- •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
Process control
The control of processes in general is a wider extension of the principles used in numerical control of machine tools. Instead of monitoring and controlling solely movement, other parameters such as temperature, time, gas flow. etc. are monitored and controlled. The possibilities are endless, provided8 suitable transducers-exist for the parameters to be controlled. In this case, the more complex the process the more suitable it is for microcomputer control.
Efficient operation of furnaces is an example where energy savings can be substantial when the process is properly controlled-A microprocessor-based system can monitor signals from thermocouples, air flow meters, fuel flow meters and gas analysers, and on the basis of heat loss calculation and furnace efficiency optimise the fuel/air ration.
In an application such as this, it is also possible to collect information of the furnace performance over time. An analysis of this information provides a valuable guide to damage and wear
' position of the feed axes — положение осей подачи (обрабатываемой детали) 2 on-line processing capability— способность к обработке данных по мере
их поступления
'' blank — болванка, заготовка
4 VDU == Visual Display Unit — устройство визуального отображения, дисплей '' before the operator commits the machine— прежде чем оператор начнет
станочную обработку ' conversational approach — режим диалога
digital readout system —система цифрового отображения (информации) 41 provided — при условии что, в случае если
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and to establishing the time for appropriate corrective maintenance.'
Another heat dependent process is injection moulding. A microprocessor can monitor melt temperature, die temperature, pressure, cooling time, etc. to control the cycle in accordance with the specification of the material being used.
In practice, despite theoretical laws, many industrial process parameters are chosen and varied according to industry branch accumulated data and operator Judgement. This can lead to erratic production and quality problems. With microcomputer control systems, this data can be stored and drawn upon from computer memory leading to greater uniformity of output.
The calculation of optimum tool life from theoretical laws, for example, is not practical because of the variations in the properties of the actual workpiece. Optimum tool life more realistically should be based upon actual experience. It is feasible nowadays to monitor and analyse data to recalculate continuously optimum too! life.
Continuous monitoring of vibration in machinery allows the vibration pattern to be analysed. Any abnormal wear or breakdown of bearings will show up as a dramatic change in the pattern of vibration.
Inspection and measurement
In industrial situations, the ability to inspect and, if necessary, reject quickly is desirable if further errors are to be prevented. The value of microcomputer-controlled inspection equipment lies in moving probes at high speed or using several probes simultaneously, and in analysing the reading obtained to produce a final result quickly and with consistent accuracy. For example, in checking turbine blades3 twenty transducers might be used simultaneously. Immediate indication of "oversize", "undersize" or "acceptable" for each of the twenty measurements is given by lamps (red, orange, green) and a printout is available for permanent record.
The individual readings can be conveniently stored to allow trends,4 etc. to be identified. This often enables a situation to be altered before faulty work is produced.
For precision engineering5 an important measurement is surface
provides a valuable guide to damage and wear and to establishing the time for appropriate corrective maintenance - дает ценные сведения о повреждениях. износе и о врсж'ни необходимого профилактического ремонта to erratic production and quality problems — к .неустойчивости производств;] и снижению качества продукции
3 turbine blade—лопасть турбины
4 trend—тенденция
J precision engineering—точное машиностроение
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quality expressed by about twenty parameters fe. g. roundness). The calculation of these parameters is tedious working from a trace of the surface.' Traditional surface measurement instruments provide analog output into. say, chart recorders.2 By interfacing a microcomputer to the output of the instrument, the analysis can be done directly. In this type of application, therefore, there are microprocessor-based surface measurement instruments and also "add-on" systems.3