for space and medical applications. The system was designed to aid in diagnosing
an image in an on-line, multiprogramming, man-computer conversational and time
sharing mode. It utilizes an IBM 360/44 computer, a Video Tape Converter (VTC),
a Video Film Converter (VFC), and a Video Data Console (VDC). Communication
with the system can be done by means of a keyboard, a light pen, a typewriter or
cards. It is capable of automatically reading pictorial data, extracting significant
information, comparing it with previously stored data, and pictorially displaying
data on a cathode ray tube (CRT) in color or in black and white. Photographs and
television pictures can be enlarged, manipulated, or further enhanced; inaccura
cies caused by the camera lens, the finite size of the camera scan beam, the non-
uniform vidicon brightness response of the TV camera and other "noises " can be
removed; and hard copies of results can be obtained in quantity. Complex, func
tional programs are used to carry out the more difficult processing tasks. The
IBM 360/44 digital computer utilizes tapes, discs, printers, and typewriters,and
contains a master system program which permits the use of a special picture
processing language (easily learned and used by individuals untrained in pro
gramming.
AUTO-TROL CORPORATION.
The Auto-Trol Corporation, Arvada, Colorado, USA, has developed the
Auto-Trol Graphic Coordinate Measurement System for use in the X-Y digitizing
of maps, charts, drawings, printed circuit layouts, manuscripts, and similar
media. Additional applications include X-Z coordinate measurements from
photogrammetric stereoplotting equipment for analytical aerotriangulation, auto
matic contouring, geologic mapping, highway cross-sectional mapping, and other
engineering mapping. Readouts consist of hard copy printouts, punch cards, paper
tape, magnetic tape, or on-line computer outputs. Digitizing of relatively large
square areas is possible; smaller rectangular areas can be digitized as well.
Optional items of equipment include automatic readout, keyboard, coordinate -
graph, electronic pantograph and chart drive.
CALIFORNIA COMKJTER PRODUCTS COMPANY.
The California Computer Products (CALCOMP) Company, Anaheim,
California, USA, has developed the Electronic Digital Plotting System, Model 835,
which is a CRT/microfilm system designed to provide ultrahigh speed plotting and
recording of any computer output that can be converted to graphic form. It is a
true digital incremental plotter and complements other electromechanical pen-
on-paper digital plotters put out by CALCOMP; it can be operated either off-line
or on-line. A rectangular, Pll phosphor cathode ray tube (CRT) is used; signals
are processed using all solid-state, silicon semiconductors; plotting of a reel of
tape is accomplished in eight minutes. Perspective drawings of surfaces can be
generated in the CALCOMP plotting equipment through the use of the Three-D
Software System; the surface is expressed as a single-valued function of two
variables. The effects of variables on different portions of the surface can be
studied by varying the position of the viewing points and deleting hidden lines.
Likewise, perspective views of the same object can be prepared for viewing by
each eye in such a manner as to insure a stereoscopic view.
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