Document Details
PURL
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Title:
Console Networks for Major Computer Systems
Author(s):
Document Type:
REPORT
Publication Date:
1966 Jul 22
Document Number(s):
BNL-10356
Originating Research Org.:
BNL (Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States))
OpenNet Entry Date:
2013 Feb 27
OpenNet Modified Date:
2013 May 04
Description/Abstract:
A concept for interactive time-sharing of a major computer system is developed in which satellite computers mediate between the central computing complex and the various individual user terminals. These techniques allow the development of a satellite system substantially independent of the details of the central computer and its operating system. Although the user terminals' roles may be rich and varied, the demands on the central facility are merely those of a tape drive or similar batched information transfer device. The particular system under development provides service for eleven visual display and communication consoles, sixteen general purpose, low rate data sources, and up to thirty-one typewriters. Each visual display provides a flicker-free image of up to 4000 alphanumeric characters or tens of thousands of points by employing a swept raster picture generating technique directly compatible with that of commercial television. Users communicate either by typewriter or a manually positioned light pointer.