May 1961 - Vol. 4 No. 5
Features
Design of an improved transmission/data processing code
Historically there has been strong difference of opinion in the construction of 6-bit (64-character) data codes, based upon whether the code is to be used for communications or data processing. This paper reports on investigation of an improved code which meets transmission requirements and requires very little modification for varied data processing usage.
An indirect chaining method for addressing on secondary keys
Methods for entering random-access files on the basis of one key are briefly surveyed. The widely used chaining method, based on a pseudo-random key transformation, is reviewed in more detail. An efficient generalization of the chaining method which permits recovery on additional keys is then presented.
A method for evaluating the area of the normal function
Many statistical procedures require the cumulative area and ordinate of the normal function corresponding to a given deviate. The development of a computer program for the application of probit analysis [1] to bio-assay led to the method described here.
Automatic abstracting and indexing—survey and recommendations
In preparation for the widespread use of automatic scanners which will read documents and transmit their contents to other machines for analysis, this report presents a new concept in automatic analysis: the relative-frequency approach to measuring the significance of words, word groups, and sentences. The relative-frequency approach is discussed in detail, as is its application to problems of automatic indexing and automatic abstracting. Included in the report is a summary of automatic analysis studies published as of the date of writing. Conclusions are drawn that point toward more sophisticated mathematical and linguistic techniques for the solution of problems of automatic analysis.
This project is engaged in (a) a program of research into the application of the concepts and techniques of modern data processing to the design of mechanical parts, and (b) the further development of automatic programming systems for numerically controlled machine tools. The project is a cooperative venture between the Computer Applications Group of the Electronic Systems Laboratory and the Design and Graphics Division of the Mechanical Engineering Department, and is sponsored by the Manufacturing Methods Division of the USAF Air Material Command through Contract AF-33(600)-40604.
Man-machine communication via simplified English
Two specific projects are in process as part of an advanced planning effort for the development of automated techniques for command and control.
