- •I. What is a computer?
- •II. Glimpses of history development of the transistor
- •The transistor and the computer. The computer's miniaturization
- •Planar technology
- •Integrated microcircuits come in
- •Microelectronics makes rapid progress
- •Birth of the microprocessor
- •Speedier semiconductor chips
- •III. The computer principles, structure and operation binary system
- •Logic circuits
- •Microelectronic memories
- •Using the computer
- •Data structures
- •Input. Process. Store, output
- •Output — video and printing devices
- •Video Terminals
- •IV. The computer's software programming a computer
- •Programming languages
- •Program development
- •Input Requirements
- •Table 5. Program Containing an Error
- •VI. Microcomputers in industry. Robotics machine tools5
- •Process control
- •Inspection and measurement
- •Robotics
- •The robot's nervous system
- •Robots in industry
- •VI. Educational applications of microelectronics computers on wheels
- •The computer teaches painting
- •A talking abc-book
- •VII. Computers all around us
- •Viewdata6
- •Integrated work station3
- •Multiple-fare meter2
- •Shade for the eyes. Music for the ears
- •Computer in a wristwatch
- •Talking watch
- •The doll talks
- •Pocket-size lie detector
- •Electronic watchman
- •Shock treatment2 for thieves
- •Passport for the electronic age
- •Illustrated copying instructions
- •Plain-speaking home robot
- •Touchy calculator
- •Optical discs: thanks for the memory
- •VIII. Computers at their best data base management systems'
- •Computer languages
- •The computer acquires intelligence
- •5 Whose syntax and structure lend themselves to interactive use — синтаксис и
- •Translation by computer
- •Enter the intelligent computer
- •Computers with intelligence
- •"Aesculapius"2 diagnoses the case
- •A smarter way to fly
- •Computer-controlled irrigation
Passport for the electronic age
Since 1985, West German citizens travelling outside the European Economic Community are required to get a new type of laminated "forgery-proof"" passport. Like the identification cards now required in West Germany for travel within the EEC, the new passports have a computer-compatible6 feature that law-enforcement officials hope will cut down the international movement of terrorists.
Both documents, the ID cards7 as well as the new passports, are said to be virtually counterfeit-proof.5 The page of the passport containing the owner's personal data and photograph is laminated so that it cannot be counterfeited without easy detection. The new passport is designed to be inspected by a computer at
' will make potential thieves hold back from — заставят потенциальных воров воздержаться от
2 shock treatment — шокотерапия ,
3 high-security briefcase — портфель с секретным замком
4 if forced entry is attempted—если делается попытка взломать замок '' forgery-proof = counterfeit-proof—который невозможно подделать ь computer-compatible — пригодный для обработки на ЭВМ ; ID (= Individual Data) card—карточка индивидуальных данных
border checkpoints.' Ail border posts wilt eventually have scanning terminals2 that are linked directly to the central computer at the Federal Crime Bureau. When tlic passport is placed on the glass plate of the scanner, the information about the owner is transmitted for comparison against crime records. If the passport bearer is a fugitive, the border guard is alerted in seconds. Right now border guards must refer to a written record on hand or punch data into a computer keyboard terminal to run a similar check on3 suspected criminals or terrorists. The computerized passports are expected to cut down long lines, especially during vacation periods, at border crossings.
Illustrated copying instructions
To aid office workers4 who have to decipher photocopiers' instruction manuals, Xerox Corporation has developed a new tine of machines that provide step-by-step operating tips in words and pictures. Xerox designers say the new Series 10 copiers are the most technically advanced- yet the "friendliest"5 — copiers the company has ever produced.
Each machine features a pair of electronic display screens on its microprocessor control panel. One display shows operating instructions in conversational words. At the same time, the second display shows a line drawing of the machine with a flashing light to indicate the part of the copier referred to6 in the written instruction- If the operator makes a mistake, the two displays team up to offer a solution such as, "Close the right door, make sure it's latched." Repairmen can also make use of the displays during service calls.7
Plain-speaking home robot
For all the prototypes that have come and gone, home robots remain little more than a good idea in search of a functional application. Still entrepreneurs keep coming up with new ver-
border checkpoint—пограничный ксштрольно-пропускиои пункт scanning terminal -— просмутривающсс оконечное устрийсгьо ЭНМ to run a similar check on - чтобы проверить таким же шиеобпм 4 office worker --служащий
the "friendliest"—зд. самые удобные в обращении the part... referred to - деталь, о которой идет речь service call —вызов для устранения неисправности
sions, confident that the home robot is indeed the indispensable' appliance2 of the future.
The latest is the Hubot, developed by a former industrial robot engineer Michael Forino of Carlsbad, California. Forino's mobile medley3 of microprocessor-controlled entertainment gear, security sensors4 and navigational systems is essentially a personal computer on wheels. With optional attachments it can vacuum5 or control your household appliances. It can also be a charming novelty at cocktail parties, serving a tray of drinks and chatting to guests with an electronic voice. But the Hubot does have one serious aspect that deserves a significant note in the annals of home-robot development: its operating software accepts plain-language commands, rather than computerese,6 on an easy-to-use keyboard.