Edgar H. Sibley

Graphical systems communication: an associative memory approach

This paper describes the design and preliminary implementation of a graphics system using a large and small computer configuration connected through conventional voice lines. The small computer is driven by both graphical and conventional input/output devices. In this type of system it is extremely important that the communication line carry only messages with high information content, since low speed is one of the major system constraints. Thus, the design of the software system depends heavily on the communication support devices, as well as on the relative power of the computers.

The engineering assistant: design of a symbol manipulation system

This article is intended to describe the design of a working interactive symbol manipulation system, but the reasons for a given action and the implications of it are common to the design of other languages. This introduction therefore formulates the questions that must be asked in the design of such a system, discusses possible alternatives, and suggests the effects of the alternatives.

Transferability and translation of data

Data translation is defined as the process whereby data stored in a form that can be processed on one computer (the source file) can be translated into a form (target file) which can be used by the same or different processing systems on a possibly different computer. The research approach is to develop a generalized methodology of data translation and within this framework to design and implement a specific prototype translator. The current methodology for translating data and files from one system to another typically consists of writing file translation programs. This method, which involves writing a new program for each file to be translated, is often referred to as manual file translation. Because of the machine level detail required, these translation programs are typically written in assembly language. As a result, the programming time is large.

The case for a generalized graphic problem solver

Not so many years ago, SKETCHPAD and DAC set the whole world of computing on a philosophical bender. People, who either knew little of the subject or else should have known better, started talking up a storm. The whole of engineering was about to be revolutionized and everyone should prepare now or be sunk, to drown in their own ignorance.

Summary of CODASYL report on “selection and acquisition of data base management systems”: CODASYL system committee

This panel will discuss the latest in a series of reports on data base management systems. Of special interest is the attempt to provide a systematic taxonomy for user needs and a means to relate them to the taxonomy of system capabilities developed in prior reports.