Off-line Programs Research Articles

Use of the Fermilab Advanced Computer Program Multi-Microprocessor as an on-Line Trigger Processor

The Fermilab Advanced Computer Program is constructing a powerful multi-microprocessor system for data analysis in high-energy physics. The system will use commercial 32-bit microprocessors and be programmed in Fortran-77. A large array of support software allows easy migration of user applications from a uniprocessor environment to the multiprocessor, as well as providing sophisticated program development, debugging, and error handling and recavery tools. This system will provide computing power with a cost effectiveness of $3000-4000 per VAX 11/780 equivalent. We describe here the applications of this system as an on-line trigger processor. The low cost, commercial availability, compatibility with off-line analysis programs, and high data bandwidths (up to 160 MByte/sec) make this system an ideal choice for such real-time applications.

Some practical aspects of computer applications in a fermentor hall

The use of computers in a fermentation pilot plant is described from a practical point of view. The aim is not the application of a computer to a single special process but a general application of computers to prepare and present data for the following analysis of fermentation processes. The hardware is normally bought from computer manufacturers, but some additional installations are useful. Application software has to be developed by the biotechnologist, therefore the software structure is the most important part of the computer application. Data storage is divided into three parts: short-time memory, long-time storage, and a medium memory mainly to be used in process analyses and process control. Four types of programs are used: main schedule tasks, low-priority on-line tasks, sense-switch routine, and different off-line programs. A table of all programs is presented, the main schedule task is described in detail to demonstrate the software structure.

The Effects of Driving Experience on Objective Measures of Driving Performance

The experiment described herein was conducted to develop a method of predicting driver ability based on objective measures of driving performance. Fifteen subjects drove an instrumented vehicle in live traffic on two-lane and multi-lane road sections in and around the Toronto area. Eight of the subject drivers had at least five years driving experience and seven of them had less than two thousand miles driving experience. On selected portions of the road course, subjects were instructed to maintain certain speeds or lanes. During these periods raw data were collected on vehicle velocity, lane position, steering wheel position, and accelerator pedal position. Using off-line computer programs the data were transformed into a number of descriptive statistics which were then analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. Results indicated that even though univariate analyses were generally unsuccessful in differentiating between the groups of experienced and inexperienced drivers, successful discrimination was achieved with combinations of variables. Results suggest that it could be possible to employ on-line monitoring devices to determine whether a driver is capable of a minimum level of driving performance. Implications for the use of such a device in driver licensing and education are discussed.

OLDAS: An On-Line Digital Analog Simulator

OLDAS is a conversational system that provides a user with the means to construct, modify, and run programs written in the continuous simulation language MIMIC. OLDAS operates in a multiprogrammed mode on an IBM 360/40 computer. The user terminal consists of an IBM 2250 CRT display with a light pen and alphanumeric keyboard. An IBM 2311 disk pack drive is utilized for storage of user programs and data. MIMIC source programs are entered via the alpha numeric keyboard, displayed on the CRT, and stored on the disk in the form of pages, of which there are three types: Parameter, Program, and Arbitrary Function. To facilitate manipulation and reuse of a program, several versions of it may be stored in the some file on the disk. The principal form of output is a graphical display of results which the user monitors during execution. The user can halt execution at any time, change pro gram parameters and integration options, and specify new results to be plotted. Options which allow a user to display results digitally and to print on- line are available. Results can also be saved on the disk for processing by off-line programs.

Design of a real-time central data acquisition and analysis system

A computer system is described for real-time data acquisition and servicing of 40 asynchronous inertial guidance system test stations. Some data are received automatically from the small guidance system computers at a maximum rate of eight words per second. Other data are input manually at each station via a mode selector and several 16-position thumbwheel switches. The data are received, partially edited and stored all in real time, and retrieved and analyzed with the highest "time-availability" priority at the time of completion of the guidance system test. The analysis results determine further testing or repair actions for each guidance system. The central computer is a SEL 840-MP, a general-purpose 24-bit, 32K, 1.75-µs cycle-time machine with basic real-time monitor software. The special purpose system is implemented as a software/ hardware interface with the real-time monitor and the test station hardware. A key factor for the real-time data processing is the use of random access blocks on mass storage discs to greatly augment primary memory without seriously degrading total accessing time. This also frees "background" core for off-line programs running in a low-priority interruptable mode and for the analysis programs which do not operate in the real-time mode. A disc allocation and cataloging scheme is presented along with a hardware and software description.

Software for a Process-Control Laboratory

The operation of a digital computer in a control laboratory imposes stringent requirements for a suitable language. Such a machine is used as part of a hybrid computer, to control and test pilot-scale plant, to analyse pre-recorded data, and to process relevant off-line programs. To achieve this degree of flexibility a high-level language with the facility for employing machine-language subroutines is essential. For on-line systems, input and output of data involves a straight-forward extension to normal practise; the main difficulty lies in the programming for the servicing of interrupts. This paper discusses the use of Fortran as the basis language of an on-line system and compares this with possible Algol-based systems.

On-Line Digital Computer Application Techniques for Complex Electric System Dispatch

The design, the implementation of, and the operating experience with a large-scale digital computer system used for optimum scheduling and on-line control of a complex hydro-thermal electric utility system is discussed. Dispatch techniques are outlined which produce optimal scheduling of steam, stored hydro, pumped hydro, and run-of-river hydro generation and economy interchange over a 32-hour period with full consideration given to unit selection and pumped hydro storage incremental cost-worth evaluation. Dispatch policy that results in the minimum practical dollars system power source cost within the framework of physical limitations and operational constraints is discussed. Operational features, including dispatcher-computer communication, scheduling program to on-line control program data interface, digital computer-analog load-frequency control interface, alarm-logging-monitoring programs, and off-line study mode programs are discussed.

Telefile

The development of an on-line computer system for a savings bank institution is traced from the early conceptual needs of the bank to the consummation of design by The Teleregister Corporation. Both bank and equipment criteria are specified which led to the development of the Telefile System of The Teleregister Corporation.Operation of the on-line and off-line programs are described and statistics are cited for reliability and performance of the system. Benefits to the bank are discussed from the banker's point of view; an indication of future trends in the on-line savings bank field is also discussed.