Concurrent Image Processing Executive (CIPE)

The design and implementation of a Concurrent Image Processing Executive (CIPE), which is intended to become the support system software for a prototype high performance science analysis workstation are discussed. The target machine for this software is a JPL/Caltech Mark IIIfp Hypercube hosted by either a MASSCOMP 5600 or a Sun-3, Sun-4 workstation; however, the design will accommodate other concurrent machines of similar architecture, i.e., local memory, multiple-instruction-multiple-data (MIMD) machines. The CIPE system provides both a multimode user interface and an applications programmer interface, and has been designed around four loosely coupled modules; (1) user interface, (2) host-resident executive, (3) hypercube-resident executive, and (4) application functions. The loose coupling between modules allows modification of a particular module without significantly affecting the other modules in the system. In order to enhance hypercube memory utilization and to allow expansion of image processing capabilities, a specialized program management method, incremental loading, was devised. To minimize data transfer between host and hypercube a data management method which distributes, redistributes, and tracks data set information was implemented

Monitoring Computer Systems: An Intelligent Approach

Monitoring modern computer systems is increasingly difficult due to their peculiar characteristics. To cope with this situation, the dissertation develops an approach to intelligent monitoring. The resulting model consists of three major designs: representing targets, controlling data collection, and autonomously refining monitoring performance. The model explores a more declarative object-oriented model by introducing virtual objects to dynamically compose abstract representations, while it treats conventional hard-wired hierarchies and predefined object classes as primitive structures. Taking the representational framework as a reasoning bed, the design for controlling mechanisms adopts default reasoning backed up with ordered constraints, so that the amount of data collected, levels of details, semantics, and resolution of observation can be appropriately controlled. The refining mechanisms classify invoked knowledge and update the classified knowledge in terms of the feedback from monitoring. The approach is designed first and then formally specified. Applications of the resulting model are examined and an operational prototype is implemented. Thus the dissertation establishes a basis for an approach to intelligent monitoring, one which would be equipped to deal effectively with the difficulties that arise in monitoring modern computer systems

Efforts in Preparation for Jack Validation

This document presents a detailed record of the methodologies, assumptions, limitations, and references used in creating the human figure model in Jack, a program that displays and manipulates articulated geometric figures. This report reflects current efforts to develop and refine Jack software to enable its validation and verification as a tool for performing human engineering analysis. These efforts include human figure model improvements, statistical anthropometric data processing methods, enhanced human figure model construction and measuring methods, and automated accomodation analysis. This report discusses basic details of building human models, model anthropometry, scaling, Jack anthropometry-based human models, statistical data processing, figure generation tools, anthropometric errors, inverse dynamics, smooth skin implementation, guidelines used in estimating landmark locations on the model, and recommendations for validating and verifying the Jack human figure model

The deep space network, volume 7

The objectives, functions, and organization of the Deep Space Network are summarized. The Deep Space Instrumentation Facility, the Ground Communications Facility, and the Space Flight Operations Facility are described

Aerospace medicine and biology: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 323)

This bibliography lists 125 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information System during April, 1989. Subject coverage includes; aerospace medicine and psychology, life support systems and controlled environments, safety equipment exobiology and extraterrestrial life, and flight crew behavior and performance

Towards the on-line development of visual interactive simulation models

Reviews of previous work on visual interactive simulation, and on the interface between humans and computers were undertaken, the latter considering the physical and psychological aspects of the subject. Two simulation projects carried out in association with Rolls-Royce Aero Engines and the British Steel Corporation are described in detail. As a result of these projects and the review of previous studies, a major weakness in the technology of visual interactive simulation was identified: while the visual representation aids validation, verification, and experimentation, no facilities are provided to assist the analyst in the task of model construction. Simulation program generators are of proven use for non-interactive models, but a visual model requires a graphically oriented approach. The main section describes the design and implementation of a substantial extension to the simulation software developed at Warwick. This allows the design and development of displays to be carried out 'on-line', while preserving the one-to-one correspondence between simulation entities and their visual representation. It is suggested that this has the potential to significantly reduce the elapsed time taken to develop visual simulation models, while increasing the involvement of the user (or sponsor) in the modelling process, especially when 'pre-defined' entity types are used to minimise the amount of model- specific coding required. Finally, potential routes for the further development of visual interactive simulation are discussed, including the implementation of a 'simulation language' interpreter within the existing software. This would result in a system which was fully interactive, easing model development as well as experimentation

A feasibility study in the development of an off-line PLC based robot control system

A project report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand. Johannesburg 1990.Robotics are becoming a more prominent force in the industrial environment, and research is being concentrated on control rather than on the robot. The feasibility of a substitute, off-line, plc based control system was investigated. Many advantages are associated with an off-line system, as well as the large financial saving (at the most 50% that of the existing controller) . A PLC with discrete 1/0 modules and a fast counting module were used. Open loop control was looked at, with optical encoders used for position control. Overshoot of the DC motors consistently occurred, and other external factors ensured the unpredictability and instability of open loop control. It was concluded that closed loop control was necessary to ensure accurate positioning and speed control. PLC modules Were investigated, and an axis control system (not yet commercially available) was found to ideally suit the purpose of servo/encoder control. This system makes use of speed and position feedback signals, essential for accurate terminal Control of the robot.MT201

A Boxer architecture and interface

The Boxer computational environment shows great promise not just as a teaching tool, but as a ubiquitous computational medium. To date, research into Boxer has concentrated mainly on the social impact of such a media, while less effort has been expended on the implementation or interface aspects of the project. This thesis outlines a possible architecture for a new implementation of Boxer, taking advantage of some fields of computer science that have matured over the last decade. Also, a new user interface for Boxer has been developed with the intention of providing easier access to Boxer for new and infrequent users. This interface is described and evaluated

English for science and technology: a computer corpus-based analysis of English science and technology texts for application in higher education

Doutoramento em LinguísticaThis thesis presents two analyses: first the analysis of computer corpora from undergraduate textbooks to isolate the (American) English language of science and technology they present; secondly an analysis of the English language competence of undergraduates starting their university studies in science and technology. These two analyses are contrasted in order to apply the results to the design of an English language syllabus for first year undergraduates. A frequency and range word list was produced using a large baseline corpus to contrast with the main corpora taken from physics and chemistry textbooks on the students’ bibliographies as a resource for syllabus design. Secondly, four corpora, two main and two sub-corpora produced from the physics and chemistry textbooks on the bibliographies of the undergraduates were analysed using Biber’s (1988) algorithms and functions for variation across speech and writing. The student intake was tested over five years and the results of those tests analysed. It was found that there was considerable variation in the students’ levels of language competence. However, there was a close correlation between the students’ competence and the number of years they had studied English in secondary school. Nevertheless there were students with extremely advanced competence and some with little or no competence in English amongst the undergraduates. Comprehension of scientific texts was generally found to correlate with more advanced competence and more years of study. The frequency and range word list showed the contexts which are appropriate for materials to be used with these students and demonstrated variation from many of the accepted views of the language of science and technology. The computer corpora analyses varied from Biber’s academic prose category. The sub-corpora demonstrated greatest variation which is believed to be as a result of specific cultural and/or literary material in the analogies used in the textbooks. The heavy load of cultural background knowledge which the reader would need in order to work with the textbooks adequately was also found in the exercises the students were supposed to use for practice on the topic presented in the chapter. This and the interpretation of visuals in the textbooks were considered to be two principle factors that needed to be emphasised in a syllabus for first year undergraduates. However, given the time constraints on language teaching for science and technology students, a methodology which would lead to greater student autonomy is suggested using computer corpus-based studies - data- viii driven learning and computer-supported distance communications and learning.Esta tese apresenta duas análises: primeiro uma análise de corpora computadorizados, criados a partir de livros dos estudantes de licenciaturas, para isolar a linguagem Inglesa (Americana) das ciências e tecnologias que apresentam; segundo uma análise dos conhecimentos da língua Inglesa que estes alunos apresentam ao iniciar os seus estudos universitários em ciências e tecnologias. Estas duas análises são postas em contraste para se aplicar os resultados obtidos ao desenho de um programa de língua Inglesa para os alunos do primeiro ano. Foi criada uma lista com a abrangência e a frequência das palavras de um corpus de larga base, para ser contrastada com os principais corpora compilados dos livros de física e química constantes das bibliografias dos estudantes, como uma fonte para o desenho de programas. Seguidamente, quatro corpora, dois principais e dois subordinados, produzidos a partir dos livros de física e química referidos nas bibliografias dos estudantes, foram analisados usando os algoritmos e funções de Biber (1988) para variações entre linguagem falada e escrita. Durante cinco anos, à entrada para a Universidade, os estudantes foram submetidos a testes e os resultados analisados. Constatou-se que havia variações consideráveis no nível de conhecimentos da língua por parte dos estudantes. Contudo, havia uma correlação apertada entre as competências dos estudantes e o número de anos que tinham estudado Inglês nas escolas secundárias. Todavia, havia estudantes com competências extremamente avançadas e outros com competências reduzidas, ou quase nulas, em Inglês. A compreensão de textos científicos estava geralmente correlacionada com os níveis mais avançados de competências e maior número de anos de estudo. A lista com a abrangência e a frequência das palavras mostrou os contextos apropriados dos materiais a utilizar com estes estudantes e demonstrou que havia diferenças em relação a muitos dos pontos de vista aceites em relação à linguagem das ciências e tecnologias. A análise dos corpora computadorizados varia das categorias da linguagem da prosa académica de Biber. Os corpora subordinados mostram uma maior variação, que se julga ser devida a materiais específicos, culturais e/ou literário, usados nas analogias dos livros de estudo. O grande peso dos conhecimentos de fundo de que os estudantes necessitam para trabalhar adequadamente com os livros de estudo foi, também, encontrado nos exercícios que necessitam de fazer para praticarem o que está referido nos tópicos dos capítulos. Isto, juntamente com a interpretação das imagens dos livros, foram considerados os dois principais factores a precisarem de ser relevados no programa para o primeiro ano dos estudantes. Contudo, atendendo às restrições de tempo x para o ensino de línguas a estudante de ciências e tecnologias, a metodologia que conduziria a maior autonomia dos alunos será baseada na utilização de corpora computadorizados (data-driven learning) e aprendizagem à distância assistida por computador