- •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
Pocket-size lie detector
In the 1970s a new type of lie detector called the "voice-stress analyzer" was introduced- Manufacturers such as Communication Control Systems (CCS), Inc., of New York, said that electronic voice tremor detectors4 offered the accuracy of traditional polygraph machines, as well as a number, of easy-to-use. features. Some critics dispute the abilities of voice-stress analyzers but the products have won favour with5 some law-enforcement agencies and are particularly popular with businessmen for personnel screening.7 Now CCS has come up with a miniature version of its original briefcase-size device.
The new hand-held voice-stress analyzer is designed for office use. Numerical readouts8 on a display screen indicate the amount of subaudible9 tremors in a person's voice. The more tremors, the more possibility that a statement is untrue, according to. the voice-analysis theory.
Electronic watchman
American inventors are still racking their brains over better and more reliable locks and warning systems which can ward off10 the most determined thieves. The latest invention is a microcomputer which is built into an electronic system, such as a stereo or car radio. Only the owner of the object who knows the code can play
1 word stock — словарный запас
2 ambient — окружающий
3 speak out its mind about the weather — высказать свое мнение о погоде
* voice tremor detector —детектор дрожи в голосе
5 have won favour with —завоевали популярность среди
61 law-enforcement agency •-- учреждение, стоящее на страже закона
' for personnel screening—для отбора кандидатов при приеме на работу
8 Numerical readout — Числовые данные, выводимые на экран
9 subaudible -- неслышный без помощи приборов, находящийся за порогом
с-лышимосгн '" ward ofl — отвращать
74
his record player or radio once the electricity has been disconnected. To the thier who steals a radio fitted with this sophisticated lock, the radio will remain mute. "Newsweek" magazine believes that new products labeled as having an electronic lock will make potential thieves hold back from' stealing them.
Shock treatment2 for thieves
Thieves may be shocked — literally — if they try to snatch valuables locked inside a new high-security briefcase-3 The electronic briefcase delivers a 4.000-volt electric pulse to anyone who grabs the case from its owner or attempts to secretly lift the case off the floor. Inside this seemingly ordinary attache case is a panel of microcircuitry that makes up a radio receiver tuned to the frequency broadcast by a pocket-size transmitter carried by the attache case's owner. If the case is moved more than 15 feet from the transmitter, or if it is lifted by someone not carrying the transmitter "key", an ear-splitting alarm sounds. Then, within 16 seconds a jolt of electricity is discharged, and this shocking performance is repeated every two seconds. The alarm and shock mechanism can also be triggered either when the case is jostled or if forced entry is attempted.4