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NBN PRODUCS

New Products Editor:Prof. Demetrios A. MichalopoulosCalifornia State University, Fullerton

Developed by Precision Visuals, Inc., theDI-3000 graphics software package offersroutines such as a high-level circle primi-tive (above). The sample also illustratesthe system's use of line segments to pro-vide shading. Below, a DI-3000 image of anoffice space shows the system's ability togenerate a 3-D view, here with a perspec-tive projection.

Machine-independent software Graphics terminal featuresbased on CORE system two microprocessors

DI-3000 is a fully integrated, machine-independent system of 160 user-callablesubroutines for building, viewing, interac-ting with, and manipulating computergraphics images. Developed by the au-thors of the DIGRAF package at the Uni-versity of Colorado, DI-3000 is built uponthe functional capabilities of the updatedCORE Graphics System, described in the1979 report of SIGGRAPH's GraphicsStandards Planning Committee.A modular, network-like implementa-

tion permits faster, more efficient in-stallation on all machine architectures,from small fixed-memory minis throughlarge virtual memory machines.A staged release of DI-3000 is planned

by Precision Visuals, Inc. The software isavailable via a perpetual license from$8000, with optional yearly maintenance.Multiple-CPU discounts are available.

SIGGRAPH booth 537Reader Service Number 13

Control Data Corporation has added aninteractive graphics terminal, the CDC795 Digigraphics V, to its CAD/CAMproduct line.The terminal includes two micropro-

cessors-one for the graphics displayfunction and the other for general-pur-pose functions, including communicationsand peripheral support. The terminal'svector generator has constant velocityvectors for uniform brightness at eightseparate intensity levels.Operators interface with the CDC 795

terminal through a standard alphanu-meric keyboard with 32 function keys anda light pen.A basic CDC 795 graphics terminal

display unit with keyboard and light pen,communications interface, and 32,768bytes of memory is priced at $40,500.Three-year lease prices are $2158 permonth, including maintenance.


Electrostatic printerlplotterprints 1000 Ipm

Introduced by Nicolet Zeta Corpora-tion, the Model Z1002 printer and ModelZ1004 printer/plotter support continuousroll and 8½/2" X 11 fanfold paper, print at1000 lines per minute, and plot at 120 in-ches per minute with a resolution of 100dots per inch.The Z1002 printer can be upgraded to

the full Z1004 printer/plotter and acceptsdata in Centronics-compatible or RS-232form. Software and interfaces are avail-able for the DEC PDP-11 and the DataGeneral Nova and Eclipse systems.

Prices are $7500 for the Z1002 printerand $8500 for the Z1004 printer/plotter.


COMPUTER72

M&S Computing's banded vector-to-raster converter is packaged with anANT008 alphanumeric terminal and ismounted under a 26" desk. They require400 watts of 120 VAC, 48 to 62 Hz power,and dissipate approximately 1400 Btu perhour.

Converter processes largebands of unsorted vectors

Offering increased capabilities for expanding present Ikonas Graphics systems, the com-pany's RDS-3000 series of raster graphics and image processing equipment allows easyexpansion from 256K bytes minimum to 8M bytes maximum of frame buffer memory,with software-selectable 512 X 512 or 1024 X 1024 display formats. Integer line rate,frame rate, pan, scroll, and zoom control are standard. Options include a proprietary32-bit 200-ns microprogrammable graphics processor, a microprogrammable matrixmultiplier for 3-D perspective view generation, and a video processing module for real-time video image processing.


Processing large bands of unsorted vec-tors, M&S Computing's proprietary vec-tor-to-raster converter is a dedicated pro-cessor for use with any Versatec printer/plotter having 200 dots-per-inch resolutionand widths from 22" to 72".In addition to self-test diagnostics and

real-time processing of vectors, the BVRCfeatures the capability of relieving the hostcomputer by off-loading the vector-to-raster conversion and clipping processes.The unit can be installed for remote opera-tion over telecommunication lines or in-stalled on the SDLC terminal communica-tion line for local operation up to 6000 feetfrom the CPU.In plotting operations with the BVRC,

the host computer's only requirement is tostroke the design file and assign the un-sorted vectors into vector bands, which aretransmitted to the BVRC where real-timeconversion to raster dots is performed,generally at the plotter's rated speed. Theplotter must be installed within 10 feet ofthe BVRC.The BVRC is an independent and dedi-

cated processor similar to the IGDSgraphics workstation electronics. Unlikethe graphics workstation controller, how-ever, the BVRC does not provide inter-faces for additional terminals, displays, orother output devices.


Automated inspection systemmeasures parts, records datafor statistical analysis

Spatial Data Systems' EyeCom auto-mated parts measurement system is aprogrammable digital television inspec-tion system for use in applications re-

quiring automatic, repetitive, multiplenoncontact measurements, data record-ing, and statistical analysis of measure-ment results.The system is trained to scan a part at

the desired location and extract the edgecoordinates, which are then used in themeasurement program to reduce the coor-dinate information into calibrated mea-surements. The training routine considersthe edge contrast, unsharpness, andsmoothness.Then, the programmer executes the

training routine to determine the effec-tiveness of the parametric decisions be-fore moving on to the next step. After alltraining instructions are completed, ameasurement program is written in Basicto specify the scale factor, coordinates tobe used from the training routine, andprinting instructions for desired output ofresults.


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A camera and control unit make up theEyeCom system configuration. The con-trol unit consists of a TV screen, key-board, joystick, microprocessor, printer,and flexible disk storage unit where theprograms for measuring different partsare stored. Results of the measurementscan also be stored on the small digitalfloppy disks for statistical analysis or asa permanent test record.

July 1980 73

Controlled directly by the user's computer through two parallel output ports and oneparallel input port, Strobe's Model 100 digital graphics drum-type plotter has a .004'step size, an 81/2" X 11" paper capacity, and accepts a variety of pens. This modelfeatures an interactive digitizing mode, allowing the user to enter X-Y coordinate datacorresponding to pen location directly into the host computer. Hardware interfaces andsoftware drivers are optionally available for the Apple II, TRS-80, PET, and S-100 busmachines. A plot software package providing vector generation and alphanumericsthat runs with most versions of Basic and Fortran is also optionally available. TheModel 100 is priced at $680.

Reader Service Number 19

Standard hardware features of the Avtek 1800 graphics and scientific system include a256 X 512 graphics terminal, 64K memory, dual 8" floppy disk drives, and a floating-point processor. Available as hardware options are double-density drives, an X-Y plot-ter, a word-processor quality printer with scientific character wheel, and a 132-columnprinter. System software includes a screen-oriented editor, a word-processing packagewith features for creating scientific papers, a communications package, and bothsubroutine and stand-alone packages for graphics and scientific applications. Pro-grams can be written in Fortran or Assembler, with other languages optionally avail-able.


The compact, low-profile design of theVersatec V-80 electrostatic printer/plotterallows it to be placed on a desktop or op-tional stand, or recessed in a computersystem console. The unit weighs 75pounds. For ease in viewing, printed out-put is presented on a nine-degree slopedplaten.

Hard-copy device for OEMsprints in eight languages

The V-80 desktop hard-copy outputdevice-designed for integration intoOEM computer, office equipment, and in-strumentation systems-prints 1000132-column lines per minute. The unit isalso a high-speed, high-resolution plotter,plotting an 11 X 8 half-inch plot with 200dot-per-inch resolution in seven seconds.A servo-controlled paper drive assures

a maximum vertical dot deviation of 2mils. Horizontal deviation is within 11/2mils.

Electronic design includes use of micro-processor control, LSI technology, andlow-power Schottky TTL logic. A singlemother card provides all electrical inter-connection within the machine. Custom-designed high voltage drivers, used to de-posit a charge on the dielectric paper, arecurrent limited and thermally protected.The V-80 prints in eight languages.

Changing to another language involvesthe replacement of a single ROM lan-guage configurator. Two internationalmodels offer A4 paper widths-the 210millimeter portrait width and the 297 mil-limeter landscape width. Users of domes-tic V-80 models can also print or plot oninternational paper widths. Removingtwo spacers in the paper compartmentallows the 11 " V-80 to accept 297mmpaper. Inserting two spacers in the 81/2"V-80 allows use of 210mm paper.The V-80 can print and plot directly

from most popular computers, and, uponrequest, make copies from up to eight dis-play terminals or digital video sources.Hard copy from display requires the addi-tion of a hard-copy controller.OEM evaluation units of the Model

V-80-711 are priced at $5400 in single-unitquantities. The OEM 100-unit price is$3402. Production quantities will beavailable in September.


COMPUTER74

Interactive design systemfeatures modular architecture

Software estimates variable amplitude fatigue life

A high productivity system providingthe basis for CAD/CAM integration,Gerber Systems Technology's IDS-80 in-teractive design system features a highlymodular architecture of distributed pro-cessing to optimize total system opera-tion. A four-terminal IDS-80 system canhave up to 13 processors dedicated to spe-cial functions. An integral part of the sys-tem is a Hewlett-Packard 2117F com-puter, which provides computational andcontrol functions.Two major features in system software

are RTE-IV and the Data ManagementSystem. RTE-IV is a multi-activity opera-ting system controlling simultaneous ac-tivities of graphic workstation operation,program development, communications,data management, and background pro-gram operation.DMS functions include security, con-

trolled file access and backup/archive,communications, data plotting, and dataformatting at the operating system level.DMS also provides the capability to usetechniques of group technology whereparts are classified by common features.Any part classification code can be sup-ported by DMS, permitting computersearches for parts belonging to a family.The data link between the central pro-

cessor and the intelligent graphic work-station features buffered, bidirectionalcommunications, permitting high-speeddata transmissions and faster response atthe workstation.The graphic workstation uses a high-

performance minicomputer, high-speedmemory, and a dedicated operating sys-tem to fully manage the display opera-tion, independent of the central processoractivity. Display data and picturetransformation functions including scal-ing, zooming, panning, clipping, andtranslation are controlled within thegraphic workstation at memory speeds.The workstation is designed to use a com-bination storage and refresh display. Athird dedicated processor in the graphicworkstation is used to do vector genera-tion.Starting with a basic "building block"

IDS-80 system, network designs of two ormore systems can be created throughhigh-speed or common-carrier communi-cation links. The system is also designedto support simultaneous operation of two-and three-dimensional design activities.The IDS-80 provides a full range of soft-

ware products, including geometric mod-eling, automatic drafting or design detail-ing, finite element modeling, numericalcontrol, printed circuit board design, andschematic drafting.The system operates either as a stand-

alone turnkey graphics system forCAD/CAM or within a larger, more gener-al computer network.


Engineering Sciences Data Unit hasproduced an interactive computer graph-ics package that enables the user to makegood engineering estimates of the fatiguelife of a component subjected to variableamplitude and variable mean loading.The COMpac 7004 package is based on

ESDU's well-tried methods of fatigue lifeestimation, which take account of inelas-tic behavior at stress concentrations,thus overcoming the serious limitationsof elementary Miner's Rule calculations,without demanding extensive and expen-sive testing to establish special materialproperties data.The main input data required are the ex-

pected loading history together withpoints from the constant-amplitude S-Ncurves for notched and unnotchedspecimens of the componenpt material, andthe stress concentration factors for thecomponent and test specimens.

COMpac 7004 is part of a series allow-ing engineers without special training incomputers or software languages to per-form calculations and immediately viewthe result pictorially on a TektronixSeries 4050 computer. The softwareallows the professionally qualified user tomake fatigue life estimates directly,follow the process stage by stage, andquickly ascertain the effect of modifica-tions by geometry, material, or loading onthe life of the component.

Marketed to run on the TektronixSeries 4050 desktop graphic computers,the COMpac 7004 package contains auser's manual as well as three data itemsand a program on a DC-300A data car-tridge for use with the Tektronix Model4051 (16K version), 4052, or 4054.


Applicon's A/E System and its Base A/E applications software package integratedesign and drafting functions into one interactive graphics system designed for the ar-chitecture/engineering industry. Featuring a dual-processor architecture, the systemuses a DEC PDP-11 working in tandem with an Applicon 32-bit minicomputer, andoperates under the DEC Standard RSX-IIM operating system. It performs two- andthree-dimensional design and drafting projects, allows extraction of engineeringanalysis information from the designs, and permits applications software development.The A/E System is available with full-color and black-and-white video terminals as wellas storage tube graphic display terminals.


July 1980 75

Structural analysis of a nuclear vessel's drive train is displayed in full color on DEC'sVS11 graphic subsystem. Shown here, running on a VAX-11/780, is a finite-elementanalysis presentation using Patran-G software. Each of the VS11 and VSV11 subsys-tems can display a 16-color graphics image or a 16-tone monochrome image, dependingon the monitor used.

Surface treatment for graphicdisplay panels resistsabrasion, solvents, chemicals

Plastic and metal display panels,overlays, touch switch overlays, CRTfilter panels, and instrument lenses pro-duced by Panelgraphic Corporation arenow available with ,the company's newprotective shield, Panelgraphic 901, a sur-

face treatment providing total resistanceto severe abrasion, strong solvents, andcorrosive chemicals.According to the manufacturer, the

Panelgraphic 901 surface is so imperviousto abrasion that it cannot be scratchedwhen scrubbed with steel wool. Availableeither water-clear or with high-resolutionanti-glare properties, the surface treat-ment protects not only the substrate butalso any printing or legends applied to thesurface of the substrate.

It is compatible with a variety of sub-strate materials, including most metals as

well as plastics such as acrylic, polycar-bonate, cellulose acetate, ABS, celluloseacetate butyrate, rigid PVC, polyester,CR-39, and glass fiber reinforced epoxiesand polyesters.Besides resisting abrasion, the surface

treatment also withstands strong sol-vents and corrosive chemicals such as

methylene chloride and tetrahydrofuranwithout visible effect.Panelgraphic Corporation offers this

protective shield on its own products as

well as on customer-supplied parts.


Graphics subsystems developed for PDP-lls and VAX-11/780

Digital Equipment Corporation has in-troduced a family of high-performancegraphics subsystems for all PDP-11 com-puters and the VAX-11/780 supermini-computer. The full-color raster scanVSV11 and VS11 models employ state-of-the-art microprocessor architecture toproduce dynamic color displays.Aimed at engineering, laboratory, in-

dustrial, and commercial markets, typicalapplications for the subsystems includegeneral engineering, structural designand analysis, simulation, process controland monitoring, business graphics, andCAD.The VSV11NVS11 models-designed for

LSI-11 bus microcomputers and PDP-11Unibus computers, respectively-are sup-ported by the RSX-11M, -llS, andVAX/VMS operating systems. Each mod-el is available with either a 19" full-colordisplay terminal, the VRV02, or a mono-chrome VT100 terminal.A DMA device, the VSV11NVS11 graph-

ics subsystem is composed of three ele-ments in addition to the terminal: an im-age processor, a sync generator, and im-age memory. The subsystem interfaces di-rectly with the LSI-bus and through a busconverter with the Unibus. The image

processor is based on the 2901 bit-slicetechnology.The subsystem's image memory is a

video frame buffer with 512 X 512 X 2bits of resolution and intensity in the bas-ic configuration. It is switch-selectable foreither interlaced operation at 512 X 512X 2 bits or 512 X 256 X 4 noninterlaced.An additional image memory can be addedto the subsystem to double the capacityfor 16-color static or dynamic graphics. Inthe dynamic graphics mode, one imagememory can display while the other is up-dated with new data.Both monochrome and color displays

have a VT100-type keyboard, and cursorposition is controllable with a joystick.Several options-such as hardware blink,programmable cursor positioning, andcursor size-can be selected.The VSV11 with color terminal option

is priced from $13,600. The monochromeversion is priced from $7900. The colorversion of the VS11 is priced from$14,200, and the monochrome VS11 sub-system starts at $8600. Deliveries of thesubsystems will begin in October.


Digital image processoruses on-board LSI-111/02

The Vision One/20 digital image pro-cessing system from Comtal Corporationutilizes an on-board LSI-11/02 microcom-puter as a system controller for I/O, com-mand language interpretation/execution,graphics overlay control, and memorymanagement of up to 48M bytes of dual-ported dynamic RAM used for imagestorage.The PROM firmware or optional RAM

software resident operating system pro-vides for real-time, interactive, stand-alone, or host-driven, single- or multi-useroperation with field-upgradable imagerefresh data-base memory sizeable from a

one-image system to a dynamically con-figurable system.The images in memory can be displayed

in black and white or color in either 512 X512 or 1024 X 1024 resolution. Standardfeatures include real-time discrete zoom,roam, and freeze frame.


COMPUTER76

Disk controller interfacestwo 8" or 14" drivesin one Unibus SPC card slot

Interfacing any two 8" or 14" Win-chester drives with SMD interface in oneUnibus SPC card slot, Dilog's ModelDU-202 intelligent quad-size PDP-11-compatible disk controller utilizes a pro-prietary microprocessor firmware archi-tecture.The controller has an on-board boot-

strap loader with 128 bytes of spare areafor additional feature use. Power consump-tion is less than 3.5 amps at +5 V from theCPU power supply. A full sector data buffereliminates CPU I/O bus throughput anddata late problems. Automatic self-testfirmware microdiagnostics are included.The DU-202 will interface with 8" or 14"

Winchester disk drives as well as withSMD pack or CMD cartridge-type drives.The unit accommodates two drives of thesame type, or two different drives withdifferent storage capabilities or transferrates. Drive capacities handled includeWinchesters from 20M to 160M bytes,SMDs of 40M or 80M bytes, and CMDsfrom 32M to 96M bytes.In quantities of 50, the DU-202 is priced

at $1786, with delivery from stock 60days after receipt of order.


Pascal development systemsoffered for desktop computers

Logical Machine Corporation's Goliath-a multiprocessing, multi-tasking communica-ting business computer-uses ordinary English words in programming. Hardware con-sists of a central message-handling processor attached to a disk with up to 96M bytesof unformatted capacity. Each user terminal has its own processor and local floppystorage; a local printer is optional. Programming is done at each unit in the compiler-less dialog language unique to the company. Goliath is priced from $33,000, and can beexpanded to 20 or more users.


Pascal-35 and Pascal-45 have been de-veloped by International ElectronicMachinery for two Hewlett-Packarddesktop computers, the HP9835A andHP9845B, respectively. Both systemswere derived from the UCSD Pascaldevelopment system.The Pascal-35/-45 systems offer en-

hancements of the familiar features of theUCSD system. For example, the top-levelcommand structure has been altered topermit execution of a compiled programby merely typing its name, and eachsystem has a Pascal compiler, linker, file-by-name file management, and full-screenediting functions.Both development systems take advan-

tage of the HP hardware features. Usermemory can go up to 512K on the 9845Band 256K on the 9835A.Documentation includes user's manual

and two books on Pascal.Optional capabilities include Pascal ac-

cess to graphics and plotting, and prede-fined procedures for I/O programming.An optimal run-time support package al-lows an end-user to use an application pro-gram without having to learn the develop-ment system.


July 1980

Four-color printer/plotterprints at 60 1pm

Ramtek's Model 4100 four-color processdigital dot matrix printer/plotter pro-duces full-color or black-and-white hard-copy graphics on plain paper. The micro-processor-controlled device switches be-tween graphics and alphanumeric modes,printing all colors in one pass.Controlled by a Zilog Z-80 microproces-

sor, the unit prints in a subtractive pro-cess, light colors first, from a raster re-fresh graphics system. Maximum resolu-tion is 60 dots per linear inch, horizontalor vertical. According to the manufactur-er, plotting speed in the full-color graph-ics mode averages three minutes per pagefor 11" forms, and characters are printedin a 5 X 7 dot matrix at 60 1pm.

The microprocessor incorporates self-diagnostic routines, and the unit operatesin continuous motion to avoid the effectof rapid acceleration-deceleration.The Model 4100 is priced at $12,000,

with deliveries to begin in August.


The Model 4100 four-color process digitaldot matrix printer/plotter uses separatecartridge ribbons and print heads for pro-ducing black and three primary col-ors-magenta, cyan, and yellow. Colorand black can be printed concurrently.

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