Computer-aided design of large-scale integrated circuits - A concept

Circuit design and mask development sequence are improved by using general purpose computer with interactive graphics capability establishing efficient two way communications link between design engineer and system. Interactive graphics capability places design engineer in direct control of circuit development

An interactive graphics system to facilitate finite element structural analysis

The characteristics of an interactive graphics systems to facilitate the finite element method of structural analysis are described. The finite element model analysis consists of three phases: (1) preprocessing (model generation), (2) problem solution, and (3) postprocessing (interpretation of results). The advantages of interactive graphics to finite element structural analysis are defined

Evaluating definitive principles for interaction in graphics

This paper is an appraisal of current progress towards supporting interactive graphics within the framework of a general-purpose programming paradigm based upon definitions. It considers how the use of definitive principles relates to other work, why it appears promising, and what progress has been made towards the resolution of technical difficulties. It re-examines potential for applications of definitive principles in interactive graphics in the light of more recently developed ideas about dealing with control issues and dynamically changing relationships in a definitive programming framework. It also takes account of new research into notations for graphics that makes use of geometrical constructions. As a subsidiary theme, the paper contrasts the support for reference and representation of geometric relationships in various kinds of interactive graphics systems

Graphics Hardware Implementation of the Parameter-Less Self-Organising Map

This paper presents a highly parallel implementation of a new type of Self-Organising Map (SOM) using graphics hardware. The Parameter-Less SOM smoothly adapts to new data while preserving the mapping formed by previous data. It is therefore in principle highly suited for interactive use, however for large data sets the computational requirements are prohibitive. This paper will present an implementation on commodity graphics hardware which uses two forms of parallelism to signi¯cantly reduce this barrier. The performance is analysed experi- mentally and algorithmically. An advantage to using graphics hardware is that visualisation is essentially free", thus increasing its suitability for interactive exploration of large data sets

Big system: Interactive graphics for the engineer

The BCS Interactive Graphics System (BIG System) approach to graphics was presented, along with several significant engineering applications. The BIG System precompiler, the graphics support library, and the function requirements of graphics applications are discussed. It was concluded that graphics standardization and a device independent code can be developed to assure maximum graphic terminal transferability

Two Interactive Graphics Postprocessors for NASTRAN

Two interactive computer graphics postprocessors, MAGGRAF and NASTEK, used for displaying NASTRAN-generated results are described. MAGGRAF is capable of displaying magnetic potentials or fields computed from results generated by a NASTRAN magnetostatic analysis. NASTEK is capable of displaying NASTRAN-generated PLT2 files on most Tektronic terminals. Examples of the plotting capabilities for each of the programs will be presented including plots of drawn with solid and dotted lines

Computer graphics application in the engineering design integration system

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

NASTRAN data generation of helicopter fuselages using interactive graphics

The development and implementation of a preprocessor system for the finite element analysis of helicopter fuselages is described. The system utilizes interactive graphics for the generation, display, and editing of NASTRAN data for fuselage models. It is operated from an IBM 2250 cathode ray tube (CRT) console driven by an IBM 370/145 computer. Real time interaction plus automatic data generation reduces the nominal 6 to 10 week time for manual generation and checking of data to a few days. The interactive graphics system consists of a series of satellite programs operated from a central NASTRAN Systems Monitor. Fuselage structural models including the outer shell and internal structure may be rapidly generated. All numbering systems are automatically assigned. Hard copy plots of the model labeled with GRID or elements ID's are also available. General purpose programs for displaying and editing NASTRAN data are included in the system. Utilization of the NASTRAN interactive graphics system has made possible the multiple finite element analysis of complex helicopter fuselage structures within design schedules