Case history: a high-energy physics experiment

An on-line computer system for data acquisition and process control of the CERN-TRIESTE experiment is described. The aim of the experiment is to measure the polarization parameter for the reactions pi /sup +/p to p pi /sup +/, K/sup +/p to pK/sup +/ and pi /sup +/p to Sigma /sup +/K /sup +/ with an orientated butanol target. The experimental apparatus consists of a combination of scintillation and Cherenkov counters as well as spark chambers. The hardware and software configurations, data acquisition, transfer and analysis, process control and communications with the user are discussed. (5 refs).