Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 2006"

Operation of a computer with touch screen interface

Abstract: A touch screen computer executes an application. A method of operating the touch screen computer in response to a user is provided. A virtual input device is provided on the touch screen. The virtual input device comprises a plurality of virtual keys. It is detected that a user has touched the touch screen to nominally activate at least one virtual key, and a behavior of the user with respect to touch is determined. The determined behavior is processed and a predetermined characteristic is associated with the nominally-activated at least one virtual key. A reaction to the nominal activation is determined based at least in part on a result of processing the determined behavior.

Distributed storage system with web services client interface

Abstract: A distributed, web-services based storage system A system may include a web services interface configured to receive, according to a web services protocol, a given client request for access to a given data object, the request including a key value corresponding to the object The system may also include storage nodes configured to store replicas of the objects, where each replica is accessible via a respective unique locator value, and a keymap instance configured to store a respective keymap entry for each object For the given object, the respective keymap entry includes the key value and each locator value corresponding to replicas of the object A coordinator may receive the given client request from the web services interface, responsively access the keymap instance to identify locator values corresponding to the key value and, for a particular locator value, retrieve a corresponding replica from a corresponding storage node

Internet appliance system and method

Abstract: An Internet appliance, comprising, within a single housing, packet data network interfaces, adapted for communicating with the Internet and a local area network, at least one data interface selected from the group consisting of a universal serial bus, an IEEE-1394 interface, a voice telephony interface, an audio program interface, a video program interface, an audiovisual program interface, a camera interface, a physical security system interface, a wireless networking interface; a device control interface, smart home interface, an environmental sensing interface, and an environmental control interface, and a processor, for controlling a data transfer between the local area network and the Internet, and defining a markup language interface communicated through a packet data network interface, to control a data transfer or control a remote device.

Rfid reader with multiple interfaces

Abstract: A pocket-size RFID reader apparatus having a contactless interface and a slot for insertion of a contactless smart card fob, and having a biometric sensor, thereby providing two levels of personalization. The apparatus may have a wireless interface; and a slot for insertion of a wireless SD I/O device. The apparatus may have a slot for insertion of an external memory device. The apparatus may have a mechanical connection (contact) interface. The apparatus may also have an RF interface for reading an electronic immobilizer within the apparatus.

Instrument interface of a robotic surgical system

Abstract: An instrument interface of a robotic manipulator and a surgical system including the instrument interface are provided. In one embodiment, the instrument interface includes a spring-loaded input for providing axial load and torque to a sterile adaptor capable of operably coupling an instrument. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator system includes a manipulator assembly, including a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an integrated instrument interface. The system further includes an instrument operably coupled to the carriage link via the instrument interface, and a processor operably coupled to the manipulator assembly for sensing presence of the instrument.

Centralized control and management system for automobiles

Abstract: In a control and management system for automobiles, a central processor in the system connects traditionally unrelated vehicle subsystems together to realize synergistic functions such as smart driving, automatic parking, etc. A master interface having a display is employed in the system to help a user control and manage the vehicle functions.

Development and validation of MIX: comprehensive free software for meta-analysis of causal research data

Abstract: Meta-analysis has become a well-known method for synthesis of quantitative data from previously conducted research in applied health sciences. So far, meta-analysis has been particularly useful in evaluating and comparing therapies and in assessing causes of disease. Consequently, the number of software packages that can perform meta-analysis has increased over the years. Unfortunately, it can take a substantial amount of time to get acquainted with some of these programs and most contain little or no interactive educational material. We set out to create and validate an easy-to-use and comprehensive meta-analysis package that would be simple enough programming-wise to remain available as a free download. We specifically aimed at students and researchers who are new to meta-analysis, with important parts of the development oriented towards creating internal interactive tutoring tools and designing features that would facilitate usage of the software as a companion to existing books on meta-analysis. We took an unconventional approach and created a program that uses Excel as a calculation and programming platform. The main programming language was Visual Basic, as implemented in Visual Basic 6 and Visual Basic for Applications in Excel 2000 and higher. The development took approximately two years and resulted in the 'MIX' program, which can be downloaded from the program's website free of charge. Next, we set out to validate the MIX output with two major software packages as reference standards, namely STATA (metan, metabias, and metatrim) and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2. Eight meta-analyses that had been published in major journals were used as data sources. All numerical and graphical results from analyses with MIX were identical to their counterparts in STATA and CMA. The MIX program distinguishes itself from most other programs by the extensive graphical output, the click-and-go (Excel) interface, and the educational features. The MIX program is a valid tool for performing meta-analysis and may be particularly useful in educational environments. It can be downloaded free of charge via http://www.mix-for-meta-analysis.info or http://sourceforge.net/projects/meta-analysis .

A practical VEP-based brain-computer interface

Abstract: This paper introduces the development of a practical brain-computer interface at Tsinghua University. The system uses frequency-coded steady-state visual evoked potentials to determine the gaze direction of the user. To ensure more universal applicability of the system, approaches for reducing user variation on system performance have been proposed. The information transfer rate (ITR) has been evaluated both in the laboratory and at the Rehabilitation Center of China, respectively. The system has been proved to be applicable to >90% of people with a high ITR in living environments.

RFID token with multiple interface controller

Abstract: An RFID token apparatus has a connection module for interfacing with an appliance capable of communicating and interacting with remote servers and networks, a translation module for moving signals between a USB interface and a smart card interface, a processor module which may be capable of operating as a dual-interface (DI) chip; and an input/output module having at least one RF antenna and a modulator. An RFID-contactless interface according to ISO 14443 & ISO 15693 and/or NFC. A wireless interface according to ZIGBEE wireless, BLUETOOTH wireless, WLAN 802.11, UWB, USB wireless and/or any similar interface. An RFID reader apparatus has a housing; a slot for a contact or contactless fob; and a USB stick alternately protruding from the housing and retracted within the housing.

Adaptive pattern recognition based controller apparatus and method and human-factored interface therefore

Abstract: The need for a more readily usable interface for programmable devices is widely recognized. The present invention relates to programmable sequencing devices, or, more particularly, the remote controls for consumer electronic devices. The present invention provides an enhanced interface for facilitating human input of a desired control sequence in a programmable device by employing specialized visual feedback. The present invention also relates to a new interface and method of interfacing with a programmable device, which is usable as an interface for a programmable video cassette recorder.

Graphical user interface and methods of use thereof in a multimedia player

Abstract: In a portable multimedia device, a method, apparatus, and system for providing user supplied configuration data are described. In one embodiment, a hierarchically ordered graphical user interface are provided. A first order, or home, interface provides a highest order of user selectable items each of which, when selected, results in an automatic transition to a lower order user interface associated with the selected item. In one of the described embodiments, the lower order interface includes other user selectable items associated with the previously selected item from the higher order user interface.

Method and apparatus for controlling human-computer interface systems providing force feedback

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and providing force feedback using an interface device manipulated by a user. A microprocessor is provided local to the interface device and reads sensor data from sensors that describes the position and/or other information about an object grasped and moved by the user, such as a joystick. The microprocessor provides the sensor data to a host computer that is coupled to the interface device by a communication bus that preferably includes a serial interface. In a "host-controlled" embodiment, the host computer calculates force values using the sensor data and other parameters of a host application program and sends the force values to the local microprocessor, which directly provides the force values to actuators to apply forces to the user object. In a "reflex" embodiment, the host computer sends high level supervisory commands to the local microprocessor, and the microprocessor independently implements a local process based on the high level command for reading sensor data and providing force values to the actuators using sensor data and other parameters.

Intelligent human-machine interface

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for an intelligent human-machine interface. By way of example, but not limited thereto, embodiments of methods and apparatus are presented of an intelligent human-machine interface for the operating room, and more particularly, to systems and processes for real-time management and feedback of process control, situational awareness, logistics, communication, and documentation, herein referred to as system. One element of the system, among others, provides a knowledge base that organizes information and rules that enables an accurate, relevant and timely decision support system. The knowledge base is represented in a hierarchical structure of functions and systems. The system serves as platform for the avoidance, detection and timely correction of errors, and as such, acts as a countermeasure to error.

Application switching via a touch screen interface

Abstract: Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, provides a touch screen interface for computer system which allows intuitive switching between several applications. In one approach to this technology, a touch screen display is used to display an interface for an application. A touch sensitive border region is defined at the edge of this display, and is associated with another application. Receiving input at the touch sensitive border region causes the touch screen display to display the interface for the second application.

Marketplace for cloud services resources

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate dynamically allocating resources (e.g., hardware, software, . . . ) supported by a third party service provider. The third party service provider can support any number of services that can be concurrently requested by several clients without user perception of degraded computing performance as compared to conventional systems/techniques due to improved connectivity and mitigated latencies. An interface component can receive a request from a client device. Further, a dynamic allocation component can apportion resources (e.g., hardware resources) supported by the third party service provider to process and respond to the request based at least in part upon subscription data. Moreover, a user state evaluator can determine a state associated with a user and/or the client device; the state can be utilized by the dynamic allocation component to tailor resource allocation.

Device management system

Abstract: A device management system enables management of firmware, provisioning, and configuration information updates to of a plurality of mobile electronic devices via a wireless communication network. A user self-care interface allows subscribers to interact with the device management system to identify problems in the mobile electronic devices, and to schedule updates, via a web-based interface. Delivery of updates to the mobile electronic devices is managed so as to maintain device management system loading at acceptable levels, within scheduling constraints.

Hardware architecture for cloud services

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate dynamically allocating resources (e.g., hardware, software, . . . ) supported by a third party service provider. The third party service provider can support any number of services that can be concurrently requested by several clients without user perception of degraded computing performance as compared to conventional systems/techniques due to improved connectivity and mitigated latencies. An interface component can receive a request from a client device. Further, a dynamic allocation component can apportion resources (e.g., hardware resources) supported by the third party service provider to process and respond to the request based at least in part upon subscription data. Moreover, a user state evaluator can determine a state associated with a user and/or the client device; the state can be utilized by the dynamic allocation component to tailor resource allocation.

System and method for a thumb-optimized touch-screen user interface

Abstract: A virtual thumb-board solution is provided that fits on a pocket-size device or even palm-size device and uses the standard keyboard layout with straight rows of keys, which is achieved while making the virtual thumb-board accurate, fast, and comfortable. And thumb-optimized virtual User Interface solutions are provided that make information searching and UI navigation on pocket-size hand-held devices exceptionally fast and intuitive.

Power line communications device and method

Abstract: A device and method for providing power line communications via an underground residential distribution power system is provided. One embodiment of the present invention includes a medium voltage interface device that may include a first port configured to communicate over the power line and a network interface. A first amplifier may form part of a first communication path between the first port and the network interface and be configured to amplify data signals transmitted via the first port. In addition, a second amplifier may form part of a second communication path between the first port and the network interface and be configured to amplify data signals received via the first port. In addition, the embodiment may include a diplexer forming part of the first communication path between the first amplifier and the first port and forming part of the second communication path between the second amplifier and the first port. The device may include an electro-optic converter coupled to the network interface to convert between electrical and optic data signals, wherein the network interface is configured to communicate via one or more fiber optic conductors.

Pointing interface for person-to-person information exchange

Abstract: A system for enabling a person to person communication from one portable computing device to one or more other portable computing devices based upon physically pointing a portion of one portable computing device in the direction of other portable computing devices. The portable computing devices consist of a CPU, a locative sensor system, an orientation system, and an interface to a distributed network. The distributed network sends and receives data to the portable computing devices. Connected to the distributed network is a User Tracking Application (“UTA”). The User Tracking Application receives location and orientation information from each of the portable computing devices. Based on the location and orientation of the portable computing devices and via control of the users, messages and data may be sent between the devices. The User Tracking Application also allows filtering of groups of users based on particular attributes, such as, age, gender, profession, organizational affiliation, income, etc. The system also allows for the electronic retrieval of crowd demographics. A person with a portable computing device is able to point to a crowd of individuals and information about those individuals with portable computing devices may be retrieved and compiled.

Human interface input acceleration system

Abstract: A human interface and input system is implemented on an input accelerator device to remotely operate hand-held host electronic devices such as cellular phones, PDA's, pocket PC's, and smart phone's. The input accelerator device can control some or all functions of the host device to eliminate the need to directly interface with the host device. The input accelerator device may be configured to optimize a biomechanical effect of a human user's opposing thumb and fingers by including, on one surface, one or more software configurable input elements manipulatable by the user's thumb(s) or finger, and, on another surface, one or more software configurable selection elements manipulatable by a user's finger(s). The input accelerator device can be a hybrid device combining a wireless headset with the device control features.

System and method for synchronizing media presentation at multiple recipients

Abstract: A network media delivery system includes client devices and a host device. Each client device has a network interface, an engine for processing media data, and a media interface. The host device, which can be a computer, establishes network communication links with the client devices, which can be networked media stations, and sends media data to the client devices. The media data can be sent wirelessly as packets of media data transmitted at intervals to each client device. In one embodiment, the host device controls processing of media data such that processed media is delivered in a synchronized manner at each of the client devices. In another embodiment, the host device controls processing of media data such that processed media is delivered in a synchronized manner at the host device and at least one client device.

Multimedia telephone system

Abstract: A multi-media telephone system capable of presenting multi-media content to users defined by structured script files incorporating markup tags, such as HTML, XML, SMIL or VoiceXML tags. The script files form “homepage” presentations displayed on the telephone stationset. The script files may be transmitted from called parties to calling parties at the time a telephone connection is first established, or transmitted at the request of either party thereafter, and are executed by a processor in the receiving stationset (such as a cellular telephone), providing both visual displays and audio output in an interactive interface which can be used to provide additional information or services from a menu of displayed or spoken option prompts.

Home automation system and method including remote media access

Abstract: In a particular illustrative embodiment, a portable personal media player includes a first interface, a second interface, a display, an audio output, a keypad and a processor. The first interface communicates via a network with a residential gateway that is communicatively coupled to a plurality of electronic devices. The second interface may communicate wireless commands directly to at least one of the plurality of electronic devices. The display is adapted to display alphanumeric data and video content. The processor is responsive to a selection received via the keypad to transmit a request for selected media content to the residential gateway via the first interface. The processor receives media content related to the request via the first interface, processes the media content and provides video data to the display and audio data to the audio output. The keypad may include a plurality of dedicated controls, where at least one key is associated with a control function of one of the plurality of electronic devices.

Interfaces and systems for displaying athletic performance information on electronic devices

Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring systems include components for sensing performance data and/or displaying desired information to users. Electronic interface systems facilitate transfer of the data from the performance sensing system to a display device, e.g. , to enable the display of athletic performance data on an electronic display device, including conventional electronic display devices that are known and commercially available {e .g. , cellular telephones, PDAs, pagers, beepers, MP3 or other audio players, radios, portable televisions, portable DVD players, other video playing devices, watches, etc.) . The sensing systems, as well as any data transfer systems associated therewith, may be included as part of an article of footwear, an article of clothing, a piece of athletic equipment, or the like, or even included as part of the interface device. The portable systems include sensor means, a housing, data transfer system, data input system, an interface, data output system, e.g. a display. The output system comprises a connection system for releasably engaging an input port of the portable electronic device.

Computer-Based Assessment in E-Learning: A Framework for Constructing "Intermediate Constraint" Questions and Tasks for Technology Platforms

Abstract: Technology today offers many new opportunities for innovation in educational assessment through rich new assessment tasks and potentially powerful scoring, reporting and real-time feedback mechanisms. One potential limitation for realizing the benefits of computer-based assessment in both instructional assessment and large scale testing comes in designing questions and tasks with which computers can effectively interface (i.e., for scoring and score reporting purposes) while still gathering meaningful measurement evidence. This paper introduces a taxonomy or categorization of 28 innovative item types that may be useful in computer-based assessment. Organized along the degree of constraint on the respondent’s options for answering or interacting with the assessment item or task, the proposed taxonomy describes a set of iconic item types termed “intermediate constraint” items. These item types have responses that fall somewhere between fully constrained responses (i.e., the conventional multiple-choice question), which can be far too limiting to tap much of the potential of new information technologies, and fully constructed responses (i.e. the traditional essay), which can be a challenge for computers to meaningfully analyze even with today’s sophisticated tools. The 28 example types discussed in this paper are based on 7 categories of ordering involving successively decreasing response constraints from fully selected to fully constructed. Each category of constraint includes four iconic examples. The intended purpose of the proposed taxonomy is to provide a practical resource for assessment developers as well as a useful framework for the discussion of innovative assessment formats and uses in computer-based settings.

Method and system for providing virtualized application workspaces

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing virtual workspaces are provided. Example embodiments provide a Application Workspace System “AWS,” which enables users to access remote server-based applications (e.g., thin client applications, terminal server applications, applications on hosted operating systems, etc.) using the same interface that they use to access local applications, without needing to know where the application is being accessed. The AWS automatically determines which applications the user is entitled to use, and then figures out automatically, based upon a variety of parameters, which applications are to be made available to the user (resolved to version, particular package etc.), and whether they are to be installed locally, or accessed remotely. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Voicemail interface system and method

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inventions that integrate a home television set top box (“STB”) or home media center with a smart voicemail system of a telephone service provider. Smart voicemail features, such as email notification of voicemails, or online playback of voicemails, may be used to obtain digital voicemail audio files that are then stored and maintained in a home computer network. These files can be served over the network via a networked television STB or a media center computer, to a display monitor during normal usage. Embodiments cause new voicemail notifications to be displayed during typical operation of a television with the STB or media center computer and provide users with an interface for responding to new voicemail notifications, and reviewing, managing, and playing back voicemail. Messages received thus can be easily identified and reviewed through an interface with which subscribers are extremely comfortable.

Tabletop sharing of digital photographs for the elderly

Abstract: We have recently begun to see hardware support for the tabletop user interface, offering a number of new ways for humans to interact with computers. Tabletops offer great potential for face-to-face social interaction; advances in touch technology and computer graphics provide natural ways to directly manipulate virtual objects, which we can display on the tabletop surface. Such an interface has the potential to benefit a wide range of the population and it is important that we design for usability and learnability with diverse groups of people.This paper describes the design of SharePic -- a multiuser, multi-touch, gestural, collaborative digital photograph sharing application for a tabletop -- and our evaluation with both young adult and elderly user groups. We describe the guidelines we have developed for the design of tabletop interfaces for a range of adult users, including elders, and the user interface we have built based on them. Novel aspects of the interface include a design strongly influenced by the metaphor of physical photographs placed on the table with interaction techniques designed to be easy to learn and easy to remember. In our evaluation, we gave users the final task of creating a digital postcard from a collage of photographs and performed a realistic think-aloud with pairs of novice participants learning together, from a tutorial script.

Food temperature setting using wireless technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appliance 10 having a storage compartment 11 with an opening 17 for access into the compartment 10. A cover 18 is being arranged for covering the opening 17 in order to enclose the compartment 11. The apparatus further comprising a climate control system being provided to control the climate inside the compartment 11, the system comprising a control unit 20 for control and adjustment of climate parameters of the compartment 11. The system further comprises means 21,22 to detect the parameters. Furthermore, the system comprises a user interface 23 enabling the user to select the operation mode of the system. The user interface is being arranged on the cover 18 and comprises a limited number of operation modes 25-29 for the selection. Each of the operation modes 25-29 corresponds to a defined set of values of the climate parameters and being indicated by a graphic symbol on the interface (23). At least one signal transmitting device is arranged on the user interface, said device communicating wirelessly with the control unit.