Launch pad

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling access to digitized data. An unsecure client is provided with a launch pad program which is capable of communicating with a secure Rights Management (RM) server. The launch pad program provides an indicator to a public browser, used by the unsecured client, which acknowledges when a rights management controlled object is detected. Once a rights management object is detected, operational control is transferred from the public browser to the launch pad. The launch pad will communicate with the secured RM server and request the digitized data corresponding to the controlled object. In response thereto, the RM server identifies the type of data being requested, i.e. text, audio, video, etc. and transmits this information to the launch pad. The launch pad then searches whether a secure RM browser appropriate to handle this data is resident on the client. When it is determined that no RM browser is resident, the launch pad requests an appropriate browser from the RM server. Based on this request an appropriate RM browser is obtained and authentication and security information are inscribed. Thereafter the RM browser is transmited to the client. Prior to use, an authentication procedure is undertaken between the launch pad and the RM server to authenticate the RM browser. If authentication does not occur within a predetermined time period, the browser expires.

Abstract: A method for processing information using a personal digital assistant utilizes a standardized status bar manager (“SBM”) and status bar interfaces. All applications and the operating system's launch pad support the status bar which can be uniformly used to both show and interact with status bar messages. The SBM links together all of the status bar areas of all applications (and the operating system launch pad as well) whenever necessary. The present invention routes global status messages corresponding to incoming events to each status bar of every active application. The SBM also routes all messages to the status bar, regardless whether the message requires an action by the user or is for information only. Minimized applications are displayed on and launched from a status bar of an active application without having to first access the operating system launch pad. Finally, the SBM creates an unanswered telephone call list that includes a reason code explaining why the call went unanswered.

Abstract: The present invention provides launch pads on the display of a computer system as interactive interfaces between a user and wizards. The present invention includes: (a) providing a link on a launch pad, where the link is associated with a wizard, where the launch pad comprises a first visual object, where the first visual object in the launch pad relates to the task performed by the wizard; and providing the wizard when the link is selected, where the wizard comprises a second visual object, where the second visual object is associated with the first visual object. In the preferred embodiment, the second visual object in the wizard provides more information concerning the task than the first visual object. In this manner, a user is provided a visual connection between the information provided on the launch pad and the information provided on the wizard concerning the task performed by the wizard.

Abstract: Autonomous micro air vehicles (102) surveillance systems are provided. A MAV system of one embodiment includes an MAV and a launch pad (120). The MAV has an engine (103) that is adapted to power the MAV. The launch pad has a starter (128) that is adapted to start the engine in the MAV when the MAV is resting on a launching surface (142) of the launch pad. The launch pad further has a battery (126) to power the starter.

Abstract: Before all systems are go just prior to the launch of a space shuttle, thousands of operations and tests have been performed to ensure that all shuttle and support subsystems are operational and ready for launch. These steps, which range from activating the orbiter's flight computers to removing the launch pad from the itinerary of the NASA tour buses, are carried out by launch team members at various locations and with highly specialized fields of expertise. The liability for coordinating these diverse activities rests with the NASA Test Director (NTD) at NASA-Kennedy. The behavior is being studied of the NTD with the goal of building a detailed computational model of that behavior; the results of that analysis to date are given. The NTD's performance is described in detail, as a team member who must coordinate a complex task through efficient audio communication, as well as an individual taking notes and consulting manuals. A model of the routine cognitive skill used by the NTD to follow the launch countdown procedure manual was implemented using the Soar cognitive architecture. Several examples are given of how such a model could aid in evaluating proposed computer support systems.