WaveTek,
Inc.
CADTrain, Inc.
Newport Beach, CA
We built CADTrain's
Skills Assesment Test Development and Delivery System.
This is an Internet/Intranet Based test delivery and grading tool.
All processing occurs on the 'Client-Side', thus relieving the Server
of any administrative or computational duties.
The Server downloads
the HTML/JavaScript Pages, the Client delivers and grades the Test,
then uploads a resulting score either via a FORM or Email - without
intervention.
Design
Imaging Group
Digital ChoreoGraphics
designed and developed both the SPLASH! and PlanScape software products
for Design Imaging Group. The products are Windows based Computer
Aided Design (CAD) packages. The products run under Windows 3.1, Windows
'95 and Windows NT.
The products
are extremely easy to use. In addition to ALL the usual CAD functions,
the Products include a feature wherein the designer can capture that
graphic that he sketched on the back of a bar napkin. The product
allows the designer to FAX a hand sketched image into the Product,
then to trace over the sketch - this is DCG's Bar
Napkin Paradigm (patent pending).
Furthermore,
the Product will allow the designer to use a cookie cutter of his
own design to cut out patterns in his pool outline - The
Cookie Network Paradigm (patent pending) - thus enhancing the
Bar Napkin Paradigm.
The Products
also provided for cost estimation. Using the CAD dimensions and an
integrated unit cost database, a written estimate could be generated
for the designer's customer.
C4
Imaging Systems
Denver, CO
A subsidiary of AZON, Inc.
Digital ChoreoGraphics
created an HPGL and a CalComp 'RIP' for C4 Imaging Systems that runs
under both Unix and Windows NT. These software packages 'emulate'
hardware plotter sold by Hewlett-Packard and CalComp, respectively.
This allows a CAD shop to plot their CAD drawings on any Raster Plotter
(e.g. an HP LaserJet or other raster printer).
These software
packages would convert a Hewlett Packard Graphics Language plot descriptor
file or a Calcomp Plot File into a Raster representation of the vector
plot file of arbitrary size. Plots sizes are typically 54" x 36".
The same source code will compile and execute on both Unix and Windows-NT
operating systems, as well as DOS.
Floor Coverings International
Atlanta, GA
Digital ChoreoGraphics
built one of the first Point-Of-Sale (POS) Virtual Reality systems.
The product was to provide 'sizzle' during the sale, and reduce the
time it took a salesman to 'close' a prospect.
The Floor Visions
System (FVS/I) will allow a Carpet Salesman to scan in the room of
a customer's home with a CamCorder, then texture map a carpet onto
the floor of the picture so that the customer can SEE how the selected
carpet will look in his home.
The processed
images can be displayed via the salesman's laptop, or on the customer's
own TV.
Omnica,
Inc.
Irvine, CA
Digital ChoreoGraphics
designed and developed the User Interface for a Blood Spectrum Analyzer.
This medical instrument is used during dialysis to monitor the patient's
progress during the blood dialysis process.
The device consisted
of spectral analysis hardware, an lcd display, a few switches, a Single
Board Computer (SBC), and a diagnostic modem, and a printer.
The software
controlled and monitored the spectral analysis sub-system, performed
data collection, prompted the operator for patient information, presented
progress information and patient status, and generated a printed report.
United
States Geological Survey (USGS)
Performed task
requirements analysis for the Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle project.
Determined the software requirements to display the DOQ's from CDRom
to a standard personal computer display.
USGS requested that Digital ChoreoGraphics provide the art for a National
Geographic Society Magazine fold-out. The image was to be a view
of the Rocky Mountains as seen from a point over the coast of the
American Pacific Northwest. A few 'comps' are shown here.
ICSim
Irvine, CA
Was bought by CTA, Inc., then spun
off as CTA Simulation Systems>.
Digital ChoreoGraphics
optimized the terrain rendering sub-system of the Client's Tactical
Flight Simulation System.
The hardware
consisted of an SGI workstation running Unix and containing the SGI
graphics engine with SGI's OpenGL support.
DCG rewrote and
optimized the terrain rendering Sub-system to provide a realtime update
rate. The optimization was based upon a paradigm shift conceived by
DCG's owner. Performance was improved by more than an order of magnitude.
New Image Industries, Inc.
Digital ChoreoGraphics
designed and developed the ImageCAD program. The ImageCAD concept,
a derivative of DCG's EAGER 3D Product, allowed an Architect to place
a rendered 3D CAD drawing on a photograph of a building site, with
proper scale and perspective.
The Architect's
Client could then 'see' what the house would look like on the Site
without having to 'envision' it from a CAD drawing.
The CAD object
was rendered in 3D with proper perspective and shading in full color.
The code was designed to run under DOS in a 1MB system.
Jet
Propulsion Laboratories
Pasadena, CA
Please go here
for the full story.
MSAT-X : Mobile Satellite Telecommunications Experiment
Digital ChoreoGraphics
designed and developed the Modem Software and Diagnostic I/O Hardware
for the MSAT-X project. The project was
funded by a consortium of satellite communications organizations.
This is the technolgy
that went into your personal digital cellular telephone.
Cubic
Corporation
Cubic Defense Systems
San Diego, CA
The Cubic Corporation
was contracted by the Air Force to build the electronic Flight Arena
for the ACM wherein the Top Gun pilots practise their dogfight maneuvers.
This is the same system who's output was seen in the Tom Cruise movie
"Top Gun".
Transponders
were mounted upon the aircraft, and were queried by radar emplacements
surrounding the aerial arena. The transponder / radar sub-systems
could determine the position, attitude and velocity of the aircraft.
This information
could be displayed in realtime on 10-foot displays in classrooms on
the ground, or be recorded for later playback. Other pilots and trainers
could observe the dogfights live from the classroom, or the participating
pilots themselves could be debriefed later during the replay of the
mission.
The computer
system symbolized the aircraft with wireframe figures (this was 1970's
technology), and could display the aerial arena from any point of
view. The instructor could watch and display the mission - from "God's
Eye" (plan view), from any participating aircraft's cockpit, or literally
any arbitrary position within the arena or relative to an aircraft,
or fly the point-of-view with a joystick via a 'virtual' aircraft.
The ground based
computers could also simulate the paths and results of weapons fire
and Air-to-Air missle launches, and indicate in realtime the accuracy
and success of the encounters.
White smoke and
black smoke emitting devices were also installed under the wings of
the aircraft to indicate system status to other aircraft. The white
puffs indicated a missle was launched from the aircraft, while black
smoke indicated that an aircraft was damaged by a weapon.
An example of
this system is shown in a scene at ~50.5-51.5 minutes into Top Gun:
The character played by Kelley McGillis (the female weapons consultant)
is explaining a maneuver in front of a computer monitor that displays
the wire frame symbols of mountains and aircraft.
Georgia
State University
Under
Construction
Georgia Tech
Georgia Institute of Technology
Under
Construction
The Learning
Tree
Santa Monica, CA
Formerly "Integrated Computer Systems"
Lead workshops
and seminars in microcomputer software engineering, project management
and related fields. Edited the Text Book and Course Notes for both
the Programming and the Digital Hardware Design courses.
Under
Construction
Lockheed-Martin
Defense Systems
Under
Construction
Marshal
Space Flight Center
Under
Construction
Mattel
Electronics
Torrence, CA
Implemented the
first interactive educational development and delivery system with
graphics and download-to-micro capablility. A Client/Server system
that predated the use of the terminology.
The system was
written in Fortran II and ran on a VAX under AT&T Unix. The package
could cross-compile educational courseware for the Zilog Z-80 micro-processor
chip.
It was the first
Educational Cross-Compiler for a Video Game platform. Yet another
first for Digital ChoreoGraphics. It might still be the only Educational
Cross-Compiler for a Video Game.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA)
Digital ChoreoGraphics
designed and developed the 3 Dimensional Visualization and Animation
software used to present the data captured from the Goldstone Radar
facility.
This 3D animation
package generated flybys of Mars and Venus from this Earth-based radar
altitude and ranging data.
Please go here
for more information.
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
Designed, Implemented
and Installed a Computer Based Training Development and Delivery System
based on the Pilot CAI Language.
Under
Construction
Rockwell was
contracted by the DOD to use the PAVETACK FLIR POD as a test fixture
in a 256 Processor Motorola 680x0 application. Rockwell then contracted
Digital ChoreoGraphics to evaluate the status of and reprogram the
FORD PAVETACK POD to perform the functions required within the aegis
of the DOD contract.
Digital ChoreoGraphics
built a Navigation computer emulator to confirm that the PAVTACK POD's
signals were generated according to Specifications.
Sperry Univac
Under
Construction
WaveTek, Inc.
San Diego,CA
Under
Construction
CalComp,
Inc.
Anahiem, CA
Provided technical
management of Calcomp's "skunk works" during research, analysis and
design of Capricorn, Scorpio and Aquarius projects.
PRISMA System
Designed and
developed the Scorpio Executive, a Unix-like multi-tasking real-time
operating system for graphics (CAD/CAM) applications on the Motorola
MC68020. Included I/O drivers for Joystick, Printer, Graphic Tablet,
Terminals and 1024 x 1280 x 8 Graphics Screen.
Designed and
implemented the Calcomp Graphics Engine, a set of graphic functions
to display transformed ( scaled, rotated & translated) primitives
( line, arc, ellipse, conical section, filled polygon). Followed Computer
Graphics Interface (CGI) conventions. Software written in both 'C'
and MC68020 Assembly code.
A team of 6 junior
& senior level programmer/analysts in developement phase. Entire project
completed in less that 6 months by a 7 member team.
Aquarius Project
Specify hardware
requirements to meet product specifications. Participate in hardware
redesign and review.
Designed the
Fast Display Processor, a software package to trace and display a
(PHIGS-like) hierarchical data base as fast as the existing Calcomp
dedicated Picture Processor hardware (consisting of 3 micros, 2 bit
sliced processors, line generator, etc.). Lead a team of 4 senior
level software engineers in implementation.
All three of
the above packages were the foundation of the Calcomp Aquarius CAD/CAM
product.
Capricorn
Project
Conducted research
and evaluation into 3D hardware/software/data base state-of-the-art
for the proposed 3D point-of-view scene generation product.
- H/W
- Masscomp 68010
w/ Unix
- O/S
- Propietary
MC 68020 system
- Lang
- 'C', MC68020
ASM.
- Apps
- CAD; GUI; Realtime
Multi-tasking Operating System; Graphics; Realtime Display Technology
Ford Aeronutronic
Newport Beach, CA
Acquired by Loral, which
then merged with Lockheed.
VME-BUS Hardware
Provided requirements analysis, specification generation, and design
of a mil-spec VME-Bus graphics board hardware and support firmware.
PAVETACK
Project
PAVETACK FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red) Pod is a targeting and navigation
sub-system that the US Department Of Defense (DOD) mounted on F-4's
and F-111's for all branches of the Service. We rebuilt and upgraded
the software embedded within the PAVETACK Pod that controlled this
sub-system and the F-4 and F-111 targeting and navigation computers.
FORD's PAVETACK sales materials are available here.
This project required that Digital ChoreoGraphics provide technical
expertise in the following areas:
- H/W
- Data General
Eclipse 'mini'; IBM 4-Pi 'mini'; IBM 376 & 370 'mainframes'
- Lang
- Fortran; Assembly;
Cross Assemblers
- Apps
- 3D Algorithms;
Mulit-Dimensional Transforms; Realtime Data Acquisition; Realtime
Process Control; Timewise Optimization;
Pick here
for more information and pictures.
VATS Project
An upgrade to PAVETACK to provide computer assisted target recognition,
acquisition and tracking. PAVETACK was used as the test fixture for
the prototype development.
Infographics
Newport Beach, CA
Ported an IBM-PC
graphics package from Digital Research's GKS support software to Digital
Research's GEM graphics software.
- H/W
- IBM-PC/XT
- O/S
- DRDOS; DOS
- Lang
- 'C', MC68020
ASM
Infodetics
Anahiem, CA
Designed & developed
on PERQ bit sliced Pascal computer:
Data General terminal
emulator.
- H/W
- PERQ Workstation
- O/S
- P.O.S
- Lang
- Pascal, microcode
Audrey, Inc.
Newport Beach, CA
- H/W
- PERQ Workstation;
Digital Camera; 24b Display
- O/S
- POS
- Lang
- Pascal, microcode
- Apps
- Image Processing;
OCR; Feature Extraction; Raster-to-Vector Processing; Optimization
Developed Pan
& Zoom image processing software using the "Raster Op" algorithm of
the PERQ microsystems computer. Developed Virtual Image software to
Pan/Zoom/Edit and enhance 18 Mega Pixel raster images on a 1 Mega
Byte system.
Image processing
software included convolutions, digital filtering, edge enhancement,
pattern recognition, etc., as well as conventional graphic editor
cut, paste & merge operations.
Artificial Intelligence
"Expert Systems" software used to vectorize raster images ( text,
topographic maps, schematics, engineering drawings, etc)
Visual Presentation Systems
Los Angeles, CA
circa 1984
- H/W
- IBM-PC
- Lang
- BASIC, 8088
ASM
Early PC based
CAD prototype. This was a Computer Aided graphic sketch & edit package
for the Interior Design trades. Implemented vector graphic data base
manager, User Interface and graphic primitives. Optimized time critical
areas for speed.
Network Architecture Corp.
San Francisco, CA
- H/W
- DEC MicorVAX;
IBM-PC
- Lang
- 'C'
- Apps
- Financial GUI
Tested and redesigned
system support utilities for Financial Planner, Data Base Manager and
graphic screen support utilities.
Edutech Project
Newport Beach, CA
- H/W
- Commodore 64
(6502); IBM-PC
- Lang
- BASIC 6502
ASM; 'C'; 8088 ASM
- Apps
- Client/Server;
Animation; Education; Simulation
Real-Time 3D
color animation subroutine library for Commodore 64 and IBM-PC.
Physical science
educational package in video game format incorporating animation library.
Edutech Project
Newport Beach, CA
circa mid-to-late 70's
- H/W
- Set Top Computer;
Intel 8048, MC6847
- O/S
- Proprietary
Real-Time
- Lang
- Fortran; MDS-230;
PL/M; 8048 ASM
- Apps
- Telecommunications;
Entertainment; Education; 'Teledutainment'; Client/Server; Set Top
Computer
Conceived, designed,
developed and built the first Set Top Computer. This included
'bread-boarding' Intel 8048 and Motorola 6847 based hardware, as well
as the software and box to put it in.
The device consisted
of an Intel 8048 micro computer, a Motorola 6847 video controller,
1200 baud modem circuitry, video RF cable output, and a text and graphics
display capability - all on a 6" x 4" package.
Compulaser, Inc.
Canoga Park, CA.
circa 1983
- H/W
- IBM-PC
- Lang
- BASIC, 'C",
8088 ASM
- Apps
- Realtime Data
Acquisition & Process Control
Compulaser manufactured
a laser engraving and etching tool. Upperlevel management and marketing
decided to add curves, new fonts, and a graphic editor to the feature
set in order to be more competitive.
The IBM-PC based
system did not have the preformance to support curves in realtime
using the Basic Language and the floating point math routines provided
with MicroSoft Basic.
It was necessary
to drive the laser mirrors in realtime. The procedure was to start
the laser's mirrors moving, activate the laser at the proper position,
then deactive it at the end of the stroke, decelerate the mirrors,
then accelerate them in the proper direction for the next laser stroke,
and activate-deactivate the laser at the proper times. In order to
burn to the proper depth, the rate at which the laser was draw across
the material was also significant.
The pre-existing
software was written in MicroSoft Basic for the DOS Operating System,
and did not have adequate perfomance to support much more than a straight
line. Since curve required continuous deltas to the mirrors, it was
necessary to reprogram the time critical sections in Assembly. The
higher level CAD/CAM and Geometrical functions in were reprogrammed
in C.
Emulex Corporation
Costa Mesa, CA
- H/W
- IBM-PC
- Lang
- BASIC, 8088
ASM
- Apps
- Hardware Diagnostics
The company named
PERSYST, was bought from the three founders by Emulex for $23,000,000.00
in ~1983, after being in business for only two years. PERSYST built
I/O and Graphics boards for the new IBM-PC microcomputer when it was
first released.
DCG designed,
developed & implemented interactive menu-driven diagnostic and test
software for IBM-PC compatible monchrome and color graphics boards
built by PERSYST.
The Diagnostics
were used for Quality Control, as well as repair on returned units.
Mattel
Electronics
A Division of Mattel Toys
Torrance, CA
circa 1982
- H/W
- DEC MicroVAX;
Z-80
- Lang
- 'C', Fortran;
Assembly
- Apps
- Client/Server;
Education; CAI; CBT; Client/Server
Design, develop
and implement a High Level Language cross compiler for the Z-80 based
Aquarius home computer system. Package was written in Fortran & 'C'
to execute on a DEC VAX under Berkeley Unix. The run-time code in
Z-80 assembler. Package included high level "Turtle Graphics" primitives.
CompuServe, Inc
Columbus, OH
circa 1982
- H/W
- DEC-10, DEC-20
- Lang
- Fortran
Implemented the
first interactive educational development and delivery system with
graphics and download-to-micro capablility.
The "PIES" product
would allow the courseware designer to interactively develop and test
the course on a powerful main-frame, then cross-compile the courseware
to run on a micro-computer or Video Game machine.
This was a Client/Server
system so novel, that it predated the use of the term "Client/Server".
Just another first for DCG.
Digital ChoreoGraphics
(formerly EDUTECH Project), provided the first commercial dialup educational
delivery system, and the first commercial dialup interactive development
system.
The system was
written in Fortran II, and would run under many hardware / operating
system environments: Burroughs, IBM, DEC-20, VAX, HoneyWell, and Univac
(Unisys). The educational materials so generated would run on MOSTEK-6502,
Motorola-6800, Zilog-Z80, and Intel 8080 and 8086 microprocessors.
It was undoubtedly
the first Educational Cross-Compiler. Yet another first for Digital
ChoreoGraphics.
The Source
Arlington, VA
- H/W
- Prime Computer
- Lang
- Fortran
Implemented the
first interactive educational development and delivery system with
graphics and download-to-micro capablility. A Client/Server system
that predated the use of the terminology.
Digital ChoreoGraphics
(formerly EDUTECH
Project), provided the first commercial dialup educational delivery
system, and most likely the first every interactive development system.
The system was
written in Fortran II, and would run under many hardware/operating
system environments: Burroughs, IBM, DEC-20, VAX, HoneyWell, and Univac
(Unisys), and generate educational materials that would run on MOSTEK-6502,
Motorola-6800, Zilog-Z80, and Intel 8080 and 8086 microprocessors.
It was undoubtedly
the first Educational Cross-Compiler. Yet another first for Digital
ChoreoGraphics.
Science Applications
International Corporation
Science Applications, Inc.
La Jolla, CA
- H/W
- Z-80
- Lang
- ASM
Lead implementation
and system integration of CPM-like executive and communications protocol
for graphics terminal.
Under
Construction
TRW Space Systems
El Segundo, CA
The BETA Project
was a Battlefield Target Awareness communications project. The Department
of Defense contract required that the documentation be prepared to
MIL-SPEC standards. My team documented the PASCAL code according to
military specifications.
Under
Construction
General Instruments
Hicksville, NY
Prepare marketing
brochure for proposed 16 bit microcomputer chip (the CP-16000 "SuperChip").
Under
Construction
Evaluate the
proposed 16 bit Digital Signal Processing microcomputer chip (CP-16000);
Recommend and specify appropriate application areas.
Under
Construction
Motorola
Mesa, AZ
Analyze and recommend
diagnostic requirements for Standoff Target Acquisition System (SOTAS)
ground station (GFE).
Under
Construction
Science Applications
International Corporation
SAI Technology
La Jolla, CA
Customize intelligent
graphic terminal firmware and telecommunications protocol ( Z-80 ASM).
Analyze, recommend
and implement software configuration management procedures.
Under
Construction
Pacific Aerosystem, Inc.
San Diego, CA
Design Flight
Management and Guidance System for remotely piloted jet aircraft (RPV)
( TI-9900, 9980, 9940, Intel MC-48).
This device grew
into the Rockwell Flight Management System, when Rockwell bought PAI's
partner - Collins Radio of Newport Beach.
Under
Construction
International Harvestor Solar Division
San Diego, CA
Analyze and evaluate
computer graphics requirement and recommend cost effective graphics
solution.
Under
Construction
Beckman Instruments
Fullerton, CA
Design and implement
a realtime data acquisition and process control system for 8085 based
product ( Intel MDS-230, DEC-10).
Under
Construction
Spectrum 8
Van Nuys, CA
Design and implement
CAI Author Language executor for 8080 based personal computer (MDS-80,
8080 ASM).
Under
Construction
Burroughs
Corporation
Rancho Bernardo, CA
This baby is
History - literally! Burroughs was bought by Sperry-Univac (who now
call themselves Unisys), then broken up. This link is all we have
left. We had developed a CAI (Computer Aided Instruction) development
and delivery system for the Burroughs-6000 Series computer. We had
developed the same system for Sperry-Univac before Sperry and Burroughs
merged.
Manufacturing Data
Systems, Inc
Ann Arbor, MI
circa 1970
MDSI developed
the COMPACT-II NC Machine Tool Language.
Program NC machine
tool CAD/CAM language and post-processors using SDS-940. Developed
graphic input language for Tektronics 4010 ( XDS-940 ASM, Fortran).
Under
Construction
Where Did They Go?
Some of the companies listed have been bought by their larger counterparts,
or by parent companies who wished to diversify into the acquired company's
industry (affording their founders a comfortable retirement). I have
followed a few of these links to their new homes.
You have been redirected here, for those links I have not followed.
You may wish to perform a
Google Search for the listed organization for your edification
and amusement.
- author