Showing papers on "Personal computer published in 1992"

The Wisdom of Teams: Creating the High-Performance Organization

Abstract: More and more organizations are using teams and reaping the extra performance results that come with melding skills, experiences and insights of small groups of people working as real teams. Katzenbach and Smith declare teams to be one of the most powerful elements for businesses to meet the challenges of the future - from reengineering to total quality to faultless customer service. Based on hundreds of interviews with team members from a variety of companies and organizations, this book shows why teams work, and explains how to set up and get real results. They provide dozens of real accounts and case studies that illustrate successes and failures, and demonstrate what can be learned from these examples. Douglas K. Smith is the co-author of "Fumbling the Future: How Xerox Invented and Then Ignored the First Personal Computer".

Peripheral data acquisition, monitor, and adaptive control system via personal computer

Abstract: A peripheral data acquisition, monitor, and adaptive control system is disclosed in which a personal computer (PC) and one or more input/output (I/O) Bridge devices interface signals from electronically-controlled devices to the PC via the keyboard port, thus permitting data, such as measurement data, to be automatically and directly entered into application programs such that the PC can take action and control outputs based upon the measurement data. A software control program is also disclosed which allows the user to configure the system for orienting the user as to which devices are being controlled, reading digital and analog inputs, making decisions based upon the information using specific user-defined conditions, and setting digital outputs. The system is also adapted to interface with a wireless or AC power-line transmission media.

A branch-and-bound procedure for the multiple resource-constrained project scheduling problem

Abstract: In this paper a branch-and-bound procedure is described for scheduling the activities of a project of the PERT/CPM variety subject to precedence and resource constraints where the objective is to minimize project duration. The procedure is based on a depth-first solution strategy in which nodes in the solution tree represent resource and precedence feasible partial schedules. Branches emanating from a parent node correspond to exhaustive and minimal combinations of activities, the delay of which resolves resource conflicts at each parent node. Precedence and resource-based bounds described in the paper are combined with new dominance pruning rules to rapidly fathom major portions of the solution tree. The procedure is programmed in the C language for use on both a mainframe and a personal computer. The procedure has been validated using a standard set of test problems with between 7 and 50 activities requiring up to three resource types each. Computational experience on a personal computer indicates that ...

The Effect of Prior Knowledge on Price Acceptability and the Type of Information Examined

Abstract: This article assesses whether differences in prior knowledge result in differences in (1) price acceptability and (2) the extent to which different types of information are examined. Using a personal computer-based methodology, subjects who varied in their prior product knowledge provided price responses, and the time they spent examining various kinds of information was measured. Acceptable price-range end-points (price limits) were found to be lowest for low-knowledge subjects. Further, the extent to which price and related extrinsic information was examined was found to be lowest for moderately knowledgeable subjects. Results from a second study provide substantive support for the claim that increasing prior knowledge is accompanied by an increase in both limits of the acceptable price range.

Calculating the surgically induced refractive change following ocular surgery

Abstract: Calculating the surgically induced refractive change following ocular surgery is important for evaluating the results of keratore-fractive procedures, smaller incisions and various wound closures for cataract surgery, and the effect of suturing techniques and suture removal following corneal transplant surgery. We present a ten-step method of calculating the spherical- and cylindrical-induced refractive change in a manner suitable for a programmable calculator or personal computer. Several applications are given including (1) adding the overrefraction to the spectacle correction, (2) determining the surgically induced refractive change from the preoperative and postoperative refractions, (3) determining the surgically induced refractive change from the K-readings, (4) rotating axes, (5) determining the power at meridians oblique to the principal meridians of a spherocylinder, (6) determining the coupling ratio, and (7) averaging axes. Standard methods for calculating and reporting aggregate results are also given.

Personal computer with generalized data streaming apparatus for multimedia devices

Abstract: A multimedia data processing system includes a memory for storing multimedia application programs and a multitasking operating system. Extensions to the operating system control data streaming from source devices to target devices to provide real-time, continuous streaming. The extensions provide central buffer management with a user buffer option, bi-level priority support for data stream handlers, support for interleaved streams, and data stream event detection and notification.

Interactive personal-computer data analysis of ion backscattering spectra

Abstract: A new personal computer program package for ion backscattering data analysis with an interactive graphical interface has been developed. The assumed target composition is modified directly by pointing at the corresponding signals on the screen. Special attention has been paid to the physics details included. All projectile ions may be treated. A data base of non-Rutherford 1H and 4He scattering cross sections of several light elements, readily extendable by the user, is included. The most recent stopping power formulations are used. Contributions from electronic screening, corrected Bohr straggling and nonlinear detector response are taken into account. A procedure for subtracting the low energy tail background is provided. Smooth variations of elemental composition as a function of sample depth, as needed in diffusion or implantation profile analysis, as well as spectra taken in channeled sample orientations may be assumed. A short review of published computer methods for ion backscattering is included. Examples and applications of the present procedure to the analysis of 4He ion non-Rutherford and 12C ion RBS spectra are presented.

Real time video image processing system

Abstract: A video digital signal processing and display system that allows real time processing of video images with extensive filtering and inter-pixel interpolation. The system includes a front end user and program interface supported by a personal computer, and also includes a microprocessor for controlling the system and specialized video circuitry including an image translator. The image translator performs image translation, perspective projection, scaling, rotation, border insertion, and formation of composite images. The image translator interacts with the other specialized video circuitry which includes a frame constructor, a keyer and crosspoint switches, and a frame store constructor.

Personal computer with broadcast receiver on expansion board controlled by computer microprocessor

Abstract: A broadcast receiver (22) for receiving television broadcast signals carrying encoded data e.g. teletext information, includes a tuner (30), a demodulator (32) and a data extractor (36) for decoding the data. The receiver is coupled to a computer through a bus (38) and an interface controller (40). The tuner (30), the demodulator (32) and the data extractor (36) are each individually controllable by the interface controller (40) in response to instructions from the computer to vary any of the tuning, the demodulation parameters, or the data extraction parameters. A data processor (54) processes the extracted data, and can also control the tuner (30), the demodulator (32) and the data extractor (36).

An emerging distributed work arrangement: an investigation of computer-based supplemental work at home

Abstract: Recent advances in information technology and changes in social and economic relationships have led individual workers and organizations to explore various types of distributed work arrangements. This paper examines a specific type of distributed work arrangement, supplemental work at home. This arrangement refers to full-time employees doing job-related work at home in the evenings and on weekends. Based on a theoretical analysis of supplemental work, data gathered from a 346 computer-owners and 104 nonowners are empirically examined. The results suggest that the amount of time spent on supplemental work is positively related to work self-determination variables flexibility and control, portability of work tasks, the availability of a telecommunications link between the firm and the home, and household income, and negatively related to commuting time and the presence of children at home. The paper discusses the implications of supplemental work for organizational design and the employer-employee relationship, It concludes that compared to other types of work at home, supplemental work is one remote work arrangement that is likely to persist, especially for professionals and managers.

Ergonomic keyboard apparatus

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a standard personal computer includes an alphanumeric key array having a plurality of alphanumeric keys arranged in a generally orthogonal, concave array. A home row of keys defines a reference position for the fingers of the operator. A liner array of function keys is provided and positioned above the reference position and tilted toward the operator. A generally orthogonal array of auxiliary keys is also positioned above the reference position. The array of auxiliary keys is rotated with respect to the reference position to accommodate the natural angle of the thumb of the operator to the index finger. A palm rest is provided for receiving the palm of the operator while the operator is manipulating the plurality of alphanumeric keys. The palm rest is positioned above the reference position defined by the home row so that during operation of the alphanumeric keys, the fingers of the operator extend downward from the palm rest in a natural curved manner.

Speech recognition system having an interface to a host computer bus for direct access to the host memory

Abstract: A signal processing card packaged on a bus of a personal computer has a bus master which is used to access the main memory of the personal computer. A large table of probability values required for speech recognition is held in the main memory. When a label to be processed is generated, only the necessary part of the table is read from the main memory to the memory on the signal processing card by direct memory access transfer to perform speech recognition processing.

Anesthesiologists' management of simulated critical incidents.

Abstract: Human error is believed to contribute to the majority of negative anesthesia outcomes. Because retrospective analysis of critical incidents has several shortcomings and prospective studies are limited by the low frequency of critical incidents, an anesthesia simulator was used to evaluate the management of simulated emergency situations by ten anesthesia residents, ten faculty anesthesiologists, and ten anesthesiologists in private practice in order to identify specific patterns of errors in diagnosis and treatment. The simulator is a computer program that presents the patient, monitors, and management choices in a graphical display on an IBM or compatible personal computer. Many errors were observed in the management of these emergency situations, and even anesthesiologists with years of experience made serious errors. Although all experienced anesthesiologists correctly diagnosed simulated esophageal intubation, two residents misinterpreted the lack of end-tidal carbon dioxide. Only 40% of subjects correctly diagnosed simulated anaphylactic reaction; 27% adequately treated simulated myocardial ischemia; and 30% managed a simulated cardiac arrest according to Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines. Problems with continuous infusions of vasoactive agents were common. Fixation errors or failure to revise a plan in the presence of inconsistent cues were made by 63% of subjects. The subjects that gathered more information during simulated anaphylaxis made the correct diagnosis more often and made fewer treatment errors. The time since the last ACLS training was found to be an important predictor of correct management of simulated cardiac arrest.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Using Neural Networks for Credit Scoring

Abstract: Neural networks offer an alternative to numerical scoring schemes for credit granting and extension decisions. A standard back‐ propagation neural network running on a DOS personal computer is used with 125 credit applicants whose loan outcomes are known. Applicant characteristics are described as input neurons receiving values representing the individuals' demographic and credit information. Three categories of payment history, delinquent, charged‐off, and paid‐off, are used as the networks output neurons to depict the loan outcomes. After training on part of the data, correct classifications were made on 76–80% of the holdout sample.

System for performing remote computer system diagnostic tests

Abstract: A method for performing remote diagnostics on a personal computer system in which the user calls a help desk representative who creates a computerized case file which includes modem telephone numbers, call and computer identification information. The representative also selects specific diagnostic tests, resident on the user's diagnostic disk, to be run on the user's computer. The representative creates a batch job which causes a computer to connect to the user's computer via modem and instructs the user's computer to perform the selected tests. The telephone connection is then broken. The user's computer reconnects with the help desk computer on completion of the tests and reports the result to the help desk representative. The representative then reviews the files and calls the user with recommendations. Certain necessary files can then be downloaded using a similar procedure.

Non-prescription drug medication screening system

Abstract: A system for use in pharmacies which uses customer inputs to assist the customer with the selection of an appropriate non-prescription medication to relieve symptoms of an illness, injury or the like. The system uses an expert system to perform the selection. The system utilizes a personal computer with a keyboard, monitor and disk drive as input/output devices with appropriate programming for prompting a user to input information which is used by a knowledgebase to determine non-prescription medications which may be purchased by the customer to relieve symptoms of injuries and illnesses covered by the knowledgebase. The system operates by prompting a user at typically a customer in a pharmacy to input basic customer information. After the basic customer information has been input the customer is prompted to select one main symptom category from a list displayed and the choice made results in the appropriate knowledgebase being loaded for the next step. The logic of the loaded knowledgebase itself determines which questions are asked of the customer by the display of appropriate questions on the monitor. The output of each knowledgebase on completion of the questions and answers is a list of component medications recommended for use with the symptoms described. The list of component medications generated by the execution of the knowledgebase is used to search a database to find the appropriate product to be recommended.

An integrated approach to forecasting and inventory management of short life cycle products

Abstract: This research is an attempt to provide an integrated framework for forecasting and inventory management of short life cycle products. Short product life cycles are becoming increasingly common in several consumer and industrial goods industries. Management of the marketing and production functions for these products presents significantly different challenges than those for longer lasting products. The timing of decisions and the information available for decision making are both affected by the shortened life cycles. The literature on forecasting and inventory management does not adequately address issues relating to short life cycle products. In the first part of this research we develop growth models that can be used to obtain accurate monthly forecasts for the entire life cycle of the product. The models avoid the limiting data requirements of traditional methods. Instead, they extract relevant information from past product histories and use the information on total life cycle sales and the peak sales timing. Empirical testing, on disguised real life data from a PC Manufacturer, validates these models. Model fit and forecast comparisons with traditional approaches show that the proposed models outperform these approaches. Next, we model the inventory management problem for the short life cycle environment. The uncertainty in demand is modeled through the uncertainty in the realized values of the parameters of the forecasting model. The high cost of terminal inventory, shortages and rapidly changing procurement costs are all included in the model. Extensions to the basic model are also developed. Using optimal control theory, we derive a solution that provides valuable information on procurement cutoff time and terminal service levels. A detailed real life example explains the characteristics of the policy and its relevance in decision making. Many of the issues covered in the models were brought to our attention while implementing a forecasting model at a Personal Computer manufacturer. The benchmark monthly forecasts and the associated inventory levels provide information that can be very helpful in planning and controlling marketing, sales and production. By raising some issues this research also provides useful topics for further research in the area of management of short life cycle products.

Hand-manipulated electronic camera tethered to a personal computer

Abstract: A portable, electronic camera is connectable to a computer for capturing an image and providing the captured image to the computer for storage therewith. The camera ergonomically acts like an independent, self-functioning peripheral device while in actuality depending on instructions from the computer. The camera is remotely linked to the computer, e.g., by a cable, thereby allowing mobility of the camera independent of the computer. The camera includes an electronic image sensor, and circuit for driving the sensor to generate an image signal that is applied to the computer through the remote link. The readiness of the computer to accept an image signal is manifested by operative device in the camera, which condition the camera for image capture in response to a status signal from the computer transmitted through the remote link. In one embodiment, a capture switch is positioned on or with the camera for user engagement, whereby the operative device inhibits actuation of the capture switch until receipt of the status signal. In another embodiment, the operative device energizes an exposure readiness indicator when the status signal is received.

Modular computer system with passive backplane

Abstract: A modular computer chassis with passive backplane is provided for a personal computer system with a plurality of open-ended and vertically or horizontally interconnectable bays, or a single case with bays, for slidably receiving component trays each having a printed double sided bus direction adaptor board with a bus connector at one end and a female bus connector mounted to the top surface for attaching an expansion card parallel to the board. The end bus connector extends through the back wall of the tray to connect to a female bus connector on a passive backplane connector board attached to the back of the chassis. The adaptor board converts the established bus connection between the card and female bus connector 90 degrees to the bus connector at the rear of the tray. A front cover, or individual tray covers, cover the front of the chassis as a locking and security mechanism. The bays connect and hold standard off-the-shelf personal computer components, and additional bays may be added and connected to the system, or used at remote locations, by means of an external cable harness or cable connector which attaches to the backplane board.

A knowledge-based system for assisted ventilation of patients in intensive care units.

Abstract: The procedure for weaning a patient with respiratory insufficiency from mechanical ventilation may be complex and requires expertise obtained by long clinical practice. We designed a knowledge-based system for the management of patients receiving respiratory support and implemented a weaning procedure. The system is intended for patients whose spontaneous respiratory activity is assisted by a Hamilton Veolar ventilator delivering a positive pressure plateau during inspiration (Pressure Support Ventilation mode). Our closed-loop real-time system running on a Personal Computer continuously adapts the assistance provided by the ventilator to the patient's evolution, and indicates when the patient can be withdrawn from the ventilator. Three parameters are used to appreciate the 'respiratory comfort' of the patient: breathing frequency, which we consider the most informative index, tidal volume and end-tidal CO2 pressure. A preliminary study of 19 patients was performed to evaluate the ability of our system to adapt the assistance to the patient's needs, with the main objective of facilitating weaning by gradually lowering the level of assistance. In 10 of these patients, considered as good candidates for weaning on the strength of objective criteria, the system maintained the breathing pattern in a zone of comfort for 95% of the period of assisted ventilation and stated that they were 'weanable'. This was consistent with the clinical evolution of all 10 patients. These results show that such a system can provide effective management for mechanically ventilated patients.

Portable computer display tilt/swivel mechanism

Abstract: A portable computer having a hinge assembly which allows the cover and display screen to be tilted from the base of the portable computer and then swiveled about a vertical axis. One hinge is provided at the rear edge of the base of the portable computer about which the cover both tilts and swivels. The hinge assembly includes stops which limit the amount of tilt and swivel. The cover of the personal computer may be tilted backwards from a closed position to 115° and swiveled 30° from a straight-forward position.

Secure user authentication from personal computer

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating a human user on a personal computer without requiring the user to expose his password or authentication secret to the personal computer of a server. Also a method for protecting a floppy disk with login software from unauthorized use.

Synchronization techniques for multimedia data streams

Abstract: A personal computer based, multimedia, data processing system includes a software solution to the problem of synchronizing two or more data streams which output data to two or more multimedia output devices. One stream is a master and each other stream is a slave. The master stream generates sync pulses that can be handled in two different synchronization methods, master-slave independent synchronization or master-driven slave synchronization. Sync pulses are generated with a predetermined granularity, and synchronization is achieved when a slave stream is out of tolerance. Adaptive resynchronization may be used to speed up or slow down a slave stream.

Remote multiple-user editing system and method

Abstract: The user of any of a plurality of personal computers linked over an analog or digital network is able to edit a file in one of the personal computers. This one personal computer is a personal computer capable of multi-tasking which effectively permits multi-user access to the file. The host personal computer effectively performs polling of the remote personal computers for input to be added to the file or functions to be performed on the file. In the analog configuration, the personal computers use high-speed modems and data compression/decompression techniques.