Showing papers on "Personal computer published in 1985"

Glucose medical monitoring system

Abstract: Hand-held shirt-pocket portable medical diagnostic system for checking measurement of blood glucose, urea nitrogen, hemoglobin, blood components or other body qualities. The system includes the engagement of a disposable needle or lance probe package which carries a chemical reagent strip such as blood reacting chemistry. The system includes a pen structure having a visual readout, a microcomputer, and photosensing circuitry which measures the change of color of the blood reacting chemistry of the disposable probe package. The pen also includes a spring arrangement for actuating a needle or lance into the skin for transferring blood from a finger or other area to the chemical reagent strip. A disposable probe structure package includes configurations for transferring of the blood to the reagent strip or the reagent strip to the blood. The pen can also create a vacuum about a time period that the needle is penetrating the skin. The system includes a verification sequence of the electronics, the chemistry of an unused disposable probe package, the presence of blood sample and multiple readings to average results. The system can also be provided with provisions for storing a plurality of readings, communicating with a personal computer, and can act as an alarm and chime to indicate time periods for blood sensing.

Security system for microcomputers

Abstract: A security system for a personal computer, in which hardware and software are combined to provide a tamper-proof manner of protecting user-access and file-access. The hardware component of the system is an expansion board for insertion into an expansion slot of the PC, and has a first EPROM chip containing four portions of machine code for initializing system function calls and for establishing the proper boot-processing of the PC; a second RAM chip serving as scratch pad memory; a third EEPROM chip storing passwords, audit trail log, protection and encryption system flags, and user-access rights; a fourth automatic encryption and decryption chip for files of the PC; and a fifth clock chip for the audit trail. The software component includes a batch file that runs a program in conjunction with the machine code on the EPROM of the expansion board ensuring access is gained only for valid users. The code on the EPROM monitors all DOS 21H file handling function calls, and initializes the 7CH interrupt vector for allowing the security system to access DOS and the files thereof. During boot processing, the 10H video interrupt handler is monitored to prevent circumventing the security system. Hard-disc format-protection is also provided by monitoring of the 13H interrupt function calls. Files may also be created that may not be copied.

Risk assessment extrapolations and physiological modeling.

Abstract: The process of assessing the risk associated with human exposure to environmental chemicals inevitably relies on a number of assumptions, estimates and rationalizations. One of the more challenging aspects of risk assessment involves the need to extrapolate beyond the range of conditions used in experimental animal studies to predict anticipated human risks. The most obvious extrapolation required is that from the tested animal species to humans; but others are also generally required, including extrapolating from high dose to low dose, from one route of exposure to another and from one exposure timeframe to another. Several avenues are available for attempting these extrapolations, ranging from the assumption of strict correspondence of dose to the use of statistical correlations. One promising alternative for conducting more scientifically sound extrapolations is that of using physiologically based pharmacokinetic models that contain sufficient biological detail to allow pharmacokinetic behavior to be predicted for widely different exposure scenarios. In recent years, successful physiological models have been developed for a variety of volatile and nonvolatile chemicals, and their ability to perform the extrapolations needed in risk assessment has been demonstrated. Techniques for determining the necessary biochemical parameters are readily available, and the computational requirements are now within the scope of even a personal computer. In addition to providing a sound framework for extrapolation, the predictive power of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model makes it a useful tool for more reliable dose selection before beginning large-scale studies, as well as for the retrospective analysis of experimental results.

The Information Technology Revolution

Abstract: From the Publisher: "If the automobile and airplane business had developed like the computer business, a Rolls Royce would cost $275 and would run for 3 million miles on one gallon of gas And a Boeing 767 would cost just $500 and would circle the globe in 20 minutes on five gallons of gas" Tom Forester's comparison points up the dramatic reduction in the cost of computing and this collection of essays he has assembled unfolds the equally dramatic changes that the revolution in electronics, computing, and telecommunications has brought about in the way we live and work-and maybe even think The Information Technology Revolution emphasizes actual case studies and much of the material has been written by computer engineers in the front line of technological change Extensive chapters deal with the revolution in telecommunications, artificial intelligence and the "fifth generation" of supercomputers, the rise of the personal computer and the use of information technology in schools, factories, offices, banks, shops, and hospitals Among the social issues discussed are computer crime, privacy, the impact of new technology on women, the Third World, 'smart' weapons, and the future of work itself A final section of the book assesses the extent to which this revolution is transforming Western society The Information Technology Revolution is a sequel to Forester's edited collection The Microelectronics Revolution (MIT Press paperback, 1980) It contains entirely new material published between 1980 and 1984 Chapters are presented as in the earlier book: an introductory article is usually followed by either detailed case studies or pieces that explore some of the issuesin greater depth - a format particularly useful for teaching purposes Comprehensive guides to further reading follow each chapter Tom Forester is a free-lance journalist living in England He has contributed numerous articles to New Society, The Times, The Guardian, The Sunday Times, New Statesman, and Labour Weekly

The Role of Elaborations in Learning a Skill from an Instructional Text: Further Findings.

Abstract: : This paper examines the role of elaborations in learning a procedural skill (viz. using a personal computer) from and instructional text. Experiment 1 compared two sources of elaborations; those provided by the author and those generated by learners while reading. In the latter condition, subjects were given advance information about the tasks they were to perform so that they would generate more specific, task-related elaborations while reading. Each source of elaborations facilitated skill performance. This result contrasts with past experiments testing declarative knowledge in which author-provided elaborations were found to hurt performance. In Experiment 2, the author-provided elaborations were classified into those illustrating the syntax of the operating system commands and those explaining basic concepts and their applicability. Syntax elaborations produced significant facilitation for experienced and novice computer users. Concept elaborations produced no reliable improvement.

Interactive display for trend or bar graph

Abstract: A system for the interactive control of a display such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or the like, produces a visual representation of at least one variable in the form of a trend or bar graph. The system includes a personal computer having a cursor control and a display. The system operator can select a variable for display, and then select a location within which the visual representation of the variable is to appear and a range of the variable which is to be displayed within the selected region. The system responds to the operator's selections for producing a visual representation in the form of a trend or bar graph of the selected variable within the selected range at the operator-selected location.

A prototype electronic encyclopedia

Abstract: We describe a prototype electronic encyclopedia implemented on a powerful personal computer, in which user interface, media presentation, and knowledge representation techniques are applied to improving access to a knowledge resource. In itself, an electronic encyclopedia is an important information resource, but this work also illustrates the issues and approaches for many types of electronic information retrieval environments. In the prototype we make dynamic use of the structure and semantics of the text articles and index of an existing encyclopedia, while experimenting with other forms of representation, such as simulation and videodisc images. We present a long-term vision of an intelligent user-interface agent; summarize previous work related to futuristic encyclopedias, electronic books, decision support systems, and knowledge libraries; and outline current and potential research directions.

Numerical methods for engineers: With personal computer applications

Abstract: From the Publisher: This book is for civil and mechanical engineers,students,and mathematicians. The fundamentals of numerical analysis are introduced by emphasizing state-of-the-art personal computing techniques. The Second Edition continues to present extensive case studies and problems drawn from engineering practice.

The Rapid Development of User Interfaces: Experience with the Wizard of OZ Method

Abstract: The Wizard of Oz technique is an efficient way to examine user interaction with computers and facilitate rapid iterative development of dialog wording and logic. The technique requires two machines linked together, one for the subject and one for the experimenter. In this implementation the experimenter (the “Wizard”), pretending to be a computer, types in complete replies to user queries or presses function keys to which common messages have been assigned (e.g., Fl=“Help is not available”). The software automatically records the dialog and its timing.This paper provides a detailed description of the first implementation of the Oz paradigm for the IBM Personal Computer. It also includes application guidelines, information which is currently missing from the literature.

[Program for calculating diagnostic x-ray spectra].

Abstract: A code written in BASIC is described which calculates x-ray spectra for tube voltages from 20 to 150 kVDC Data for the spectral distribution, the mean photon energy, kerma in air, mean energy of the kerma distribution together with 1 and 2 half-value layers for aluminum are obtained Numerical values for the differential energy intensity function and the Thomson-Whiddington constant were taken from Birch et al (6) For target angles up to 30 degrees agreement between calculated and experimental data is good For larger angles some discrepancies appear which could be either due to increased filtration by tungsten (surface roughness) or limited applicability of the data used The program is tailored to be run on a personal computer

Adapter plug for personal computers

Abstract: An adapter body for connection between an appliance, such as a personal computer, having a recessed male plug, comprising a body having a recessed male electrical connection and a boss portion forming a female electrical connection and a plurality of surface female plugs, the boss portion female plug being particularly configured for mating with the recessed male electrical plug of the appliance and the recessed male plug being configured to receive an extension cord plug, the surface female plugs being configured to receive the male plug portion of extension cords extending to other appliances, and voltage spike protectors within the adapter body with indicator lights to display the operability of the voltage spike protectors.

Manual image scanning system

Abstract: A manual image scanning system is operative to read image data of figures or letters depicted on a sheet of paper based on manual operation to input them to a personal computer for data processing. The manual image scanning system comprises a data tablet or a digitizer in which magnetostriction pulses propagate, the data tablet being adapted so that a sheet of paper on which a figure is drawn is placed thereon, and a compact manual image scanner adapted to be manually movably placed on the data tablet, the manual image scanner having a first function to recognize the figure drawn on the paper to produce data indicative of image of the figure, and a second function to sense a position of the scanner to produce data indicative of the position of the scanner. The scanning system further comprises high speed image processing circuitry responsive to the image data and the position data from the scanner to compute coordinates of the scanner on the data tablet, thereby recognizing which portion of the data tablet the image data corresponds to. Thus, this system can sufficiently exhibit features provided by the data tablet and the optical figure recognition device.

ASET-B: A room fire program for personal computers

Abstract: ASET-B, a personal computer program for predicting the fire environment in a single room, is presented. ASET-B solves the same differential equations as the previously developed computer program, ASET (Available Safe Egress Time), using a simpler numerical technique. ASET-B requires as input the height and area of the room, the elevation of the fire above the floor, a heat loss factor, and a fire specified in terms of heat release rate. The program predicts the thickness and the temperature of the hot smoke layer as a function of time. ASET-B is written in BASIC and is not subject to copyright. This paper describes the program and its use. Included are a listing of the program, program variable name listing and a sample run. A discussion of user modifications also is given.

A Tactile Vision-Substitution System for the Blind: Computer-Controlled Partial Image Sequencing

Abstract: We have developed a computer-controlled tactile vision-substitution system as part of a study to maximize the use of the skin's ability to process spatial and temporal information. The system receives a 128-column × 64-row image from a commercially available digital camera. An IBM personal computer sections the image into a controllable number of 6 × 24 blocks. The computer then sequentially sends these blocks to the 6 × 24 vibratory fingertip stimulation matrix on an Optacon reading device for the blind. Custom hardware provides the interface between the IBM PC and the Optacon. The image manipulation software is written in Intel 8088 assembly code.

Early clinical evaluation of a robot arm/worktable system for spinal-cord-injured persons.

Abstract: In Part I, "Developmental Case Study", this evaluation traces anecdotally the increasing application of microcomputer technology in a research program examining the uses of a robot arm in the rehabilitation of the high-spinal-cord-injured person. This program, supported by the Veterans Administration since 1974, built upon still earlier VA-supported work at Johns Hopkins on powered upper-limb prostheses. The Johns Hopkins University powered shoulder prosthesis served as the basis for the Robotic Arm/Worktable System, whose evolution is described in applications ranging from handling simple reading materials to self-feeding and the operation of a personal computer, all under the user's control through the same chin control interface employed for the control of the user's power wheelchair. Part II of this report focuses on the results of clinical evaluation in the development of the system. In the early stages of development, evaluation was provided by four subjects who used the system regularly for periods ranging from 4 months to a year. A later stage of evaluation featured a total of 16 subjects located in two VA Medical Centers, using the system for periods of from a few days to 4 months in duration. The VA's new Rehab R&D Evaluation Unit has begun an intensive evaluation process based upon 25 of the Robotic Arm/Worktable Systems currently on order.

Marker sleeve processing machine

Abstract: A marker sleeve processig machine (20) for printing a legend (5) on individual marker sleeves (6) from a series (1) of marker sleeves fed through the machine (20). Various functions of the machine (20), such as transport of the web (1), printing of a sleeve (6) and removal of a printed sleeve (6) from the web (1), are correlated and controlled by programmed circuits (201,203). Data to be printed on the marker sleeves (6) can be input digitally, such as with a communication terminal (208) which may be a personal computer. The machine (20) provides a fully integrated apparatus permitting facile processing of a series (1) of blank marker sleeves to printed marker sleeves (6) bearing a legend (5) appropriate for use as identification devices and a convenient interface is provided for the user to enter the legends (5) to be printed on the marker sleeves (6).

The Desktop Computer as a Network Participant

Abstract: A desktop personal computer can be greatly extended in usefulness by attaching it to a local area network and implementing a full set of network protocols, just as one might provide for a mainframe computer. Such protocols are a set of tools that allow the desktop computer not just to access data elsewhere, but to participate in the computing milieu much more intensely. There are two challenges to this proposal. First, a personal computer may often be disconnected from the network, so it cannot track the network state and it must be able to discover and resynchronize with that state very quickly. Second, full protocol implementations have often been large and slow, two attributes that could be fatal in a small computer. This paper reports a network implementation for the IBM Personal Computer that uses several performance-oriented design techniques with wide applicability: an upcall/downcall organization that simplifies structure; implementation layers that do not always coincide with protocol specification layers; copy minimization; and tailoring of protocol implementations with knowledge of the application that will use them. The size and scale of the resulting package of programs, now in use in our laboratory for two years, is quite reasonable for a desktop computer and the techniques developed are applicable to a wider range of network protocol designs.

Scheduling production activities in multi-stage batch manufacturing systems

Abstract: The scheduling of production activities has a wide-spread effect on resource productivity and customer service. This paper presents a model for scheduling setups, technological operations, inspections and internal transportation activities in multi-stage batch manufacturing systems. It is shown that the model facilitates the efficient utilization of resources and the timely availability of product. An algorithm for generating detailed production schedules (Gantt charts) from the model is developed. This algorithm, as coded on an IBM Personal Computer, is used to produce sample schedules which demonstrate the potential application of the research for planning and control.

Document file device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To attain the filing processes including the retrieval, registration, deletion, etc. of elements by displaying a control system of document in all classes on a display screen and indicating the displayed elements of the control system through an operator. CONSTITUTION:When a document is registered, an operator indicates a finely stored personal computer on a display, for example, through an input device 5. A CPU1 reads the document supplied from scanner 17 as the picture information via a scanner controller 16 and displays it to a display 11 after storing it to a page memory 9. At the same time, the picture display is also stored to an optical disk memory 7. In addition, the contents of both sorting and picture address tables are also renewed. The number of documents that are sorted into a rough group (plan for introduction of machine, an intermedium group (computer system) and a fine group (personal computer) are also counted up. Under such conditions, the results of register processing are displayed to the display 4 for discrimination from other sorting items.

Astronomy with your personal computer

Abstract: From the Publisher: Written in a portable version of BASIC, these subroutines enable the amateur astronomer to make calculations using a personal computer. The routines are not specific to any make of machine and can accordingly be mixed and matched. This edition adds seven subroutines to the original twenty-six.

Simulation Program Generators: Code and Animation on a P.C.

Abstract: What is a program generator? It is an interactive software tool that translates the logic of a model described in a relatively general symbolism into the code of a simulation language and so enables a computer to mimic model behaviour."2 This facility gives the user the benefits of a simple symbolic input (especially valuable for use by those who are not conversant with programming practices) combined with the power of a high-level language in which to develop models of complex systems. Program generators for simulation have been available on mainframe computers since the beginning of the 1970s. With the advent of reliable FORTRAN compilers in the early part of this year, it has been possible to transfer the software onto 16-bit microcomputers. At the same time the development of intelligent bit-mapped graphics boards, for example the PLUTO system from IO Research, has made possible improved levels of model animation. Animation is a particular use of the topological information in a program generator. This paper describes a program generator, DRAFT, which has been transferred to an I.B.M. P.C. and shows how the technique has been extended to provide users with a low-cost, flexible and convenient method of generating model animation. The use of graphics standards has contributed to the power of the graphics support. With a program and graphics generator on a dedicated personal computer, it has been possible to animate a model of a robot system in 2 days, where the previous time for coding and the inclusion of graphics routines was of the order of 4-6 weeks. The animation requires modifications to the simulation support routines, in this case the SIMON library of FORTRAN subroutines. The analysis of this task has led to a modified SIMON/G library with a totally hidden graphics function. To invoke the animation facilities simply requires that the graphics support library is selected and that a graphics definition file is provided. This requires a minimal modification in the program generator, and consequently reliability is maintained.

System using an adapter board to couple a personal computer to a plurality of peripherals in a financial environment

Abstract: A financial system includes a plurality of peripherals like a magnetic stripe reader, printer, and keyboard which are coupled to a personal computer by an adapter board which is inserted into an interface bus within the computer. Even though the financial application being run may be single tasking, the system is capable of running multi-tasking operations. An encryptor/decryptor processor, which is used in handling secure data, is located on the adapter board to minimize unauthorized access to the secure data.

Surface tension measurements by an automated drop volume apparatus

Abstract: The drop volume technique has been fully automated for determinations of time-dependent as well as time-independent interfacial tension by connecting a personal computer to the apparatus via a specially designed interface This simplifies the use of the equipment since all time measurements and calculations are performed by the computer