Search results

The choice of printer to complement computers, software and business needs is often bewildering and complex. Trends and future developments in the industry are looked at. A practical guide to buying a printer is included. The dot matrix printer is seen as a dominant force in the market‐place. The laser printer currently sets the pace for versatility and quality, but the development of both dot matrix and daisywheel printers has never been too far behind.

While PC‐compatible computing becomes ever more complex and confusing, some aspects do achieve clarity. One such aspect, according to the author, is the choice of display. For most users, that choice may be clearer now than at any time in the last six years. Indeed, clarity and aspect both enter into the decision: specifically, greater clarity through higher resolution, and an aspect ratio that finally makes sense. Some informal notes on the history of display “standards” for MS‐DOS computing lead up to a discussion of the current situation. There's still more than one choice to make; the author discusses the reasons why one set of choices, which the author doesn't currently use, may be more sensible than other alternatives. Don't expect equally clear‐cut advice on printers: the author briefly notes why that doesn't appear feasible at this point. That brief discussion is followed by a smorgasbord of citations from the PC literature for July‐September 1989.

Discusses the suitability and characteristics of various printer and modem types for OCLC library applications. Considers the features and suitability of daisy wheel, dot matrix, and laser printers for various tasks, and features and terminology used in modems. Concludes that printer choice depends on intended use, while modems should be Hayes‐compatible and of sufficient transmission speed.

If confession is good for the soul, this is Crawford's personal revival meeting. Yes, the hardcore text maven and trailing‐edge devotee has gone GUI: most of his home computing now uses a true graphical user interface. The author says that the taste of crow has passed and that the new environment works very well, albeit not without a few frustrations. This article discusses the author's move to Windows and some of the good and bad points of that interface. The author includes some tips on Windows, as seems inevitable for any article on that topic. The author also provides some additional notes related to previous columns, on clip‐art collections and the actual construction of TrueType typefaces. As usual, the article concludes with notes on the recent PC literature.

The continual changes and developments in microcomputers, the peripherals and associated software, have led to a confusion of choice. It is necessary to understand the implications of the discernible differences when selecting. Changes have been especially significant with the introduction in 1987 of the IBM PS/2 series and the OS/2 operating system. It is now a definite advantage to be conversant with what is happening to processors, memory, enhancements, printers, operating systems, utilities, wordprocessors and desktop publishing. Attention is drawn in this article to examples of these and to their importance to the microcomputer user. A bibliography of about 40 recent articles, covering these developments, in the computing literature is included.

Beck discusses the need to improve library and information services for the deaf community. The technological support available to libraries to serve the deaf is identified and described. Turnkey systems are found to be lacking in applications devoted to those who cannot hear or who are hard of hearing. Other technologies, like captioned videos, TDDs, and assistive listening systems, are examined for levels of service and excellence as well as cost. Examples of technology in transition and for the future are offered, along with experiments on speech and sound. These include inner ear implants, the “data glove” experiments, and tactile translators. Technological conflicts that may arise due to one person having multiple disabilities are presented with a discussion on the prevention of dangerous or difficult situations. Possible difficulties and ways to handle opposing technologies are examined briefly. Appropriate sections of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Guidelines are grouped with the technologies that aid compliance. Additional laws are mentioned where their inclusion is appropriate. Suggested guidelines for serving the deaf/disabled community are offered for librarians working in all library types.

The purpose of this paper is to review available technologies, analyse their features, propose a new approach of 3D sand mould printing based on line forming, introduce the manufacturing principle and show advantages of this approach, especially for larger parts with large Z steps in the build, such as 2 mm stepwise.

This paper introduces 3D sand mould printing, compares and analyses technological process and existing fabrication approaches among available technologies first. Then, a new approach of 3D sand mould printing is proposed to improve build speed. In addition, the proposed system will be analysed or benchmarked against existing systems.

A new approach based on line forming of sand mould printing is put forward by reviewing and analysing available technologies, to improve build speed from the aspect of basic moulding movement instead of optimization of moulding methods and process parameters. The theoretical calculation and analysis shows that build speed can be improved greatly, and it is more suitable for the manufacture of large-scale casting’s sand mould when considering dimensional accuracy and printing error, as well as uniformity of each layer.

The specific implement scheme of line forming and nozzle’s specific structure of this new approach need further study.

Much higher build speed of 3D sand mould printing with new approach brings evident implication for moulds companies and manufacturing industry, having a far-reaching influence on the development of national economy.

This paper reviews available technologies and presents a new approach of 3D sand mould printing for the first time. Analysis of the new approach shows that this new method of sand mould printing can boost build speed greatly. So, its application prospect is great.

Describes the properties and uses of a new colour‐change chemical for laser‐printing of human and machine‐readable data.

Presents the characteristics and modes of application of the chemical, its advantages over the current techniques of inkjet printing and laser‐marking, and a number of applications which show its distinctive features.

This chemical gives faster throughput and better print clarity than existing laser scribing processes, and opens up new anti‐counterfeiting techniques.

Draws attention to an invention that will make an impact on factory date‐coding procedures.

Somehow, without loading up on games or owning a sound card, the author has 28 CD‐ROMs at home, with more on the way. How did all these discs get there and what do they say (if anything) about the CD‐ROM marketplace? When are CD‐ROMs marvelous new publishing media, when are they essentially compact diskette replacements, and when are they wastes of good polycarbonate? The author goes through his motley collection, noting some highlights and some messy situations. After all this grumbling, the author adds notes on the personal computing literature for April through September 1994.

Although there are many companies in the computer industry which represent excellent examples of success stories, Apple Computers, Hewlett Packard, and Microsoft, were chosen because each pioneered specific areas of the computer industry. For Apple computers it was the move from large main frame computer systems to personal computers; Hewlett Packard led the industry in developing both high quality and low cost ink jet and laser printers; and Microsoft launched their multi‐billion dollar business developing software compatible with Apple and IBM computers. Getting to market first helped each one of these companies establish themselves as a leader in the industry, but as all three companies understand, today's products quickly become obsolete in this constantly changing industry.