Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 2005"

Software description A graphical user-friendly interface for MCR-ALS: a new tool for multivariate curve resolution in MATLAB

Abstract: A new graphical user-friendly interface for Multivariate Curve Resolution using Alternating Least Squares has been developed as a freely available MATLAB toolbox. Through the use of this new easy-to-use graphical interface, the selection of the type of data analysis (either individual experiments giving a single data matrix or the more powerful simultaneous analysis of several experiments using one or more techniques) and the selection of the appropriate constraints can be performed in an intuitive and easy way, with the help of the options in the graphical interface. Different examples of use of this interface are given. D 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.

The architecture of virtual machines

Abstract: A virtual machine can support individual processes or a complete system depending on the abstraction level where virtualization occurs. Some VMs support flexible hardware usage and software isolation, while others translate from one instruction set to another. Virtualizing a system or component -such as a processor, memory, or an I/O device - at a given abstraction level maps its interface and visible resources onto the interface and resources of an underlying, possibly different, real system. Consequently, the real system appears as a different virtual system or even as multiple virtual systems. Interjecting virtualizing software between abstraction layers near the HW/SW interface forms a virtual machine that allows otherwise incompatible subsystems to work together. Further, replication by virtualization enables more flexible and efficient and efficient use of hardware resources.

The design and implementation of a first-generation CELL processor

Abstract: A CELL processor is a multi-core chip consisting of a 64b power architecture processor, multiple streaming processors, a flexible IO interface, and a memory interface controller This SoC is implemented in 90nm SOI technology The chip is designed with a high degree of modularity and reuse to maximize the custom circuit content and achieve a high-frequency clock-rate

ViSP for visual servoing: a generic software platform with a wide class of robot control skills

Abstract: ViSP (Visual Servoing Platform), a fully functional modular architecture that allows fast development of visual servoing applications, is described. The platform takes the form of a library which can be divided in three main modules: control processes, canonical vision-based tasks that contain the most classical linkages, and real-time tracking. ViSP software environment features independence with respect to the hardware, simplicity, extendibility, and portability. ViSP also features a large library of elementary tasks with various visual features that can be combined together, an image processing library that allows the tracking of visual cues at video rate, a simulator, an interface with various classical framegrabbers, a virtual 6-DOF robot that allows the simulation of visual servoing experiments, etc. The platform is implemented in C++ under Linux.

Method and apparatus for accessing a contacts database and telephone services

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a method and technique for operating a computing device. An interface is displayed for enabling the computing device to control a voicemail system. The interface includes one or more display objects, wherein each display object is selectable by a user to enter a command input assigned to that display object. A selection is detected of any one of the one or more display objects, and the command input assigned to the display object is identified. A signal tone is generated corresponding to the command input. The signal input may be transmitted across a network to the voicemail system to communicate a command to the voicemail system.

Pen-based interface for a notepad computer

Abstract: A notepad computer with a page display region displaying a page of a document on which a user can write using a pen or stylus type writing tool is provided. Associated with the page is an interface that can be used with the pen. The interface includes a core task tool region adjacent to the page where tool icons are partially visible until the pen is brought near one of the icons. The tool icon becomes fully visible when the pen is within the region of the icon. The tool when activated can pop-up a radial pop-up menu located at an edge of the document where all the menu choices are located in a semi-circle away from the edge so that the users hand while holding the pen and making a selection does not block the choices. A page flipping tool is located in a corner of the page and is an explicit two-stroke menu allowing selection of a next or previous page. A page scrolling tool is located along an edge of the page, the scrolling tool when activated is an implicit button allowing scrolling in one implied direction. The interface also includes a stack region adjacent to said page display region having one or more stack icons each representing a stack of documents. The icon is also an explicit two-stroke radial pop-up menu having forward and backward choices for selecting documents in the stack and a stack document list display displaying a list of documents in the stack when the stack icon is touched by an input pen. The interface also includes a typing tool overlaying a portion of the page and including a writing zone where a user handwrites strokes and, a page zone comprising part of the page where typed text corresponding to the handwritten strokes is displayed as the handwriting occurs.

TUIO: A Protocol for Table-Top Tangible User Interfaces

Abstract: In this article we present Tuio, a simple yet versatile protocol designed specifically to meet the requirements of table-top tangible user interfaces. Inspired by the idea of interconnecting various existing table interfaces such as the reacTable* , being developed in Barcelona and the tDesk from Bielefeld, this protocol defines common properties of controller objects on the table surface as well as of finger and hand gestures performed by the user. Currently this protocol has been implemented within a fiducial marker-based computer vision engine developed for the reacTable* project. This fast and robust computer vision engine is based on the original d-touch concept, which is also included as an alternative to the newer fiducial tracking engine. The computer vision framework has been implemented on various standard platforms and can be extended with additional sensor components. We are currently working on the tracking of finger-tips for gestural control within the table interface. The Tuio protocol has been implemented using OpenSound Control [4] and is therefore usable on any platform supporting this protocol. At the moment we have working implementations for Java, C++, PureData, Max/MSP, SuperCollider and Flash.

Interface thermal resistance between dissimilar anharmonic lattices.

Abstract: We study interface thermal resistance (ITR) in a system consisting of two dissimilar anharmonic lattices exemplified by the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam and Frenkel-Kontorova models. It is found that the ITR is asymmetric; namely, it depends on how the temperature gradient is applied. The dependence of the ITR on the coupling constant, temperature, temperature difference, and system size is studied. Possible applications in nanoscale heat management and control are discussed.

Multimodal interface for mobile messaging

Abstract: A system and method-are directed towards providing a user interface (21) for controlling a communication mode for a client device (103). The interface enables user to set a presence and/or a communicaiton mode, which the client device communicates to other devices directly or via an intermidiary server (106). The presence generally reflects the user's availability, communication capability, desire to communicate, and the like. The presence can be directly or indirectly associated with the communicaiton mode, which can comprise SMS, IM, email, voice, and the like, The interface includes a contact list and enables the user to select a mode to communicate with a contact. The communication modes associated with each contact can also be incorporated into and displayed (21 in an email address book. This interface also indicates the communication mode of each incoming and outgoing (228) message conversations with one or more other client devices.

System and method for medical data tracking, analysis and reporting for a healthcare system

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for a remote multi-purpose user interface for medical devices and systems within a healthcare / medication delivery system and/or medication information technology system. The multi-purpose user interface has a housing, a processor, a memory, a communications interface for providing communication between the user interface and a medical device / controller and for providing communications between the user interface and a first central computer, and a display for displaying a medical prompt and for displaying medical information received from the first central computer. A system and method is also disclosed for medical data tracking, analyzing and reporting within a healthcare system. The system can further integrate vital signs and infusion pump monitoring and reporting, and allow for enhanced provision of medical care through interface screens which combine this functionality. The system can also provide for control from a central interface screen utilizing this integrated functionality.

Particle-based fluid-fluid interaction

Abstract: The interesting and complex behavior of fluids emerges mainly from interaction processes. While interactions of fluids with static or dynamic solids has caught some attention in computer graphics lately, the mutual interaction of different types of fluids such as air and water or water and wax has received much less attention although these types of interaction are the basis for a variety of important phenomena.In this paper we propose a new technique to model fluid-fluid interaction based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. For the simulation of air-water interaction, air particles are generated on the fly only where needed. We also model dynamic phase changes and interface forces. Our technique makes possible the simulation of phenomena such as boiling water, trapped air and the dynamics of a lava lamp.

A generic framework for monitoring continuous spatial queries over moving objects

Abstract: This paper proposes a generic framework for monitoring continuous spatial queries over moving objects. The framework distinguishes itself from existing work by being the first to address the location update issue and to provide a common interface for monitoring mixed types of queries. Based on the notion of safe region, the client location update strategy is developed based on the queries being monitored. Thus, it significantly reduces the wireless communication and query reevaluation costs required to maintain the up-to-date query results. We propose algorithms for query evaluation/reevaluation and for safe region computation in this framework. Enhancements are also proposed to take advantage of two practical mobility assumptions: maximum speed and steady movement. The experimental results show that our framework substantially outperforms the traditional periodic monitoring scheme in terms of monitoring accuracy and CPU time while achieving a close-to-optimal wireless communication cost. The framework also can scale up to a large monitoring system and is robust under various object mobility patterns.

Automobile speech-recognition interface

Abstract: An automotive system provides an integrated user interface for control and communication functions in an automobile or other type of vehicle. The user interface supports voice enabled interactions, as well as other modes of interaction, such as manual interactions using controls such as dashboard or steering wheel mounted controls. The system also includes interfaces to devices in the vehicle, such as wireless interfaces to mobile devices that are brought into the vehicle. The system also provides interfaces to information sources such as a remote server, for example, for accessing information.

Interface for controlling a graphical image

Abstract: An interface device for interfacing a user with a computer, the computer running an application program and generating a graphical image and a graphical object, comprises a user manipuatable object in, communication with the computer, a sensor to detect a manipulation of the object, the sensor providing a signal to the computer to control the graphical image, and an actuator adapted to provide a haptic sensation to the palm of the user in relation to an interaction between the graphical image, and the graphical object, the actuator comprising a member that is deformable to provide the haptic sensation. In another version, a mouse for interfacing a user with a computer generating a graphical environment comprising a graphical hand comprises a housing, a position detector to detect a position of the mouse, the position detector capable of providing a first position signal to the computer to control the position of the graphical hand in the graphical environment, and a finger position detector to detect a position of a finger of the user, the finger position detector capable of providing a second position signal to the computer to control a graphical finger on the graphical hand in relation to the position of the finger of the user.

AppLens and launchTile: two designs for one-handed thumb use on small devices

Abstract: We present two interfaces to support one-handed thumb use for PDAs and cell phones. Both use Scalable User Interface (ScUI) techniques to support multiple devices with different resolutions and aspect ratios. The designs use variations of zooming interface techniques to provide multiple views of application data: AppLens uses tabular fisheye to access nine applications, while LaunchTile uses pure zoom to access thirty-six applications. We introduce two sets of thumb gestures, each representing different philosophies for one-handed interaction. We conducted two studies to evaluate our designs. In the first study, we explored whether users could learn and execute the AppLens gesture set with minimal training. Participants performed more accurately and efficiently using gestures for directional navigation than using gestures for object interaction. In the second study, we gathered user reactions to each interface, as well as comparative preferences. With minimal exposure to each design, most users favored AppLens's tabular fisheye interface.

Computer interface having a single window mode of operation

Abstract: A computer-human interface manages the available space of a computer display in a manner which reduces clutter and confusion caused by multiple open windows. The interface includes a user-selectable mode of operation in which only those windows associated with the currently active task are displayed on the computer monitor. All other windows relating to non-active tasks are minimized by reducing them in size or replacing them with a representative symbol, such as an icon, so that they occupy a minimal amount of space on the monitor's screen. When a user switches from the current task to a new task, by selecting a minimized window, the windows associated with the current task are automatically minimized as the window pertaining to the new task is displayed at its normal size. As a result, the user is only presented with the window that relates to the current task of interest, and clutter provided by non-active tasks is removed.

Spreadsheet user-interfaced business data visualization and publishing system

Abstract: A spreadsheet user-interfaced web-based business data publishing system allows users to input and visualize field data and analytical results with interactive charts through a familiar MS-EXCEL user interface. A plug-in module associated with the user's browser and EXCEL application enables a background, web-services connection over the Internet to a management sub-system which extracts, transforms, and publishes data. Charts are customized using a WYSIWYG interface, and business dashboards are constructed through a simple drag-n-drop process. An account management system is included with access control to protect information security. The system is used for visualizing data managing reports, providing special tools to use SAP data, access Query Cubes in SAP BW, and standard and custom R/3 reports. Once data has been extracted from SAP, it is transformed, merged with other data sources, and published as a dashboard or in a business portal. Its management and configuration functions are suited for enterprise reporting and sharing business data.

System and method for simulating an application for subsequent deployment to a device in communication with a transaction server

Abstract: A system and method for simulating a wireless application for subsequent deployment on a mobile device, the mobile device configured for using the deployed application to communicate over a network with a data source through a transaction server. The method and system comprising executing the simulated application to generate at least one message configured for receipt by the simulated communication interface of the transaction server; simulating the server communication interface for receiving the message and for transmitting the asynchronous message intended for transmission to the data source via the interface; establishing a connection to the network by a development tool and transmitting the asynchronous message over the network to the data source; wherein the simulated server communication interface is used to monitor the status (i.e. a return value if any) of the transmitted asynchronous message.

High data rate interface apparatus and method

Abstract: A data interface for transferring digital data between a host and a client over a communication path using packet structures linked together to form a communication protocol for communicating a pre-selected set of digital control and presentation data. The signal protocol is used by link controllers configured to generate, transmit, and receive packets forming the communications protocol, and to form digital data into one or more types of data packets, with at least one residing in the host device and being coupled to the client through the communications path. The interface provides a cost-effective, low power, bi-directional, high-speed data transfer mechanism over a short-range “serial” type data link, which lends itself to implementation with miniature connectors and thin flexible cables which are especially useful in connecting display elements such as wearable micro-displays to portable computers and wireless communication devices.

Central work-product management system for coordinated collaboration with remote users

Abstract: Client-specified methods, systems and computer program product with multi-protocol access for data input requests designed around a client's business application. It does this by interfacing IVR/telephony programming of multiple communication device protocols to separate data source input protocol programming, including remoting programming. Data input is by selected IVR/telephony responses designed around the needs of the individual client through selection process within a variety of configuration templates. The templates are designed to interface with the business applications through programming procedures for data entry specific to each application's protocol. The advantage, templates reduce user/client's interface with the business applications resulting in minimal time and knowledge of each applications data requirements, and limits each user's access to the system to specific data input. System response for data output is limited to the requested input for error reduction.

Multimedia content distribution

Abstract: A process and facility supports device-specific delivery of a multimedia object to an end user's device as a function of the device's capabilities, the transport interface to the device, and/or the viewing state and/or access privileges of the device's user with respect to the object or the user's relationship to an owner of the device and/or multimedia object.

User interface system and method for a vehicle navigation device

Abstract: A user interface for use in a vehicle navigation and traffic information device. Various adaptable menu commands and intuitive UI elements are provided to ease user navigation of the interface and to minimize driver distraction while providing information in an optimized manner.

Sharing control between humans and automation using haptic interface: primary and secondary task performance benefits.

Abstract: This paper describes a paradigm for human/automation control sharing in which the automation acts through a motor coupled to a machine's manual control interface. The manual interface becomes a haptic display, continually informing the human about automation actions. While monitoring by feel, users may choose either to conform to the automation or override it and express their own control intentions. This paper's objective is to demonstrate that adding automation through haptic display can be used not only to improve performance on a primary task but also to reduce perceptual demands or free attention for a secondary task. Results are presented from three experiments in which 11 participants completed a lane-following task using a motorized steering wheel on a fixed-base driving simulator. The automation behaved like a copilot, assisting with lane following by applying torques to the steering wheel. Results indicate that haptic assist improves lane following by least 30%, p < .0001, while reducing visual demand by 29%, p < .0001, or improving reaction time in a secondary tone localization task by 18 ms, p = .0009. Potential applications of this research include the design of automation interfaces based on haptics that support human/automation control sharing better than traditional push-button automation interfaces.

Portable system for programming hearing aids

Abstract: A system for programming one or more hearing aids with a host computer, the system including a hearing aid programmer for wireless communications with the host computer. In various embodiments, the hearing aid programmer has at least one interface connector for communication with at least one hearing aid. Additionally, in various embodiments, the system includes a wireless interface adapted for connecting to the at least one interface connector of the hearing aid programmer, the wireless interface further adapted for wireless communication with one or more hearing aids. Varying embodiments of the present subject matter include a wireless interface which contains signal processing electronics, a memory connected to the signal processing electronics; and a wireless module connected to the signal processing electronics and adapted for wireless communications.

Wireless smart implants dedicated to multichannel monitoring and microstimulation

Abstract: Innovative circuits and systems techniques are required to build advanced smart medical devices (SMD). The high reliability and very low power consumption are among the main criteria that must be given priority to implement in such implantable and wirelessly controlled microsystems. A typical device is composed of several integrated modules to be assembled on a thin substrate providing placement flexibility in the body. Monitoring of electrode-tissue interface condition is needed for enhanced safety, and for enabling troubleshooting after implantation. In order to improve controllability and observability, fully integrated binary phase-shift-keying (BPSK) demodulation combined with a passive modulation method allows full-duplex data high data rate communication between external controllers and implants. Case studies such as peripheral nerve interfaces to recuperate bladder functions, cortical multichannel stimulator, as well as cortical monitoring devices are reported.

Biological interface system

Abstract: A system and method for an improved biological interface system that processes multicellular signals of a patient and controls one or more devices is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that detects the multicellular signals and a processing unit for producing the control signal based on the multicellular signals. The system may include improved communication, self-diagnostics, and surgical insertion tools.

Integrated mobile application server and communication gateway

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a request module adapted to receive a request from an initiation interface initiated by a user and a user profile module adapted to associate the request with a user profile of the user. The user profile includes at least a payment plan selected by the user and an identification number of the user. The system also includes a payment interface adapted to submit a payment demand to the payment plan and a mobile communication interface adapted to transmit a confirmation to a mobile communication network for transmission to a wireless device associated with the identification number. In the system, the initiation interface may be a wireless device, a magnetic swipe reader, a wireless barcode reading device, an RFID interface, a website, and/or a web banner interface. A method of operating a server is provided. A computer-readable storage medium containing a set of instructions for a processor is provided.

Preview and installation of user interface elements in a display environment

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided including a method for displaying a user interface element in a display environment. The method includes receiving a selection of a user interface element to be displayed in a display environment, and selectively displaying the user interface element in a preview environment prior to installing the user interface element and prior to displaying the interface element in the display environment. Selectively displaying the user interface element includes determining if a preview is required; instantiating the user interface element in a preview environment including displaying the user interface element in a presentation window and supporting interaction of the user interface element with a user; and selectively installing the user interface element in the display environment.