On-line Input Research Articles

Modeling of System Dynamics and Disturbance From Paper-Making Process Data

A new method is described to simultaneously model the dynamics and disturbance for a paper-making process from a set of on-line step input response data. The response is decomposed into two parts — a deterministic part represented by the response of an nth order linear system, and a stochastic part characterized by an Autoregressive Moving Average time series model. The differential equations representing the dynamics of the noise are also obtained and discussed. A general modeling strategy and estimation procedure for arbitrary inputs and unkown deal-time is outlined.

Free Text Synthesis System (FTSS)

This paper describes a programming system to perform free-text synthesis as determined by the prior definition of parameters, control data and standard text (i.e. the user program). The output consists of:— previously defined standard text elements,— arithmetic values calculated from the contents of the OMR forms,— free text obtained by means of on-line input to a visual display unit.Prior to this output the primary information undergoes testing as regards its completeness and plausibility. Should this testing result in no errors the data undergo further processing, otherwise relevant error messages are output and the data cease to be processed.The functions of FTSS are clarified by the use of flowcharts, tables and figures. The system design is discussed from the point of view of the necessity of its optimization and the necessity in medical information science for general program systems, taking into account the inter-relationship between the user programs •— with their variable clinical content — and the variable main programs — with their time-consuming problem analysis and systems development stages in conjunction with their requirements for programming personnel.FTSS is written in PL/1 and is implemented on the IBM—360/67 of the Medical System Hannover. Since the user program is processed as control information for the main program, FTSS is a data controlled processing system.FTSS is an independent module that at present has eight implementations for routine clinical usage. At the same time it is a part of an extensive recording system consisting of closed information cycles within a general information synthesis system.

A remote-terminal retrospective search facility using a hybrid of microform and computer storage

This paper describes a technical document center providing remote-terminal retrospective search capability and shows its evolution from the traditional catalog card operation. The system uses mini-computers for on-line input and editing of data and for production of announcements, and uses a commercial computer-utility/communication network for retrospective searching. A hybrid of microform and computer storage was designed to decrease computer and line charges and to allow for security considerations. Bilingual search capability in either of two modes suitable for experienced users or novices is provided to a network of satellite libraries separated by as much as 3000 miles. A Selective Dissemination of Information service is provided using in-house and foreign data bases and serving over 600 profiles of interest.

An interactive speech processing system using a large computer

A speech processing system which includes facilities for the analysis and synthesis of speech and on-line input and output of speech waveforms has been developed at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Division of Computing Research. The system is thoroughly interactive and works within the DAD operating system of the Control Data 3600 using a POP-8 computer for real-time on-line interaction with the external world. This paper describes the design and implementation of the system and puts it in the context of the literature on computer processing of speech. The interactive control of processing together with audio and graphic monitors of processed speech data give great potential for a wide range of research on speech and man-machine communication using speech.

FIDAC—Film input to digital automatic computer

The FIDAC is a high-speed flying-spot scanner for on-line input of digitized pictorial data into a computer's core memory. This paper describes the design of the FIDAC instrument, from original basic requirements to ultimate physical realization. The essential basic circuitry and the mechanical and optical systems of the FIDAC MOD I are described. The problems of achieving dynamic focus, light uniformity, and positional accuracy are discussed, and the methods used to solve these problems are given. The modifications incorporated into a later model, the FIDAC MOD II with a selective scan under computer control, are then described.

On-Line, Digital Data Handling and Optimal Control Investigations at the Missouri University Research Reactor

An on-line, digital data handling and optimal control system based upon a PDP8s, general purpose, programmable digital computer, has been developed and tested at the Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR), a 5 megawatt, thermal, flux-trap type nuclear reactor. The instrumentation which has been successfully interfaced to the small digital computer includes a 100 channel, 250 Hz, randomly addressable reed scanner; a 10-bit, 100 kHz, analog-to-digital converter; a 60 Hz real time clock which provides a hardware interrupt every 16.7 milliseconds; and two relay contact outputs. Software which has been implemented includes a real-time executive which schedules eight different tasks in a specified priority and periodic scheme, a console utility package which allows direct, on-line, communication between computer core memory and the ASR-33 teletype, an analog signal input task, various control algorithms, an output task, and a systems log task. The automatic control algorithms are dependent upon the physical parameters of the reactor system. These parameters may be periodically identified by on-line dynamic testing and the control decision algorithm may be modified accordingly. Methods of z-transform analysis are applied in a linearized approach to the problem of representing each component of the closed-loop reactor, computer control system. The optimization theory based on the maximum principle of L. S. Pontryagin has been applied in an effort to improve the control calculations with respect to minimum time response. Testing methods used were hybrid computer simulation and on-line parameter input studies at the MURR.

Pulse-transfer-function identification using discrete orthonormal sequences

A method for estimating the pulse-transfer function of a linear time-invariant sampled-data system from on-line input and output records is presented. The impulse response of the system is approximated by a finite linear combination of a set of discrete orthonormal sequences. These sequences can be generated by a chain of digital filters. The method is based on the fact that the system output at a given instant is the sum of the products of the system Fourier coefficients and the up-to-date input Fourier coefficients generated by passing the input through the chain of digital filters. The system model coefficients are chosen to give a least-squares fit between the actual system outputs and the model outputs. A recursive form of the estimation equations is derived. This allows the estimates to be updated easily with additional observations.

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.

Heuristic methods for computer understanding of natural language in context-restricted on-line dialogues

This computer program accepts expressions in natural language as on-line input. It searches each expression for syntactic and semantic patterns. When a pattern match is discovered an appropriate reply is typed out in natural language so that a continuing dialogue develops between person and program. The dialogue is restricted to the context of interpersonal relations such as occurs in a psychiatric interview. The program is an interpreter/supervisor written in SUBALGOL and runs on a 32K IBM 7090 connected via a direct-data device to a PDP-1 and a Philco console.

A Simplified Data-Recording Method

A versatile and inexpensive procedure for recording source-data was successfully developed and tested April-October, 1965. The system consists of employing overlay templates with standard, 800-position Optical Mark Page Reader forms, and recording data in such a manner that they are immediately convertible to machine language on mmI's 1230 series Optical Mark Page Readers. Principal advantages of the template approach over traditional source-data recording methods include: (1) its versatility, convenience, and adaptability; (2) a reduction in initial cost because necessary materials are inexpensive; and (3) a substantial reduction in the cost and time required to key punch and verify numeric information, or to organize and tabulate data by hand. To tabulate and analyze large volumes of numeric data is potentially burdensome for wildlife researchers, managers, and administrators. Frequently, the bulk of collected information causes long delay in reporting results and in some cases results are never interpreted and reported. Usual techniques for alleviating this difficulty provide for recording data at their source on specially printed cards (Marksense or Port-a-punch) or forms in such a manner that they are directly convertible to machine language, or for punching source information into standard 80-column service cards. Either of these methods can be somewhat complex, time-consuming, and expensive. For long-term, routine investigations, however, particularly when numerous types of information categories are required and major recording-format changes are unlikely, the preprinted card or form is often appropriate. In many field research applications it is desirable to be able to alter periodically the recording format as dictated by study results and objectives and unanticipated exigencies. Hence, studies were conducted between April and October, 1965, to develop a more versatile and inexpensive system for recording numeric data in order to facilitate machine tabulation and analysis. Procedures developed involve use of overlay templates with standard, 800-position Optical Mark Page Reader forms which serve as input to International Business Machine Corporation's Optical Mark Page Reader machines.1 Two basic types of Optical Mark Page Reader machines, the 1231 and 1232, can be used to process information recorded on Optical Page Reader forms. The 1231 acts as an on-line input system to data processsing devices such as IM's 1401, 1440, and 1460 computers. If desired, the computer can be used to print-list as the sheets are by the 1231 and, at the same time, information can be punched into 80-column service cards by a card-punch unit. The 1232 machine operates only with a card punch. Thus, the choice of machine combinations depends on their availability, the availability of appropriate computer programs, and the type of results sought. Source documents are read by the Page Reader machines at a maximum of 2,000 sheets per hour. Actual throughput speed of the 1231 depends on computer programming, feed mode, and the method of grouping information on the forms. 1 Reference to IBM does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government.