Most of the basic package software on the 1906A is up and working. Although it is likely that a significant amount of time will be spent in the next few months supporting this software, it is time to consider the work to be done in the next period. The main topics of interest were outlined in Project Note 18.
It was quite evident from trips to both Livermore and Los Alamos that none of the USA sites have made any significant changes to III software even though they are as unhappy with it as we are. Once the machine gets fully loaded there will be little chance to make changes. Therefore, it is imperative that work should start as soon as possible.
The intention is for RWW and JMR to examine the problems associated with redefining the FR80 Displayer and incorporating both LOADGO and Accounting with it. A proposal is required that indicates the Displayer code to be accepted and the best method of generating the new system bearing in mind that system development time on the FR80 is likely to be limited in the future.
As WDS is likely to be away for several weeks, RWW and JMR will be responsible for any essential changes needed to FR80 basic software until his return.
The major work on the support side is removing irritants from the software available on the 1906A and getting ready for the service on the 360/195. DVR is responsible for coordinating the 1906A support.
The aim is to stop the service on the SD4020 from the 1906A in September. It is likely that a service on the SD4020 for the 360/195 will have to be continued until November or December due to the late delivery of basic systems software by RL. The only work likely to come from the 360/195 in the next month or two will be microfiche output using the 360 Print Program. A standard fiche format needs to be defined for RL and the problems associated with fiche titles at 48 x reduction need to be resolved. There is also the problem of reading 360 tapes consistently. AWB will be responsible for ensuring that fiche output from the 360/195 is produced satisfactorily.
The main hardware support problems are associated with colour and grey level output. PAD will continue his analysis of the colour system together with PMN. It seems sensible to set up an experiment to compare the results from a primary and secondary filter run. PMN will define the 64 equi-spaced intensity levels needed for grey-level work and will set up a system so that this information can be accessed by the various packages.
There is a need for additional quality control and engineering tests, PMN will generate these in collaboration with RB. The schedule for routine testing of the system needs to be set out.
It has been found that the projectors in the Laboratory have a smaller image size than the accepted British Standard cine image. It is necessary for PMN to specify the size that is likely to be acceptable on most projectors.
Due to lack of manpower, it is likely that changes to RSX will have to be left until WDS's return. LOF will take over the basic maintenance of the PDP15 until then. In addition, LOF will continue his graphics work for the microdensitometer on the PDP15.
The BSI appears to be working now (once again!). JRG will complete his current tests and produce the relevant documentation.
It is likely that Professor Hockney of Reading University will have a student working on a PDP15 project from October. Some time will need to be spent familiarising him with the system.
Now that the basic software is available for the FR80, it is necessary to consider the high-level software that is required. RET is currently involved in defining the necessary graphics routines for the X-RAY system.
A number of requests have already been made for contouring routines in particular, and routines for 3-dimensional representation in general. JRG is to consider this whole area. Particular attention should be paid to the general contouring problem and Dr Rhind's requirements '- for 3-dimensional coloured histograms.
FRAH will continue implementing Archuleta's version of the Utah software for shading, colouring and hidden line removal of complex pictures defined as a set of polygonal planes.
AHF is to look into the general problem of shading two-dimensional closed areas. This work is to be considered in connection with the various users requiring coloured areas.
Once the basic software on the 360/195 is complete, MFC is to look into the whole area of text production and output. The needs of the users requiring high quality textual output should be considered. The other main problem is the production of documentation using the FR80 and 1906A (or possibly the 360/195).
MBK and AHF will continue adding the currently available high-level routines to SMOG.
LOF is to tidy up his system for the production of molecule films so that this can be made generally available.
PAD is to continue working on the two internally-generated films. The first of these is the publicity film for the Research Councils required by Mr Arnison of State House. The other is the film presenting survey results which is required by JEH.
With the changing role of the Laboratory, it is evident that more experience in engineering and interactive graphics associated with it must be built up in the Laboratory.
Initial investigations of the PAFEC system on the 1906A suggest that this package is not particularly well-structured to allow results to be viewed and manipulated at an interactive terminal.
We are obtaining a copy of the ASAS system which has been used at Leicester and is also available on the 1906A. It seems sensible to set up a pilot scheme for the input of FE meshes displaying results from the package using the PDP15. To some extent this work is currently being held up waiting for listings of the ASAS system. Consequently, the only work envisaged initially is some preparation by FRAH and RET.
The following points came up at the meeting:
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