This report discusses the two tasks which are supported by the grant. They are presented as they were initially planned and as they have evolved over the first three months of the project.nIn Task I, the Computer Systems Laboratory is to seek out the latest developments in miniature display, keyboard, storage, and micro-processors and incorporate these in the implementation of a highly portable computer terminal for individual use. Where devices do not exist to accomplish the task, the Laboratory is to direct and support research in the designated area. The proposed terminal will weigh less than 10 pounds, will have 8,000 words of computer storage and will equal certain minicomputers in performance. A small cassette will be added for auxiliary storage. The report discusses the progress toward realizing this goal.nIn Task II, CSL is to investigate the requirements necessary for error-free, bi-directional communication between two terminals when the interconnection between terminals may not be under the control of the users themselves. For example when using a packet-switched commercial network. Processors to accomplish this task are being implemented and design specifications are being formulated.
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