Showing papers on "Electronic data published in 1997"

Method using central epidemiological database

Abstract: Patient disease is diagnosed and/or treated using electronic data communications between not only the physician and his/her patient, but via the use of electronic data communications between the physician and one or more entities which can contribute to the patient's diagnosis and/or treatment, such electronic data communications including information that was priorly received electronically from the patient and/or was developed as a consequence of an electronic messaging interaction that occurred between the patient and the physician. Such other entities illustratively include a medical diagnostic center and an epidemiological database computer facility which collects epidemiological transaction records from physicians, hospitals and other institutions which have medical facilities, such as schools and large businesses. The epidemiological transaction record illustratively includes various medical, personal and epidemiological data relevant to the patient and his/her present symptoms, including test results, as well as the diagnosis, if one has already been arrived at by the e-doc. The epidemiological database computer facility can correlate this information with the other epidemiological transaction records that it receives over time in order to help physicians make and/or confirm diagnoses as well as to identify and track epidemiological events and/or trends.

The FindMe approach to assisted browsing

Abstract: While the explosion of online information has introduced new opportunities for finding and using electronic data, it has also underscored the problem of isolating useful information and making sense of large, multidimensional information spaces. In response to this problem, we have developed an approach to building data tour guides, called FindMe systems. These programs know enough about an information space to help users navigate through it, making sure they not only come away with useful information but also insights into the structure of the information space itself. In these systems, we have combined the idea of instance-based browsing, which involves structuring retrieval around the critiquing of previously retrieved examples, and retrieval strategies, or knowledge-based heuristics for finding relevant information. This article illustrates these techniques with examples of working FindMe systems, and describes the similarities and differences between them. FindMe tour guides help users to select the perfect car, movie, restaurant, stereo or apartment on the World Wide Web.

Dental scanning method and apparatus

Abstract: A dental and soft tissue scanning method and system is disclosed which uses fast laser line scanning techniques of negative image impressions, whereby an array of electronic data is generated. In operation the array of negative image scan data is generated by a scanner 60 and provided to a processor 501. The negative image scan data may be saved in a memory device 504 as a permanent record of the baseline condition of the patient's teeth, or temporarily prior to one of several other options. The processor 501 may convert the data to a positive image for display on the video display unit 503 for teaching or educational purposes with the patient. Alternatively, the positive information data may be transmitted to a remote PC 505 for storage, study by a consulting dentist (or physician), or fabrication of a study cast by fabrication device 507. These and other options may be selected by the user of computer 500 via the input device 506 . The programming operation of the processor 501 provides for scanning each of the upper and lower impressions and the bite registration impression. These scans provide the information necessary to create an electronic equivalent of a physical study cast.

Electronic clinical recording system

Abstract: There is provided an electronic clinical recording system handling, as electronic data, information including a patient's consultation record. The system comprises a portable storage medium for storing the patient's consultation record; an element for writing the patient's consultation record described in a structured language into the storage medium; and an element for reading the patient's consultation record from the storage medium. The writing element includes a converting/producing element for converting or producing link information in the consultation record when the consultation record is written in the storage medium, the link information being indicative of making reference to one or more specified files relevant to the consultation record and prepared as external information. The reading element includes a data acquiring/referencing element for acquiring or referencing the one or more specified files indicated by the link information when the consultation record is read from the storage medium.

High precision spatially defined data transfer system

Abstract: A system for transferring digital information to spatially localizable portable electronic devices has a plurality of portable electronic devices, with each portable electronic device supporting wireless communication. A spatial localizing module determines spatial location with submeter precision for each of the plurality of electronic devices, and a communication module is connected to the spatial localizing module for mediating wireless communication between the portable electronic devices. A user can define electronic data transfers between portable electronic devices in user determined spatial locations with submeter precision. Data transfers are possible to adjacent electronic devices, electronic devices within a defined radius, electronic devices along a defined bearing or having specific orientations, or even located within a defined set of regions or rooms.

Wireless communication product fulfillment system

Abstract: A wireless communication product fulfillment system is disclosed. This system includes a computerized management technique for maintaining inventory data, ordering data, assembly data, and shipping data regarding wireless communication product kits of different configurations. These kits may correspond to orders from agents of different wireless communication service providers. The kit configurations may each specify a different brand of wireless communication device, such as a wireless telephone or pager. The fulfillment system further facilitates efficient operation by direct electronic data interfacing with multiple ordering agents and wireless communication service carriers.

Multi-view personalized communications agent

Abstract: A data access and retrieval system comprises a plurality of user data sources each storing electronic data signals describing data specific to a user, or enabling services selected by a user; an agent device which is configurable to select individual ones of the user data sources and present selections of user data and service data to a set of callers who may interrogate the agent device remotely over a communications network; a plurality of service terminals capable of communicating with the agent device over a communications network the service terminals operable by said callers; and a plurality of key devices, storing caller information and security code information for enabling remote access of selections of user data and/or services to be transmitted over a communications network to a caller located at a said service terminal.

Networked personal customized information and facility services

Abstract: A service terminal facility is provided at a public access location, for example in a hotel, hospital or airport, the service terminal facility available for providing electronic information services to users, in response to input of a portable data storage medium, for example a smart card or the like. A smart card contains stored data describing user specified information such as contacts names, personal details and medical information and personal interest information. The service terminal comprises a search engine for searching the user data and comparing data types within the user data with general data stored locally at the service terminal. The service terminal selects data corresponding to data types specified in the user data and displays these on the graphical user interface at the service terminal, or at a user interface connected with the service terminal. The user data may specify one or more data sources or service providers from which electronic data services of interest to the user can be obtained. The service terminal may obtain listings of data from remote data sources and/or service providers and display these on the graphical user interface and/or user interface. The user may instruct downloading of electronic data or electronic information services from remote data sources or service providers from the service terminal for delivery to the graphical user interface or the user interface.

Using Information Technology effectively in teaching and learning : studies in pre-service and in-service teacher education

Abstract: Chapter One: Introduction Part One: IT as a Learning Tool: The Potential and the Teacher's Role Chapter Two: Can quality in learning be enhanced through the use of IT? Niki Davis, Charles Desforges, John Jessel, Bridget Somekh, Chris Taylor and Gay Vaughan Chapter Three: Children writing words and building thoughts: does the word processor really help? John Jessel Chapter Four: Number education for very young children: can IT change the nature of early years mathematics education? Gay Vaughan Chapter Five: Do electronic data bases enable children to engage in information processing? Helen M. Smith Chapter Six: Does data logging change the nature of children's thinking in experimental work in Science? Roy Barton Chapter Seven: Can design software make a useful contribution to the art curriculum? John McGowan Chapter Eight: Children exploring the Queen's House in hypertext: has the hype any educational potential? John Jessel and Vicky Hurst Part Two: Learning to use IT as a Teaching Tool: Strategies for Teaching Training Chapter Nine: Computers and the teacher's role. Peter Scrimshaw Chapter Ten: Classroom investigations: exploring and evaluating how IT can support learning. Bridget Somekh Chapter Eleven: Using IT in classrooms: experienced teachers and students as co-learners. Colin Biott & Malcolm Bell Chapter Twelve: Getting teachers started with IT and transferable skills. Bridget Somekh & Niki Davis Chapter Thirteen: Partnership in initial teacher education. Graham Bryne Hill Chapter Fourteen: Do electronic communications offer a new learning opportunity in classrooms? Niki Davis Part Three: The Management of IT Development in Educational Institutions Chapter Fifteen: IT and the politics of institutional change. Brudget Somekh, Geoff Whitty & Rod Coveney Chapter Sixteen: Managing change in educational institutions: reflections on the effects of quality audit and a staff development project. Rod Coveney Chapter Seventeen: Organising the use of IT in educational institutions Chris Taylor Chapter Eighteen: Managing curriculum development: using school teacher appraisal to find the means. Jon Pratt Chapter Nineteen: Strategies for staff and institutional development for IT in education: an integrated approach. Niki Davis

Downloading method for songs and advertisements

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of updating electronic data stored in numerous electronic amusement devices. The method includes the steps of providing a master information source from which new songs, programs, or other information, for example, advertisements, may be downloaded. The method also includes the steps of providing a first set of at least one non-updated electronic amusement device, connecting each non-updated electronic amusement device in the first set to the master information source and downloading information to the non-updated electronic amusement device, thereby providing at least one updated electronic amusement device. Additional non-updated electronic amusement devices may be updated according to the method by providing a second set of at least one non-updated electronic amusement device, and iterating the following steps: selecting an updated electronic amusement device, selecting a subset of the second set of at least one non-updated electronic amusement devices, connecting the selected updated electronic amusement device to each non-updated electronic amusement device in the selected subset, and downloading information to the non-updated electronic amusement devices, thereby providing at least one additional updated electronic amusement device. The additional updated electronic amusement devices may then be chosen in subsequent iterating steps to update non-updated electronic amusement devices.

Folding data disk holder

Abstract: A data disk holder (20) for electronic data storage disks (22) such as compact disks (CDs), includes two opposed, generally arcuate planar closure members (26, 28) which are joined together along a base portion by a living hinge (31). One of the closure members includes a circular flange defining a bore (38) for receiving a boss (44) projecting centrally from the disk support surface of the other closure member, the boss being an interference fit in the bore for securing the closure members together to retain a data disk in the holder. The holder may be injection molded of relatively light weight polypropylene or a similar moldable polymer and may include transverse walls and a double living hinge to provide the jewel box construction and thickness of conventional disk holders.

An integrated local communication system

Abstract: An integrated local communication system (100) comprising a plurality of locally-positioned communication devices (110-1 - 110-N), at least one of which locally-positioned communication devices is operably coupled to a local interface module (120-1 - 120-N) A local communication link is selectably effectuated between any two locally-positioned communication devices (110-1 - 110-N) via at least one local interface module (120-1 - 120-N) by transforming a non-local communication signal into a local communication signal and transceiving the local communication signal using a single preselected communication protocol that is common to all local communication links An exemplary embodiment (200) may include at least one mobile station associated with a Public Land Mobile Network, at least one radio-enhanced phone interfacing device (210) associated with a Public Switching Telephone Network (260), at least one electronic data terminal selectably disposed in a distributed computing environment, and at least one wireless headset for hands-free operability

Method and apparatus for managing multiple hierarchical lists within a browser

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing multiple hierarchical lists of addresses for electronic data sources, or information sites, within a browser are provided. A method for managing addresses involves displaying an address manager interface as well as a plurality of associated address list identifiers, selecting an address list identifier, and displaying a list of addresses associated with the selected address list identifier. In one embodiment, an address associated with the selected address list is placed into a second address list. In such an embodiment, the address is selected, and a cutting or copying operation is performed to place the address into a memory buffer. Then, an address list identifier which corresponds to the second address list is selected, and a paste operation is used to move the address from the memory buffer to the second address list. In another embodiment, at least one of the lists includes a plurality of address and further involves sorting the addresses according to at least one sorting criterion.

Portable electronic data collection apparatus for monitoring musculoskeletal stresses

Abstract: A portable biofeedback apparatus and method for simultaneously gathering information regarding more than one type of musculoskeletal stress. The apparatus has at least two different types of user-selectable sensors for converting different kinds of musculoskeletal activities into electrical signals. An analog-to-digital converter samples the electrical signals at predetermined rates. A memory receives and stores the digital signals. A processor centrally controls the collection, sampling, display and transmittal of the digital data. Magnitudes of the digital signals are simultaneously and in real-time graphically portrayed as a function of time.

Health care information and the protection of personal privacy: ethical and legal considerations

Abstract: During the early 1990s, the U.S. government addressed the issue of providing universal health care to all its citizens. Although this issue has not been completely resolved, centralization of electronic data and sharing of health care information among insurers and providers have been pursued. The emergence of electronic data banks in health care has raised another issue: each citizen's right to privacy compared with the collective benefit to society when critical data on quality assurance and scientific research are shared by an array of network users. The choices we face are difficult, and the solution may necessarily reflect a compromise that alters traditional beliefs in the right to personal privacy. However, Congress can take the initiative by enacting statutes to ensure that sensitive information contained in electronic patient records is not divulged without a patient's consent and is protected against fraudulent access and abuse.

Method and apparatus for transmitting electronic data using attached electronic credits to pay for the transmission

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting electronic messages wherein payment is required for the transmission. Payment is made as messages are transmitted using previously obtained electronic stamps or credits. An electronic sender obtains in advance the electronic stamps which are usable to pay for the transmission. Electronic stamps are represented by a signal which is transmitted with the message and must be present for transmission to occur. The encoded signal preferably includes authenticating data. The balance of electronic stamps available is debited as stamps are used and incremented as they are obtained. The value of stamps necessary to pay for a transmission can vary according to the data content of the electronic message and the invention therefore preferably examines the data content of the message and encodes the proper electronic stamp amount. The invention also preferably alters the encoded signal representing the stamps which have been used for transmission to prevent further use of the signal as payment for another transmission. The electronic message preferably is encrypted prior to transmission and decrpyted when it is received by an electronic addressee.

LED assembly for illuminated signs

Abstract: An assembly for illuminating a sign having an enclosure covered by a translucent panel includes a plurality of track molding sections, each having at least one circuit board electrically connecting a plurality of LEDs mounted thereon, integrated into a unitary structure by brackets or a stencil with the molding sections secured in a configuration suitable to be inserted into the enclosure and to illuminate the translucent panel. The unitary structure is secured in the enclosure into which has been inserted by sheet metal screws, epoxy glue, double backed adhesive strips or the like. Preferably, if brackets are used, at least two of the brackets extend to a side wall of the enclosure and a plurality of screws fasten the brackets to the side walls of the enclosure to which they extend. Preferably, each of the circuit boards is electrically connected into a single circuit and a transformer which is secured to one of the brackets or to the stencil has low voltage terminals which are electrically connected to the single circuit. A switch, sometimes part of the sign being illuminated, may be used to electrically connect the high voltage terminals of the transformer to an electrical power source. A housing secured to one of the brackets or to the stencil may be used to cover the transformer. Preferably, if a stencil is used, the stencil is proportionately smaller than the translucent panel and most preferably is formed by use of electronic data defining the configuration of the translucent surface or the enclosure.

Virtual vending system and method for managing the distribution, licensing and rental of electronic data

Abstract: A virtual vending machine manages a comprehensive vending service for the distribution of licensed electronic data (i.e., products) over a distributed computer system. The distributed computer system includes a group of client computers, a group of vendors that contribute the products to the virtual vending machine for distribution, and a server computer for operating the virtual vending machine. The virtual vending machine distributes licenses for the electronic data for the complete product or for components thereof and for a variety of time frames, including permanent licenses and rental period licenses. The virtual vending machine provides client computers with the capability to obtain information regarding the available products and the associated license fees and rental periods, to receive the product upon receipt of a corresponding electronic payment, and to reload the product during the term of the license. The virtual vending machine provides vendors with the capability of establishing a particular vending service that includes point-of-sale electronic payment and a means to communicate with the client computers to which licensed electronic data has been distributed.

Integrated medical information system formed of text-based and image-based databases, and display thereof

Abstract: A medical information system has a terminal device of a hospital information system for retrieving and displaying an examination list and a reading report and an image display terminal device for displaying an image. Both terminal devices are arranged to mutually transfer the identification information of an examination to enable their displayed contents to be changed interlockingly. Therefore, medical information, such as charts, medical images, reading reports and results of examinations, required to perform a diagnosis is formed into electronic data and electronic data is displayed on a screen to provide information for a doctor.

Electronic monitoring of vaccine cold chain in a metropolitan area

Abstract: Successful immunisation strategies depend on the provision of immunogenic vaccines and the correct manufacture and storage of those vaccines. Studies in developed and developing countries have shown that vaccines are stored inadequately and that the vaccine cold chain can be disrupted.1 2 We measured the temperature of vaccines stored long term in a metropolitan area of a developed country using electronic data loggers to determine how long vaccines had been exposed to temperatures <0°C. In Adelaide childhood vaccines are distributed from a single centre to local council sites and general practices (providers). We randomly selected 20 of the 21 local councils and 20 of the 650 general practices. Electronic temperature loggers (Hobo-Temp, Onset Computer, Pocasset, MA, USA) for recording …

Virtual sales system, electronic data distribution, license and rental managing method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a virtual vending machine which distributes electronic data SOLUTION: A distributed computer system 100 includes client computers 120, vendors 102 which supply products to a virtual vending machine 122 for distribution and a server computer that operates the machine 122 The machine 122 distributes electronic data about a product or its component with a permanent or term limited license The machine 122 acquires an obtainable product, its license fee and information about rental terms, receives a product at the time of receiving electronic payment, offers a function that reloads a product in a license term for the computers 120, and establishes sales service that includes POS electronic payment and offers a means that communicates with the computers 120 for vendors

Portable identification carrier

Abstract: The contactless identification carrier which can be carried by a person and having access functions for particular areas, particularly skiing areas, is constructed as a separate, flat carrier element and is fixed in interchangeable, portable manner on a personal bracelet PA. The carrier element (1) contains a passive, integrated, electronic data carrier MI with processor, as well as an integrated antenna (2) surrounded by a dielectric (4) and a detachable fixing device (3). The antenna has partly open radiating surfaces FAO, which are not covered by electrically conductive parts of the personal bracelet PA. This gives a universally usable identification and access medium with very good comfort and convincing practical characteristics.

Feed control device for a harvesting machine method of controlling

Abstract: The harvesting machine includes an attachment, a feed device for material to be harvested, a cutting drum for the material to be harvested, an ejection means for conveying the material from the cutting drum, an advantageously hydrostatic drive for the feed device, a drive for the cutting drum, respective rotation speed sensors for measuring actual rotation speeds of the cutting drum and the feed device and an electronic analysis unit. To guarantee a constant cutting length of the harvested material or crop, the actual rotation speeds of the feed device and cutting drum are measured, an actual rotation speed ratio of the actual measured rotation speeds of the feed device and the cutting drum is computed in the electronic data analysis unit, a difference between a set rotation speed ratio characteristic of the cutting length and the actual rotation speed ratio is computed in the electronic analysis unit and the analysis unit generates a control signal according to this difference for controlling the hydrostatic drive of the feed device. Furthermore a process of monitoring and controlling the feed of material to be harvested into the harvesting machine is described.

Use of a novel electronic data collection system in multicenter studies of irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract: Background: The reliability of symptom data collected during efficacy studies in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is paramount to the proper assessment of potential therapeutic agents Historically, data have been collected on paper diary cards, which patients were requested to fill out at a specified interval However, with paper diary cards it is not possible to determine whether the cards are filled out as required, or at random times To circumvent this problem, a novel electronic data collection system that ensures the reliability and security of data entry was used Methods: Data were collected from 640 patients during the 2-week screening and 12-week treatment phases of two multicentre trials of IBS The electronic data collection system used was based upon a touchtone telephone system Results: The electronic data collection system had a potential 8135 up-time hours during the study An up-time of 8040 h and down-time of 95 h was observed This corresponds to an up-time of approximately 99% Patient compliance for data entry in the two studies was 81% and 83%, respectively On a single random day during their daily telephone call, patients were asked questions to assess satisfaction with the system On aggregate, 79% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the system, only 10% were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied Conclusion: A unique electronic data collection system was tested for use in clinical studies in IBS This system provided 100% reliability as to the date of data entry, and data were not subject to modification once entered This methodology represents a marked advancement in clinical studies of IBS

Means and method for switching between a narrow band communication and a wide band communication to establish a continuous connection with mobile computers

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for maintaining a continuos communication channel between a first device and a second device. The communication maintained by a first communication channel wherein electronic data is selectively transmitted and a second communication channel wherein re-transmission of extended segments of the electronic data occurs.

Structural and theoretical analysis of some mesogenic azines containing strong electron donor-acceptor groups

Abstract: A structural and theoretical analysis of some mesogenic bis(phenylene)azines containing a methyl group on the azine system and strong electron donor–acceptor groups on the phenylene rings is reported. Starting from the X-ray molecular structures and with the support of semiempirical quantum mechanical calculations, the structural and conformational properties of the azines are analysed and compared with recent literature data on similar acetophenone azines. Some geometrical and electronic data of the molecules are also calculated and discussed in the paper, which may be useful for a better understanding of the mesophasic behaviour of the compounds.

Omni-directional infrared communication system

Abstract: An omni-directional wireless infrared transceiver and system for communicating electronic data. Each transceiver comprises a receiving lens capable of detecting infrared signals of low power and low incident angle, an LED transmitting element or array, signal peak detection circuitry with dynamic threshold adjustment, signal processing circuitry, and means for electronically connecting the transceiver with a device. The transceivers can communicate without requiring a line-of-sight or obstacle-free communication path. The system is ideally suited for infrared connections in a local environment between portable computers and peripherals such as modems, printers, and keyboards. The transceivers may be embodied with removable connectors or may be integrated permanently within a device. Further, an operator may configure the system for directional data communication in situations where omni-directional communication is undesirable.

Method of counterfeit detection of electronic data stored on a device

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory is provided with a counterfeit detection mechanism by storing an encryption key and performing cryptographic operations on chip. The encryption key, which is stored in the nonvolatile memory in a protected manner such that it is never exported, is based on unique data within the nonvolatile memory. Unless an expected encryption key calculated from the unique data matches the stored encryption key, the system will not allow the resource containing the nonvolatile memory to be utilized. Equivalence of the expected and stored encryption keys is tested by enciphering and deciphering a random number. The data in the nonvolatile memory may be copied but not altered since each data block includes an electronic signature. Modification of the data in the nonvolatile memory as part of an effort to counterfeit the stored encryption key is therefore useless.