Showing papers on "Personal computer published in 1984"

The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit

Abstract: In The Second Self, Sherry Turkle looks at the computer not as a "tool," but as part of our social and psychological lives; she looks beyond how we use computer games and spreadsheets to explore how the computer affects our awareness of ourselves, of one another, and of our relationship with the world. "Technology," she writes, "catalyzes changes not only in what we do but in how we think." First published in 1984, The Second Self is still essential reading as a primer in the psychology of computation. This twentieth anniversary edition allows us to reconsider two decades of computer culture -- to (re)experience what was and is most novel in our new media culture and to view our own contemporary relationship with technology with fresh eyes. Turkle frames this classic work with a new introduction, a new epilogue, and extensive notes added to the original text. Turkle talks to children, college students, engineers, AI scientists, hackers, and personal computer owners -- people confronting machines that seem to think and at the same time suggest a new way for us to think -- about human thought, emotion, memory, and understanding. Her interviews reveal that we experience computers as being on the border between inanimate and animate, as both an extension of the self and part of the external world. Their special place betwixt and between traditional categories is part of what makes them compelling and evocative. (In the introduction to this edition, Turkle quotes a PDA user as saying, "When my Palm crashed, it was like a death. I thought I had lost my mind.") Why we think of the workings of a machine in psychological terms -- how this happens, and what it means for all of us -- is the ever more timely subject of The Second Self.

Computer-aided multivariate analysis

Abstract: From the Publisher: Increasingly, researchers need to perform multivariate statistical analyses on their data. Unfortunately, a lack of mathematical training prevents many from taking advantage of these advanced techniques, in part, because books focus on the theory and neglect explaining how to perform and interpret multivariate analyses on real-life data. For years, Afifi and Clark's Computer-Aided Multivariate Analysis has been a welcome exception, helping researchers choose the appropriate analyses for their data, carry them out and interpret the results. Only a limited knowledge of statistics is assumed and geometrical and graphical explanations are used to explain what the analyses do. However the basic model is always given and assumptions are discussed. In this edition the computer emphasis is enhanced by the inclusion of three additional statistical packages written for the personal computer. The authors also discuss data entry, database management, data screening, data transformations, as well as multivariate data analysis. This third edition contains a new chapter on log-linear analysis of multi-way frequency tables. The new edition will be useful to professionals, researchers and students in a wide range of fields ranging from psychology, sociology and physical sciences to public health and biomedical science.

A comprehensive sequence analysis program for the IBM personal computer.

Abstract: We have developed a versatile program for the analysis of nucleic acid and protein sequences on the IBM Personal Computer. The program is interactive and self-instructing. It contains all the features generally found in sequence analysis programs on large computers, including extensive homology routines, as well as new procedures for the entry of sequence data. The program contains facilities to store and utilize the entire Nucleic Acid Sequence Data Bank. We have devised a new algorithm to find restriction enzyme sites, which allows our microcomputer program to find all sites on a small plasmid for 100 different enzymes in 1 to 2 minutes.

Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer

Abstract: From the Publisher: First released in 1984, Fire in the Valley remains one of the most sought-after and widely revered testaments to the dynamic visionaries of the PC era. Now updated and expanded, the second edition contains more photos and new chapters, revealing how the PC came to transform the world today and will shape the century ahead. The authors look at recent developments at Apple, Microsoft, and IBM and convey the exciting development of other companies such as Sun, Netscape, Lotus, and Oracle in the Internet age. Itself a milestone in the fascinating history of the personal computer, Fire in the Valley is the definitive account of how it all happened and why.

System for control of a video storage means by a programmed processor

Abstract: A system for control of a video storage device by a programmed processor. A preferred implementation illustrates a tutorial system including a personal computer as the programmed processor, a video cassette recorder as the video storage device, a video monitor, and an interface and control circuit for communication and control among the system elements. Under control of the personal computer audio, video, and digital data can be read from or written to any location on a video tape of the video cassette recorder. The system uses this capability to store a plurality of video segments and audio segments on the video tape relating to a story board. Additionally stored on the tape is a programmed index in digital form indicating the storyboard sequence of the video segments and their locations on the tape. An interactive teaching program run on the personal computer reads the index and plays the video segments in the story board sequence. The teaching program interacts with a student via prompts and questions and is adapted to change the display sequence of the video segments in response to his answers.

System for retrieving information from a plurality of remote databases having at least two different languages

Abstract: A system enables a user to retrieve information from a plurality of commercially available databases. The user gains access to the system with a personal computer equipped with a modem, or with any other terminal capable of sending and receiving data over telecommunications lines. The system presents the user with a sequence of menus which ask the user to specify an area of interest. The choices presented to the user are programmed to cover virtually the entire field of human knowledge. After the user has chosen the area of interest, the system automatically selects a database to be searched. The user then enters a specific search request, and the system translates the format of the request into a format which is appropriate for the database selected. The system establishes communication with the database, downloads the information received from the database, and terminates the link with the database. The user is then able to browse electronically through the information received, without incurring the added expense of maintaining communication with the database.

Analysis And Processing of LANDSAT-4 Sensor Data Using Advanced Image Processing Techniques And Technologies

Abstract: Techniques have been developed or improved to calibrate, repair, geometrically correct, and extract information from Landsat-4 satellite data. Statistical techniques to correct data radiometry have been evaluated and have minimized striping and banding. It is shown that unless these statistical techniques are used, striping will result even with perfect calibration parameters. Algorithms have been developed to replace data from failed detectors and to reduce coherent noise. The Landsat-4 data have been geometrically corrected to conform to a 1:100 000 map reference to an accuracy of about 41 m. The data were then recorded onto film, and image products produced that can serve as low-cost accurate map products. To decrease the dimensionality of the Landsat-4 data, principal component transformation of the data to four significant new bands was performed, and the results compared with latest available land use maps. The transformation is useful for land use analysis and in delineating vegetation anomalies which appear to reflect areas underlain by altered serpentinite. A range of image processing systems have been used to process the satellite data, including general purpose, special purpose, and personal computers. These systems are described, along with their processing performance. Index Terms-Digital Image Processing, Thematic Mapper, Multispectral Scanner, Calibration, Geometric Correction, Mapping, Digital Terrain, Enhancement, Noise Removal, Personal Computer, Entropy, Principal Components, Banding, Striping, Information Extraction, Geology, Land Use.

Gait analysis techniques. Rancho Los Amigos Hospital gait laboratory

Abstract: In the gait laboratory at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, the emphasis is on patient testing to identify functional problems and determine the effectiveness of treatment programs. Footswitch stride analysis, dynamic EMG, energy-cost measurements, force plate, and instrumented motion analysis are the techniques most often used. Stride data define the temporal and distance factors of gait. We use this information to classify the patient's ability to walk and measure response to treatment programs. Inappropriate muscle action in the patient disabled by an upper motor neuron lesion is identified with dynamic EMG. Intramuscular wire electrodes are used to differentiate the action of adjacent muscles. We use the information to localize the source of abnormal function so that selection of treatment procedures is more precise. Force and motion data aid in determining the functional requirement and the muscular response necessary to meet the demand. Determining the optimum mode of locomotion and developing criteria for program planning have become more realistic with the aid of energy-cost measurements. Microprocessors and personal computer systems have made compact and reliable single-concept instrumentation available for basic gait analysis in the standard clinical environment at a modest cost. The more elaborate composite systems, however, still require custom instrumentation and engineering support.

A Dss for Cooperative Multiple Criteria Group Decision Making

Abstract: Many decisions in organizations are made, or at least prepared, by multiple cooperatingdecision makers. A distributed DSS architecture is presented that connects multipleindividual DSS to a group DSS. The group decision making process is supported by content-orientedmethods based on extensions of multiple criteria decision making methods, as wellas by process-oriented techniques using a computerized conferencing system. A prototypeof the system is operational on a personal computer configuration.

Personal computer instrumentation system including carrier board having bus-oriented plug-in instrumentation modules

Abstract: A modular plug-in instrumentation system for enabling a personal computer to perform instrumentation functions, including receiving analog and digital signals from an external device and transmitting analog and digital signals to an external device, includes a carrier module pluggable into a bus of the personal computer, and also includes an internal instrumentation bus into which a plurality of different interchangeable instrument modules can be plugged. The instrumentation bus includes a digital portion, and also includes a segmented analog portion that is extendable merely by plugging instrumentation modules into bus connectors which span gaps between the analog bus segments. Analog and/or digital signals are communicated between various instrument modules and external devices by means of cables connected to the instrument modules. The carrier module includes interface circuitry that buffers, reconfigures, and synchronizes digital data from the personal computer bus to be compatible with the digital portion of the instrumentation bus. One embodiment of the carrier module includes a microprocessor system and a dual port memory which allows simultaneous execution of different programs by the carrier module and the personal computer.

Image information processing system

Abstract: A combination of a facsimile apparatus and a personal computer. The personal computer is connected to the facsimile apparatus through 8 parallel data lines, a pair of unidirectional control signal lines and 3 bidirectional control signal lines. The combination has following four operation modes; recording mode where the data from the computer is recorded by a plotter in the facsimile apparatus, image input mode where the data from a scanner in the facsimile apparatus is input to the computer, transmission/transfer mode where the data from the computer is transmitted to another facsimile, and reception/transfer mode where the data from another facsimile is input to the computer.

Deformation measurement during powder compaction by a scanning-moiré method

Abstract: The mechanical behavior of powders during compaction has been studied in previous papers. It has been shown that a moire method may be used to determine the resulting strain distribution. Some difficulties were encountered, however, in the method used. In the present paper, therefore, an image-processing system employing a personal computer to analyze the moire pattern is introduced. Many strain distributions obtained in this way from moire-fringe patterns are presented. Further, using this image-processing system, a scanning-moire technique is developed in which the master grating is replaced by the scanning lines of a television camera. The use of image processing in conjunction with the mismatch technique allows measurement of both small and large strains from one image picture.

A DNA sequence analysis package for the IBM personal computer

Abstract: We present here a collection of DNA sequence analysis programs, called "PC Sequence" (PCS), which are designed to run on the IBM Personal Computer (PC). These programs are written in IBM PC compiled BASIC and take full advantage of the IBM PC's speed, error handling, and graphics capabilities. For a modest initial expense in hardware any laboratory can use these programs to quickly perform computer analysis on DNA sequences. They are written with the novice user in mind and require very little training or previous experience with computers. Also provided are a text editing program for creating and modifying DNA sequence files and a communications program which enables the PC to communicate with and collect information from mainframe computers and DNA sequence databases.

Portable personal computer

Abstract: A unitary portable compact computer comprises a cabinet which encloses computer circuitry and a CRT having a display panel. A detachable keyboard, electrically connectable to the computer circuitry, is attachable to the cabinet for storage and transit therewith. A stowable disk drive deck having disk receiving ports is pivotally supported atop the cabinet for displacement between a retracted storage position, in which the deck is received by and contributes to the symmetry of the cabinet and an extended operating position in which the disk receiving ports are presented for receiving a disk. A latching arrangement serves to stably maintain the deck in its storage or operating positions and is actuatable to permit removal of the deck from the computer.

Typical Applications of Microcomputer Spreadsheets to Electrical Engineering Problems

Abstract: This paper describes typical applications of a popular spreadsheet program, SuperCalc, to a variety of electrical engineering problems using the IBM Personal Computer. The problems selected are series resonance in ac circuits, loop analysis of dc circuits, uniform plane wave propagation in conducting media, and the Runge-Kutta fourth-order numerical integration routine for initial value problems. These examples amply demonstrate how SuperCalc exploits the power of the microcomputer to automate many time-consuming "what if" computational chores by functioning as a visible processor with a "scrollable" on-line window on the machine-stored worksheet. The templates created for the application examples cited in the paper clearly underscore the fact that problem solving with SuperCalc is data-oriented rather than program-oriented, unlike problem solving with computers using the conventional approach. The paper also shows the integral relationship between spreadsheet and graphics software packages by using Micrograph (a graphics software) to extract graphic displays from the SuperCalc-generated numbers. Because of their versatility, visible numeric processors like SuperCalc offer interesting and exciting potential as important user-friendly tools in electrical engineering education.

Personal computer attachment for host system display station

Abstract: A personal computer attachment is provided for a display station of the type that communicates with a host computer (48). The display station has a display unit (10) and a keyboard (12) to which a personal computer system unit (14) is attached. The personal computer system unit typically supports floppy diskette drives (16) and a printer (18). The display unit includes a CRT (38), a regeneration buffer (42), a keyboard adapter (46) and a feature bus (44). The personal computer system unit includes a system bus, a microprocessor, memory, a keyboard adapter and I/O interface connected to the system bus. A display adapter (26 or 28) is connected to the I/O interface. An analog input switch (52) is disposed between the buffer (42) and the analog circuits driving the CRT (38). This switch has a second input from the display adapter (26 or 28) and is controlled from inputs from the keyboard (12) to selectively supply image data from the buffer (42 ) or the display adapter (26 or 28). An attachment adapter (36) mates with the I/O interface of the personal computer system unit. The adapter (36) includes an input/output interface (54), a switch control (56), a two-way keyboard adapter (58) and a feature bus adapter (60). The keyboard (12) is connected to the two-way keyboard adapter (58). Each of the switch control (56), the two-way keyboard adapter (58) and the feature bus adapter (60) communicate with the system bus of the personal computer system unit via the input/output interface. The switch control (56) is also connected to the control input of the analog input switch (52). The two-way keyboard adapter (58) is also connected to the keyboard adapter in the display station and the keyboard adapter in the personal computer system unit. The feature bus adapter (60) is also connected to the feature bus (44) of the display station. This arrangement allows keystroke signals from the keyboard (12) to be transmitted by the two-way keyboard adapter (58) via the input/output interface (54) and system bus to the memory in the personal computer system unit for interpretation by the microprocessor and then retransmitted back to the two-way keyboard adapter and then to a designated one of the keyboard adapters in either the display station or the personal computer system unit. The switch control is responsive to a unique keystroke signal to control the analog input switch (52). In this way, the operator can control the mode of operation between either a host mode or a personal computer mode. Further, data transfer can be made between the host computer and the personal computer.

Merged data storage panel display

Abstract: A multi-window display station having main frame (host) interactive and local personal computer display data buffers is provided. The outputs of the two data buffers are merged, using a row or swath buffer, according to default or escape codes stored in one of the data buffers and the combined output drives a plasma panel display. Registers for modified data tags and for presence/absence of escape codes speed the panel update process. Means are included to provide alpha-numeric and graphic windows together on the panel screen.

Process for synchronizing computer video with independent audio

Abstract: A process for use of a low-cost personal computer to display video images which provide the effect of animation in synchronization with an audio program, such as voice or environmental sounds, originating independently of the computer. The computer is provided with a data base including intervals between recorded cue tones preceding the audio program, and intervals between video events to be synchronized with the audio program, all such original intervals corresponding to the original recording transport speed of the audio program. While consumer audio playback devices operate at a stable playback transport speed, it is seldom precisely the same as the original recording speed. During playback, the viewer indicates playback intervals between cue tones, for instance by tapping a key of the computer keyboard whenever a cue tone is played. The computer times the actual playback intervals, calculates a ratio R of the playback interval divided by the recording interval, and then executes the video events at playback intervals equal to their original intervals multiplied by R.

Fundamentals of Hydraulic Dredging

Abstract: This fully revised and updated edition presents the basic principles of hydraulic dredging in terms that are easily understood One of the most widely used texts available on dredging, this book is nontheoretical and readable New information on significant technical advances and environmental issues is provided Charts and data have been updated, improved, and simplified, but the fundamentals remain unchanged Theoretical topics include: production rate calculation; dredge efficiency; hydraulic transport factors; maximum dredge production; suction line and digging depth;horsepower vs line length; production charts; dredge cycle; flow regime and friction; cavitation Practical topics include: selecting the dredge type; the cutter; the dredge pump ladder and booster pumps wear in pumps and pipelines auxiliary equipment; instrumentation and automatic control; calculating and bidding the project; use of the personal computer; operation and troubleshooting; environment and the dredge The book is intended for dredge operators, government agencies, and members of the legal profession connected with the dredging industry

Method and apparatus for controlling an electrical device using electrodermal response

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing electrodermal response as a control mechanism. A specific embodiment of the method and apparatus utilizing a personal computer having a game paddle input port is described. The time rate of change in the electrodermal response of a biologic individual is sensed independently of the absolute value of the electrodermal response and continuously adjusted toward a time rate of change approaching the average time rate of change which the biologic individual cna consciously achieve in such electrodermal response. The resultant time rate of change is utilized as the input to a computer in order to provide the control.

Computer-based instructional dialogs in science courses.

Abstract: The personal computer is opening the door to supplemental, essentially tutorial, modes of science instruction that, particularly at introductory levels, can significantly enhance understanding of science and develop abstract reasoning skills. Competently prepared and judiciously utilized materials have the potential to improve the education of science and engineering professionals, elementary and secondary teachers, and, to some degree, the public at large.

The IBM personal computer from the inside out

Abstract: 75 Inventor: Allen J. Baum, Palo Alto, Calif. lishing Company, 1984. (73) Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino, "iAPX 86/88, 186/188 User's Manual, Hardware Refer Calif. ence”, Intel, 1985, pp. 1-6 to 1-10, 1-19, 1-20, 1-53. (21) Appl. No.: 4,627 Primary Examiner-Robert B. Harrell (22) Filed: Jan. 14, 1993 Assistant Examiner-Ken S. Kim Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Related U.S. Application Data Zafman (63) Continuation of Ser. No. 471,092, Jan. 26, 1990, aban57) ABSTRACT doned. A method and apparatus for instruction prefixing selec 51) Int. Cl............................ G06F 9/30; G06F 9/34 tively reconfigures certain of the instructions in the 52 U.S. C. ................................. 395/375; 364/261.2; microprocessor's instruction set so as to alter the nature 364/247.4; 364/232.23; 364/946.7; 364/263; of the operation performed by the instruction and/or 364/948.3; 364/DIG. 1; 395/400; 395/800 the designation of operand or result locations accessed 58) Field of Search ........................ 395/375, 400, 800 by the operation. A prefix instruction is inserted ahead (56) References Cited of a "using' instruction and an operational parameter of the using instruction is modified in accordance with the U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS contents of the prefix instruction. In one application, the 3,657,705 4/1972 Mekoka, Jr. et al. ............... 364/200 prefix instruction may be used to specify a register loca s: 7 3. et al. et al... : tion for storage of a result of the using instruction's y OuSennan et al. ................. ira 4,531,200 7/1985 Whitley ............... operation or retreval of an operand. In other applica 4,724,517 2/1988 May 364/200 tions, the prefix instruction may be used to modify other 5,005, is 4/99. Lenoski. ... so aspects of instruction execution. 5,041,968 8/1991 Yamaguchi ......................... 364/200 5, i48,530 9/1992 Joyce et al. ......................... 395/375 4. Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets

A probit analysis program for the personal computer

Abstract: Application software for economical and convenient calculation of median effective doses, confidence limits, potency ratios and slopes of quantal dose-response curves using a microcomputer is presented. The PASCAL language program is stored on diskette and it is compatible with many commercially available microcomputer systems. The program will simultaneously calculate the parameters for up to 20 different treatments and a total of 100 doses. Comparisons between the results of calculations of the LD50 of thiopental in mice using the PASCAL program, a modem-accessed commercially available probit analysis program and three, widely accepted manual calculation methods are made. The results of calculations of parallelism and the potency ratio between thiopental and phenobarbital-induced death in mice are shown.

Micro earth stations as personal computer accessories

Abstract: Equatorial Communications Company has shipped more than 15000 micro earth stations, typically 24 in (60 cm) in diameter and costing under $3000 for reception of satellite data transmission. Many are used as data input devices for personal computers in distributed database applications. Equatorial is also developing low-cost interactive micro earth stations appropriate for connecting personal computers or terminals to remote host computers. Equatorial is also a satellite transponder owner and provider of packet-switched satellite network services to the installed base of micro earth stations. Spread-spectrum modulation techniques implemented in microprocessor technology are used in Equatorial networks and earth stations to provide high performance, including interference rejection, at very low cost.

An Instruction Fetch Unit for a High-Performance Personal Computer

Abstract: The instruction fetch unit (IFU) of the Dorado personal computer speeds up the emulation of instructions by prefetching, decoding, and preparing later instructions in parallel with the execution of earlier ones. It dispatches the machine's microcoded processor to the proper starting address for each instruction, and passes the instruction's fields to the processor on demand. A writeable decoding memory allows the IFU to be specialized to a particular instruction set, as long as the instructions are an integral number of bytes long. There are implementations of specialized instruction sets for the Mesa, Lisp, and Smalltalk languages. The IFU is implemented with a six-stage pipeline, and can decode an instruction every 60 ns. Under favorable conditions the Dorado can execute instructions at this peak rate (16 mips).

Connector adapter for printed circuit board of computer

Abstract: A connector adapter is disclosed for making a plurality of electrical connections to a printed circuit board of a personal computer from peripheral equipment. The adapter comprises a plurality of multiple pin connectors in a housing. The housing is releasably mechanically connected to a mounting bracket which, in turn, is releasably mechanically connected to the printed circuit board. The mounting bracket includes a slot formed therein which receives ribbon cables or a connector printed circuit board assembly for connecting each of the plurality of connectors of the adapter to the printed circuit board. Four twenty-five pin D-shell connectors can be provided in a housing of the adapter which occupies the space of only one expansion slot of a personal computer with the housing providing full RFI shielding. No modifications to the computer cabinet are required to accept the connector adapter.

Image processing in a general purpose microcomputer

Abstract: SUMMARY Video images from light and electron microscopes can be acquired in ‘digital’ form within a personal computer, using standard peripherals and interfaces. In addition to providing for measurement of such images (counting of features by size class, integration of density, etc.) the stored image can be processed in a variety of ways. Using techniques known in the image processing field but only recently practical in such small computers, smoothing of the grey-scale information, sharpening of edges, extraction of texture information, directional derivatives, and shifts of grey scale can be applied. Combination of images with previous ones stored on disk is especially useful for electron and X-ray images from SEM. The system described carried out all operations in software, typically requiring times of 1–20 s per image which should be practical in many microscopy laboratories.

Computers in medicine: patients' attitudes

Abstract: Data are presented from two surveys where a 26-item questionnaire was used to measure patients' attitudes to diagnostic computers and to medical computers in general. The first group of respondents were 229 patients who had been given outpatient appointments at a hospital general medical clinic specializing in gastrointestinal problems, where some had experienced a diagnostic computer in use. The second group of respondents were 416 patients attending a group general practice where there was no computer. Patients who had experience of the diagnostic computer or a personal computer had more favourable attitudes to computers in medicine as did younger people and males. The two samples of patients showed broadly similar attitudes, and a notable finding was that over half of each group believed that, with a computer around, the personal touch of the doctor would be lost.