms. These values are determined by the Cover Coefficient method. The use of a commercial database base to store and retrieve the indexing information permits rapid retrieval of the stored documents. Comparisons of the new and presently-used systems for actual searches of the literature indicate that it is practical to replace the mainframe systems with a minicomputer system similar to the present version of JANE. 18 refs., 10 figs.« less

Refractive index and absorption detector for liquid chromatography based on Fabry-Perot interferometry

DOEpatents

Yeung, Edward S.; Woodruff, Steven D.

1984-06-19

A refractive index and absorption detector for liquid chromatography. It is based in part on a Fabry-Perot interferometer and is used for the improved detection of refractive index and absorption. It includes a Fabry-Perot interferometer having a normally fixed first partially reflecting mirror and a movable second partially reflecting mirror. A chromatographic flow-cell is positioned between the mirrors along the optical axis of a monochromatic laser beam passing through the interferometer. A means for deriving information about the interference fringes coming out of the interferometer is used with a mini-computer to compute the refractive index of the specimen injected into the flow cell. The minicomputer continuously scans the interferometer for continuous refractive index readings and outputs the continuous results of the scans on a chart recorder. The absorption of the specimen can concurrently be scanned by including a second optical path for an excitation laser which will not interfere with the first laser, but will affect the specimen so that absorption properties can be detected. By first scanning for the refractive index of the specimen, and then immediately adding the excitation laser and subsequently scanning for the refractive index again, the absorption of the specimen can be computed and recorded.

Scene Analysis: Non-Linear Spatial Filtering for Automatic Target Detection.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

In this thesis, a method for two-dimensional pattern recognition was developed and tested. The method included a global search scheme for candidate...test global switch TYPEO Creating negative video file only.W 11=0 12=256 13=512 14=768 GO 70 2 1 TYPE" Creating negative and horizontally flipped video...purpose was to develop a base of image processing software for the AFIT Digital Signal Processing Laboratory NOVA- ECLIPSE minicomputer system, for

A Computer-Automated Temperature Control System for Semiconductor Measurements.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-01

Engineer: Jerry Silverman (RADC/ESE) temperature controller silicon devices data acquisition system mini-computer control application semiconductor dovice...characterization semiconductor materijals characterization silicon .’ AtlI EAC T 1 -fI I,,’-, *- s t ---v,.1.,,~ - d,f101h ir- IA i lr A computer...depends on the composition of the metals and the temperature of the junction. As the temperature of the junction increases so does the voltage at the

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pope, C.S.

The future of the photovoltaic industry is discussed. The success of a small New Jersey high technology solar firm, Chronar, is described. The company started a modern, efficient commercial facility for the manufacture of 1 megawatt capacity amorphous silicon solar cells. The hatch manufacturing process consists of the deposition of the amorphous silicon layers in a machine called a 6 pack named for the six identical glow discharge chambers operated simultaneously by a mini-computer.

Medical serials control systems by computer--a state of the art review.

PubMed

Brodman, E; Johnson, M F

1976-01-01

A review of the problems encountered in serials control systems is followed by a description of some of the present-day attempts to solve these problems. Specific networks are described, notably PHILSOM (developed at Washington University School of Medicine Library), the UCLA Biomedical Library's system, and OCLC in Columbus, Ohio. Finally, the role of minicomputers in present and future developments is discussed, and some cautious guesses are made on future directions in the field.

The application of charge-coupled device processors in automatic-control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcvey, E. S.; Parrish, E. A., Jr.

1977-01-01

The application of charge-coupled device (CCD) processors to automatic-control systems is suggested. CCD processors are a new form of semiconductor component with the unique ability to process sampled signals on an analog basis. Specific implementations of controllers are suggested for linear time-invariant, time-varying, and nonlinear systems. Typical processing time should be only a few microseconds. This form of technology may become competitive with microprocessors and minicomputers in addition to supplementing them.

DDN (Defense Data Network) Protocol Implementations and Vendors Guide,

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-01

TELNET) TCP/IP on an ethernet network. The program simulates a Hayes modem through the serial port. BWFTP is a thorough implementation of the FTP...25 IMP interface at VV from 19.2 Kbps to 56K bps. The IP, ICMP, TCP, Telnet. FFP and SMTP protocols are implemented along with R-Utxities...WANs. microcomputers, dataswitches. minicomputers. "black boxes" and modems . DOCUMENTATION: Software System Overview, Generic X.25 Porting Guide

Measurement of Civil Engineering Customer Satisfaction in Tactical Air Command: A Prototype Evaluation Program.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

customers . The article states that in response to a White House Office of Consumer Affairs study and with the wide use of minicomputers: Companies are...D-A174 l16 MEASUREMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING CUSTOMER SRTISFACTIbN 1/ IN TACTICAL AIR CO (U) AIR FORCE INST OF TECH ...... RIGHT-PATTERSON AFB ON...BUREAU OF STANDARDS- 1963-A_ . -_- ’II I-F MEASUREMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN TACTICAL AIR COMMAND: A PROTOTYPE EVALUATION PROGRAM

DLMS Voice Data Entry.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

34 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIGURE PAGE 1 Block Diagram of DLMS Voice Recognition System .............. S 2 Flowchart of DefaulV...particular are a speech preprocessor and a minicomputer. In the VRS, as shown in the block diagram of Fig. 1, the preprocessor is a TTI model 8040 and...Data General 6026 Magnetic Zo 4 Tape Unit Display L-- - Equipment Cabinet Fig. 1 block Diagram of DIMS Voice Recognition System qS 2. Flexible Disk

The Georgetown University Library Information System (LIS): a minicomputer-based integrated library system.

PubMed Central

Broering, N C

1983-01-01

Georgetown University's Library Information System (LIS), an integrated library system designed and implemented at the Dahlgren Memorial Library, is broadly described from an administrative point of view. LIS' functional components consist of eight "user-friendly" modules: catalog, circulation, serials, bibliographic management (including Mini-MEDLINE), acquisitions, accounting, networking, and computer-assisted instruction. This article touches on emerging library services, user education, and computer information services, which are also changing the role of staff librarians. The computer's networking capability brings the library directly to users through personal or institutional computers at remote sites. The proposed Integrated Medical Center Information System at Georgetown University will include interface with LIS through a network mechanism. LIS is being replicated at other libraries, and a microcomputer version is being tested for use in a hospital setting. PMID:6688749

X- And y-axis driver for rotating microspheres

DOEpatents

Weinstein, Berthold W.

1979-01-01

Apparatus for precise control of the motion and position of microspheres for examination of their interior and/or exterior. The apparatus includes an x- and y-axis driver mechanism controlled, for example, by a minicomputer for selectively rotating microspheres retained between a pair of manipulator arms having flat, smooth end surfaces. The driver mechanism includes an apertured plate and ball arrangement which provided for coupled equal and opposite movement of the manipulator arms in two perpendicular directions.

TMS communications hardware. Volume 1: Computer interfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, J. S.; Weinrich, S. S.

1979-01-01

A prototpye coaxial cable bus communications system was designed to be used in the Trend Monitoring System (TMS) to connect intelligent graphics terminals (based around a Data General NOVA/3 computer) to a MODCOMP IV host minicomputer. The direct memory access (DMA) interfaces which were utilized for each of these computers are identified. It is shown that for the MODCOMP, an off-the-shell board was suitable, while for the NOVAs, custon interface circuitry was designed and implemented.

Display system for imaging scientific telemetric information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zabiyakin, G. I.; Rykovanov, S. N.

1979-01-01

A system for imaging scientific telemetric information, based on the M-6000 minicomputer and the SIGD graphic display, is described. Two dimensional graphic display of telemetric information and interaction with the computer, in analysis and processing of telemetric parameters displayed on the screen is provided. The running parameter information output method is presented. User capabilities in the analysis and processing of telemetric information imaged on the display screen and the user language are discussed and illustrated.

Development of an infrared polarimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coffeen, D. L.

1972-01-01

AEROPOL infrared polarimeter was built for measurements microns between 1.1 and 3.5 microns, with a 1.5 degree field of view, using a wire grid polarization analyzer. A PbS detector is cooled by condensed Freon-13. The instrument operates under minicomputer control, giving a polarization least squares solution each 2.5 seconds. AEROPOL was flown on the NASA CV-990 aircraft, in a remote-sensing study of terrestrial cloud particle sizes and shapes.

Fiber Optic Chemical Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-10-01

patent rights. A major problem was identification of the property of ST&E vs LLNL ST&E was formed to manage the activities of Dr. Hirschfeld and Dr...positions of the fields defined in a fixed format to allow its importation into file management programs both in the microcomputer and the minicomputer...Systems Inc., Perry, Florida. askSam is a free-form information manager . A few basic elements of structure can be used to create a highly structured

Study and Design of Flight Data Recording Systems for Military Aircraft

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

minicomputer (PDP-11/ 40 ) with 24K of core memory and a disk operating system. Peripherals include a CRT terminal, two 9-track magnetic tape drives, a 19 high...in question-answer mode. The NTSB plans to adapt an existing routine to the PDP 11/ 40 which will prepare a ground track of the aircraft from the...20 microseconds). Like PMOS memory, multiple power supplies were required. The next generation of microprocessors were implemented on a 40 pin package

Medical serials control systems by computer--a state of the art review.

PubMed Central

Brodman, E; Johnson, M F

1976-01-01

A review of the problems encountered in serials control systems is followed by a description of some of the present-day attempts to solve these problems. Specific networks are described, notably PHILSOM (developed at Washington University School of Medicine Library), the UCLA Biomedical Library's system, and OCLC in Columbus, Ohio. Finally, the role of minicomputers in present and future developments is discussed, and some cautious guesses are made on future directions in the field. PMID:1247704

The CRREL Instrumented Vehicle: Hardware and Software.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

rear axle torque are meas- ured. The vehicle is equipped for front-wheel, rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. A dual brake system allows front-, rear- or...four-wheel braking . A minicomputer- based data acquisition system is installed in the vehicle to control data gather ing and to process the data. The...o..o...o 4 4. Dual brake system control valves . ........ 5 5. Schematic of modified brake system ...... .... st 5 6. Air-shock-absorber regulator

VLSI research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brodersen, R. W.

1984-04-01

A scaled version of the RISC II chip has been fabricated and tested and these new chips have a cycle time that would outperform a VAX 11/780 by about a factor of two on compiled integer C programs. The architectural work on a RISC chip designed for a Smalltalk implementation has been completed. This chip, called SOAR (Smalltalk On a RISC), should run program s4-15 times faster than the Xerox 1100 (Dolphin), a TTL minicomputer, and about as fast as the Xerox 1132 (Dorado), a $100,000 ECL minicomputer. The 1983 VLSI tools tape has been converted for use under the latest UNIX release (4.2). The Magic (formerly called Caddy) layout system will be a unified set of highly automated tools that cover all aspects of the layout process, including stretching, compaction, tiling and routing. A multiple window package and design rule checker for this system have just been completed and compaction and stretching are partially implemented. New slope-based timing models for the Crystal timing analyzer are now fully implemented and in regular use. In an accuracy test using a dozen critical paths from the RISC II processor and cache chips it was found that Crystal's estimates were within 5-10% of SPICE's estimates, while being a factor of 10,000 times faster.

From the genetic to the computer program: the historicity of 'data' and 'computation' in the investigations on the nematode worm C. elegans (1963-1998).

PubMed

García-Sancho, Miguel

2012-03-01

This paper argues that the history of the computer, of the practice of computation and of the notions of 'data' and 'programme' are essential for a critical account of the emergence and implications of data-driven research. In order to show this, I focus on the transition that the investigations on the worm C. elegans experienced in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Cambridge (UK). Throughout the 1980s, this research programme evolved from a study of the genetic basis of the worm's development and behaviour to a DNA mapping and sequencing initiative. By examining the changing computing technologies which were used at the Laboratory, I demonstrate that by the time of this transition researchers shifted from modelling the worm's genetic programme on a mainframe apparatus to writing minicomputer programs aimed at providing map and sequence data which was then circulated to other groups working on the genetics of C. elegans. The shift in the worm research should thus not be simply explained in the application of computers which transformed the project from hypothesis-driven to a data-intensive endeavour. The key factor was rather a historically specific technology-in-house and easy programmable minicomputers-which redefined the way of achieving the project's long-standing goal, leading the genetic programme to co-evolve with the practices of data production and distribution. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Managing Data From Signal-Propagation Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kantak, A. V.

1989-01-01

Computer programs generate characteristic plots from amplitudes and phases. Software system enables minicomputer to process data on amplitudes and phases of signals received during experiments in ground-mobile/satellite radio propagation. Takes advantage of file-handling capabilities of UNIX operating system and C programming language. Interacts with user, under whose guidance programs in FORTRAN language generate plots of spectra or other curves of types commonly used to characterize signals. FORTRAN programs used to process file-handling outputs into any of several useful forms.

Airborne differential absorption lidar system for water vapor investigations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Browell, E. V.; Carter, A. F.; Wilkerson, T. D.

1981-01-01

Range-resolved water vapor measurements using the differential-absorption lidar (DIAL) technique is described in detail. The system uses two independently tunable optically pumped lasers operating in the near infrared with laser pulses of less than 100 microseconds separation, to minimize concentration errors caused by atmospheric scattering. Water vapor concentration profiles are calculated for each measurement by a minicomputer, in real time. The work is needed in the study of atmospheric motion and thermodynamics as well as in forestry and agriculture problems.

Standard interface: Twin-coaxial converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lushbaugh, W. A.

1976-01-01

The network operations control center standard interface has been adopted as a standard computer interface for all future minicomputer based subsystem development for the Deep Space Network. Discussed is an intercomputer communications link using a pair of coaxial cables. This unit is capable of transmitting and receiving digital information at distances up to 600 m with complete ground isolation between the communicating devices. A converter is described that allows a computer equipped with the standard interface to use the twin coaxial link.

High Temperature Monotonic and Cyclic Deformation in a Directionally Solidified Nickel-Base Superalloy.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-01

was conducted in air, using a SATEC Systems computer-controlled servohydraulic testing machine. This machine uses a minicomputer (Digital PDP 11/34...overall test program) was run. This test was performed using a feature of the SATEC machine called combinatorial feedback, which allowed a user-defined...Rn) l/T + (in Es /A)/n (4.3) Q can be calculated from 0*: b Q=n (4.4) Creep data for DS MAR-M246, containing no Hafnium, from Reference 99 was used to

RIPS: a UNIX-based reference information program for scientists.

PubMed

Klyce, S D; Rózsa, A J

1983-09-01

A set of programs is described which implement a personal reference management and information retrieval system on a UNIX-based minicomputer. The system operates in a multiuser configuration with a host of user-friendly utilities that assist entry of reference material, its retrieval, and formatted printing for associated tasks. A search command language was developed without restriction in keyword vocabulary, number of keywords, or level of parenthetical expression nesting. The system is readily transported, and by design is applicable to any academic specialty.

A scanning laser rangefinder for a robotic vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, R. A.; Johnston, A. R.

1977-01-01

A scanning Laser Rangefinder (LRF) which operates in conjunction with a minicomputer as part of a robotic vehicle is described. The description, in sufficient detail for replication, modification, and maintenance, includes both hardware and software. Also included is a discussion of functional requirements relative to a detailing of the instrument and its performance, a summary of the robot system in which the LRF functions, the software organization, interfaces and description, and the applications to which the LRF has been put.

Optical instrumentation engineering in science, technology and society; Proceedings of the Sixteenth Annual Technical Meeting, San Mateo, Calif., October 16-18, 1972

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katz, Y. H.

1973-01-01

Visual tracking performance in instrumentation is discussed together with photographic pyrometry in an aeroballistic range, optical characteristics of spherical vapor bubbles in liquids, and the automatic detection and control of surface roughness by coherent diffraction patterns. Other subjects explored are related to instruments, sensors, systems, holography, and pattern recognition. Questions of data handling are also investigated, taking into account minicomputer image storage for holographic interferometry analysis, the design of a video amplifier for a 90 MHz bandwidth, and autostereoscopic screens. Individual items are announced in this issue.

Automation of internal library operations in academic health sciences libraries: a state of the art report.

PubMed Central

Grefsheim, S F; Larson, R H; Bader, S A; Matheson, N W

1982-01-01

A survey of automated records management in the United States and Canada was developed to identify existing on-line library systems and technical expertise. Follow-up interviews were conducted with ten libraries. Tables compare the features and availability of four main frame and four minicomputer systems. Results showed: a trend toward vendor-supplied systems; little coordination of efforts among schools; current system developments generally on a universitywide basis; and the importance of having the cooperation of campus computer facilities to the success of automation efforts. PMID:7066571

U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY'S NATIONAL REAL-TIME HYDROLOGIC INFORMATION SYSTEM USING GOES SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shope, William G.

1987-01-01

The U. S. Geological Survey maintains the basic hydrologic data collection system for the United States. The Survey is upgrading the collection system with electronic communications technologies that acquire, telemeter, process, and disseminate hydrologic data in near real-time. These technologies include satellite communications via the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, Data Collection Platforms in operation at over 1400 Survey gaging stations, Direct-Readout Ground Stations at nine Survey District Offices and a network of powerful minicomputers that allows data to be processed and disseminate quickly.

User's operating procedures. Volume 1: Scout project information programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, C. G.; Harris, D. K.

1985-01-01

A review of the user's operating procedures for the Scout Project Automatic Data System, called SPADS is given. SPADS is the result of the past seven years of software development on a Prime minicomputer located at the Scout Project Office. SPADS was developed as a single entry, multiple cross reference data management and information retrieval system for the automation of Project office tasks, including engineering, financial, managerial, and clerical support. The instructions to operate the Scout Project Information programs in data retrieval and file maintenance via the user friendly menu drivers is presented.

Manipulator for rotating and examining small spheres

DOEpatents

Weinstein, Berthold W. [Livermore, CA; Willenborg, David L. [Livermore, CA

1980-02-12

A manipulator which provides fast, accurate rotational positioning of a small sphere, such as an inertial confinement fusion target, which allows inspecting of the entire surface of the sphere. The sphere is held between two flat, flexible tips which move equal amounts in opposite directions. This provides rolling of the ball about two orthogonal axes without any overall translation. The manipulator may be controlled, for example, by an x- and y-axis driven controlled by a mini-computer which can be programmed to generate any desired scan pattern.

Manipulator for rotating and examining small spheres

DOEpatents

Weinstein, B.W.; Willenborg, D.L.

1980-02-12

A manipulator is disclosed which provides fast, accurate rotational positioning of a small sphere, such as an inertial confinement fusion target, which allows inspecting of the entire surface of the sphere. The sphere is held between two flat, flexible tips which move equal amounts in opposite directions. This provides rolling of the ball about two orthogonal axes without any overall translation. The manipulator may be controlled, for example, by an x- and y-axis driven controlled by a mini-computer which can be programmed to generate any desired scan pattern. 8 figs.

Vrx: a verify-record system for radiotherapy.

PubMed

Dickof, P; Morris, P; Getz, D

1984-01-01

A system of computer programs has been created to allow the entry of radiotherapy treatment details as defined by the physician, the verification of the machine parameters at every treatment, and the recording of the entire course of treatment. Various utility programs are available to simplify the use and maintenance of the system. The majority of the code is written in FORTRAN-77, the remainder in MACRO-11. The system has been implemented on a PDP 11/60 minicomputer for use with a Mevatron linear accelerator, the implementation required minor hardware changes to the accelerator.

Gait Analysis Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Complete motion analysis laboratory has evolved out of analyzing walking patterns of crippled children at Stanford Children's Hospital. Data is collected by placing tiny electrical sensors over muscle groups of child's legs and inserting step-sensing switches in soles of shoes. Miniature radio transmitters send signals to receiver for continuous recording of abnormal walking pattern. Engineers are working to apply space electronics miniaturization techniques to reduce size and weight of telemetry system further as well as striving to increase signal bandwidth so analysis can be performed faster and more accurately using a mini-computer.

The development of an engineering computer graphics laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, D. C.; Garrett, R. E.

1975-01-01

Hardware and software systems developed to further research and education in interactive computer graphics were described, as well as several of the ongoing application-oriented projects, educational graphics programs, and graduate research projects. The software system consists of a FORTRAN 4 subroutine package, in conjunction with a PDP 11/40 minicomputer as the primary computation processor and the Imlac PDS-1 as an intelligent display processor. The package comprises a comprehensive set of graphics routines for dynamic, structured two-dimensional display manipulation, and numerous routines to handle a variety of input devices at the Imlac.

System of Programmed Modules for Measuring Photographs with a Gamma-Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Averin, S. A.; Veselova, G. V.; Navasardyan, G. V.

1978-01-01

Physical experiments using tracking cameras resulted in hundreds of thousands of stereo photographs of events being received. To process such a large volume of information, automatic and semiautomatic measuring systems are required. At the Institute of Space Research of the Academy of Science of the USSR, a system for processing film information from the spark gamma-telescope was developed. The system is based on a BPS-75 projector in line with the minicomputer Elektronika 1001. The report describes this system. The various computer programs available to the operators are discussed.

User's operating procedures. Volume 3: Projects directorate information programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haris, C. G.; Harris, D. K.

1985-01-01

A review of the user's operating procedures for the scout project automatic data system, called SPADS is presented. SPADS is the results of the past seven years of software development on a prime mini-computer. SPADS was developed as a single entry, multiple cross-reference data management and information retrieval system for the automation of Project office tasks, including engineering, financial, managerial, and clerical support. This volume, three of three, provides the instructions to operate the projects directorate information programs in data retrieval and file maintenance via the user friendly menu drivers.

Retrofit energy studies of a recreation center

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haberl, J.S.; Claridge, D.

1985-01-01

Retrofit energy options for the Student Recreation Center at the University of Colorado have been evaluated using the DOE-2.1b simulation program. This building has two major systems that are not included in the program - an ice rink and a swimming pool. The approach used to model these systems and the use of the program for other applications not included in the program, such as duty cycling and night cycling of fans for freeze protection, are emphasized. Measures that help streamline the usage of the program on a minicomputer are also discussed.

Transfer-function-parameter estimation from frequency response data: A FORTRAN program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seidel, R. C.

1975-01-01

A FORTRAN computer program designed to fit a linear transfer function model to given frequency response magnitude and phase data is presented. A conjugate gradient search is used that minimizes the integral of the absolute value of the error squared between the model and the data. The search is constrained to insure model stability. A scaling of the model parameters by their own magnitude aids search convergence. Efficient computer algorithms result in a small and fast program suitable for a minicomputer. A sample problem with different model structures and parameter estimates is reported.

A Satellite Frost Forecasting System for Florida

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martsolf, J. D.

1981-01-01

Since the first of two minicomputers that are the main components of the satellite frost forecast system was delivered in 1977, the system has evolved appreciably. A geostationary operational environmental satellite (GOES) system provides the satellite data. The freeze of January 12-14, 1981, was documented with increasing interest in potential of such systems. Satellite data is now acquired digitally rather than by redigitizing the GOES-Tap transmissions. Data acquisition is now automated, i.e., the computers are programmed to operate the system with little, if any, operation intervention.

Alternatives in the complement and structure of NASA teleprocessing resources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The results are presented of a program to identify technical innovations which would have an impact on NASA data processing and describe as fully as possible the development work necessary to exploit them. Seven of these options for NASA development, as the opportunities to participate in and enhance the advancing information system technology were called, are reported. A detailed treatment is given of three of the options, involving minicomputers, mass storage devices and software development techniques. These areas were picked by NASA as having the most potential for improving their operations.

CMB-8 material balance system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Langner, D.; Canada, T.; Ensslin, N.

1980-08-01

We describe the automated nondestructive assay (NDA) system installed at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) Group CMB-8 uranium recovery facility. A random driver (RD) is used to measure the /sup 235/U content of various solids while a uranium solution assay system (USAS) measures the /sup 235/U or total uranium content of solutions over a concentration range of a few ppM to 400 g/l. Both instruments are interfaced to and controlled by a single minicomputer. The measurement principles, mechanical specifications, system software description, and operational instructions are described.

A computer-controlled instrumentation system for third octave analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Faulcon, N. D.; Monteith, J. H.

1978-01-01

An instrumentation system is described which employs a minicomputer, a one-third octave band analyzer, and a time code/tape search unit for the automatic control and analysis of third-octave data. With this system the information necessary for data adjustment is formatted in such a way as to eliminate much operator interface, thereby substantially reducing the probability for error. A description of a program for the calculation of effective perceived noise level from aircraft noise data is included as an example of how this system can be used.

Consolidation of data base for Army generalized missile model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klenke, D. J.; Hemsch, M. J.

1980-01-01

Data from plume interaction tests, nose mounted canard configuration tests, and high angle of attack tests on the Army Generalized Missile model are consolidated in a computer program which makes them readily accessible for plotting, listing, and evaluation. The program is written in FORTRAN and will run on an ordinary minicomputer. It has the capability of retrieving any coefficient from the existing DATAMAN tapes and displaying it in tabular or plotted form. Comparisons of data taken in several wind tunnels and of data with the predictions of Program MISSILE2 are also presented.

Mini-Computers and the Building Trades: A Guide for Teachers of Vocational Education. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asplen, Donald; And Others

These training materials are designed to help vocational education teachers introduce students to the utilization and installation of mini- and microcomputers in residential and small business buildings. It consists of two chapters. Chapter 1 contains general materials, designed to promote awareness, and chapter 2 contains materials which are…

Configurable software for satellite graphics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hartzman, P D

An important goal in interactive computer graphics is to provide users with both quick system responses for basic graphics functions and enough computing power for complex calculations. One solution is to have a distributed graphics system in which a minicomputer and a powerful large computer share the work. The most versatile type of distributed system is an intelligent satellite system in which the minicomputer is programmable by the application user and can do most of the work while the large remote machine is used for difficult computations. At New York University, the hardware was configured from available equipment. The levelmore » of system intelligence resulted almost completely from software development. Unlike previous work with intelligent satellites, the resulting system had system control centered in the satellite. It also had the ability to reconfigure software during realtime operation. The design of the system was done at a very high level using set theoretic language. The specification clearly illustrated processor boundaries and interfaces. The high-level specification also produced a compact, machine-independent virtual graphics data structure for picture representation. The software was written in a systems implementation language; thus, only one set of programs was needed for both machines. A user can program both machines in a single language. Tests of the system with an application program indicate that is has very high potential. A major result of this work is the demonstration that a gigantic investment in new hardware is not necessary for computing facilities interested in graphics.« less

Development and Operation of a MUMPS Laboratory Information System: A Decade's Experience

PubMed Central

Miller, R. E.; Causey, J. P.; Moore, G. W.; Wilk, G. E.

1988-01-01

We describe more than a decade's experience with inhouse development and operation of a clinical laboratory computer system written in the MUMPS programming language for a 1000 bed teaching hospital. The JHLIS is a networked minicomputer system that supports accessioning, instrument monitoring, and result reporting for over 3000 specimens and 30,000 test results daily. Development and operation of the system accounts for 6% of the budget of the laboratories which have had a 70% increase in workload over the past decade. Our experience with purchased MUMPS software maintained and enhanced inhouse suggests an attractive alternative to lengthy inhouse development.

Clinical application of a light-pen computer system for quantitative angiography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alderman, E. L.

1975-01-01

The paper describes an angiographic analysis system which uses a video disk for recording and playback, a light-pen for data input, minicomputer processing, and an electrostatic printer/plotter for hardcopy output. The method is applied to quantitative analysis of ventricular volumes, sequential ventriculography for assessment of physiologic and pharmacologic interventions, analysis of instantaneous time sequence of ventricular systolic and diastolic events, and quantitation of segmental abnormalities. The system is shown to provide the capability for computation of ventricular volumes and other measurements from operator-defined margins by greatly reducing the tedium and errors associated with manual planimetry.

Experimental system for computer network via satellite /CS/. III - Network control processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakinuma, Y.; Ito, A.; Takahashi, H.; Uchida, K.; Matsumoto, K.; Mitsudome, H.

1982-03-01

A network control processor (NCP) has the functions of generating traffics, the control of links and the control of transmitting bursts. The NCP executes protocols, monitors of experiments, gathering and compiling data of measurements, of which programs are loaded on a minicomputer (MELCOM 70/40) with 512KB of memories. The NCP acts as traffic generators, instead of a host computer, in the experiment. For this purpose, 15 fake stations are realized by the software in each user station. This paper describes the configuration of the NCP and the implementation of the protocols for the experimental system.

Satellite economics in the 1980's

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morgan, W. L.

1980-01-01

Satellite traffic, competition, and decreasing costs are discussed, as are capabilities in telecommunication (including entertainment) and computation. Also considered are future teleconferencing and telecommuting to offset the cost of transportation, the establishment of a manufacturer-to-user link for increased home minicomputer capability, and an increase of digital over analog traffic. It is suggested that transcontinental bulk traffic, high-speed data, and multipoint private networks will eventually be handled by satellites which are cost-insensitive to distance, readily match dynamically varying multipoint networks, and have uniformly wide bandwidths available to both major cities and isolated towns.

UNIX-based data management system for the Mobile Satellite Propagation Experiment (PiFEx)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kantak, Anil V.

1987-01-01

A new method is presented for handling data resulting from Mobile Satellite propagation experiments such as the Pilot Field Experiment (PiFEx) conducted by JPL. This method uses the UNIX operating system and C programming language. The data management system is implemented on a VAX minicomputer. The system automatically divides the large data file housing data from various experiments under a predetermined format into various individual files containing data from each experiment. The system also has a number of programs written in C and FORTRAN languages to allow the researcher to obtain meaningful quantities from the data at hand.

ART/Ada design project, phase 1. Task 3 report: Test plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Bradley P.

1988-01-01

The plan is described for the integrated testing and benchmark of Phase Ada based ESBT Design Research Project. The integration testing is divided into two phases: (1) the modules that do not rely on the Ada code generated by the Ada Generator are tested before the Ada Generator is implemented; and (2) all modules are integrated and tested with the Ada code generated by the Ada Generator. Its performance and size as well as its functionality is verified in this phase. The target platform is a DEC Ada compiler on VAX mini-computers and VAX stations running the VMS operating system.

Comparison of existing digital image analysis systems for the analysis of Thematic Mapper data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Likens, W. C.; Wrigley, R. C.

1984-01-01

Most existing image analysis systems were designed with the Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner in mind, leaving open the question of whether or not these systems could adequately process Thematic Mapper data. In this report, both hardware and software systems have been evaluated for compatibility with TM data. Lack of spectral analysis capability was not found to be a problem, though techniques for spatial filtering and texture varied. Computer processing speed and data storage of currently existing mini-computer based systems may be less than adequate. Upgrading to more powerful hardware may be required for many TM applications.

AVID - A design system for technology studies of advanced transportation concepts. [Aerospace Vehicle Interactive Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilhite, A. W.; Rehder, J. J.

1979-01-01

The basic AVID (Aerospace Vehicle Interactive Design) is a general system for conceptual and preliminary design currently being applied to a broad range of future space transportation and spacecraft vehicle concepts. AVID hardware includes a minicomputer allowing rapid designer interaction. AVID software includes (1) an executive program and communication data base which provide the automated capability to couple individual programs, either individually in an interactive mode or chained together in an automatic sequence mode; and (2) the individual technology and utility programs which provide analysis capability in areas such as graphics, aerodynamics, propulsion, flight performance, weights, sizing, and costs.

A Hospital Local Area Communication Network—The First Year's Experience

PubMed Central

Simborg, D. W.; Chadwick, M.; Whiting-O'Keefe, Q. E.; Tolchin, S. G.; Stewart, R. L.; Kahn, S. A.; Bergan, E. S.; Gafke, G. P.

1982-01-01

A local area communications network has been implemented at the University of California, San Francisco Hospital to integrate major components of the hospital's information system. This microprocessor-based network technology was developed by The Applied Physics Laboratory of the Johns Hopkins University. The first year's experience has demonstrated the basic feasibility of this technology in simplifying the integration of diverse hardware and software systems. Four minicomputer-based UCSF systems now use the network to synchronize key patient identification and registration information among the systems. Clinical uses of the network will begin during the second year of the project.

Development INTERDATA 8/32 computer system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sonett, C. P.

1983-01-01

The capabilities of the Interdata 8/32 minicomputer were examined regarding data and word processing, editing, retrieval, and budgeting as well as data management demands of the user groups in the network. Based on four projected needs: (1) a hands on (open shop) computer for data analysis with large core and disc capability; (2) the expected requirements of the NASA data networks; (3) the need for intermittent large core capacity for theoretical modeling; (4) the ability to access data rapidly either directly from tape or from core onto hard copy, the system proved useful and adequate for the planned requirements.

Effects of misalignment on mechanical behavior of metals in creep

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, H. C.

1981-01-01

Creep tests were conducted by means of a closed loop servocontrolled materials test system. The strain history prior to creep is carefully monitored. Tests were performed for aluminum alloy 6061-O at 150 C and were monitored by a PDP 11/04 minicomputer at a preset constant plastic strain rate prehistory. The results show that the plastic strain rate prior to creep plays a significant role in creep behavior. The endochronic theory of viscoplasticity was applied to describe the observed creep curves. Intrinsic time and strain rate sensitivity function concepts are employed and modified according to the present observation.

Evaluation of initial collector field performance at the Langley Solar Building Test Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyle, R. J.; Jensen, R. N.; Knoll, R. H.

1977-01-01

The thermal performance of the solar collector field for the NASA Langley Solar Building Test Facility is given for October 1976 through January 1977. A 1,180 square meter solar collector field with seven collector designs helped to provide hot water for the building heating system and absorption air conditioner. The collectors were arranged in 12 rows with nominally 51 collectors per row. Heat transfer rates for each row were calculated and recorded along with sensor, insolation, and weather data every five minutes using a minicomputer. The agreement between the experimental and predicted collector efficiencies was generally within five percentage points.

The Earth Resources Laboratory Applications Software (ELAS) in university research and education: An operator oriented geobased information system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coker, B. L.; Kind, T. C.; Smith, W. F., Jr.; Weber, N. V.

1981-01-01

Created for analyzing and processing digital data such as that collected by multispectral scanners or digitized from maps, ELAS is designed for ease of user operation and includes its own FORTRAN operating monitor and an expandable set of application modules which are FORTRAN overlays. On those machines that do not support FORTRAN overlaying, the modules exist as subprograms. The subsystem can be implemented on most 16-bit or 32-bit machines and is capable of, but not limited to, operating on low-cost minicomputer systems. The recommended hardware configuration for ELAS and a representative listing of some operating and application modules are presented.

MORPH-I (Ver 1.0) a software package for the analysis of scanning electron micrograph (binary formatted) images for the assessment of the fractal dimension of enclosed pore surfaces

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mossotti, Victor G.; Eldeeb, A. Raouf; Oscarson, Robert

1998-01-01

MORPH-I is a set of C-language computer programs for the IBM PC and compatible minicomputers. The programs in MORPH-I are used for the fractal analysis of scanning electron microscope and electron microprobe images of pore profiles exposed in cross-section. The program isolates and traces the cross-sectional profiles of exposed pores and computes the Richardson fractal dimension for each pore. Other programs in the set provide for image calibration, display, and statistical analysis of the computed dimensions for highly complex porous materials. Requirements: IBM PC or compatible; minimum 640 K RAM; mathcoprocessor; SVGA graphics board providing mode 103 display.

Evaluation of initial collector field performance at the Langley Solar Building Test Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyle, R. J.; Knoll, R. H.; Jensen, R. N.

1977-01-01

The thermal performance of the solar collector field for the NASA Langley Solar Building Test Facility is given for October 1976 through January 1977. An 1180 square meter solar collector field with seven collector designs helped to provide hot water for the building heating system and absorption air conditioner. The collectors were arranged in 12 rows with nominally 51 collectors per row. Heat transfer rates for each row are calculated and recorded along with sensor, insolation, and weather data every 5 minutes using a mini-computer. The agreement between the experimental and predicted collector efficiencies was generally within five percentage points.

Operator Station Design System - A computer aided design approach to work station layout

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, J. L.

1979-01-01

The Operator Station Design System is resident in NASA's Johnson Space Center Spacecraft Design Division Performance Laboratory. It includes stand-alone minicomputer hardware and Panel Layout Automated Interactive Design and Crew Station Assessment of Reach software. The data base consists of the Shuttle Transportation System Orbiter Crew Compartment (in part), the Orbiter payload bay and remote manipulator (in part), and various anthropometric populations. The system is utilized to provide panel layouts, assess reach and vision, determine interference and fit problems early in the design phase, study design applications as a function of anthropometric and mission requirements, and to accomplish conceptual design to support advanced study efforts.

A computer system to analyze showers in nuclear emulsions: Center Director's discretionary fund report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meegan, C. A.; Fountain, W. F.; Berry, F. A., Jr.

1987-01-01

A system to rapidly digitize data from showers in nuclear emulsions is described. A TV camera views the emulsions though a microscope. The TV output is superimposed on the monitor of a minicomputer. The operator uses the computer's graphics capability to mark the positions of particle tracks. The coordinates of each track are stored on a disk. The computer then predicts the coordinates of each track through successive layers of emulsion. The operator, guided by the predictions, thus tracks and stores the development of the shower. The system provides a significant improvement over purely manual methods of recording shower development in nuclear emulsion stacks.

User's operating procedures. Volume 2: Scout project financial analysis program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, C. G.; Haris, D. K.

1985-01-01

A review is presented of the user's operating procedures for the Scout Project Automatic Data system, called SPADS. SPADS is the result of the past seven years of software development on a Prime mini-computer located at the Scout Project Office, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia. SPADS was developed as a single entry, multiple cross-reference data management and information retrieval system for the automation of Project office tasks, including engineering, financial, managerial, and clerical support. This volume, two (2) of three (3), provides the instructions to operate the Scout Project Financial Analysis program in data retrieval and file maintenance via the user friendly menu drivers.

On the development of an interactive resource information management system for analysis and display of spatiotemporal data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schell, J. A.

1974-01-01

The recent availability of timely synoptic earth imagery from the Earth Resources Technology Satellites (ERTS) provides a wealth of information for the monitoring and management of vital natural resources. Formal language definitions and syntax interpretation algorithms were adapted to provide a flexible, computer information system for the maintenance of resource interpretation of imagery. These techniques are incorporated, together with image analysis functions, into an Interactive Resource Information Management and Analysis System, IRIMAS, which is implemented on a Texas Instruments 980A minicomputer system augmented with a dynamic color display for image presentation. A demonstration of system usage and recommendations for further system development are also included.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hull, L.C.

The Prickett and Lonnquist two-dimensional groundwater model has been programmed for the Apple II minicomputer. Both leaky and nonleaky confined aquifers can be simulated. The model was adapted from the FORTRAN version of Prickett and Lonnquist. In the configuration presented here, the program requires 64 K bits of memory. Because of the large number of arrays used in the program, and memory limitations of the Apple II, the maximum grid size that can be used is 20 rows by 20 columns. Input to the program is interactive, with prompting by the computer. Output consists of predicted lead values at themore » row-column intersections (nodes).« less

Pulmonary Testing Laboratory Computer Application

PubMed Central

Johnson, Martin E.

1980-01-01

An interactive computer application reporting patient pulmonary function data has been developed by Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center staff. A permanent on-line data base of patient demographics, lung capacity, flows, diffusion, arterial blood gases and physician interpretation is maintained by a minicomputer at the hospital. A user oriented application program resulted from development in concert with the clinical users. Rapid program development resulted from employing a newly developed time saving technique that has found wide application at other VA Medical Centers. Careful attention to user interaction has resulted in an application program requiring little training and which has been satisfactorily used by a number of clinicians.

An accelerated forth data-acquisition system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowhill, S. A.; Rennier, A. D.

1986-01-01

A new data acquisition system was put into operation at Urbana in August 1984. It uses a standard Apple 2 microcomputer with 48 k RAM and a standard 5 1/4 inch floppy disk. Design criteria for the system is given. The system was implemented using fig-FORTH, a threaded interpretive language which permits easy interfacing to machine code. The throughput of this system is better by a factor of 6 than the PDP-15 minicomputer system previously used, and it has the real time display feature and provides the data in much more convenient form. The features which contribute to this improved performance is listed.

Man-machine analysis of translation and work tasks of Skylab films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hosler, W. W.; Boelter, J. G.; Morrow, J. R., Jr.; Jackson, J. T.

1979-01-01

An objective approach to determine the concurrent validity of computer-graphic models is real time film analysis. This technique was illustrated through the procedures and results obtained in an evaluation of translation of Skylab mission astronauts. The quantitative analysis was facilitated by the use of an electronic film analyzer, minicomputer, and specifically supportive software. The uses of this technique for human factors research are: (1) validation of theoretical operator models; (2) biokinetic analysis; (3) objective data evaluation; (4) dynamic anthropometry; (5) empirical time-line analysis; and (6) consideration of human variability. Computer assisted techniques for interface design and evaluation have the potential for improving the capability for human factors engineering.

Microcontroller interface for diode array spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguo, L.; Williams, R. R.

An alternative to bus-based computer interfacing is presented using diode array spectrometry as a typical application. The new interface consists of an embedded single-chip microcomputer, known as a microcontroller, which provides all necessary digital I/O and analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) along with an unprecedented amount of intelligence. Communication with a host computer system is accomplished by a standard serial interface so this type of interfacing is applicable to a wide range of personal and minicomputers and can be easily networked. Data are acquired asynchronousty and sent to the host on command. New operating modes which have no traditional counterparts are presented.

Close to real life. [solving for transonic flow about lifting airfoils using supercomputers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, Victor L.; Bailey, F. Ron

1988-01-01

NASA's Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation (NAS) facility for CFD modeling of highly complex aerodynamic flows employs as its basic hardware two Cray-2s, an ETA-10 Model Q, an Amdahl 5880 mainframe computer that furnishes both support processing and access to 300 Gbytes of disk storage, several minicomputers and superminicomputers, and a Thinking Machines 16,000-device 'connection machine' processor. NAS, which was the first supercomputer facility to standardize operating-system and communication software on all processors, has done important Space Shuttle aerodynamics simulations and will be critical to the configurational refinement of the National Aerospace Plane and its intergrated powerplant, which will involve complex, high temperature reactive gasdynamic computations.

Development and Implementation of Kumamoto Technopolis Regional Database T-KIND

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onoue, Noriaki

T-KIND (Techno-Kumamoto Information Network for Data-Base) is a system for effectively searching information of technology, human resources and industries which are necessary to realize Kumamoto Technopolis. It is composed of coded database, image database and LAN inside technoresearch park which is the center of R & D in the Technopolis. It constructs on-line system by networking general-purposed computers, minicomputers, optical disk file systems and so on, and provides the service through public telephone line. Two databases are now available on enterprise information and human resource information. The former covers about 4,000 enterprises, and the latter does about 2,000 persons.

Registration of Heat Capacity Mapping Mission day and night images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, K.; Hummer-Miller, S.; Sawatzky, D. L. (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

Neither iterative registration, using drainage intersection maps for control, nor cross correlation techniques were satisfactory in registering day and night HCMM imagery. A procedure was developed which registers the image pairs by selecting control points and mapping the night thermal image to the daytime thermal and reflectance images using an affine transformation on a 1300 by 1100 pixel image. The resulting image registration is accurate to better than two pixels (RMS) and does not exhibit the significant misregistration that was noted in the temperature-difference and thermal-inertia products supplied by NASA. The affine transformation was determined using simple matrix arithmetic, a step that can be performed rapidly on a minicomputer.

Programming for energy monitoring/display system in multicolor lidar system research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alvarado, R. C., Jr.; Allen, R. J.

1982-01-01

The Z80 microprocessor based computer program that directs and controls the operation of the six channel energy monitoring/display system that is a part of the NASA Multipurpose Airborne Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) system is described. The program is written in the Z80 assembly language and is located on EPROM memories. All source and assembled listings of the main program, five subroutines, and two service routines along with flow charts and memory maps are included. A combinational block diagram shows the interfacing (including port addresses) between the six power sensors, displays, front panel controls, the main general purpose minicomputer, and this dedicated microcomputer system.

Supercomputer use in orthopaedic biomechanics research: focus on functional adaptation of bone.

PubMed

Hart, R T; Thongpreda, N; Van Buskirk, W C

1988-01-01

The authors describe two biomechanical analyses carried out using numerical methods. One is an analysis of the stress and strain in a human mandible, and the other analysis involves modeling the adaptive response of a sheep bone to mechanical loading. The computing environment required for the two types of analyses is discussed. It is shown that a simple stress analysis of a geometrically complex mandible can be accomplished using a minicomputer. However, more sophisticated analyses of the same model with dynamic loading or nonlinear materials would require supercomputer capabilities. A supercomputer is also required for modeling the adaptive response of living bone, even when simple geometric and material models are use.

Robot welding process control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romine, Peter L.

1991-01-01

This final report documents the development and installation of software and hardware for Robotic Welding Process Control. Primary emphasis is on serial communications between the CYRO 750 robotic welder, Heurikon minicomputer running Hunter & Ready VRTX, and an IBM PC/AT, for offline programming and control and closed-loop welding control. The requirements for completion of the implementation of the Rocketdyne weld tracking control are discussed. The procedure for downloading programs from the Intergraph, over the network, is discussed. Conclusions are made on the results of this task, and recommendations are made for efficient implementation of communications, weld process control development, and advanced process control procedures using the Heurikon.

Implementation of a Prototype Generalized Network Technology for Hospitals *

PubMed Central

Tolchin, S. G.; Stewart, R. L.; Kahn, S. A.; Bergan, E. S.; Gafke, G. P.; Simborg, D. W.; Whiting-O'Keefe, Q. E.; Chadwick, M. G.; McCue, G. E.

1981-01-01

A demonstration implementation of a distributed data processing hospital information system using an intelligent local area communications network (LACN) technology is described. This system is operational at the UCSF Medical Center and integrates four heterogeneous, stand-alone minicomputers. The applications systems are PID/Registration, Outpatient Pharmacy, Clinical Laboratory and Radiology/Medical Records. Functional autonomy of these systems has been maintained, and no operating system changes have been required. The LACN uses a fiber-optic communications medium and provides extensive communications protocol support within the network, based on the ISO/OSI Model. The architecture is reconfigurable and expandable. This paper describes system architectural issues, the applications environment and the local area network.

Quantitative analysis of defects in silicon. Silicon sheet growth development for the large are silicon sheet task of the low-cost solar array project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Natesh, R.; Smith, J. M.; Bruce, T.; Oidwai, H. A.

1980-01-01

One hundred and seventy four silicon sheet samples were analyzed for twin boundary density, dislocation pit density, and grain boundary length. Procedures were developed for the quantitative analysis of the twin boundary and dislocation pit densities using a QTM-720 Quantitative Image Analyzing system. The QTM-720 system was upgraded with the addition of a PDP 11/03 mini-computer with dual floppy disc drive, a digital equipment writer high speed printer, and a field-image feature interface module. Three versions of a computer program that controls the data acquisition and analysis on the QTM-720 were written. Procedures for the chemical polishing and etching were also developed.

A Big RISC

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-18

architecture . Design , performance, and cost of BRISC is presented. Performance is shown to be better than high end mainframes such as the IBM 3081 and Amdahl 470V/8 on integer benchmarks written in C, Pascal and LISP. The cost, conservatively estimated to be $132,400 is about the same as a high end minicomputer such as the VAX-11/780. BRISC has a CPU cycle time of 46 ns, providing a RISC I instruction execution rate of greater than 15 MIPs. BRISC is designed with a Structured Computer Aided Logic Design System (SCALD) by Valid Logic Systems. An evaluation of the utility of

F100 Multivariable Control Synthesis Program. Computer Implementation of the F100 Multivariable Control Algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soeder, J. F.

1983-01-01

As turbofan engines become more complex, the development of controls necessitate the use of multivariable control techniques. A control developed for the F100-PW-100(3) turbofan engine by using linear quadratic regulator theory and other modern multivariable control synthesis techniques is described. The assembly language implementation of this control on an SEL 810B minicomputer is described. This implementation was then evaluated by using a real-time hybrid simulation of the engine. The control software was modified to run with a real engine. These modifications, in the form of sensor and actuator failure checks and control executive sequencing, are discussed. Finally recommendations for control software implementations are presented.

Remote sensing information sciences research group: Browse in the EOS era

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estes, John E.; Star, Jeffrey L.

1989-01-01

The problem of science data browse was examined. Given the tremendous data volumes that are planned for future space missions, particularly the Earth Observing System in the late 1990's, the need for access to large spatial databases must be understood. Work was continued to refine the concept of data browse. Further, software was developed to provide a testbed of the concepts, both to locate possibly interesting data, as well as view a small portion of the data. Build II was placed on a minicomputer and a PC in the laboratory, and provided accounts for use in the testbed. Consideration of the testbed software as an element of in-house data management plans was begun.

High Resolution Thermography In Medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, R. P.; Goff, M. R.; Culley, J. E.

1988-10-01

A high resolution medical thermal imaging system using an 8 element SPRI1E detector is described. Image processing is by an Intellect 100 processor and is controlled by a DEC LSI 11/23 minicomputer. Image storage is with a 170 Mbyte winchester disc together with archival storage on 12 inch diameter optical discs having a capacity of 1 Gbyte per side. The system is currently being evaluated for use in physiology and medicine. Applications outlined include the potential of thermographic screening to identify genetic carriers in X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XED), detailed vas-cular perfusion studies in health and disease and the relation-ship between cutaneous blood flow, neurological peripheral function and skin surface temperature.

Computer systems for automatic earthquake detection

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stewart, S.W.

1974-01-01

U.S Geological Survey seismologists in Menlo park, California, are utilizing the speed, reliability, and efficiency of minicomputers to monitor seismograph stations and to automatically detect earthquakes. An earthquake detection computer system, believed to be the only one of its kind in operation, automatically reports about 90 percent of all local earthquakes recorded by a network of over 100 central California seismograph stations. The system also monitors the stations for signs of malfunction or abnormal operation. Before the automatic system was put in operation, all of the earthquakes recorded had to be detected by manually searching the records, a time-consuming process. With the automatic detection system, the stations are efficiently monitored continuously. 

Tracing technology in the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries.

PubMed

Guard, J Roger; Peay, Wayne J

2003-04-01

From the beginning of the association, technology and the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL) have been intertwined. Technology was the focus of one of the first committees. Innovative applications of technology have been employed in the operations of the association. Early applications of mini-computers were used in preparing the Annual Statistics. The association's use of network communications was among the first in the country and later applications of the Web have enhanced association services. For its members, technology has transformed libraries. The association's support of the early development of Integrated Advanced Information Management Systems (IAIMS) and of its recent reconceptualization has contributed to the intellectual foundation for this revolution.

Study of cryogenic propellant systems for loading the space shuttle. Part 2: Hydrogen systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steward, W. G.

1975-01-01

Computer simulation studies of liquid hydrogen fill and vent systems for the space shuttle are studied. The computer programs calculate maximum and minimum permissible flow rates during cooldown as limited by thermal stress considerations, fill line cooldown time, pressure drop, flow rates, vapor content, vent line pressure drop and vent line discharge temperature. The input data for these programs are selected through graphic displays which schematically depict the part of the system being analyzed. The computed output is also displayed in the form of printed messages and graphs. Digital readouts of graph coordinates may also be obtained. Procedures are given for operation of the graphic display unit and the associated minicomputer and timesharing computer.

Study of cryogenic propellant systems for loading the space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voth, R. O.; Steward, W. G.; Hall, W. J.

1974-01-01

Computer programs were written to model the liquid oxygen loading system for the space shuttle. The programs allow selection of input data through graphic displays which schematically depict the part of the system being modeled. The computed output is also displayed in the form of graphs and printed messages. Any one of six computation options may be selected. The first four of these pertain to thermal stresses, pressure surges, cooldown times, flow rates and pressures during cooldown. Options five and six deal with possible water hammer effects due to closing of valves, steady flow and transient response to changes in operating conditions after cooldown. Procedures are given for operation of the graphic display unit and minicomputer.

Using CLIPS in a distributed system: The Network Control Center (NCC) expert system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wannemacher, Tom

1990-01-01

This paper describes an intelligent troubleshooting system for the Help Desk domain. It was developed on an IBM-compatible 80286 PC using Microsoft C and CLIPS and an AT&T 3B2 minicomputer using the UNIFY database and a combination of shell script, C programs and SQL queries. The two computers are linked by a lan. The functions of this system are to help non-technical NCC personnel handle trouble calls, to keep a log of problem calls with complete, concise information, and to keep a historical database of problems. The database helps identify hardware and software problem areas and provides a source of new rules for the troubleshooting knowledge base.

A real time data acquisition system using the MIL-STD-1553B bus. [for transmission of data to host computer for control law processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peri, Frank, Jr.

1992-01-01

A flight digital data acquisition system that uses the MIL-STD-1553B bus for transmission of data to a host computer for control law processing is described. The instrument, the Remote Interface Unit (RIU), can accommodate up to 16 input channels and eight output channels. The RIU employs a digital signal processor to perform local digital filtering before sending data to the host. The system allows flexible sensor and actuator data organization to facilitate quick control law computations on the host computer. The instrument can also run simple control laws autonomously without host intervention. The RIU and host computer together have replaced a similar larger, ground minicomputer system with favorable results.

The application of high-speed cinematography for the quantitative analysis of equine locomotion.

PubMed

Fredricson, I; Drevemo, S; Dalin, G; Hjertën, G; Björne, K

1980-04-01

Locomotive disorders constitute a serious problem in horse racing which will only be rectified by a better understanding of the causative factors associated with disturbances of gait. This study describes a system for the quantitative analysis of the locomotion of horses at speed. The method is based on high-speed cinematography with a semi-automatic system of analysis of the films. The recordings are made with a 16 mm high-speed camera run at 500 frames per second (fps) and the films are analysed by special film-reading equipment and a mini-computer. The time and linear gait variables are presented in tabular form and the angles and trajectories of the joints and body segments are presented graphically.

A method for diagnosing surface parameters using geostationary satellite imagery and a boundary-layer model. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polansky, A. C.

1982-01-01

A method for diagnosing surface parameters on a regional scale via geosynchronous satellite imagery is presented. Moisture availability, thermal inertia, atmospheric heat flux, and total evaporation are determined from three infrared images obtained from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES). Three GOES images (early morning, midafternoon, and night) are obtained from computer tape. Two temperature-difference images are then created. The boundary-layer model is run, and its output is inverted via cubic regression equations. The satellite imagery is efficiently converted into output-variable fields. All computations are executed on a PDP 11/34 minicomputer. Output fields can be produced within one hour of the availability of aligned satellite subimages of a target area.

Computer program compatible with a laser nephelometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paroskie, R. M.; Blau, H. H., Jr.; Blinn, J. C., III

1975-01-01

The laser nephelometer data system was updated to provide magnetic tape recording of data, and real time or near real time processing of data to provide particle size distribution and liquid water content. Digital circuits were provided to interface the laser nephelometer to a Data General Nova 1200 minicomputer. Communications are via a teletypewriter. A dual Linc Magnetic Tape System is used for program storage and data recording. Operational programs utilize the Data General Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and the ERT AIRMAP Real-Time Operating System (ARTS). The programs provide for acquiring data from the laser nephelometer, acquiring data from auxiliary sources, keeping time, performing real time calculations, recording data and communicating with the teletypewriter.

Data base management study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Data base management techniques and applicable equipment are described. Recommendations which will assist potential NASA data users in selecting and using appropriate data base management tools and techniques are presented. Classes of currently available data processing equipment ranging from basic terminals to large minicomputer systems were surveyed as they apply to the needs of potential SEASAT data users. Cost and capabilities projections for this equipment through 1985 were presented. A test of a typical data base management system was described, as well as the results of this test and recommendations to assist potential users in determining when such a system is appropriate for their needs. The representative system tested was UNIVAC's DMS 1100.

The Lockheed alternate partial polarizer universal filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Title, A. M.

1976-01-01

A tunable birefringent filter using an alternate partial polarizer design has been built. The filter has a transmission of 38% in polarized light. Its full width at half maximum is .09A at 5500A. It is tunable from 4500 to 8500A by means of stepping motor actuated rotating half wave plates and polarizers. Wave length commands and thermal compensation commands are generated by a PPD 11/10 minicomputer. The alternate partial polarizer universal filter is compared with the universal birefringent filter and the design techniques, construction methods, and filter performance are discussed in some detail. Based on the experience of this filter some conclusions regarding the future of birefringent filters are elaborated.

Investigation of creep by use of closed loop servo-hydraulic test system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, H. C.; Yao, J. C.

1981-01-01

Creep tests were conducted by means of a closed loop servo-controlled materials test system. These tests are different from the conventional creep tests in that the strain history prior to creep may be carefully monitored. Tests were performed for aluminum alloy 6061-0 at 150 C and monitored by a PDP 11/04 minicomputer at a preset constant plastic-strain rate prehistory. The results show that the plastic-strain rate prior to creep plays a significant role in creep behavior. The endochronic theory of viscoplasticity was applied to describe the observed creep curves. The concepts of intrinsic time and strain rate sensitivity function are employed and modified according to the present observation.

On a photon-counting array using the Fairchild CCD-201

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Currie, D. G.

1975-01-01

The evaluation of certain performance parameters of the Fairchild CCD 201 and the proposed method of operation of an electron bombarded charge coupled device are described. Work in progress on the evaluation of the parameters relevant to remote, low noise operation is reported. These tests have been conducted using light input. The video data from the CCD are amplified, digitized, stored in a minicomputer memory, and then recorded on magnetic tape for analyzing. The device will be used in an array of sensors in the aperture plane of a telescope to discriminate between photoelectron events, and in the focal plane operating at single photoelectron sensitivity at a minimum of blooming and lag.

Rocketdyne automated dynamics data analysis and management system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tarn, Robert B.

1988-01-01

An automated dynamics data analysis and management systems implemented on a DEC VAX minicomputer cluster is described. Multichannel acquisition, Fast Fourier Transformation analysis, and an online database have significantly improved the analysis of wideband transducer responses from Space Shuttle Main Engine testing. Leakage error correction to recover sinusoid amplitudes and correct for frequency slewing is described. The phase errors caused by FM recorder/playback head misalignment are automatically measured and used to correct the data. Data compression methods are described and compared. The system hardware is described. Applications using the data base are introduced, including software for power spectral density, instantaneous time history, amplitude histogram, fatigue analysis, and rotordynamics expert system analysis.

Fourier emission infrared microspectrophotometer for surface analysis. I - Application to lubrication problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauer, J. L.; King, V. W.

1979-01-01

A far-infrared interferometer was converted into an emission microspectrophotometer for surface analysis. To cover the mid-infrared as well as the far-infrared the Mylar beamsplitter was made replaceable by a germanium-coated salt plate, and the Moire fringe counting system used to locate the moveable Michelson mirror was improved to read 0.5 micron of mirror displacement. Digital electronics and a dedicated minicomputer were installed for data collection and processing. The most critical element for the recording of weak emission spectra from small areas was, however, a reflecting microscope objective and phase-locked signal detection with simultaneous referencing to a blackbody source. An application of the technique to lubrication problems is shown.

Techniques for the rapid display and manipulation of 3-D biomedical data.

PubMed

Goldwasser, S M; Reynolds, R A; Talton, D A; Walsh, E S

1988-01-01

The use of fully interactive 3-D workstations with true real-time performance will become increasingly common as technology matures and economical commercial systems become available. This paper provides a comprehensive introduction to high speed approaches to the display and manipulation of 3-D medical objects obtained from tomographic data acquisition systems such as CT, MR, and PET. A variety of techniques are outlined including the use of software on conventional minicomputers, hardware assist devices such as array processors and programmable frame buffers, and special purpose computer architecture for dedicated high performance systems. While both algorithms and architectures are addressed, the major theme centers around the utilization of hardware-based approaches including parallel processors for the implementation of true real-time systems.

Optical system design, analysis, and production; Proceedings of the Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland, April 19-22, 1983

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, P. J.; Fischer, R. E.

1983-01-01

Topics considered include: optical system requirements, analysis, and system engineering; optical system design using microcomputers and minicomputers; optical design theory and computer programs; optical design methods and computer programs; optical design methods and philosophy; unconventional optical design; diffractive and gradient index optical system design; optical production and system integration; and optical systems engineering. Particular attention is given to: stray light control as an integral part of optical design; current and future directions of lens design software; thin-film technology in the design and production of optical systems; aspherical lenses in optical scanning systems; the application of volume phase holograms to avionic displays; the effect of lens defects on thermal imager performance; and a wide angle zoom for the Space Shuttle.

Culvert analysis program for indirect measurement of discharge

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fulford, Janice M.; ,

1993-01-01

A program based on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) methods for indirectly computing peak discharges through culverts allows users to employ input data formats used by the water surface profile program (WSPRO). The program can be used to compute discharge rating surfaces or curves that describe the behavior of flow through a particular culvert or to compute discharges from measurements of upstream of the gradually varied flow equations and has been adapted slightly to provide solutions that minimize the need for the user to determine between different flow regimes. The program source is written in Fortran 77 and has been run on mini-computers and personal computers. The program does not use or require graphics capability, a color monitor, or a mouse.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, S.H.; Oxoby, G.J.; Trang, Q.H.

The advent of the personal microcomputer provides a new tool for the debugging, calibration and monitoring of small scale physics apparatus; e.g., a single detector being developed for a larger physics apparatus. With an appropriate interface these microcomputer systems provide a low cost (1/3 the cost of a comparable minicomputer system), convenient, dedicated, portable system which can be used in a fashion similar to that of portable oscilloscopes. Here we describe an interface between the Apple computer and CAMAC which is now being used to study the detector for a Cerenkov ring-imaging device. The Apple is particularly well-suited to thismore » application because of its ease of use, hi-resolution graphics peripheral buss and documentation support.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oxoby, G.J.; Trang, Q.H.; Williams, S.H.

The advent of the personal microcomputer provides a new tool for the debugging, calibration and monitoring of small scale physics apparatus, e.g., a single detector being developed for a larger physics apparatus. With an appropriate interface these microcomputer systems provide a low cost (1/3 the cost of a comparable minicomputer system), convenient, dedicated, portable system which can be used in a fashion similar to that of portable oscilloscopes. Here, an interface between the Apple computer and CAMAC which is now being used to study the detector for a Cerenkov ring-imaging device is described. The Apple is particularly well-suited to thismore » application because of its ease of use, hi-resolution graphics, peripheral bus and documentation support.« less

Auto covariance computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hepner, T. E.; Meyers, J. F. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

A laser velocimeter covariance processor which calculates the auto covariance and cross covariance functions for a turbulent flow field based on Poisson sampled measurements in time from a laser velocimeter is described. The device will process a block of data that is up to 4096 data points in length and return a 512 point covariance function with 48-bit resolution along with a 512 point histogram of the interarrival times which is used to normalize the covariance function. The device is designed to interface and be controlled by a minicomputer from which the data is received and the results returned. A typical 4096 point computation takes approximately 1.5 seconds to receive the data, compute the covariance function, and return the results to the computer.

A report on the ST ScI optical disk workstation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The STScI optical disk project was designed to explore the options, opportunities and problems presented by the optical disk technology, and to see if optical disks are a viable, and inexpensive, means of storing the large amount of data which are found in astronomical digital imagery. A separate workstation was purchased on which the development can be done and serves as an astronomical image processing computer, incorporating the optical disks into the solution of standard image processing tasks. It is indicated that small workstations can be powerful tools for image processing, and that astronomical image processing may be more conveniently and cost-effectively performed on microcomputers than on the mainframe and super-minicomputers. The optical disks provide unique capabilities in data storage.

The experimental results of a self tuning adaptive controller using online frequency identification. [for Galileo spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chiang, W.-W.; Cannon, R. H., Jr.

1985-01-01

A fourth-order laboratory dynamic system featuring very low structural damping and a noncolocated actuator-sensor pair has been used to test a novel real-time adaptive controller, implemented in a minicomputer, which consists of a state estimator, a set of state feedback gains, and a frequency-locked loop for real-time parameter identification. The adaptation algorithm employed can correct controller error and stabilize the system for more than 50 percent variation in the plant's natural frequency, compared with a 10 percent stability margin in frequency variation for a fixed gain controller having the same performance as the nominal plant condition. The very rapid convergence achievable by this adaptive system is demonstrated experimentally, and proven with simple, root-locus methods.

Binary chromatographic data and estimation of adsorbent porosities. [data for system n-heptane/n-pentane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meisch, A. J.

1972-01-01

Data for the system n-pentane/n-heptane on porous Chromosorb-102 adsorbent were obtained at 150, 175, and 200 C for mixtures containing zero to 100% n-pentane by weight. Prior results showing limitations on superposition of pure component data to predict multicomponent chromatograms were verified. The thermodynamic parameter MR0 was found to be a linear function of sample composition. A nonporous adsorbent failed to separate the system because of large input sample dispersions. A proposed automated data processing scheme involving magnetic tape recording of the detector signals and processing by a minicomputer was rejected because of resolution limitations of the available a/d converters. Preliminary data on porosity and pore size distributions of the adsorbents were obtained.

An optical/digital processor - Hardware and applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casasent, D.; Sterling, W. M.

1975-01-01

A real-time two-dimensional hybrid processor consisting of a coherent optical system, an optical/digital interface, and a PDP-11/15 control minicomputer is described. The input electrical-to-optical transducer is an electron-beam addressed potassium dideuterium phosphate (KD2PO4) light valve. The requirements and hardware for the output optical-to-digital interface, which is constructed from modular computer building blocks, are presented. Initial experimental results demonstrating the operation of this hybrid processor in phased-array radar data processing, synthetic-aperture image correlation, and text correlation are included. The applications chosen emphasize the role of the interface in the analysis of data from an optical processor and possible extensions to the digital feedback control of an optical processor.

A noninterference blade vibration measurement system for gas turbine engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watkins, William B.; Chi, Ray M.

1987-06-01

A noninterfering blade vibration system has been demonstrated in tests of a gas turbine first stage fan. Conceptual design of the system, including its theory, design of case mounted probes, and data acquisition and signal processing hardware was done in a previous effort. The current effort involved instrumentation of an engine fan stage with strain gages; data acquisition using shaft-mounted reference and case-mounted optical probes; recording of data on a wideband tape recorder; and posttest processing using off-line analysis in a facility computer and a minicomputer-based readout system designed for near- real-time readout. Results are presented in terms of true blade vibration frequencies, time and frequency dependent vibration amplitudes and comparison of the optical noninterference results with strain gage readings.

Lithology and aggregate quality attributes for the digital geologic map of Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Knepper, Daniel H.; Green, Gregory N.; Langer, William H.

1999-01-01

This geologic map was prepared as a part of a study of digital methods and techniques as applied to complex geologic maps. The geologic map was digitized from the original scribe sheets used to prepare the published Geologic Map of Colorado (Tweto 1979). Consequently the digital version is at 1:500,000 scale using the Lambert Conformal Conic map projection parameters of the state base map. Stable base contact prints of the scribe sheets were scanned on a Tektronix 4991 digital scanner. The scanner automatically converts the scanned image to an ASCII vector format. These vectors were transferred to a VAX minicomputer, where they were then loaded into ARC/INFO. Each vector and polygon was given attributes derived from the original 1979 geologic map.

Measuring the rate of change of voice fundamental frequency in fluent speech during mental depression.

PubMed

Nilsonne, A; Sundberg, J; Ternström, S; Askenfelt, A

1988-02-01

A method of measuring the rate of change of fundamental frequency has been developed in an effort to find acoustic voice parameters that could be useful in psychiatric research. A minicomputer program was used to extract seven parameters from the fundamental frequency contour of tape-recorded speech samples: (1) the average rate of change of the fundamental frequency and (2) its standard deviation, (3) the absolute rate of fundamental frequency change, (4) the total reading time, (5) the percent pause time of the total reading time, (6) the mean, and (7) the standard deviation of the fundamental frequency distribution. The method is demonstrated on (a) a material consisting of synthetic speech and (b) voice recordings of depressed patients who were examined during depression and after improvement.

A VLSI VAX chip set

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, W. N.; Herrick, W. V.; Grundmann, W. J.

1984-10-01

For the first time, VLSI technology is used to compress the full functinality and comparable performance of the VAX 11/780 super-minicomputer into a 1.2 M transistor microprocessor chip set. There was no subsetting of the 304 instruction set and the 17 data types, nor reduction in hardware support for the 4 Gbyte virtual memory management architecture. The chipset supports an integral 8 kbyte memory cache, a 13.3 Mbyte/s system bus, and sophisticated multiprocessing. High performance is achieved through microcode optimizations afforded by the large control store, tightly coupled address and data caches, the use of internal and external 32 bit datapaths, the extensive aplication of both microlevel and macrolevel pipelining, and the use of specialized hardware assists.

The History of the Data Systems AutoChemist® (ACH) and AutoChemist- PRISMA (PRISMA®): from 1964 to 1986.

PubMed

Ohlsén, L; Jungner, I; Peterson, H E

2014-05-22

This paper presents the history of data system development steps (1964 - 1986) for the clinical analyzers AutoChemist®, and its successor AutoChemist PRISMA® (PRogrammable Individually Selective Modular Analyzer). The paper also partly recounts the history of development steps of the minicomputer PDP 8 from Digital Equipment. The first PDP 8 had 4 core memory boards of 1 K each and was large as a typical oven baking sheet and about 10 years later, PDP 8 was a "one chip microcomputer" with a 32 K memory chip. The fast developments of PDP 8 come to have a strong influence on the development of the data system for AutoChemist. Five major releases of the software were made during this period (1-5 MIACH). The most important aims were not only to calculate the results, but also be able to monitor their quality and automatically manage the orders, store the results in digital form for later statistical analysis and distribute the results to the physician in charge of the patient using thesame computer as the analyzer. Another result of the data system was the ability to customize AutoChemist to handle sample identification by using bar codes and the presentation of results to different types of laboratories. Digital Equipment launched the PDP 8 just as a new minicomputer was desperately needed. No other known alternatives were available at the time. This was to become a key success factor for AutoChemist. That the AutoChemist with such a high capacity required a computer for data collection was obvious already in the early 1960s. That computer development would be so rapid and that one would be able to accomplish so much with a data system was even suspicious at the time. In total, 75; AutoChemist (31) and PRISMA (44) were delivered Worldwide. The last PRISMA was delivered in 1987 to the Veteran Hospital Houston, TX USA.

Evaluation of three electronic report processing systems for preparing hydrologic reports of the U.S Geological Survey, Water Resources Division

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stiltner, G.J.

1990-01-01

In 1987, the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey undertook three pilot projects to evaluate electronic report processing systems as a means to improve the quality and timeliness of reports pertaining to water resources investigations. The three projects selected for study included the use of the following configuration of software and hardware: Ventura Publisher software on an IBM model AT personal computer, PageMaker software on a Macintosh computer, and FrameMaker software on a Sun Microsystems workstation. The following assessment criteria were to be addressed in the pilot studies: The combined use of text, tables, and graphics; analysis of time; ease of learning; compatibility with the existing minicomputer system; and technical limitations. It was considered essential that the camera-ready copy produced be in a format suitable for publication. Visual improvement alone was not a consideration. This report consolidates and summarizes the findings of the electronic report processing pilot projects. Text and table files originating on the existing minicomputer system were successfully transformed to the electronic report processing systems in American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) format. Graphics prepared using a proprietary graphics software package were transferred to all the electronic report processing software through the use of Computer Graphic Metafiles. Graphics from other sources were entered into the systems by scanning paper images. Comparative analysis of time needed to process text and tables by the electronic report processing systems and by conventional methods indicated that, although more time is invested in creating the original page composition for an electronically processed report , substantial time is saved in producing subsequent reports because the format can be stored and re-used by electronic means as a template. Because of the more compact page layouts, costs of printing the reports were 15% to 25

The History of the Data Systems AutoChemist® (ACH) and AutoChemist-PRISMA (PRISMA®): from 1964 to 1986

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Summary Objectives This paper presents the history of data system development steps (1964 – 1986) for the clinical analyzers AutoChemist®, and its successor AutoChemist PRISMA® (PRogrammable Individually Selective Modular Analyzer). The paper also partly recounts the history of development steps of the minicomputer PDP 8 from Digital Equipment. The first PDP 8 had 4 core memory boards of 1 K each and was large as a typical oven baking sheet and about 10 years later, PDP 8 was a “one chip microcomputer” with a 32 K memory chip. The fast developments of PDP 8 come to have a strong influence on the development of the data system for AutoChemist. Five major releases of the software were made during this period (1-5 MIACH). Results The most important aims were not only to calculate the results, but also be able to monitor their quality and automatically manage the orders, store the results in digital form for later statistical analysis and distribute the results to the physician in charge of the patient using thesame computer as the analyzer. Another result of the data system was the ability to customize AutoChemist to handle sample identification by using bar codes and the presentation of results to different types of laboratories. Conclusions Digital Equipment launched the PDP 8 just as a new minicomputer was desperately needed. No other known alternatives were available at the time. This was to become a key success factor for AutoChemist. That the AutoChemist with such a high capacity required a computer for data collection was obvious already in the early 1960s. That computer development would be so rapid and that one would be able to accomplish so much with a data system was even suspicious at the time. In total, 75; AutoChemist (31) and PRISMA (44) were delivered Worldwide The last PRISMA was delivered in 1987 to the Veteran Hospital Houston, TX USA PMID:24853032

Smartphone Cortex Controlled Real-Time Image Processing and Reprocessing for Concentration Independent LED Induced Fluorescence Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis.

PubMed

Szarka, Mate; Guttman, Andras

2017-10-17

We present the application of a smartphone anatomy based technology in the field of liquid phase bioseparations, particularly in capillary electrophoresis. A simple capillary electrophoresis system was built with LED induced fluorescence detection and a credit card sized minicomputer to prove the concept of real time fluorescent imaging (zone adjustable time-lapse fluorescence image processor) and separation controller. The system was evaluated by analyzing under- and overloaded aminopyrenetrisulfonate (APTS)-labeled oligosaccharide samples. The open source software based image processing tool allowed undistorted signal modulation (reprocessing) if the signal was inappropriate for the actual detection system settings (too low or too high). The novel smart detection tool for fluorescently labeled biomolecules greatly expands dynamic range and enables retrospective correction for injections with unsuitable signal levels without the necessity to repeat the analysis.

Flow Measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

Macrodyne, Inc.'s laser velocimeter (LV) is a system used in wind tunnel testing of aircraft, missiles and spacecraft employing electro optical techniques to probe the flow field as the tunnel blows air over a model of flight vehicle and to determine velocity of air and its direction at many points around the model. However, current state-of-the-art minicomputers cannot handle the massive flow of real time data from several sources simultaneously. Langley developed instrument Laser Velocimeter Autocovariance Buffer Interface (LVABI). LVABI is interconnecting instrument between LV and computer. It acquires data from as many as six LV channels at high real time data rates, stores it in memory and sends it to computer on command. LVABI has application in variety of research, industrial and defense functions requiring precise flow measurement.

Ultra-low frequency vibration data acquisition concerns in operating flight simulators. [Motion sickness inducing vibrations in flight simulators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Hoy, B.W.

1988-01-01

The measurement of ultra-low frequency vibration (.01 to 1.0 Hz) in motion based flight simulators was undertaken to quantify the energy and frequencies of motion present during operation. Methods of measurement, the selection of transducers, recorders, and analyzers and the development of a test plan, as well as types of analysis are discussed. Analysis of the data using a high-speed minicomputer and a comparison of the computer analysis with standard FFT analysis are also discussed. Measurement of simulator motion with the pilot included as part of the control dynamics had not been done up to this time. The data aremore » being used to evaluate the effect of low frequency energy on the vestibular system of the air crew, and the incidence of simulator induced sickness. 11 figs.« less

Microcumpter computation of water quality discharges

USGS Publications Warehouse

Helsel, Dennis R.

1983-01-01

A fully prompted program (SEDQ) has been developed to calculate daily and instantaneous water quality (QW) discharges. It is written in a version of BASIC, and requires inputs of gage heights, discharge rating curve, shifts, and water quality concentration information. Concentration plots may be modified interactively using the display screen. Semi-logarithmic plots of concentration and water quality discharge are output to the display screen, and optionally to plotters. A summary table of data is also output. SEDQ could be a model program for micro and minicomputer systems likely to be in use within the Water Resources Division, USGS, in the near future. The daily discharge-weighted mean concentration is one output from SEDQ. It is defined in this report, differentiated from the currently used mean concentration, and designated the ' equivalent concentration. ' (USGS)

MIDAS, prototype Multivariate Interactive Digital Analysis System, phase 1. Volume 1: System description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kriegler, F. J.

1974-01-01

The MIDAS System is described as a third-generation fast multispectral recognition system able to keep pace with the large quantity and high rates of data acquisition from present and projected sensors. A principal objective of the MIDAS program is to provide a system well interfaced with the human operator and thus to obtain large overall reductions in turnaround time and significant gains in throughput. The hardware and software are described. The system contains a mini-computer to control the various high-speed processing elements in the data path, and a classifier which implements an all-digital prototype multivariate-Gaussian maximum likelihood decision algorithm operating at 200,000 pixels/sec. Sufficient hardware was developed to perform signature extraction from computer-compatible tapes, compute classifier coefficients, control the classifier operation, and diagnose operation.

An application of the Multi-Purpose System Simulation /MPSS/ model to the Monitor and Control Display System /MACDS/ at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration /NASA/ Goddard Space Flight Center /GSFC/

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mill, F. W.; Krebs, G. N.; Strauss, E. S.

1976-01-01

The Multi-Purpose System Simulator (MPSS) model was used to investigate the current and projected performance of the Monitor and Control Display System (MACDS) at the Goddard Space Flight Center in processing and displaying launch data adequately. MACDS consists of two interconnected mini-computers with associated terminal input and display output equipment and a disk-stored data base. Three configurations of MACDS were evaluated via MPSS and their performances ascertained. First, the current version of MACDS was found inadequate to handle projected launch data loads because of unacceptable data backlogging. Second, the current MACDS hardware with enhanced software was capable of handling two times the anticipated data loads. Third, an up-graded hardware ensemble combined with the enhanced software was capable of handling four times the anticipated data loads.

Radar targets reveal all to automated tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartman, R. E.

1985-09-01

Technological developments in the field of automated test equipment for low radar-cross-section (RCS) systems are reviewed. Emphasis is given to an Automated Digital Analysis and Measurement (ADAM) system for measuring, scattering, and evaluating RCS using a minicomputer in combination with a vector network analyzer and a positioner programmer. ADAM incorporates a stepped CW measurement technique to obtain RCS as a function of both range and frequency at a fixed aspect angle. The operating characteristics and calibration procedures of the ADAM system are described and estimates of RCS sensitivity are obtained. The response resolution of the ADAM system is estimated to be 36 cm per measurement bandwidth (in GHz) for a minimum window. A block diagram of the error checking routine of the ADAM system is provided.

A demonstration of the value of spacecraft computers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, R. E.

1984-09-01

The Transit Improvement Program TIP satellites were designed to upgrade the navigation satellite system. One of the improvements made in connection with these satellites is related to the employment of a general-purpose minicomputer. A description is provided of the uses of the TIP/Nova flight computer to overcome some early failures in the spacecraft development which, although later corrected, could have jeopardized the entire program. The flight computer and its software is discussed, taking into account the delayed command program, and the telemetry storage program. The effect of the failures is considered along with the post-launch operations. Attention is given to power management, spin-up operations, the firing of the orbit adjust rocket, the tumble-thrust program, a digital phase-locked loop for de-tumble, and the generation of a tumble motion.

Surface temperatures and temperature gradient features of the US Gulf Coast waters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huh, O. K.; Rouse, L. J., Jr.; Smith, G. W.

1977-01-01

Satellite thermal infrared data on the Gulf of Mexico show that a seasonal cycle exists in the horizontal surface temperature structure. In the fall, the surface temperatures of both coastal and deep waters are nearly uniform. With the onset of winter, atmospheric cold fronts, which are accompanied by dry, low temperature air and strong winds, draw heat from the sea. A band of cooler water forming on the inner shelf expands, until a thermal front develops seaward along the shelf break between the cold shelf waters and the warmer deep waters of the Gulf. Digital analysis of the satellite data was carried out in an interactive mode using a minicomputer and software. A time series of temperature profiles illustrates the temporal and spatial changes in the sea-surface temperature field.

ANNIE - INTERACTIVE PROCESSING OF DATA BASES FOR HYDROLOGIC MODELS.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lumb, Alan M.; Kittle, John L.

1985-01-01

ANNIE is a data storage and retrieval system that was developed to reduce the time and effort required to calibrate, verify, and apply watershed models that continuously simulate water quantity and quality. Watershed models have three categories of input: parameters to describe segments of a drainage area, linkage of the segments, and time-series data. Additional goals for ANNIE include the development of software that is easily implemented on minicomputers and some microcomputers and software that has no special requirements for interactive display terminals. Another goal is for the user interaction to be based on the experience of the user so that ANNIE is helpful to the inexperienced user and yet efficient and brief for the experienced user. Finally, the code should be designed so that additional hydrologic models can easily be added to ANNIE.

On-board computer progress in development of A 310 flight testing program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reau, P.

1981-01-01

Onboard computer progress in development of an Airbus A 310 flight testing program is described. Minicomputers were installed onboard three A 310 airplanes in 1979 in order to: (1) assure the flight safety by exercising a limit check of a given set of parameters; (2) improve the efficiency of flight tests and allow cost reduction; and (3) perform test analysis on an external basis by utilizing onboard flight types. The following program considerations are discussed: (1) conclusions based on simulation of an onboard computer system; (2) brief descriptions of A 310 airborne computer equipment, specifically the onboard universal calculator (CUB) consisting of a ROLM 1666 system and visualization system using an AFIGRAF CRT; (3) the ground system and flight information inputs; and (4) specifications and execution priorities for temporary and permanent programs.

Correction factors for on-line microprobe analysis of multielement alloy systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Unnam, J.; Tenney, D. R.; Brewer, W. D.

1977-01-01

An on-line correction technique was developed for the conversion of electron probe X-ray intensities into concentrations of emitting elements. This technique consisted of off-line calculation and representation of binary interaction data which were read into an on-line minicomputer to calculate variable correction coefficients. These coefficients were used to correct the X-ray data without significantly increasing computer core requirements. The binary interaction data were obtained by running Colby's MAGIC 4 program in the reverse mode. The data for each binary interaction were represented by polynomial coefficients obtained by least-squares fitting a third-order polynomial. Polynomial coefficients were generated for most of the common binary interactions at different accelerating potentials and are included. Results are presented for the analyses of several alloy standards to demonstrate the applicability of this correction procedure.

A Scanning laser-velocimeter technique for measuring two-dimensional wake-vortex velocity distributions. [Langley Vortex Research Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gartrell, L. R.; Rhodes, D. B.

1980-01-01

A rapid scanning two dimensional laser velocimeter (LV) has been used to measure simultaneously the vortex vertical and axial velocity distributions in the Langley Vortex Research Facility. This system utilized a two dimensional Bragg cell for removing flow direction ambiguity by translating the optical frequency for each velocity component, which was separated by band-pass filters. A rotational scan mechanism provided an incremental rapid scan to compensate for the large displacement of the vortex with time. The data were processed with a digital counter and an on-line minicomputer. Vaporized kerosene (0.5 micron to 5 micron particle sizes) was used for flow visualization and LV scattering centers. The overall measured mean-velocity uncertainity is less than 2 percent. These measurements were obtained from ensemble averaging of individual realizations.

The Engineer Topographic Laboratories /ETL/ hybrid optical/digital image processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benton, J. R.; Corbett, F.; Tuft, R.

1980-01-01

An optical-digital processor for generalized image enhancement and filtering is described. The optical subsystem is a two-PROM Fourier filter processor. Input imagery is isolated, scaled, and imaged onto the first PROM; this input plane acts like a liquid gate and serves as an incoherent-to-coherent converter. The image is transformed onto a second PROM which also serves as a filter medium; filters are written onto the second PROM with a laser scanner in real time. A solid state CCTV camera records the filtered image, which is then digitized and stored in a digital image processor. The operator can then manipulate the filtered image using the gray scale and color remapping capabilities of the video processor as well as the digital processing capabilities of the minicomputer.

AI tools in computer based problem solving

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beane, Arthur J.

1988-01-01

The use of computers to solve value oriented, deterministic, algorithmic problems, has evolved a structured life cycle model of the software process. The symbolic processing techniques used, primarily in research, for solving nondeterministic problems, and those for which an algorithmic solution is unknown, have evolved a different model, much less structured. Traditionally, the two approaches have been used completely independently. With the advent of low cost, high performance 32 bit workstations executing identical software with large minicomputers and mainframes, it became possible to begin to merge both models into a single extended model of computer problem solving. The implementation of such an extended model on a VAX family of micro/mini/mainframe systems is described. Examples in both development and deployment of applications involving a blending of AI and traditional techniques are given.

An instrument for monitoring stump oedema and shrinkage in amputees.

PubMed

Fernie, G R; Holliday, P J; Lobb, R J

1978-08-01

A new system for measuring the cross-sectional area profiles of amputation stumps and whole limbs has been designed at the Amputee Research Centre. The instrument consists of a cylindrical tank supported on an elevator. The tank is raised to the height of the amputation stump and filled with water. A graph of the cross-sectional area profile of the amputation stump is generated by a mini-computer as the elevator descends. The cross-sectional area (A) is calculated from the expression: formula: (see text) where Hw = height of water in the tank He = height of the elevator Ac = a constant, related to the size of the measuring tank. This paper describes the instrument, which may find application in many other areas where there is a need to study shape.

Debugging embedded computer programs. [tactical missile computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kemp, G. H.

1980-01-01

Every embedded computer program must complete its debugging cycle using some system that will allow real time debugging. Many of the common items addressed during debugging are listed. Seven approaches to debugging are analyzed to evaluate how well they treat those items. Cost evaluations are also included in the comparison. The results indicate that the best collection of capabilities to cover the common items present in the debugging task occurs in the approach where a minicomputer handles the environment simulation with an emulation of some kind representing the embedded computer. This approach can be taken at a reasonable cost. The case study chosen is an embedded computer in a tactical missile. Several choices of computer for the environment simulation are discussed as well as different approaches to the embedded emulator.

Digital resolver for helicopter model blade motion analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniels, T. S.; Berry, J. D.; Park, S.

1992-01-01

The paper reports the development and initial testing of a digital resolver to replace existing analog signal processing instrumentation. Radiometers, mounted directly on one of the fully articulated blades, are electrically connected through a slip ring to analog signal processing circuitry. The measured signals are periodic with azimuth angle and are resolved into harmonic components, with 0 deg over the tail. The periodic nature of the helicopter blade motion restricts the frequency content of each flapping and yaw signal to the fundamental and harmonics of the rotor rotational frequency. A minicomputer is employed to collect these data and then plot them graphically in real time. With this and other information generated by the instrumentation, a helicopter test pilot can then adjust the helicopter model's controls to achieve the desired aerodynamic test conditions.

Alsep data processing: How we processed Apollo Lunar Seismic Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latham, G. V.; Nakamura, Y.; Dorman, H. J.

1979-01-01

The Apollo lunar seismic station network gathered data continuously at a rate of 3 x 10 to the 8th power bits per day for nearly eight years until the termination in September, 1977. The data were processed and analyzed using a PDP-15 minicomputer. On the average, 1500 long-period seismic events were detected yearly. Automatic event detection and identification schemes proved unsuccessful because of occasional high noise levels and, above all, the risk of overlooking unusual natural events. The processing procedures finally settled on consist of first plotting all the data on a compressed time scale, visually picking events from the plots, transferring event data to separate sets of tapes and performing detailed analyses using the latter. Many problems remain especially for automatically processing extraterrestrial seismic signals.

Development and implementation of a low cost micro computer system for LANDSAT analysis and geographic data base applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Faust, N.; Jordon, L.

1981-01-01

Since the implementation of the GRID and IMGRID computer programs for multivariate spatial analysis in the early 1970's, geographic data analysis subsequently moved from large computers to minicomputers and now to microcomputers with radical reduction in the costs associated with planning analyses. Programs designed to process LANDSAT data to be used as one element in a geographic data base were used once NIMGRID (new IMGRID), a raster oriented geographic information system, was implemented on the microcomputer. Programs for training field selection, supervised and unsupervised classification, and image enhancement were added. Enhancements to the color graphics capabilities of the microsystem allow display of three channels of LANDSAT data in color infrared format. The basic microcomputer hardware needed to perform NIMGRID and most LANDSAT analyses is listed as well as the software available for LANDSAT processing.

Data reduction programs for a laser radar system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badavi, F. F.; Copeland, G. E.

1984-01-01

The listing and description of software routines which were used to analyze the analog data obtained from LIDAR - system are given. All routines are written in FORTRAN - IV on a HP - 1000/F minicomputer which serves as the heart of the data acquisition system for the LIDAR program. This particular system has 128 kilobytes of highspeed memory and is equipped with a Vector Instruction Set (VIS) firmware package, which is used in all the routines, to handle quick execution of different long loops. The system handles floating point arithmetic in hardware in order to enhance the speed of execution. This computer is a 2177 C/F series version of HP - 1000 RTE-IVB data acquisition computer system which is designed for real time data capture/analysis and disk/tape mass storage environment.

An advanced programmable/reconfigurable color graphics display system for crew station technology research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montoya, R. J.; England, J. N.; Hatfield, J. J.; Rajala, S. A.

1981-01-01

The hardware configuration, software organization, and applications software for the NASA IKONAS color graphics display system are described. The systems were created at the Langley Research Center Display Device Laboratory to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate advanced generic concepts, technology, and systems integration techniques for electronic crew station systems of future civil aircraft. A minicomputer with 64K core memory acts as a host for a raster scan graphics display generator. The architectures of the hardware system and the graphics display system are provided. The applications software features a FORTRAN-based model of an aircraft, a display system, and the utility program for real-time communications. The model accepts inputs from a two-dimensional joystick and outputs a set of aircraft states. Ongoing and planned work for image segmentation/generation, specialized graphics procedures, and higher level language user interface are discussed.

Composite structural materials. [aircraft structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ansell, G. S.; Loewy, R. G.; Wiberley, S. E.

1980-01-01

The use of filamentary composite materials in the design and construction of primary aircraft structures is considered with emphasis on efforts to develop advanced technology in the areas of physical properties, structural concepts and analysis, manufacturing, and reliability and life prediction. The redesign of a main spar/rib region on the Boeing 727 elevator near its actuator attachment point is discussed. A composite fabrication and test facility is described as well as the use of minicomputers for computer aided design. Other topics covered include (1) advanced structural analysis methids for composites; (2) ultrasonic nondestructive testing of composite structures; (3) optimum combination of hardeners in the cure of epoxy; (4) fatigue in composite materials; (5) resin matrix characterization and properties; (6) postbuckling analysis of curved laminate composite panels; and (7) acoustic emission testing of composite tensile specimens.

A distributed data base management system. [for Deep Space Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryan, A. I.

1975-01-01

Major system design features of a distributed data management system for the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) designed for continuous two-way deep space communications are described. The reasons for which the distributed data base utilizing third-generation minicomputers is selected as the optimum approach for the DSN are threefold: (1) with a distributed master data base, valid data is available in real-time to support DSN management activities at each location; (2) data base integrity is the responsibility of local management; and (3) the data acquisition/distribution and processing power of a third-generation computer enables the computer to function successfully as a data handler or as an on-line process controller. The concept of the distributed data base is discussed along with the software, data base integrity, and hardware used. The data analysis/update constraint is examined.

A statistical data analysis and plotting program for cloud microphysics experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jordan, A. J.

1981-01-01

The analysis software developed for atmospheric cloud microphysics experiments conducted in the laboratory as well as aboard a KC-135 aircraft is described. A group of four programs was developed and implemented on a Hewlett Packard 1000 series F minicomputer running under HP's RTE-IVB operating system. The programs control and read data from a MEMODYNE Model 3765-8BV cassette recorder, format the data on the Hewlett Packard disk subsystem, and generate statistical data (mean, variance, standard deviation) and voltage and engineering unit plots on a user selected plotting device. The programs are written in HP FORTRAN IV and HP ASSEMBLY Language with the graphics software using the HP 1000 Graphics. The supported plotting devices are the HP 2647A graphics terminal, the HP 9872B four color pen plotter, and the HP 2608A matrix line printer.

Time-resolved EPR spectroscopy in a Unix environment.

PubMed

Lacoff, N M; Franke, J E; Warden, J T

1990-02-01

A computer-aided time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer implemented under version 2.9 BSD Unix was developed by interfacing a Varian E-9 EPR spectrometer and a Biomation 805 waveform recorder to a PDP-11/23A minicomputer having MINC A/D and D/A capabilities. Special problems with real-time data acquisition in a multiuser, multitasking Unix environment, addressing of computer main memory for the control of hardware devices, and limitation of computer main memory were resolved, and their solutions are presented. The time-resolved EPR system and the data acquisition and analysis programs, written entirely in C, are described. Furthermore, the benefits of utilizing the Unix operating system and the C language are discussed, and system performance is illustrated with time-resolved EPR spectra of the reaction center cation in photosystem 1 of green plant photosynthesis.

AOIPS data base management systems support for GARP data sets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gary, J. P.

1977-01-01

A data base management system is identified, developed to provide flexible access to data sets produced by GARP during its data systems tests. The content and coverage of the data base are defined and a computer-aided, interactive information storage and retrieval system, implemented to facilitate access to user specified data subsets, is described. The computer programs developed to provide the capability were implemented on the highly interactive, minicomputer-based AOIPS and are referred to as the data retrieval system (DRS). Implemented as a user interactive but menu guided system, the DRS permits users to inventory the data tape library and create duplicate or subset data sets based on a user selected window defined by time and latitude/longitude boundaries. The DRS permits users to select, display, or produce formatted hard copy of individual data items contained within the data records.

Wind tunnel evaluation of air-foil performance using simulated ice shapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bragg, M. B.; Zaguli, R. J.; Gregorek, G. M.

1982-01-01

A two-phase wind tunnel test was conducted in the 6 by 9 foot Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) at NASA Lewis Research Center to evaluate the effect of ice on the performance of a full scale general aviation wing. In the first IRT tests, rime and glaze shapes were carefully documented as functions of angle of attack and free stream conditions. Next, simulated ice shapes were constructed for two rime and two glaze shapes and used in the second IRT tunnel entry. The ice shapes and the clean airfoil were tapped to obtain surface pressures and a probe used to measure the wake characteristics. These data were recorded and processed, on-line, with a minicomputer/digital data acquisition system. The effect of both rime and glaze ice on the pressure distribution, Cl, Cd, and Cm are presented.

Laboratory data manipulation tools basic data handling programs. Volume 2: Detailed software/hardware documentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The set of computer programs described allows for data definition, data input, and data transfer between the LSI-11 microcomputers and the VAX-11/780 minicomputer. Program VAXCOM allows for a simple method of textual file transfer from the LSI to the VAX. Program LSICOM allows for easy file transfer from the VAX to the LSI. Program TTY changes the LSI-11 operators console to the LSI's printing device. Program DICTIN provides a means for defining a data set for input to either computer. Program DATAIN is a simple to operate data entry program which is capable of building data files on either machine. Program LEDITV is an extremely powerful, easy to use, line oriented text editor. Program COPYSBF is designed to print out textual files on the line printer without character loss from FORTRAN carriage control or wide record transfer.

Contextual classification on the massively parallel processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tilton, James C.

1987-01-01

Classifiers are often used to produce land cover maps from multispectral Earth observation imagery. Conventionally, these classifiers have been designed to exploit the spectral information contained in the imagery. Very few classifiers exploit the spatial information content of the imagery, and the few that do rarely exploit spatial information content in conjunction with spectral and/or temporal information. A contextual classifier that exploits spatial and spectral information in combination through a general statistical approach was studied. Early test results obtained from an implementation of the classifier on a VAX-11/780 minicomputer were encouraging, but they are of limited meaning because they were produced from small data sets. An implementation of the contextual classifier is presented on the Massively Parallel Processor (MPP) at Goddard that for the first time makes feasible the testing of the classifier on large data sets.

Total ozone determination by spectroradiometry in the middle ultraviolet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garrison, L. M.; Doda, D. D.; Green, A. E. S.

1979-01-01

A method has been developed to determine total ozone from multispectral measurements of the direct solar irradiance. The total ozone is determined by a least squares fit to the spectrum between 290 nm and 380 nm. The aerosol extinction is accounted for by expanding it in a power series in wavelength; use of the linear term proved adequate. A mobile laboratory incorporating a sky scanner has been developed and used to obtain data to verify the method. Sun tracking, wavelength setting of the double monochromator, and data acquisition are under control of a minicomputer. Results obtained at Wallops Island, Virginia, and Palestine, Texas, agree well with simultaneous Dobson and Canterbury spectrometer and balloon ECC ozonesonde values. The wavelength calibration of the monochromator and the values for the normalized ozone absorption are the most important factors in an accurate determination of total ozone.

Evolution of the Mobile Information SysTem (MIST)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litaker, Harry L., Jr.; Thompson, Shelby; Archer, Ronald D.

2008-01-01

The Mobile Information SysTem (MIST) had its origins in the need to determine whether commercial off the shelf (COTS) technologies could improve intervehicular activities (IVA) on International Space Station (ISS) crew maintenance productivity. It began with an exploration of head mounted displays (HMDs), but quickly evolved to include voice recognition, mobile personal computing, and data collection. The unique characteristic of the MIST lies within its mobility, in which a vest is worn that contains a mini-computer and supporting equipment, and a headband with attachments for a HMD, lipstick camera, and microphone. Data is then captured directly by the computer running Morae(TM) or similar software for analysis. To date, the MIST system has been tested in numerous environments such as two parabolic flights on NASA's C-9 microgravity aircraft and several mockup facilities ranging from ISS to the Altair Lunar Sortie Lander. Functional capabilities have included its lightweight and compact design, commonality across systems and environments, and usefulness in remote collaboration. Human Factors evaluations of the system have proven the MIST's ability to be worn for long durations of time (approximately four continuous hours) with no adverse physical deficits, moderate operator compensation, and low workload being reported as measured by Corlett Bishop Discomfort Scale, Cooper-Harper Ratings, and the NASA Total Workload Index (TLX), respectively. Additionally, through development of the system, it has spawned several new applications useful in research. For example, by only employing the lipstick camera, microphone, and a compact digital video recorder (DVR), we created a portable, lightweight data collection device. Video is recorded from the participants point of view (POV) through the use of the camera mounted on the side of the head. Both the video and audio is recorded directly into the DVR located on a belt around the waist. This data is then transferred to

Computer graphics application in the engineering design integration system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glatt, C. R.; Abel, R. W.; Hirsch, G. N.; Alford, G. E.; Colquitt, W. N.; Stewart, W. A.

1975-01-01

The computer graphics aspect of the Engineering Design Integration (EDIN) system and its application to design problems were discussed. Three basic types of computer graphics may be used with the EDIN system for the evaluation of aerospace vehicles preliminary designs: offline graphics systems using vellum-inking or photographic processes, online graphics systems characterized by direct coupled low cost storage tube terminals with limited interactive capabilities, and a minicomputer based refresh terminal offering highly interactive capabilities. The offline line systems are characterized by high quality (resolution better than 0.254 mm) and slow turnaround (one to four days). The online systems are characterized by low cost, instant visualization of the computer results, slow line speed (300 BAUD), poor hard copy, and the early limitations on vector graphic input capabilities. The recent acquisition of the Adage 330 Graphic Display system has greatly enhanced the potential for interactive computer aided design.

The GPRIME approach to finite element modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, D. R.; Mckee, J. H.; Hurwitz, M. M.

1983-01-01

GPRIME, an interactive modeling system, runs on the CDC 6000 computers and the DEC VAX 11/780 minicomputer. This system includes three components: (1) GPRIME, a user friendly geometric language and a processor to translate that language into geometric entities, (2) GGEN, an interactive data generator for 2-D models; and (3) SOLIDGEN, a 3-D solid modeling program. Each component has a computer user interface of an extensive command set. All of these programs make use of a comprehensive B-spline mathematics subroutine library, which can be used for a wide variety of interpolation problems and other geometric calculations. Many other user aids, such as automatic saving of the geometric and finite element data bases and hidden line removal, are available. This interactive finite element modeling capability can produce a complete finite element model, producing an output file of grid and element data.

The microcomputer workstation - An alternate hardware architecture for remotely sensed image analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erickson, W. K.; Hofman, L. B.; Donovan, W. E.

1984-01-01

Difficulties regarding the digital image analysis of remotely sensed imagery can arise in connection with the extensive calculations required. In the past, an expensive large to medium mainframe computer system was needed for performing these calculations. For image-processing applications smaller minicomputer-based systems are now used by many organizations. The costs for such systems are still in the range from $100K to $300K. Recently, as a result of new developments, the use of low-cost microcomputers for image processing and display systems appeared to have become feasible. These developments are related to the advent of the 16-bit microprocessor and the concept of the microcomputer workstation. Earlier 8-bit microcomputer-based image processing systems are briefly examined, and a computer workstation architecture is discussed. Attention is given to a microcomputer workstation developed by Stanford University, and the design and implementation of a workstation network.

Programs for generating data tables for the annual water-resources data report of the U.S. Geological Survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mason, R.R.; Hill, C.L.

1988-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey has developed software that interfaces with the Automated Data Processing System to facilitate and expedite preparation of the annual water-resources data report. This software incorporates a feature that prepares daily values tables and appends them to previously edited files containing station manuscripts. Other features collate the merged files with miscellaneous sections of the report. The report is then printed as page-size, camera-ready copy. All system components reside on a minicomputer; this provides easy access and use by remote field offices. Automation of the annual report preparation process results in significant savings of labor and cost. Use of the system for producing the 1986 annual report in the North Carolina District realized a labor savings of over two man-months. A fully implemented system would produce a greater savings and speed release of the report to users.

MIDAS, prototype Multivariate Interactive Digital Analysis System, phase 1. Volume 3: Wiring diagrams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kriegler, F. J.; Christenson, D.; Gordon, M.; Kistler, R.; Lampert, S.; Marshall, R.; Mclaughlin, R.

1974-01-01

The Midas System is a third-generation, fast, multispectral recognition system able to keep pace with the large quantity and high rates of data acquisition from present and projected sensors. A principal objective of the MIDAS Program is to provide a system well interfaced with the human operator and thus to obtain large overall reductions in turn-around time and significant gains in throughput. The hardware and software generated in Phase I of the overall program are described. The system contains a mini-computer to control the various high-speed processing elements in the data path and a classifier which implements an all-digital prototype multivariate-Gaussian maximum likelihood decision algorithm operating at 2 x 100,000 pixels/sec. Sufficient hardware was developed to perform signature extraction from computer-compatible tapes, compute classifier coefficients, control the classifier operation, and diagnose operation. The MIDAS construction and wiring diagrams are given.

MIDAS, prototype Multivariate Interactive Digital Analysis System, Phase 1. Volume 2: Diagnostic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kriegler, F. J.; Christenson, D.; Gordon, M.; Kistler, R.; Lampert, S.; Marshall, R.; Mclaughlin, R.

1974-01-01

The MIDAS System is a third-generation, fast, multispectral recognition system able to keep pace with the large quantity and high rates of data acquisition from present and projected sensors. A principal objective of the MIDAS Program is to provide a system well interfaced with the human operator and thus to obtain large overall reductions in turn-around time and significant gains in throughout. The hardware and software generated in Phase I of the over-all program are described. The system contains a mini-computer to control the various high-speed processing elements in the data path and a classifier which implements an all-digital prototype multivariate-Gaussian maximum likelihood decision algorithm operating 2 x 105 pixels/sec. Sufficient hardware was developed to perform signature extraction from computer-compatible tapes, compute classifier coefficients, control the classifier operation, and diagnose operation. Diagnostic programs used to test MIDAS' operations are presented.

Flexible missile autopilot design studies with PC-MATLAB/386

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruth, Michael J.

1989-01-01

Development of a responsive, high-bandwidth missile autopilot for airframes which have structural modes of unusually low frequency presents a challenging design task. Such systems are viable candidates for modern, state-space control design methods. The PC-MATLAB interactive software package provides an environment well-suited to the development of candidate linear control laws for flexible missile autopilots. The strengths of MATLAB include: (1) exceptionally high speed (MATLAB's version for 80386-based PC's offers benchmarks approaching minicomputer and mainframe performance); (2) ability to handle large design models of several hundred degrees of freedom, if necessary; and (3) broad extensibility through user-defined functions. To characterize MATLAB capabilities, a simplified design example is presented. This involves interactive definition of an observer-based state-space compensator for a flexible missile autopilot design task. MATLAB capabilities and limitations, in the context of this design task, are then summarized.

The standard calibration instrument automation system for the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Part 3: Program documentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, D. P.; Roth, G. S.

1982-04-01

Complete documentation of the 15 programs and 11 data files of the EPA Atomic Absorption Instrument Automation System is presented. The system incorporates the following major features: (1) multipoint calibration using first, second, or third degree regression or linear interpolation, (2) timely quality control assessments for spiked samples, duplicates, laboratory control standards, reagent blanks, and instrument check standards, (3) reagent blank subtraction, and (4) plotting of calibration curves and raw data peaks. The programs of this system are written in Data General Extended BASIC, Revision 4.3, as enhanced for multi-user, real-time data acquisition. They run in a Data General Nova 840 minicomputer under the operating system RDOS, Revision 6.2. There is a functional description, a symbol definitions table, a functional flowchart, a program listing, and a symbol cross reference table for each program. The structure of every data file is also detailed.

Speech as a pilot input medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plummer, R. P.; Coler, C. R.

1977-01-01

The speech recognition system under development is a trainable pattern classifier based on a maximum-likelihood technique. An adjustable uncertainty threshold allows the rejection of borderline cases for which the probability of misclassification is high. The syntax of the command language spoken may be used as an aid to recognition, and the system adapts to changes in pronunciation if feedback from the user is available. Words must be separated by .25 second gaps. The system runs in real time on a mini-computer (PDP 11/10) and was tested on 120,000 speech samples from 10- and 100-word vocabularies. The results of these tests were 99.9% correct recognition for a vocabulary consisting of the ten digits, and 99.6% recognition for a 100-word vocabulary of flight commands, with a 5% rejection rate in each case. With no rejection, the recognition accuracies for the same vocabularies were 99.5% and 98.6% respectively.

Mood-congruent memory in daily life: evidence from interactive ambulatory monitoring.

PubMed

Loeffler, Simone N; Myrtek, Michael; Peper, Martin

2013-05-01

Evidence from the psychological laboratory indicates that emotional states tend to facilitate the encoding and retrieval of stimuli of the same emotional valence. To explore mood-congruent memory and the role of arousal in daily life, we applied a new interactive ambulatory technique. Psychophysiological arousal as indexed by non-metabolic heart rate, self-reported emotions and situational information were assessed during 24-h recordings in 70 healthy participants. The emotional state was used to trigger word list presentations on a minicomputer. Our results show that psychophysiological arousal at the time of encoding enhanced the recall of negative words in negative emotional conditions, whereas low psychophysiological arousal facilitated recall of positive words. In positive contexts, mood congruency was more prominent when arousal was low. These results demonstrate how automated experimentation with an ambulatory technique may help to assess emotional memory in real-world contexts, thus providing new methods for diverse fields of application. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of a hybrid multispectral processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, R. E.; Kriegler, F. J.

1973-01-01

A hybrid processor is described offering enough handling capacity and speed to process efficiently the large quantities of multispectral data that can be gathered by scanner systems such as MSDS, SKYLAB, ERTS, and ERIM M-7. Combinations of general-purpose and special-purpose hybrid computers were examined to include both analog and digital types as well as all-digital configurations. The current trend toward lower costs for medium-scale digital circuitry suggests that the all-digital approach may offer the better solution within the time frame of the next few years. The study recommends and defines such a hybrid digital computing system in which both special-purpose and general-purpose digital computers would be employed. The tasks of recognizing surface objects would be performed in a parallel, pipeline digital system while the tasks of control and monitoring would be handled by a medium-scale minicomputer system. A program to design and construct a small, prototype, all-digital system has been started.

Clinfo: A Research Data Management and Analysis System Acceptable to Physician Users

PubMed Central

Thompson, Howard K.; Baker, William R.; Christopher, T. Graham; Lacy, William; Groner, Gabriel

1977-01-01

Since 1972 a national consortium has studied the needs of clinical research investigators for automation support. After determining that the most pressing need was to provide a data storage retrieval, and analysis capability which the physician investigator himself would find convenient, easy to use, and “friendly,” a prototype minicomputer-based system was designed and implemented. The system (CLINFO) has been extensively tried out by numerous clinical investigators at three sites and found to be very much to the liking of the investigators. It greatly accelerates the time between the posing of a research question and an answer to that question. With the current availability of the CLINFO system and as automated medical record-keeping systems become available, it is reasonable to anticipate that it will soon be feasible for practicing physicians to carry out modest clinical research efforts on panels of their own patients, a valuable source of information which is rarely tapped for research purposes.

An interactive data management and analysis system for clinical investigators.

PubMed

Groner, G F; Hopwood, M D; Palley, N A; Sibley, W L; Baker, W R; Christopher, T G; Thompson, H K

1978-09-01

An interactive minicomputer-based system has been developed that enables the clinical research investigator to personally explore and analyze his research data and, as a consequence of these explorations, to acquire more information. This system, which does not require extensive training or computer programming, enables the investigator to describe his data interactively in his own terms, enter data values while having them checked for validity, store time-oriented patient data in a carefully controlled on-line data base, retrieve data by patient, variable, and time, create subsets of patients with common characteristics, perform statistical analyses, and produce tables and graphs. It also permits data to be transferred to and from other computers. The system is well accepted and is being used by a variety of medical specialists at the three clinical research centers where it is operational. Reported benefits include less elapsed and nonproductive time, more thorough analysis of more data, greater and earlier insight into the meaning of research data, and increased publishable results.

Design and implementation of a medium speed communications interface and protocol for a low cost, refreshed display computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phyne, J. R.; Nelson, M. D.

1975-01-01

The design and implementation of hardware and software systems involved in using a 40,000 bit/second communication line as the connecting link between an IMLAC PDS 1-D display computer and a Univac 1108 computer system were described. The IMLAC consists of two independent processors sharing a common memory. The display processor generates the deflection and beam control currents as it interprets a program contained in the memory; the minicomputer has a general instruction set and is responsible for starting and stopping the display processor and for communicating with the outside world through the keyboard, teletype, light pen, and communication line. The processing time associated with each data byte was minimized by designing the input and output processes as finite state machines which automatically sequence from each state to the next. Several tests of the communication link and the IMLAC software were made using a special low capacity computer grade cable between the IMLAC and the Univac.

David Florida Laboratory Thermal Vacuum Data Processing System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choueiry, Elie

1994-01-01

During 1991, the Space Simulation Facility conducted a survey to assess the requirements and analyze the merits for purchasing a new thermal vacuum data processing system for its facilities. A new, integrated, cost effective PC-based system was purchased which uses commercial off-the-shelf software for operation and control. This system can be easily reconfigured and allows its users to access a local area network. In addition, it provides superior performance compared to that of the former system which used an outdated mini-computer and peripheral hardware. This paper provides essential background on the old data processing system's features, capabilities, and the performance criteria that drove the genesis of its successor. This paper concludes with a detailed discussion of the thermal vacuum data processing system's components, features, and its important role in supporting our space-simulation environment and our capabilities for spacecraft testing. The new system was tested during the ANIK E spacecraft test, and was fully operational in November 1991.

Interactive initialization of heat flux parameters for numerical models using satellite temperature measurements. [Kansas and Indiana

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carlson, T. N. (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

A method for obtaining patterns of moisture availability (and net evaporation) from satellite infrared measurements employs Carlson's boundary layer model and a variety of image processing routines executed by a minicomputer. To test the method with regard to regional scale moisture analyses, two case studies were chosen because of the availability of HCMM data and because of the presence of a large horizontal gradient in antecedent precipitation and crp moisture index. Results show some correlation in both cases between antecedent precipitation and derived moisture availability. Apparently, regional-scale moisture availability patterns can be determined with some degree of fidelity but the values themselves may be useful only in the relative sense and significant to within plus or minus one category of dryness over a range of 4 or 5 categories between absolutely dry and field saturation. Preliminary results suggest that the derived moisture values correlate best with longer-term precipitation totals, suggesting that the infrared temperatures respond more sensitively to a relatively deep substrate layer.

Compact, high-speed algorithm for laying out printed circuit board runs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zapolotskiy, D. Y.

1985-09-01

A high speed printed circuit connection layout algorithm is described which was developed within the framework of an interactive system for designing two-sided printed circuit broads. For this reason, algorithm speed was considered, a priori, as a requirement equally as important as the inherent demand for minimizing circuit run lengths and the number of junction openings. This resulted from the fact that, in order to provide psychological man/machine compatibility in the design process, real-time dialog during the layout phase is possible only within limited time frames (on the order of several seconds) for each circuit run. The work was carried out for use on an ARM-R automated work site complex based on an SM-4 minicomputer with a 32K-word memory. This limited memory capacity heightened the demand for algorithm speed and also tightened data file structure and size requirements. The layout algorithm's design logic is analyzed. The structure and organization of the data files are described.

NBSGSC - a FORTRAN program for quantitative x-ray fluorescence analysis. Technical note (final)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tao, G.Y.; Pella, P.A.; Rousseau, R.M.

1985-04-01

A FORTRAN program (NBSGSC) was developed for performing quantitative analysis of bulk specimens by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. This program corrects for x-ray absorption/enhancement phenomena using the comprehensive alpha coefficient algorithm proposed by Lachance (COLA). NBSGSC is a revision of the program ALPHA and CARECAL originally developed by R.M. Rousseau of the Geological Survey of Canada. Part one of the program (CALCO) performs the calculation of theoretical alpha coefficients, and part two (CALCOMP) computes the composition of the analyte specimens. The analysis of alloys, pressed minerals, and fused specimens can currently be treated by the program. In addition to using measuredmore » x-ray tube spectral distributions, spectra from seven commonly used x-ray tube targets could also be calculated with an NBS algorithm included in the program. NBSGSC is written in FORTRAN IV for a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC PDP-11/23) minicomputer using RLO2 firm disks and an RSX 11M operating system.« less

Cellstat--A continuous culture system of a bacteriophage for the study of the mutation rate and the selection process at the DNA level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husimi, Yuzuru; Nishigaki, Koichi; Kinoshita, Yasunori; Tanaka, Toyosuke

1982-04-01

A bacteriophage is continuously cultured in the flow of the host bacterial cell under the control of a minicomputer. In the culture, the population of the noninfected cell is kept constant by the endogeneous regulation mechanism, so it is called the ''cellstat'' culture. Due to the high dilution rate of the host cell, the mutant cell cannot be selected in the cellstat. Therefore, the cellstat is suitable for the study of the mutation rate and the selection process of a bacteriophage under well-defined environmental conditions (including physiological condition of the host cell) without being interfered by host-cell mutations. Applications to coliphage fd, a secretion type phage, are shown as a measurement example. A chimera between fd and a plasmid pBR322 is cultured more than 100 h. The process of population changeovers by deletion mutants indicates that the deletion hot spots exist in this cloning vector and that this apparatus can be used also for testing instability of a recombinant DNA.

Steamer II: Steamer prototype component inventory and user interface commands. Technical report, 1988-1989

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dickieson, J.L.; Thode, W.F.; Newbury, K.

1988-12-01

Over the last several years, Navy Personnel Research and Development has produced a prototype simulation of a 1200-psi steam plant. This simulation, called Steamer, is installed on an expensive Symbolics minicomputer at the Surface Warfare Officers School, Pacific Coronado, California. The fundamental research goal of the Steamer prototype system was to evaluate the potential of, what was then, new artificial intelligence (AI) hardware and software technology for supporting the construction of computer-based training systems using graphic representations of complex, dynamic systems. The area of propulsion engineering was chosen for a number of reasons. This document describes the Steamer prototype systemmore » components and user interface commands and establishes a starting point for designing, developing, and implementing Steamer II. Careful examination of the actual program code produced an inventory that describes the hardware, system software, application software, and documentation for the Steamer prototype system. Exercising all menu options systematically produced an inventory of all Steamer prototype user interface commands.« less

Automation in photogrammetry: Recent developments and applications (1972-1976)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thompson, M.M.; Mikhail, E.M.

1976-01-01

An overview of recent developments in the automation of photogrammetry in various countries is presented. Conclusions regarding automated photogrammetry reached at the 1972 Congress in Ottawa are reviewed first as a background for examining the developments of 1972-1976. Applications are described for each country reporting significant developments. Among fifteen conclusions listed are statements concerning: the widespread practice of equipping existing stereoplotters with simple digitizers; the growing tendency to use minicomputers on-line with stereoplotters; the optimization of production of digital terrain models by progressive sampling in stereomodels; the potential of digitization of a photogrammetric model by density correlation on epipolar lines; the capabilities and economic aspects of advanced systems which permit simultaneous production of orthophotos, contours, and digital terrain models; the economy of off-line orthophoto systems; applications of digital image processing; automation by optical techniques; applications of sensors other than photographic imagery, and the role of photogrammetric phases in a completely automated cartographic system. ?? 1976.

The display of molecular models with the Ames Interactive Modeling System (AIMS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egan, J. T.; Hart, J.; Burt, S. K.; Macelroy, R. D.

1982-01-01

A visualization of molecular models can lead to a clearer understanding of the models. Sophisticated graphics devices supported by minicomputers make it possible for the chemist to interact with the display of a very large model, altering its structure. In addition to user interaction, the need arises also for other ways of displaying information. These include the production of viewgraphs, film presentation, as well as publication quality prints of various models. To satisfy these needs, the display capability of the Ames Interactive Modeling System (AIMS) has been enhanced to provide a wide range of graphics and plotting capabilities. Attention is given to an overview of the AIMS system, graphics hardware used by the AIMS display subsystem, a comparison of graphics hardware, the representation of molecular models, graphics software used by the AIMS display subsystem, the display of a model obtained from data stored in molecule data base, a graphics feature for obtaining single frame permanent copy displays, and a feature for producing multiple frame displays.

Scheduler software for tracking and data relay satellite system loading analysis: User manual and programmer guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craft, R.; Dunn, C.; Mccord, J.; Simeone, L.

1980-01-01

A user guide and programmer documentation is provided for a system of PRIME 400 minicomputer programs. The system was designed to support loading analyses on the Tracking Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The system is a scheduler for various types of data relays (including tape recorder dumps and real time relays) from orbiting payloads to the TDRSS. Several model options are available to statistically generate data relay requirements. TDRSS time lines (representing resources available for scheduling) and payload/TDRSS acquisition and loss of sight time lines are input to the scheduler from disk. Tabulated output from the interactive system includes a summary of the scheduler activities over time intervals specified by the user and overall summary of scheduler input and output information. A history file, which records every event generated by the scheduler, is written to disk to allow further scheduling on remaining resources and to provide data for graphic displays or additional statistical analysis.

Self-reported wrist and finger symptoms associated with other physical/mental symptoms and use of computers/mobile phones.

PubMed

Korpinen, Leena; Pääkkönen, Rauno; Gobba, Fabriziomaria

2018-03-01

Recently, computer, mobile phone and Internet use has increased. This study aimed to determine the possible relation between self-reported wrist and finger symptoms (aches, pain or numbness) and using computers/mobile phones, and to analyze how the symptoms are specifically associated with utilizing desktop computers, portable computers or mini-computers and mobile phones. A questionnaire was sent to 15,000 working-age Finns (age 18-65). Via a questionnaire, 723 persons reported wrist and finger symptoms often or more with use. Over 80% use mobile phones daily and less than 30% use desktop computers or the Internet daily at leisure, e.g., over 89.8% quite often or often experienced pain, numbness or aches in the neck, and 61.3% had aches in the hips and the lower back. Only 33.7% connected their symptoms to computer use. In the future, the development of new devices and Internet services should incorporate the ergonomics of the hands and wrists.

[Computerized monitoring system in the operating center with UNIX and X-window].

PubMed

Tanaka, Y; Hashimoto, S; Chihara, E; Kinoshita, T; Hirose, M; Nakagawa, M; Murakami, T

1992-01-01

We previously reported the fully automated data logging system in the operating center. Presently, we revised the system using a highly integrated operating system, UNIX instead of OS/9. With this multi-task and multi-window (X-window) system, we could monitor all 12 rooms in the operating center at a time. The system in the operating center consists of 2 computers, SONY NEWS1450 (UNIX workstation) and Sord M223 (CP/M, data logger). On the bitmapped display of the workstation, using X-window, the data of all the operating rooms can be visualized. Furthermore, 2 other minicomputers (Fujitsu A50 in the conference room, and A60 in the ICU) and a workstation (Sun3-80 in the ICU) were connected with ethernet. With the remote login function (NFS), we could easily obtain the data during the operation from outside the operating center. This system works automatically and needs no routine maintenance.

Supervisory control and diagnostics system for the mirror fusion test facility: overview and status 1980

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McGoldrick, P.R.

1981-01-01

The Mirror Fusion Test Facility (MFTF) is a complex facility requiring a highly-computerized Supervisory Control and Diagnostics System (SCDS) to monitor and provide control over ten subsystems; three of which require true process control. SCDS will provide physicists with a method of studying machine and plasma behavior by acquiring and processing up to four megabytes of plasma diagnostic information every five minutes. A high degree of availability and throughput is provided by a distributed computer system (nine 32-bit minicomputers on shared memory). Data, distributed across SCDS, is managed by a high-bandwidth Distributed Database Management System. The MFTF operators' control roommore » consoles use color television monitors with touch sensitive screens; this is a totally new approach. The method of handling deviations to normal machine operation and how the operator should be notified and assisted in the resolution of problems has been studied and a system designed.« less

Software used with the flux mapper at the solar parabolic dish test site

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyazono, C.

1984-01-01

Software for data archiving and data display was developed for use on a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) PDP-11/34A minicomputer for use with the JPL-designed flux mapper. The flux mapper is a two-dimensional, high radiant energy scanning device designed to measure radiant flux energies expected at the focal point of solar parabolic dish concentrators. Interfacing to the DEC equipment was accomplished by standard RS-232C serial lines. The design of the software was dicated by design constraints of the flux-mapper controller. Early attemps at data acquisition from the flux-mapper controller were not without difficulty. Time and personnel limitations result in an alternative method of data recording at the test site with subsequent analysis accomplished at a data evaluation location at some later time. Software for plotting was also written to better visualize the flux patterns. Recommendations for future alternative development are discussed. A listing of the programs used in the anaysis is included in an appendix.

Visible and infrared spin scanning radiometer /VISSR/ atmospheric sounder /VAS/ ground data system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalton, J. T.; Jamros, R. K.; Helfer, D. P.; Howell, D. R.

1981-01-01

The interactive system developed at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center to receive data from the infrared radiometer on GOES-4 in near real time and to perform interactive display and analysis of the 12-channel infrared imagery is described. The system is minicomputer based and uses a menu approach in guiding the analyst through spacecraft instrument programming, area and band selection, image acquisition, enhancement, analysis, and presentation of results. The system is linked by dual port disks to Goddard's Atmospheric and Oceanographic Information Processing System for comparing the sounding results with parameters derived from conventional data and from time lapse analysis of visible and IR imagery from other geostationary satellites. It is pointed out that the system hardware and software are being expanded to add capabilities for the integration and assimilation of VAS data with data from other sources, the comparison of severe storm observations from space with special ground network data, and the development of diagnostic models.

Advanced application flight experiment breadboard pulse compression radar altimeter program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Design, development and performance of the pulse compression radar altimeter is described. The high resolution breadboard system is designed to operate from an aircraft at 10 Kft above the ocean and to accurately measure altitude, sea wave height and sea reflectivity. The minicomputer controlled Ku band system provides six basic variables and an extensive digital recording capability for experimentation purposes. Signal bandwidths of 360 MHz are obtained using a reflective array compression line. Stretch processing is used to achieve 1000:1 pulse compression. The system range command LSB is 0.62 ns or 9.25 cm. A second order altitude tracker, aided by accelerometer inputs is implemented in the system software. During flight tests the system demonstrated an altitude resolution capability of 2.1 cm and sea wave height estimation accuracy of 10%. The altitude measurement performance exceeds that of the Skylab and GEOS-C predecessors by approximately an order of magnitude.

Development of an integrated control and measurement system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Manges, W.W.

1984-03-01

This thesis presents a tutorial on the issues involved in the development of a minicomputer-based, distributed intelligence data acquisition and process control system to support complex experimental facilities. The particular system discussed in this thesis is under development for the Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) Program at the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant (ORGDP). In the AVLIS program, we were careful to integrate the computer sections of the implementation into the instrumentation system rather than adding them as an appendage. We then addressed the reliability and availability of the system as a separate concern. Thus, our concept of anmore » integrated control and measurement (ICAM) system forms the basis for this thesis. This thesis details the logic and philosophy that went into the development of this system and explains why the commercially available turn-key systems generally are not suitable. Also, the issues involved in the specification of the components for such an integrated system are emphasized.« less

Networking and AI systems: Requirements and benefits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

The price performance benefits of network systems is well documented. The ability to share expensive resources sold timesharing for mainframes, department clusters of minicomputers, and now local area networks of workstations and servers. In the process, other fundamental system requirements emerged. These have now been generalized with open system requirements for hardware, software, applications and tools. The ability to interconnect a variety of vendor products has led to a specification of interfaces that allow new techniques to extend existing systems for new and exciting applications. As an example of the message passing system, local area networks provide a testbed for many of the issues addressed by future concurrent architectures: synchronization, load balancing, fault tolerance and scalability. Gold Hill has been working with a number of vendors on distributed architectures that range from a network of workstations to a hypercube of microprocessors with distributed memory. Results from early applications are promising both for performance and scalability.

Oxygen analyzer

DOEpatents

Benner, W.H.

1984-05-08

An oxygen analyzer which identifies and classifies microgram quantities of oxygen in ambient particulate matter and for quantitating organic oxygen in solvent extracts of ambient particulate matter. A sample is pyrolyzed in oxygen-free nitrogen gas (N/sub 2/), and the resulting oxygen quantitatively converted to carbon monoxide (CO) by contact with hot granular carbon (C). Two analysis modes are made possible: (1) rapid determination of total pyrolyzable obtained by decomposing the sample at 1135/sup 0/C, or (2) temperature-programmed oxygen thermal analysis obtained by heating the sample from room temperature to 1135/sup 0/C as a function of time. The analyzer basically comprises a pyrolysis tube containing a bed of granular carbon under N/sub 2/, ovens used to heat the carbon and/or decompose the sample, and a non-dispersive infrared CO detector coupled to a mini-computer to quantitate oxygen in the decomposition products and control oven heating.

Oxygen analyzer

DOEpatents

Benner, William H.

1986-01-01

An oxygen analyzer which identifies and classifies microgram quantities of oxygen in ambient particulate matter and for quantitating organic oxygen in solvent extracts of ambient particulate matter. A sample is pyrolyzed in oxygen-free nitrogen gas (N.sub.2), and the resulting oxygen quantitatively converted to carbon monoxide (CO) by contact with hot granular carbon (C). Two analysis modes are made possible: (1) rapid determination of total pyrolyzable oxygen obtained by decomposing the sample at 1135.degree. C., or (2) temperature-programmed oxygen thermal analysis obtained by heating the sample from room temperature to 1135.degree. C. as a function of time. The analyzer basically comprises a pyrolysis tube containing a bed of granular carbon under N.sub.2, ovens used to heat the carbon and/or decompose the sample, and a non-dispersive infrared CO detector coupled to a mini-computer to quantitate oxygen in the decomposition products and control oven heating.

Kinesthetic coupling between operator and remote manipulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bejczy, A. K.; Salisbury, J. K., Jr.

1980-01-01

A universal force-reflecting hand controller has been developed which allows the establishment of a kinesthetic coupling between the operator and a remote manipulator. The six-degree-of-freedom controller was designed to generate forces and torques on its three positional and three rotational axes in order to permit the operator to accurately feel the forces encountered by the manipulator and be as transparent to operate as possible. The universal controller has been used in an application involving a six-degree-of-freedom mechanical arm equipped with a six-dimensional force-torque sensor at its base. In this application, the hand controller acts as a position control input device to the arm, while forces and torques sensed at the base of the mechanical hand back drive the hand controller. The positional control relation and the back driving of the controller according to inputs experienced by the force-torque sensor are established through complex mathematical transformations performed by a minicomputer. The hand controller is intended as a development tool for investigating force-reflecting master-slave manipulator control technology.

Outdoor flocking of quadcopter drones with decentralized model predictive control.

PubMed

Yuan, Quan; Zhan, Jingyuan; Li, Xiang

2017-11-01

In this paper, we present a multi-drone system featured with a decentralized model predictive control (DMPC) flocking algorithm. The drones gather localized information from neighbors and update their velocities using the DMPC flocking algorithm. In the multi-drone system, data packages are transmitted through XBee ® wireless modules in broadcast mode, yielding such an anonymous and decentralized system where all the calculations and controls are completed on an onboard minicomputer of each drone. Each drone is a double-layered agent system with the coordination layer running multi-drone flocking algorithms and the flight control layer navigating the drone, and the final formation of the flock relies on both the communication range and the desired inter-drone distance. We give both numerical simulations and field tests with a flock of five drones, showing that the DMPC flocking algorithm performs well on the presented multi-drone system in both the convergence rate and the ability of tracking a desired path. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SCAILET - An intelligent assistant for satellite ground terminal operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shahidi, A. K.; Crapo, J. A.; Schlegelmilch, R. F.; Reinhart, R. C.; Petrik, E. J.; Walters, J. L.; Jones, R. E.

1992-01-01

Space communication artificial intelligence for the link evaluation terminal (SCAILET) is an experimenter interface to the link evaluation terminal (LET) developed by NASA through the application of artificial intelligence to an advanced ground terminal. The high-burst-rate (HBR) LET provides the required capabilities for wideband communications experiments with the advanced communications technology satellite (ACTS). The HBR-LET terminal consists of seven major subsystems and is controlled and monitored by a minicomputer through an IEEE-488 or RS-232 interface. Programming scripts configure HBR-LET and allow data acquisition but are difficult to use and therefore the full capabilities of the system are not utilized. An intelligent assistant module was developed as part of the SCAILET module and solves problems encountered during configuration of the HBR-LET system. This assistant is a graphical interface with an expert system running in the background and allows users to configure instrumentation, program sequences and reference documentation. The simplicity of use makes SCAILET a superior interface to the ASCII terminal and continuous monitoring allows nearly flawless configuration and execution of HBR-LET experiments.

A real-time electronic imaging system for solar X-ray observations from sounding rockets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, J. M.; Ting, J. W.; Gerassimenko, M.

1979-01-01

A real-time imaging system for displaying the solar coronal soft X-ray emission, focussed by a grazing incidence telescope, is described. The design parameters of the system, which is to be used primarily as part of a real-time control system for a sounding rocket experiment, are identified. Their achievement with a system consisting of a microchannel plate, for the conversion of X-rays into visible light, and a slow-scan vidicon, for recording and transmission of the integrated images, is described in detail. The system has a quantum efficiency better than 8 deg above 8 A, a dynamic range of 1000 coupled with a sensitivity to single photoelectrons, and provides a spatial resolution of 15 arc seconds over a field of view of 40 x 40 square arc minutes. The incident radiation is filtered to eliminate wavelengths longer than 100 A. Each image contains 3.93 x 10 to the 5th bits of information and is transmitted to the ground where it is processed by a mini-computer and displayed in real-time on a standard TV monitor.

Integration and software for thermal test of heat rate sensors. [space shuttle external tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wojciechowski, C. J.; Shrider, K. R.

1982-01-01

A minicomputer controlled radiant test facility is described which was developed and calibrated in an effort to verify analytical thermal models of instrumentation islands installed aboard the space shuttle external tank to measure thermal flight parameters during ascent. Software was provided for the facility as well as for development tests on the SRB actuator tail stock. Additional testing was conducted with the test facility to determine the temperature and heat flux rate and loads required to effect a change of color in the ET tank external paint. This requirement resulted from the review of photographs taken of the ET at separation from the orbiter which showed that 75% of the external tank paint coating had not changed color from its original white color. The paint on the remaining 25% of the tank was either brown or black, indicating that it had degraded due to heating or that the spray on form insulation had receded in these areas. The operational capability of the facility as well as the various tests which were conducted and their results are discussed.

Simulation and analyses of the aeroassist flight experiment attitude update method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, J. R.

1991-01-01

A method which will be used to update the alignment of the Aeroassist Flight Experiment's Inertial Measuring Unit is simulated and analyzed. This method, the Star Line Maneuver, uses measurements from the Space Shuttle Orbiter star trackers along with an extended Kalman filter to estimate a correction to the attitude quaternion maintained by an Inertial Measuring Unit in the Orbiter's payload bay. This quaternion is corrupted by on-orbit bending of the Orbiter payload bay with respect to the Orbiter navigation base, which is incorporated into the payload quaternion when it is initialized via a direct transfer of the Orbiter attitude state. The method of updating this quaternion is examined through verification of baseline cases and Monte Carlo analysis using a simplified simulation, The simulation uses nominal state dynamics and measurement models from the Kalman filter as its real world models, and is programmed on Microvax minicomputer using Matlab, and interactive matrix analysis tool. Results are presented which confirm and augment previous performance studies, thereby enhancing confidence in the Star Line Maneuver design methodology.

Definition study for photovoltaic residential prototype system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imamura, M. S.; Hulstrom, R. L.; Cookson, C.; Waldman, B. H.; Lane, R. A.

1976-01-01

A parametric sensitivity study and definition of the conceptual design is presented. A computer program containing the solar irradiance, solar array, and energy balance models was developed to determine the sensitivities of solar insolation and the corresponding solar array output at five sites selected for this study as well as the performance of several solar array/battery systems. A baseline electrical configuration was chosen, and three design options were recommended. The study indicates that the most sensitive parameters are the solar insolation and the inverter efficiency. The baseline PST selected is comprised of a 133 sg m solar array, 250 ampere hour battery, one to three inverters, and a full shunt regulator to limit the upper solar array voltage. A minicomputer controlled system is recommended to provide the overall control, display, and data acquisition requirements. Architectural renderings of two photovoltaic residential concepts, one above ground and the other underground, are presented. The institutional problems were defined in the areas of legal liabilities during and after installation of the PST, labor practices, building restrictions and architectural guides, and land use.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The model is designed to enable decision makers to compare the economics of geothermal projects with the economics of alternative energy systems at an early stage in the decision process. The geothermal engineering and economic feasibility computer model (GEEF) is written in FORTRAN IV language and can be run on a mainframe or a mini-computer system. An abbreviated version of the model is being developed for usage in conjunction with a programmable desk calculator. The GEEF model has two main segments, namely (i) the engineering design/cost segment and (ii) the economic analysis segment. In the engineering segment, the model determinesmore » the numbers of production and injection wells, heat exchanger design, operating parameters for the system, requirement of supplementary system (to augment the working fluid temperature if the resource temperature is not sufficiently high), and the fluid flow rates. The model can handle single stage systems as well as two stage cascaded systems in which the second stage may involve a space heating application after a process heat application in the first stage.« less

PSA: A program to streamline orbit determination for launch support operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Legerton, V. N.; Mottinger, N. A.

1988-01-01

An interactive, menu driven computer program was written to streamline the orbit determination process during the critical launch support phase of a mission. Residing on a virtual memory minicomputer, this program retains the quantities in-core needed to obtain a least squares estimate of the spacecraft trajectory with interactive displays to assist in rapid radio metric data evaluation. Menu-driven displays allow real time filter and data strategy development. Graphical and tabular displays can be sent to a laser printer for analysis without exiting the program. Products generated by this program feed back to the main orbit determination program in order to further refine the estimate of the trajectory. The final estimate provides a spacecraft ephemeris which is transmitted to the mission control center and used for antenna pointing and frequency predict generation by the Deep Space Network. The development and implementation process of this program differs from that used for most other navigation software by allowing the users to check important operating features during development and have changes made as needed.

Upgrading NASA/DOSE laser ranging system control computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ricklefs, Randall L.; Cheek, Jack; Seery, Paul J.; Emenheiser, Kenneth S.; Hanrahan, William P., III; Mcgarry, Jan F.

1993-01-01

Laser ranging systems now managed by the NASA Dynamics of the Solid Earth (DOSE) and operated by the Bendix Field Engineering Corporation, the University of Hawaii, and the University of Texas have produced a wealth on interdisciplinary scientific data over the last three decades. Despite upgrades to the most of the ranging station subsystems, the control computers remain a mix of 1970's vintage minicomputers. These encompass a wide range of vendors, operating systems, and languages, making hardware and software support increasingly difficult. Current technology allows replacement of controller computers at a relatively low cost while maintaining excellent processing power and a friendly operating environment. The new controller systems are now being designed using IBM-PC-compatible 80486-based microcomputers, a real-time Unix operating system (LynxOS), and X-windows/Motif IB, and serial interfaces have been chosen. This design supports minimizing short and long term costs by relying on proven standards for both hardware and software components. Currently, the project is in the design and prototyping stage with the first systems targeted for production in mid-1993.

The graphics and data acquisition software package

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crosier, W. G.

1981-01-01

A software package was developed for use with micro and minicomputers, particularly the LSI-11/DPD-11 series. The package has a number of Fortran-callable subroutines which perform a variety of frequently needed tasks for biomedical applications. All routines are well documented, flexible, easy to use and modify, and require minimal programmer knowledge of peripheral hardware. The package is also economical of memory and CPU time. A single subroutine call can perform any one of the following functions: (1) plot an array of integer values from sampled A/D data, (2) plot an array of Y values versus an array of X values; (3) draw horizontal and/or vertical grid lines of selectable type; (4) annotate grid lines with user units; (5) get coordinates of user controlled crosshairs from the terminal for interactive graphics; (6) sample any analog channel with program selectable gain; (7) wait a specified time interval, and (8) perform random access I/O of one or more blocks of a sequential disk file. Several miscellaneous functions are also provided.

Automation of Precise Time Reference Stations (PTRS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wheeler, P. J.

1985-04-01

The U.S. Naval Observatory is presently engaged in a program of automating precise time stations (PTS) and precise time reference stations (PTBS) by using a versatile mini-computer controlled data acquisition system (DAS). The data acquisition system is configured to monitor locally available PTTI signals such as LORAN-C, OMEGA, and/or the Global Positioning System. In addition, the DAS performs local standard intercomparison. Computer telephone communications provide automatic data transfer to the Naval Observatory. Subsequently, after analysis of the data, results and information can be sent back to the precise time reference station to provide automatic control of remote station timing. The DAS configuration is designed around state of the art standard industrial high reliability modules. The system integration and software are standardized but allow considerable flexibility to satisfy special local requirements such as stability measurements, performance evaluation and printing of messages and certificates. The DAS operates completely independently and may be queried or controlled at any time with a computer or terminal device (control is protected for use by authorized personnel only). Such DAS equipped PTS are operational in Hawaii, California, Texas and Florida.

Mathematical models for space shuttle ground systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tory, E. G.

1985-01-01

Math models are a series of algorithms, comprised of algebraic equations and Boolean Logic. At Kennedy Space Center, math models for the Space Shuttle Systems are performed utilizing the Honeywell 66/80 digital computers, Modcomp II/45 Minicomputers and special purpose hardware simulators (MicroComputers). The Shuttle Ground Operations Simulator operating system provides the language formats, subroutines, queueing schemes, execution modes and support software to write, maintain and execute the models. The ground systems presented consist primarily of the Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen Cryogenic Propellant Systems, as well as liquid oxygen External Tank Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood/Arm and the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) High Bay Cells. The purpose of math modeling is to simulate the ground hardware systems and to provide an environment for testing in a benign mode. This capability allows the engineers to check out application software for loading and launching the vehicle, and to verify the Checkout, Control, & Monitor Subsystem within the Launch Processing System. It is also used to train operators and to predict system response and status in various configurations (normal operations, emergency and contingent operations), including untried configurations or those too dangerous to try under real conditions, i.e., failure modes.

Transferring ecosystem simulation codes to supercomputers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skiles, J. W.; Schulbach, C. H.

1995-01-01

Many ecosystem simulation computer codes have been developed in the last twenty-five years. This development took place initially on main-frame computers, then mini-computers, and more recently, on micro-computers and workstations. Supercomputing platforms (both parallel and distributed systems) have been largely unused, however, because of the perceived difficulty in accessing and using the machines. Also, significant differences in the system architectures of sequential, scalar computers and parallel and/or vector supercomputers must be considered. We have transferred a grassland simulation model (developed on a VAX) to a Cray Y-MP/C90. We describe porting the model to the Cray and the changes we made to exploit the parallelism in the application and improve code execution. The Cray executed the model 30 times faster than the VAX and 10 times faster than a Unix workstation. We achieved an additional speedup of 30 percent by using the compiler's vectoring and 'in-line' capabilities. The code runs at only about 5 percent of the Cray's peak speed because it ineffectively uses the vector and parallel processing capabilities of the Cray. We expect that by restructuring the code, it could execute an additional six to ten times faster.

The first "space" vegetables have been grown in the "SVET" greenhouse by means of controlled environmental conditions.

PubMed

Ivanova, T N; Bercovich YuA; Mashinskiy, A L; Meleshko, G I

1992-04-01

The paper describes the project "SVET"--the creating of a small dimensions space greenhouse of new generation. By means of minicomputer, "SVET" is full-automatic operating and controlling environmental conditions system in the higher plants growth unit. A number of studies have selected the radish and cabbage vegetables as a potentially important crop for CELSS (short term cycle of vegetation). The "SVET" space greenhouse has been mounted on the "CRYSTAL" technological module which docked to the "MIR" orbital space station on June 10, 1990. Soviet cosmonauts Balandin and Solovyov started the first experiments with the greenhouse on June 15, 1990. The preliminary results of the seeds cultivation for the first 54-days period in "SVET" are presented. Morphometrical characteristics of the plants, brought back to the Earth are given. The vegetation peculiarities, such as the plants growth and the development slowing-down, or the dry substance contents raising are noted. For the first time, the root crop of radish plants at microgravity conditions, are produced. Characteristics of controlled plants' environment parameters and an estimation of functional properties of control and regulation systems of the "SVET" greenhouse in space flight according to telemetry data is given.

Determination of physical and chemical states of lubricants in concentrated contacts, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauer, J. L.

1979-01-01

A Fourier emission infrared microspectrometer, set up on a vibration-proof optical table and interfaced to a dedicated minicomputer, was used to record infrared emission spectra from elastohydrodynamic bearing contacts. Its range was extended to cover the entire mid-infrared from 2 to 15 micron. A series of experiments with 5P4E polyphenyl ether showed the existence of a temperature gradient through the lubricant in an ehd contact, which is perpendicular to the flow direction. The experiments also show marked polarization of some of the spectral bands, indicating a molecular alignment. Alignment is less evident at high pressure than at low pressure. To account for this behavior, a model is suggested along the lines developed for the conformational changes observed in long-chain polymers when subjected to increased pressure--to accommodate closer packing, molecules become kinked and curl up. Experiments with a traction fluid showed periodic changes of flow pattern associated with certain spectral changes. These observations will be studied further. A study by infrared attenuated total reflection spectrophotometry was undertaken to determine whether gamma irradiation would change polyethylene wear specimens. The results were negative.

Remote sensing of tropospheric gases and aerosols with airborne DIAL system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Browell, E. V.

1983-01-01

The multipurpose airborne DIAL system developed at NASA Langley Research Center is characterized, and the published results of tropospheric O3, H2O, and aerosol-backscatter remote-sensing experiments performed in 1980 and 1981 are summarized. The system comprises two tunable dye lasers pumped by frequency-doubled Nd:YAG lasers, dielectric-coated steering optics, a 36-cm-diameter Cassegrain receiver telescope, gateable photomultiplier tubes, and a minicomputer data-processing unit for real-time calculation of gas concentrations and backscattering profiles. The transmitted energy of the 100-microsec-separated dye-laser pulses is 40, 80, or 50 mJ/pulse at around 300, 600, or 720-nm wavelength, respectively. Good agreement was found between DIAL-remote-sensed and in-situ H2O and O3 profiles of the lower troposphere and O3 profiles of the tropopause region, and the usefulness of DIAL backscattering measurements in the study of boundary-layer and tropospheric dynamics is demonstrated. The feasibility of DIAL sensing of power-plant or urban plume SO2, of urban-area (or rural-area column-content) NO2, and of temperature and H2O (simultaneously using a third laser) has been suggested by simulation studies.

Human cerebral potentials evoked by moving dynamic random dot stereograms.

PubMed

Herpers, M J; Caberg, H B; Mol, J M

1981-07-01

In 11 normal healthy human subjects an evoked potential was elicited by moving dynamic random dot stereograms. The random dots were generated by a minicomputer. An average of each of 8 EEG channels of the subjects tested was made. The maximum of the cerebral evoked potentials thus found was localized in the central and parietal region. No response earlier than 130--150 msec after the stimulus could be proved. The influence of fixation, the number of dots provided, an interocular interstimulus interval in the presentation of the dots, and lense accommodation movements on the evoked stereoptic potentials was investigated and discussed. An interocular interstimulus interval (left eye leading) in the presentation of the dots caused an increase in latency of the response much longer than the imposed interstimulus interval itself. It was shown that no accommodation was needed to perceive the depth impression, and to evoke the cerebral response with random dot stereograms. There are indications of an asymmetry between the two hemispheres in the handling of depth perception after 250 msec. The potential distribution of the evoked potentials strongly suggests that they are not generated in the occipital region.

An interferometric strain-displacement measurement system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharpe, William N., Jr.

1989-01-01

A system for measuring the relative in-plane displacement over a gage length as short as 100 micrometers is described. Two closely spaced indentations are placed in a reflective specimen surface with a Vickers microhardness tester. Interference fringes are generated when they are illuminated with a He-Ne laser. As the distance between the indentations expands or contracts with applied load, the fringes move. This motion is monitored with a minicomputer-controlled system using linear diode arrays as sensors. Characteristics of the system are: (1) gage length ranging from 50 to 500 micrometers, but 100 micrometers is typical; (2) least-count resolution of approximately 0.0025 micrometer; and (3) sampling rate of 13 points per second. In addition, the measurement technique is non-contacting and non-reinforcing. It is useful for strain measurements over small gage lengths and for crack opening displacement measurements near crack tips. This report is a detailed description of a new system recently installed in the Mechanisms of Materials Branch at the NASA Langley Research Center. The intent is to enable a prospective user to evaluate the applicability of the system to a particular problem and assemble one if needed.

Wargaming and interactive color graphics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bly, S.; Buzzell, C.; Smith, G.

1980-08-04

JANUS is a two-sided interactive color graphic simulation in which human commanders can direct their forces, each trying to accomplish their mission. This competitive synthetic battlefield is used to explore the range of human ingenuity under conditions of incomplete information about enemy strength and deployment. Each player can react to new situations by planning new unit movements, using conventional and nuclear weapons, or modifying unit objectives. Conventional direct fire among tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, helicopters, and other units is automated subject to constraints of target acquisition, reload rate, range, suppression, etc. Artillery and missile indirect fire systems deliver conventional munitions,more » smoke, and nuclear weapons. Players use reconnaissance units, helicopters, or fixed wing aircraft to search for enemy unit locations. Counter-battery radars acquire enemy artillery. The JANUS simulation at LLL has demonstrated the value of the computer as a sophisticated blackboard. A small dedicated minicomputer is adequate for detailed calculations, and may be preferable to sharing a more powerful machine. Real-time color interactive graphics are essential to allow realistic command decision inputs. Competitive human-versus-human synthetic experiences are intense and well-remembered. 2 figures.« less

Computer measurement and representation of the heart in two and three dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rasmussen, D.

1976-01-01

Methods for the measurement and display by minicomputer of cardiac images obtained from fluoroscopy to permit an accurate assessment of functional changes are discussed. Heart contours and discrete points can be digitized automatically or manually, with the recorded image in a video, cine, or print format. As each frame is digitized it is assigned a code name identifying the data source, experiment, run, view, and frame, and the images are filed for future reference in any sequence. Two views taken at the same point in the heart cycle are used to compute the spatial position of the ventricle apex and the midpoint of the aortic valve. The remainder of the points on the chamber border are corrected for the linear distortion of the X-rays by projection to a plane containing the chord between the apex and the aortic valve center and oriented so that lines perpendicular to the chord are parallel to the image intensifier face. The image of the chamber surface is obtained by generating circular cross sections with diameters perpendicular to the major chord. The transformed two- and three-dimensional imagery can be displayed in either static or animated form using a graphics terminal.

An imaging system for PLIF/Mie measurements for a combusting flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wey, C. C.; Ghorashi, B.; Marek, C. J.; Wey, C.

1990-01-01

The equipment required to establish an imaging system can be divided into four parts: (1) the light source and beam shaping optics; (2) camera and recording; (3) image acquisition and processing; and (4) computer and output systems. A pulsed, Nd:YAG-pummped, frequency-doubled dye laser which can freeze motion in the flowfield is used for an illumination source. A set of lenses is used to form the laser beam into a sheet. The induced fluorescence is collected by an UV-enhanced lens and passes through an UV-enhanced microchannel plate intensifier which is optically coupled to a gated solid state CCD camera. The output of the camera is simultaneously displayed on a monitor and recorded on either a laser videodisc set of a Super VHS VCR. This videodisc set is controlled by a minicomputer via a connection to the RS-232C interface terminals. The imaging system is connected to the host computer by a bus repeater and can be multiplexed between four video input sources. Sample images from a planar shear layer experiment are presented to show the processing capability of the imaging system with the host computer.

High Frequency Sampling of TTL Pulses on a Raspberry Pi for Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy Applications.

PubMed

Tivnan, Matthew; Gurjar, Rajan; Wolf, David E; Vishwanath, Karthik

2015-08-12

Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy (DCS) is a well-established optical technique that has been used for non-invasive measurement of blood flow in tissues. Instrumentation for DCS includes a correlation device that computes the temporal intensity autocorrelation of a coherent laser source after it has undergone diffuse scattering through a turbid medium. Typically, the signal acquisition and its autocorrelation are performed by a correlation board. These boards have dedicated hardware to acquire and compute intensity autocorrelations of rapidly varying input signal and usually are quite expensive. Here we show that a Raspberry Pi minicomputer can acquire and store a rapidly varying time-signal with high fidelity. We show that this signal collected by a Raspberry Pi device can be processed numerically to yield intensity autocorrelations well suited for DCS applications. DCS measurements made using the Raspberry Pi device were compared to those acquired using a commercial hardware autocorrelation board to investigate the stability, performance, and accuracy of the data acquired in controlled experiments. This paper represents a first step toward lowering the instrumentation cost of a DCS system and may offer the potential to make DCS become more widely used in biomedical applications.

High Frequency Sampling of TTL Pulses on a Raspberry Pi for Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy Applications

PubMed Central

Tivnan, Matthew; Gurjar, Rajan; Wolf, David E.; Vishwanath, Karthik

2015-01-01

Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy (DCS) is a well-established optical technique that has been used for non-invasive measurement of blood flow in tissues. Instrumentation for DCS includes a correlation device that computes the temporal intensity autocorrelation of a coherent laser source after it has undergone diffuse scattering through a turbid medium. Typically, the signal acquisition and its autocorrelation are performed by a correlation board. These boards have dedicated hardware to acquire and compute intensity autocorrelations of rapidly varying input signal and usually are quite expensive. Here we show that a Raspberry Pi minicomputer can acquire and store a rapidly varying time-signal with high fidelity. We show that this signal collected by a Raspberry Pi device can be processed numerically to yield intensity autocorrelations well suited for DCS applications. DCS measurements made using the Raspberry Pi device were compared to those acquired using a commercial hardware autocorrelation board to investigate the stability, performance, and accuracy of the data acquired in controlled experiments. This paper represents a first step toward lowering the instrumentation cost of a DCS system and may offer the potential to make DCS become more widely used in biomedical applications. PMID:26274961

Self-Tuning Adaptive-Controller Using Online Frequency Identification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chiang, W. W.; Cannon, R. H., Jr.

1985-01-01

A real time adaptive controller was designed and tested successfully on a fourth order laboratory dynamic system which features very low structural damping and a noncolocated actuator sensor pair. The controller, implemented in a digital minicomputer, consists of a state estimator, a set of state feedback gains, and a frequency locked loop (FLL) for real time parameter identification. The FLL can detect the closed loop natural frequency of the system being controlled, calculate the mismatch between a plant parameter and its counterpart in the state estimator, and correct the estimator parameter in real time. The adaptation algorithm can correct the controller error and stabilize the system for more than 50% variation in the plant natural frequency, compared with a 10% stability margin in frequency variation for a fixed gain controller having the same performance at the nominal plant condition. After it has locked to the correct plant frequency, the adaptive controller works as well as the fixed gain controller does when there is no parameter mismatch. The very rapid convergence of this adaptive system is demonstrated experimentally, and can also be proven with simple root locus methods.

Voice Controlled Wheelchair

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Michael Condon, a quadraplegic from Pasadena, California, demonstrates the NASA-developed voice-controlled wheelchair and its manipulator, which can pick up packages, open doors, turn a TV knob, and perform a variety of other functions. A possible boon to paralyzed and other severely handicapped persons, the chair-manipulator system responds to 35 one-word voice commands, such as "go," "stop," "up," "down," "right," "left," "forward," "backward." The heart of the system is a voice-command analyzer which utilizes a minicomputer. Commands are taught I to the computer by the patient's repeating them a number of times; thereafter the analyzer recognizes commands only in the patient's particular speech pattern. The computer translates commands into electrical signals which activate appropriate motors and cause the desired motion of chair or manipulator. Based on teleoperator and robot technology for space-related programs, the voice-controlled system was developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory under the joint sponsorship of NASA and the Veterans Administration. The wheelchair-manipulator has been tested at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, Downey, California, and is being evaluated at the VA Prosthetics Center in New York City.

1985 ACSM-ASPRS Fall Convention, Indianapolis, IN, September 8-13, 1985, Technical Papers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1985-01-01

Papers are presented on Landsat image data quality analysis, primary data acquisition, cartography, geodesy, land surveying, and the applications of satellite remote sensing data. Topics discussed include optical scanning and interactive color graphics; the determination of astrolatitudes and astrolongitudes using x, y, z-coordinates on the celestial sphere; raster-based contour plotting from digital elevation models using minicomputers or microcomputers; the operational techniques of the GPS when utilized as a survey instrument; public land surveying and high technology; the use of multitemporal Landsat MSS data for studying forest cover types; interpretation of satellite and aircraft L-band synthetic aperture radar imagery; geological analysismore » of Landsat MSS data; and an interactive real time digital image processing system. Consideration is given to a large format reconnaissance camera; creating an optimized color balance for TM and MSS imagery; band combination selection for visual interpretation of thematic mapper data for resource management; the effect of spatial filtering on scene noise and boundary detail in thematic mapper imagery; the evaluation of the geometric quality of thematic mapper photographic data; and the analysis and correction of Landsat 4 and 5 thematic mapper sensor data.« less

Interactive Forecasting with the National Weather Service River Forecast System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, George F.; Page, Donna

1993-01-01

The National Weather Service River Forecast System (NWSRFS) consists of several major hydrometeorologic subcomponents to model the physics of the flow of water through the hydrologic cycle. The entire NWSRFS currently runs in both mainframe and minicomputer environments, using command oriented text input to control the system computations. As computationally powerful and graphically sophisticated scientific workstations became available, the National Weather Service (NWS) recognized that a graphically based, interactive environment would enhance the accuracy and timeliness of NWS river and flood forecasts. Consequently, the operational forecasting portion of the NWSRFS has been ported to run under a UNIX operating system, with X windows as the display environment on a system of networked scientific workstations. In addition, the NWSRFS Interactive Forecast Program was developed to provide a graphical user interface to allow the forecaster to control NWSRFS program flow and to make adjustments to forecasts as necessary. The potential market for water resources forecasting is immense and largely untapped. Any private company able to market the river forecasting technologies currently developed by the NWS Office of Hydrology could provide benefits to many information users and profit from providing these services.

ANL statement of site strategy for computing workstations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fenske, K.R.; Boxberger, L.M.; Amiot, L.W.

1991-11-01

This Statement of Site Strategy describes the procedure at Argonne National Laboratory for defining, acquiring, using, and evaluating scientific and office workstations and related equipment and software in accord with DOE Order 1360.1A (5-30-85), and Laboratory policy. It is Laboratory policy to promote the installation and use of computing workstations to improve productivity and communications for both programmatic and support personnel, to ensure that computing workstations acquisitions meet the expressed need in a cost-effective manner, and to ensure that acquisitions of computing workstations are in accord with Laboratory and DOE policies. The overall computing site strategy at ANL is tomore » develop a hierarchy of integrated computing system resources to address the current and future computing needs of the laboratory. The major system components of this hierarchical strategy are: Supercomputers, Parallel computers, Centralized general purpose computers, Distributed multipurpose minicomputers, and Computing workstations and office automation support systems. Computing workstations include personal computers, scientific and engineering workstations, computer terminals, microcomputers, word processing and office automation electronic workstations, and associated software and peripheral devices costing less than $25,000 per item.« less

A C Language Implementation of the SRO (Murdock) Detector/Analyzer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Murdock, James N.; Halbert, Scott E.

1991-01-01

A signal detector and analyzer algorithm was described by Murdock and Hutt in 1983. The algorithm emulates the performance of a human interpreter of seismograms. It estimates the signal onset, the direction of onset (positive or negative), the quality of these determinations, the period and amplitude of the signal, and the background noise at the time of the signal. The algorithm has been coded in C language for implementation as a 'blackbox' for data similar to that of the China Digital Seismic Network. A driver for the algorithm is included, as are suggestions for other drivers. In all of these routines, plus several FIR filters that are included as well, floating point operations are not required. Multichannel operation is supported. Although the primary use of the code has been for in-house processing of broadband and short period data of the China Digital Seismic Network, provisions have been made to process the long period and very long period data of that system as well. The code for the in-house detector, which runs on a mini-computer, is very similar to that of the field system, which runs on a microprocessor. The code is documented.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Radtke, M.A.

This paper will chronicle the activity at Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) that resulted in the complete migration of a traditional, late 1970`s vintage, Energy Management System (EMS). The new environment includes networked microcomputers, minicomputers, and the corporate mainframe, and provides on-line access to employees outside the energy control center and some WPSC customers. In the late 1980`s, WPSC was forecasting an EMS computer upgrade or replacement to address both capacity and technology needs. Reasoning that access to diverse computing resources would best position the company to accommodate the uncertain needs of the energy industry in the 90`s, WPSC chosemore » to investigate an in-place migration to a network of computers, able to support heterogeneous hardware and operating systems. The system was developed in a modular fashion, with individual modules being deployed as soon as they were completed. The functional and technical specification was continuously enhanced as operating experience was gained from each operational module. With the migration off the original EMS computers complete, the networked system called DEMAXX (Distributed Energy Management Architecture with eXtensive eXpandability) has exceeded expectations in the areas of: cost, performance, flexibility, and reliability.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Radtke, M.A.

This paper will chronicle the activity at Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) that resulted in the complete migration of a traditional, late 1970`s vintage, Energy management System (EMS). The new environment includes networked microcomputers, minicomputers, and the corporate mainframe, and provides on-line access to employees outside the energy control center and some WPSC customers. In the late 1980`s, WPSC was forecasting an EMS computer upgrade or replacement to address both capacity and technology needs. Reasoning that access to diverse computing resources would best position the company to accommodate the uncertain needs of the energy industry in the 90`s, WPSC chosemore » to investigate an in-place migration to a network of computers, able to support heterogeneous hardware and operating systems. The system was developed in a modular fashion, with individual modules being deployed as soon as they were completed. The functional and technical specification was continuously enhanced as operating experience was gained from each operational module. With the migration of the original EMS computers complete, the networked system called DEMAXX (Distributed Energy Management Architecture with eXtensive eXpandability) has exceeded expectations in the areas of: cost, performance, flexibility, and reliability.« less

ATS-6 - Radio Beacon Experiment: The first years. [ionospheric and satellite-to-ground electron content

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davies, K.; Fritz, R. B.; Grubb, R. N.; Jones, J. E.

1975-01-01

The Radio Beacon Experiment aboard Applications Technology Satellite-6 (ATS-6) is designed to measure the total electron content and the ionospheric electron content between the satellite and ground. The spaceborne beacon transmits signals on frequencies of 40, 140, and 360 MHz with amplitude modulations of 1 MHz and/or 0.1 MHz for the measurement of modulation phase, Faraday rotation, and amplitude. The modulation phase delays are calibrated in the satellite and in the ground equipment, and the polarization of the emitted signals are predetermined by standard antenna range techniques. The design of the ATS-6 receiver in Boulder, Colorado, is discussed. The antennae are of the short backfire type described by Ehrenspeck (1967), with nominal gains of 13, 19, and 22 dB at 40, 140, and 360 MHz, respectively. Data recording and overall supervision of the receiver is carried out by a 16-bit minicomputer with 8 k of memory. Overall performance of the system is satisfactory. Sample data on the monthly median hourly values of the total electron content, plasmospheric content, and shape factor show distinct seasonal and diurnal variations.

Augmented burst-error correction for UNICON laser memory. [digital memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lim, R. S.

1974-01-01

A single-burst-error correction system is described for data stored in the UNICON laser memory. In the proposed system, a long fire code with code length n greater than 16,768 bits was used as an outer code to augment an existing inner shorter fire code for burst error corrections. The inner fire code is a (80,64) code shortened from the (630,614) code, and it is used to correct a single-burst-error on a per-word basis with burst length b less than or equal to 6. The outer code, with b less than or equal to 12, would be used to correct a single-burst-error on a per-page basis, where a page consists of 512 32-bit words. In the proposed system, the encoding and error detection processes are implemented by hardware. A minicomputer, currently used as a UNICON memory management processor, is used on a time-demanding basis for error correction. Based upon existing error statistics, this combination of an inner code and an outer code would enable the UNICON system to obtain a very low error rate in spite of flaws affecting the recorded data.

Development of a microcomputer data base of manufacturing, installation, and operating experience for the NSSS designer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Borchers, W.A.; Markowski, E.S.

1986-01-01

Future nuclear steam supply systems (NSSSs) will be designed in an environment of powerful micro hardware and software and these systems will be linked by local area networks (LAN). With such systems, individual NSSS designers and design groups will establish and maintain local data bases to replace existing manual files and data sources. One such effort of this type in Combustion Engineering's (C-E's) NSSS engineering organization is the establishment of a data base of historical manufacturing, installation, and operating experience to provide designers with information to improve on current designs and practices. In contrast to large mainframe or minicomputer datamore » bases, which compile industry-wide data, the data base described here is implemented on a microcomputer, is design specific, and contains a level of detail that is of interest to system and component designers. DBASE III, a popular microcomputer data base management software package, is used. In addition to the immediate benefits provided by the data base, the development itself provided a vehicle for identifying procedural and control aspects that need to be addressed in the environment of local microcomputer data bases. This paper describes the data base and provides some observations on the development, use, and control of local microcomputer data bases in a design organization.« less

An IoT Reader for Wireless Passive Electromagnetic Sensors.

PubMed

Galindo-Romera, Gabriel; Carnerero-Cano, Javier; Martínez-Martínez, José Juan; Herraiz-Martínez, Francisco Javier

2017-03-28

In the last years, many passive electromagnetic sensors have been reported. Some of these sensors are used for measuring harmful substances. Moreover, the response of these sensors is usually obtained with laboratory equipment. This approach highly increases the total cost and complexity of the sensing system. In this work, a novel low-cost and portable Internet-of-Things (IoT) reader for passive wireless electromagnetic sensors is proposed. The reader is used to interrogate the sensors within a short-range wireless link avoiding the direct contact with the substances under test. The IoT functionalities of the reader allows remote sensing from computers and handheld devices. For that purpose, the proposed design is based on four functional layers: the radiating layer, the RF interface, the IoT mini-computer and the power unit. In this paper a demonstrator of the proposed reader is designed and manufactured. The demonstrator shows, through the remote measurement of different substances, that the proposed system can estimate the dielectric permittivity. It has been demonstrated that a linear approximation with a small error can be extracted from the reader measurements. It is remarkable that the proposed reader can be used with other type of electromagnetic sensors, which transduce the magnitude variations in the frequency domain.

An IoT Reader for Wireless Passive Electromagnetic Sensors

PubMed Central

Galindo-Romera, Gabriel; Carnerero-Cano, Javier; Martínez-Martínez, José Juan; Herraiz-Martínez, Francisco Javier

2017-01-01

In the last years, many passive electromagnetic sensors have been reported. Some of these sensors are used for measuring harmful substances. Moreover, the response of these sensors is usually obtained with laboratory equipment. This approach highly increases the total cost and complexity of the sensing system. In this work, a novel low-cost and portable Internet-of-Things (IoT) reader for passive wireless electromagnetic sensors is proposed. The reader is used to interrogate the sensors within a short-range wireless link avoiding the direct contact with the substances under test. The IoT functionalities of the reader allows remote sensing from computers and handheld devices. For that purpose, the proposed design is based on four functional layers: the radiating layer, the RF interface, the IoT mini-computer and the power unit. In this paper a demonstrator of the proposed reader is designed and manufactured. The demonstrator shows, through the remote measurement of different substances, that the proposed system can estimate the dielectric permittivity. It has been demonstrated that a linear approximation with a small error can be extracted from the reader measurements. It is remarkable that the proposed reader can be used with other type of electromagnetic sensors, which transduce the magnitude variations in the frequency domain. PMID:28350356

Multiphasic Health Testing in the Clinic Setting

PubMed Central

LaDou, Joseph

1971-01-01

The economy of automated multiphasic health testing (amht) activities patterned after the high-volume Kaiser program can be realized in low-volume settings. amht units have been operated at daily volumes of 20 patients in three separate clinical environments. These programs have displayed economics entirely compatible with cost figures published by the established high-volume centers. This experience, plus the expanding capability of small, general purpose, digital computers (minicomputers) indicates that a group of six or more physicians generating 20 laboratory appraisals per day can economically justify a completely automated multiphasic health testing facility. This system would reside in the clinic or hospital where it is used and can be configured to do analyses such as electrocardiography and generate laboratory reports, and communicate with large computer systems in university medical centers. Experience indicates that the most effective means of implementing these benefits of automation is to make them directly available to the medical community with the physician playing the central role. Economic justification of a dedicated computer through low-volume health testing then allows, as a side benefit, automation of administrative as well as other diagnostic activities—for example, patient billing, computer-aided diagnosis, and computer-aided therapeutics. PMID:4935771

Pressure Measurement Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1990-01-01

System 8400 is an advanced system for measurement of gas and liquid pressure, along with a variety of other parameters, including voltage, frequency and digital inputs. System 8400 offers exceptionally high speed data acquisition through parallel processing, and its modular design allows expansion from a relatively inexpensive entry level system by the addition of modular Input Units that can be installed or removed in minutes. Douglas Juanarena was on the team of engineers that developed a new technology known as ESP (electronically scanned pressure). The Langley ESP measurement system was based on miniature integrated circuit pressure-sensing transducers that communicated pressure information to a minicomputer. In 1977, Juanarena formed PSI to exploit the NASA technology. In 1978 he left Langley, obtained a NASA license for the technology, introduced the first commercial product, the 780B pressure measurement system. PSI developed a pressure scanner for automation of industrial processes. Now in its second design generation, the DPT-6400 is capable of making 2,000 measurements a second and has 64 channels by addition of slave units. New system 8400 represents PSI's bid to further exploit the 600 million U.S. industrial pressure measurement market. It is geared to provide a turnkey solution to physical measurement.

WATEQ4F - a personal computer Fortran translation of the geochemical model WATEQ2 with revised data base

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ball, J.W.; Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Zachmann, D.W.

1987-01-01

A FORTRAN 77 version of the PL/1 computer program for the geochemical model WATEQ2, which computes major and trace element speciation and mineral saturation for natural waters has been developed. The code (WATEQ4F) has been adapted to execute on an IBM PC or compatible microcomputer. Two versions of the code are available, one operating with IBM Professional FORTRAN and an 8087 or 89287 numeric coprocessor, and one which operates without a numeric coprocessor using Microsoft FORTRAN 77. The calculation procedure is identical to WATEQ2, which has been installed on many mainframes and minicomputers. Limited data base revisions include the addition of the following ions: AlHS04(++), BaS04, CaHS04(++), FeHS04(++), NaF, SrC03, and SrHCO3(+). This report provides the reactions and references for the data base revisions, instructions for program operation, and an explanation of the input and output files. Attachments contain sample output from three water analyses used as test cases and the complete FORTRAN source listing. U.S. Geological Survey geochemical simulation program PHREEQE and mass balance program BALANCE also have been adapted to execute on an IBM PC or compatible microcomputer with a numeric coprocessor and the IBM Professional FORTRAN compiler. (Author 's abstract)

Review of the Water Resources Information System of Argentina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hutchison, N.E.

1987-01-01

A representative of the U.S. Geological Survey traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in November 1986, to discuss water information systems and data bank implementation in the Argentine Government Center for Water Resources Information. Software has been written by Center personnel for a minicomputer to be used to manage inventory (index) data and water quality data. Additional hardware and software have been ordered to upgrade the existing computer. Four microcomputers, statistical and data base management software, and network hardware and software for linking the computers have also been ordered. The Center plans to develop a nationwide distributed data base for Argentina that will include the major regional offices as nodes. Needs for continued development of the water resources information system for Argentina were reviewed. Identified needs include: (1) conducting a requirements analysis to define the content of the data base and insure that all user requirements are met, (2) preparing a plan for the development, implementation, and operation of the data base, and (3) developing a conceptual design to inform all development personnel and users of the basic functionality planned for the system. A quality assurance and configuration management program to provide oversight to the development process was also discussed. (USGS)

A computer system for timing and acoustical analysis of crackles: a study in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.

PubMed

Dalmasso, F; Guarene, M M; Spagnolo, R; Benedetto, G; Righini, G

1984-01-01

A system for recording and processing lung crackles is described. These are detected by a microphone on the chest wall and recorded simultaneously with flow rate, tidal volume and oesophageal pressure on a four-channel tape recorder. The sound signal is subsequently digitized by an analog-to-digital converter and processed by a minicomputer, using the Time Series Language and the fast Fourier transform algorithm. A preliminary study on seven patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA) confirms that crackles typically occur at the end of inspiration; timing seems to be well related to inspired volume and esophageal pressure. Inspiratory crackles of CFA have a well-defined waveform: it consists of a starting component and a damped oscillation, which probably depends on the resonant frequency of the lung. The crackle energy content is mainly concentrated in the frequency range between 100 and 2 000 Hz, the spectrum shape being determined by the energy distribution between the two components of the waveform. This recording and processing system gives more complete information about crackles than auscultation does, allowing their quantification and reproducibility. It may be used to compare crackles in different diseases, and may be simplified and standardized for routine clinical use as an additional noninvasive diagnostic technique.

Radiographic detection of 100 A thickness variations in 1-. mu. m-thick coatings applied to submillimeter-diameter laser fusion targets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stupin, D.M.

1986-01-01

We have developed x-ray radiography to measure thickness variations of coatings on laser fusion targets. Our technique is based on measuring the variation in x-ray transmission through the targets. The simplest targets are hollow glass microshells or microballoons 100 to 500 ..mu..m in diameter, that have several layers of metals or plastics, 1 to 100 ..mu..m thick. Our goal is to examine these opaque coatings for thickness variations as small as 1% or 0.1%, depending on the type of defect. Using contact radiography we have obtained the desired sensitivity for concentric and elliptical defects of 1%. This percentage corresponds tomore » thickness variations as small as 100 A in a 1-..mu..m-thick coating. For warts and dimples, the desired sensitivity is a function of the area of the defect, and we are developing a system to detect 0.1% thickness variations that cover an area 10 ..mu..m by 10 ..mu..m. We must use computer analysis of contact radiographs to measure 1% thickness variations in either concentricity or ellipticity. Because this analysis takes so long on our minicomputer, we preselect the radiographs by looking for defects at the 10% level on a video image analysis system.« less

A Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Model for Simulating Water Flow in Variably Saturated Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huyakorn, Peter S.; Springer, Everett P.; Guvanasen, Varut; Wadsworth, Terry D.

1986-12-01

A three-dimensional finite-element model for simulating water flow in variably saturated porous media is presented. The model formulation is general and capable of accommodating complex boundary conditions associated with seepage faces and infiltration or evaporation on the soil surface. Included in this formulation is an improved Picard algorithm designed to cope with severely nonlinear soil moisture relations. The algorithm is formulated for both rectangular and triangular prism elements. The element matrices are evaluated using an "influence coefficient" technique that avoids costly numerical integration. Spatial discretization of a three-dimensional region is performed using a vertical slicing approach designed to accommodate complex geometry with irregular boundaries, layering, and/or lateral discontinuities. Matrix solution is achieved using a slice successive overrelaxation scheme that permits a fairly large number of nodal unknowns (on the order of several thousand) to be handled efficiently on small minicomputers. Six examples are presented to verify and demonstrate the utility of the proposed finite-element model. The first four examples concern one- and two-dimensional flow problems used as sample problems to benchmark the code. The remaining examples concern three-dimensional problems. These problems are used to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm in three-dimensional situations involving seepage faces and anisotropic soil media.

Ada (Trademark) Compiler Validation Summary Report: Certificate Number: 880714N1,09135, GEC Software Ltd, VADS Version 5.5, SUN 3/50 Workstation X GEC 4195 Minicomputer

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-15

floating-point accuracy that exceeds the maximum of 15 digits supported by this implementation: C24113L..Y (14 tests) C35705L..Y (14 tests) C35706L...declarative part or package specification, or after a libary unit in a compilation, but before any subsequent compilation unit. When the first argument is a...INT constant :=2147483647; MAX- DIGITS :constant :~15; MAX-MANTISSA constant 31; FINE-DELTA constant :=2.0’*(-31); TICK :constant :=0.01; -- Other

SCAILET: An intelligent assistant for satellite ground terminal operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shahidi, A. K.; Crapo, J. A.; Schlegelmilch, R. F.; Reinhart, R. C.; Petrik, E. J.; Walters, J. L.; Jones, R. E.

1993-01-01

NASA Lewis Research Center has applied artificial intelligence to an advanced ground terminal. This software application is being deployed as an experimenter interface to the link evaluation terminal (LET) and was named Space Communication Artificial Intelligence for the Link Evaluation Terminal (SCAILET). The high-burst-rate (HBR) LET provides 30-GHz-transmitting and 20-GHz-receiving, 220-Mbps capability for wide band communications technology experiments with the Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS). The HBR-LET terminal consists of seven major subsystems. A minicomputer controls and monitors these subsystems through an IEEE-488 or RS-232 protocol interface. Programming scripts (test procedures defined by design engineers) configure the HBR-LET and permit data acquisition. However, the scripts are difficult to use, require a steep learning curve, are cryptic, and are hard to maintain. This discourages experimenters from utilizing the full capabilities of the HBR-LET system. An intelligent assistant module was developed as part of the SCAILET software. The intelligent assistant addresses critical experimenter needs by solving and resolving problems that are encountered during the configuring of the HBR-LET system. The intelligent assistant is a graphical user interface with an expert system running in the background. In order to further assist and familiarize an experimenter, an on-line hypertext documentation module was developed and included in the SCAILET software.

A new approach for data acquisition at the JPL space simulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fisher, Terry C.

1992-01-01

In 1990, a personal computer based data acquisition system was put into service for the Space Simulators and Environmental Test Laboratory at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. The new system replaced an outdated minicomputer system which had been in use since 1980. This new data acquisition system was designed and built by JPL for the specific task of acquiring thermal test data in support of space simulation and thermal vacuum testing at JPL. The data acquisition system was designed using powerful personal computers and local-area-network (LAN) technology. Reliability, expandability, and maintainability were some of the most important criteria in the design of the data system and in the selection of hardware and software components. The data acquisition system is used to record both test chamber operational data and thermal data from the unit under test. Tests are conducted in numerous small thermal vacuum chambers and in the large solar simulator and range in size from individual components using only 2 or 3 thermocouples to entire planetary spacecraft requiring in excess of 1200 channels of test data. The system supports several of these tests running concurrently. The previous data system is described along with reasons for its replacement, the types of data acquired, the new data system, and the benefits obtained from the new system including information on tests performed to date.

Test plan for 32-bit microcomputers for the Water Resources Division; Chapter A, Test plan for acquisition of prototype 32-bit microcomputers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hutchison, N.E.; Harbaugh, A.W.; Holloway, R.A.; Merk, C.F.

1987-01-01

The Water Resources Division (WRD) of the U.S. Geological Survey is evaluating 32-bit microcomputers to determine how they can complement, and perhaps later replace, the existing network of minicomputers. The WRD is also designing a National Water Information System (NWIS) that will combine and integrate the existing National Water Data Storage and Retrieval System (WATSTORE), National Water Data Exchange (NAWDEX), and components of several other existing systems. The procedures and testing done in a market evaluation of 32-bit microcomputers are documented. The results of the testing are documented in the NWIS Project Office. The market evaluation was done to identify commercially available hardware and software that could be used for implementing early NWIS prototypes to determine the applicability of 32-bit microcomputers for data base and general computing applications. Three microcomputers will be used for these prototype studies. The results of the prototype studies will be used to compile requirements for a Request for Procurement (RFP) for hardware and software to meet the WRD 's needs in the early 1990's. The identification of qualified vendors to provide the prototype hardware and software included reviewing industry literature, and making telephone calls and personal visits to prospective vendors. Those vendors that appeared to meet general requirements were required to run benchmark tests. (Author 's abstract)

Text processing for technical reports (direct computer-assisted origination, editing, and output of text)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

De Volpi, A.; Fenrick, M. R.; Stanford, G. S.

1980-10-01

Documentation often is a primary residual of research and development. Because of this important role and because of the large amount of time consumed in generating technical reports, particularly those containing formulas and graphics, an existing data-processing computer system has been adapted so as to provide text-processing of technical documents. Emphasis has been on accuracy, turnaround time, and time savings for staff and secretaries, for the types of reports normally produced in the reactor development program. The computer-assisted text-processing system, called TXT, has been implemented to benefit primarily the originator of technical reports. The system is of particular value tomore » professional staff, such as scientists and engineers, who have responsibility for generating much correspondence or lengthy, complex reports or manuscripts - especially if prompt turnaround and high accuracy are required. It can produce text that contains special Greek or mathematical symbols. Written in FORTRAN and MACRO, the program TXT operates on a PDP-11 minicomputer under the RSX-11M multitask multiuser monitor. Peripheral hardware includes videoterminals, electrostatic printers, and magnetic disks. Either data- or word-processing tasks may be performed at the terminals. The repertoire of operations has been restricted so as to minimize user training and memory burden. Spectarial staff may be readily trained to make corrections from annotated copy. Some examples of camera-ready copy are provided.« less

[Development of a system for ultrasonic three-dimensional reconstruction of fetus].

PubMed

Baba, K

1989-04-01

We have developed a system for ultrasonic three-dimensional (3-D) fetus reconstruction using computers. Either a real-time linear array probe or a convex array probe of an ultrasonic scanner was mounted on a position sensor arm of a manual compound scanner in order to detect the position of the probe. A microcomputer was used to convert the position information to what could be recorded on a video tape as an image. This image was superimposed on the ultrasonic tomographic image simultaneously with a superimposer and recorded on a video tape. Fetuses in utero were scanned in seven cases. More than forty ultrasonic section image on the video tape were fed into a minicomputer. The shape of the fetus was displayed three-dimensionally by means of computer graphics. The computer-generated display produced a 3-D image of the fetus and showed the usefulness and accuracy of this system. Since it took only a few seconds for data collection by ultrasonic inspection, fetal movement did not adversely affect the results. Data input took about ten minutes for 40 slices, and 3-D reconstruction and display took about two minutes. The system made it possible to observe and record the 3-D image of the fetus in utero non-invasively and therefore is expected to make it much easier to obtain a 3-D picture of the fetus in utero.

In-phase and out-of-phase axial-torsional fatigue behavior of Haynes 188 at 760 C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalluri, Sreeramesh; Bonacuse, Peter J.

1991-01-01

Isothermal, in-phase and out-of-phase axial-torsional fatigue experiments have been conducted at 760 C on uniform gage section, thin-walled tubular specimens of a wrought cobalt-base superalloy, Haynes 188. Test-control and data acquisition were accomplished with a minicomputer. Fatigue lives of the in- and out-of-phase axial-torsional fatigue tests have been estimated with four different multiaxial fatigue life prediction models that were developed primarly for predicting axial-torsional fatigue lives at room temperature. The models investigated were: (1) the von Mises equivalent strain range; (2) the Modified Multiaxiality Factor Approach; (3) the Modified Smith-Watson-Topper Parameter; and (4) the critical shear plane method of Fatemi, Socie, and Kurath. In general, life predictions by the von Mises equivalent strain range model were within a factor of 2 for a majority of the tests and the predictions by the Modified Multiaxiality Factor Approach were within a factor of 2, while predictions of the Modified Smith-Watson-Topper Parameter and of the critical shear plane method of Fatemi, Socie, and Kurath were unconservative and conservative, respectively, by up to factors of 4. In some of the specimens tested under combined axial-torsional loading conditions, fatigue cracks initiated near extensometer indentations. Two design modifications have been proposed to the thin-walled tubular specimen to overcome this problem.

Managing for the next big thing. Interview by Paul Hemp.

PubMed

Ruettgers, M

2001-01-01

In this HBR interview, CEO Michael Ruettgers speaks in detail about the managerial practices that have allowed EMC to anticipate and exploit disruptive technologies, market opportunities, and business models ahead of its competitors. He recounts how the company repeatedly ventured into untested markets, ultimately transforming itself from a struggling maker of minicomputer memory boards into a data storage powerhouse and one of the most successful companies of the past decade. The company has achieved sustained and nearly unrivaled revenue, profit, and shareprice growth through a number of means. Emphasizing timing and speed, Ruettgers says, is critical. That's meant staggering products rather than developing them sequentially and avoiding the excessive refinements that slow time to market. Indeed, a sense of urgency, Ruettgers explains, has been critical to EMC's success. Processes such as quarterly goal setting and monthly forecasting meetings help maintain a sense of urgency and allow managers to get early glimpses of changes in the market. So does an environment in which personal accountability is stressed and the corporate focus is single-minded. Perhaps most important, the company has procedures to glean insights from customers. Intensive forums involving EMC engineers and leading-edge customers, who typically push for unconventional solutions to their problems, often yield new product features. Similarly, a customer service system that includes real-time monitoring of product use enables EMC to understand customer needs firsthand.

[Medical data in pathology--evaluation of a large collection. (530,000 diagnoses coded in SNOMED II)].

PubMed

Baumann, R P

1999-10-01

The paper is describing the design and the performance of the computerized system, from its introduction in 1982 until the present day. The first device, using the MUMPS language on a mini-computer, followed by a VAX computer with terminals have been replaced in 1996 by an application program, using ORACLE, based on the client-server concept. The content and the particularities of the different data groups are discussed, concerning the functional components of the data bank: 'PATIENTS', 'SPECIMEN', 'SENDERS', 'REPORT' and 'DIAGNOSES'. By means of examples, we demonstrate the chronological evolution of the registration of persons, the distribution of the diagnoses according to the organ systems, the possibilities to combine various lesions and an algorithm to assure that a given lesion is registered only once per patient. In first place, the efficiency and the reliability of manual coding by a pathologist using the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED; 2nd edition [1979/1982]) is discussed. The data bank currently contains 530,000 diagnoses, distributed among on SNOMED's five main modules, obtained from 1500 autopsies, 140,000 surgical and 180,000 cytological specimens. Concluding the article, an analysis is made of desirable developments in the future with the aim of a better integration of the acquired information in routine work and an enhanced use of the medical content for epidemiological research or statistical analysis.

Evaluating computer capabilities in a primary care practice-based research network.

PubMed

Ariza, Adolfo J; Binns, Helen J; Christoffel, Katherine Kaufer

2004-01-01

We wanted to assess computer capabilities in a primary care practice-based research network and to understand how receptive the practices were to new ideas for automation of practice activities and research. This study was conducted among members of the Pediatric Practice Research Group (PPRG). A survey to assess computer capabilities was developed to explore hardware types, software programs, Internet connectivity and data transmission; views on privacy and security; and receptivity to future electronic data collection approaches. Of the 40 PPRG practices participating in the study during the autumn of 2001, all used IBM-compatible systems. Of these, 45% used stand-alone desktops, 40% had networked desktops, and approximately 15% used laptops and minicomputers. A variety of software packages were used, with most practices (82%) having software for some aspect of patient care documentation, patient accounting (90%), business support (60%), and management reports and analysis (97%). The main obstacles to expanding use of computers in patient care were insufficient staff training (63%) and privacy concerns (82%). If provided with training and support, most practices indicated they were willing to consider an array of electronic data collection options for practice-based research activities. There is wide variability in hardware and software use in the pediatric practice setting. Implementing electronic data collection in the PPRG would require a substantial start-up effort and ongoing training and support at the practice site.

Modernization of the NASA IRTF Telescope Control System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilger, Eric J.; Harwood, James V.; Onaka, Peter M.

1994-06-01

We describe the ongoing modernization of the NASA IR Telescope Facility Telescope Control System. A major mandate of this project is to keep the telescope available for observations throughout. Therefore, we have developed an incremental plan that will allow us to replace components of the software and hardware without shutting down the system. The current system, running under FORTH on a DEC LSI 11/23 minicomputer interfaced to a Bus and boards developed in house, will be replaced with a combination of a Sun SPARCstation running SunOS, a MicroSPARC based Single Board Computer running LynxOS, and various intelligent VME based peripheral cards. The software is based on a design philosophy originally developed by Pat Wallace for use on the Anglo Australian Telescope. This philosophy has gained wide acceptance, and is currently used in a number of observatories around the world. A key element of this philosophy is the division of the TCS into `Virtual' and `Real' parts. This will allow us to replace the higher level functions of the TCS with software running on the Sun, while still relying on the LSI 11/23 for performance of the lower level functions. Eventual transfer of lower level functions to the MicroSPARC system will then proceed incrementally through use of a Q-Bus to VME-Bus converter.

A five-collector system for the simultaneous measurement of argon isotope ratios in a static mass spectrometer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stacey, J.S.; Sherrill, N.D.; Dalrymple, G.B.; Lanphere, M.A.; Carpenter, N.V.

1981-01-01

A system is described that utilizes five separate Faraday-cup collector assemblies, aligned along the focal plane of a mass spectrometer, to collect simultaneous argon ion beams at masses 36-40. Each collector has its own electrometer amplifier and analog-to-digital measuring channel, the outputs of which are processed by a minicomputer that also controls the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer utilizes a 90?? sector magnetic analyzer with a radius of 23 cm, in which some degree of z-direction focussing is provided for all the ion beams by the fringe field of the magnet. Simultaneous measurement of the ion beams helps to eliminate mass-spectrometer memory as a significant source of measurement error during an analysis. Isotope ratios stabilize between 7 and 9 s after sample admission into the spectrometer, and thereafter changes in the measured ratios are linear, typically to within ??0.02%. Thus the multi-collector arrangement permits very short extrapolation times for computation of initial ratios, and also provides the advantages of simultaneous measurement of the ion currents in that errors due to variations in ion beam intensity are minimized. A complete analysis takes less than 10 min, so that sample throughput can be greatly enhanced. In this instrument, the factor limiting analytical precision now lies in short-term apparent variations in the interchannel calibration factors. ?? 1981.

Three-axis electron-beam test facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dayton, J. A., Jr.; Ebihara, B. T.

1981-01-01

An electron beam test facility, which consists of a precision multidimensional manipulator built into an ultra-high-vacuum bell jar, was designed, fabricated, and operated at Lewis Research Center. The position within the bell jar of a Faraday cup which samples current in the electron beam under test, is controlled by the manipulator. Three orthogonal axes of motion are controlled by stepping motors driven by digital indexers, and the positions are displayed on electronic totalizers. In the transverse directions, the limits of travel are approximately + or - 2.5 cm from the center with a precision of 2.54 micron (0.0001 in.); in the axial direction, approximately 15.0 cm of travel are permitted with an accuracy of 12.7 micron (0.0005 in.). In addition, two manually operated motions are provided, the pitch and yaw of the Faraday cup with respect to the electron beam can be adjusted to within a few degrees. The current is sensed by pulse transformers and the data are processed by a dual channel box car averager with a digital output. The beam tester can be operated manually or it can be programmed for automated operation. In the automated mode, the beam tester is controlled by a microcomputer (installed at the test site) which communicates with a minicomputer at the central computing facility. The data are recorded and later processed by computer to obtain the desired graphical presentations.

Hardware requirements: A new generation partial reflection radar for studies of the equatorial mesosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vincent, R. A.

1986-01-01

A new partial reflection (PR) radar is being developed for operation at the proposed Equatorial Observatory. The system is being designed to make maximum use of recent advances in solid-state technology in order to minimize the power requirements. In particular, it is planned to use a solid-state transmitter in place of the tube transmitters previously used in PR systems. Solid-state transmitters have the advantages that they do not need high voltage supplies, they do not require cathode heaters with a corresponding saving in power consumption and parts are readily available and inexpensive. It should be possible to achieve 15 kW peak powers with recently announced fast switching transistors. Since high mean powers are desirable for obtaining good signal-to-noise ratios, it is also planned to phase code the transmitted pulses and decode after coherent integration. All decoding and signal processing will be carried out in dedicated microprocessors before the signals are passed to a microcomputer for on-line analysis. Recent tests have shown that an Olivetti M24 micro (an IBM compatible) running an 8-MHz clock with a 8087 coprocessor can analyze data at least as fast as the minicomputers presently being used with the Adelaide PR rad ar and at a significantly lower cost. The processed winds data will be stored in nonvolatile CMOS RAM modules; about 0.5 to 1 Mbyte is required to store one week's information.

Side-scan sonar mapping: Pseudo-real-time processing and mosaicking techniques

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Danforth, W.W.; Schwab, W.C.; O'Brien, T.F.

1990-05-01

The US Geological Survey (USGS) surveyed 1,000 km{sup 2} of the continental shelf off San Francisco during a 17-day cruise, using a 120-kHz side-scan sonar system, and produced a digitally processed sonar mosaic of the survey area. The data were processed and mosaicked in real time using software developed at the Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory and modified by the USGS, a substantial task due to the enormous amount of data produced by high-resolution side-scan systems. Approximately 33 megabytes of data were acquired every 1.5 hr. The real-time sonar images were displayed on a PC-based workstation and the data were transferred tomore » a UNIX minicomputer where the sonar images were slant-range corrected, enhanced using an averaging method of desampling and a linear-contrast stretch, merged with navigation, geographically oriented at a user-selected scale, and finally output to a thermal printer. The hard-copy output was then used to construct a mosaic of the survey area. The final product of this technique is a UTM-projected map-mosaic of sea-floor backscatter variations, which could be used, for example, to locate appropriate sites for sediment sampling to ground truth the sonar imagery while still at sea. More importantly, reconnaissance surveys of this type allow for the analysis and interpretation of the mosaic during a cruise, thus greatly reducing the preparation time needed for planning follow-up studies of a particular area.« less

Development of a remote control console for the HHIRF 25-MV tandem accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hasanul Basher, A.M.

1991-09-01

The CAMAC-based control system for the 25-MV Tandem Accelerator at HHIRF uses two Perkin-Elmer, 32-bit minicomputers: a message-switching computer and a supervisory computer. Two operator consoles are located on one of the six serial highways. Operator control is provided by means of a console CRT, trackball, assignable shaft encoders and meters. The message-switching computer transmits and receives control information on the serial highways. At present, the CRT pages with updated parameters can be displayed and parameters can be controlled only from the two existing consoles, one in the Tandem control room and the other in the ORIC control room. Itmore » has become necessary to expand the control capability to several other locations in the building. With the expansion of control and monitoring capability of accelerator parameters to other locations, the operators will be able to control and observe the result of the control action at the same time. Since the new control console will be PC-based, the existing page format will be changed. The PC will be communicating with the Perkin-Elmer through RS-232 and a communication software package. Hardware configuration has been established, a communication software program that reads the pages from the shared memory has been developed. In this paper, we present the implementation strategy, works completed, existing and new page format, future action plans, explanation of pages and use of related global variables, a sample session, and flowcharts.« less

Ferromagnetism in doped or undoped spintronics nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiang, You

2010-10-01

Much interest has been sparked by the discovery of ferromagnetism in a range of oxide doped and undoped semiconductors. The development of ferromagnetic oxide semiconductor materials with giant magnetoresistance (GMR) offers many advantages in spintronics devices for future miniaturization of computers. Among them, TM-doped ZnO is an extensively studied n-type wide-band-gap (3.36 eV) semiconductor with a tremendous interest as future mini-computer, blue light emitting, and solar cells. In this talk, Co-doped ZnO and Co-doped Cu2O semiconductor nanoclusters are successfully synthesized by a third generation sputtering-gas-aggregation cluster technique. The Co-doped nanoclusters are ferromagnetic with Curie temperature above room temperature. Both of Co-doped nanoclusters show positive magnetoresistance (PMR) at low temperature, but the amplitude of the PMRs shows an anomalous difference. For similar Co doping concentration at 5 K, PMR is greater than 800% for Co-doped ZnO but only 5% for Co-doped Cu2O nanoclusters. Giant PMR in Co-doped ZnO which is attributed to large Zeeman splitting effect has a linear dependence on applied magnetic field with very high sensitivity, which makes it convenient for the future spintronics applications. The small PMR in Co-doped Cu2O is related to its vanishing density of states at Fermi level. Undoped Zn/ZnO core-shell nanoparticle gives high ferromagnetic properties above room temperature due to the defect induced magnetization at the interface.

Commercial space development needs cheap launchers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benson, James William

1998-01-01

SpaceDev is in the market for a deep space launch, and we are not going to pay $50 million for it. There is an ongoing debate about the elasticity of demand related to launch costs. On the one hand there are the ``big iron'' NASA and DoD contractors who say that there is no market for small or inexpensive launchers, that lowering launch costs will not result in significantly more launches, and that the current uncompetitive pricing scheme is appropriate. On the other hand are commercial companies which compete in the real world, and who say that there would be innumerable new launches if prices were to drop dramatically. I participated directly in the microcomputer revolution, and saw first hand what happened to the big iron computer companies who failed to see or heed the handwriting on the wall. We are at the same stage in the space access revolution that personal computers were in the late '70s and early '80s. The global economy is about to be changed in ways that are just as unpredictable as those changes wrought after the introduction of the personal computer. Companies which fail to innovate and keep producing only big iron will suffer the same fate as IBM and all the now-extinct mainframe and minicomputer companies. A few will remain, but with a small share of the market, never again to be in a position to dominate.

Effects of shoe cushioning upon ground reaction forces in running.

PubMed

Clarke, T E; Frederick, E C; Cooper, L B

1983-11-01

To determine the effects of widely varying amounts of cushioning upon vertical force (VF) parameters, ten male subjects, (mean weight = 68.0 kg) ran at a speed of 4.5 m . s-1 (6 min/mile pace) and contacted a Kistler force platform. Two shoes were tested: a hard one and a softer shoe that had 50% more cushioning as measured by an instrumented impact tester. Five right footfalls were collected for each shoe on each subject during which the ground reaction forces were sampled at 500 HZ using a PDP 11/34 minicomputer. Eight parameters from the VF data obtained for each trial were selected for analysis and compared statistically using a paired difference t test. It was found [force magnitudes expressed in multiples of body weight (BW)] that the time to the vertical force impact peak (VFIP) was significantly longer (hard = 22.5 ms, soft = 26.6 ms) in the soft shoe; however, no differences were seen in the magnitudes (hard = 2.30 BW, soft = 2.34 BW). The minimum after the VFIP was also significantly delayed in the soft shoe (hard = 33.8 ms, soft = 37.9 ms) and was significantly greater in the soft shoe (hard = 1.46 BW, soft = 1.90 BW). The peak VF propulsive force occurred statistically at the same time in both shoes (hard = 85.7 ms, soft = 84.0 ms), but was significantly greater in the soft shoe (hard = 2.73 BW, soft = 2.83 BW).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A remote control console for the HHIRF 25-MV Tandem Accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hasanul Basher, A.M.

The CAMAC-based control system for the 25-MV Tandem Accelerator at HHIRF uses two Perkin-Elmer, 32-bit minicomputers: a message-switching computer and a supervisory computer. Two operator consoles are located on one of the six serial highways. Operator control is provided by means of a console CRT, trackball, assignable shaft encoders, and meters. The message-switching computer transmits and receives control information on the serial highways. At present, the CRT pages with updated parameters can be displayed and parameters can be controlled only from the two existing consoles, one in the Tandem control room and the other in the ORIC control room. Itmore » has become necessary to expand the control capability to several other locations in the building. With the expansion of control and monitoring capability of accelerator parameters to other locations, the operators will be able to control and observe the result of the control action at the same time. This capability will be useful in the new Radioactive Ion Beam project of the division. Since the new control console will be PC-based, the existing page format will be changed. The PC will be communicating with the Perkin-Elmer through RS-232 with the aid of a communication protocol. Hardware configuration has been established, a software program that reads the pages from the shared memory, and a communication protocol have been developed. The following sections present the implementation strategy, work completed, future action plans, and the functional details of the communication protocol.« less

Acoustic systems for the measurement of streamflow

USGS Publications Warehouse

Laenen, Antonius; Smith, Winchell

1983-01-01

The acoustic velocity meter (AVM), also referred to as an ultrasonic flowmeter, has been an operational tool for the measurement of streamflow since 1965. Very little information is available concerning AVM operation, performance, and limitations. The purpose of this report is to consolidate information in such a manner as to provide a better understanding about the application of this instrumentation to streamflow measurement. AVM instrumentation is highly accurate and nonmechanical. Most commercial AVM systems that measure streamflow use the time-of-travel method to determine a velocity between two points. The systems operate on the principle that point-to-point upstream travel-time of sound is longer than the downstream travel-time, and this difference can be monitored and measured accurately by electronics. AVM equipment has no practical upper limit of measurable velocity if sonic transducers are securely placed and adequately protected. AVM systems used in streamflow measurement generally operate with a resolution of ?0.01 meter per second but this is dependent on system frequency, path length, and signal attenuation. In some applications the performance of AVM equipment may be degraded by multipath interference, signal bending, signal attenuation, and variable streamline orientation. Presently used minicomputer systems, although expensive to purchase and maintain, perform well. Increased use of AVM systems probably will be realized as smaller, less expensive, and more conveniently operable microprocessor-based systems become readily available. Available AVM equipment should be capable of flow measurement in a wide variety of situations heretofore untried. New signal-detection techniques and communication linkages can provide additional flexibility to the systems so that operation is possible in more river and estuary situations.

[Estimation of pulmonary hypertension in lung and valvular heart diseases by perfusion lung scintigraphy].

PubMed

Fujii, T; Tanaka, M; Yazaki, Y; Kitabayashi, H; Koizumi, T; Kubo, K; Sekiguchi, M; Yano, K

1999-06-01

To estimate pulmonary hypertension, we measured postural differences in pulmonary blood flow for the lateral decubitus positions on perfusion lung scintigrams with Tc-99 m macro-aggregated albumin, applying the method devised by Tanaka et al (Eur J Nucl Med 17: 320-326, 1990). Utilizing a scintillation camera coupled to a minicomputer system, changes in the distribution of pulmonary blood flow caused by gravitational effects, namely, changes in the total count ratios for the right lung versus the left lung in the right and left lateral decubitus positions (R/L), were obtained for 44 patients with lung disease, 95 patients with valvular heart disease, and 23 normal subjects. Mean standard deviation in the R/L ratios was 3.09 +/- 1.28 for the normal subjects, 1.97 +/- 0.89 for the patients with lung disease, and 1.59 +/- 0.59 for the patients with valvular heart disease. The R/L ratios correlated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure and cardio-thoracic ratios in the lung disease and valvular heart disease groups, with pulmonary arteriolar resistance in the former, and with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in the latter. Defining pulmonary hypertension (> 20 mmHg) as an R/L ratio of less than 1.81, which is the mean-1 standard deviation for normal subjects, the sensitivity and the specificity of the R/L ratio for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension were 62.9% and 76.2%, respectively, for the lung disease patients, and 80.3% and 61.8%, respectively, for the valvular heart disease patients. This method seems to be useful for the pathophysiologic evaluation of pulmonary perfusion in cases of lung disease and valvular heart disease.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aimthikul, Y.

This thesis reviews the essential aspects of speech synthesis and distinguishes between the two prevailing techniques: compressed digital speech and phonemic synthesis. It then presents the hardware details of the five speech modules evaluated. FORTRAN programs were written to facilitate message creation and retrieval with four of the modules driven by a PDP-11 minicomputer. The fifth module was driven directly by a computer terminal. The compressed digital speech modules (T.I. 990/306, T.S.I. Series 3D and N.S. Digitalker) each contain a limited vocabulary produced by the manufacturers while both the phonemic synthesizers made by Votrax permit an almost unlimited set ofmore » sounds and words. A text-to-phoneme rules program was adapted for the PDP-11 (running under the RSX-11M operating system) to drive the Votrax Speech Pac module. However, the Votrax Type'N Talk unit has its own built-in translator. Comparison of these modules revealed that the compressed digital speech modules were superior in pronouncing words on an individual basis but lacked the inflection capability that permitted the phonemic synthesizers to generate more coherent phrases. These findings were necessarily highly subjective and dependent on the specific words and phrases studied. In addition, the rapid introduction of new modules by manufacturers will necessitate new comparisons. However, the results of this research verified that all of the modules studied do possess reasonable quality of speech that is suitable for man-machine applications. Furthermore, the development tools are now in place to permit the addition of computer speech output in such applications.« less

The digital geologic map of Colorado in ARC/INFO format, Part A. Documentation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Green, Gregory N.

1992-01-01

This geologic map was prepared as a part of a study of digital methods and techniques as applied to complex geologic maps. The geologic map was digitized from the original scribe sheets used to prepare the published Geologic Map of Colorado (Tweto 1979). Consequently the digital version is at 1:500,000 scale using the Lambert Conformal Conic map projection parameters of the state base map. Stable base contact prints of the scribe sheets were scanned on a Tektronix 4991 digital scanner. The scanner automatically converts the scanned image to an ASCII vector format. These vectors were transferred to a VAX minicomputer, where they were then loaded into ARC/INFO. Each vector and polygon was given attributes derived from the original 1979 geologic map. This database was developed on a MicroVAX computer system using VAX V 5.4 nd ARC/INFO 5.0 software. UPDATE: April 1995, The update was done solely for the purpose of adding the abilitly to plot to an HP650c plotter. Two new ARC/INFO plot AMLs along with a lineset and shadeset for the HP650C design jet printer have been included. These new files are COLORADO.650, INDEX.650, TWETOLIN.E00 and TWETOSHD.E00. These files were created on a UNIX platform with ARC/INFO 6.1.2. Updated versions of INDEX.E00, CONTACT.E00, LINE.E00, DECO.E00 and BORDER.E00 files that included the newly defined HP650c items are also included. * Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Descriptors: The Digital Geologic Map of Colorado in ARC/INFO Format Open-File Report 92-050

Structural Analysis Made 'NESSUSary'

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Everywhere you look, chances are something that was designed and tested by a computer will be in plain view. Computers are now utilized to design and test just about everything imaginable, from automobiles and airplanes to bridges and boats, and elevators and escalators to streets and skyscrapers. Computer-design engineering first emerged in the 1970s, in the automobile and aerospace industries. Since computers were in their infancy, however, architects and engineers during the time were limited to producing only designs similar to hand-drafted drawings. (At the end of 1970s, a typical computer-aided design system was a 16-bit minicomputer with a price tag of $125,000.) Eventually, computers became more affordable and related software became more sophisticated, offering designers the "bells and whistles" to go beyond the limits of basic drafting and rendering, and venture into more skillful applications. One of the major advancements was the ability to test the objects being designed for the probability of failure. This advancement was especially important for the aerospace industry, where complicated and expensive structures are designed. The ability to perform reliability and risk assessment without using extensive hardware testing is critical to design and certification. In 1984, NASA initiated the Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods (PSAM) project at Glenn Research Center to develop analysis methods and computer programs for the probabilistic structural analysis of select engine components for current Space Shuttle and future space propulsion systems. NASA envisioned that these methods and computational tools would play a critical role in establishing increased system performance and durability, and assist in structural system qualification and certification. Not only was the PSAM project beneficial to aerospace, it paved the way for a commercial risk- probability tool that is evaluating risks in diverse, down- to-Earth application

a Portable Apparatus for Absolute Measurements of the Earth's Gravity.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zumberge, Mark Andrew

We have developed a new, portable apparatus for making absolute measurements of the acceleration due to the earth's gravity. We use the method of interferometrically determining the acceleration of a freely falling corner -cube prism. The falling object is surrounded by a chamber which is driven vertically inside a fixed vacuum chamber. This falling chamber is servoed to track the falling corner -cube to shield it from drag due to background gas. In addition, the drag-free falling chamber removes the need for a magnetic release, shields the falling object from electrostatic forces, and provides a means of both gently arresting the falling object and quickly returning it to its start position, to allow rapid acquisition of data. A synthesized long period isolation device reduces the noise due to seismic oscillations. A new type of Zeeman laser is used as the light source in the interferometer, and is compared with the wavelength of an iodine stabilized laser. The times of occurrence of 45 interference fringes are measured to within 0.2 nsec over a 20 cm drop and are fit to a quadratic by an on-line minicomputer. 150 drops can be made in ten minutes resulting in a value of g having a precision of 3 to 6 parts in 10('9). Systematic errors have been determined to be less than 5 parts in 10('9) through extensive tests. Three months of gravity data have been obtained with a reproducibility ranging from 5 to 10 parts in 10('9). The apparatus has been designed to be easily portable. Field measurements are planned for the immediate future. An accuracy of 6 parts in 10('9) corresponds to a height sensitivity of 2 cm. Vertical motions in the earth's crust and tectonic density changes that may precede earthquakes are to be investigated using this apparatus.

A Computer-Controlled Laser Bore Scanner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Charles C.

1980-08-01

This paper describes the design and engineering of a laser scanning system for production applications. The laser scanning techniques, the timing control, the logic design of the pattern recognition subsystem, the digital computer servo control for the loading and un-loading of parts, and the laser probe rotation and its synchronization will be discussed. The laser inspection machine is designed to automatically inspect the surface of precision-bored holes, such as those in automobile master cylinders, without contacting the machined surface. Although the controls are relatively sophisticated, operation of the laser inspection machine is simple. A laser light beam from a commercially available gas laser, directed through a probe, scans the entire surface of the bore. Reflected light, picked up through optics by photoelectric sensors, generates signals that are fed to a mini-computer for processing. A pattern recognition techniques program in the computer determines acceptance or rejection of the part being inspected. The system's acceptance specifications are adjustable and are set to the user's established tolerances. However, the computer-controlled laser system is capable of defining from 10 to 75 rms surface finish, and voids or flaws from 0.0005 to 0.020 inch. Following the successful demonstration with an engineering prototype, the described laser machine has proved its capability to consistently ensure high-quality master brake cylinders. It thus provides a safety improvement for the automotive braking system. Flawless, smooth cylinder bores eliminate premature wearing of the rubber seals, resulting in a longer-lasting master brake cylinder and a safer and more reliable automobile. The results obtained from use of this system, which has been in operation about a year for replacement of a tedious, manual operation on one of the high-volume lines at the Bendix Hydraulics Division, have been very satisfactory.

Design of a real-time wind turbine simulator using a custom parallel architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, John A.; Gluck, R.; Sridhar, S.

1995-01-01

The design of a new parallel-processing digital simulator is described. The new simulator has been developed specifically for analysis of wind energy systems in real time. The new processor has been named: the Wind Energy System Time-domain simulator, version 3 (WEST-3). Like previous WEST versions, WEST-3 performs many computations in parallel. The modules in WEST-3 are pure digital processors, however. These digital processors can be programmed individually and operated in concert to achieve real-time simulation of wind turbine systems. Because of this programmability, WEST-3 is very much more flexible and general than its two predecessors. The design features of WEST-3 are described to show how the system produces high-speed solutions of nonlinear time-domain equations. WEST-3 has two very fast Computational Units (CU's) that use minicomputer technology plus special architectural features that make them many times faster than a microcomputer. These CU's are needed to perform the complex computations associated with the wind turbine rotor system in real time. The parallel architecture of the CU causes several tasks to be done in each cycle, including an IO operation and the combination of a multiply, add, and store. The WEST-3 simulator can be expanded at any time for additional computational power. This is possible because the CU's interfaced to each other and to other portions of the simulation using special serial buses. These buses can be 'patched' together in essentially any configuration (in a manner very similar to the programming methods used in analog computation) to balance the input/ output requirements. CU's can be added in any number to share a given computational load. This flexible bus feature is very different from many other parallel processors which usually have a throughput limit because of rigid bus architecture.

Some Problems and Solutions in Transferring Ecosystem Simulation Codes to Supercomputers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skiles, J. W.; Schulbach, C. H.

1994-01-01

Many computer codes for the simulation of ecological systems have been developed in the last twenty-five years. This development took place initially on main-frame computers, then mini-computers, and more recently, on micro-computers and workstations. Recent recognition of ecosystem science as a High Performance Computing and Communications Program Grand Challenge area emphasizes supercomputers (both parallel and distributed systems) as the next set of tools for ecological simulation. Transferring ecosystem simulation codes to such systems is not a matter of simply compiling and executing existing code on the supercomputer since there are significant differences in the system architectures of sequential, scalar computers and parallel and/or vector supercomputers. To more appropriately match the application to the architecture (necessary to achieve reasonable performance), the parallelism (if it exists) of the original application must be exploited. We discuss our work in transferring a general grassland simulation model (developed on a VAX in the FORTRAN computer programming language) to a Cray Y-MP. We show the Cray shared-memory vector-architecture, and discuss our rationale for selecting the Cray. We describe porting the model to the Cray and executing and verifying a baseline version, and we discuss the changes we made to exploit the parallelism in the application and to improve code execution. As a result, the Cray executed the model 30 times faster than the VAX 11/785 and 10 times faster than a Sun 4 workstation. We achieved an additional speed-up of approximately 30 percent over the original Cray run by using the compiler's vectorizing capabilities and the machine's ability to put subroutines and functions "in-line" in the code. With the modifications, the code still runs at only about 5% of the Cray's peak speed because it makes ineffective use of the vector processing capabilities of the Cray. We conclude with a discussion and future plans.

The digital geologic map of Colorado in ARC/INFO format, Part B. Common files

USGS Publications Warehouse

Green, Gregory N.

1992-01-01

This geologic map was prepared as a part of a study of digital methods and techniques as applied to complex geologic maps. The geologic map was digitized from the original scribe sheets used to prepare the published Geologic Map of Colorado (Tweto 1979). Consequently the digital version is at 1:500,000 scale using the Lambert Conformal Conic map projection parameters of the state base map. Stable base contact prints of the scribe sheets were scanned on a Tektronix 4991 digital scanner. The scanner automatically converts the scanned image to an ASCII vector format. These vectors were transferred to a VAX minicomputer, where they were then loaded into ARC/INFO. Each vector and polygon was given attributes derived from the original 1979 geologic map. This database was developed on a MicroVAX computer system using VAX V 5.4 nd ARC/INFO 5.0 software. UPDATE: April 1995, The update was done solely for the purpose of adding the abilitly to plot to an HP650c plotter. Two new ARC/INFO plot AMLs along with a lineset and shadeset for the HP650C design jet printer have been included. These new files are COLORADO.650, INDEX.650, TWETOLIN.E00 and TWETOSHD.E00. These files were created on a UNIX platform with ARC/INFO 6.1.2. Updated versions of INDEX.E00, CONTACT.E00, LINE.E00, DECO.E00 and BORDER.E00 files that included the newly defined HP650c items are also included. * Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Descriptors: The Digital Geologic Map of Colorado in ARC/INFO Format Open-File Report 92-050

Research Directed at Developing a Classical Theory to Describe Isotope Separation of Polyatomic Molecules Illuminated by Intense Infrared Radiation. Final Report for period May 7, 1979 to September 30, 1979; Extension December 31, 1997

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Lamb, W. E. Jr.

1981-12-01

This final report describes research on the theory of isotope separation produced by the illumination of polyatomic molecules by intense infrared laser radiation. This process is investigated by treating the molecule, sulfur hexafluoride, as a system of seven classical particles that obey the Newtonian equations of motion. A minicomputer is used to integrate these differential equations. The particles are acted on by interatomic forces, and by the time-dependent electric field of the laser. We have a very satisfactory expression for the interaction of the laser and the molecule which is compatible with infrared absorption and spectroscopic data. The interatomic potential is capable of improvement, and progress on this problem is still being made. We have made several computer runs of the dynamical behavior of the molecule using a reasonably good model for the interatomic force law. For the laser parameters chosen, we find that typically the molecule passes quickly through the resonance region into the quasi-continuum and even well into the real continuum before dissociation actually occurs. When viewed on a display terminal, the motions are exceedingly complex. As an aid to the visualization of the process, we have made a number of 16 mm movies depicting a three-dimensional representation of the motion of the seven particles. These show even more clearly the enormous complexity of the motions, and make clear the desirability of finding ways of characterizing the motion in simple ways without giving all of the numerical detail. One of the ways to do this is to introduce statistical parameters such as a temperature associated with the distribution of kinetic energies of the single particle. We have made such an analysis of our data runs, and have found favorable indications that such methods will prove useful in keeping track of the dynamical histories.

Implementation of an advanced clinical and administrative hospital information system.

PubMed

Vegoda, P R; Dyro, J F

1986-01-01

Over the last six years since University Hospital opened, the University Hospital Information System (UHIS) has continued to evolve to what is today an advanced administrative and clinical information system. At University Hospital UHIS is the way of conducting business. A wide range of patient care applications are operational including Patient Registration, ADT for Inpatient/Outpatient/Emergency Room visits, Advanced Order Entry/Result Reporting, Medical Records, Lab Automated Data Acquisition/Quality Control, Pharmacy, Radiology, Dietary, Respiratory Therapy, ECG, EEG, Cardiology, Physical/Occupational Therapy and Nursing. These systems and numerous financial systems have been installed in a highly tuned, efficient computer system. All applications are real-time, on-line, and data base oriented. Each system is provided with multiple data security levels, forward file recovery, and dynamic transaction backout of in-flight tasks. Sensitive medical information is safeguarded by job function passwords, identification codes, need-to-know master screens and terminal keylocks. University Hospital has an IBM 3083 CPU with five 3380 disk drives, four dual density tape drives, and a 3705 network controller. The network of 300 terminals and 100 printers is connected to the computer center by an RF broadband cable. The software is configured around the IBM/MVS operating system using CICS as the telecommunication monitor, IMS as the data base management system and PCS/ADS as the application enabling tool. The most extensive clinical system added to UHIS is the Physiological Monitoring/Patient Data Management System with serves 92 critical care beds. In keeping with the Hospital's philosophy of integrated computing, the PMS/PDMS with its network of minicomputers was linked to the UHIS system. In a pilot program, remote access to UHIS through the IBM personal computer has been implemented in several physician offices in the local community, further extending the communications

Cyclic Axial-Torsional Deformation Behavior of a Cobalt-Base Superalloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonacuse, Peter J.; Kalluri, Sreeramesh

1995-01-01

The cyclic, high-temperature deformation behavior of a wrought cobalt-base super-alloy, Haynes 188, is investigated under combined axial and torsional loads. This is accomplished through the examination of hysteresis loops generated from a biaxial fatigue test program. A high-temperature axial, torsional, and combined axial-torsional fatigue database has been generated on Haynes 188 at 760 C. Cyclic loading tests have been conducted on uniform gage section tubular specimens in a servohydraulic axial-torsional test rig. Test control and data acquisition were accomplished with a minicomputer. The fatigue behavior of Haynes 188 at 760 C under axial, torsional, and combined axial-torsional loads and the monotonic and cyclic deformation behaviors under axial and torsional loads have been previously reported. In this paper, the cyclic hardening characteristics and typical hysteresis loops in the axial stress versus axial strain, shear stress ,versus engineering shear strain, axial strain versus engineering shear strain. and axial stress versus shear stress spaces are presented for cyclic in-phase and out-of-phase axial-torsional tests. For in-phase tests, three different values of the proportionality constant lambda (the ratio of engineering shear strain amplitude to axial strain amplitude, are examined, viz. 0.86, 1.73, and 3.46. In the out-of-phase tests, three different values of the phase angle, phi (between the axial and engineering shear strain waveforms), are studied, viz., 30, 60, and 90 degrees with lambda equals 1.73. The cyclic hardening behaviors of all the tests conducted on Haynes 188 at 760 C are evaluated using the von Mises equivalent stress-strain and the maximum shear stress-maximum engineering shear strain (Tresca) curves. Comparisons are also made between the hardening behaviors of cyclic axial, torsional, and combined in-phase (lambda = 1.73 and phi = 0) and out-of-phase (lambda = 1.73 and phi = 90') axial-torsional fatigue tests. These comparisons

Cyclic axial-torsional deformation behavior of a cobalt-base superalloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonacuse, Peter J.; Kalluri, Sreeramesh

1992-01-01

Multiaxial loading, especially at elevated temperature, can cause the inelastic response of a material to differ significantly from that predicted by simple flow rules, i.e., von Mises or Tresca. To quantify some of these differences, the cyclic high-temperature, deformation behavior of a wrought cobalt-based superalloy, Haynes 188, is investigated under combined axial and torsional loads. Haynes 188 is currently used in many aerospace gas turbine and rocket engine applications, e.g., the combustor liner for the T800 turboshaft engine for the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter and the liquid oxygen posts in the main injector of the space shuttle main engine. The deformation behavior of this material is assessed through the examination of hysteresis loops generated from a biaxial fatigue test program. A high-temperature axial, torsional, and combined axial-torsional fatigue data base has been generated on Haynes 188 at 760 C. Cyclic loading tests have been conducted on uniform gauge section tubular specimens in a servohydraulic axial-torsional test rig. Test control and data acquisition were accomplished with a minicomputer. In this paper, the cyclic hardening characteristics and typical hysteresis loops in the axial stress versus axial strain, shear stress versus engineering shear strain, axial strain versus engineering shear strain, and axial stress versus shear stress spaces are presented for cyclic, in-phase and out-of-phase, axial torsional tests. For in-phase tests three different values of the proportionality constant, lambda (ratio of engineering shear strain amplitude to axial strain amplitude), are examined, viz., 0.86, 1.73, and 3.46. In the out-of-phase tests, three different values of the phase angle, phi (between the axial and engineering shear strain waveforms), are studied, viz., 30, 60, and 90 deg with lambda = 1.73. The cyclic hardening behaviors of all the tests conducted on Haynes 188 at 760 C are evaluated using the von Mises equivalent stress

Phospholipid order in gel- and fluid-phase cell-size liposomes measured by digitized video fluorescence polarization microscopy.

PubMed Central

Florine-Casteel, K

1990-01-01

Low-light digitized video fluorescence microscopy has been utilized to measure the steady-state polarized fluorescence from the membrane probe diphenylhexatriene (DPH) and its cationic and phosphatidylcholine derivatives 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) and 2-[3-(diphenylhexatrienyl)propanoyl]-3-palmitoyl-L-alpha-phosphati dylcholine (DPH-PC), respectively, in cell-size (10-70 microns) unilamellar vesicles composed of gel-or fluid-phase phospholipid. Using an inverted microscope with epi-illumination optics and an intensified silicon intensified target camera interfaced to a minicomputer, fluorescence images of single vesicles were obtained at emission polarizer orientations of 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, and 135 degrees relative to the excitation light polarization direction. Fluorescence intensity ratios F90 degrees/F0 degrees (= F perpendicular/F parallel) and F135 degrees/F45 degrees were calculated on a pixel-by-pixel basis from digitized image pairs. Theoretical expressions were derived for collected polarized fluorescence as a function of position on the membrane surface as well as the degree of lipid order, in terms of the fluorophore's maximum angular motional freedom in the bilayer (identical to theta max), using a modification of the method of D. Axelrod (1979. Biophys. J. 26:557-574) together with the "wobbling-in-a-cone" model of probe rotational diffusion. Comparison of experimental polarization ratios with theoretical ratios yielded the following results. In gel-phase dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine, the data for all three probes correspond to a model in which the cone angle theta max = 17 +/- 2 degrees and there exists a collective tilt of the phospholipid acyl chains of 30 degrees relative to the bilayer normal. In addition, approximately 5% of DPH and TMA-DPH molecules are aligned parallel to the plane of the bilayer. In fluid-phase palmitoyloleoyl-phosphatidylcholine, the data are well fit by models in

CLIPS - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM (IBM PC VERSION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, G.

1994-01-01

The C Language Integrated Production System, CLIPS, is a shell for developing expert systems. It is designed to allow artificial intelligence research, development, and delivery on conventional computers. The primary design goals for CLIPS are portability, efficiency, and functionality. For these reasons, the program is written in C. CLIPS meets or outperforms most micro- and minicomputer based artificial intelligence tools. CLIPS is a forward chaining rule-based language. The program contains an inference engine and a language syntax that provide a framework for the construction of an expert system. It also includes tools for debugging an application. CLIPS is based on the Rete algorithm, which enables very efficient pattern matching. The collection of conditions and actions to be taken if the conditions are met is constructed into a rule network. As facts are asserted either prior to or during a session, CLIPS pattern-matches the number of fields. Wildcards and variables are supported for both single and multiple fields. CLIPS syntax allows the inclusion of externally defined functions (outside functions which are written in a language other than CLIPS). CLIPS itself can be embedded in a program such that the expert system is available as a simple subroutine call. Advanced features found in CLIPS version 4.3 include an integrated microEMACS editor, the ability to generate C source code from a CLIPS rule base to produce a dedicated executable, binary load and save capabilities for CLIPS rule bases, and the utility program CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) designed to facilitate the development and maintenance of large rule bases. Five machine versions are available. Each machine version includes the source and the executable for that machine. The UNIX version includes the source and binaries for IBM RS/6000, Sun3 series, and Sun4 series computers. The UNIX, DEC VAX, and DEC RISC Workstation versions are line oriented. The PC version and the Macintosh

CLIPS - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM (MACINTOSH VERSION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culbert, C.

1994-01-01

The C Language Integrated Production System, CLIPS, is a shell for developing expert systems. It is designed to allow artificial intelligence research, development, and delivery on conventional computers. The primary design goals for CLIPS are portability, efficiency, and functionality. For these reasons, the program is written in C. CLIPS meets or outperforms most micro- and minicomputer based artificial intelligence tools. CLIPS is a forward chaining rule-based language. The program contains an inference engine and a language syntax that provide a framework for the construction of an expert system. It also includes tools for debugging an application. CLIPS is based on the Rete algorithm, which enables very efficient pattern matching. The collection of conditions and actions to be taken if the conditions are met is constructed into a rule network. As facts are asserted either prior to or during a session, CLIPS pattern-matches the number of fields. Wildcards and variables are supported for both single and multiple fields. CLIPS syntax allows the inclusion of externally defined functions (outside functions which are written in a language other than CLIPS). CLIPS itself can be embedded in a program such that the expert system is available as a simple subroutine call. Advanced features found in CLIPS version 4.3 include an integrated microEMACS editor, the ability to generate C source code from a CLIPS rule base to produce a dedicated executable, binary load and save capabilities for CLIPS rule bases, and the utility program CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) designed to facilitate the development and maintenance of large rule bases. Five machine versions are available. Each machine version includes the source and the executable for that machine. The UNIX version includes the source and binaries for IBM RS/6000, Sun3 series, and Sun4 series computers. The UNIX, DEC VAX, and DEC RISC Workstation versions are line oriented. The PC version and the Macintosh

CLIPS - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM (IBM PC VERSION WITH CLIPSITS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, , .

1994-01-01

The C Language Integrated Production System, CLIPS, is a shell for developing expert systems. It is designed to allow artificial intelligence research, development, and delivery on conventional computers. The primary design goals for CLIPS are portability, efficiency, and functionality. For these reasons, the program is written in C. CLIPS meets or outperforms most micro- and minicomputer based artificial intelligence tools. CLIPS is a forward chaining rule-based language. The program contains an inference engine and a language syntax that provide a framework for the construction of an expert system. It also includes tools for debugging an application. CLIPS is based on the Rete algorithm, which enables very efficient pattern matching. The collection of conditions and actions to be taken if the conditions are met is constructed into a rule network. As facts are asserted either prior to or during a session, CLIPS pattern-matches the number of fields. Wildcards and variables are supported for both single and multiple fields. CLIPS syntax allows the inclusion of externally defined functions (outside functions which are written in a language other than CLIPS). CLIPS itself can be embedded in a program such that the expert system is available as a simple subroutine call. Advanced features found in CLIPS version 4.3 include an integrated microEMACS editor, the ability to generate C source code from a CLIPS rule base to produce a dedicated executable, binary load and save capabilities for CLIPS rule bases, and the utility program CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) designed to facilitate the development and maintenance of large rule bases. Five machine versions are available. Each machine version includes the source and the executable for that machine. The UNIX version includes the source and binaries for IBM RS/6000, Sun3 series, and Sun4 series computers. The UNIX, DEC VAX, and DEC RISC Workstation versions are line oriented. The PC version and the Macintosh

Evaluation Of Digital Unsharp-Mask Filtering For The Detection Of Subtle Mammographic Microcalcifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Heang-Ping; Vyborny, Carl J.; MacMahon, Heber; Metz, Charles E.; Doi, Kunio; Sickles, Edward A.

1986-06-01

We have conducted a study to assess the effects of digitization and unsharp-mask filtering on the ability of observers to detect subtle microcalcifications in mammograms. Thirty-two conventional screen-film mammograms were selected from patient files by two experienced mammographers. Twelve of the mammograms contained a suspicious cluster of microcalcifications in patients who subsequently underwent biopsy. Twenty of the mammograms were normal cases which were initially interpreted as being free of clustered microcalcifications and did not demonstrate such on careful review. The mammograms were digitized with a high-quality Fuji image processing/simulation system. The system consists of two drum scanners with which an original radiograph can be digitized, processed by a minicomputer, and reconstituted on film. In this study, we employed a sampling aperture of 0.1 mm X 0.1 mm and a sampling distance of 0.1 mm. The density range from 0.2 to 2.75 was digitized to 1024 grey levels per pixel. The digitized images were printed on a single emulsion film with a display aperture having the same size as the sampling aperture. The system was carefully calibrated so that the density and contrast of a digitized image were closely matched to those of the original radiograph. Initially, we evaluated the effects of the weighting factor and the mask size of a unsharp-mask filter on the appearance of mammograms for various types of breasts. Subjective visual comparisons suggested that a mask size of 91 X 91 pixels (9.1 mm X 9.1 mm) enhances the visibility of microcalcifications without excessively increasing the high-frequency noise. Further, a density-dependent weighting factor that increases linearly from 1.5 to 3.0 in the density range of 0.2 to 2.5 enhances the contrast of microcalcifications without introducing many potentially confusing artifacts in the low-density areas. An unsharp-mask filter with these parameters was used to process the digitized mammograms. We conducted

NASA/FLAGRO - FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH COMPUTER PROGRAM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forman, R. G.

1994-01-01

-intensity factor numerical values can be computed for making comparisons or checks of solutions. NASA/FLAGRO can check for failure of a part-through crack in the mode of a through crack when net ligament yielding occurs. NASA/FLAGRO has a number of special subroutines and files which provide enhanced capabilities and easy entry of data. These include crack case solutions, cyclic load spectrums, nondestructive examination initial flaw sizes, table interpolation, and material properties. The materials properties files are divided into two types, a user defined file and a fixed file. Data is entered and stored in the user defined file during program execution, while the fixed file contains already coded-in property value data for many different materials. Prompted input from CRT terminals consists of initial crack definition (which can be defined automatically), rate solution type, flaw type and geometry, material properties (if they are not in the built-in tables of material data), load spectrum data (if not included in the loads spectrum file), and design limit stress levels. NASA/FLAGRO output includes an echo of the input with any error or warning messages, the final crack size, whether or not critical crack size has been reached for the specified stress level, and a life history profile of the crack propagation. NASA/FLAGRO is modularly designed to facilitate revisions and operation on minicomputers. The program was implemented on a DEC VAX 11/780 with the VMS operating system. NASA/FLAGRO is written in FORTRAN77 and has a memory requirement of 1.4 MB. The program was developed in 1986.

Applications of research from the U.S. Geological Survey program, assessment of regional earthquake hazards and risk along the Wasatch Front, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gori, Paula L.

1993-01-01

engineering studies. Translated earthquake hazard maps have also been developed to identify areas that are particularly vulnerable to various causes of damage such as ground shaking, surface rupturing, and liquefaction. The implementation of earthquake hazard reduction plans are now under way in various communities in Utah. The results of a survey presented in this paper indicate that technical public officials (planners and building officials) have an understanding of the earthquake hazards and how to mitigate the risks. Although the survey shows that the general public has a slightly lower concern about the potential for economic losses, they recognize the potential problems and can support a number of earthquake mitigation measures. The study suggests that many community groups along the Wasatch Front, including volunteer groups, business groups, and elected and appointed officials, are ready for action-oriented educational programs. These programs could lead to a significant reduction in the risks associated with earthquake hazards. A DATA BASE DESIGNED FOR URBAN SEISMIC HAZARDS STUDIES: A computerized data base has been designed for use in urban seismic hazards studies conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. The design includes file structures for 16 linked data sets, which contain geological, geophysical, and seismological data used in preparing relative ground response maps of large urban areas. The data base is organized along relational data base principles. A prototype urban hazards data base has been created for evaluation in two urban areas currently under investigation: the Wasatch Front region of Utah and the Puget Sound area of Washington. The initial implementation of the urban hazards data base was accomplished on a microcomputer using dBASE III Plus software and transferred to minicomputers and a work station. A MAPPING OF GROUND-SHAKING INTENSITIES FOR SALT LAKE COUNTY, UTAH: This paper documents the development of maps showing a

The ASC Sequoia Programming Model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seager, M

2008-08-06

In the late 1980's and early 1990's, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory was deeply engrossed in determining the next generation programming model for the Integrated Design Codes (IDC) beyond vectorization for the Cray 1s series of computers. The vector model, developed in mid 1970's first for the CDC 7600 and later extended from stack based vector operation to memory to memory operations for the Cray 1s, lasted approximately 20 years (See Slide 5). The Cray vector era was deemed an extremely long lived era as it allowed vector codes to be developed over time (the Cray 1s were faster in scalarmore » mode than the CDC 7600) with vector unit utilization increasing incrementally over time. The other attributes of the Cray vector era at LLNL were that we developed, supported and maintained the Operating System (LTSS and later NLTSS), communications protocols (LINCS), Compilers (Civic Fortran77 and Model), operating system tools (e.g., batch system, job control scripting, loaders, debuggers, editors, graphics utilities, you name it) and math and highly machine optimized libraries (e.g., SLATEC, and STACKLIB). Although LTSS was adopted by Cray for early system generations, they later developed COS and UNICOS operating systems and environment on their own. In the late 1970s and early 1980s two trends appeared that made the Cray vector programming model (described above including both the hardware and system software aspects) seem potentially dated and slated for major revision. These trends were the appearance of low cost CMOS microprocessors and their attendant, departmental and mini-computers and later workstations and personal computers. With the wide spread adoption of Unix in the early 1980s, it appeared that LLNL (and the other DOE Labs) would be left out of the mainstream of computing without a rapid transition to these 'Killer Micros' and modern OS and tools environments. The other interesting advance in the period is that systems were being developed with

User's guide to HYPOINVERSE-2000, a Fortran program to solve for earthquake locations and magnitudes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klein, Fred W.

2002-01-01

Hypoinverse is a computer program that processes files of seismic station data for an earthquake (like p wave arrival times and seismogram amplitudes and durations) into earthquake locations and magnitudes. It is one of a long line of similar USGS programs including HYPOLAYR (Eaton, 1969), HYPO71 (Lee and Lahr, 1972), and HYPOELLIPSE (Lahr, 1980). If you are new to Hypoinverse, you may want to start by glancing at the section “SOME SIMPLE COMMAND SEQUENCES” to get a feel of some simpler sessions. This document is essentially an advanced user’s guide, and reading it sequentially will probably plow the reader into more detail than he/she needs. Every user must have a crust model, station list and phase data input files, and glancing at these sections is a good place to begin. The program has many options because it has grown over the years to meet the needs of one the largest seismic networks in the world, but small networks with just a few stations do use the program and can ignore most of the options and commands. History and availability. Hypoinverse was originally written for the Eclipse minicomputer in 1978 (Klein, 1978). A revised version for VAX and Pro-350 computers (Klein, 1985) was later expanded to include multiple crustal models and other capabilities (Klein, 1989). This current report documents the expanded Y2000 version and it supercedes the earlier documents. It serves as a detailed user's guide to the current version running on unix and VAX-alpha computers, and to the version supplied with the Earthworm earthquake digitizing system. Fortran-77 source code (Sun and VAX compatible) and copies of this documentation is available via anonymous ftp from computers in Menlo Park. At present, the computer is swave.wr.usgs.gov and the directory is /ftp/pub/outgoing/klein/hyp2000. If you are running Hypoinverse on one of the Menlo Park EHZ or NCSN unix computers, the executable currently is ~klein/hyp2000/hyp2000. New features. The Y2000 version of

Obituary: Arthur Dodd Code (1923-2009)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marché, Jordan D., II

2009-12-01

future course of stellar astronomy," a prediction strongly borne out in the decades that followed. In 1959, Code founded the Space Astronomy Laboratory (SAL) within the UW Department of Astronomy. Early photometric and spectrographic equipment was test-flown aboard NASA's X-15 rocket plane and Aerobee sounding rockets. Along with other SAL personnel, including Theodore E. Houck, Robert C. Bless, and John F. McNall, Code (as principal investigator) was responsible for the design of the Wisconsin Experiment Package (WEP) as one of two suites of instruments to be flown aboard the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO), which represented a milestone in the advent of space astronomy. With its seven reflecting telescopes feeding five filter photometers and two scanning spectrometers, WEP permitted the first extended observations in the UV portion of the spectrum. After the complete failure of the OAO-1 spacecraft (launched in 1966), OAO-2 was successfully launched on 7 December 1968 and gathered data on over a thousand celestial objects during the next 50 months, including stars, nebulae, galaxies, planets, and comets. These results appeared in a series of more than 40 research papers, chiefly in the Ap.J., along with the 1972 monograph, The Scientific Results from the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO-2), edited by Code. Between the OAO launches, other SAL colleagues of Code developed the Wisconsin Automatic Photoelectric Telescope (or APT), the first computer-controlled (or "robotic") telescope. Driven by a PDP-8 mini-computer, it routinely collected atmospheric extinction data. Code was also chosen principal investigator for the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (or WUPPE). This used a UV-sensitive polarimeter designed by Kenneth Nordsieck that was flown twice aboard the space shuttles in 1990 and 1995. Among other findings, WUPPE observations demonstrated that interstellar dust does not appreciably change the direction of polarization of starlight

WE-G-16A-01: Evolution of Radiation Treatment Planning

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rothenberg, L; Mohan, R; Van Dyk, J

, structure delineation, assignment of dose requirements, consideration of uncertainties, selection of beam configurations and shaping of beams, and calculations, optimization and evaluation of dose distributions. This will be followed by three presentations covering the evolution of treatment planning, which parallels the evolution of computers, availability of advanced volumetric imaging and the development of novel technologies such as dynamic multi-leaf collimators and online image guidance. This evolution will be divided over three distinct periods - prior to 1970's, the 2D era; from 1980 to the mid-1990's, the 3D era; and from the mid 1990's to today, the IMRT era. When the World was Flat: The Two-Dimensional Radiation Therapy Era” - Jacob Van Dyk In the 2D era, anatomy was defined with the aid of solder wires, special contouring devices and projection x-rays. Dose distributions were calculated manually from single field, flat surface isodoses on transparencies. Precalculated atlases of generic dose distributions were produced by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Massive time-shared main frames and mini-computers were used to compute doses at individual points or dose distributions in a single plane. Beam shapes were generally rectangular, with wedges, missing tissue compensators and occasional blocks to shield critical structures. Dose calculations were measurement-based or they used primary and scatter calculations based on scatter-air ratio methodologies. Dose distributions were displayed on line printers as alpha-numeric character maps or isodose patterns made with pen plotters. More than Pretty Pictures: 3D Treatment Planning and Conformal Therapy - Benedick A. Fraass The introduction of computed tomography allowed the delineation of anatomy three-dimensionally and, supported partly by contracts from the National Cancer Institute, made possible the introduction and clinical use of 3D treatment planning, leading to development and use of 3D conformal therapy