1 MICRO VAX II WITH HARD DISK, TAPE DRIVE 
3 AND INTELLIGENT CONTROLLER 
4 HIGH RESOLUTION 
19-Inch COLOR MONITOR 
5 VIDEO TERMINAL 
6 DWIPS TYPE IMAGE 
PROCESSING SYSTEM 
WORKSTATION 
PRINTER/PLOTTER 
DIGITIZING TABLET 
FIGURE 1 
INTERNATIONAL / NATIONAL 
PROCESSING NODE AND WORKSTATION 
HARDWARE CONFIGURATION 
O.U.C.C. APR 86 
would be a mainframe or mini-computer system, as an 
example, Digital Equipment Corporation provides an 
array of mini-computers systems (VAX). Based on the 
above arguments, the use of a MICRO VAX II type CPU 
could provide one plausable solution for the central 
processor. The MICRO VAX II can be configured at 90% 
processing capability of a VAX 11/780. Additionally, 
software compatibility exists among VAX computer 
systems operating under VMS. Particularly attractive 
of the VAX type system is its ability to expand as 
the needs of the user grows. For example, sometime 
this year, DEC will produce a cluster controller for 
the Micro VAX II with others in VAX series. 
Compatibility between systems is also a strength of 
VAX type computers. VAX type computers, located 
worldwide, are then capable of being linked together. 
This can be made network compatible with IBM micro 
mini and mainframe systems through polygon, JNET and 
RSCS communication software linkage capability 
permits distributed processing useful in large scale 
data analysis. 
Beyond the basic computer processing system, 
extensive storage capabilities are required. Storage 
systems should include Winchester hard disk drive 
units capable of storing 450 plus megabytes of 
information, and two magnetic tapes (1600 and 6250 
BPI) drive for providing backup and optional data 
entry capabilities, particularly for satellite data. 
Additionally, a micro-processor controller is 
necessary for coordinating activities between storage 
drivers and the computer.» Peripheral devices needed 
in a complete node system configuration should 
include various data input and output system. 
Terminals, of course, are needed for interactive data 
input/output and software operation as well as color 
printer for graphics and text output, a high 
resolution color monitor for imge display and user 
interaction, and a digitizing tablet for spatial data 
input. 
A further requirement for this particular 
configuration is a DWIPS (Digital Weather Image 
Processing System) type with a analog/digital 
interface for a Z80 CPU looping subsystem and an IBM 
PC controller subsystem, that inputs, processes, and 
displays AVHRR, RADAR, and GOES weather data. (Boice 
1984) This system consists of a full resolution 
processor (FRP) and a digital image processing system 
for displaying animation loops. The full resolution 
processor can also accept a standard "GOES-Tap" 
signal, consisting of standard AM facsimile telephone 
circuit. The FRP digitizes and stores each 
transmitted picture as a full spatial resolution 
image data file. Transmission data is automatically 
and continually updated creating loops utilized in a 
digital weather image processing system. 
DWIPS type imagery processing system, when 
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