Showing papers on "Interface (computing) published in 2012"

Brain Computer Interfaces, a Review

Abstract: A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a hardware and software communications system that permits cerebral activity alone to control computers or external devices. The immediate goal of BCI research is to provide communications capabilities to severely disabled people who are totally paralyzed or 'locked in' by neurological neuromuscular disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brain stem stroke, or spinal cord injury. Here, we review the state-of-the-art of BCIs, looking at the different steps that form a standard BCI: signal acquisition, preprocessing or signal enhancement, feature extraction, classification and the control interface. We discuss their advantages, drawbacks, and latest advances, and we survey the numerous technologies reported in the scientific literature to design each step of a BCI. First, the review examines the neuroimaging modalities used in the signal acquisition step, each of which monitors a different functional brain activity such as electrical, magnetic or metabolic activity. Second, the review discusses different electrophysiological control signals that determine user intentions, which can be detected in brain activity. Third, the review includes some techniques used in the signal enhancement step to deal with the artifacts in the control signals and improve the performance. Fourth, the review studies some mathematic algorithms used in the feature extraction and classification steps which translate the information in the control signals into commands that operate a computer or other device. Finally, the review provides an overview of various BCI applications that control a range of devices.

User interface system, method, and computer program product

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for a touch or pressure signal-based interface. In operation, a touch or pressure signal is received in association with a touch interface of a device. To this end, a user experience is altered utilizing the signal. A system, method, and computer program product are provided for modifying one or more objects in one or more memory devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided, comprising one or more memory devices including a non-volatile memory. Additionally, the apparatus comprises circuitry including a first communication path for communicating with the at least one processor, and a second communication path for communicating with at least one storage sub-system which operates slower than the one or more memory devices. Further, the circuitry is operable to modify one or more objects in the one or more memory devices.

Method of using camera sensor interface to transfer multiple channels of scan data using an image format

Abstract: A computer system for decoding a signal of decodable indicia. The computer system includes a laser scanner configured that outputs a signal of decodable indicia and a microprocessor that include a camera sensor interface that is configured to receive the signal from the laser scanner.

Massive simultaneous remote digital presence world

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are described herein for enabling one or more users to interface with virtual or augmented reality environments. An example system includes a computing network having computer servers interconnected through high bandwidth interfaces to gateways for processing data and/or for enabling communication of data between the servers and one or more local user interface devices. The servers include memory, processing circuitry, and software for designing and/or controlling virtual worlds, as well as for storing and processing user data and data provided by other components of the system. One or more virtual worlds may be presented to a user through a user device for the user to experience and interact. A large number of users may each use a device to simultaneously interface with one or more digital worlds by using the device to observe and interact with each other and with objects produced within the digital worlds.

Implantable biomedical devices: Wireless powering and communication

Abstract: In recent years, there has been major progress on implantable biomedical systems that support most of the functionalities of wireless implantable devices. Nevertheless, these devices remain mostly restricted to research, in part due to limited miniaturization, power supply constraints, and lack of a reliable interface between implants and external devices. This article provides a tutorial on the design of implantable biomedical devices that addresses these limitations. Specifically, it presents analysis and techniques for wireless power transfer and efficient data transfer from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Their potential implementations are also discussed.

Eye-blink detection system for human---computer interaction

Abstract: A vision-based human--computer interface is presented in the paper. The interface detects voluntary eye-blinks and interprets them as control commands. The employed image processing methods include Haar-like features for automatic face detection, and template matching based eye tracking and eye-blink detection. Interface performance was tested by 49 users (of which 12 were with physical disabilities). Test results indicate interface usefulness in offering an alternative mean of communication with computers. The users entered English and Polish text (with average time of less than 12s per character) and were able to browse the Internet. The interface is based on a notebook equipped with a typical web camera and requires no extra light sources. The interface application is available on-line as open-source software.

System and Method for Inputting Text into Small Screen Devices

Abstract: An embodiment is directed to an interface for a small screen device, such as a watch, that enables a user to enter text on the small screen device by touching in the vicinity of characters, rather than aiming for a particular button or the exact location of a character Embodiments further enable the design of interfaces without the use of buttons for controlling the entry of text on the small screen device

System and method for controlling lighting

Abstract: A controller for controlling a plurality of lighting devices configured for wireless communications in a facility includes a data communications interface communicating with at least one of the devices. The controller further includes a control module configured to provide a control signal to the data communications interface for communicating to a transceiver associated with the device and for turning off the device according to an algorithm wherein the control signal is provided based on a time of day and/or a sensed condition relating to use of the facility. The transceiver reports device data to the control module to quantify a reduction in power obtained by controlling the devices according to the algorithm.

Computerised curve deconvolution of TL/OSL curves using a popular spreadsheet program

Abstract: This paper exploits the possibility of using commercial software for thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence curve deconvolution analysis. The widely used software package Microsoft Excel, with the Solver utility has been used to perform deconvolution analysis to both experimental and reference glow curves resulted from the GLOw Curve ANalysis INtercomparison project. The simple interface of this programme combined with the powerful Solver utility, allows the analysis of complex stimulated luminescence curves into their components and the evaluation of the associated luminescence parameters.

Foot-mounted INS for everybody - an open-source embedded implementation

Abstract: We present an open-source, realtime, embedded implementation of a foot-mounted, zero-velocity-update-aided inertial navigation system. The implementation includes both hardware design and software, uses off-the-shelf components and assembly methods, and features a standard USB interface. The software is written in C and can easily be modified to run user implemented algorithms. The hardware design and the software are released under permissive open-source licenses and production files, source code, documentation, and further resources are available at www.openshoe.org. The reproduction cost for a single unit is below $800, with the inertial measurement unit making up the bulk ($700). The form factor of the implementation is small enough for it to be integrated in the sole of a shoe. A performance evaluation of the system shows a position errors for short trajectories (<100 [m]) of ± 0.2–1% of the traveled distance, depending on the shape of trajectory.

Gesture based interface system and method

Abstract: A user interface apparatus for controlling any kind of a device. Images obtained by an image sensor in a region adjacent to the device are input to a gesture recognition system which analyzes images obtained by the image sensor to identify one or more gestures. A message decision maker generates a message based upon an identified gesture and a recognition mode of the gesture recognition system. The recognition mode is changed under one or more various conditions.

Design and Implementation of a WiFi Based Home Automation System

Abstract: This paper presents a design and prototype implementation of new home automation system that uses WiFi technology as a network infrastructure connecting its parts. The proposed system consists of two main components; the first part is the server (web server), which presents system core that manages, controls, and monitors users' home. Users and system administrator can locally (LAN) or remotely (internet) manage and control system code. Second part is hardware interface module, which provides appropriate interface to sensors and actuator of home automation system. Unlike most of available home automation system in the market the proposed system is scalable that one server can manage many hardware interface modules as long as it exists on WiFi network coverage. System supports a wide range of home automation devices like power management components, and security components. The proposed system is better from the scalability and flexibility point of view than the commercially available home automation systems. Keywords—Home automation, Wireless LAN, WiFi, MicroControllers

Providing a confirmation interface for on-demand services through use of portable computing devices

Abstract: A method for providing transport services is provided. A transport request for a transport service is received from a user. The transport request specifies at least one of a pickup or drop-off location. A confirmation panel is generated to display information corresponding to the at least one of the pickup location or drop-off location. On the confirmation panel, a map relevant to the at least one of the pickup location or drop-off location is displayed. Fare information relevant to the transport request is also displayed on the confirmation panel. A prompt is provided for the user to confirm the transport request.

Facets of simplicity for the smartphone interface: A structural model

Abstract: Motivated by the need to develop an integrated measure of simplicity perception for a smartphone user interface, our research incorporated visual aesthetics, information design, and task complexity into an extended construct of simplicity. Drawn from three distinct domains of human-computer interaction design and related areas, the new development of a simplicity construct and measurement scales were then validated. The final measurement model consisted of six components: reduction, organization, component complexity, coordinative complexity, dynamic complexity, and visual aesthetics. The following phase aimed at verifying the relationship between simplicity perception of the interface and evaluations of user satisfaction. The hypothesis was accepted that user satisfaction was positively affected by simplicity perception and that the relationship between the two constructs was very strong. The findings imply that a simplified interface design of the task performance, information hierarchy, and visual display attributes contributes to positive satisfaction evaluations when users interact with their smartphone as they engage in communication, information search, and entertainment activities.

Sensing system for patient supports

Abstract: A sensing system for a patient support, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, provides data about the patient and/or the patient support itself. The sensing system may include a flexible sheet that houses a sensor array that detect interface pressures between the patient and the support surface on the patient support. A user interface allows a caregiver to control operational parameters of the sensor array, including alarms. A color coded map may be displayed on the user interface highlighting the patient's currently experienced interface pressures. A control system coupled to the sensor array may map the sensor outputs to the body of the patient in order to correlate the interface pressures to specific parts of the patient's body. Shear pressure may, in some embodiments, also be detected by the sensor sheet.

A Telepresence Mobile Robot Controlled With a Noninvasive Brain–Computer Interface

Abstract: This paper reports an electroencephalogram-based brain-actuated telepresence system to provide a user with presence in remote environments through a mobile robot, with access to the Internet. This system relies on a P300-based brain-computer interface (BCI) and a mobile robot with autonomous navigation and camera orientation capabilities. The shared-control strategy is built by the BCI decoding of task-related orders (selection of visible target destinations or exploration areas), which can be autonomously executed by the robot. The system was evaluated using five healthy participants in two consecutive steps: 1) screening and training of participants and 2) preestablished navigation and visual exploration telepresence tasks. On the basis of the results, the following evaluation studies are reported: 1) technical evaluation of the device and its main functionalities and 2) the users' behavior study. The overall result was that all participants were able to complete the designed tasks, reporting no failures, which shows the robustness of the system and its feasibility to solve tasks in real settings where joint navigation and visual exploration were needed. Furthermore, the participants showed great adaptation to the telepresence system.

Logical interfaces for contextual storage

Abstract: A virtual storage layer (VSL) presents logical address space of a non- volatile storage device. The VSL maintains logical interfaces to the non- volatile storage device, which may include arbitrary, any-to-any mappings between logical identifiers and storage resources. Data may be stored on the non-volatile storage device in a contextual format, which includes persistent metadata that defines the logical interface of the data. The VSL may modify the logical interface of data that is stored in the contextual format. The modified logical interface may be inconsistent with the existing contextual format of the data on the non- volatile storage media. The VSL may provide access to the data in the inconsistent contextual format through the modified logical interface. The contextual format of the data may be updated to be consistent with the modified logical interface in a write out-of-place storage operation.

Round-trip engineering apparatus and methods for neural networks

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for high-level neuromorphic network description (HLND) framework that may be configured to enable users to define neuromorphic network architectures using a unified and unambiguous representation that is both human-readable and machine-interpretable. The framework may be used to define nodes types, node-to-node connection types, instantiate node instances for different node types, and to generate instances of connection types between these nodes. To facilitate framework usage, the HLND format may provide the flexibility required by computational neuroscientists and, at the same time, provides a user-friendly interface for users with limited experience in modeling neurons. The HLND kernel may comprise an interface to Elementary Network Description (END) that is optimized for efficient representation of neuronal systems in hardware-independent manner and enables seamless translation of HLND model description into hardware instructions for execution by various processing modules.

Three-Dimensional Flexible Electronics Enabled by Shape Memory Polymer Substrates for Responsive Neural Interfaces.

Abstract: Planar electronics processing methods have enabled neural interfaces to become more precise and deliver more information. However, this processing paradigm is inherently 2D and rigid. The resulting mechanical and geometrical mismatch at the biotic-abiotic interface can elicit an immune response that prevents effective stimulation. In this work, a thiol-ene/acrylate shape memory polymer is utilized to create 3D softening substrates for stimulation electrodes. This substrate system is shown to soften in vivo from more than 600 to 6 MPa. A nerve cuff electrode that coils around the vagus nerve in a rat and that drives neural activity is demonstrated.

Systems, Methods, and Computer Program Products for Using Proxy Accounts

Abstract: An electronic device including an input/output interface operable to receive an input from a user and communicate an output to the user, a transceiver operable to electronically communicate with a computer network, a computer processor operable to execute instructions, and a memory storage operable to store the instructions, the memory storage further comprising a program module that is operable to: receive credentials for a proxy payment account, where the proxy payment account is linked to a primary payment account and not linked directly to a method of payment underlying the primary payment account, and make payment at a Point of Sale (POS) using the received credentials.

Devices, methods and systems for wireless control of medical devices

Abstract: A medical device system is disclosed. The medical device system includes a first medical device and a second medical device. A remote interface including a touch screen is also included. The remote interface is in wireless communication with the first medical device and the second medical device. The remote interface is configured to provide a user interface to the first medical device and the second medical device. The remote interface is configured to receive user input through a touch screen. Also, a charging device is included. The charging device is configured to receive at least the first medical device and the remote interface and the charging device is configured to recharge a first medical device battery and the charging device is configured to recharge an interface battery in the remote interface. The charging device is connected to a personal computer wherein the personal computer provides information to the remote interface.

Applicator and tissue interface module for dermatological device

Abstract: An tissue interface module has an applicator chamber on a proximal side of the tissue interface module and a tissue acquisition chamber on a distal side of the tissue interface module. The applicator chamber may include: an opening adapted to receive the applicator; an attachment mechanism positioned in the applicator chamber and adapted to attach the tissue interface module to the applicator; a sealing member positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber; and a vacuum interface positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum inlet positioned on a distal end of the applicator. The invention also includes corresponding methods.

Prioritization of multitasking applications in a mobile device interface

Abstract: An activity screen or multitasking screen for a mobile device includes a plurality of tiles, each of which corresponds to a different multitasking application on the mobile device. Each of the tiles is allocated to a distinct region on the activity screen, according to a specified layout. The layout may vary according to the number of tiles allocated in the activity screen, and in some examples a region of the activity screen is automatically subdivided to provide additional regions. The content displayed for each tile is selected, at least in part, based on the size of the allocated region, and consequently, of the tile. Content for each possible size of the tile can be pre-defined. Each of the tiles operates as an application entry point for its corresponding application, thus providing a means of access for applications concurrently executing on the device.

GLASS: a learning analytics visualization tool

Abstract: The use of technology in every day tasks enables the possibility to collect large amounts of observations of events taking place in different environments. Most tools are capable of storing a detailed account of the operations executed by users in certain files commonly known as logs. These files can be further analyzed to infer information that is not directly visible such as the most popular applications, times of the day with highest activity, calories burnt after a running session, etc. Graphic visualizations of this data can be used to support this type of analysis as shown in [1]. Visualization can also be applied in the domain of learning experiences to track and analyse the data obtained from both learners and instructors. There are several tools that have been proposed in specific environments such as, for example, in personal learning environments [5], to foster self-reflection and awareness [2], and to support instructors in web-based distance learning [3]. These visualizations need to take into account aspects such as how to access and protect personal data, filter management, multi-user support and availability. In this paper, the web-based visualization platform GLASS (Gradient's Learning Analytics System) is presented. The architecture of the tool has been conceived to support a large number of modular visualizations derived from a common dataset containing a large number of recorded events. The tool was developed following a bottom-up methodology to provide a set of basic operations required by any visualization. The design goal is to provide a highly versatile, modular platform that simplifies the implementation of new visualizations.The main functionality elements considered in GLASS are database access, module management, visualization parameters, and the web interface. The platform uses datasets stored using the CAM schema (Contextualized Attention Metadata) [6]. This schema allows to capture events occurring during the use of various computer applications which, in our case, are the tools used by students when working in a learning environment. The process to obtain events from learning environments has been described in [4]. GLASS is able to connect to more than one CAM database, thus allowing access to events obtained in different contexts.The tool is extensible through the installation of modules. A module is a structured set of scripts and resources that, given a dataset of events and a set of filters, generates at least one visualization. In order to simplify the development of new modules, the platform provides an API to manage common visualizations settings such as the date range and other typical filters. A visualization may include a simpler version suitable to be displayed in the user's Dashboard, which is the entry page of the application. Figure 1 shows an example of dashboard in GLASS. Additionally, visualizations can be exported as HTML code to be embedded in another website.The GLASS architecture consists of four layers: data layer, code base, modules and visualizations, as depicted in Figure 2. The data layer is composed of a set of CAM databases and a database to store the platform parameters. The code base is in charge of the main functionalities of GLASS regarding module and user management and interfaces. Modules must comply with the platform specifications to generate visualizations and the settings that can affect their appearance. Currently, the tool includes a default module that provides two visualizations as shown in Figure 1): a frequency time line of activity events and a bar-chart with grouped bars of events generated by different user groups (e.g. events from students individually, or groups). The default module also serves as an example of how to develop a additional modules.Currently, GLASS is able to support new visualizations and is undergoing additional testing in different learning scenarios. Preliminary results obtained from user tests indicate that visualizations need to be very intuitive for both instructors and learners. The current development effort is focused on providing visualizations that show the most-common learners events and the most active learners in a given context. To encourage its use in other institutions, the tool has been released with an open source license and can be obtained from http://glass.mozart.gast.it.uc3m.es. A video demonstrating the tool is available at http://bit.ly/glass-lak12.

Mobile transactions using authorized tokens

Abstract: Conducting mobile transactions comprises determining, using a processor, whether a network is available to facilitate a mobile transaction. An interface, communicatively coupled to the processor, receives an encrypted token from a mobile device without using the network if the network is not available. The processor is further operable to process the encrypted token to complete the mobile transaction.

Vehicle drive matching system and method

Abstract: A vehicle includes a route collection module that collects drive history data describing a plurality of routes traveled by the vehicle and associated departure and arrival times for each of the routes, and a vehicle computing system that sends the drive history data and, in response, receives contact information for at least one driver of at least one other vehicle based on a similarity between the collected drive history data and drive history data associated with the at least one other vehicle. The vehicle further includes an interface that displays or plays the contact information to facilitate ride sharing between a driver of the vehicle and the at least one driver of the at least one other vehicle.

Learning non-visual graphical information using a touch-based vibro-audio interface

Abstract: This paper evaluates an inexpensive and intuitive approach for providing non-visual access to graphic material, called a vibro-audio interface. The system works by allowing users to freely explore graphical information on the touchscreen of a commercially available tablet and synchronously triggering vibration patterns and auditory information whenever an on-screen visual element is touched. Three studies were conducted that assessed legibility and comprehension of the relative relations and global structure of a bar graph (Exp 1), Pattern recognition via a letter identification task (Exp 2), and orientation discrimination of geometric shapes (Exp 3). Performance with the touch-based device was compared to the same tasks performed using standard hardcopy tactile graphics. Results showed similar error performance between modes for all measures, indicating that the vibro-audio interface is a viable multimodal solution for providing access to dynamic visual information and supporting accurate spatial learning and the development of mental representations of graphical material.

Synchronous interface to asynchronous processes

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for selectively accessing one or more web services from a client machine, the one or more web services and the client machine being accessible over a network. A request for information is received from a client machine with a conversion engine. The request is received over a synchronous interface. The request is processed in the conversion engine. The processed request is transmitted over an asynchronous interface from the conversion engine to at least one web service. Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for converting a web service description language file for a synchronous web service into a web service description language file for an asynchronous client machine are also described.