Showing papers on "Laptop published in 2007"

What Added Value Does a 1:1 Student to Laptop Ratio Bring to Technology-Supported Teaching and Learning?

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to document typical use and configuration of 1:1 computing in twoschoolsfocusingontheaddedvalueanduniquechallengestheseusespresent.Aqualitative casestudydesignwasusedintwomiddleschools(sixth,seventhandeighthgrade)inthesoutheastern United States purposefully selected for their 1:1 computing programmes. Data were collected through formal and informal interviews, direct observations and site documents. Results indicated that online research, productivity tools, drill and practice, and eCommunications were the most frequent uses of computers in the 1:1 classroom. Moreover, the 1:1 classroom provided potentially transformative added value to these uses while simultaneously presenting unique management challenges to the teacher. In addition, the presence of 1:1 laptops did not automatically add value and their high financial costs underscore the need to provide teachers with high-quality professional development to ensure effective teaching. In order to create effective learning environments, teachers need opportunities to learn what instruction and assessment practices, curricular resources and classroom management skills work best in a 1:1 student to networked laptop classroom setting. Finally, researchers documentedwidevariationinfidelityto1:1computing,whichsuggeststheneedforfurtherresearch exploring the conditions under which this variation exists.

Teacher Concerns during Initial Implementation of a One-to-One Laptop Initiative at the Middle School Level.

Abstract: Many schools are initiating projects that place laptop computers into the hands of each student and teacher in the school. These projects entail a great deal of planning and investment by all involved. The teachers in these schools are faced with significant challenges as they prepare for teaching in classrooms where every student has a computer. Using the Concerns-Based Adoption Model of change, this study investigated the concerns of teachers in the early stages of a one-to-one laptop initiative. The results of the study indicate that teachers fall into two relatively well-defined categories in terms of their concerns regarding the innovation. The majority of teachers have genuine concerns about how the introduction of laptop computers into the school environment will impact them personally. A lesser number have concerns about how they will be able to best use the laptops to meet the needs of the students. Implications for professional development include differentiating training based on teache...

Experimental Assessment of the Backoff Behavior of Commercial IEEE 802.11b Network Cards

Abstract: It has been observed that different IEEE 802.11 commercial cards produced by different vendors experience different performance, either when accessing alone the channel, as well as when competing against each other. These differences persist also when thorough measurement methodologies (such as RF shielding, laptop rotation, etc) are applied, and alignment of the environmental factors (same laptop models, traffic generators, etc) is carried out. This paper provides an extensive experimental characterization of the backoff operation of six commercial NIC cards. It suggests a relevant methodological approach, namely a repeatable, well defined, set of experiments, for such a characterization. Low level backoff distribution measurements are taken through a custom equipment developed in our laboratory. Our work allows to detect both a non-standard backoff behavior of some commercial cards (in terms of minimum contention window size and neglection of EIFS times), as well as potential implementation limits (in either the card hardware/firmware and/or the software driver) which appear to severely alter the card performance in challenging conditions.

Why a laptop orchestra

Abstract: In 2005, the Princeton Laptop Orchestra (PLOrk), an ensemble of fifteen laptop-based meta-instruments, began its first season. In this article, the author explores the motivations for starting a laptop orchestra, both in musical and cultural terms, and some of the aesthetic, technical, and compositional issues that face those interested in working with such an ensemble.

Wireless Docking Station

Abstract: A wireless docking station that allows a wireless connection between a computing device, for example a hand-held computing device, and a plurality of peripheral devices. This is achieved by providing the computing device with a wireless connectivity bus. The computing device may be, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a laptop, a notebook, a media player, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and the likes.

A Portable Noncontact Heartbeat and Respiration Monitoring System Using 5-GHz Radar

Abstract: A portable noncontact heartbeat and respiration monitoring system operating in 5-GHz band is reported in this letter. Compared with the previously reported system operating at Ka-band, this system has been simplified to include only two PCB antennas, a palm-size PCB radio module, a data acquisition module, and a laptop. The system, powered by the laptop battery through USB connection, is compact, low-cost, and convenient for field test. A detection accuracy of better than 80% has been achieved at a distance of 2.8 m and at a low transmitted power of 20 muW. The system can be used for various applications in biology, medicine, and security.

Mobile computer Web-application design in medicine: some research based guidelines

Abstract: Designing Web-applications is considerably different for mobile computers (handhelds, Personal Digital Assistants) than for desktop computers. The screen size and system resources are more limited and end-users interact differently. Consequently, detecting handheld-browsers on the server side and delivering pages optimized for a small client form factor is inevitable. The authors discuss their experiences during the design and development of an application for medical research, which was designed for both mobile and personal desktop computers. The investigations presented in this paper highlight some ways in which Web content can be adapted to make it more accessible to mobile computing users. As a result, the authors summarize their experiences in design guidelines and provide an overview of those factors which have to be taken into consideration when designing software for mobile computers. “The old computing is about what computers can do, the new computing is about what people can do” (Leonardo’s laptop: human needs and the new computing technologies, MIT Press, 2002).

Information Literacy in the Laptop Classroom.

Abstract: Background/Context: Technological and economic changes have put a high premium on developing students’ information literacy and research skills. Previous attempts to deploy educational technology toward these ends have proved disappointing because K–12 teachers have difficulty integrating shared computers into instruction. In response, numerous schools and districts have piloted one-to-one programs, in which each student has access to a laptop computer connected wirelessly to the Internet throughout the school day. Purpose/Objective: This paper analyzes the information literacy and research practice in a purposely stratified selection of 10 one-to-one laptop K–12 schools in California and Maine. Research Design/Data Collection and Analysis: Sources of data in this multisite case study include observations, interviews, surveys, and teacherand student-produced materials. Findings/Results: The study found that students in all the laptop schools learned to access information, manage it, and incorporate in into their written and multimedia products. However, the focus on evaluating information, understanding the social issues surrounding it, and analyzing it for the purpose of knowledge production varied widely across schools. Some schools succeeded in promoting scholarly approaches to working with information, whereas other schools mostly limited themselves to teaching procedural functions of computer and Internet use. Examples of these differences are given through a comparison of three diverse schools in Maine. Conclusions/Recommendations: The study concludes that one-to-one wireless laptops offer important affordances for promoting information literacy and research skills but that socioeconomic context, visions, values, and beliefs all play a critical role in shaping how laptop programs are implemented and what benefits are thus achieved.

Don't forget the laptop: using native input capabilities for expressive musical control

Abstract: We draw on our experiences with the Princeton Laptop Orchestra to discuss novel uses of the laptop's native physical inputs for flexible and expressive control. We argue that instruments designed using these built-in inputs offer benefits over custom standalone controllers, particularly in certain group performance settings; creatively thinking about native capabilities can lead to interesting and unique new interfaces. We discuss a variety of example instruments that use the laptop's native capabilities and suggest avenues for future work. We also describe a new toolkit for rapidly experimenting with these capabilities.

Apparatus, system, and method for presenting images in a multiple display environment

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for presenting images in a multiple display environment. The present invention includes a computer- readable medium with instructions for receiving from a primary user a selected portion from a primary screen, where the selected portion is one of an image and a portion of a program. The selected portion is then displayed on one or more secondary screens. The primary user is presented with a tool to compose the secondary screen, and can also see the secondary user's input to the Io system. The invention also includes dynamically updating the secondary screen in response to changes in the program that result in a change in the display on the primary screen. Also disclosed is a multi-screen laptop computer ideally suited for multi-screen presentations, and a dual-monitor display device which can be easily connected to a computer to facilitate multi-screen presentations.

Blui: low-cost localized blowable user interfaces

Abstract: We describe a unique form of hands-free interaction that can be implemented on most commodity computing platforms. Our approach supports blowing at a laptop or computer screen to directly control certain interactive applications. Localization estimates are produced in real-time to determine where on the screen the person is blowing. Our approach relies solely on a single microphone, such as those already embedded in a standard laptop or one placed near a computer monitor, which makes our approach very cost-effective and easy-to-deploy. We show example interaction techniques that leverage this approach.

Banning Laptops in the Classroom: Is it Worth the Hassles?

Abstract: Over the last several years law school classrooms have seen an explosion of student laptop use. Law professors have allowed this by default, generally under the pretense that laptops make note-taking easier. However, many professors complain that students use their laptops to play games, watch movies, or if they have an Internet connection, to do web surfing and e-mailing during class. This paper presents my experience in banning laptops from my classroom in the Fall of 2006, the first time it was done at my institution. The article covers the reasons for and against allowing laptops in the classroom, my reasoning and procedure for banning them, perceived differences in the classroom experience and relevant student comments from my course evaluations, which were overwhelmingly positive to the laptop ban. Also covered are the cognitive psychological reasons in support of banning laptops. Studies show that lower grades were correlated with increased student web browsing during class (Grace-Martin & Gay, 2001; Hembrooke & Gay, 2003), and the amount of time which students used their laptops for tasks other than taking lecture notes (Fried, 2007). MRI studies of the brain indicate that the brain stores information differently when distracted, which occurs when students attempt to multi-task in class (Foerde, Knowlton, & Poldrack, 2006). The science of note-taking is also covered, which indicates verbatim typing may interfere with learning (e.g., Kiewra, 1991). The paper concludes by urging law school professors to review why laptops are allowed in their classrooms and, unless they feel that laptops increase student learning, to ban or heavily restrict their classroom use.

Portable, but not mobile: a study of wireless laptops in the home

Abstract: We report a qualitative study of the use of physical space and wireless laptops by ten United States households. Although wireless laptops purportedly offer the opportunity and affordances to go "anywhere in the home," laptops were generally used in a small set of particular places rather than moving fluidly through the home: wireless laptops were portable, but not mobile per se We present factors that influence laptop movement in the home. We also present a model of people's use of space in the home, identifying a small set of favored places of long-term use and a larger set of kinetic places used for specific tasks. We discuss how the factors we have identified generally promote use of laptops in favored places and generally discourage use of laptops in kinetic places. We discuss how our findings are relevant to the design of technologies for the home.

Adjustable display screen for a laptop computer

Abstract: A laptop computer display screen is adjustable to a user's convenience by constructing an adjustable angle instead of rigidly connecting the display screen to an extender mechanism via which the screen is vertically extended upwards away from the laptop body. An adjustable angle between the extended display screen and the extender mechanism may be established via a tilt-hinge, making the angle between the display screen and the extender mechanism easily adjustable by a user.

Portable and adjustable stand for laptop computers or other devices

Abstract: An adjustable stand raises the height of a computer display to eye level, for greater viewing comfort and better ergonomics. A unique design allows the stand to collapse down to two thin plates. When disassembled, the stand is approximately the size of a magazine, making it ideal for carrying in a laptop bag together with the laptop itself. Smaller versions for smaller devices (e.g., smartphones, video players, etc.) are possible. Other applications are also possible (e.g., holding photos, artwork, books, etc.).

Data security in a disconnected environment

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the detection and prevention of intrusions in data at rest systems such as file systems and web servers. The systems and methods regulate access to sensitive data with minimal dependency on a communications network. Data access is quantitatively limited to minimize the data breaches resulting from, e.g., a stolen laptop or hard drive.

Event recorder for portable media device

Abstract: Operational parametric sensing and event recording capabilities are provided for portable electronic devices such as media players, cell phones, laptop computers, and the like that takes the can take the form of a standalone sensing unit or as an integrated component of the portable electronic device.

Laptop security device for technology workstand

Abstract: A device for securing a laptop computer to a support panel comprises a pair of security devices each including a vertical member having a pair of prongs extending laterally outwardly therefrom. The laptop computer is securable with the security devices when the laptop computer is in the open position. The security devices are configured to be mountable to the support panel at a spacing greater than the laptop width. Each of the security devices include the prongs which are located above the lower surface of the vertical member at a height greater than a height of the keyboard and which are spaced apart from one another at a distance greater than a thickness of the display monitor. The pairs of prongs extending from respective ones of the vertical members are oriented in facing relationship to one another in order to secure the laptop computer to the support panel.

Design Optimization of a Laptop Computer Using Aggregate and Mixed Logit Demand Models With Consumer Survey Data

Abstract: Laptop computers are designed in a variety of shapes and sizes in order to satisfy diverse consumer preferences. Each design is optimized to attract consumers with a particular set of preferences for design tradeoffs. Gaining a better understanding of these tradeoffs and preferences is beneficial to both laptop designers and to consumers. This paper introduces an engineering model for laptop computer design and a demand model derived from a main-effects choice-based conjoint survey. Several demand model specifications are compared, including linear-in-parameters and discrete part-worth specifications for aggregate multinomial logit and mixed logit models. An integrated optimization scheme combines the engineering model with each demand model form for profit maximization. The solutions of different optimal laptop designs and market share predictions resulting from the unique characteristics of each demand model specification are examined and compared.Copyright © 2007 by ASME

Moveable platform for a laptop computer

Abstract: A moveable platform for a laptop computer has an angled support base to angle the laptop keyboard and elevate the laptop display monitor. The angled support base forms an airgap between the moveable platform and the desktop to dissipate the heat from the laptop computer. A separate cooling fan system integral with the support base can also dissipate the laptop computer heat. Spherical roller assemblies on the bottom of the platform move the laptop computer around the desktop. The spherical roller assemblies have a Teflon™ spherical ball surrounded by a plurality of Delrin™ spherical ball bearings in a Nylon™ semi-spherical cavity. These non-metallic materials provide smooth quiet operation with minimal frictional resistance and are non-abrasive to the desktop surface. A braking mechanism at the front of the moveable platform lifts the front spherical roller assemblies from contact with the desktop to lock the moveable platform and laptop computer into position on the desktop.

Light Load Efficiency Improvement for Laptop VRs

Abstract: Extending battery life is a big challenge for today's laptop computer, and light load efficiency is very important for battery life extension. In this paper, a novel non-linear inductor is proposed to improve DCM efficiency for laptop CPU VR. The control method with a thorough analysis is proposed for the non-linear inductor to achieve high efficiency, required output voltage ripple and transient response. Adaptive on time control is then proposed to achieve higher efficiency when Buck is running at CCM. Finally, two-stage power architecture is proposed to achieve higher efficiency within the whole CPU load range keeping the similar cost. All of the above methods are verified by experimental results.

The Carnegie Mellon Laptop Orchestra

Abstract: The Carnegie Mellon Laptop Orchestra (CMLO) is a collection of computers that communicate through a wireless network and collaborate to generate music. The CMLO is the culmination of a course on Computer Music Systems and Information Processing, where students learn and apply techniques for audio and MIDI programming, real-time synchronization and scheduling, music representation, and music information retrieval.

Device for the Integration of a Laptop Computer into an Aircraft

Abstract: The updating and consultation of flight documents, aeronautical maps and aircraft documentation is being facilitated by migration towards laptop-accessible electronic versions of these documents. To facilitate inflight exploitation of these documents, the laptop is connected to a docking station ( 105 ) itself connected to input ( 107 )/output ( 106 ) peripherals accessible from flight decks. This docking station and these peripherals are mounted permanently in the cockpit. A laptop can then be introduced into the docking station so that the resources of this laptop can be exploited by the pilot or pilots during all the phases of a flight.

Method for Improving Accuracy in Providing Information Pertaining to Battery Power Capacity

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing information related to the power capacity of a rechargeable battery at a specified time, wherein the battery is disposed to supply power to a laptop computer or other electronic device. The method comprises the step of acquiring a set of cumulative data that represents the capacity of the battery at different times when the battery is being used to supply power to the device. The method further comprises selectively processing the set of data, to provide an estimate of the battery time that is available at the specified time. The estimate is then used to determine whether or not the battery has sufficient power capacity to complete a particular task subsequent to the specified time.

Use of laptop computers in an academic medical library.

Abstract: Who borrows laptop computers in an academic health sciences library? Why do they choose to check out laptops? In a survey, laptop computer users responded that the laptops were used most frequently to do class-related work Laptops were most often checked out because they could be taken to a quiet area of the library or to where the user had more room to work The majority of such borrowers were satisfied or very satisfied with the laptops and the service from the library The majority of those completing the survey were medical school students and graduate students The circulation of laptop computers at this academic health sciences library is a very successful and popular program

Geographical Data Visualization on Mobile Devices for Useer’s Navigation and Decision Support Activites

Abstract: Users who operate in the field (e.g. maintenance personnel, geologists, archaeologists, tourists, first responders) often bring with them paper sheets (e.g. city maps, forms, technical plans, object descriptions) containing data needed for their activities. Even when these data are available in digital form, the mobile condition of these users makes them prefer more portable and manageable solutions (such as paper) to potentially more powerful and flexible ones (such as laptop computers). For example, it is easier to handle and look at a paper map rather than a digital laptop map while on the move. However, the increasing availability of small and powerful mobile devices (PDAs and Smartphones) is opening up new opportunities. At first devoted to manage user’s personal information, these devices can now be employed to assist users in carrying out different tasks in the field. Unfortunately, the design of effective applications for mobile scenarios cannot rely on the traditional techniques devised for desktop applications due to a number of issues:

Organic User Interfaces (Oui!): Designing Computers in Any Way Shape or Form

Abstract: Over the past few years, there has been a quiet revolution in display manufacturing technology. One that is only comparable in scope to that of the invention of the first LCD, which led to DynaBook and the modern laptop. E-ink electrophoretic pixel technology, combined with advances in organic thin-film circuit substrates, have led to displays that are so thin and flexible they are beginning to resemble paper. Soon displays will completely mimic the high contrast, low power consumption and flexibility of printed media. As with the invention of the first LCD, this means we are on the brink of a new paradigm in computer user interface design: one in which computers can have any organic form or shape. One where any object, no matter how complex, dynamic or flexible its structure, may display information. One where the deformation of shape is a main source of input. This new paradigm of Organic User Interface (Oui!) requires a new set of design guidelines, which I will discuss in this presentation. These guidelines were inspired by architecture, which went through a similar transformation decades ago. In Oui! The Input Device Is The Output Device (TIDISTOD), Form dynamically follows Flow of activities of the human body, and Function equals Form. I will give an overview of technologies that led to Organic UI, such as Tangible UI and Digital Desks, after which I will discuss some of the first real Oui! interfaces, which include Gummi and PaperWindows. PaperWindows, which was developed at HML, is the first real paper computer. It uses computer vision to track sheets of real paper in real time. Page shape is modeled in 3D, textured with windows and projected back onto the paper, making for a wireless hi-res flexible color display. Interactions with PaperWindows take place through hand gestures and paper folding techniques.

Bitfrost: the one laptop per child security model

Abstract: We present an integrated security model for a low-cost laptop that will be widely deployed throughout the developing world. Implemented on top of Linux operating system, the model is designed to restrict the laptop's software without restricting the laptop's user.