Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 2003"

Terra: a virtual machine-based platform for trusted computing

Abstract: We present a flexible architecture for trusted computing, called Terra, that allows applications with a wide range of security requirements to run simultaneously on commodity hardware. Applications on Terra enjoy the semantics of running on a separate, dedicated, tamper-resistant hardware platform, while retaining the ability to run side-by-side with normal applications on a general-purpose computing platform. Terra achieves this synthesis by use of a trusted virtual machine monitor (TVMM) that partitions a tamper-resistant hardware platform into multiple, isolated virtual machines (VM), providing the appearance of multiple boxes on a single, general-purpose platform. To each VM, the TVMM provides the semantics of either an "open box," i.e. a general-purpose hardware platform like today's PCs and workstations, or a "closed box," an opaque special-purpose platform that protects the privacy and integrity of its contents like today's game consoles and cellular phones. The software stack in each VM can be tailored from the hardware interface up to meet the security requirements of its application(s). The hardware and TVMM can act as a trusted party to allow closed-box VMs to cryptographically identify the software they run, i.e. what is in the box, to remote parties. We explore the strengths and limitations of this architecture by describing our prototype implementation and several applications that we developed for it.

Computer system for automatic organization, indexing and viewing of information from multiple sources

Abstract: A computer data processing system including a central processing unit configured with a novel integrated computer control software system for the management of data objects including dynamic and automatic organization, linking, finding, cross-referencing, viewing and retrieval of multiple objects regardless of nature or source. The inventive system provides underlying component architecture having an object-oriented database structure and a metadata database structure which is unique in storing only one instance of each object while linking the object to multiple collections and domains by unique metadata links for the grouping into and retrieval from any of the collections. The system employs configurable, extensible attribute/properties of data objects in metadata format, and a truly user-friendly configurable interface that facilitates faster, more unified, comprehensive, useful and meaningful information management. Additional features include a sticky path object hierarchy viewing system, key phrase linking, viewing by reference, and drag-and-drop relationship link creation.

Method and apparatus for remotely monitoring a site

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing systems and methods for remotely monitoring sites to provide real time information which can readily permit distinguishing false alarms, and which can identify and track the precise location of an alarm. In embodiments, monitoring capabilities such as intrusion/fire detection and tracking capabilities, can be implemented through the use of multistate indicators (110, 112, 114, 116) in a novel interface (100) which permits information to be transmitted using standard network protocols (210, 212, 214, 216) from a remote site (204) to a monitoring station (202) in real-time. In embodiments, communications can be handed from the centrally located host monitoring station (202) to a mobile monitoring station (208) (for example, a laptop computer in a responding vehicle, such as a police or fire vehicle).

System architecture for wireless sensor networks

Abstract: In this thesis we present and operating system and three generations of a hardware platform designed to address the needs of wireless sensor networks. Our operating system, called TinyOS uses an event based execution model to provide support for fine-grained concurrency and incorporates a highly efficient component model. TinyOS enables us to use a hardware architecture that has a single processor time shared between both application and protocol processing. We show how a virtual partitioning of computational resources not only leads to efficient resource utilization but allows for a rich interface between application and protocol processing. This rich interface, in turn, allows developers to exploit application specific communication protocols that significantly improve system performance. The hardware platforms we develop are used to validate a generalized architecture that is technology independent. Our general architecture contains a single central controller that performs both application and protocol-level processing. For flexibility, this controller is directly connected to the RF transceiver. For efficiency, the controller is supported by a collection of hardware accelerators that provide basic communication primitives that can be flexibility composed into application specific protocols. The three hardware platforms we present are instances of this general architecture with varying degrees of hardware sophistication. The Rene platform serves as a baseline and does not contain any hardware accelerators. It allows us to develop the TinyOS operating system concepts and refine its concurrency mechanisms. The Mica node incorporates hardware accelerators that improve communication rates and synchronization accuracy within the constraints of current microcontrollers. As an approximation of our general architecture, we use Mica to validate the underlying architectural principles. The Mica platform has become the foundation for hundreds of wireless sensor network research efforts around the world. It has been sold to more than 250 organizations. Spec is the most advanced node presented and represents the full realization of our general architecture. It is a 2.5 mm x 2.5 mm CMOS chip that includes processing, storage, wireless communications and hardware accelerators. We show how the careful selection of the correct accelerators can lead to orders-of-magnitude improvements in efficiency without sacrificing flexibility. In addition to performing a theoretical analysis on the strengths of our architecture, we demonstrate its capabilities through a collection of real-world application deployments.

Impala: a middleware system for managing autonomic, parallel sensor systems

Abstract: Sensor networks are long-running computer systems with many sensing/compute nodes working to gather information about their environment, process and fuse that information, and in some cases, actuate control mechanisms in response. Like traditional parallel systems, communication between nodes is of fundamental importance, but is typically accomplished via wireless transceivers. One further key attribute of sensor networks is that they are almost always long running systems, intended to operate in situ, with minimal direct human intervention, for months or years. This requirement for long-running autonomy mandates careful design of the runtime system that manages applications on each node, to ensure reliability and ease of upgrades over the life of the system.This paper describes Impala, a middleware architecture that enables application modularity, adaptivity, and repair-ability in wireless sensor networks. Impala allows software updates to be received via the node's wireless transceiver and to be applied to the running system dynamically. In addition, Impala also provides an interface for on-the-fly application adaptation in order to improve the performance, energy-efficiency, and reliability of the software system. Impala has been designed to be a part of the ZebraNet mobile sensor network, but we are also prototyping it within HP/Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC handhelds. We present performance data for both real system measurements of the Pocket PC version as well as simulations of a full mobile sensor system deployment. Overall, Impala is a lightweight runtime system that can greatly improve system reliability, performance, and energy-efficiency. The ideas introduced here for sensor networks have applicability more broadly in other long-running autonomous parallel systems as well.

Parallel netCDF: A High-Performance Scientific I/O Interface

Abstract: Dataset storage, exchange, and access play a critical role in scientific applications. For such purposes netCDF serves as a portable, efficient file format and programming interface, which is popular in numerous scientific application domains. However, the original interface does not provide an efficient mechanism for parallel data storage and access. In this work, we present a new parallel interface for writing and reading netCDF datasets. This interface is derived with minimal changes from the serial netCDF interface but defines semantics for parallel access and is tailored for high performance. The underlying parallel I/O is achieved through MPI-IO, allowing for substantial performance gains through the use of collective I/O optimizations. We compare the implementation strategies and performance with HDF5. Our tests indicate programming convenience and significant I/O performance improvement with this parallel netCDF (PnetCDF) interface.

System and method for data retrieval in ac power tools via an ac line cord

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module (30) within a power tool (18) over a power line cord (16) of the tool (18), and without any disassembly of the tool (18) being required. An interface subsystem (12) applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord (16) of the tool (18). A controller (28) within the tool (18) recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool (18) is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller (28) modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool (18) in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord (16) back to the interface subsystem (12). The current pulses correspond to tool (18) usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module (30) of the tool (18). This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem (12) as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computer (13) data logging device for analysis and/or recording.

Haptic feedback effects for control knobs and other interface devices

Abstract: The present invention provides haptic sensations for a haptic feedback device and especially for a rotational device such as a knob. Force effects such as a hill force effect and barrier force effect allow easier selection of menu items, menus, values, or other options by the user. Force models are also described to allow greater selection functionality, such as a scrolling list with detents and rate control borders, a jog shuttle, a push-turn model, a double-push model, and a cast control model.

Presence tracking and name space interconnection techniques

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a presence and availability system including: (a) an input (e.g., an interface) operable to receive an agent report from a context sensing agent in a host entity associated with a person, the agent report comprising presence information and the person having an address in an associated name space; (b) a tracking agent (154) operable to tag at least some of the presence information with at least one classification tag; and (c) a policy agent (158) operable to determine presence information to be provided to a requestor based on the at least one classification tag.

Autonomous, ambulatory analyte monitor or drug delivery device

Abstract: The invention relates to analyte monitoring/drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface. In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous operation, that is, without intervention of the user. The invention can optionally provide for calibration without intervention of the user. The invention can also provide for semi-continuous monitoring for day and night time. The invention can provide for up to four, or more, weeks of operation. The invention can provide for a device that is relative small in size, and therefore unobtrusive. The invention can also provide for device with remote control and interactive electronics. The invention may be also used for the delivery of various pharmaceutical agents including high potency drugs to minimize patient intervention and minimize discomfort.

Multimodal 'eyes-free' interaction techniques for wearable devices

Abstract: Mobile and wearable computers present input/output prob-lems due to limited screen space and interaction techniques. When mobile, users typically focus their visual attention on navigating their environment - making visually demanding interface designs hard to operate. This paper presents two multimodal interaction techniques designed to overcome these problems and allow truly mobile, 'eyes-free' device use. The first is a 3D audio radial pie menu that uses head gestures for selecting items. An evaluation of a range of different audio designs showed that egocentric sounds re-duced task completion time, perceived annoyance, and al-lowed users to walk closer to their preferred walking speed. The second is a sonically enhanced 2D gesture recognition system for use on a belt-mounted PDA. An evaluation of the system with and without audio feedback showed users' ges-tures were more accurate when dynamically guided by au-dio-feedback. These novel interaction techniques demon-strate effective alternatives to visual-centric interface de-signs on mobile devices.

Simulation method and apparatus for use in enterprise controls

Abstract: A method, apparatus and data construct set for generating simulation data structures which can be used by a modeling system to interface between a PLC and simulator, the construct set encapsulating logic and at least a sub-set of simulation information for a particular resource.

Remote monitoring, configuring, programming and diagnostic system and method for vehicles and vehicle components

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring, configuring, programming and/or diagnosing operation of at least one vehicle includes an on-board unit disposed on the vehicle to send and receive data corresponding to at least one vehicle operating characteristic, a plurality of modular applications, each application having an associated function that processes the data corresponding to said at least one vehicle operating characteristic obtained via the on-board unit, and an interface that allows selection among the plurality of modular applications to create a customized system.

Available transfer capability enhancement using FACTS devices

Abstract: From the viewpoint of operational planning, this paper focuses on the evaluation of the impact of FACTS control on available transfer capability (ATC) enhancement. Technical merits of FACTS technology on ATC boosting are analyzed. An optimal power-flow-based ATC enhancement model is formulated to achieve the maximum power transfer of the specified interface with FACTS control. For better studying the capability of FACTS control, a power injection model of FACTS devices, which enables simulating the control of any FACTS devices, is employed. Studies based on the IEEE 118-bus system with all categories of FACTS devices demonstrate the effectiveness of FACTS control on ATC enhancement.

Automatically changing a mobile device configuration based on environmental condition

Abstract: The described techniques automatically change the notification mode used by a mobile communications device to alert a user of an incoming communication to the mobile communications device. The notification mode is changed in response to a detected environmental condition. The mobile communications device monitors one or more environmental conditions, such as motion, light, sound, and heat, and compares the detected level of each environmental condition to a predetermined threshold. In response to the comparison result, the mobile communications device automatically adjusts the notification mode used to alert a user to an incoming communication. In some implementations, the notification mode change may be triggered only after the environmental condition persists for a predetermined interval of time. In some implementations, the types of automatic notification mode changes used may be based on a preference of a user and may be set through the use of an Internet protocol interface.

Facilitating communications between computer users across a network

Abstract: A stand-alone icon (i.e., an icon that is not part of an application interface) is provided to facilitate communications across a network between users of at least one communications program. The icon represents a contact or a set of contacts. Status information regarding the contact or set of contacts is received and displayed using the icon or in response to an operation performed on the icon. The icon additionally may provide an interface for performing actions related to the contact or set of contacts. The actions may generally include, for example, retrieving profile information about the contact, setting an alert to indicate that the contact's network/login status (e.g., login, logout, or idle) has changed, or performing communications with the contact.

The influence of query interface design on decision-making performance

Abstract: Managers in modern organizations are confronted with ever-increasing volumes of information that they must evaluate when making a decision. Data warehousing and data mining technologies have given managers a number of valuable tools that can help them store, retrieve, and analyze information contained in large databases; however, maximizing user performance with these tools remains a challenge for information systems professionals. One important and under-explored aspect of the effectiveness of these tools is the design of the query interface. In this study, we compared the use of visual and text-based interfaces on both low and high complexity tasks. Results demonstrated that decision maker performance was more accurate using the text-based interface when task complexity was low; however, decision makers using the visual interface performed better when task complexity was high. In addition, decision makers' subjective mental workload was significantly lower when using the visual interface, regardless of task complexity. In contrast to expectations, less time was needed to make a decision on low complexity tasks when using the visual interface, but those results were reversed under conditions of high task complexity. These results have important implications for the design of managerial decision-making systems, particularly in complex decision-making environments.

RFID based security network

Abstract: A security network for a building using at least one RFID reader to communicate with at least one RFID transponder to provide the radio link between each of a number of openings and a control function capable of causing an alert in the event of an intrusion. A gateway provides an interface between the security network and various external networks. The control function can be located in either or both of the RFID reader and the gateway. The RFID transponder is connected to an intrusion sensor. The gateway can communicate with the RFID reader using active RF communications, power-line communications protocol, or hardwire connection. The RFID transponder can contain an energy store. The RFID reader contains means for transferring power to an RFID transponder for the purpose of charging any energy store. The security network can contain more than one RFID reader.

Method and apparatus for automatic configuration and management of a virtual private network

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automatic configuration and management of a virtual private network operating over a public data network, and a method and apparatus for delivery of the configuration parameters to client interface equipment participating in the virtual private network. The system defines allowed connections between client and server gateway devices, and the parameters associated with the virtual private network. The system defines methods and apparatus for automatic startup, configuration, and shutdown of nodes of the resulting virtual private network based on factors such as the presence of a configuration carrier device. The present invention also describes a class of pseudo-interface mechanism that can hide the complexity of the underlying system from client devices incorporating the present invention, via a conventional network device interface.

Methods and systems for object identification and interaction

Abstract: A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the method including a number of steps. The first step involves providing the user with an interface surface associated with the product item and containing information relating to the product item. The interface surface includes coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and of a number of reference points of the interface surface. The next step involves receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the product item and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using the sensed coded data. The next step involves facilitating, in the computer system and with reference to the indicating data, the interaction between the user and the product item.

On device abstractions for portable, reusable robot code

Abstract: We seek to make robot programming more efficient by developing a standard abstract interface for robot hardware, based on familiar techniques from operating systems and network engineering. This paper describes the application of three well known abstractions, the character device model, the interface/driver model, and the client/server model to this purpose. These abstractions underlie Player/Stage, our open source project for rapid development of robot control systems. One product of this project is the Player Abstract Device Interface (PADI) specification, which defines a set of interfaces that capture the functionality of logically similar sensors and actuators. This specification is the central abstraction that enables Player-based controllers to run unchanged on a variety of real and simulated devices. We propose that PADI could be a starting point for development of a standard platform for robot interfacing, independent of Player, to enable code portability and re-use, while still providing access to the unique capabilities of individual devices.

Method, system, and computer program product for concept-based multi-dimensional analysis of unstructured information

Abstract: A method, operating model, system, data structure, computer program and computer program product for analyzing and categorizing and exploring or querying unstructured information and for tracking trends and exceptions. Method for analytical processing of unstructured objects in a dimensional space. Method for tracking trends in concepts. Method for tracking exceptions in concepts. Tools and interface for displaying concepts, query results, tracked trends and exceptions.

Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to medical procedure simulation systems

Abstract: An interface device and method for interfacing instruments to a medical procedure simulation system serve to interface peripherals in the form of mock medical instruments to the medical procedure simulation system computer to enable simulation of medical procedures. The interface device includes a housing having a mock bodily region of interest to facilitate insertion of a mock instrument, such as an endoscope tube, into the interface device. The mock bodily region of interest may be pivotable to simulate various patient orientations. The instrument is engaged by a capture mechanism in order to measure rotational and translational motion of the instrument. An actuator is disposed within the interface device to provide force feedback to the instrument. The measured motion is provided to the computer system to reflect instrument motion on the display during the simulation. Alternatively, the interface device may be configured to accommodate instrument assemblies having a plurality of nested instruments (e.g., sheath, catheter and wire), whereby the interface device individually grasps, measures manipulation of and provides force feedback to the nested instruments. In addition, the interface device may be configured to simultaneously accommodate a plurality of independently inserted instruments.

Non-intrusive data transmission network for use in an enterprise facility and method for implementing

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-intrusive data transmission network for use in a healthcare facility and method for implementing such network. Each individual patient's room is equipped with a set-top control device, a separate camera, microphone, control module camera control device. The SCD allows for a non-intrusive installation within a minimum amount of time. By utilizing the existing cable television infrastructure, the device creates a high-speed data network throughout the facility. The interface between the SCD and the CCD is accomplished through a standard interface for universally connecting auxiliary devices, such as USB, for enabling expandable, hot-pluggable Plug and Play serial device interfaces. These ports allow external devices such as the camera, microphone, infrared keyboard and privacy control unit to communicate with the SCD. Additional USB ports on the SCD allow for other devices to be connected to the network at a future time. Such devices include those for instrument monitoring, doctor information access or pharmaceutical prescription ordering. Visual information such as e-mail, web browsing, video and audio communications via web camera applications from family members, friends or other parties may be viewed by the patient from the in-room TV set by way of the internal RF modulator (and connecting to the Internet via the patient Internet server). The SCD switches from the standard cable TV channels to the SCD by way of an internal switch controlled by the patient from an infrared control. This control also enables or disables the camera to allow for privacy at times when such privacy is required from external Internet access. The system is configurable to offer this privacy to be layered from specific Internet or external users to the nurses, doctors or security department as the hospital desires.

Method and system for agricultural data collection and management

Abstract: A system and method for agricultural data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for agricultural items throughout the production cycle. Individual item data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The system includes software components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Real-world applications for brain-computer interface technology

Abstract: The mission of the Georgia State University BrainLab is to create and adapt methods of human-computer interaction that will allow brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies to effectively control real-world applications. Most of the existing BCI applications were designed largely for training and demonstration purposes. Our goal is to research ways of transitioning BCI control skills learned in training to real-world scenarios. Our research explores some of the problems and challenges of combining BCI outputs with human-computer interface paradigms in order to achieve optimal interaction. We utilize a variety of application domains to compare and validate BCI interactions, including communication, environmental control, neural prosthetics, and creative expression. The goal of this research is to improve quality of life for those with severe disabilities.

System and method for printing and supporting three dimensional objects

Abstract: A method for printing and supporting a three-dimensional (3-D) object is provided. The method of printing can include dispensing a first interface material for the construction of the three-dimensional object, dispensing a second interface material to form a support structure for supporting the three-dimensional object and dispensing a third interface material which may be used to separate the support structure from the 3-D object Disclosed also a method for producing a 3-D model containing various kinds of inserts.

Method and system for free-space imaging display and interface

Abstract: A method and system for displaying free-space, full color, high-resolution video or still images while simultaneously enabling the user to have real-time direct interaction with the visual images. The system comprises a self-generating means for creating a dynamic, non-solid particle cloud by ejecting atomized condensate present in the surrounding air, in a controlled fashion, into an invisible particle cloud. A projection system consisting of an image generating means and projection optics, projects an image onto the particle cloud. Any physical intrusion, occurring spatially within the image region, is captured by a detection system and the intrusion information is used to enable real-time user interaction in updating the image. This input/output (I/O) interface provides a display and computer link, permitting the user to select, translate and manipulate free-space floating visual information beyond the physical constraints of the device creating the image.