Data General Nova

Abstract: A state notation language (NOVA SKED) for the experimental control and collection of data from operant behavior experiments by Data General NOVA series minicomputers is described. NOVA SKED is based on the SKED system written for the Digital Equipment Corporation PDP8 series of minicomputers. The NOVA SKED state notation syntax enables diagramming experimental procedures directly and precisely by the operant experimenter, who need not be familiar with computers. This syntax can then be compiled by the computer into programs that operate under the SKED run-time system (RTS). The SKED RTS operates in a timesharing mode that allows up to 16 experimental stations to function simultaneously and independently from each other. NOVA SKED is a “stand-alone” system that collects and stores data on digital magnetic tape.

Abstract: : This report describes the design, principles of operation and performance characteristics of an Advanced Development Model of a limited- vocabulary word recognition system. This system is intended to be used as an interface between a cartographic operator and a digitizing computer to allow voice entry of bathometric depth data from smooth sheets. The system is intended to accommodate a 15-word vocabulary, typically 10 digits and five control words. The system can store voice characteristics for six to eight operators. By the use of a numeric display located on the digitizing table cursor, the operator using the system can verify that each data digit spoken into the system has been correctly recognized. Data can then either be corrected, or if correct, entered into the digitizing system by the use of spoken control words. This cartographic word recognition system is based upon the Threshold Technology, Inc. (TTI) commercial VIP-100 isolated-word recognition system. The VIP-100 can be automatically adapted on-line for individual speakers and/or words. The principal speech recognition modules of the VIP-100 are a speech preprocessor designed and manufactured by TTI and a general purpose minicomputer running with TTI designed software. For this contract, RADC furnished as GFE, a Data General Nova 1200 minicomputer with 8K memory to be included in the system.

Abstract: : RTLAB is a package of relocatable assembly-language subroutines for the design, control, and analysis of behavioral experiments on the Data General Corporation NOVA family of computers. It was originally designed for use in reaction time research but is readily adaptable to any discrete-trial task. RTLAB accepts design parameters from the experimenter for a given experiment and then produces an appropriately randomized and counterbalanced set of trials for presentation to a subject. During an experimental session RTLAB controls the presentation of stimuli, the acceptance and scoring of responses, and all of the timing and input-output constraints associated with control and data acquisition. Its current design does not allow for time-sharing among more than one subject station. A history of the experiment is saved for later analysis and transfer to storage media. User modifications of any of the details of these operations are facilitated by the organization of RTLAB into subroutine modules. The organization of RTLAB and its use are presented along with sufficient documentation of the routines to allow user modification where appropriate.