Showing papers on "Laptop published in 2003"

The Laptop and the Lecture: The Effects of Multitasking in Learning Environments.

Abstract: THE EFFECTS OF MULTITASKING IN THE CLASSROOM were investigated in students in an upper level Communications course. Two groups of students heard the same exact lecture and tested immediately following the lecture. One group of students was allowed to use their laptops to engage in browsing, search, and/or social computing behaviors during the lecture. Students in the second condition were asked to keep their laptops closed for the duration of the lecture. Students in the open laptop condition suffered decrements on traditional measures of memory for lecture content. A second experiment replicated the results of the first. Data were further analyzed by “browsing style.” Results are discussed from Lang’s Limited Process Capacity model in an attempt to better understand the mechanisms involved in the decrement.

When Each One Has One: The Influences on Teaching Strategies and Student Achievement of Using Laptops in the Classroom.

Abstract: In this study, we examined the educational effects of providing fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-grade students with 24-hour access to laptop computers. Specifically we examined the impact of laptops on classroom activities, and on student use of technology and their writing and problem-solving skills. Participating teachers received computer integration training using the iNtegrating Technology for inQuiry (NTeQ) model to develop problem-based lessons that engage students in critically examining authentic issues, and strengthen research and writing skills. A matched treatment-control group design was employed, in which classes taught at the same grade levels in five participating schools served as the laptop (1 computer per student) and control (5+ computers per class) contexts. Participants included students, teachers, and parents from the two groups. Although systematic observations revealed relatively few differences in teaching methods between laptop and control classrooms, laptop students used computers more frequently, extensively, and independently. Writing assessment results showed substantial and significant advantages for laptop over control students, with six of eight effect sizes exceeding +0.80. Results also showed significant advantages for the laptop group on five of the seven components of the problem-solving task.

Live coding in laptop performance

Abstract: Seeking new forms of expression in computer music, a small number of laptop composers are braving the challenges of coding music on the fly. Not content to submit meekly to the rigid interfaces of performance software like Ableton Live or Reason, they work with programming languages, building their own custom software, tweaking or writing the programs themselves as they perform. Often this activity takes place within some established language for computer music like SuperCollider, but there is no reason to stop errant minds pursuing their innovations in general scripting languages like Perl. This paper presents an introduction to the field of live coding, of real-time scripting during laptop music performance, and the improvisatory power and risks involved. We look at two test cases, the command-line music of slub utilising, amongst a grab-bag of technologies, Perl and REALbasic, and Julian Rohrhuber's Just In Time library for SuperCollider. We try to give a flavour of an exciting but hazardous world at the forefront of live laptop performance.

Energy-Adaptive Display System Designs for Future Mobile Environments

Abstract: The utility of a mobile computer, such as a laptop, is largely constrained by battery life. The display stands out as a major consumer of battery energy, so reducing that consumption is desirable. In this paper, we motivate and study energy-adaptive display sub-systems that match display energy consumption to the functionality required by the workload/user. Through a detailed characterization of display usage patterns, we show that screen usage of a typical user is primarily associated with content that could be displayed in smaller and simpler displays with significantly lower energy use. We propose example energy-adaptive designs that use emerging OLED displays and software optimizations that we call dark windows. Modeling the power benefits from this approach shows significant, though user-specific, energy benefits. Prototype implementations also show acceptability of the new user interfaces among users.

Powering a notebook across a USB interface

Abstract: A laptop computer and mating docking station where the docking station provides power to the laptop computer over power rails of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The laptop computer has laptop docking logic that both provides power in accordance with standard USB protocol, and also receiving power across the power rails of the USB interface. Likewise, the docking station has a docking station dock logic that establishes communication with the laptop docking logic across the USB power rails. Once positive communication is established, the dock station provides voltages on the USB power rails sufficient to power the laptop computer as well as charge the laptop's battery.

Wafer mobile phone platform system

Abstract: The wafer mobile phone platform system provides a minimalist mobile telephone that can be used alone as a wireless communication device or utilized to transfer its mobile telephone functions from one peripheral device to another. A transceiver unit having telephone circuitry and componentry is mounted on a mobile phone wafer having a battery, memory storage device, display screen and an on/off switch. A short range radio frequency device, such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled module, provides short range communication to an earpiece, headset, or other peripheral devices. The wafer can have an antenna, headphone jack and be adapted for use with wired communication devices, such as USB, serial, parallel or firewire cables. The wafer can be attached to or received in a digital camera, video camera, PDA, laptop or desktop computer, GPS unit or other devices to combine the functions of the transceiver unit with the peripheral device.

System and method for tracking laptop computers

Abstract: A laptop computer tracking system is disclosed for tracking stolen laptop computers or hard drives includes a miniaturized GPS transmitter integrated with the software and hardware of the laptop computer, a password access screen, a password disabling screen for permitting hard drive maintenance, and an interlocking device or mechanism for locking the hard drive and preventing its installation in any other computer. The system is activated when a non-authorized user powers up the laptop computer or removes the hard drive thereby activating the transmitter to send a signal to a laptop monitoring station whereupon monitoring station personnel will employ the worldwide GPS to locate the stolen laptop or hard drive and contact the owner for further instructions.

Energy Management on Handheld Devices: Whatever their origin, all handheld devices share the same Achilles heel: the battery.

Abstract: Handheld devices are becoming ubiquitous and as their capabilities increase, they are starting to displace laptop computers - much as laptop computers have displaced desktop computers in many roles. Handheld devices are evolving from today’s PDAs, organizers, cellular phones, and game machines into a variety of new forms. Although partially offset by improvements in low-power electronics, this increased functionality carries a corresponding increase in energy consumption. Second, as a consequence of displacing other pieces of equipment, handheld devices are seeing more use between battery charges. Finally, battery technology is not improving at the same pace as the energy requirements of handheld electronics. Therefore, energy management, once in the realm of desired features, has become an important design requirement and one of the greatest challenges in portable computing, and it will remain so for a long time to come.

Vertical docking station

Abstract: A docking station, serving as a digital hub and cable management platform, support a laptop computer (42) in an upright position with the laptop screen (43) in a comfortable viewing position relative to the working position of the user. The laptop (42) is positioned in an upright slot (4) in the docking station, with the connection ports easily seen and accessed. The surface of the laptop slot (4) is lined with non-slip surface (3) to ease insertion and control of the laptop (42) as it is lowered into the slot (4). An adjustable front cover (15) defining the front boundary of the slot (4) covers the keyboard of the mobile computer (42) so that the user does not need to view two keyboards, and the appearance of the docked laptop (42) is clean and aesthetic. Wireless data and power transmission into the laptop (42) is provided while the laptop (42) is in the slot (4) so that the laptop (42) can be used in the docking station without a need for cable connections (45, 46) at all.

Generative Music and Laptop Performance

Abstract: Live computer music is the perfect medium for generative music systems, for non-linear compositional constructions and for interactive manipulation of sound processing. Unfortunately, much of the complexity of these real-time systems is lost on a potential audience, excepting those few connoisseurs who sneak round the back to check the laptop screen. An artist using powerful software like SuperCollider or PD cannot be readily distinguished from someone checking their e-mail whilst DJ-ing with iTunes. Without a culture of understanding of both the laptop performer and current generation graphical and text-programming languages for audio, audiences tend to respond most to often gimmicky controllers, or to the tools they have had more exposure to – the (yawn) superstar DJs and their decks. This article attempts to convey the exciting things that are being explored with algorithmic composition and interactive synthesis techniques in live performance. The reasons for building generative music systems and the f...

Laptops in the classroom

Abstract: This paper focuses on a rapidly growing population on many college and university campuses today: students equipped with laptop computers capable of wireless connection to the Internet. More and more departments are requiring that students enrolling in certain courses bring laptop computers to class. The course instructor is sometimes overwhelmed by the prospect, asking "How should I change my lesson plan in order to integrate the laptop in my daily lecture?" This paper first describes the effort to bring the laptop to campus at a number of colleges and universities around the country. It then offers concrete suggestions based on the experiences of several professors who either have taught, or are now teaching, laptop-required courses. The paper concludes with a summary and a look toward the future.

The Status of Ubiquitous Computing

Abstract: The ubiquitous computing movement is suffering an identity crisis as a result of its own success. At its zenith, the movement was led by campuses where all students had laptop computers, all similarly configured. Then, as now, the objective of the movement was that teaching should proceed on the assumption that every student and faculty member has appropriate access to the Internet. ◗Today there are over one hundred laptop campuses. Most are in Canada and the United States. Within larger universities are another fifty-plus subgroups, especially colleges of business and engineering, that require commonly configured laptops of students and faculty in the programs. Beyond these universal laptop programs, we estimate that at least half of all colleges and universities in the United States are “practicing ubiquity”—that is, teaching proceeds on the assumption that every student and faculty member has appropriate access to the Internet. Ironically, the tight definition of ubiquitous computing no longer prevails because the concept itself has become ubiquitous. Ubiquitous T h e St at u s

Diffusion of Technology Into the Teaching Process: Strategies to Encourage Faculty Members to Embrace the Laptop Environment

Abstract: In this article, the authors present strategies to encourage business faculty members to adopt laptop technology and integrate it into their teaching processes. They also discuss what they learned from having integrated laptops into the classroom in the College of Business at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The integration strategies suggest that the adoption of laptop technology by business faculty follows a similar process to that of product adoption by consumers.

Developing integrated antenna subsystems for laptop computers

Abstract: The design, development, testing, and integration methodology for antennas integrated into laptop computers is described. Two key parameters are proposed and discussed for laptop antenna design and evaluation: standing wave ratio (SWR) and average antenna gain. A novel averaging technique was developed and applied to these to yield a measurable, repeatable, and generalized metric. A prototype antenna was built using this methodology, and measurements indicate that the resulting design attains both performance and cost targets. A PC-card-version wireless system is also discussed and compared with the integrated one. The impact of the antenna on the overall wireless system is studied through a link budget model.

Laptop computer including a touch-sensitive display and method of driving the laptop computer

Abstract: The laptop computer includes a first display, and a second display attachable to the first display. The second display is a touch-sensitive display.

Power based level-of-detail management system for a portable computer graphics display

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a portable electronic device capable of processing and displaying graphics application, such as a laptop, hand held computer, PDA, or internet ready wireless cellular device, to continue to display graphics even when the battery power is low. The present invention extends the useful battery life by actively managing and appropriately reducing the level of detail or image quality of grapics rendered by the devices as function of available power. In a preferred embodiment, the invention manages the level of detail at the application level so it does not affect processor speed.

Cell phone mouse

Abstract: A cell-mouse comprising a cellular phone that doubles as a mouse for a laptop or other computer. Also, a card adapted to be inserted into a laptop or other computer that enables the computer to communicate with a cell-mouse through the cell-mouse's cellular communication hardware, and a laptop or other computer adapted to communicate with a cell-mouse through the cell-mouse's cellular communication hardware.

Catalyst for Change

Abstract: In a world and age dominated by technology, educators may find themselves, at times, ill-equipped to face the needs of an ever-modernizing, ever-mobile student body. Because our goal as educators is always excellence, we cannot afford a lack of foresight; we must always plan the next step and anticipate the next turn. As a pioneer in education technology, Bishop Hartley High School (www.cdeducation.org/schools/bh), a Catholic high school in Columbus, Ohio, has sought to embrace those changes with a revolutionary computer from Hewlett-Packard known as the Compaq Tablet PC TC1000 (www.hp.com/products/tabletpc). In February 2003, Bishop Hartley became the first high school in the country to give an entire student class their own personal tablet PCs, which they could use during school hours or anytime, anyplace outside of school. The students were loaned 140 tablet PCs for the remainder of the school year; amazingly, every unit was returned intact and undamaged. While knowing this situation required substantial responsibility from the students, the technology staff at Bishop Hartley correctly predicted that the end result would justify the means. Note-Taking Options In countless ways, the tablet PCs have proven themselves as an indispensable asset both inside and outside of the classroom. Their mobility, versatility and convenient, user-friendly access have rendered standard computer labs obsolete. Quite literally, everything a student needs for a day's work lies within the confines of a laptop computer smaller and lighter than most textbooks. For the eternally disorganized student, the tablet PC is the breaker of old habits and the initiator of new ones. By using a note-taking program such as the Microsoft Windows Journal, students can now not only type their notes into the computer, but also handwrite them on the screen using an electronic pen. Not to be confused with the capabilities of the Palm Pilot, the glass screen on the tablet PC is not pressure sensitized, so students can lay their hand on the screen as they write. The end result is that the user can take notes more quickly, comfortably and legibly. The tablet PC software also allows students to convert their handwriting to typewritten text, so those poorly organized students will never again have to look beyond their Windows Journal files to find lost notes. If, for example, that dreaded final--exam week is here and students need to locate notes for a specific topic, the search process is simple. Students can quickly type in a keyword, and the tablet PC will cross-reference the typewritten request with their handwritten notes, finding the needed material in a matter of seconds. And in the near future, the tablet PC will also include fully downloadable textbooks for every senior course. In addition, in the unfortunate event that a student loses or destroys his computer, all Bishop Hartley tablet PC files are backed up on the school server, where they can be retrieved for future use. Once a student has opened the Windows Journal, he or she is faced with a multitude of note-taking options, including assorted highlighters and writing utensils of varying colors and widths, symbols to use for marking important notes, cut-and-paste options, and multi- or single-page viewing options. This is one characteristic of the tablet that deserves recognition; not for its ingenuity, but for its practicality. The idea is simple yet true: students are inclined to take more notes when note-taking becomes more interesting. The flexibility of Windows Journal appeals to students and adds the element of excitement, which is lacking when you're stuck using a pen and paper. The tablet PC "Snippet" program, for example, offers a refreshingly new approach to the old copy-and-paste method by allowing users who come across a Web site containing valuable information on a certain topic to circle the necessary text or images with the digital pen. …

Versatile and ergonomic heat-dissipating stand for attachment to portable computers

Abstract: A stand device for supporting a personal, miniature, or mobile computer, such as a PC notebook or laptop computer. The stand device is comprised of a base platform (A) for supporting the notebook computer, and at least two hinged legs (B) for elevation and angling of the (A) base and attached computer. The stand device is made from a material such as aluminum to help absorb and dissipate heat away from the computer. The stand device is designed so that it can be attached to the bottom side of the notebook computer with Velcro™ disks. This allows the stand device to be carried, stowed and used while attached to the notebook computer.

Wrist-mounted electronic computer component (WECC)

Abstract: The Wrist-Mounted Electrical Computer Components (WECC) invention comprises an Electrical Computer Component (ECC), a wrist or watch band, an attachment or integrating system that connects the ECC with the wristband, and a communication port, either a hardwire system is used such as a USB compatible connection or radio frequency (RF) system is used to interface with an external host computer. The WECC is a significant enhancement due to its implementation of universal adapters to interface with various computers, which will provide a more secure and stable form of transport for electronic computer components and their data. The WECC will (1) prevent loss of individual computer components thereby enhancing security and protecting loss of important electronic information, (2) provide a novel form for transporting electronic computer components, and (3) enhance the adaptation of universal adapters to interface with multiple computers. The WECC can carry electronic keys, medical history, calendars, credit card information, along with files from school or work. Storing electronic information on a person's wrist could greatly reduce the need current state of the art methods for transporting data through Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), Laptop computers, Zip™ drives, Compact Disks, and Smart Cards.

Laptop security device

Abstract: A lockable enclosure for securing a laptop computer against unauthorized removal comprises a housing having a spring-assisted pivotable cover which automatically locks when closed. The housing accommodates a docking station, and is provided with apertures for routing wiring and cables from the computer to exterior power, data, and communication ports. One embodiment of the lockable enclosure is adapted to be integrally mounted to a worksurface such as for integrated use with a portable laptop computer worktable. Another embodiment of the lockable enclosure is adapted for mounting to the rear of a workspace surface and comprises a movable laptop computer support pan for extending the laptop computer to the front of the workspace surface.

PDA vs. laptop: a comparison of two versions of a nursing documentation application

Abstract: A great deal of nursing documentation involves data collection at the point of care. In most inpatient settings this activity is carried out by nurses using paper forms or simply by memorizing the information and documenting it later on the patient's record. These methods for collecting data at point of care delay the update of the patient record and may result in loss of information. PDA (personal digital assistant) technology can help overcome these problems. Their small size and their wireless connection capability make them a viable alternative for collecting and entering patient's data at the point of care. In this paper we describe a usability study in which we compared two versions (PDA and laptop) of a nursing documentation application in terms of the efficiency and satisfaction achieved by nurses while conducting typical tasks. The results of the study indicate that it take nurses significantly less time to look for vital signs measurements, acknowledge a pending medication order, enter I/O measurements and enter a daily assessment on a PDA than on a Laptop. However, it takes them significantly less time to read a paragraph, enter a set of vital sign measurements and write a note on a laptop than on a PDA. The results also indicate that with the exception of writing notes, the overall user satisfaction is very similar for the both systems.

Portable computer pedestal method and apparatus

Abstract: A support apparatus and method for providing ergonomic viewing positions to portable devices such as a portable computer. In an exemplary embodiment, a pedestal generally includes a base having a recess formed to receive a portable device, an anchor movably coupled to the base, and a support pivotally coupled to the base. The portable device may include a desktop portion and a display portion. The anchor may be formed to engage the portable device when the desktop portion of the portable device is disposed in the recess of the base. The support may extend upwardly from the base for holding the display portion of the portable device. According to one aspect of invention, the support apparatus and method provide advantages in that viewability of a laptop computer can be readily extended by ergonomically orienting the laptop computer through the use of a portable pedestal.

Communications device processor peripheral

Abstract: A communications device, such as a cellphone, functions as a peripheral for a processor, such as a laptop computer. The cellphone and the laptop are directly coupled via a communications link that is not the cellular network. Audio, still images, video data, and/or user interaction options are provided to the cellphone by the laptop via the communications link. The audio data is rendered by the cellphone via the cellphone's speakers or by a headset. The still image or video data is rendered by a display on the cellphone. User interaction prompts are rendered by a display, audio, or tactile feedback on the cellphone. The user input/responses are made through the keypad or other input method (e.g. wheel) and are provided back to the processor. The communications link is a Bluetooth compatible link. Utilizing the cellphone to render video data preserves the life of the batteries in the laptop.

Predictive power conservation

Abstract: In the case of a hard disk in a laptop, the restart cost is considerable: the disk has to be spun up to speed again, recalibratedl and made ready to execute commands. This takes between 2.5 and 6 seconds for typical 2.5" hard disk drives. During this time, the system is locked up waiting for the I/O to complete. The power costs are also high: on a representative Quantum 2.5" drive, spinningup the drive requires 5Wfor 1 second, followed by 1.5W for a 1 second calibration pass.

Dual screen laptop computer

Abstract: A laptop or notebook computer which employs first and second display screens coupled electronically to display identical images at the same time. The dual screen capability is ideal for business presentations, instruction and other like uses. The two screens are mechanically coupled to each other and to the computer in a manner that allows the three elements to be collapsed into a compact unit.

Laptop computer lock having a tapered extension extending out to allow a securing device to securely lock the laptop computer without tilting the laptop computer

Abstract: A laptop computer lock includes a primary body having a tapered extension extending outward from the primary body and having a through hole defined through the tapered extension. A secondary body is movably received in the primary body and has a linkage extending out of the primary body. A retaining device is received in the primary body and has a leverage operably engaged with the linkage so that the leverage is able to pivot relative to the secondary body. The tapered extension of the primary body increases available space for a securing device to secure the laptop computer without tilting the laptop computer.

Student laptop ownership requirement and centralization of information technology services at a large public university

Abstract: A large, highly ranked public university implemented a requirement for all incoming undergraduates to own a laptop computer starting in Fall 2000. To control increased expenditures for information technology, this requirement has shifted some of the cost of technology to students by decreasing the need for centralized general-purpose computing laboratories.At the same time, a shift towards centralized academic computing support occurred. This shift was away from information technology resources, services and support based in individual departments. This shift, engineered by the newly formed office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO), was envisioned to generate cost savings through economies of scale.The educational impact of the laptop requirement is starting to be felt, but adoption is not widespread in daily classroom use. Envisioned cost savings have not yet become apparent. However, laptop ownership has enabled some new classroom activities and helped to reinforce the leading-edge image of the university.