Showing papers on "Personal computer published in 1991"

The Penn World Table (Mark 5): An Expanded Set of International Comparisons, 1950-1987

Abstract: The Penn World Table displays a set of national accounts economic time series covering many countries. Its expenditure entries are denominated in a common set of prices in a common currency so that real quantity comparisons can be made, both between countries and over time. It also provides information about relative prices within and between countries, as well as demographic data and capital stock estimates. This updated, revised, and expanded Mark 5 version of the table includes more countries, years, and variables of interest to economic researchers. The Table is available on personal computer diskettes and through BITNET.

The Penn World Table (Mark 5): An Expanded Set of International Comparisons, 1950–1988

Abstract: The Penn World Table displays a set of national accounts economic time series covering many countries. Its expenditure entries are denominated in a common set of prices in a common currency so that real quantity comparisons can be made, both between countries and over time. It also provides information about relative prices within and between countries, as well as demographic data and capital stock estimates. This updated, revised, and expanded Mark 5 version of the table includes more countries, years, and variables of interest to economic researchers. The Table is available on personal computer diskettes and through BITNET.

Secure system for activating personal computer software at remote locations

Abstract: A process and system for activating various programs are provided in a personal computer. The computer is initially provided with a registration shell. A data link is established between the personal computer and a registration computer. By providing the registration computer with various information, a potential licensee can register to utilize the program. Once the registration process is complete, a tamperproof overlay program is constructed at the registration computer and transferred to the personal computer. The tamperproof overlay includes critical portions of the main program, without which the main program would not operate and also contains licensee identification and license control data.

The Observer: A software system for collection and analysis of observational data

Abstract: The Observer is a general-purpose software package for event recording and data analysis in behavioral research. It allows any IBM-type personal computer to serve as an event recorder. In addition, The Observer can generate dedicated event-recording programs for several types of non-IBM-compatible portable and hand-held computers and transfer files between the PC and such computers. The user specifies options through menus. The configuration can be either used directly for event recording on the PC or passed on to a program generator that creates a program to collect data on a hand-held computer. Observational data from either type of computer can be analyzed by the program. Event-recording configurations can be tailored to many different experimental designs. Keys can be designated as events, and modifiers can be used to indicate the limits of an event. The program allows grouping of events in classes and distinction between mutually exclusive versus nonexclusive events and duration events versus frequency events. Timing of events is accurate to 0.1 sec. An on-line electronic notepad permits notes to be made during an observation session. The program also includes on-line error correction. User comments as well as independent variables can be stored together with the observational data. During data analysis, the user can select the level of analysis and the type of output file. The Observer calculates frequency of occurrence and duration for classes of events, individual events, or combinations of events. For analysis of concurrence, one can select the number of nesting levels and the order of nesting. Output can be generated in the form of sorted event sequence files, text report files, and tabular ASCII files. The results can be exported to spreadsheet and statistical programs.

Computer travel planning system

Abstract: A computer based system for processing travel requests directed to a specific venue from individual members of a sponsored group. The system comprises a data base containing a venue file including information regarding the specific venue, a group member file for each individual member of the group, a travel policy file containing information on preselected vendors of various travel services, and a city code file containing codes corresponding to a plurality of city airport locations. Data is entered and information displayed to an individual group member making a travel request via a terminal, such as a personal computer. A central processing unit is in communication with the data base and with a plurality of airline CRS systems. The CPU is programmed to select an individual group member itinerary for the specific venue which includes specific airline flights, and if necessary, specific hotel accommodations and specific rental car services.

A frameless, armless navigational system for computer-assisted neurosurgery: Technical note

Abstract: A computer-assisted neurosurgical navigational system has been developed which displays intraoperative manipulation on the preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance (MR) images. The system consists of a three-dimensional digitizer, a personal computer, and an image-processing unit. Utilizing recently developed magnetic field modulation technology, the three-dimensional digitizer determines the spatial position and orientation angles of the resin probe, triangle-shaped pointer, or suction tube with a small attached magnetic field sensor. Four fiducial markers on the scalp were used to translate the spatial data of the probe onto the preoperative CT scans or MR images of the patient. With this frameless, armless navigational system, CT or MR-imaging stereotaxy can be applied to conventional open neurosurgery without limiting the operative field or interfering with the surgical procedures.

Portable personal computer and mobile telephone device

Abstract: A portable computer telephone device comprising a portable personal computer and a mobile phone integrated into one and the same body structure said body having a display screen (3) and a keyboard member (2) for operating the computer and the mobile telephone. To improve the convenience of use of such an integrated device, the keyboard member (2) is arranged to be movable between open and closed positions with respect to the rest of the body structure (1) in such a way that in the open position the whole display screen (3) and at least the whole keyboard (4, 5) of the computer are accessible for operating the computer and in the closed position the keyboard member (2) covers a part of the display screen and leaves the buttons (6) of the mobile telephone part 3(a) of the display screen accessible for operating the mobile telephone.

System and method for purchase and application of postage using personal computer

Abstract: A distributed computer system enables end-users having personal computers to purchase postage from the post authority. End-user computers each include a modem for communicating with a computer at the postal authority, a secure non-volatile memory for storing postal usage and remaining postage information, a postage meter control program that includes a program for communicating with the postal authority to purchase postage and for updating the contents of the secure non-volatile memory. The end user computers preferably include a printer and a postage printing program for directing the printer to print addresses and postage on envelopes and labels. The postage printing program assigns a unique serial number to every printed envelope and label, where the unique serial number includes a meter identifier unique to that end user. As a result, every printed envelope and label contains a unique serial number. The postage printing program also directly controls the printer so as to prevent end users from printing more than one copy of any envelope or label with the same serial number. By capturing and storing the serial numbers on all mail pieces, and then periodically processing that information, the postal service can detect fraudulent duplication of envelopes or labels. The postage meter control program in each end user computer also allows the postal service to collect from the secure non-volatile memory audit information concerning postage purchased and postage applied to mail pieces by the end user's computer.

High speed microcomputer in-circuit emulator

Abstract: An in-circuit emulator (ICE) for hardware/software development and debugging microprocessors. Program execution reconstruction is extracted from an on-board cache memory. An external ICE enclosure interfaces to a target system microprocessor via a cable and a buffer/interface pod. A control program directs a non-intrusive emulation and a monitor program resides in a personal computer host and supports ICE commands. The monitor program allows a user to follow a target system's program flow, to capture related processor information, to make program modifications, and allows the user to restart programs. An on-line disassembler presents a display so as to allow the designer to examine memory, using instruction mnemonics rather than hexadecimal values, thus improving the designer's ability to read program memory. A bit trace buffer records the state of each the microprocessor's signals during each cycle of each instruction. Multiple breakpoints allow a system developer to control a program in ROM, as well as one resident in RAM. An external-range hardware breakpoint and up to sixteen software breakpoints are provided and these allow a designer to display, set and reset breakpoint addresses.

Big game fish training and exercise device and method

Abstract: A simulator that imitates the fighting action of a hooked fish such that it takes line at varying speeds and torques, or at a fixed speed or torque. The simulator can be used for training, exercising of the angler or testing of components of the tackle such as the rod, reel, rollers and line. Control of the simulator can be by a personal computer, tape or disc system, manual, electronic or mechanical means or a combination of same. Optional video, analog and/or digital displays can enhance the realism of the simulator.

The implantable neurocybernetic prosthesis system

Abstract: The neurocybernetic prosthesis system (NCP) is an implantable, multiprogrammable pulse generator that delivers constant current electrical signals to the vagus nerve for the purpose of reducing the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures. The signals are delivered on a predetermined schedule, or may be initiated by the patient with an external magnet. The device is implanted in a subcutaneous pocket in the chest just below the clavicle, similar to pacemaker placement. The stimulation signal is transmitted from the prosthesis to the vagus nerve through a lead connected to an electrode which is a multi-turn silicone helix, with a platinum band on the inner turn of one helix. The prosthesis can be programmed with any IBM- compatible personal computer using NCP software and a programming wand.

Method and apparatus for providing updated firmware in a data processing system

Abstract: A programmable firmware store for a personal computer system includes a plurality of nonvolatile alterable electronic memories connected in a mutually paralleled circuit arrangement. The memories are connected to a controller that controls the memories to read firmware from and write firmware into the electronic memories, and to write-protect at least one of the memories. Any memory can be write-protected as initially selected by a user or technician of the system. The initial selection can be changed easily to write-protect another of the memories. The firmware in one memory includes code for checking the validity of firmware stored in another memory, and for selecting one or the other of the memories dependent upon a version code of the firmware. The controller also includes an update code for updating the firmware in a selected memory.

Transaction security system

Abstract: Components of previous security systems were designed independently from one another and were often difficult to integrate. Described is the recently available IBM Transaction Security System. It implements the Common Cryptographic Architecture and offers a comprehensive set of security products that allow users to implement end-to-end secure systems with IBM components. The system includes a mainframe host-attached Network Security Processor, high-performance encryption adapters for the IBM Personal Computer and Personal System/2® Micro Channel®, an RS-232 attached Security Interface Unit, and a credit-card size state-of-the-art Personal Security™ card containing a high-performance microprocessor. The application programming interface provides common programming in the host and the workstation and supports all of the Systems Application Architecture™ languages except REXX and RPG. Applications may be written to run on Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS) and PC DOS operating systems.

Group notification service and system

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of utilizing a public switched telecommunications network which includes a voice messaging system (VMS) to provide a reliable and flexible notification service to deliver to designated persons a message which may be prestored or created at the time of initiating the notification. The list of persons to be notified is pre-established and permits multiple telephone numbers to be used to locate a single person or an alternate person. Pagers may be simultaneously or sequentially called requesting that the desired person call in for their message. The list of persons to be notified may be changed by the system coordinator from any DTMF telephone and the telephone numbers or pager numbers assigned to persons to be notified may be changed by such persons from any DTMF telephone. Alternatively the list may be created or changed by the coordinator using a personal computer or ASCII data type device. The system automatically reports the results of a notification session to the coordinator and automatic billing is provided. The service includes establishment of redundant data bases in different geographic locales for added reliability.

System 8000: computerized antenatal FHR analysis.

Abstract: SYSTEM 8000 is a computerized system for antenatal fetal heart rate (FHR) analysis, with interaction online to ensure good quality recording and to minimize the time required to obtain the necessary information (based on fetal movements and tocodynamometer readings as well as FHR). The equipment consists of a Personal Computer with hard disk, interfaced to a fetal monitor. Software is written in C. An extensive definition is given on most of the functions and parameters as calculated by the system, e.g. record quality, uterine contraction peaks, basal heart rate, variation, decelerations and accelerations. System 8000 is designed to take account of the episodic changes in FHR and fetal movements characteristic of sleep states. Their presence naturally affects the mean FHR variation calculated over, say 20-30 mins. But, as the amplitude of these episodes is attenuated in association with growth retardation and hypoxaemia, the measurements of variation decline. In practice inter- and intra-observer variation is greatest in assessing FHR variation. Yet a decrease in variation is the most reliable index of fetal deterioration. The system measures FHR variation accurately and reproducibly, as well as fetal movements. In the synoptic display these two equally important fetal variables are given their rightful prominence. It has been interesting to observe how rarely the basal FHR changes in fetuses suffering progressive respiratory insufficiency, and how extreme tachycardia (a basal rate greater than 170/min) tends to reflect other fetal problems such as infection or maternal pyrexia.

Multimedia computing and telecommunications workstation

Abstract: A personal computer workstation (10) for processing and communicating data which comprises, in combination, a personal computer chassis (20). Chassis (20) includes host computer (24) with memory (42) and a plurality of ports for communicating data signals. Telecommunications circuitry (12) within chassis (20) processes telecommunications data and communicates telecommunications data to host computer (24) and ports. Audio multimedia circuitry (18) within chassis (20) processes audio multimedia data and communicates audio multimedia data to host computer (24) and ports. An interface bus (300) within chassis (20) and associated with telecommunications circuitry (12) and audio multimedia circuitry (18) integrates telecommunications data and audio multimedia data to produce multimedia telecommunications data for processing and storage within host computer (24) and communication of the integrated multimedia telecommunications data external to chassis (20).

Graphical user interface editing system

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) editing system for developing or editing of a new GUI through a GUI environment provided to a workstation, a personal computer or the like. The system is designed so that user's erroneous operations can be effectively avoided, various sorts of processing are defined for a minimum number of events, the GUI editing can be carried out flexibly under various GUI development environments while not prescribed by the size of GUI elements or by a GUI definition language, whereby such GUI development and editing can be efficiently and flexibly realized on a general-purpose operating system (OS). Further, a denotation procedure of a newly designed or edited GUI developing element to a GUI element database can be remarkably simplified.

Apparatus and method for loading a system reference diskette image from a system partition in a personal computer system

Abstract: A personal computer system according to the present invention comprises a system processor, a random access memory, a read only memory, and at least one direct access storage device. A direct access storage device controller coupled between the system processor and direct access storage device includes a protection mechanism for protecting a region of the storage device. The protected region of the storage device includes a master boot record, a BIOS image and a system reference diskette image. The BIOS image includes a section known as Power on Self Test (POST). POST is used to test and initialize a system. Upon detecting any configuration error, system utilities from the system reference diskette image, such as set configuration programs, diagnostic programs and utility programs can be automatically activated from the direct access storage device.

Conductivity-depth imaging of airborne electromagnetic step-response data

Abstract: An adaptation of the Macnae-Lamontagne method allows transform of airborne step-response electromagnetic (EM) data to a conductivity-depth image. The algorithm is based on a nonlinear transformation of the amplitude of the measured response at each delay time to an apparent mirror image depth. Using matrix algebra, the set of mirror image depth-delay time data pairs can then be used to derive a conductivity section. Data can be efficiently processed on a personal computer at rates faster or comparable to the rate required for collection. Stable conductivity fitting as a function of depth is obtained by damping the matrix inversion by specification of the first- and second-derivative smoothness weights of the fitted conductivity-depth sounding. Damping parameters may be either fixed or varied along the profile; their choice can be constrained by geologic control. Stability of the process is enhanced by accounting for the transmitter and receiver tilts.The mirror image depth-delay time data can also be used directly with simple regression to obtain the best-fitting thin-sheet and half-space models. With one novel assumption, the thin-sheet model can be converted to a thick-sheet overburden model without prespecification of either its conductivity or thickness. Depending on the geology, these simple models may prove quite useful.The conductivity imaging algorithm has been applied to a test data set collected with the SPECTREM system. The stability and speed of the imaging process were confirmed and have demonstrated airborne EM sounding to depths well over 400 m in an area with quite conductive sediments. Comparing the results with a better resolved image obtained from ground UTEM data shows that the airborne data can adequately define the geometry of the uppermost conductor encountered in the section. The geophysical results are consistent with geologic control and measurements of resistivity obtained from well logs.

Diagnostic system and interface for a personal computer

Abstract: A personal computer has a NVRAM comprising an error log for storing predetermined error log information at predetermined locations therein. The information is accessible by various programs such as a POST program, a diagnostics program, and an operating system program. Access is made by BIOS interrupt calls through a BIOS interface. The NVRAM also stores vital product data and system setup data.

Calculation of pulse-wave velocity using cross correlation—Effects of reflexes in the arterial tree

Abstract: The need to investigate the elastic properties of arterial vessels in situ for the early recognition of degenerative disorders in arteries has long been apparent. Pulse-wave diagnostics has been used in traditional medicine, but only in a qualitative way. By measuring the vessel diameter change, simultaneously at two levels along an artery, it should be possible to calculate the pulse-wave velocity (PWV). A newly developed ultrasonic instrument, DIAMOVE, was designed to provide a two-dimensional, real time, B-mode image for display of the exact position of two measurement sites; a computer-controlled digital phased-locked loop detector for the measurement of diameter changes; and a personal computer for the display of the momentary displacement of the artery walls. The cross-correlation technique was used on the information from the vessel wall movements to calculate the resulting PWV. Early measurements on healthy patients showed some unexpected artifacts, which were found to be due to reflected waves, affecting the shape of the pulse-wave at the sites of measurement. A modified PWV estimation algorithm, where only the foot of the pulse-wave in every beat is utilized, seems to have solved this problem and now makes the method suitable for clinical use.

General purpose parallel port interface

Abstract: A general purpose interface is provided for connecting a floppy disk drive to a parallel port of a personal computer. The interface comprises an interface circuit and software driver circuit operated by the CPU. The interface circuit emulates the internal bus circuit in the CPU and can be used with virtually any disk controller. The interface circuit uses gate arrays as state machine logic elements to perform various functions, eliminating requirements for a microprocessor and plural memory chips.

An expert system for locating distribution system faults

Abstract: A rule-based expert system designed to locate the faults in a distribution system is presented. Distribution system component data and network topology are stored in the database. A set of heuristic rules is compiled from the dispatcher's experience and imbedded in the rule base. To locate distribution system faults, an inference engine is developed to perform deductive reasoning on the rules in the knowledge base. The inference engine comprises three major parts: the dynamic searching method, the backtracking approach, and the set intersection operation. The expert system is implemented on a personal computer using the artificial intelligence language Prolog. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the expert system has been used to locate faults in a real underground distribution system within the service area of the Taipei City District Office of the Taiwan Power Company. It is found that the expert system can identify fault location very efficiently. Therefore, it can serve as a valuable tool to help distribution system dispatchers determine fault locations. >

Kinetic modeling as a prescription aid in peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract: Methods for calculating fluid and mass removal in peritoneal dialysis are presented in order to aid clinicians in their care and management of patients and to assist them in their understanding of the physiological mechanisms which govern peritoneal transport. These methods are based on the Pyle-Popovich peritoneal mass transport model which encompasses both diffuse and convective transport as well as lymphatic flow and residual renal function. Algebraic solutions to the mass balance equations governing solute transport are provided. Since these solutions are expressed explicitly as functions of time, they are easily programmed for use on a personal computer or calculator. This offers considerable advantage over the more computer-intensive numerical solutions which had been previously required since one can now calculate both mass removal and changes in blood concentration at the end of an exchange without requiring any intermediate calculations. This computational advantage and the ability to model changes in blood concentration are shown to be of particular importance when modeling more dynamic therapies such as CCPD or Tidal peritoneal dialysis. Finally, the model and solutions, when assessed clinically among 5 patients on two separate occasions, resulted in predicted fluid and mass removals which were in high concordance with measured fluid and mass removals (concordance correlation coefficients in excess of 0.97). Our findings suggest that kinetic modeling can provide the kind of analytical tools necessary to guide clinicians in their care and management of peritoneal dialysis patients.

COSP - A computer model of cyclic oxidation

Abstract: A computer model useful in predicting the cyclic oxidation behavior of alloys is presented. The model considers the oxygen uptake due to scale formation during the heating cycle and the loss of oxide due to spalling during the cooling cycle. The balance between scale formation and scale loss is modeled and used to predict weight change and metal loss kinetics. A simple uniform spalling model is compared to a more complex random spall site model. In nearly all cases, the simpler uniform spall model gave predictions as accurate as the more complex model. The model has been applied to several nickel-base alloys which, depending upon composition, form Al2O3 or Cr2O3 during oxidation. The model has been validated by several experimental approaches. Versions of the model that run on a personal computer are available.

Electronic mail remote data transfer system

Abstract: An apparatus connecting and establishing a communication link between a local and a remote computer to provide transfer of data wherein the remote computer is activated by a control unit, identification and protocol established and data transferred, as may be applied to provide personal electronic mail service. The preferred embodiment interposes the control unit between a non-dedicated telephone line and a remotely located personal computer having a modem therein, wherein a computer power-switching relay is connected to the control unit and is energized upon recognition of a selected protocol as provided by selected program control of the originating computer, and the communications link established via program responses of the remote computer and programmed signal initialization and responses of both computers according to firmware in the controller. Thus, according to the present invention mail transfers to or from an unattended remotely controlled computer is provided by activating an unattended remote computer or interruption of ongoing remote computer operations, such as word processing at the remote computer. Furthermore, according to the present invention, two levels of access security are provided by the control unit without further encumbering the sequence and process of data transfer.

Calculating Jackknife Variance Estimators for Parameters of the Gini Method

Abstract: This article calculates jackknife variance estimators for parameters of the Gini method. For nonstratified samples, the calculation of the jackknife variance estimators requires only two runs over the data. Therefore, it enables users of the Gini method to calculate standard errors of the estimators using a standard personal computer.