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IDPF IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCE
IDPF has been interfaced to two models of analytical stereoviewers.
The first plotter was the National Ocean Service Analytical Plotter
(NOSAP) which was built in the late 1970's. The computer controlled
facilities for this plotter include movement of 2 stages, lighted
panel of 64 switches, 2 hand wheels and 1 foot wheel. On-line
graphic output is provided by an attached flatbed pen plotter. The
plotter does not have built-in computing capabilities and relies on
the IDPF control computer for this resource. The second type plotter
is an IDPF/PWS1 which was built in 1988. The NCD possesses five such
plotters. All hardware functions of this plotter are computer
controlled. Built-in dedicated microcomputers service the plotter
computing and hardware control needs. Both models were built by
Ottico Meccanica Italiana Corporation of America to meet NOS
specifications. It is worthwhile to point out that the two models
represent completely different technologies and functional
capabilities. IDPF was built, tested, and implemented first on the
NOSAP device. The IDPF/PWS1 was built to conform to the previously
mentioned interface standards. Two months following delivery, the
viewer was completely integrated into the IDPF environment and was
successfully performing all intended functions.
CONCLUSIONS
There are numerous motivating factors for striving towards hardware
independence in automated systems. The experience and results
attained in building the IDPF, and achieving hardware independence,
was rewarding and valuable. There have been significant savings in
system development and maintenance cost. Heavy investment in
software development is now adequately protected. Benefits from
continuous improvements and innovations in supporting technologies is
secured. The need for extensive training as new equipment is brought
on-line, and the personnel anxieties that usually accompany it, are
now greatly reduced.
