System, named Hydra, generates charts, graphs, and printed matter on slides or conventional negatives and positives, and combines these media with a capability of storage on magnetic tape for future updating to accommodate engineering changes or contract modifications to be readily added to basic data

Hodgkins, R. L.

Osgood, D. R.

English

Hydra 1 data display system for developing graphic display

NASA Technical Reports Server

Hydra 1 data display system

May 1968	 Brief 68-10155 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Hydra I Data Display System 
Alphameric And 
Strobe Keyboards
Interface 
Function Switch
Unit 
Monitor 1 
:M,:n,to:r :21-1	 Display Output	 Display	
__J 	
Interface 
Interface	 System	 Unit 
SI Monitor 3
Computer 
I	 X V Plotter	 I 
I	 X V Plotter	 I 
Paper Tape Output	 I 
I	 Magnetic Tape Output	 I 
A system has been devised to generate charts, 
graphs, printed matter, etc. on slides or conventional 
negatives and positives, and combines these media 
with a capability of storage on magnetic tape for 
future updating to accommodate engineering changes 
or contract modifications to be readily added to basic 
data. The system has been named Hydra due to its 
self-generating feature reminiscent of the monster of 
Greek mythology.
The system operator develops displays on a video 
monitor screen, using an alphameric keyboard and a 
set of cursor (strobe) controls as input devices. Once 
a display is developed, it may be stored on magnetic 
tape and recalled at will for updating, review, or 
printout. Printout may be by either a teleprinter or 
X—Y plotter. 
The system consists of four groups, input and con-
trol equipment, computer, display output, and copy 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19680000155 2020-03-12T05:27:46+00:00Z
output. Input and control equipment includes alpha-
meric and strobe control units and function switch 
unit. Characters, numerals, and symbols may be 
entered on the display monitor in either a typewriter 
mode (for straight copy work) or in a random mode 
(as in labeling pictorial displays). The strobes are used 
to position characters in the random mode and to 
draw lines by means of coordinates supplied by the 
3 monitors. All information is routed to the computer, 
which processes it and transfers it to the display sys-
tem. Following display, the data is again routed to 
the computer where it is transferred to either paper 
tape or magnetic tape or both.
Note: 
Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: B68-10155 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Robert L. Hodgkins and Don R. Osgood 
(M SC- l 1594)
., 
0 
Brief 68-10155	 Category 01


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