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

Liquid interfaces probed by second-harmonic and sum-frequency spectroscopy

Abstract: A powerful approach to the study of interfaces has been developing rapidly in the past decade. It is based on the spectroscopic methods of second-harmonic (SHG) and sum-frequency generation (SFG). These nonlinear optical techniques, being spectroscopic, provide information at the most fundamental level. A microscopic description of equilibrium and dynamic interface processes requires knowledge of the molecules at the interface, their orientational structure, the energetics that drive chemical and physical processes, and the time scale of molecular motions and relaxation processes. The techniques of second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation have made it possible to selectively probe the chemistry, physics, and biology of gas/liquid, liquid/liquid, liquid/solid, gas/solid, and solid/solid interfaces at the molecular level. In this abbreviated article only liquid interfaces will be considered; gas/solid and solid/solid interfaces are not included. This restriction is necessary because of the enormous increase in SH and SF studies in recent years, which makes it extremely difficult to properly discuss the range of work being carried out around the world. Unfortunately not all of the fine work even in the area of liquid interfaces has been included because of both space and time limitations. A number of review articles are referred to which cover some ofmore » the research material not covered in this article. 99 refs.« less

Information aggregation and synthesization system

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.

Portable calendaring device having perceptual agent managing calendar entries

Abstract: A personal calendaring system includes a portable calendaring system and a complementary office calendar system, each synchronizing calendar entries by two-way wireless transmission The portable calendaring system includes a GPS receiver interface providing location data The office calendar system and the portable calendar system each includes a calendar memory storing calendar entries, a wireless paging interface for exchanging schedule change requests and location data, a traffic receiver interface receiving wireless traffic data from an external source, and a perceptual software agent that automatically updates stored calendar entries in response to detected events The perceptual agents of the respective portable and office systems communicate using the two-way wireless paging interfaces to ensure the stored schedules are synchronized, and to minimize conflicts between schedule change requests entered at respective locations If a conflict is generated between the stored schedule and a schedule request, the agents arbitrate resolution of the generated conflict The perceptual agents also update scheduled travel times and associated reminder alarms in response to detected changes in traffic or the location of the portable calendaring system, and advise the user if a schedule conflict arises due to the updated travel time

System and method for real time loan approval

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closed loop, automatic processing a loan, including completion of the application, underwriting, and transferring funds, includes use of a programmed computer to interface with an applicant, obtain the information needed to process the loan, determine whether to approve the loan, and effect electronic fund transfers to the applicant's deposit account and arrange for automatic withdrawals to repay the loan. Information is received from the applicant preferably by using voice recognition technology but alternatively by entering the alpha-numeric information using a personal computer keyboard or using the buttons on a telephone. The loan approval determination is made using a neural network with input obtained in part from the applicant and in part from databases accessed by the computer, such as a credit bureau, to obtain a credit report. The loan agreement is transmitted by facsimile to and from the applicant when the applicant has access to a facsimile machine or datafile to be printed or to an agent who delivers the agreement to the applicant when the applicant does not have access. In a preferred embodiment, the applicant accesses the computer from a kiosk where the complete transaction can take place as the applicant waits.

Patient interface system

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.

System and method for providing protocol translation and filtering to access the world wide web from wireless or low-bandwidth networks

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.

Computer Facial Animation, Second Edition

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.

Method and apparatus for controlling force feedback interface systems utilizing a host computer

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.

Computer network audio access and conversion system

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.

SRS: information retrieval system for molecular biology data banks.

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.

Computer control system and user interface for media playing devices

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.

Safe and low cost computer peripherals with force feedback for consumer applications

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.

Modular patient care system

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.

Computer backup using a file system, network, disk, tape and remote archiving repository media system

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.

Real-time embedded software respository with attribute searching apparatus and method

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.

Multimedia coordination system

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.

Computer apparatus and method for providing a common user interface for software applications accessed via the world-wide web

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.

Wireless peripheral interface

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.

Network connection status monitor and display

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.

xdlMAPMAN and xdlDATAMAN - programs for reformatting, analysis and manipulation of biomacromolecular electron-density maps and 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.

Method and apparatus for tactilely responsive user interface

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).

System and method for monitoring information flow and performing data collection

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.

Visual object present within live programming as an actionable event for user selection of alternate programming wherein the actionable event is selected by human operator at a head end for distributed data and programming

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.

STiNG: A CC-NUMA Computer System for the Commercial Marketplace

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.

Mobile telephone user interface including fixed and dynamic function keys and method of using same

Abstract: A user interface for use in a mobile telephone handset which includes static visual display means for presenting the status of the mobile telephone and other services accessible by the user. The interface further includes dynamic visual display means for presenting a plurality of context sensitive function labels. A plurality of fixed-labels signaling keys and soft-label signaling keys are also provided in electrical communication with the static and dynamic visual display means. The soft-label signaling keys are operative to access the displayed function labels relevant to the current context of the user interface. A method is further disclosed which includes the provision of a mobile telephone handset as described above, as well as the steps of viewing the static and visual displays to obtain instructions as to the status of the mobile telephone, the availability of telephone functions and whether fixed or soft-label signaling keys should be utilized. As a further step, selected telephone function labels are presented on the static and dynamic visual displays and selected functions are accessed.

Integrated communication network for use in a field device management system

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.

Interactive intelligent video information system

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.

Computer vision for computer games

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.

Computerized education system for teaching patient care

Abstract: An interactive, computerized education system for teaching patient care includes an interactive computer program for use with a simulator, such as a manikin, and virtual instruments for performing simulated patient care activity under the direction of the program. The program displays a selection of modules to assist a user in learning patient care protocols, the modules being selectable by the user for providing different interactive training sessions involving the protocols. The virtual instruments are used with the simulator in performing the patient care activity, the virtual instruments cooperating with sensors that interface with the computer program for providing feedback to the program regarding the activity and confirming proper placement and use of the virtual instruments on the simulator.

Graspable user interfaces

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.