A-frame

Short for sampling frame. See sample.

(1) In computer graphics, one screenful of data or its equivalent storage space. See frame buffer.

(2) In video capture, storage and playback, a single image in a series of consecutive images. See full-motion video.

(3) In communications, a fixed block of data transmitted as a single entity. In local area networks (LANs), the terms frame and packet are used synonymously. See packet and Ethernet.

(4) A separate window on a Web page. See frames.

(5) In desktop publishing, a movable, resizable box that holds a graphic image.

(6) In telephony, a rack for holding equipment, typically 23" wide by eight feet high. See rack mounted.

(7) In AI, a data structure that holds a general description of an object, which is derived from basic concepts and experience.

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A structure, usually rigid, designed to give support or attachment to a part, or to immobilize a part.

photography A single picture, particularly on a movie film, where the number of frames shown per second is crucial to the quality of the movement.

informatics A defined package of information; originally the set of several bits across a magnetic tape, akin to the use in photography, but now any equivalent package, through to the megabyte package needed to represent a graphic image, i.e. frame in the original photographic sense. For telecommunications, frame is used to indicate any collection of bits subject to error detection and other transmission control, in contrast to a pre-set collection of 8-bit bytes or other fixed module.

A three-piece rigid structural frame in the shape of the upright capital letter A.

1. a rigid supporting structure.
2. a structure for immobilizing a part.

• f. shift mutation — see frame shift mutation.

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A sawhorse, which is an A-frame structure.

This article is about the basic structure. For the house style, see A-Frame house. For the equipment used in dog competitions, see dog agility. For the musical group, see A Frames (band).

An A-frame is a basic structure designed to bear a load in a lightweight economical manner. The simplest form of an A-frame is two similarly sized beams, arranged in a 45-degree or greater angle, attached at the top. These materials are often wooden or steel beams attached at the top by rope, welding, gluing, or riveting.

Because they have only two "legs", A-frames are usually set up in rows so that they can have good stability. A saw horse is a good example of this structure. More complex structures will have a crossmember connecting the two materials in the middle to prevent the legs from bowing outwards under load, giving the structure the appearance of the capital letter A.

Other structures that use A-frames

• A roof on a home
• A frame camping tent
• Folding ladder
• Double wishbone suspension (cars)
• Some suspension bridges
• A-frame for hang gliders, trikes, and ultralights
• at the stern of ships for fishing or research
• The main building of Florida's Disney's Contemporary Resort, in which the Walt Disney World monorail has a station
• Some Wienerschnitzel and Whataburger restaurants use the A-frame
• The London Eye is supported by only one A-frame on one side.

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