Automated drafting system produces schematic and block diagrams from the design engineers freehand sketches. This system codes conventional drafting symbols and their coordinate locations on standard size drawings for entry on tapes that are used to drive a high speed photocomposition machine

Millenson, D. H.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

August 1966	 Brief 66-10362 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Automated Drafting System Uses Computer Techniques 
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The problem: 
In implementing hardware production involving 
numerous complex items, large numbers of schematic 
and block diagrams must be produced from the de-
sign engineers' freehand sketches. Depending on 
complexity, a draftsman spends an average of 12 to 
15 hours in producing a finished diagram. A system 
is needed that will eliminate this excessive time that 
produces no essentially "new" information.
The solution: 
An automated drafting system that codes conven-
tional drafting symbols and their coordinate loca-
tions on standard size drawings for entry on tapes 
that are used to drive a high speed photocomposition 
machine. 
How it's done: 
The designer's freehand sketch is marked with an 
alphameric code that translates the symbols, connect- 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000361 2020-03-11T17:41:00+00:00Z
ing lines, and coordinate locations into machine 
language. The coded data is converted into a raw data 
tape and typewritten text that can be checked for 
errors against the coded sketch. The raw data tape 
is fed to ,
 a computer that is programed to translate, 
arrange, and expand the raw data for transfer to a 
high speed output tape-perforating punch. The high 
speed punch converts computer impulses into holes in 
a paper tape that is fed into the control unit of a high 
speed photocomposition unit that responds to the 
pulsed instructions by photographically reproducing 
the diagram line by line and symbol by symbol in their 
prescribed coordinate locations. 
Notes: 
1. With this system, complex diagrams require only 
3 to 4 hours including approximately 3 hours for 
translating the' sketch information into machine 
language.
2. In one program, approximately 6,600 "D" size 
drawings will be automatically produced by this 
system at an estimated savings in excess of 
$140,000.00. 
3. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Huntsville, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B66-10362 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Donald H. Millenson 
of North American Aviation, Inc. 
under contract to 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
(M-FS-788) 
Brief 66-10362	 '	 Category 01


Automated drafting system uses computer techniques

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