Legal Problems of Data Base Technology

As computers become an integral part of court and business procedures, conflicts will arise that cannot be readily solved by traditional legal theories. Lawyers, acting as planners and advisers as well as advocates, must anticipate the potential problems presented by computers and provide a rational basis for their ultimate solution. In this Article, Judge David Dixon discusses the potential confidentiality problems created when a court uses a computer to collect information on the court’s operational efficiency. He notes that recording court opinions on computers may result in inaccuracies in addition to general problems of attributing and protecting ownership of data bank and program design. In conclusion, he urges the legal profession to design new protections to satisfy the unique requirements of computer use by private entities and the courts

The NBS data management technology program

The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Data Management Technology Program is discussed. The NBS Data Management Technology Program addresses major problems encountered during the following stages of an application's lifetime: requirements analysis and data base design, system selection and implementation, operations management and conversion. Products developed include standard software specifications, guides to best practice, standard data elements and representations, and reports documenting the experiences of other organizations as they attempt to improve the management of their computing resources. Data base Laboratory facilities are maintained for the investigation and analysis of state of the art data base technology. These facilities support collaborative testing with researchers, vendors, users, and standards developers

Nickel-hydrogen low-Earth-orbit test program

The incorporation of nickel-hydrogen technology for low-Earth-orbit spacecraft applications requires the establishment of a data base. An extensive test program was established to provide this data base. The test program is outlined and the preliminary test programs is presented

Langley experience with ADABAS/NATURAL

The use of the data base management system ADABAS and the companion software NATURAL and COM-PLETE at the Langley Research Center is evaluated. A brief overview of data base management system technology is provided as well as system upgrading, user requirements, and use of the system for administrative support

Technology utilization office data base analysis and design

NASA Headquarters is placing a high priority on the transfer of NASA and NASA contractor developed technologies and expertise to the private sector and to other federal, state and local government organizations. The ultimate objective of these efforts is positive economic impact, an improved quality of life, and a more competitive U.S. posture in international markets. The Technology Utilization Office (TUO) currently serves seven states with its technology transfer efforts. Since 1989, the TUO has handled over one-thousand formal requests for NASA related technologies assistance. The technology transfer process requires promoting public awareness of NASA related soliciting requests for assistance, matching technologies to specific needs, assuring appropriate technology transfer, and monitoring and evaluating the process. Each of these activities have one very important aspect in common: the success of each is dissemination of appropriate high quality information. The purpose of the research was to establish the requirements and develop a preliminary design for a database system to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the TUO's technology transfer function. The research was conducted following the traditional systems development life cycle methodology and was supported through the use of modern structured analysis techniques. The next section will describe the research and findings as conducted under the life cycle approach

Foreign technology summary of flight crucial flight control systems

A survey of foreign technology in flight crucial flight controls is being conducted to provide a data base for planning future research and technology programs. Only Free World countries were surveyed, and the primary emphasis was on Western Europe because that is where the most advanced technology resides. The survey includes major contemporary systems on operational aircraft, R&D flight programs, advanced aircraft developments, and major research and technology programs. The information was collected from open literature, personal communications, and a tour of several companies, government organizations, and research laboratories in the United Kingdom, France, and the Federal Republic of Germany. A summary of the survey results to date is presented

Metal detector technology data base

The tests described in this report were conducted to obtain information on the effects target characteristics have on portal type metal detector response. A second purpose of the tests was to determine the effect of detector type and settings on the detection of the targets. Although in some cases comparison performance of different types and makes of metal detectors is found herein, that is not the primary purpose of the report. Further, because of the many variables that affect metal detector performance, the information presented can be used only in a general way. The results of these tests can show general trends in metal detection, but do little for making accurate predictions as to metal detector response to a target with a complex shape such as a handgun. The shape of an object and its specific metal content (both type and treatment) can have a significant influence on detection. Thus it should not be surprising that levels of detection for a small 100g stainless steel handgun are considerably different than for detection of the 100g stainless steel right circular cylinder that was used in these tests. 7 figs., 1 tab

Space station task force perspective

Space station planning quidelines; architecture; functions; preliminary mission data base; scope for international and commercial participation; schedules; servicing capability; technology development; and space station program interfaces are discussed