- •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
A smarter way to fly
Until recently, Lufthansa maintenance crews overhauled' the engines of the airline's Airbus A310 after every 3,000 hours of flight to make sure they were running properly.2 Now, however, mechanics need to disassemble the huge engines only when a part must be replaced, A new computer system aboard each jet monitors its engines in the air, letting technicians know when the engines may be m need of repair.
Its "brain" is contained in a small case about the size of a portable typewriter. Sensors placed in each jet engine transmit more than 50 different measurements to the computer, called a propulsion multiplexer.3 The data includes pressure and temperature information, engine rotation, fuel flow and vibrations. The multiplexor compiles the information, and a thermal printer4 in the cockpit prints the results every four hours. When the plane lands, the data is transmitted to the airline's main computer in Frankfurt, where it is evaluated. If the AIDS" system finds signs of trouble, it transmits that data first, alerting technicians to needed repairs.
Computer-controlled irrigation
A computer has been put in control of a major irrigation system supplying water to one hundred thousand hectares in the Fergana Valley, in Uzbekistan. With the help of automatic and remote-control devices,6 the computer runs pumping stations, hydroschemes and canals.
Proceeding from stored information of agricultural land and water resources, as well as from real-time data derived from outlying control stations the computer determines the optimum irrigation regimen. Each field receives as much water as it needs. The computer takes mere seconds to7 evaluate an emergency
' to overhaul—разбирать для ремонта
2 to make sure they were running properly— чтобы убедиться, что они работают исправно
3 propulsion multiplexer—коммутатор (мультиплексор) реактивного двигателя
4 thermal printer — термографическое печатающее устройство s AIDS =- Aerofaus Indicating Data System —система данных аэробуса <i remote-control device— механизм дистанционного управления ' the computer takes mere seconds to — у ЭВМ уходит несколько секунд на то. чтобы
Й9
situation and switch off the right part' of the automatic control system.
A unified system to control water resources is now under construction in Uzbekistan. It already incorporates2 45 automated irrigation networks in various regions of this Central Asian Republic.
' the right part—требуемую часть (г. е. часть системы, где произошла авария)
2 to incorporate—включать в себя
3 non-technical readers — читатели, не знакомые с инженерной наукой
4 returned... to get a Ph. D. in chemistry - вернулся и стал доктором химических наук
а gave up the classroom to become a full-time writer — бросил преподавательскую деятельность, чтобы полностью посвятить себя литературе
" Niccolo Mazetti ['"'^la ma'zeti] — Пикколо Мацетти
7 Just as an eleven-year-old boy would enjoy a fairy-tale— как и подобает один-