February 1960 - Vol. 3 No. 2
Features
A proposal for character code compatability
The emergence of a single standard from a welter of conflicting precedents depends upon two solutions:
selection or development of an adequate and logical standard,
phasing out (or peaceful coexistence with) the old varieties.
This paper deals with the latter problem and proposes the mechanics for a solution in the area of character codes, as represented by bit combinations.
It has been suggested that we need some new words in our industry. For example, consider the following two definitions of the term random access:
Access to storage under conditions in which the next position from which information is to be obtained is in no way dependent on the previous one.
Feature of certain internal memory systems, particularly magnetic drum type.
(In both cases the italics are the author's.) of a set of publication standards suitable for use by the Association for Computing Machinery, based on the standards adopted by the Machine Computation Committee of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. The writer, as a member of this Committee, is acting merely as agent of the Committee in presenting the following upon the request of the Editor for Standards of the ACM. This article is only a summary of the standards adopted by the AIChE; further details are contained in a pamphlet entitled “Guide to Abstracts and Manuals for Computer Program Interchange”, prepared by the Machine Computation Committee of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.1
Sequential formula translation
The syntax of an algorithmic language such as ALGOL is conveniently described as a sequence of states indicated by an element called cellar. Transitions are controlled by admissible state-symbol pairs which may be represented by a transition matrix. This description of syntax furnishes at the same time an extremely simple rule for translating into machine programs statements in the algorithmic language. Sequential treatment, however, is not feasible in the case of certain optimizing processes such as recursive address calculation.
Selfcipher is a programming system designed to provide a quasi-actual language for preparing programs automatically for large scale digital computers.
The coding of external symbols into symbols internal to a computer can sometimes be carried out in such a way that relevant informational properties are preserved, but in a form much more easily dealt with. A case in point is presented.
The basic side of tape labeling
Once an installation has determined that it would be advantageous to be able to internally identify the contents of each reel of tape on hand and to be able to check those identifications by programming, consideration is given to a Tape. Labeling Routine. The parameters of such a routine are limited only by the inventiveness of the programmers of the installation as they request (and frequently demand) that the label on the tape contain block counts, can numbers, pass tallies, messages, reminders, first names, last names, number of tape inches available, security classifications, unit the tape is to be mounted on, and hundreds of other “necessary” pieces of data which will serve to illustrate the complexity of data processing. The routine which is to translate these labels is oftentimes encumbered with brilliant formulas which enable it (if it can ever be completely debugged) to manipulate the information and make decisions of astounding magnitude. What little core memory space remains is then used to process the data in the file which the label identified.
Mr. Diran Sarafyan, in his paper “A New Method of Computation of Square Roots Without Using Divisions” (Communications, Nov. 1959) gave a way of computing square roots which converges faster than the standard Newton method. His technique can be generalized as follows.
In Newark, New Jersey, Federal Pacific Electric Company operates a complex of modern plants producing specialized electrical equipment for construction and industry. From its assembly lines pours an assortment of packaged products for the distribution and control of electric power—circuit breakers, load centers, switches, motor control, instruments—more than 2000 catalog items, ranging in price from one to several hundreds of dollars. Federal Pacific also operates an international network of other plants producing engineered electrical equipment approaching in bulk the size of a house, but these are not warehouse items and, as such, are not relevant to today's discussion.
Computer preparation of a poetry concordance
A concordance is an alphabetical index of the words used by a major writer, or group of writers, showing each word in its context. It is one of the basic research tools for scholars in the Humanities. Concordances are very useful in studies of language, vocabulary, and the history of ideas in literature and philosophy. Use of a concordance is probably the only way to interpret critically, or sometimes even to understand, a symbolist writer. It can also be used to help determine the age or even the author of a piece of anonymous writing.
