A system of man-machine interactive PDP-1 I assembly language programs is described which presents stimuli to a subject and records and analyzes behavioral and evoked potential data . The system was designed for researchers with no knowledge of computer programming and enables the user to create complicated sequences of stimulus presentations ("trials") and sequences of successive trials ("runs"), with no new programming required. The system is written for DEC .s DECLAB 11/40 system .
Behavioral data
Evoked potential data Man-machine interaction PDP-1 1/40
1 . Introduction
This paper describes four programs, PRUSER, LABSYS, SMSTAT and PSTAT which enable the user to create complicated sequences of stimulus presentations ("trials") and long sequences of trials ("runs") . The programs permit the recording of up to 8 channels of evoked potential data, or 6 channels of evoked potential data and 2 channels of eye movement (EOG) data . EEG and EOG sampling rate (up to 1 KHZ) and the number of samples taken per trial are chosen by the user prior to running an experiment . Following a completed run, the user can get hard copy results of the run and can abstract evoked potential data including mean, standard deviate and confidence limit statistics to specified trials as well as several other statistical modules and digitized waveform displays with oscilloscope-type manipulative capabilities . PRUSER is the program which aids the user in the creation of trials and runs. LABSYS does the real-time running and data collection . SMSTAT gives post-run hard copy of behavioral data . PSTAT abstracts evoked potential data . All programs are written in PDP-11 assembly language and are run under DEC's RT-11 operating * This research is supported in part by Public Health Service Grant #7 R01 DA 01226-01 to S .R.
system . The program makes extensive use of DEC's graphic scope (GT-40), the scope's light pen, and DEC's Laboratory Peripheral System, which includes (in our configuration) : 8 multiplexed A/D converters, 1 programmable real time clock, 2 Schmidt triggers, 2 programmable relays, 4 readable potentiometers, 16-bit buffered digital I/O, and a 6-digit numeric LED display . The programs require a minimum of 16 K of core and 2RK05 disks .
2 . System description 2.1 PR USER
PRUSER is an acronym for Program for RUnning Scientific Equipment Reliably . It was designed specifically to create trials and runs of stimuli for presentation on a 4-field tachistoscope but can easily be adapted to control the on-off states of 5 or more pieces of equipment separately or concurrently . PRUSER enables the user to create trials and runs via interactive oscilloscope (GT-40) displays and the teletype keyboard . At this time the program can store up to 40 different assembled trials and 20 assembled runs . Future versions of the program will provide increased storage capabilities.