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Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 1996"


Patent
24 Jul 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, an information aggregation and synthesization system and process is proposed to provide aggregation and packaging of structured or unstructured information from disparate sources such as those available on a network such as the Internet.
Abstract: An information aggregation and synthesization system and process. The present invention provides aggregation and packaging of structured or unstructured information from disparate sources such as those available on a network such as the Internet. A network compatible/addressable interface device is operated by a user. The network interface device communicates with local datastores or network accessible datastores via an addressing scheme such as Uniform Resource Locator addresses (URLs) utilized by the Internet. Data passing between the network interface device and the datastores is accessed, polled, and retrieved through an intermediary gateway system. Such aggregated information is then synthesized, customized, personalized and localized to meet the information resource requests specified by the user via the network interface device.

873 citations


Patent
03 May 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, a patient interface system integral with a critical care bed for allowing the acquisition, analysis, display, and conveyance of patient-related data from a variety of transducers is presented.
Abstract: A patient interface system integral with a critical care bed for allowing the acquisition, analysis, display, and conveyance of patient-related data from a variety of transducers. The system is adapted to recognize and interpret each type of signal being received, despite the type and/or make of the particular transducers. The system is also adapted to simultaneously display data traces and representative readings from a variety of transducers simultaneously on a single screen detachably mounted to the bed. The display screen is pivotally mounted for ease of use and may be detached from the bed together with the main processor when the corresponding features are not desired. The bed is adapted with electronic connection sockets along each side of the patient surface to present convenient connections for patient transducer leads. The system has resident memory for storing data to enable trend analysis or downloading for patient data records. Bedside medical devices can either be connected to the device by cable connections or by use of wireless connections and is capable of controlling various medical devices related to the bed or patient, potentially including patient turn actuators, scales, inflation devices and others.

653 citations


Patent
22 Mar 1996
TL;DR: In this article, a split proxy interface between a protected computer or computer network and the World Wide Web (WWW) is proposed. But it is not suitable for high latency systems.
Abstract: An interface between a protected computer or computer network and the World Wide Web (WWW). The interface comprises a split proxy system that encapsulates TCP/IP transmissions into a script transmission, which is not subject to problems in high latency systems, thereby greatly improving WWW access, via a wireless modem or other low-bandwidth communications network. The split proxy interface also provides compression, encryption and filtering capabilities and allows receipt of unsolicited transmissions from the service provider for such purposes as automatically updating or configuring WWW access software.

639 citations


Book
16 Aug 1996
TL;DR: This book integrates all aspects of computer-generated facial animation including computer-based visualization techniques, three-dimensional character animation, anatomical, and psychological considerations and discusses them in the framework of promising applications in entertainment, human-computer interface, research, and education.
Abstract: This book integrates all aspects of computer-generated facial animation including computer-based visualization techniques, three-dimensional character animation, anatomical, and psychological considerations and discusses them in the framework of promising applications in entertainment, human-computer interface, research, and education.

622 citations


Patent
25 Sep 1996
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a host command protocol for controlling and providing force feedback using an interface device manipulated by a user and connected to a host computer system, where the host computer sends high level host commands to the local microprocessor and the microprocessor independently implements a local reflex process based on the high level command to provide force values to actuators using sensor data and other parameters.
Abstract: An apparatus (14) for controlling and providing force feedback using an interface device manipulated by a user and connected to a host computer system (12). A microprocessor (26) is provided local to the interface device and reads sensor data from sensors that describes the positioning of a user object moved by the user, such as a joystick. The microprocessor controls actuators (30) to provide forces on the user object. The host computer sends high level host commands to the local microprocessor and the microprocessor independently implements a local reflex process based on the high level command to provide force values to actuators using sensor data and other parameters. A host command protocol includes a variety of different types of host commands and associated command parameters. By providing a relatively small set of high level host commands, the protocol further shifts the computational burden from the host computer to the local microprocessor.

555 citations


Patent
28 Mar 1996
TL;DR: In this article, a computer document audio access and conversion system allows a user to access information originally formatted for audio/visual interfacing on a computer network via a simple telephone interface.
Abstract: The computer document audio access and conversion system allows a user to access information originally formatted for audio/visual interfacing on a computer network via a simple telephone. Of course, files formatted specifically for audio interfacing can also be accessed by the system. A user can call a designated telephone number and request a file via dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signalling or through voice commands. The system analyzes the request and accesses a predetermined document. The document may be in a standard document file format, such as hyper-text mark-up language (HTML) which is used on the World Wide Web. The document is analyzed by the system, and depending on the different types of formats used in the document, information is translated from an audio/visual format to an audio format and played to the user via the telephone interface. The document may contain links to other documents which can be invoked to access such other documents. In addition, the system can have a native command capability which allows the system to act independently of the accessed document contents to replay a document or carry out functions similar to those available in conventional web browsers.

499 citations


Book ChapterDOI
TL;DR: SRS is an integrated system that provides a homogeneous interface to all flat file data banks retained in their original format, a retrieval system that allows access to, but not the depositing of, data.
Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter presents a retrieval system called “Sequence Retrieval System (SRS)” that acts on data banks in a flat file or text format. It provides a homogeneous interface to about 80 biological databanks for accessing and querying their contents and for navigating among them. SRS is an integrated system that provides a homogeneous interface to all flat file data banks retained in their original format. It is a retrieval system that allows access to, but not the depositing of, data. Several elements are combined into a system that extends the power of normal retrieval systems and that rivals that of real databases, such as a relational system, without compromising speed. These elements include languages for data bank and syntax definition, a programmable parser, an indexing system, support for subentries, a novel system for exploiting links among data banks, and a query language. The database linking is a unique feature that considerably extends the capability of hypertext links.

469 citations


Patent
13 Feb 1996
TL;DR: A computer system and method for controlling a media playing device is described in this paper, which provides a user interface for allowing a user access to media pieces stored in a media database.
Abstract: A computer system and method for controlling a media playing device. The system provides a user interface for allowing a user access to media pieces stored in a media database. The interface is also for controlling a media playing device, like a player piano or movie playing video device, that is coupled to the computer to play the accessed or selected piece of media. In one embodiment there is a computer interface that allows a user to display only music that relates to a selected category, like jazz or classical music. Another embodiment allows the user to direct the media playing device to automatically play selected music pieces that are related to a selected music category. Another embodiment allows a user to direct the media playing device to automatically play selected music pieces that are related to the selected music composer or artist.

462 citations


Patent
25 Sep 1996
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a method and apparatus for providing safe and low-cost force feedback peripherals for consumer applications, where a microprocessor is coupled to the host by a first interface bus, such as an RS-232 interface, and commands an actuator to apply a force to a user object such as a joystick, in response to host commands.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing safe and low-cost force feedback peripherals for consumer applications. A device microprocessor (26) local to an interface device (14) is coupled to the host (12) by a first interface bus (24). The microprocessor receives host commands from the host computer on the first interface bus, such as an RS-232 interface, and commands an actuator (30) to apply a force to a user object (22), such as a joystick, in response to host commands. A sensor (28) detects positions of the user object and outputs signals to the host on a second interface bus (25), such as a PC game port bus, separate from the firt bus. A safety switch (41) of the present invention disables the actuator when the interface device is not in use and enables the actuator when an amount of weight over a predetermined amount is placed on the joystick created by a user grasping the joystick.

418 citations


Patent
08 Feb 1996
TL;DR: In this article, a modular patient care system is presented, which consists of an interface unit (100) and a plurality of patient functional units (150) for patient monitoring and the supply of therapeutic requirements.
Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a modular patient care system provides patient monitoring and the supply of therapeutic requirements. Specifically, the system is comprised of an interface unit (100) and a plurality of patient functional units (150). The interface unit provides an interface between the user and the system, and may be configured and adapted to provide different levels of functionality. Interface units with different levels of functionality may be interchanged so as to provide greater flexibility, safety, and cost effectiveness. Each interface unit (150) contains interface ports (122) for the transfer of information such as drug libraries, system configuration values, and event history. The functional units are internally programmed and controlled so as to provide a high level of system modularity, and require only power and interfacing functionality from the interface unit.

380 citations


Patent
03 Dec 1996
TL;DR: In this article, a computer having backup capabilities for backing up data on a host storage disk of the computer to a remote archive repository, the computer including a backup application that determines when data to be backed up should be copied to the remote archiving repository and makes read requests to make a copy of data on the host disk and makes write requests to store the copy at the remote archives.
Abstract: A computer having backup capabilities for backing up data on a host storage disk of the computer to a remote archive repository, the computer including a backup application that determines when data to be backed up should be copied to the remote archive repository and makes read requests to make a copy of data on the host storage disk and makes write requests to store the copy at the remote archive repository, the computer also including a backup system that receives the write requests and the copy of data and has a remote procedure call interface for transmitting the data to the remote archive repository.

Patent
03 May 1996
TL;DR: The Real-Time Embedded Software Repository Apparatus (RTES) as discussed by the authors is a repository system for real-time embedded software that allows the user to associate fixed and user defined Attributes to the RTES.
Abstract: The Real-Time Embedded Software Repository Apparatus fully characterizes, evaluates, and reuses real-time embedded software that is placed or stored in a repository database. The Repository System comprises at least one Repository Client and at least one Repository Server and utilizes simulation and translational techniques to allow Real Time Embedded Software (RTES) to be re-used, played, and evaluated on various desktop development environments or target operating environments. The Repository System organizes and processes Repository files as Repository Units which may comprise Software Source Files and Test Software. Repository Units also contain Attachments that provide current and historic information to static files that are stored in the Repository. The Repository Units are further characterized using analysis tools (software analysis) which allow the user to associate fixed and user defined Attributes to the RTES. A real-time embedded component (Component) provides a clear and well defined software interface to function at a high level of interaction with the RTES. Templates for both searching and displaying information in a multimedia format are also provided.

Patent
06 Nov 1996
TL;DR: In this article, a media coordination system provides automatic encryption, dynamic interconnection of streams of data, and user interface elements that provide users with control over the ultimate destination of their audio and video data.
Abstract: In a network, a media coordination system provides secure multimedia communication channels in a collaborative network environment. The media coordination system provides automatic encryption, dynamic interconnection of streams of data, and user interface elements that provide users with control over the ultimate destination of their audio and video data. The infrastructure of the system includes a plurality of client workstations that are connected to a central server using point-to-point network connections. The central server maintains a persistent virtual world of network places with objects located therein. Streams of audio and video data are coordinated between client workstations operating in the persistent virtual world by a key manager object using channels, transmitters, and receivers. The client workstations multicast their audio and video data over the network to defined recipients after receiving a multicast address and an encryption key for a specific multicast channel. In order to protect the privacy of all communications and the integrity of the coordination system, each client workstation retains significant control over distribution and reception of audio and video data since multicast transmission is tied to specific user interface elements. The multimedia user interface elements include cameras, speakers, microphones, and video panes. Since the central server only coordinates where audio and video data is broadcast for a particular interface element, each client workstation ultimately controls the destination of multimedia data through selection of the element at the user interface.

Patent
23 Dec 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a common user interface for accessing many different application programs over the web via a common interface. But, the user interface is not designed for the general public.
Abstract: The present invention provides the capability to easily access many different application programs over the WWW via a common user interface. By providing standard procedures, routines, tools, and software "hooks" for accessing software applications over the WWW, software developers can concentrate on the functionality of the application program and easily use HTML to provide a GUI interface for the application program. HTML is a well-known language which can be used by almost any computer system on the market today. In addition, since HTML is a fairly well controlled and standardized language, new software application features can be added as they are developed and supported by HTML. In addition, since HTML is a widely adopted, non-proprietary technology, the present invention can provide open access to a large market for even very small software developers. Further, the present invention also allows software developers to adopt a standard access protocol, which allows them to provide support for any computer system which is capable of utilizing a HTML cognizant browser. Finally, by providing easy-to-implement, standardized solutions to the issues of user interface, authentication/security, and web transaction support, the common user interface of the present invention overcomes the limitations existing in previous solutions.

Patent
01 May 1996
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a method and apparatus for establishing a standardized communications protocol for wireless communications between a host and one or more peripheral devices such as joysticks, mice, gamepads, remote controllers or other devices.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a standardized communications protocol for wireless communications between a host and one or more peripheral devices such as joysticks, mice, gamepads, remote controllers or other devices including establishing a standard message format for messages communicated between a host and the peripheral devices, establishing a plurality of unique data types for associated peripheral devices, and prioritizing communications between the host and such peripherals to permit rapid and effective communication therebetween.

Patent
21 Mar 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, the condition of each relationship is determined based upon a combination of the conditions of the interface elements which are coupled together to form the communications relationship, and the condition is then determined by combining these conditions.
Abstract: A system provides representations of connections or other relationships among entities that make up a communications network. The representations may each have a color or shading to represent different conditions of the relationship. The representations may be graphical and may also include textual information as well as graphical hot-spots selectable by a user to provide even more detailed information regarding the relationship. The condition of each relationship may be determined based upon a combination of the conditions of the interface elements which are coupled together to form the communications relationship.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Two user-friendly computer programs are described for use in macromolecular X-ray crystallography, xdlMAPMAN provides an interface for electron-density map exchange between some of the most commonly used phase refinement, structure refinement and model- building programs, and xdlDATAMAN provides similar functionality for the analysis and manipulation of macromolescular reflection data sets.
Abstract: Two user-friendly computer programs are described for use in macromolecular X-ray crystallography, xdlMAPMAN provides an interface for electron-density map exchange between some of the most commonly used phase refinement, structure refinement and model- building programs. In addition, it contains several options to analyse and abstract such maps. xdlDATAMAN provides similar functionality for the analysis and manipulation of macromolecular reflection data sets. Both programs have a simple graphical user interface, and their source code has been put into the public domain.

Patent
19 Dec 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, a method and apparatus implementing a user interface device, such as a mouse or trackball, having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness which is flexibly programmable is described.
Abstract: A method and apparatus implementing a user interface device, such as a mouse or trackball, having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness which is flexibly programmable. The interface device includes at least two sets of wheels that move as the interface device is actuated. A servo motor (116) is attached to each of the at least two sets of wheels. A position encoder (118) is associated with each servo motor (116) and outputs position information to a controller (120).

Patent
29 Mar 1996
TL;DR: In this article, a system and method for the monitoring and collection of all inbound/outbound information activity and communications activity at a particular user location, for example, a household equipped with a variety of devices having communication capabilities.
Abstract: A system and method for the monitoring and collection of all inbound/outbound information activity and communications activity at a particular user location, for example, a household equipped with a variety of devices having communication capabilities. The real-time interaction between a user and an external information service is monitored and specific data are collected regarding that real-time interaction. Connectivity data (e.g., date/time of interactive session, number of packets sent/received, application file name) are collected. In addition, other substantive data (e.g., type of service, type and number of inquiries made) regarding the real-time interaction are collected. A connectivity and desktop activity monitor comprises a set of client software modules, including executable files and virtual device drivers that capture and log targeted operating system modem connectivity and desktop activity data. The connectivity monitor includes a connectivity infiltration module (CIM) and a connectivity monitor interface program. The CIM functions as a stub module that monitors the bi-directional data stream at the virtual device driver level between software modules of the operating system. It utilizes the hooking functions provided by the operating system to set hooks for selected function calls from the application to the communications drivers. The desktop activity monitor includes a desktop infiltration module and a desktop monitor interface program which monitor activity from the keyboard and pointing devices used to interface with the client computer. The invention provides the capability to monitor a number of attributes at the data stream level in a bi-directional, real-time fashion. With regard to the connectivity data monitor, such attributes include the phone number dialed, data packets sent, bytes sent, data packets received, bytes received, the URL visited and the recognition of an outgoing fax call. With regard to the desktop activity monitor, such attributes include the length of time an application is active, resident in memory, inactive or suspended.

Patent
23 Dec 1996
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a method and apparatus for linking real-time data with audiovisual content to enable a user to make selections, manipulate data, and to execute functions interactively through a display unit.
Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for linking real-time data with audiovisual content to enable a user to make selections, manipulate data, and to execute functions interactively through an audiovisual display unit based upon audiovisual content being displayed at the time. Audiovisual content is synchronized with the available interactive functions so that the user has the ability to interact with and perform functions related to the audiovisual content being shown at the time. In a preferred embodiment, actionable events in audiovisual programs are synchronized with associated overlay functions and interface data. A method is provided to make overlay functions available to the user through an audiovisual display during the actionable events that occur in a program being viewed by the user. A user interface for each overlay function that may be performed, which user interface may or may not be visible to the user, is overlaid on and synchronized with the program being shown. Interaction with selections may be made using any of several known methods such as a screen menu or a cursor controlled by a remote control device.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 May 1996
TL;DR: The motivation for building STiNG as well as its architecture and implementation are described, and performance analysis is provided for On-Line Transaction Processing (OLTP) and Decision Support System (DSS) workloads.
Abstract: "STiNG" is a Cache Coherent Non-Uniform Memory Access (CC-NUMA) Multiprocessor designed and built by Sequent Computer Systems, Inc. It combines four processor Symmetric Multi-processor (SMP) nodes (called Quads), using a Scalable Coherent Interface (SCI) based coherent interconnect. The Quads are based on the Intel P6 processor and the external bus it defines. In addition to 4 P6 processors, each Quad may contain up to 4 GBytes of system memory, 2 Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) busses for I/O, and a Lynx board. The Lynx board provides the datapath to the SCI-based interconnect and ensures system-wide cache coherency. STiNG is one of the first commercial CC-NUMA systems to be built. This paper describes the motivation for building STiNG as well as its architecture and implementation. In addition, performance analysis is provided for On-Line Transaction Processing (OLTP) and Decision Support System (DSS) workloads. Finally, the status of the current implementation is reviewed.

Patent
04 Dec 1996
TL;DR: In this article, a field device management system includes an interface which provides communication between a software application implemented on the system and a set of smart field devices coupled to the system, and the interface accesses information from and/or writes information to the smart field device, a database and device descriptions associated with the smart device to provide a consistent communication connection with such devices, database and description.
Abstract: A field device management system includes an interface which provides communication between a software application implemented on the system and a set of smart field devices coupled to the system. The interface accesses information from and/or writes information to the smart field devices, a database and device descriptions associated with the smart field devices to provide a consistent communication connection with such devices, database and device descriptions, irrespective of the types of smart field devices connected to the system. The interface is based on a predefined hierarchy of categories of information defining the device data associated with the smart field devices, and is implemented using an OLE object for each of the predefined categories of information. In particular, each OLE object stores device data associated with one of the predefined categories of information and includes instructions for communicating with one of the smart field devices, one of the device descriptions and/or the database to effect a command related to the stored device data.

Patent
08 Apr 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, a preferred embodiment of the video services system comprises a plurality of card readers arranged in a distributed configuration, each of which is associated with a room terminal of a video service system, each the card readers may be powered using power provided by an associated TV and room terminal.
Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing customers of hospitality facilities with the ability to access a variety of amenities and to interact with a video system in order to enable point-of-sale purchase of and payment for goods and services with a credit or debit card. In a preferred embodiment, the video services system comprises a plurality of card readers arranged in a distributed configuration, each of which are associated with a room terminal of a video services system. In a preferred embodiment, each the card readers may be powered using power provided by an associated TV and room terminal. Each room terminal functions as an interface between the systems control computer and the card reader associated with the room terminal. When the room terminal is in communication with the systems control computer, by having been polled or by initiating a transmission, billing data previously entered by a customer using the card reader is transmitted to the systems control computer, which processes the billing data, and, based on the content and format thereof, accesses one or more data bases or card validation bureaus to which it is connected. Based on preprogrammed parameters and on information resulting from queries made to data bases, the systems control computer interacts with the customer by generating and transmitting graphics (or display) prompts or audio or visual prompts using the or by providing entertainment and information services.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
14 Oct 1996
TL;DR: Two algorithms are described, based on image moments and orientation histograms, which exploit the capabilities of the chip to provide interactive response to the player's hand or body positions at 10 msec frame time and at low-cost.
Abstract: The appeal of computer games may be enhanced by vision-based user inputs. The high speed and low cost requirements for near-term, mass-market game applications make system design challenging. The response time of the vision interface should be less than a video frame time and the interface should cost less than $50 U.S. We meet these constraints with algorithms tailored to particular hardware. We have developed a special detector, called the artificial retina chip, which allows for fast, on-chip image processing. We describe two algorithms, based on image moments and orientation histograms, which exploit the capabilities of the chip to provide interactive response to the player's hand or body positions at 10 msec frame time and at low-cost. We show several possible game interactions.

01 Jan 1996
TL;DR: This dissertation defines and explores Graspable User Interfaces, an evolution of the input mechanisms used in graphical user interfaces (GUIs) which provides users concurrent access to multiple, specialized input devices which can serve as dedicated physical interface widgets, affording physical manipulation and spatial arrangements.
Abstract: This dissertation defines and explores Graspable User Interfaces, an evolution of the input mechanisms used in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). A Graspable UI design provides users concurrent access to multiple, specialized input devices which can serve as dedicated physical interface widgets, affording physical manipulation and spatial arrangements. Like conventional GUIs, physical devices function as "handles" or manual controllers for logical functions on widgets in the interface. However, the notion of the Graspable UI builds on current practice in a number of ways. With conventional GUIs, there is typically only one graphical input device, such as a mouse. Hence, the physical handle is necessarily "time-multiplexed," being repeatedly attached and unattached to the various logical functions of the GUI. A significant aspect of the Graspable UI is that there can be more than one input device. Hence input control can then be "space-multiplexed." That is, different devices can be attached to different functions, each independently (but possibly simultaneously) accessible. This, then affords the capability to take advantage of the shape, size and position of the physical controller to increase functionality and decrease complexity. It also means that the potential persistence of attachment of a device to a function can be increased. By using physical objects, we not only allow users to employ a larger expressive range of gestures and grasping behaviors but also to leverage off of a user's innate spatial reasoning skills and everyday knowledge of object manipulations. In this thesis the concept of Graspable user interfaces is defined. Support for the concept is provided from the psychological literature. Instantiations of the concept are found in existing user interfaces. A task analysis of an existing interface's input activities and how to convert these to Graspable user interface devices is presented. The possible uses and implementation difficulties of bricks, a specific Graspable user interface are investigated. Finally, the advantages of two of the Graspable UI properties over conventional time-multiplexed generic input devices is measured by two controlled experiments.

Patent
18 Sep 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a user interface for home automation systems using a backlit LCD separated into separate display sections, each having a durable, scratch resistant lens, which is used to detect a user's selection of a displayed option.
Abstract: Described is a user interface particularly suited for use in a home automation system. This interface combines advantages of a conventional touch screen (such as ease of use and accurate "key" placement) with the advantages of a conventional mechanical keypad (such as reduced cost and tactile feedback). The interface is well suited for use on any wallspace and may be easily reconfigured as necessary to support a host of system functions. The interface utilizes a backlit LCD separated into separate display sections, each having a durable, scratch resistant lens. Cantilevered switches associated with each display are used detect a user's selection of a displayed option.

Patent
08 Aug 1996
TL;DR: In this article, a video server system and method has a central control module adapted to receive control commands such as SELECT, PLAY, REWIND, PAUSE etc. to select and playback a video from a plurality of videos stored in a storage module.
Abstract: A video server system and method has a modular and expandable system design to deliver a plurality of video streams on user demand and under user control. The video server system and method has a central control module adapted to receive control commands such as SELECT, PLAY, REWIND, PAUSE etc. to select and playback a video from a plurality of videos stored in a storage module. The central control module is a computer motherboard having a first small computer serial interface (SCSI) coupled to the storage device. The central control module also has memory for buffering data blocks of video retrieved from the storage device or devices prior to delivery to the delivery module also included in the system. The delivery module is also a computer motherboard having memory and also having a plurality of video processors for processing the video data prior to coupling the data to a client location. The delivery module additionally has a SCSI interface configured to operate in a target mode so that the central control module transfers video data to the delivery module in the same manner that it would use if it were writing to a conventional SCSI disk drive.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Nov 1996
TL;DR: FOCUS supports data exploration by a combination of a focus+context or fisheye technique, a hierarchical outliner for large attribute sets, and a general and easy-to-use dynamic query mechanism where the user simply clicks on desired values found in the table.
Abstract: FOCUS, the Feature-Oriented Catalog USer interface, is an interactive table viewer for a common kind of table, namely the object-attribute table, also called cases-by-attribute table or relational table. Typical examples of these tables are the Roll Calls in BYTE where the features and test results of a family of hardware or software products are c ompared. FOCUS supports data exploration by a combination of a focus+context or fisheye technique, a hierarchical outliner for large attribute sets, and a general and easy-to-use dynamic query mechanism where the user simply clicks on desired values found in the table. A PC/Windows implementation of FOCUS is publicly available (http://www.gmd.de/fit/projects/focus.html). It is suited for tables with up to a few hundred rows and columns, which are typically stored and maintained by spreadsheet applications. Since we use a simple data format, existing tables can be easily inspected with FOCUS. With the rapidly increasing public interest in on-line services like the W orld Wide We b we e xpect a growing d emand for access to o n-line c atalogues and d atabases. FOCUS satisfies this demand, allowing formulation of simple database queries with an interface as easy to use as a Web browser.

Patent
19 Jan 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a system for remotely controlling an application program over a network, which includes an application interception module and a remote display module, which can capture I/O stream generated by an application and convert it to remote control protocol messages and transport them across a network to the user's computer.
Abstract: The system and method is disclosed for remotely controlling an application program over a network. The system includes an application interception module and remote display module. The remote display module is transported across the network and executed on the user system in response to a user's request to provide on-demand remote control of an application program. The application interception module captures an I/O stream generated by an application program, converts it to remote control protocol messages and transports them across a network to the remote display module executing in the user system. The remote display module converts the remote control protocol messages to system calls compatible with the operating system environment for the users computer. Likewise, the remote display module converts system calls to the local resource interface in the user's computer to remote control protocol messages which are transported across the network to the application interception module. The application interception module interface converts the remote control protocol messages to system calls for the application program. In this manner, output from the application program is provided to the user's computer and input actions at the user's computer are provided to the application program. Preferably, the remote display modules and application programs are presented through HTTP servers over a network to a user's system which uses a browser having a JAVA interpreter to execute the remote display module and convert the remote control protocol messages.

Book
01 Mar 1996
TL;DR: Particulate Media.Micromagnetics of Thin-Film Media.Magnetooptical Recording.
Abstract: Table of contents Introduction.Recording and Reproducing Processes.Particulate Media.Film Media.Micromagnetics of Thin-Film Media.Recording Heads.Tribology of the Head-Medium Interface. Recording Limitations.Recording Measurements.Magnetooptical Recording.