Computer program generates a magnetic output tape containing time and averaged data values of a specified number of major frames over a specified time interval. A decommutation system is used to acquire the raw data, which is then reformatted and averaged

Watkins, F. L.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

November 1967	 Brief 67-10411 
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. 
Computer Program Generates Averaged Value Data Tapes 
The problem: 
To generate a magnetic output tape containing time 
and averaged data values, in floating point, of a 
specified number of major frames over a specified time 
interval. 
The solution: 
A decommutation system is used to acquire the raw 
data, which is then reformatted and averaged for a 
specified number of major frames over a specified 
time interval. The average values obtained are con-
ver.ted to some engineering unit and placed on mag-
netic tape along with its corresponding time. These 
average values are used to obtain the net and/or ab-
solute values of parameters. 
How it's done: 
The input to the program consists of cards and two 
magnetic tapes. The cards contain control information 
and the list of measurements desired by the user. One 
of the magnetic input tapes contains the degree, coef-
ficients, and decommutation information relative to 
each of the measurements in the list. The other 
magnetic input tape contains the raw data from which 
the samples of the parameters are to be taken. Utiliz-
ing the decommutation information, the data for each 
measurement are obtained from the raw data input 
tape, and averaged for a specified number of frames as 
a time over some specified time interval. 
After the initialization phase, the program reads, in 
all card input. Using this input, the program refor-
mats each data value of a record and then converts it 
to floating point format. Then it converts the floating 
words to IBM 7094 floating point format. This is 
repeated for each successive record of a file. The op-
tions of obtaining averaged, nonaveraged, net, or
absolute values are exercised by using the subroutines 
of the program. In either case the raw data values are 
then converted to engineering units utilizing the 
degree coefficients attendant to each measurement. 
The program is limited to a polynomial of the sixth 
degree. The processed data are then placed on mag-
netic tape. 
Notes: 
1. This program was written in Fortran IV for use on 
the SDS 920 computer. 
2. The program is being used to process Saturn II 
Test Data. The principle and theory of unpacking 
and reformatting data may be used or applied in 
situations where data are packed and put in a 
format of some predetermined peculiarity. The 
technique of accessing or acquiring certain pieces 
of data from the entire mass of data could be use-
ful in any situation where a selected sample is 
wanted from the population. 
3. Inquiries concerning this program may be di-
rected to:
COSMIC 
Computer Center 
The University of Georgia 
Athens, Georgia 30601 
Reference: B67-10411 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Frank L. Watkins 
of North American Aviation, Inc. 
under contract to 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
(M FS- 12728) 
Category 06 
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.
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Computer program generates averaged value data tapes

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