Abstract
In this paper the development of real-time computing terms, systems, hardware, and software from the 1940s through the 1960s in the United States is examined. In addition, the contributions of significant individuals, corporations, and government through the projects they fostered during these early ears are surveyed. And in particular it is contended that Project Whirlwind, a post-World War II flight simulator, was the first American real-time system.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bashe, C.J., Buchholz, et al, “The Architecture of IBM's Early Computers”,IBM Journal of Research and Development, Vol. 25, No. 5, September 1981.
Bauer, W. F., “Computer Design from the Programmer's Viewpoint”,Proceedings of the Eastern Joint Computer Conference — 1958.
Benington, H. D., Everett, R. R. and C. A. Zraket, “SAGE — A Data-Processing System for Air Defense”,Proceedings of the Eastern Joint Computer Conference — 1957.
Chapuis, R.J. and A. E. Joel, Jr.,Electronics, Computers and Telephone Switching — A Book of Technological History, North-Holland, New York, Oxford, 1990.
Desmonde, W. H.,Real-Time Data Processing Systems: Introductory Concepts, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 1964.
Dinneen, G. P., Lebow, I. L. and I.S. Reed, “The Logical Design of CG24”,Proceedings of the Eastern Joint Computer Conference — 1958.
Dreyfus, P., “Programming Design Features of the GAMMA 60 Computer”,Proceedings of the Eastern Joint Computer Conference — 1958.
Fritze, C. W., Herzfeld, V. E. and D. K. Sampson, “The Univac Air Lines Reservations System: Application of a General Purpose Computer,Proceedings of the Eastern Joint Computer Conference — 1958.
Harrison, T. J., Landeck, B. W. and H. K. St. Clair, “Evolution on Small Real-Time IBM Computer Systems”,IBM Journal of Research and Development, Vol. 25, No. 5, September 1981.
Head, R. V.,Real-Time Business Systems, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., New York, 1964.
Holbrook, B. D.,A History of Computing Research at Bell Telephone Laboratories (1937–1975), Bell Telephone Laboratories, 1982.
James, S. E., “Evolution of Real-Time Computer Systems for Maned Spaceflight”,IBM Journal of Research and Development, Vol. 25, No. 5, September 1981.
Jarema, D. R. and E. H. Sussenguth, “IBM Data Communications: A Quarter Century of Evolution and Progress”,IBM Journal of Research and Development, Vol. 25, No. 5, September 1981.
Joel, A. E., “Communication Switching Systems as Real-Time Computers”,Proceedings of the Eastern Joint Computer Conference — 1957.
Joel, A. E., Interview by Eileen Rose and Maria Gracia-Watson, April 17, 1991, Bell Telephone Laboratories, Holmdel N.J.
Martin, J.,Programming Real-Time Computer Systems, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 1965.
Rattner, J. and S. Zadoff, “Use of a Digital Computer for Airborne Guidance and Navigation”,Proceedings of the Eastern Joint Computer Conference — 1957.
Redmond, K. C. and T. S. Smith,Project Whirlwind — The History of a Pioneer Computer, Digital Press, Bedford, Massachusetts, 1980.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Laplante, P.A., Rose, E.P. & Gracia-Watson, M. An historical survey of early real-time computing developments in the U.S.. Real-Time Syst 8, 199–213 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01094343
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01094343