Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 1997"

The VideoToolbox software for visual psychophysics: transforming numbers into movies.

Abstract: The VideoToolbox is a free collection of two hundred C subroutines for Macintosh computers that calibrates and controls the computer-display interface to create accurately specified visual stimuli. High-level platform-independent languages like MATLAB are best for creating the numbers that describe the desired images. Low-level, computer-specific VideoToolbox routines control the hardware that transforms those numbers into a movie. Transcending the particular computer and language, we discuss the nature of the computer-display interface, and how to calibrate and control it.

Agent based instruction system and method

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for interactive, adaptive, and individualized computer assisted instruction. This invention includes an agent (108) for each student (101) which adapts to its student, and provides individualized guidance to the student and controls to the augmented computer assisted instructional materials. The instructional materials of this invention are augmented to communicate the student's performance and the material's pedagogical characteristics to the agent, and to receive control from the agent. In a preferred embodiment, the agent maintains data reflecting the student's pedagogic or cognitive characteristics in a protected and portable media in the personal control of the student. Preferably, the content of the communication between the agent and the materials conforms to specified interface standards, so that the agent acts independently of the content of the particular materials. Also preferably, the agent can project using various I/O modalities integrated engaging, lifelike display personna(e).

[서평]「Computer Organization and Design, The Hardware/Software Interface」

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Method and apparatus for scalable, high bandwidth storage retrieval and transportation of multimedia data on a network

Abstract: An improved system and method for providing multimedia data in a networked system is disclosed. The present invention provides a platform for distributed client-server computing and access to data over asymmetric real-time networks. A service mechanism allows applications to be split such that client devices (set-top boxes, personal digital assistants, etc.) can focus on presentation, while backend services running in a distributed server complex, provide access to data via messaging across an abstracted interface.

Augmented reality through wearable computing

Abstract: Wearable computing moves computation from the desktop to the user. We are forming a community of networked, wearable-computer users to explore, over a long period, the augmented realities that these systems can provide. By adapting its behavior to the user's changing environment, a body-worn computer can assist the user more intelligently, consistently, and continuously than a desktop system. A text-based augmented reality, the Remembrance Agent, is presented to illustrate this approach. Video cameras are used both to warp the visual input mediated reality and to sense the user's world for graphical overlay. With a camera, the computer could track the user's finger to act as the system's mouse; perform face recognition; and detect passive objects to overlay 2.5D and 3D graphics onto the real world. Additional apparatus such as audio systems, infrared beacons for sensing location, and biosensors for learning about the wearer's affect are described. With the use of input from these interface devices and sensors, a long-term goal of this project is to model the user's actions, anticipate his or her needs, and perform a seamless interaction between the virtual and physical environments.

Rotary menu wheel interface

Abstract: An internet on-demand system for television presents internet content and traditional television programming as part of a single coherent interface. The user can select a channel from a rotary menu wheel. The system includes a server and a client capable of providing a dynamic graphical user interface. The system can display an internet gateway interface which actively scrolls through and highlights links to selected web pages which are organized according to templates corresponding to their content. The web pages are presented on the graphical user interface as channels as part of the same milieu as channels of traditional television programming. An intelligent agent passively filters selected web pages for a user to explore based on the user's past pattern of usage of the client. The server queries the client regarding its available data stream connections, including telephone modems, cable modems, and digital satellite broadcasting, in order to determine the most efficient delivery of different types of data through all of the available bandwidth connections. The efficient delivery of data allows the client to present text, graphics, video, audio and other multimedia information from a web page over the internet as a coordinated presentation.

System to control content and prohibit certain interactive attempts by a person using a personal computer

Abstract: A computer terminal and a method for blocking the use and creation of vulgar and pornographic material monitors computer operations for creation or transmission of vulgar and pornographic material. Data created by the keyboard, data selected by the mouse pointer, and data passing through the Internet interface are monitored for content and further operation of the computer terminal is blocked. The terminal may only be unblocked by a supervisory intervention, such as by entering a password, or restarting or resetting the terminal. Keyword searches, such as those in Internet search engines, are also monitored, but the terminal adapts to monitor for words that are tested to produce lists of Internet sites containing vulgar and profane items. The computer terminal and method can be modified to block other forms of communication or computer operation, secret business data, execution or opening of certain programs or files.

Three tier financial transaction system with cache memory

Abstract: A three tier financial transaction system having a local data memory is disclosed. The three tier system includes a client interface, an application service, a host interface, and a local data memory. The client interface communicates data messages between a client program and the financial transaction system. The client interface converts client requests to a format compatible with the application service so the application service may process client requests from client programs. At the initiation of a logical session with a client program, the application service refreshes data for the customer associated with the client program using data obtained from a back end processing system through the host interface. The data in the local data memory is then used by the application service for processing client requests during the logical session. Response data generated by the application service is provided to the client interface for presentation to the client program. Communication between the client program and the client interface is preferably performed over an open communication network. The local data memory permits the processing of the client service request to be decoupled from the updating of the back end processing system to improve response times for client request processing.

Set top terminal for television delivery system

Abstract: A viewer interface for a television program delivery system is described. The innovation relates to methods and devices for viewer pathways to television programs. Specifically, the interface involves hardware and software used in conjunction with a television at the viewer home to create a user friendly menu based approach to television program access. The device is particularly useful in a program delivery system with hundreds of programs and a data signal carrying program information. The disclosure describes menu generation and menu selection of television programs.

Computer-implemented collaborative filtering based method for recommending an item to a user

Abstract: An object for providing isolated, hierarchical data storage can be used in a method for recommending an item to one of a plurality of users. The data object abstracts an associated physical memory element and provides an interface for storing data and retrieving data from the physical memory element. In some embodiments the data object is provided with an indicator for identifying another data object that is used if a memory request is unable to be serviced by the associated physical memory element. In other embodiments this data object can be used to efficiently and transparently store profile data associated with a system for recommending items to users.

Method and system for providing a networked collaborative work environment

Abstract: A system and method for providing a collaborative work environment includes servers and client workstations. Client workstations receive data objects from one or more servers and combine the received data objects with stored templates to render HTML pages representing at least a portion of a common project. Users may view, edit, and create common documents for the projects and upload them to the server using a drag-and-drop interface. Additionally, since all file transfers take place using HTTP, project groups can span corporate organizations as well as time zones and geographic boundaries.

General purpose distributed operating room control system

Abstract: The present invention pertains to control systems and provides a run time configurable control system for selecting and operating one of a plurality of operating room devices from a single input source, the system comprising a master controller having a voice control interface and means for routing control signals. The system additionally may include a plurality of slave controllers to provide expandability of the system. Also, the system includes output means for generating messages to the user relating to the status of the control system in general and to the status of devices connected thereto.

Appliance interface apparatus and automated residence management system

Abstract: A method for bringing an appliance and/or an electrical or mechanical system of a residence into communication with another, or with a control device within the residence, or with an other communication source outside the residence, so as to establish a home automation system, or enlarge upon an existing automation system. An appliance interface module apparatus is also provided for facilitating communication between an appliance, and the automation system as a whole. The appliance interface module may be capable of controlling, upon command, the specific detailed operations of the appliance to which it is attached, and may, upon inquiry, transmit data which has been recorded, stored and/or calculated by the module.

Method and apparatus for providing simulated physical interactions within computer generated environments

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing force feedback to a user operating a human/computer interface device (14) and interacting with a computer-generated simulation (20). In one aspect, a computer implemented method simulates the interaction of simulated objects displayed to a user who controls one of the simulated objects by manipulating a physical object (34) of an interface device (14). The physical object provides force feedback to the user which imparts a physical sensation corresponding to the interaction of the computer simulated objects.

Multimodal user interfaces in the Open Agent Architecture

Abstract: The design and development of the Open Agent Architecture (OAA) 1 system has focused on providing access to agentbased applications through an intelligent, cooperative, distributed, and multimodal agent-based user interfaces. The current multimodal interface supports a mix of spoken language, handwriting and gesture, and is adaptable to the user’ s preferences, resources and environment. Only the primary user interface agents need run on the local computer, thereby simplifying the task of using a range of applications from a variety of platforms, especially low-powered computers such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). An important consideration in the design of the OAA was to facilitate mix-andmatch: to facilitate the reuse of agents in new and unanticipated applications, and to support rapid prototyping by facilitating the replacement of agents by better versions. The utility of the agents and tools developed as part of this ongoing research project has been demonstrated by their use as infrastructure in unrelated projects.

The Personal Interaction Panel - a Two-Handed Interface for Augmented Reality

Abstract: This paper describes the introduction of a new interaction paradigm to augmented reality applications. The everyday tool handling experience of working with pen and notebooks is extended to create a three dimensional two-handed interface, that supports easy-to-understand manipulation tasks in augmented and virtual environments. In the design step we take advantage from the freedom, given by our very low demands on hardware and augment form and functionality to this device. On the basis of examples from object manipulation, augmented research environments and scientific visualization we show the generality of applicability. Although being in the first stages implementation, we consider the wide spectrum of suitability for different purposes.

Computer having packet-based interconnect channel

Abstract: A physically non-distributed microprocessor-based computer includes a microprocessor, and a random access memory device, a mass storage device, and an input-output port device, all operable from the microprocessor and including an interface for receiving and transmitting data in packet form. A novel packet-based data channel extends between the microprocessor and the interfaces of the devices to provide communication between the microprocessor and the devices. By varying the size of the packets in accordance with actual data transmission requirements improved computer performance is achieved.

Apparatus and method for providing multimedia messaging between disparate messaging platforms

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for receiving a message having a first format and for converting the message from the first format to a second format that is compatible for reception by a messaging interface having a destination address corresponding to an intended recipient. In the preferred embodiment, a computer system is used to receive and send messages between messaging interfaces and networks which may be dissimilar from each other. A variety of network interfaces is used to communicate with the networks and which may optionally have a first interface and a second interface for interfacing to a first and second network, respectively. The messages may optionally be presented through a web page. A forwarding program or equivalent may be used to forward subscriber messages to or from remote locations served by a remote computer system, enabling a messaging user to use the remote computer system as a local access point. A browser interface may be optionally used to control messages presented by the computer system on a real-time basis using hyperlink commands. The computer system may also be used in conjunction with: a recipient notification program or equivalent device that determines when a recipient is logged on to a network and if so, provides any messages stored in the recipient's mailbox to the recipient; a connection notification program or equivalent device that notifies the computer system that a recipient is logged on to a network so that the computer system can send messages stored in the recipient's mailbox, if any; and an apparatus and method for sending and receiving a destination address including Internet addresses using a DTMF generator such as a standard telephone keypad.

Video composition and position system and media signal communication system

Abstract: A video signal compositing system uses advanced communication techniques to make compositing with virtual studio, blue screen, multi-color compositing, dynamic blue screen, add insertion, synthetic transfiguration, or panoramic displays more economical. A data communication system comprises a number of shared communications channels for transmitting data streams in a bi-directional manner. Multiple interface subsystems are coupled to the communications channels. The interface subsystems have a time slot controller that allocates time slots between the communication channels. A router is used in conjunction with the interface subsystems to define the time slots in which data on the shared communications channels are valid. Processing elements connected via the interface subsystem allow reconfiguration, via the shared communications channels, of processing operations performed. Shared communications channels solve problems in video timing and routing of video signals, including but limited to video compositing and spatial positioning. Multiple mask, dynamic tracking, 3-D depth imaging, image processing and stereoscopic imaging enhance image compositing on systems ranging from NTSC video, to HDTV, to panoramic display systems.

PHASES-95: a program package for processing and analyzing diffraction data from macromolecules.

Abstract: Publisher Summary The PHASES software package, including earlier releases, has been found to be both efficient and easy to use by many researchers and has been effective in the solution of a large number of protein structures. The basic philosophy employed while developing PHASES was to create software that is reasonably thorough, general, simple to use and understand, flexible, easy to interface with other software, and efficiently implemented on most popular hardware, particularly workstations. PHASES focus on solution of the phase problem in macromolecular crystallography, primarily by the methods of isomorphous replacement, anomalous scattering, solvent flattening, negative density truncation, phase extension, noncrystallographic symmetry averaging, and partial structure phase combination. Software tools are provided to start with unique reflections for native and/or derivative data sets and ultimately produce from them electron-density maps and skeletons that can be directly displayed in popular graphics programs for chain tracing. The package currently consists of 44 individual Fortran programs, about a dozen of which are “workhorse” programs used in most applications, and a single C interface subroutine used by some of the graphics programs.

Computer Music: Synthesis, Composition, and Performance

Abstract: From the Publisher: First published in 1985, Computer Music has been embraced worldwide as the best available introduction to the use of computer synthesis in musical composition. This new edition of Computer Music builds on the foundation of the original book to address the revolution in computing technology that has put computer music within the reach of all, including the availability of powerful personal computers at low cost, the development of user-friendly software, and the establishment of the MIDI interface for digital control of music hardware. Many new compositional examples are included, and current trends in performance practice are described. In short, this book serves as a thorough introduction to the world of computer music - synthesis, composition, and performance - written in such a way that music students can understand it.

E-mail system and interface for equipment monitoring and control

Abstract: The invention is an interface device that is either integral or peripheral to equipment that requires monitoring and maintenance. The equipment may be a PBX or ACD, but may also include any type of equipment that requires monitoring and/or maintenance. The interface device converts the output from the equipment to e-mail messages that are sent to the technician at a remote location, and converts e-mail instructions from the technician that are received at the interface device to ASCII terminal keystrokes that the PBX receives and understands. The interface can broadcast multiple error messages to multiple recipients. The interface device allows multiple technicians simultaneous access to the equipment. The interface devices provides enhanced access security to the equipment.

Method and apparatus for data communication

Abstract: A data acquisition and delivery system for performing data delivery tasks is disclosed. This system uses a computer running software to acquire source data from a selected data source, to process (e.g. filter, format convert) the data, if desired, and to deliver the resulting delivered data to a data target. The system is designed to access remote and/or local data sources and to deliver data to remote and/or local data targets. The data target might be an application program that delivers the data to a file or the data target may simply be a file, for example. To obtain the delivered data, the software performs processing of the source data as appropriate for the particular type of data being retrieved, for the particular data target and as specified by a user, for example. The system can communicate directly with a target application program, telling the target application to place the delivered data in a particular location in a particular file. The system provides an external interface to an external context. If the external context is a human, the external interface may be a graphical user interface, for example. If the external context is another software application, the external interface may be an OLE interface, for example. Using the external interface, the external context is able to vary a variety of parameters to define data delivery tasks as desired. The system uses a unique notation that includes a plurality of predefined parameters to define the data delivery tasks and to communicate them to the software.

Goal-driven information interpretation and extraction system

Abstract: A proactive interface management system for ascertaining a computer user's goals and automatically extracting untagged data from one or more source objects and applying the data to one or more target objects. The proactive interface management system includes several cooperating program elements including a user interface, a decision engine, an extractor, and an applicator. These cooperating program elements automatically perform the steps of recognizing user gestures, ascertaining user goals, identifying relevant source information in one or more source objects, extracting the relevant source information, and applying the extracted information to one or more target objects.

Patient interface system with a scale

Abstract: A patient interface system for collecting and transferring data from a patient to a remote monitoring system, as well as methods for its use, are provided. The subject system uses: (a) a data collection device with a sensor and an interrogation device; (b) a processing device for processing the collected data; and (c) a communication device for transferring said collected data from the interface system to a remote monitoring system and receiving instructional data from a remote monitoring system. The subject system finds use in the remote monitoring of a variety of conditions, particularly in the remote monitoring of cardiac associated diseases. In addition, the sensor is a scale either programmed not to activate the patient interface system if it measures a weight below or above certain set weights or not to send measurements to the remote monitoring if it measures a weight below or above certain set weights.

Systems and methods for monitoring distributed applications including an interface running in an operating system kernel

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated monitoring and management of distributed applications, client/server databases, networks and systems across heterogeneous environment The invention employs distributed, automated intelligent monitoring agents with embedded sensing technology which is knowledgeable of application protocols, to monitor continuously the network environment in real time To this end, the monitoring agent can be located on each client and server in the network The monitoring agent can couple to the communications stack for monitoring the data that is being passed between the client and the network, of a server in the network The data can be collected and employed for trouble shooting trend analysis, resource planning, security auditing, accounting and chargeback, as well as other applications

Method for managing a plurality of data processes residing in heterogeneous data repositories

Abstract: A Data Management System has a plurality of data managers and is provided with a plurality of data managers in one or more layers of a layered architecture The system performs with a data manager and with a user input via an API a plurality of processs on data residing in heterogeneous data repositories of the computer system including promotion, check-in, check-out, locking, library searching, setting and viewing process results, tracking aggregations, and managing parts, releases and problem fix data under management control of a virtual control reposisitory having one or more physical heterogeneous repositories. The system provides for storing, accessing, tracking data residing in the one or more data repositories managed by the virtual control repository. User Interfaces provide a combination of command line, scripts, GUI, Menu, WebBrowser maps of the user's view to a PFVL paradigm. Configurable Managers include a query control repository for existence of peer managers and provide logic switches to dynamically interact with peers. A control repository layer provides a common process interface across all managers data view maps to a relational table paradigm and maps control repository layer (CRL) calls to sequences of SQL queries. A command translator for a relations data base provides pass through of SQL queries. Table files map SQL Queries into a set of FILE I/O's with appropriate inter I/O processing, and meta data maps SQL Queries into Meta data API calls with appropriate inter I/O processing. PFVL paradigm calls are mapped into DataManager(s)/Control Repository calls.

Computer system and method for accessing medical information over a network

Abstract: The invention is a Medical Lookup Reference computer system for accessing medical information over a network. The system partitions the functioning of the system between a client and server program in an optimal manner to assure synchronization of the master medical information databases on the servers with the local medical information database on the client, minimize the use of network resources, and allow new types of medical information to be easily included in the system. A server site on the network maintains a description of its medical information, as well as the most current and up-to-date medical reference information. The client program maintains a local database which is automatically synchronized over the network with revisions and new medical information, and provides a user with an interface to fully review the information in the database. The system also uses a context-sensitive call facility so that users of the Medical Lookup Reference program can easily get further expert assistance about the medical topic. The call feature uses the network connection to establish a conversation between the user and a person at a help site specified by the type of medical information they are currently referencing. Once a connection is established, the system allows the user to engage in a conversation with the person at the help site, and a record of the conversation can be saved in a database for auditing purposes.

Hand-held gps-mapping device

Abstract: A hand-held navigation, mapping and positioning system and device (10) contains a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver (13), a database capable of storing vector or bit mapped graphics, a viewing port (11), an embedded processor (12), a simplified user interface (15), a data compression algorithm, and other supporting electronics. The viewport (11) is configured such that the data presented in the viewport is clearly visible in any ambient light condition. The database stores compressed image data which might include topographical map data, user annotations, building plans, or any other image. The system includes an interface to a personal computer (14) which may be used to annotate or edit graphic information externally to the device for later upload. In addition, the device contains a simple menu-driven user interface (15) which allows panning and zooming the image data, marking locations of interest, and other such functions. The device may be operated from an internal rechargeable battery, or powered externally.