D.Sc. (Computer Science) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

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VLSI technology, embodied in state of the art microprocessors and microcomputers, has implied a computer system architecture that offers the possibility for extensive standardization, modularity, and performance improvements that can significantly impact and reduce the lifetime costs of real-time simulators. This report discusses one such system. Both the hardware and software aspects of the system are examined.

With the increasing availability and use of 16-bit microprocessors, the 16-bit data bus and is becoming more prevalent. However, many peripheral devices such as printers and tape/disk drives still require an 8-bit data bus for their interface. This paper will explain how an Intel 8051 microcontroller may be used to interface a 16-bit data bus to a peripheral requiring an 8-bit data bus. A FIFO is used to buffer data from a 16-bit processor so that efficient use of processing time is maintained. The 8051 is used to control the peripheral and data transfer.

The field of computer graphics has continued to provide an efficient means of depicting information about complex phenomena for its users. It has become a widely used tool through which the user may manipulate data to generate a different perspective of the problem at hand and, hence, offers a solution to many varied problems. One area of the application for computer graphics is the field of flight simulation. At the University of Central Florida, research is being conducted in the area of computer graphics simulation to develop a method through which a pictorial representation of the outline of a small airport runway may be modified to appear as viewed by a pilot in a defined airspace. The purpose of this paper is to provide a means of interfacing a small computer to a flight simulator device as well as a graphics terminal. This new implementation of the software will allow a pictorial display to be continuously modified by the changing positional and attitudinal parameters provided from a flight simulator's input. Another goal of this paper is to generate faster display turnaround times by programming the computer in assembly language. Further, the hardware that accomplishes this task is discussed. Finally, suggestions for continued research in this area conclude the report.

This thesis examines the performance of the Intel 8089 integrated I/O processor through a predictive performance model for the I/O subsystem architectures available to the designer of an iAPX 86 system. The model provides system throughput estimates and is intended to be used prior to any detailed design. The derivation of the model is followed by a description of a prototype system which is used to provide actual throughput measurements. These measurements are compared with the model predictions to evaluate the model error and its utility. The model estimates are then combined with subsystem cost data to gauge the cost-effectiveness of the 8089.

This research evaluates the applicability to microcomputers of various methods for determining the solution of large systems of simultaneous linear algebraic equations. Such systems of equations characterize physical systems often encountered in Civil Engineering and other engineering disciplines. Many methods of solution involving either in-core or out-of-core storage of data have been developed for use with large digital computers. These methods are reviewed and their applicability to microcomputers is evaluated. A comparison of several schemes is made regarding core size required, time of execution, and precision of results. The out-of-core solution schemes for banded matrices are found to be most applicable to microcomputers with large out-of-core storage capacity.

This study investigates the influence that increasing end user autonomy has on organizational data models. The independence offered by microcomputer technology offers users increasing independence in their information-handling activities. As independence increases, uniformity of data models across the organization is theorized to diminish. The problem motivating this study is the potential for improper allocation of resources that may result from a misinterpretation of organizational data. This study suggests that the expanding use of microcomputers in the business setting will contribute to diversity of data models. This may eventually lead to confusion and even lack of confidence in the information produced.

The problem addressed in this study is the need for efficient and economic methods to train naive college students to operate microcomputers as a necessary step in their acquisition of computer proficiency. Two methods of training were compared. These were training by live demonstration and training by videotape. These methods were considered economically viable because each could be presented in a classroom and neither required a one-to-one student-to-computer or student-to-tutor ratio. Four sections of an introductory computer science class were used in the study. Two classes were presented each treatment. The effectiveness of the presentations was measured by means of a written quiz administered immediately after the presentation and by the number of microcomputer system operation tasks successfully completed during an individual laboratory session. The computer anxiety level of each participant was measured prior to the presentation to determine if anxiety was a factor in finding the best training method. When scores of naive users who saw the videotape were compared with the scores of naive users who saw the live demonstration, no significant differences were found. However, when novice users (those who had some previous experience with operating or programming a microcomputer) were included, the group that saw the videotape scored significantly higher on the written quiz than the group that saw the live demonstration. A two by two analysis of variance showed no significant interactions between anxiety and treatment. User satisfaction was found to be significantly higher for the videotape group than for the live demonstration group. This study concluded with the recommendation that the Computer Science Department of North Texas State University utilize videotapes to train students in introductory classes to use a microcomputer system. This recommendation was based on the superior test results for naive and novice users who saw the videotape, the user satisfaction scores and inherent advantages of videotapes over live demonstrations.

The problem this descriptive study dealt with was the fear (computerphobia) administrators, teachers, and noneducators have concerning the acceptance of microcomputers in the educational setting. The MAXHELP Project is an Air University sponsored program to assist the local schools in scientific and technological education. The 12 hour MAXHELP Microcomputer Orientation Course has graduated over 500 educators from seven Alabama school districts. This study used the Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ). This instrument was developed at the Inter-Institutional Program for the Reasearch and Development Center for Teacher Education, The University of Texas at Austin, by Hall, George and Rutherford. The SoCQ was mailed to a random sample of 300 MAXHELP graduates. A total of 212 responses were used in the study. This report concludes that the administrator and teacher groups are moving through the stages of concern when compared with the typical "non-user." Teachers show greater concerns relating to Management and administrators have greater concerns on Consequence, Collaboration, and Refocusing. Administrators are not users of microcomputers in the classroom, but are very concerned about how to facilitate the spread of microcomputers throughout the school curriculum. In general, the data indicate more similarity of teaching concerns by age, years teaching experience, and area of specialization. Concerns relating to the demands of microcomputers upon the individual who has to use microcomputers in the classroom cannot be satisfied without the microcomputer being available. Personal stage concerns will probably remain high until more microcomputers are available in the classroom. Teachers who have been in the classroom between one to six years appear to be the most prone to resist change. Special attention needs to be given to this group to demonstrate the advantages of the microcomputer as a teaching tool and as an administrative aid at both the pre-service and in-service levels.