Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 2001"

Interface apparatus operable by using floppy disk drive with projectable infrared port

Abstract: An interface apparatus is inserted into a floppy disk drive unit so as to establish an infrared data communication between a desk top type personal computer and a digital still camera even when this desk top type personal computer is not equipped with an infrared communication port. This interface apparatus is arranged by employing: a casing unit having an entire shape substantially identical to that of a floppy disk and having a head window portion; a magnetic interface provided in the head window portion of the casing unit,and abutting against a magnetic head of a floppy disk drive so as to transmit/receive data to/from the magnetic head; a projected portion projected from a floppy disk insertion port of the floppy disk drive when the interface apparatus is loaded on the floppy disk drive; an infrared port arranged in the projected portion; an infrared port controller for controlling the infrared port to establish an infrared communication between the infrared port and an external electronic appliance; and a data converting circuit for converting the data used between the external electronic appliance connected via the connection mechanism to the interface apparatus, and the magnetic interface.

Video-based image control system

Abstract: A method of using stereo vision to interface with a computer is provided. The method includes capturing a stereo image, and processing the stereo image to determine position information of an object in the stereo image. The object is controlled by a user. The method also includes communicating the position information to the computer to allow the user to interact with a computer application.

Energy management system

Abstract: A programmable control system includes a control module having one or more inputs to which an external sensor device may be connected, and one or more outputs to which an external actuator device capable of manual override and providing a status feedback signal may be connected. One or more signal inputting devices are provided which a human operator can utilize to enter a learn mode. A display can be used to indicate a mode of the control system, and a memory can be used to store the characteristics of an external sensor device connected to an input and an association between inputs and outputs. A controller/processor has both a learn mode and a run mode. The control module may interface with external actuator devices such as circuit breakers located in one or more panels via an intelligent control bus and an address module.

User interface for handheld communication device

Abstract: A user interface includes a main screen segregated into various screen areas. At least one of the screen areas is devoted to a system application for displaying status icons, and another of the screen areas is devoted to an interface page which may or may not link to other interface pages which are used for displaying current or recent application information for respective user applications, which user applications may be accessed through interaction with the interface page. The application information may be application status information, recent communication messages (such as e-mail messages, SMS messages, or instant messaging messages) and/or one or more upcoming events or to do items for a user. The user interaction may occur through selection with a pointing device such as a stylus, a fingertip stylus, a finger, or one or more buttons, or even through voice commands. The user interface may also include an area reserved for displaying advertisements.

Automated vehicle tracking and service provision system

Abstract: An automated vehicle tracking and service provision system including a central controller, a local controller located in each vehicle, the central controller and the local controllers including wireless communication interface for communication of information between the central controller and the vehicle based on fuzzy logic algorithms decision making software. In a preferred embodiment, the local controller includes a processor, a global positioning systems (GPS) sensor coupled to the processor for providing vehicle location in terms of latitude and longitude, a memory coupled to the processor, a plurality of sensors coupled to the processor and adapted to provide information on a plurality of parameters related to the vehicle such as fuel level, collision status, brakes and such like, a user interface coupled to the processor for providing user input from input devices such as a credit card reader, smart card reader or keyboard, a wireless transceiver is coupled to the processor for communicating data from the processor to the central controller and for receiving data from the central controller, and a display. Provides for a voice or audio input/output interface coupled to the user interface for providing voice activation of the processor or voice transmission via the wireless transceiver to the central controller.

Systems, methods and computer program products for managing multimedia content

Abstract: The present invention is a multimedia management system for storing, manipulating, and displaying multimedia content. The system comprises a user interface, a plurality of predefined functions, a multimedia acquisition interface, and system controls. The system provides users with a simple and intuitive method and computer program for reviewing multimedia content, which can include digital video, digital audio and text, still images, animation, and MIDI.

ConNexus to awarenex: extending awareness to mobile users

Abstract: We explored the use of awareness information to facilitate communication by developing a series of prototypes. The ConNexus prototype integrates awareness information, instant messaging, and other communication channels in an interface that runs on a desktop computer. The Awarenex prototype extends that functionality to wireless handheld devices, such as a Palm. A speech interface also enables callers to make use of the awareness information over the telephone. While the prototypes offer similar functionality, the interfaces reflect the different design affordances and use context of each platform. We discuss the design implications of providing awareness information on devices with varying interface and network characteristics.

System and method for accessing a storage area network as network attached storage

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for accessing a plurality of storage devices in a storage area network (SAN) as network attached storage (NAS) in a data communication network is described A SAN server includes a first interface and a second interface The first interface is configured to be coupled to the SAN The second interface is coupled to a first data communication network A NAS server includes a third interface and fourth interface The third interface is configured to be coupled to a second data communication network The fourth interface is coupled to the first data communication network The SAN server allocates a first portion of the plurality of storage devices in the SAN to be accessible through the second interface to at least one first host coupled to the first data communication network The SAN server allocates a second portion of the plurality of storage devices in the SAN to the NAS server The NAS server configures access to the second portion of the plurality of storage devices to at least one second host coupled to the second data communication network

Multiple-link cable management apparatus

Abstract: A cable management and data acquisition method and apparatus to store system data and data from activity sensors when the sensors are disconnected from a monitoring system. The apparatus includes a housing, a first connection port operable to receive information from one or more activity sensors, a device interface coupled to the first connection port, a non-volatile memory coupled to the device interface; and an output port coupled to the device interface. The cable management and data acquisition apparatus may also include a digital-to-analog converter to convert analog signals from sensors to digital signals. Preferably, the device interface is an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) that communicates with a signal processor in the monitoring processor. The signal processor responds to commands or messages from the monitoring processor and reads data from and writes data to the memory in the cable management and data acquisition apparatus through the ASIC. The cable management and data acquisition apparatus prevents the loss of patient data when a patient monitoring system is disconnected from the activity sensors attached to a patient, such as might occur when a patient is moved from one location to another. Data stored in the memory of the apparatus can be readily retrieved when the patient arrives to the new location so as to maintain a record of identification data and permit the tracking of trends.

Speech-based interaction with in-vehicle computers: the effect of speech-based e-mail on drivers' attention to the roadway.

Abstract: As computer applications for cars emerge, a speech-based interface offers an appealing alternative to the visually demanding direct manipulation interface. However, speech-based systems may pose cognitive demands that could undermine driving safety. This study used a car-following task to evaluate how a speech-based e-mail system affects drivers' response to the periodic braking of a lead vehicle. The study included 24 drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 years. A baseline condition with no e-mail system was compared with a simple and a complex e-mail system in both simple and complex driving environments. The results show a 30% (310 ms) increase in reaction time when the speech-based system is used. Subjective workload ratings and probe questions also indicate that speech-based interaction introduces a significant cognitive load, which was highest for the complex e-mail system. These data show that a speech-based interface is not a panacea that eliminates the potential distraction of in-vehicle computers. Actual or potential applications of this research include design of in-vehicle information systems and evaluation of their contributions to driver distraction.

Multi-player computer game system and method

Abstract: A multi-player computer game, system and development method that facilitate multi-player game play between and among various hardware platforms employing various operating systems and communication protocols. Special purpose software operable in connection with a processor of a client computing device provides a multi-player computer game. The special purpose software provides an interface between an application module, which provides the functionality for a specific multi-player computer game, and the operating system and hardware devices and protocols of the client computing device. A multi-player game system facilitates multi-player game play between and among a plurality of players regardless of the different hardware platforms (i.e., different client computing devices) used by the various players.

Computer implemented system and method for project development

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an inventive automated system, and method for its use, including a computer having a computer program defining three development phases including project proposal development, business proposition development, and implementation for market introduction The project proposal development phase includes a unique idea verification feature by automated reference to an internal knowledge repository and database The computer is coupled for intercommunication to a plurality of stations or clients from which respective authorized users each have a browser-based interface with the computer

Logical view with granular access to exchange data managed by a modular data and storage management system

Abstract: A modular data and storage management system. The system includes a time variance interface that provides for storage into a storage media of data that is received over time. The time variance interface of the modular data and storage management system provides for retrieval, from the storage media, of an indication of the data corresponding to a user specified date. The retrieved indication of the data provides a user with an option to access specific information relative to the data, such as content of files that are included in the data.

Rapid prototyping of an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI)

Abstract: The electroencephalogram (EEG) is modified by motor imagery and can be used by patients with severe motor impairments (e.g., late stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) to communicate with their environment. Such a direct connection between the brain and the computer is known as an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI). This paper describes a new type of BCI system that uses rapid prototyping to enable a fast transition of various types of parameter estimation and classification algorithms to real-time implementation and testing. Rapid prototyping is possible by using Matlab, Simulink, and the Real-Time Workshop. It is shown how to automate real-time experiments and perform the interplay between on-line experiments and offline analysis. The system is able to process multiple EEG channels on-line and operates under Windows 95 in real-time on a standard PC without an additional DSP board. The BCI can be controlled over the Internet, LAN or modem. This BCI was tested on 3 subjects whose task it was to imagine either left or right hand movement. A classification accuracy between 70% and 95% could be achieved with two EEG channels after some sessions with feedback using an adaptive autoregressive model and linear discriminant analysis.

Hands-free wireless communication in a vehicle

Abstract: Wireless communications relative to a vehicle using a wireless communications device, a pocket (104) for holding the wireless communications device (102) and an interface module (106) in communication with the pocket are provided. The pocket (104) can include a processor for translating communications between the wireless communications device (102) and the interface module (106). The interface module (106) has processing capability and can communicate with different pockets and thereby different wireless communications devices (102). In at least one embodiment, the interface module (106) manages voice recognition and text-to-speech command to facilate hands-free communications in the vehicule. The interface module (106) can function as a communications hub involving a number of vehicle subsystems. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle subsystems are separately addressable using the interface module (106) and/or other processing hardware/software. However, in communicating over the Internet, a vehicle IP address is utilized.

Electronic provider—patient interface system

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication system (100) for providing automated, electronic communications between at least one health-care provider and a plurality of users (102-112) of the health-care provider, wherein the communications occur over a communications network through a provider/patient interface, said system comprising: a central server, comprising one server or a logic unit of multiple servers.

Operations and provisioning systems for service level management in an extended-area data communications network

Abstract: An automated service level manager (SLM) provides operations support for wide-area data communication services offered via regional IP-Over Ethernet on fiber networks The SLM comprises a suite of software components and associated hardware running the software, to communicate with agents throughout the networks, to accumulate various network operations data for reports and alarms and to provide instructions to control network operations The SLM preferably offers a web server type user interface This interface enables access by technical personnel of the carrier, for example from a network operations center This interface also offers access to customers having or seeking service through the network

User Interface for a System and Process for Providing Dynamic Communication Access and Information Awareness in an Interactive Peripheral Display

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provides a user interface for providing peripheral awareness of information to a user. The information to be provided is either determined automatically, or specified by the user. Once the information to be provided is determined or specified, it is automatically tracked or watched via at least one conventional communications interface. Current information is then automatically dynamically provided in an interactive peripheral display which minimizes any potential distraction to the user. Determining or specifying, tracking or watching, and providing the information is accomplished using at least one customizable dynamic encapsulated object, a “ticket,” that when paired with a “viewer,” provides peripheral awareness of information to the user. Further, in one embodiment, the tickets are sharable among users, and may be copied, cut, pasted, saved, transmitted, dragged and dropped from web pages, etc., like any other electronic file using conventional techniques.

Graphical user interface for association with an electrode structure deployed in contact with a tissue region

Abstract: Systems and methods deploy an electrode structure in contact with the tissue region. The electrode structure carries a sensor at a known location on the electrode structure to monitor an operating condition. The systems and methods provide an interface, which generate an idealized image of the electrode structure and an indicator image to represent the monitored operating condition in a spatial position on the idealized image corresponding to the location of the sensor on the electrode structure. The interface displays a view image comprising the idealized image and indicator image. The systems and methods cause the electrode structure to apply energy to heat the tissue region while the view image is displayed on the display screen.

Method and apparatus for forming linked multi-user groups of shared software applications

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating formation and maintenance of multi-user linked groups. In one aspect, a shared software application is automatically launched on two linked computers in response to formation of the linked multi-user group. In another embodiment, a linked multi-user group is initiated by a user submitting a request to form the group to another user. In a further embodiment, additional users can be dynamically added to an established linked multi-user group. In another embodiment, the list of participants in a linked multi-user group is distributed among all of the users in the group. In another embodiment, a multi-user linking interface provides a common interface for at least two linked applications.

System for transmitting and displaying multiple, motor vehicle information

Abstract: A system (10) for transmitting, collecting and displaying diagnostic and operational information from one or more motor vehicles to a central server (60) connected to a wide area network (45). The system (10) is designed to be used with an existing on-board diagnostic system found in most motor vehicles manufactured today. The system (10) includes a translator device (14) capable of translating the codes from an on-board diagnostic connector (8) into computer readable file such as ASCII files. The translator device (14) may be connected to an on-board computer (20) that includes a wireless modem (35) capable of connecting to a wireless communication network (40) and eventually to a wide area network (45). A central server (60) is connected to the wide area network (45) which receives and stores information from the on-board computer (20). Authorized users may connect to central server (60) via the wide area network (60) and request information therefrom regarding selected motor vehicles. All of the information may be presented in a single interface.

Touchscreen user interface

Abstract: A customizable touchscreen keyboard, and method, system, and computer program product for customizing the touchscreen keyboard is provided. In one embodiment, a data processing system receives customization characteristics from a user through the touchscreen interface. The data processing system then creates a customized touchscreen keyboard layout based on the customization characteristics and presents the customized touchscreen keyboard layout to a user. For example, the user may customize the keyboard such that the letters are presented in a U-shape with the letters arranged in alphabetical order, thus aiding a user in finding a desired letter. The user may later recustomize the keyboard if desired. Furthermore, the data processing system may reconfigure the keyboard based on past usage by the user.

Common command interface

Abstract: A common command interface (CCI) provides an interface abstraction allowing network device applications to maintain one set of code for each command regardless of which command interface (e.g., web, CLI, NMS, etc.) initiates the command. That is, the command code in each application may be shared across multiple command interfaces. The interface abstraction allows new applications including additional commands to be added to a network device and existing applications to be dynamically upgraded to include new and/or modified commands without having to modify the CCI. Thus, the network device may provide the increased flexibility of having multiple command interfaces while minimizing the complexity required to maintain commands across those interfaces. In addition, a community command interface may be used to connect the common command interfaces of multiple network devices.

Embodied conversational agents: representation and intelligence in user interfaces

Abstract: How do we decide how to represent an intelligent system in its interface, and how do we decide how the interface represents information about the world and about its own workings to a user? This article addresses these questions by examining the interaction between representation and intelligence in user interfaces. The rubric representation covers at least three topics in this context: (1) how a computational system is represented in its user interface, (2) how the interface conveys its representations of information and the world to human users, and (3) how the system's internal representation affects the human user's interaction with the system. I argue that each of these kinds of representation (of the system, information and the world, the interaction) is key to how users make the kind of attributions of intelligence that facilitate their interactions with intelligent systems. In this vein, it makes sense to represent a systmem as a human in those cases where social collaborative behavior is key and for the system to represent its knowledge to humans in multiple ways on multiple modalities. I demonstrate these claims by discussing issues of representation and intelligence in an embodied conversational agent -- an interface in which the system is represented as a person, information is conveyed to human users by multiple modalities such as voice and hand gestures, and the internal representation is modality independent and both propositional and nonpropositional.

Computer management system

Abstract: A computer management system includes an agent connected to a computer to be managed for executing instructions on the computer to be managed, a service processor board having a processor independent from the computer to be managed for monitoring fault in the computer to be managed and controlling power of the computer to be managed, a manager for executing instructions on a management computer and conducting controls such as fault monitoring and power control through the agent over a network including a public line, and a service processor manager directly connected to the service processor for conducting remote power-on and receiving and diagnosing critical fault. The service processor and the service processor manager are provided with switching circuits for switching an asynchronous interface for remotely connecting to the computer to be managed and an asynchronous interface for directly connecting to a local processor of the service processor.

Extensible information system

Abstract: A framework enables data source components to be developed independently of data consumer components. A mediation layer, typically implemented as a group of APIs (application programming interface), handles and defines the mediation and interface between the source and data components. The framework, called XIS (extensible information system), is especially suited for development of information-handling systems and applications. Data source components and data consumer components are typically designed to communicate with each other via several interfaces. Domain, relationship, attribute/metadata, and change event interfaces are defined within the mediation layer. Other interfaces may also be defined. Data source components that are written for non-XIS aware environments or frameworks may still be used with XIS by “wrapping” such source components with code to conform to the interface requirements. Java objects are examples of data source components. Data consumer components thus are able to use or consume various source components regardless of the data types and the data source. Thus, once a data consumer component is developed within the XIS framework, any data source components within the XIS framework may be consumed by a data consumer component.

Client and server system

Abstract: An internet on-demand system for television presents internet content and traditional television programming as part of a single coherent interface. 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. The user can select a channel from a rotary menu wheel or via channel-up, channel-down buttons on the remote control device. 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, wireless telecommunications and digital satellite broadcasting, regarding its ability to detect embedded data in TV signals, in order to determine the most efficient delivery of different types of data through all of the available bandwidth connections for both directions of data flow. 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 and method for remote discovery and configuration of a network device

Abstract: A technique for remotely configuring a computing device via a network. A device configuration system is provided to determine a network address of the computing device, to identify the computing device, and to facilitate network configuration of the computing device. The device configuration system also may include a remote interface and a remote device information system.

Automated database assistance using a telephone for a speech based or text based multimedia communication mode

Abstract: An interface for remote human input for reading a database, the interface including an automatic voice question unit for eliciting speech input, a speech recognition unit for recognizing human speech input, and a data recognition unit for recognizing remote data input. The interface is associated with a database to search the database using the recognized input. A typical application is as an automated directory enquiry service.