Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 2004"

BCI2000: a general-purpose brain-computer interface (BCI) system

Abstract: Many laboratories have begun to develop brain-computer interface (BCI) systems that provide communication and control capabilities to people with severe motor disabilities. Further progress and realization of practical applications depends on systematic evaluations and comparisons of different brain signals, recording methods, processing algorithms, output formats, and operating protocols. However, the typical BCI system is designed specifically for one particular BCI method and is, therefore, not suited to the systematic studies that are essential for continued progress. In response to this problem, we have developed a documented general-purpose BCI research and development platform called BCI2000. BCI2000 can incorporate alone or in combination any brain signals, signal processing methods, output devices, and operating protocols. This report is intended to describe to investigators, biomedical engineers, and computer scientists the concepts that the BCI2000 system is based upon and gives examples of successful BCI implementations using this system. To date, we have used BCI2000 to create BCI systems for a variety of brain signals, processing methods, and applications. The data show that these systems function well in online operation and that BCI2000 satisfies the stringent real-time requirements of BCI systems. By substantially reducing labor and cost, BCI2000 facilitates the implementation of different BCI systems and other psychophysiological experiments. It is available with full documentation and free of charge for research or educational purposes and is currently being used in a variety of studies by many research groups.

A Tutorial on UPPAAL

Abstract: This is a tutorial paper on the tool Uppaal. Its goal is to be a short introduction on the flavor of timed automata implemented in the tool, to present its interface, and to explain how to use the tool. The contribution of the paper is to provide reference examples and modeling patterns.

Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI)

Abstract: This document describes a transport protocol for Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) that works on top of TCP. The iSCSI protocol aims to be fully compliant with the standardized SCSI architecture model.

Noninvasive brain-actuated control of a mobile robot by human EEG

Abstract: Brain activity recorded noninvasively is sufficient to control a mobile robot if advanced robotics is used in combination with asynchronous electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis and machine learning techniques. Until now brain-actuated control has mainly relied on implanted electrodes, since EEG-based systems have been considered too slow for controlling rapid and complex sequences of movements. We show that two human subjects successfully moved a robot between several rooms by mental control only, using an EEG-based brain-machine interface that recognized three mental states. Mental control was comparable to manual control on the same task with a performance ratio of 0.74.

Environmental monitoring device

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sensor device including processing circuitry, at least one sensor coupled to the processing circuitry, a serial data interface coupled to the processing circuitry and memory responsive to the processing circuitry. The memory includes a static unique identification number. The serial data interface provides access to retrieve the static unique identification number and sensed data measured with the at least one sensor from the memory.

Encapsulated, streaming media automation and distribution system

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for creating and distributing programming content carried by a digital streaming media to be a plurality of remote nodes located over a large geographic area to create customized broadcast quality programming at the remote nodes. At the remote nodes, a multi-window screen display simultaneously shows different programming including national programming and local programming content. The remote nodes utilize a remote channel origination device to assemble the customized programming at the remote location that can be controlled from a central location. An encapsulated IP and IP encryption system is used to transport the digital streaming media to the appropriate remote nodes. Also disclosed is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) providing a software control interface for creating and editing shows or programs that can be aired or played on a remote display device having a multi-window display. The intuitive GUI Software provides the user the ability to easily manage and assemble a series of images, animations and transitions as a single broadcast quality program to be displayed on a remote display device. Another application software system is capable of automating the production of audio narration reports. The disclosed audio concatenation engine automates the creation of audio narration using prerecorded audio segments to minimize the requirement for live, on-air personnel to record audio narration segments.

User interface for infusion pump remote controller and method of using the same

Abstract: A control system for controlling an infusion pump, including interface components for allowing a user to receive and provide information, a processor connected to the user interface components and adapted to provide instructions to the infusion pump, and a computer program having setup instructions that cause the processor to enter a setup mode upon the control system first being turned on. In the setup mode, the processor prompts the user, in a sequential manner, through the user interface components to input basic information for use by the processor in controlling the infusion pump, and allows the user to operate the infusion pump only after the user has completed the setup mode.

On the suitability of near-infrared (NIR) systems for next-generation brain?computer interfaces

Abstract: A brain–computer interface (BCI) gives those suffering from neuromuscular impairments a means to interact and communicate with their surrounding environment. A BCI translates physiological signals, typically electrical, detected from the brain to control an output device. A significant problem with current BCIs is the lengthy training periods involved for proficient usage, which can often lead to frustration and anxiety on the part of the user. Ultimately this can lead to abandonment of the device. The primary reason for this is that relatively indirect measures of cognitive function, as can be gleaned from the electroencephalogram (EEG), are harnessed. A more suitable and usable interface would need to measure cognitive function more directly. In order to do this, new measurement modalities, signal acquisition and processing, and translation algorithms need to be addressed. In this paper, we propose a novel approach, using non-invasive near-infrared imaging technology to develop a user-friendly optical BCI. As an alternative to the traditional EEGbased devices, we have used practical non-invasive optical techniques to detect characteristic haemodynamic responses due to motor imagery and consequently created an accessible BCI that is simple to attach and requires little user training.

Personalized content management and presentation systems

Abstract: A graphical user interface for presenting media content having a series of representative pictorial images corresponding to various selected media publications. The interface further includes a metaphorical graphical representation of a rack shown as supporting the pictorial or thumbnail images of the media publications. Upon selection of a desired pictorial image, the selected pictorial image is brought to the forefront of the graphical rack representation to simulate taking a selected media publication. A series of content links are then presented to a user corresponding to the content of interest contained in the selected media publication. The user may click-on and select a content link allowing the user to browse through contents of the selected media publication. In addition, various methods are also provided for presenting electronically stored media content by visually depicting selected publications resting on a graphical rack representation as if arranged in a retail-store type display.

Mobile shared group interaction

Abstract: Techniques for enabling mobile shared group interaction are described. Members of a group may access, through a user interface, group activities that provide a shared, synchronous, interactive experience. An interface may be provided via a mobile device such as a cellular telephone that enables members who are mobile to participate in group activities with other members who are also mobile or who are logged on via a non-mobile device such as a desktop computer system.

Method and apparatus for displaying and viewing information

Abstract: A method and system for displaying and viewing electronic information using a computerized interface is disclosed.

Brain-computer interface using fMRI: spatial navigation by thoughts.

Abstract: A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a way of conveying an individual's thoughts to control computer or electromechanical hardware. Capitalizing on the ability to characterize brain activity in a reproducible manner, we explored the possibility of using real-time fMRI to interpret the spatial distribution of brain function as BCI commands. Using a high-field (3T) MRI scanner, brain activities associated with four distinct covert functional tasks were detected and subsequently translated into predetermined computer commands for moving four directional cursors. The proposed fMRI-BCI method allowed volunteer subjects to navigate through a simple 2D maze solely through their thought processes.

Method and apparatus for setting programmable features of a motor vehicle

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of a motor vehicle. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The motor vehicle owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the motor vehicle. Once the desired settings have been made, they are transferred to the motor vehicle using a portable transfer device, which may comprise a key for operating the motor vehicle.

Methods and systems for requesting and providing information in a social network

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for requesting and providing information in a social network. A method can comprise outputting an information request interface, which can provide a user with the ability to request information from at least one member of a social network associated with the user. One or more members of the social network can be notified of the user's information request and can provide, or assist in providing, the requested information to the user.

Implementing software on resource-constrained mobile sensors: experiences with Impala and ZebraNet

Abstract: ZebraNet is a mobile, wireless sensor network in which nodes move throughout an environment working to gather and process information about their surroundings[10]. As in many sensor or wireless systems, nodes have critical resource constraints such as processing speed, memory size, and energy supply; they also face special hardware issues such as sensing device sample time, data storage/access restrictions, and wireless transceiver capabilities. This paper discusses and evaluates ZebraNet's system design decisions in the face of a range of real-world constraints.Impala---ZebraNet's middleware layer---serves as a light-weight operating system, but also has been designed to encourage application modularity, simplicity, adaptivity, and repairability. Impala is now implemented on ZebraNet hardware nodes, which include a 16-bit microcontroller, a low-power GPS unit, a 900MHz radio, and 4Mbits of non-volatile FLASH memory. This paper discusses Impala's operation scheduling and event handling model, and explains how system constraints and goals led to the interface designs we chose between the application, middleware, and firmware layers. We also describe Impala's network interface which unifies media access control and transport control into an efficient network protocol. With the minimum overhead in communication, buffering, and processing, it supports a range of message models, all inspired by and tailored to ZebraNet's application needs. By discussing design tradeoffs in the context of a real hardware system and a real sensor network application, this paper's design choices and performance measurements offer some concrete experiences with software systems issues for the mobile sensor design space. More generally, we feel that these experiences can guide design choices in a range of related systems.

Routine and interface for correcting electronic text

Abstract: Error checking and correction techniques for web based applications use an error checking routine on a server or a client station to find errors in electronic text of an E-mail message. The disclosed error checking routine detects errors such as spelling errors in the electronic text and creates a correction file of the electronic text containing tags, markers and other information allowing errors to be displayed and corrected using the user's graphical interface. The graphical interface allows the user to review all the errors concurrently in the correction file and to correct the errors in any order. In a preferred embodiment, correction is facilitated in response to the user moving a mouse pointer over an error of interest, which provides correction options to be displayed in-line with the original text. The user can then select a suitable correction to correct the error.

Sharing content on mobile devices

Abstract: Sharing content among users of mobile devices is facilitated by a system and method that employs a content sharing application to receive requests to share content with one or more users of mobile devices. Content providers provide some of the information in such requests to share content by including, in addition to the content, links or other user-selectable options to share the content. A provided application program interface makes it easy for content providers to participate. Users of devices such as personal computers or mobile devices browse content and select content to share with friends or other users of mobile devices using an intuitive interface. Recipients of shared content receive messages from the content sharing application indicating that they have been selected to receive shared content. Such messages may provide direct or indirect access to the shared content via the recipient mobile device.

Data services handler

Abstract: A data services handler comprises an interface between a data store and applications that supply and consume data, and a real time information director (RTID) that transforms data under direction of polymorphic metadata that defines a security model and data integrity rules for application to the data.

Method and apparatus for measuring stream availability, quality and performance

Abstract: A streaming measurement agent designed to experience, measure, and report on a media stream as an actual end user would experience the stream. Preferably, agent resides transparently within a streaming media player itself so that it can monitor stream packet flows within the player as the measured streams are being played. In an illustrative embodiment, the agent comprises a performance monitoring module (PMM), which is software that resides in an interface between an existing core module and a renderer of a media player. The agent PMM intercepts each useful packet as it goes from the core to the renderer and, as a result, it is able to compute quality metrics about the playback. The agent functions “transparently” to the media player by presenting the core with an application programming interface (API) that emulates the API that the renderer normally presents to the core. Thus, when the core believes it is calling the renderer, it is actually calling the agent PMM, which can then receive all the packets from the core and process them. After computing relevant performance metrics using the packets it receives, the agent PMM calls the renderer. A set of performance agents can be managed by a service provider to enable a content provider to determine how a stream is perceived by end users.

Universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system

Abstract: The present invention provides convenient access to items of information that are related to various descriptors input by a user, by means of a unitary interface which is capable of accessing information in a variety of locations, through a number of different techniques. Using a plurality of heuristic algorithms to operate upon information descriptors input by the user, the present invention locates and displays candidate items of information for selection and/or retrieval. Thus, the advantages of a search engine can be exploited, while listing only relevant object candidate items of information.

Data input management system for wearable electronically enabled interface

Abstract: A data input management system is disclosed, for allowing a user to select one or more data sources, to be placed either simultaneously or one at a time into electrical communication with a single user interface. The user interface may comprise a wearable support, such as an eyeglass frame, adapted to carry one or more of speakers, microphone and video display, depending upon the desired functionality. Source electronics may be carried by the support or carried remotely, and in wireless communication with the support using Bluetooth protocols or other data transmission technology.

Graphical functions by gestures

Abstract: A method for operating a computer through a touch sensitive display interface includes displaying a computer generated graphical image on a touch sensitive display using display software. The display software includes programs used to display the graphical image (e.g., display driver and web browser), and is responsive to inputs at a first, active portion (e.g., coinciding with toolbars, hyperlinks) of the touch sensitive display when the graphic image is displayed, and is non-responsive to a second, inactive portion. In the method, an input character is received at the second, inactive portion of the touch sensitive display, and is compared to a stored command character that is associated with a separate corresponding computer command. The separate corresponding computer command is executed if the input character matches the command character. In one embodiment, one particular input character results in emulating a right mouse button by displaying a submenu of shortcut icons, and the method is implemented by operation of a computer program in a mobile station.

Application program interfaces and structures in a resource limited operating system

Abstract: A set of Application Program Interfaces (APIs) for a resource-limited environment are disclosed. The APIs provide a mechanism for a computer application to interface with various components and modules of an operating system for a resource-limited environment. The APIs further provide a mechanism to interface with input/output devices commonly found in embedded systems running in a resource-limited environment.

Dynamic bar oriented user interface

Abstract: Method and user interface for controlling an apparatus are provided. At least one dynamic bar is provided for displaying on a main screen of a graphical user interface for controlling the apparatus. Each dynamic bar is associated with respective one or more interfaces for applications and/or functions provided by the apparatus and each dynamic bar has a pop-up interface for providing at least one of preview information determined from information managed by the applications and/or functions and links to invoke said respective interfaces.

Interface and method for exploring a collection of data

Abstract: An interface and a method is provided for permitting a user to explore a collection of data. The data collection provides nodes as structural elements, and references which are assigned to nodes and hold the address of another node. Multiple references can be assigned to each node, thus guiding a user of the system to multiple other nodes, and multiple references can hold the same address, so that multiple nodes can have references pointing to the same node. The interface allows visualizing the network created by the interconnection of the nodes on a display region. The interface also allows the user to intuitively navigate along the references in both directions of the references, so that the user can explore which nodes are referenced by a certain node, and also by which nodes a certain node is referenced. Electronic documents can be assigned to each node, and the interface allows these documents to be displayed either directly in a reserved display region of the interface, or by launching a matching application on the user's computer.

Text input system for a mobile electronic device and methods thereof

Abstract: Overlapping areas of a touch interface of a mobile electronic device are associated with letters such that each area is associated with only one letter. The location of a user's touch on the touch interface is detected. Based on the location, more than one letter may be identified. If more than one letter is identified, predictive text software is used to determine which of the identified letters the user intended to select. The touch interface may be a touchscreen or one or more touchpads.

Interactive television system with custom video-on-demand menus based on personal profiles

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which a user can use an interactive television application to access and request media-on-demand programming. The interactive television application may display customized interface display screens that include video-on-demand programs and categories that may be of particular interest to the user. These programs and categories of interest may be based on the user's personal profile. Once a list of programs and categories based on a user's personal profile is generated, one or more of these programs may be incorporated in a menu interface template to generate a video-on-demand menu customized for the user.

Software component execution management using context objects for tracking externally-defined intrinsic properties of executing software components within an execution environment

Abstract: A run-time executive of an object management system for managing execution of software components in an object execution environment uses a component context object to store intrinsic context properties related to an associated component. The run-time executive maintains an implicit association of the component context object with the application component. For example, the context properties can include a client id, an activity id, and a transaction reference. The component context object also provides an interface accessible to the associated component, with member functions for use in transaction processing, in creating additional other application components inheriting component's context properties, and in access control based on abstract user classes (roles).

Remote multi-purpose user interface for a healthcare system

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for remote multi-purpose user interface (118) for medical devices (120) and systems within a healthcare / medication delivery system and/or medication information technology system. The multi-purpose user interface (118) has a housing, a processor, a memory, a communications interface for providing communication between the user interface (118) and a medical device / controller (120) and for providing communications between the user interface (118) and a first central computer (109), and a display for displaying a medical prompt and for displaying medical information received from the first central computer (109).