Putting the standards to work: personal computers, compact-disc players, and multimedia systems are some of the products using standard video formats

Article Abstract:

Even though many proposed video formats are not yet accepted, companies are developing products based both on them and on other formats that are already approved. For example, NeXT Computer Inc, Redwood City, CA, will include support in NeXTstep 2.0, the operating environment, for the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) draft for a standard for coding still pictures. Products using standard video formats include the i750 video processor used in the DVI (Digital Video Interactive) multimedia system from Intel Corp, which supports the JPEG draft; the Philips Imagination Machine, which is a CD-I (Compact Disc Interactive) home entertainment system that will come with an Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)-based full-motion video module; Kodak's Photo CD system, which will be capable of incorporating sound, text or graphics with photographic images and will play on Philips's system; and the Advanced Digital Television (ADTV) proposal from the Advanced Television Research Consortium, which uses MPEG. Designing a TV receiver that can decode all formats is a problem that resolves itself into a choice between two architectures: all-purpose receivers can either have an 'open architecture' or a 'multiport' design. According to Arpad P. Toth, speaking at the Digital Systems Information Exchange meeting in Nov 1990, development of standards for multiport receivers in both analog and digital arrangements is proceeding well at the Electronic Industries Association, Washington, DC.

Household audio and video equipment, Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Standards, Standard, Standardization, Consumer electronics, Multimedia technology, Multimedia systems, Digital video, Digital television, Future Technologies

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Testing the concepts worldwide

Article Abstract:

A number of projects are already underway in Europe and Japan to develop Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems (IVHS). Europe began its projects in 1987; they include Prometheus, Autoguide, Leit and Information System Berlin, and Europolis. Japan also has a number of programs. In 74 Japanese cities, the police operate traffic control and surveillance systems. The results of two major programs in Japan are under evaluation. The US has allocated only $20 million in 1991 for research and development and operational tests. Several local and state governments have IVHS projects. The Smart Corridor Demonstration project, southern California, is a test site for Pathfinder, an in-vehicle motorist information and road navigation system. TravTek (travel technology), in the Orlando, FL, area uses prototype in-vehicle information equipment to give drivers current traffic information and directions to destination. The Heavy Vehicle Electronic License Plate program and Crescent Demonstration Project involves several states; the goal is to investigate new technologies to see if they can provide an integrated heavy vehicle management system. The long-range goal of all these programs is a truly autonomous vehicle that runs without driver intervention.

Technological forecasting, Automobiles, Transportation, State government, Control systems, National Government, Future of Computing, Highways

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Global R&D for a 21st century manufacturing system

Article Abstract:

In 1989 the Japanese offered a proposal for joint international research programs to develop an Intelligent Manufacturing System. The proposal was managed by University of Tokyo dean of the faculty of engineering, Hiroyuki Yoshikawa, and formerly involved the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). The US Department of Commerce (DOC) removed the SME from any involvement with the proposal, and stated the proposal bypasses the 1988 bilateral Science and Technology Agreement; it does not provide an equitable exchange of Japanese technologies. Fusion of the various technological advantages of Europe, North America and Japan makes it possible to develop innovative production technology that can meet demands of the coming century. This idea is the main theme of the program which, in Nov 1990, is still in the development phase.

Regulation, admin. of utilities, International aspects, Industrial research, International trade, International competition (Economics), Computer aided manufacturing, United States. Department of Commerce, Computer-integrated manufacturing, Research and Development, Industry Analysis, United States, Japanese Competition, Government Funding, Cooperative Agreements, Computer-Aided Manufacturing, Government aid

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