Showing papers on "Personal computer published in 2000"

Machines and Mindlessness: Social Responses to Computers

Abstract: Following Langer (1992), this article reviews a series of experimental studiesthat demonstrate that individuals mindlessly apply social rules and expecta-tions to computers. The first set of studies illustrates how individuals overusehuman social categories, applying gender stereotypes to computers and ethnicallyidentifying with computer agents. The second set demonstrates that people exhibitoverlearned social behaviors such as politeness and reciprocity toward comput-ers.Inthethirdsetofstudies,prematurecognitivecommitmentsaredemonstrated:Aspecialisttelevisionsetisperceivedasprovidingbettercontentthanageneralisttelevision set. A final series of studies demonstrates the depth of social responseswith respect to computer “personality.” Alternative explanations for these find -ings, such as anthropomorphism and intentional social responses, cannot explainthe results. We conclude with an agenda for future research.Computer users approach the personal computer in many different ways.Experienced word processors move smoothly from keyboard to mouse to menu,mixing prose and commands to the computer automatically; the distinctionbetween the hand and the tool blurs (Heidegger, 1977; Winograd & Flores, 1987).Novices cautiously strike each key, fearing that one false move will initiate anuncontrollable series of unwanted events. Game players view computers as

Automobile personal computer systems

Abstract: An automobile personal computer system is provided. A user of the system may wirelessly interact with merchants, communications facilities, information providers, computers at the home or office, and other entities. Such interactions may involve local wireless links and remote wireless links. Wireless communications may involve satellite transmissions, cellular transmissions, short-range wireless transmissions, etc. Products may be purchased using voice commands or by interacting with displays in the automobile. The automobile's location and functions may be monitored and controlled. Location information and other information particular to the user may be used to target promotions to the user. The user may obtain information on the goods or services available at a merchant while driving and may initiate a purchase transaction for those goods or services.

Ultimate physical limits to computation

Abstract: Computers are physical systems: the laws of physics dictate what they can and cannot do. In particular, the speed with which a physical device can process information is limited by its energy and the amount of information that it can process is limited by the number of degrees of freedom it possesses. Here I explore the physical limits of computation as determined by the speed of light c, the quantum scale h and the gravitational constant G. As an example, I put quantitative bounds to the computational power of an 'ultimate laptop' with a mass of one kilogram confined to a volume of one litre.

Physiological signal monitoring system

Abstract: A health monitoring and biofeedback system comprising a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a processing device, and a Web site server for determining, displaying and analyzing various cardiovascular parameters. The PPG sensor is installed within a manually operated user input device such as a mouse or keyboard, measures a user's blood volume contour and transmits it to a processing device such as a personal computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The system determines a plurality of cardiovascular indices including mean blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and arterial compliance on the basis of signal characteristics of the systolic wave pulse and the systolic reflected wave pulse present within the digital volume pulse derived from the PPG pulse contour. Signal characteristics of the systolic reflected wave pulse can be determined through various pulse analysis techniques including derivative analysis of the digital volume pulse signal, bandpass filtering or respiratory matrix frequency extraction techniques. By subtracting the systolic reflected wave pulse contour from the digital volume pulse contour, characteristics of the systolic wave pulse can also be identified. The system also provides for the accurate determination of systolic and diastolic blood pressure by using a non-invasive blood pressure monitor to calibrate the relationships between arterial or digital blood pressure and characteristics of the user's digital volume pulse contour. In this way, a wide variety of cardiovascular and respiratory data can be obtained. The system also facilitates the transmittal of such data to the system web site for further analysis, storage, and retrieval purposes.

Modified Butterworth-Van Dyke circuit for FBAR resonators and automated measurement system

Abstract: Microwave Film Bulk Acoustic Resonators (FBARs) may be characterized by means of the Mason transmission line model, but for parameter extraction and design studies, the lumped Butterworth-Van Dyke (BVD) model is more useful. We propose a modification to the standard five element BVD model, in which a second resistor is added in series with the plate capacitance C/sub 0/. This improves the model predictions as compared to the data obtained from a network analyzer (NWA). Here, the modified model will be developed in terms of the resonant frequencies, effective coupling constant k/sub t//sup 2/, and the quality factor Q, as determined from the S parameters of an FBAR measured by the NWA. To evaluate the FBAR resonators on a routine basis, an automated data acquisition and parameter extraction method based on the Modified Butterworth-Van Dyke model (MBVD) is described. An Agilent Technologies 8753ES NWA operating under Personal Computer control is used to acquire and process FBAR data by means of a custom HPVEE/sup TM/ program, which transfers data from the NWA, and extracts the six MBVD circuit parameters. Excellent agreement is obtained between the measured data for a typical FBAR resonator and calculated "postdictions" obtained from the MBVD circuit. Coupled with the automated method, which takes about 10 seconds per resonator to perform a complete extraction cycle, a computer controlled probing station is used to acquire data from several hundred resonators on the wafer upon which the FBARS were fabricated. With this speed and probing capability, it is feasible to wafer map the FBARs for uniformity. Contour plots of the measured resonant frequency and coupling constant k/sub t//sup 2/ will be presented to illustrate the capability.

System and method for request, delivery and use of multimedia files for audiovisual entertainment in the home environment

Abstract: A personal computer connected to the Internet can receive and store audio and audiovisual data or programming from the Internet This audio and audiovisual programming can be provided by the computer over a digital connection to speakers and/or a monitor located away from the computer at a location convenient for a user A remote control unit allows the user to send signals back over the digital connection to the computer to control the computer to provide the audio or audiovisual programming that the user desires over the digital connection to the speakers and/or monitor located where the user is The computer may send a listing of the available programming to the remote control unit from which the user can make selections

System and method for gesture recognition in three dimensions using stereo imaging and color vision

Abstract: A system and method for recognizing gestures. The method comprises obtaining image data and determining a hand pose estimation. A frontal view of a hand is then produced. The hand is then isolated the background. The resulting image is then classified as a type of gesture. In one embodiment, determining a hand pose estimation comprises performing background subtraction and computing a hand pose estimation based on an arm orientation determination. In another embodiment, a frontal view of a hand is then produced by performing perspective unwarping and scaling. The system that implements the method may be a personal computer with a stereo camera coupled thereto.

Interoperable full-featured web-based and client-side e-mail system

Abstract: A full-featured e-mail system is used in both Internet-based and client-side (personal computer) forms. In each form, either basic e-mail service is provided to system subscribers or a secure, premium service with authentication, concealment, integrity, and non-repudiation functions for electronic messaging services is provided. In either form and at either level of service, subscribers can work off-line on their own computers with proprietary software loaded or, alternatively, on-line on any computer with an Internet connection. The system is interoperable, to preserve security, with all S/MIME compliant software applications, even for those users not subscribing to a service implementing the disclosed sytem. Digital certificates can be provided as a security service of the disclosed system, rather than requiring a second source with separate verification procedures.

System and method for storing and using information associated with geographic locations of interest to a mobile user

Abstract: A system (10) for storing and using information associated with geographic locations of interest to a mobile user comprises a mobile apparatus (100) and a remote apparatus (200). The mobile apparatus accepts and transmits information associated with a mobile user's geographic position. The remote apparatus (200) receives the transmitted information, stores the information along with data indicative of the position and time as a waypoint, and allows the user to retrieve and manipulate waypoints. The system is preferably realized as a vehicle information system (20) that allows a vehicle user to store waypoints descriptive of different locations encountered during travel. Each waypoint includes the geographic position of its corresponding location, the time, and may include appended information such as a voice message or a picture. The waypoints are stored in a remote server accessible from both the vehicle and an auxiliary apparatus such as a standard telephone (310) or a personal computer (330). After retrieving a stored waypoint, the user has a number of options, such as receiving navigation instructions, modifying the information associated with the waypoint, and sharing the waypoint with a third party. A method (600) efficiently implements the aforementioned functions and other convenient features.

Purchase and delivery of digital content using multiple devices and data networks

Abstract: A system that facilitates the purchase and delivery of audio and video content (e.g., entertainment media) over the Internet is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed system allows a user who hears or sees an audio or video broadcast to use a cell phone or other wireless device to order the broadcast material, and have it remotely delivered to an independent device (e.g., the user's personal computer) without further user intervention. Thus, the system allows the user to order the desired content using a wireless device that the user will often have in his or her possession when he or she hears or sees the desired content, but to have the content delivered to a second remote device.

System and method for use of distributed electronic wallets

Abstract: Methods and systems whereby two electronic wallets communicate and exchange information. In one such system, a consumer's personal electronic wallet communicates with the exclusive or preferred wallet of a web merchant. In one such system, an internet consumer registers with a web merchant's exclusive or preferred electronic wallet (“merchant wallet”) and provides consumer information (e.g., credit card number, mailing address, and other information) to the merchant wallet, which is stored by the merchant wallet in a database on the merchant server. Such information may be automatically populated by the consumer's personal electronic wallet. The consumer maintains current consumer information in a consumer electronic wallet on the consumer's personal computer. When the consumer visits the merchant site again, and orders goods or services, the merchant's preferred wallet can be automatically updated by the consumer's electronic wallet if any of the data in the merchant's wallet has changed. For example, the consumer wallet examines the information in the merchant wallet to determine if the information in the merchant wallet conforms to the current information in the consumer wallet. If the information does not conform, the consumer wallet communicates the current consumer information to the merchant wallet.

Investigation of variance reduction techniques for Monte Carlo photon dose calculation using XVMC.

Abstract: Several variance reduction techniques, such as photon splitting, electron history repetition, Russian roulette and the use of quasi-random numbers are investigated and shown to significantly improve the efficiency of the recently developed XVMC Monte Carlo code for photon beams in radiation therapy. It is demonstrated that it is possible to further improve the efficiency by optimizing transpon parameters such as electron energy cut-off, maximum electron energy step size, photon energy cut-off and a cut-off for kerma approximation, without loss of calculation accuracy. These methods increase the efficiency by a factor of up to 10 compared with the initial XVMC ray-tracing technique or a factor of 50 to 80 compared with EGS4/PRESTA. Therefore, a common treatment plan (6 MV photons, 10 x 10 cm2 field size, 5 mm voxel resolution, 1% statistical uncertainty) can be calculated within 7 min using a single CPU 500 MHz personal computer. If the requirement on the statistical uncertainty is relaxed to 2%, the calculation time will be less than 2 min. In addition, a technique is presented which allows for the quantitative comparison of Monte Carlo calculated dose distributions and the separation of systematic and statistical errors. Employing this technique it is shown that XVMC calculations agree with EGSnrc on a sub-per cent level for simulations in the energy and material range of interest for radiation therapy.

Personal dGPS golf course cartographer, navigator and internet web site with map exchange and tutor

Abstract: A personal owned palm-held device consisting of software executed on a palm-held personal computer (PC) saddled into and connected directly to a dGPS receiver such that an individual golf player may map a golf course by traversing its attributes, displaying said map and collecting golf play data for any golf course. In addition, the ability to upload and download golf course maps to an Internet web site shall reduce the need for subsequent users to repeat the effort of mapping the same course more than once. Also, downloadable courses will facilitate the use of the palm-held PC by users that do not have a dGPS attachment. When used without a dGPS attachment, ball locations will be determined manually by estimating the ball location with reference to visual salient course attributes.

Electronic translator for assisting communications

Abstract: An electronic translator translates input speech into multiple streams of data that are simultaneously delivered to the user, such as a hearing impaired individual. Preferably, the data is delivered in audible, visual and text formats. These multiple data streams are delivered to the hearing-impaired individual in a synchronized fashion, thereby creating a cognitive response. Preferably, the system of the present invention converts the input speech to a text format, and then translates the text to any of three other forms, including sign language, animation and computer generated speech. The sign language and animation translations are preferably implemented by using the medium of digital movies in which videos of a person signing words, phrase and finger spelled words, and of animations corresponding to the words, are selectively accessed from databases and displayed. Additionally the received speech is converted to computer-generated speech for input to various hearing enhancement devices used by the deaf or hearing-impaired, such as cochlear implants and hearing aids, or other output devices such as speakers, etc. The data streams are synchronized utilizing a high-speed personal computer to facilitate sufficiently fast processing that the text, video signing and audible streams can be generated simultaneously in real time. Once synchronized the data streams are presented to the subject concurrently in a method that allows the process of mental comprehension to occur. The electronic translator can also be interfaced to other communications devices, such as telephones. Preferably, the hearing-impaired person is also able to use the system's keyboard or mouse to converse or respond.

System and method employing led light sources for a projection display

Abstract: In a single path multimedia projector (30), the light emitted from blue, green, and red generally monochromatic LEDs (72) is propagated through optical fibers (76) and then integrated through an optical integrator (40). A display controller (56) receives image data from a personal computer (58) and converts the data to color frame sequential data delivered to a common display device (44). The controller (56) synchronizes the data with ON/OFF signals conveyed to an LED power supply (34). The electronically synchronized frame sequential information is cycled faster and more accurately than achievable with a color wheel system (10). In a multiple path projector (120), the light from LEDs (72) can be ON continuously, propagated along separate optical paths (36), and integrated through an integrator (40). The color frame sequential data is delivered to controller-synchronized, separate display devices (44). The output is coupled into a combiner (122) to form a composite image.

Method and apparatus for facilitating physiological coherence and autonomic balance

Abstract: The invention is a method, and apparatus for determining the state of entrainment between biological systems which exhibit oscillatory behavior such as heart rhythms, respiration, blood pressure waves, low frequency brain waves, based on a determination of heart rate variability (HRV), and an evaluation of the power spectrum thereof. Entrainment reflects a harmonious balance between the two branches of the autonomous nervous system within the body. This internal state of heightened physiological efficiency enhances health, and promotes optimal performance. According to one embodiment, a method is used to determine the entrainment level based on an entrainment parameter related to HRV. The method first determines the power distribution spectrum (PSD), and then calculates an entrainment parameter (EP), which is a measure of the power distribution in the HRV spectrum. In one embodiment, an apparatus (12) is provided for monitoring the heart beat, and presenting this information via a personal computer (14), handheld device, or other processing means.

Remote data access and management system utilizing handwriting input

Abstract: A spreadsheet and a browser on a portable computer accept data from an input recognizer, including a non-cursive handwriting recognizer or a speech recognizer and communicate data directly with another computer or over the Internet using wireless media such as radio and infrared frequencies or over a landline. The computer is endowed with a plurality of built-in or snap-on expansion accessories to enhance the data capture capability as well as the ease of reading data from the limited screen of the present invention. These accessories include a camera, a scanner, a voice recorder or voice capture unit, and a remote large screen television. The camera and scanner allows visual data to be capture, the voice recorder allows the user to make quick verbal annotations into a solid state memory to minimize the main memory requirements, while the voice capture unit allows the voice to be captured into memory for subsequent transmission over the Internet or for voice recognition purposes. The spreadsheet or database receives data from the Internet or from the accessories and further can graph or manipulate the data entered into the spreadsheet as necessary. Furthermore, the database has a smart search engine interface which performs fuzzy search such that inexact queries can still result in matches. The smart search engine thus allows users to locate information even though the exact spelling or concept is not known. To minimize user's work in locating information to analyze, the spreadsheet and database can spawn and train an intelligent agent to capture data from a suitable remote source such as the Internet and transmit the data to the spreadsheet or browser for further analysis. Alternatively, the user can capture data directly by scanning or dictating the information into the spreadsheet or browser. In another aspect of the invention, a pan and zoom capability is provided to provide the user with an appropriately scaled view of the data for ease of reading. Alternatively, when the portable computer is within range of a larger display device such as an appropriately equipped television display or a personal computer with a larger display, the present invention's wireless link transmits the video information to the larger display to allow the user to view data the larger display unit. Similarly, the present invention provides a remote stereo receiver adapted to receive sound data stream from the portable computer and driving high quality speakers to support multimedia applications on the portable computer.

USB cable and method for charging battery of external apparatus by using USB cable

Abstract: A USB cable according to the present invention has a USB connector connected with a USB port of a PC (Personal Computer), a phone connector connected with a connector of an external connector such as a mobile phone, a control unit, which is situated between the USB connector and the phone connector, for charging a battery of the mobile phone by using power supplied from the USB port of the PC and for transmitting and receiving data with the PC and the mobile phone, and a cable for connecting the USB connector and the phone connector with the control unit respectively.

Method and apparatus for the generation of computer graphic representations of individuals

Abstract: Apparatus for generating computer models of individuals is provided comprising a booth 11) that is connected to a server (2) via the Internet (3). Image data of an individual is captured using the booth (1) and a computer model corresponding to the individual is then generated by comparing the captured image data relative to a stored generic model. Data representative of a generated model is then transmitted to the server (2) where it is stored. Stored data can then be retrieved via the Internet using a personal computer (4) having application software stored therein. The application software on the personal computer (4) can then utilise the data to create graphic representations of an individual in any one of a number of poses.

Physiological state measuring device and relaxation guidance device

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/JP97/03108 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 4, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 4, 1998 PCT Filed Sep. 4, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO98/10699 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 19, 1998Devices are known for measuring a subject's respiratory rate based on the subject's pulse wave or level of electrocardiogram. When the subject is exercising or carrying out daily activities, however, an electromyogram becomes imposed on the cardiogram waveform, so that a body motion component is superimposed on the pulse wave. This leads to an incorrect measured result. To overcome this drawback, a portable portion in the form of a wristwatch worn by the subject and a personal computer comprising device main body 330 are provided. A photoelectric pulse wave sensor is attached to the base of the subject's finger, and the pulse waveform is measured. An acceleration sensor is provided to the portable portion, and employed to detect the subject's body motion spectrum. Device main body 330 performs a window function on the pulse wave, and removes the acceleration component, so that the body motion spectrum is removed from the frequency spectrum of the pulse wave. Using the obtained result, the respiratory rate and change rate of the respiratory rate are generated.

Development of a Comprehensive Modal Emissions Model

Abstract: In August 1995, the College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) at the University of California-Riverside along with researchers from the University of Michigan and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, began a four-year research project to develop a Comprehensive Modal Emissions Model (CMEM), sponsored by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP, Project 25-11). The overall objective of the research project was to develop and verify a modal emissions model that accurately reflects Light-Duty Vehicle (LDV, i.e., cars and small trucks) emissions produced as a function of the vehicle's operating mode. The model is comprehensive in the sense that it is able to predict emissions for a wide variety of LDVs in various states of condition (e.g., properly functioning, deteriorated, malfunctioning). The model is now complete and capable of predicting second-by-second tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption for a wide range of vehicle/technology categories. In creating CMEM, over 350 vehicles were extensively tested on a chassis dynamometer, where second-by-second measurements were made of both engine-out and tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. CMEM itself runs on a personal computer or on a UNIX workstation. The model and the emissions database are both available on a CD.

Bluetooth-a new low-power radio interface providing short-range connectivity

Abstract: In the past decades, progress in microelectronics and VLSI technology has fostered the widespread use of computing and communication applications in portable electronic devices. In this paper, we review the Bluetooth technology, a new universal radio interface enabling electronic devices to connect and communicate wirelessly via short-range connections. Motivations for the air interface design and radio requirement decisions are discussed. Frequency hopping, interference resistance, and the concepts of ad hoc connectivity and scatternets are explained in detail. Furthermore, Bluetooth characteristics enabling low-cost single-chip implementations and supporting low power consumption are discussed.

Rapid and effective correction of RF inhomogeneity for high field magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract: The well-known variability in the distribution of high frequency electromagnetic fields in the human body causes problems in the analysis of structural information in high field magnetic resonance images. We describe a method of compensating for the purely intensity-based effects. In our simple and rapid correction algorithm, we first use statistical means to determine the background image noise level and the edges of the image features. We next populate all "noise" pixels with the mean signal intensity of the image features. These data are then smoothed by convolution with a gaussian filter using Fourier methods. Finally, the original data that are above the noise level are normalized to the smoothed images, thereby eliminating the lowest spatial frequencies in the final, corrected data. Processing of a 124 slice, 256 x 256 volume dataset requires under 70 sec on a laptop personal computer. Overall, the method is less prone to artifacts from edges or from sensitivity to absolute head position than are other correction techniques. Following intensity correction, the images demonstrated obvious qualitative improvement and, when subjected to automated segmentation tools, the accuracy of segmentation improved, in one example, from 35.3% to 84.7% correct, as compared to a manually-constructed gold standard.

System and method for remote roulette and other game play using game table at a casino

Abstract: A system and method for playing a table type game such as roulette or dice in an interactive manner at a site remote from the actual casino table in which a camera follows a game that is being played at a table in a casino and a microphone can also pick up the sound of the players at the table and the game play. Terminals at various locations in the casino remote from the table, or various devices such as a personal computer at other remote locations, receive the video display of the game play and the players, as well as game results and game betting status signals from a distribution device that can be closed circuit, wireless satellite or Internet. The remote terminal or device displays a picture (video) of the actual casino table where the game is being played and also contains its own computer (microprocessor) that has various functions which include the generation and display of an electronic representation of a table betting grid. The player at a terminal uses a touch type keypad or at a remote device uses a mouse to electronically places a bet. The remote terminal or device microprocessor is programmed with the required information of odds to pay off when the player makes a winning bet. The terminal or device maintains a running status of the player's account.

Electronic pet system, network system, robot, and storage medium

Abstract: A virtual electronic pet and a pet-type robot that changes emotional state and instinct state according to surrounding information and internal information. The electronic pet behaves according to the emotional state and the instinct state. Transmission/reception of the internal state of the electronic pet (pet characteristic information) is made possible among the virtual electronic pet, the pet-type robot, and a personal computer. Thus, the action of the electronic pet is implemented by each device in accordance with the internal state of the electronic pet affected by other equipment.

Refining and Extending the Business Model With Information Technology: Dell Computer Corporation

Abstract: The exceptional performance of Dell Computer in recent years illustrates an innovative response to a fundamental competitive factor in the personal computer industry - the value of time. This article shows how Dell's strategies of direct sales and build-to-order production have proven successful in minimizing inventory and bringing new products to market quickly, enabling it to increase market share and achieve high returns on investment. The Dell case illustrates how one business model may have inherent advantages under particular market conditions, but it also shows the importance of execution in exploiting those advantages. In particular, Dell's use of information technology (IT) has been vital to executing both elements of its business model - direct sales and build-to-order - and provides valuable insights into how IT can be applied to achieve speed and flexibility in an industry in which time is critical. Many of the insights gained from this case can be applied more generally to other time-dependen...

Telecosm: How Infinite Bandwidth Will Revolutionize Our World

Abstract: The computer age is over. After a cataclysmic global run of thirty years, it has given birth to the age of the telecosm -- the world enabled and defined by new communications technology. Chips and software will continue to make great contributions to our lives, but the action is elsewhere. To seek the key to great wealth and to understand the bewildering ways that high tech is restructuring our lives, look not to chip speed but to communication power, or bandwidth. Bandwidth is exploding, and its abundance is the most important social and economic fact of our time. George Gilder is one of the great technological visionaries, and the man who put the 's' in 'telecosm' (Telephony magazine). He is equally famous for understanding and predicting the nuts and bolts of complex technologies, and for putting it all together in a soaring view of why things change, and what it means for our daily lives. His track record of futurist predictions is one of the best, often proving to be right even when initially opposed by mighty corporations and governments. He foresaw the power of fiber and wireless optics, the decline of the telephone regime, and the explosion of handheld computers, among many trends. His list of favored companies outpaced even the soaring Nasdaq in 1999 by more than double. His long-awaited Telecosm is a bible of the new age of communications. Equal parts science story, business history, social analysis, and prediction, it is the one book you need to make sense of the titanic changes underway in our lives. Whether you surf the net constantly or not at all, whether you live on your cell phone or hate it for its invasion of private life, you need this book. Ithas been less than two decades since the introduction of the IBM personal computer, and yet the enormous changes wrought in our lives by the computer will pale beside the changes of the telecosm. Gilder explains why computers will empty out, with their components migrating to the net; why hundreds of low-flying satellites will enable hand-held computers and communicators to become ubiquitous; why television will die; why newspapers and magazines will revive; why advertising will become less obnoxious; and why companies will never be able to waste your time again. Along the way you will meet the movers and shakers who have made the telecosm possible. From Charles Townes and Gordon Gould, who invented the laser, to the story of JDS Uniphase, the Intel of the Telecosm, to the birthing of fiberless optics pioneer TeraBeam, here are the inventors and entrepreneurs who will be hailed as the next Edison or Gates. From hardware to software to chips to storage, here are the technologies that will soon be as basic as the air we breathe.