Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 1989"

NRCVAX ― an interactive-program system for structure analysis

Abstract: NRCVAX is a complete system of programs, covering all aspects of crystal structure analysis from data reduction to the presentation of results. The system, which is written in a `neutral' Fortran 77, presently exists in two forms. The first runs on a VAX computer under VMS, on an 80386 PC under UNIX and under IBM VM/CMS and MVS/TSO. The second is an adaptation which runs on PC-XT, AT, PS/2 and comparable microcomputers under MS-DOS. The two versions differ somewhat in structure, but very little in code, operation or functionality except for the graphics. The many options of the programs can be selected in a highly interactive manner and because of this the system is very flexible. Most options are assigned default values, however, and it is usually safe to run the routines with a minimum of user input using the defaults. The system will accept data from a wide variety of sources and has interface routines for several other systems. Graphics in the VAX/UNIX version are based on the widely available Tektronix 4000 series protocol, while the microcomputer version supports most common display adapters. It is also possible to prepare files for a variety of plotters, dot-matrix printers and laser printers. Source code is distributed and it should not be difficult to adapt the system to any computer with virtual memory and a Fortran 77 compiler.

Expandable home automation system

Abstract: A system for and a method of providing an expandable home automation controller is disclosed which supports multiple numbers and multiple different types of data communications with both appliances and subsystems within the home as well as systems external to the home. The system is based upon a central processor, such as a microprocessor-based computer, and is connected by means of a data bus to control the various products and subsystems within a home or commercial building, such as lighting systems, security systems, various sensors, multiple external terminals, as well as to allow for the input of commands by a variety of means such as touchscreens, voice recognition systems, telephones, custom switches or any device capable of providing an input to a computer system. The system functions can be readily controlled by the user utilizing a high resolution graphics display and associated touchscreen interface.

The SonicFinder: an interface that uses auditory icons

Abstract: The appropriate use of nonspeech sounds has the potential to add a great deal to the functionality of computer interfaces. Sound is a largely unexploited medium of output, even though it plays an integral role in our everyday encounters with the world, a role that is complementary to vision. Sound should be used in computers as it is in the world, where it conveys information about the nature of sound-producing events. Such a strategy leads to auditory icons, which are everyday sounds meant to convey information about computer events by analogy with everyday events. Auditory icons are an intuitively accessible way to use sound to provide multidimensional, organized information to users. These ideas are instantiated in the SonicFinder, which is an auditory interface I developed at Apple Computer, Inc. In this interface, information is conveyed using auditory icons as well as standard graphical feedback. I discuss how events are mapped to auditory icons in the SonicFinder, and illustrate how sound is used by describing a typical interaction with this interface. Two major gains are associated with using sound in this interface: an increase in direct engagement with the model world of the computer and an added flexibility for users in getting information about that world. These advantages seem to be due to the iconic nature of the mappings used between sound and the information it is to convey. I discuss sound effects and source metaphors as methods of extending auditory icons beyond the limitations implied by literal mappings, and I speculate on future directions for such interfaces.

Human-computer interaction using eye-gaze input

Abstract: A description is given of Erica, a computer workstation with a unique user interface. The workstation is equipped with imaging hardware and software, which automatically record a digital portrait of the user's eye. From the features of the current portrait, the interface calculates the approximate location of the user's eye-gaze on the computer screen. The computer then executes commands associated with the menu option currently displayed at this screen location. In this way, the user can interact with the computer, run applications software, and manage peripheral devices-all simply by looking at an appropriate sequence of menu options displayed on the screen. The eye-gaze interface technology, its implementation in Erica, and its application as a prosthetic device are described. >

Object impedance control for cooperative manipulation: theory and experimental results

Abstract: The dynamic control module of the Dynamic and Strategic Control of Cooperating Manipulators (DASCCOM) project for aerospace robotics is presented. The cooperative manipulation problem is analyzed from a systems perspective, and the desirable features of a control system for cooperative manipulation are discussed. A control policy is developed that enforces a controlled impedance not of the individual arm endpoints, but of the manipulated object itself. A parallel implementation for a multiprocessor system is presented. The controller fully compensates for the system dynamics and directly controls the object internal forces. Most importantly, it presents a simple, powerful, intuitive interface to higher level strategic control modules. Experimental results from a dual two-link-arm robotic system show the effectiveness of the object impedance controller compared to other strategies, both for free-motion slews and environmental contact. >

Home automation system

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a home automation system, wherein a coaxial cable or other home bus path for data transmission is placed inside a home to connect an intercom unit and monitor camera, which comprise a hardware interface for communication with visitors, and a conventional home television to this bus, thereby to make it possible to output the audio and video signals from the intercom unit and monitor camera on a conventional broadcast reception television.

Remote maintenance monitoring system

Abstract: A remote maintenance monitoring system retrofits to a given hardware device with a sensor implant which gathers and captures failure data from the hardware device, without interfering with its operation. Failure data is continuously obtained from predetermined critical points within the hardware device, and is analyzed with a diagnostic expert system, which isolates failure origin to a particular component within the hardware device. For example, monitoring of a computer-based device may include monitoring of parity error data therefrom, as well as monitoring power supply fluctuations therein, so that parity error and power supply anomaly data may be used to trace the failure origin to a particular plane or power supply within the computer-based device. A plurality of sensor implants may be rerofit to corresponding plural devices comprising a distributed large-scale system. Transparent interface of the sensors to the devices precludes operative interference with the distributed network. Retrofit capability of the sensors permits monitoring of even older devices having no built-in testing technology. Continuous real time monitoring of a distributed network of such devices, coupled with diagnostic expert system analysis thereof, permits capture and analysis of even intermittent failures, thereby facilitating maintenance of the monitored large-scale system.

Authoring and use systems for sound synchronized animation

Abstract: A general purpose computer, such as a personal computer, is programmed for sound-synchronized random access and display of synthesized actors ("synactors") on a frame-by-frame basis. The interface between a user and the animation system is defined as a stage or acting metaphor. The user interface provides the capability to create files defining individually accessible synactors representing real or imaginary persons, animated characters and objects or scenes which can be programmed to perform speech synchronized action. Synactor speech is provided by well-known speech synthesis techniques or, alternatively, by inputting speech samples and communication characteristics to define a digital model of the speech and related animation for a particular synactor. A synactor is defined as combination of sixteen predefined images; eight images to be synchronized with speech and eight images to provide additional animated expression. Once created, a synactor may be manipulated similarly to a file or document in any application. Once created, a synactor is controlled with scripts defined and edited by a user via the user interface.

Programmable interface for computer system peripheral circuit card

Abstract: A programmable interface for a peripheral circuit card is provided. The card is intended for use with a particular computer bus architecture, and the interface can be customized by a user for a particular card design. Instead of designing a custom interface chip, the designer can program one or more programmable logic devices on the interface chip to interface with whatever devices are on the peripheral circuit card.

Computer apparatus and method for logical modelling

Abstract: A computer based modelling system includes a computer processor and a memory for storing a model database. A set of primitives is stored in the database. An interface coupled to the computer processor enables a user to input, retrieve and manipulate data within the database. A high level user of the modelling system creates a modelling methodology by editing the database to define: (a) modelling objects in terms of the primitives, (b) modes of viewing the modelling objects, and (c) logical relationships between elements of the views and the modelling objects. A system modeler can create models for specific applications by selecting views representative of modelling objects stored in the database, and manipulating the views in accordance with the methodology defined by the system tooler. Invalid manipulations are prohibited. Policies of coordination can be established among a plurality of modeling sessions of one or more low level users. The system database has a recursive structure, whereby a change made to a first object or view will initiate corresponding changes in every other object or view logically related to the first object or view.

Block diagram system and method for controlling electronic instruments with simulated graphic display

Abstract: A block diagram editor system and method is implemented in a computer workstation that includes a CRT and a mouse, graphics and windowing software, and an external communications interface for test instruments. The computer is programmed for constructing, interconnecting and displaying block diagrams of functional elements on the CRT. From prestored routines for each functional element, the software assembles and executes a program that emulates the functional operations of each element and transfers data from output from each element in turn to an input of a succeeding block, as determined by the block diagram configuration. The block functions include signal generating and analysis functions, and functions for control of various types of test instruments, which can be interactively controlled through the CRT and mouse. The computer converts desired outputs of the instruments into control settings and receives, analyzes and displays data from the instruments. Blocks can also be grouped into macroblocks.

Voice and data interface to a voice-mail service system

Abstract: A user-access interface to a voice message service system (16) includes a voice channel (13) and a data channel (14). The data channel enables the user to interact with the voice-mail service system via a video terminal or display-equipped computer (11) and to print message headers on the terminal or display. The user can then visually scan the headers. The user can then listen to the messages or record new messages via the voice channel. The interactive interface between the terminal or computer and the voice message service system over the data channel is provided by a function (30) executing on the terminal or computer and a function (31) executing on the voice-message service system.

Method and apparatus for storing digital data in off-specification dynamic random access memory devices

Abstract: A fault-tolerant memory system or "FTMS" is intended for use as mass data storage for a host computer system. The FTMS incorporates a dedicated microprocessor-controlled computer system which serializes blocks of user data as they are received from the host system, deserializes those blocks when they are returned to the host system, implements an error correction code system for the user data blocks, scrubs the data stored in the user memory, remaps data block storage locations within the user memory as initial storage locations therein acquire too may hard errors for error correction to be effected with the stored error correction data, and performs host computer interface operations. Data in the FTMS is not bit-addressable. Instead, serialization of the user data permits bytes to be stored sequentially within the user memory much as they would be stored on a hard disk, with bytes being aligned in the predominant direction of serial bit failure within the off-spec DRAM devices. Such a data storage method facilitates error correction capability.

Adaptive human-computer interfaces: a literature survey and perspective

Abstract: The authors present a survey of recent research in adaptive interface computer software as well as a discussion of factors that require consideration in designing this software. An adaptive interface needs to include a knowledge base that encompasses four domains. These four domains are knowledge of the current user, knowledge of the interaction scheme, knowledge of the problem task, and knowledge of the underlying system. The authors review and discuss these knowledge bases along with the positive and negative aspects of adaptive interfaces. >

Human interface guidelines : the apple desktop interface

Abstract: 第１章 設計思想（一般的な設計原則；グラフィック使用の原則；プログラミング上の戦略） 第２章 Ｄｅｓｋｔｏｐ Ｉｎｔｅｒｆａｃｅの構成要素（スクリーンの構成；人とコンピュータの接点；カラー化；サウンドの使用） 第３章 仕様（ウインドウ；スクロールバー ほか）

Interface to and operation of a voice messaging system

Abstract: A voice messaging system (250) for use with a telephone system. The preferred embodiment comprises a voice messaging system (250) which interfaces to a PBX (210) through a feature phone interface (212), the voice messaging system (250) emulating a feature phone. The PBX (210) supplies information to the voice messaging system (250) such as information on the origination and history of the call. The present invention discloses improved methods of handling calls directed to the voice messaging system based on the information supplied by the PBX.

Soundtrack: an auditory interface for blind users

Abstract: Throughout the history of human-computer interface development, one aspect has remained constant: output from computers has been almost entirely visual. A continued and increasing reliance on visual communication has had a disadvantageous effect on users who have visual disabilities. A visual interface is of no use to a user who is completely blind; communication must use one of the other senses, and hearing is an obvious candidate. A number of human-computer interfaces have been developed and adapted into an auditory form, based on the use of synthetic speech. However, for modern interfaces that use more complex displays, synthetic speech is not sufficient. One attempt to adapt such a mouse-based interface into an auditory form, based on musical tones and synthetic speech is described. This project involved the development of a word processor, called Soundtrack, with an auditory interface. Evaluations of this application suggest that the approach is viable, but that it is difficult to use and there are significant research questions still to be addressed.

A synthetic visual environment with hand gesturing and voice input

Abstract: This paper describes a practical synthetic visual environment for use in CAD and teleoperation. Instead of using expensive head mounted display systems, we use a standard display and compute smooth shaded images using an AT&T Pixel Machine. The interface uses a VPL DataGlove [9] to track the hand, bringing the synthetic world into the same space as the hand. Hand gesturing is used to implement a virtual control panel, and some 3D modeling tasks. When simple speech recognition was added it markedly improved the interface. We also outline what extensions might be needed for using this kind of interface for teleoperation.

Interactive audiovisual control mechanism

Abstract: An interactive computer system in which large amounts of high quality audio and video are presented simultaneously, wherein individual visual frames of a VD (30) are displayed on the system's monitor (40) for specified periods of time while discrete sounds and utterances from a CD/ROM (20) are played through the system's speaker (50). Audio from the VD (30) and computer's CPU (10) may also be accessed at the same time, as well as computer graphic still images (41) and animation (42). A ''Control Bar'' mechanism (60) provides a consistent interface which insulates the user from the various sources of audiovisual information, enabling the user to concentrate on the information itself. A ''Shuffler'' mechanism provides the user with much of the system's appearance of intelligence, controlling which particular audio and/or visual components the system selects based upon a ''performance level'', determined from the user's interaction with the system.

RenderMan Companion: A Programmer's Guide to Realistic Computer Graphics

Abstract: From the Publisher: RenderMan is a powerful 3-D scene description interface designed by Pixar for use in computer graphics. RenderMan provides widespread access to the technology for creating world-class synthetic imagery, originally developed for movies and special effects. This is the guidebook on RenderMan, authored by its developers.

Automated merchandising system for computer software

Abstract: An automated merchandising system for computer software including a central memory for storing software for sale to customers, interface apparatus for receiving a software select customer choice input having associated therewith payment identification apparatus, and apparatus for writing software selected by a customer onto a software carrier and dispensing same to the customer.

Real-time speech processing development system

Abstract: A real-time speech processing development system has a control subsystem (CS) and a recognition subsystem (RS) interconnected by a CS/RS interface. The control subsystem includes a control processor, an operator interface, a user interface, and a control program module for loading any one of a plurality of control programs which employ speech recognition processes. The recognition system RS includes a master processor, speech signal processor, and template matching processors all interconnected on a common bus which communicates with the control subsystem through the mediation of the CS/RS interface. The two-part configuration allows the control subsystem to be accessed by the operator for non-real-time system functions, and the recognition subsystem to be accessed by the user for real-time speech processing functions. An embodiment of a speaker verification system includes template enrollment, template training, recognition by template-concatenation and time alignment, silence and filler template generation, and speaker monitoring modes.

High-speed, high-capacity, fault-tolerant error-correcting storage system

Abstract: A storage system for dynamic and trasparent error correction has a number of first individual storage devices for information and a second individual storage device for error code bits that are used to correct the information when one of the storage devices detects an error. Each error code bit is generated from the information at respective bit positions across the first storage devices. Storage device controllers are connected between a user CPU interface and respective storage devices for operating them concurrently. The interface includes an interface CPU for controlling the storage device controllers and translating the interface convention of user CPU requests into the interface convention of the storage devices. A buffer memory is connected to data surface associated with the respective storage devices. The interface CPU includes logic for immediately acknowledging a write to the associated storage device upon the data being placed in the buffer memory. The interface CPU also includes logic for checking data in the buffer memory and indicating it as having been read from an associated storage device without an actual read, whereby the buffer memory acts as a cache.

Remote test access system for isdn testing

Abstract: Conformance with established standards and interoperability between products in an integrated services digital network (ISDN) system defined by a layered hierarchy of interrelated protocols is ascertained by remotely testing the protocols between a tester in a local testing centre and a system under test located at a geographically removed site. The protocols tested relate to the first three layers of the system which are concerned mainly with the establishment, holding and release of a telecommunications path. Cost effectiveness in product testing is achieved by accessing both the tester and the system under test and communicating test procedures between the local and remote sites over a packet switching network to support testing at the remote site. Communications over a virtual circuit in the network are established between a pair of remote ISDN test access interfaces, one located at each site. A communications path from a test access interface and its corresponding local tester or system under test is provided by an ISDN interface. Under software control by a computer at each site, the test access interfaces function individually to split the corresponding ISDN interface so that the network may be inserted therebetween to link the tester with the system under test.

PCTE interfaces: supporting tools in software-engineering environments

Abstract: A description is given of a public tool interface, the ESPRIT Portable Common Tool Environment (PCTE). The aim of the project was to define an interface for the software developed in ESPRIT and to provide a prototype implementation. The PCTE project produced several versions of the prototype implementation and has been used as the basis for several other projects. The facilities of PCTE Version 1.5 are described. >

Disk drive system controller architecture utilizing embedded real-time diagnostic monitor

Abstract: A disk drive control architecture provides for the storage and retrieval of data with respect to a rotating media and for the transfer of data with respect to a host in response to host commands. The control architecture provides for the execution of a plurality of background processes for controlling the spin speed of the rotating media, controlling the positioning of the sensor and controlling the reading and writing of data with respect to the rotating media. The control architecture further provides for foreground processes for controlling the background processes. The foreground processes include an interface task, for coordinating the background processes in the execution of host commands and a monitor task integral to the interface task such that the monitor task is capable of implementing diagnostic commands capable of accessing all of the resources of the control architecture. The transfer of diagnostic commands and resultant diagnostic information may be directed through a dedicated data communications channel separate from the data channel used for the transfer of commands and data with respect to the host.

Implementation of a real-time expert system for a restoration guide in a dispatching center

Abstract: The authors describe a real-time expert system for a restoration guide which is intended for use in a dispatching center to evaluate the performance of a knowledge-based system. The system configuration is decentralized by workstations, one of which is attached to a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) computer to obtain on and offline information on the current state of the power system. The restoration guide of this system has two operation modes. One is the online guide mode, which gives the operator an appropriate restoration plan and restoration procedures by using the knowledge base of expertise and heuristics on power system restoration. The other is the offline simulation mode which can be used by the knowledge engineer to verify the validity of the acquired knowledge. Implementation issues of this system, such as system function, knowledge acquisition, knowledge representations, the interface of the SCADA system, and the man-machine interface, are discussed. Some execution results from the online guide mode are provided to demonstrate the capability and efficiency of this system. >

Apparatus using converters, multiplexer and two latches to convert SCSI data into serial data and vice versa

Abstract: A network extender for a computer network including multiple computers interconnected with a shared, common memory. A computer system interface interconnects the multiple computers and controls data flow between the multiple computers and a memory controller connected to the memory. First and second identical interfaces are respectively connected in data communication with the computer system interface and the memory controller. Each interface includes a circuit for converting parallel data to serial data format and a circuit for converting serial data to parallel data format. The parallel to serial converting circuit and the serial to parallel converting circuit of the first interface are respectively connected to the corresponding serial to parallel and the parallel to serial converting circuits of the second interface by serial data communication conductors.

Generic virtual memory management for operating system kernels

Abstract: We discuss the rationale and design of a Generic Memory management Interface, for a family of scalable operating systems. It consists of a general interface for managing virtual memory, independent...

Performance-measurement tools in a multiprocessor environment

Abstract: A family of monitoring facilities is proposed which are used in combination, e.g. a breakpoint monitor used for debugging purposes, a mailbox monitor for analysis of synchronization traffic, and a bus monitor for measurements of bus load. These tools are used in multi-monitor mode, for which both a common programming-language interface and a user interface are provided. Design concepts are presented, along with the overall structure of such an integrated monitoring tool set in a multiprocessor environment. How a combination of hardware and software monitors is embedded into a MODULA-2 multiprocessor environment is outlined, as a case study. >