recognizing a marketable feature, has enhanced digitizing 
products by assuming some of this computation burden.  ALTEK 
offers controller functions that, among other things, 
perform reference grid system transformations and area and 
length calculations. An intelligent user will quickly 
realize the advantages of having a peripheral device do 
these operations rather than having the CPU tied up with 
them. 
The second definition of intelligent is a logical 
association to the first. Digitizing vendors, like  ALTEK, 
are producing intelligent equipment because it sells. That 
is the bottom line. We have recognized that the user wishes 
to have such functions available. Therefore the development 
of "smart" electronics is seen as a natural progression. 
Intelligent Digitizing Products at ALTEK Corporation 
  
  
ALTEK offers a number of products that can be defined as 
"intelligent." The AC40 DATATAB controller, APACHE (TM) 
electro-optically aided scanning cursor, and  MICRODIJ (TM) 
are the most intelligent of the group. The  AC40 and APACHE 
are electronics-based products while  MICRODIJ is a software 
package the runs on the IBM line of personal computers. 
o AC40 DATATAB Controller 
The AC40 is a control electronics device that can take 
the simple X,Y coordinates and, with product options, 
provide scaling, translation and rotation, line length, 
and area calculations (including a separate conversion 
factor). It can also accept function commands and 
special format modifications and definitions from the 
host computer. The AC40 also offers an AutoCAD (TM) 
compatible format. 
Standard features of the AC40 include a 16 bit micro- 
processor control unit with dual RS232C interfaces, 
English and Metric coordinate outpt, 1865 bytes of 
coordinate storage (buffer memory), and a self test 
at powerup to test memory, serial ports, table, and 
optional LCD display. Digitizing can be done in 
point mode and any of three stream modes. Continuous 
mode outputs coordinates from the time a key is pressed 
until a key is pressed again. Intermittent mode 
outputs points as long as a key is held down. Run 
mode outputs points as long as the cursor is in the 
proximity of the table. Output can be in many formats 
(both ASCII and Binary). Selectable baud rates and 
cursor LED control round out a lengthy list of standard 
features. 
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