Showing papers on "Personal computer published in 2001"

Fast and Efficient Algorithms in Computational Electromagnetics

Abstract: From the Publisher: Here's a cutting-edge resource that brings you up-to-date with all the recent advances in computational electromagnetics. You get the most-current information available on the multilevel fast multipole algorithm in both the time and frequency domains, as well as the latest developments in fast algorithms for low frequencies and specialized structures, such as the planar and layered media. These algorithms solve large electromagnetics problems with shorter turn around time, using less computer memory. Complex problems that once required a supercomputer to solve, can now be solved on a workstation or personal computer with the innovative methods taught in this resource. The book introduces you to new advances in the perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary conditions, and offers you a thorough understanding of error analysis of numerical methods, fast-forward and inverse solvers for inverse problems, hybridization in computational electromagnetics, and asymptotic waveform evaluation.

A longitudinal investigation of personal computers in homes: adoption determinants and emerging challenges

Abstract: While technology adoption in the workplace has been studied extensively, drivers of adoption in homes have been largely overlooked. This paper presents the results of a nation-wide, two-wave, longitudinal investigation of the factors driving personal computer (PC) adoption in American homes. The findings revealed that the decisions driving adoption and non-adoption were significantly different. Adopters were driven by utilitarian outcomes, hedonic outcomes (i.e., fun), and social outcomes (i.e., status) from adoption. Non-adopters, on the other hand, were influenced primarily by rapid changes in technology and the consequent fear of obsolescence. A second wave of data collection conducted six months after the initial survey indicated an asymmetrical relationship between intent and behavior, with those who did not intend to adopt a PC following more closely with their intent than those who intended to adopt one. We present important implications for research on adoption of technologies in homes and the workplace, and also discuss challenges facing the PC industry.

Interface apparatus operable by using floppy disk drive with projectable infrared port

Abstract: An interface apparatus is inserted into a floppy disk drive unit so as to establish an infrared data communication between a desk top type personal computer and a digital still camera even when this desk top type personal computer is not equipped with an infrared communication port. This interface apparatus is arranged by employing: a casing unit having an entire shape substantially identical to that of a floppy disk and having a head window portion; a magnetic interface provided in the head window portion of the casing unit,and abutting against a magnetic head of a floppy disk drive so as to transmit/receive data to/from the magnetic head; a projected portion projected from a floppy disk insertion port of the floppy disk drive when the interface apparatus is loaded on the floppy disk drive; an infrared port arranged in the projected portion; an infrared port controller for controlling the infrared port to establish an infrared communication between the infrared port and an external electronic appliance; and a data converting circuit for converting the data used between the external electronic appliance connected via the connection mechanism to the interface apparatus, and the magnetic interface.

Multimedia content delivery system and method

Abstract: A system and method for delivering multimedia content to computers over a computer network, such as the Internet, includes a novel media player which may be downloaded onto a user's personal computer. The media player includes a user interface which allows a listener to search an online database of media selections and build a custom playlist of exactly the music selections desired by the listener. The multimedia content delivery system delivers advertisements which remain visible on a user's computer display screen at all times when the application is open, for example, while music selections are being delivered to the user. The advertisements are displayed in a window which always remains on a topmost level of windows on the user's computer display screen, even if the user is executing one or more other programs with the computer.

Virtual reality-enhanced stroke rehabilitation

Abstract: A personal computer (PC)-based desktop virtual reality (VR) system was developed for rehabilitating hand function in stroke patients. The system uses two input devices, a CyberGlove and a Rutgers Master II-ND (RMII) force feedback glove, allowing user interaction with a virtual environment. This consists of four rehabilitation routines, each designed to exercise one specific parameter of hand movement: range, speed, fractionation or strength. The use of performance-based target levels is designed to increase patient motivation and individualize exercise difficulty to a patient's current state. Pilot clinical trials have been performed using the above system combined with noncomputer tasks, such as pegboard insertion or tracing of 2D patterns. Three chronic stroke patients used this rehabilitation protocol daily for two weeks. Objective measurements showed that each patient showed improvement on most of the hand parameters over the course of the training. Subjective evaluation by the patients was also positive. This technical report focuses on this newly developed technology for VR rehabilitation.

Thematic response to a computer user's context, such as by a wearable personal computer

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating, modifying, categorizing, modeling, distributing, purchasing, selling, and otherwise using themes and theme-related information. Themes can represent various types of contextual aspects or situations, and can model high-level concepts of activities or states not reflected in individual contextual attributes that each model a single aspect of the state of a user, their computing device, the surrounding physical environment, and/or the current cyber-environment. Such themes specify inter-relationships among a set of contextual attributes, and can have associated theme-related information such as theme-specific attributes, theme layouts used to present information and functionality, CSes that provide theme attribute values, and CCs that process theme information. Disclosed techniques can identify one or more themes that currently match the modeled context, select one of the matching themes as a current theme, and provide an appropriate response (e.g., by presenting appropriate information and/or providing appropriate functionality) based on the current theme.

The Hacker Ethic and the Spirit of the Information Age

Abstract: From the Publisher: Nearly a century ago, Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism articulated the animating spirit of the industrial age, the Protestant ethic. Now, Pekka Himanen-together with Linus Torvalds and Manuel Castells-articulates how hackers* represent a new, opposing ethos for the information age. Underlying hackers' technical creations-such as the Internet and the personal computer, which have become symbols of our time-are the hacker values that produced them and that challenge us all. These values promote passionate and freely rhythmed work; the belief that individuals can create great things by joining forces in imaginative ways; and the need to maintain our existing ethical ideals, such as privacy and equality, in our new, increasingly technologized society. The Hacker Ethic takes us on a journey through fundamental questions about life in the information age-a trip of constant surprises, after which our time and our lives can be seen from unexpected perspectives. *In the original meaning of the word, hackers are enthusiastic computer programmers who share their work with others; they are not computer criminals.

The Silicon Valley-Hsinchu Connection: Technical Communities and Industrial Upgrading

Abstract: Silicon Valley in California and the Hsinchu-Taipei region of Taiwan are among the most frequently cited ‘miracles’ of industrialization in the information technology era. Since the region’s transformation from an agricultural valley into the birthplace of the semiconductor industry in the 1950s, Silicon Valley firms have pioneered a wide range of technology-related industries. The regional economy has adapted flexibly to fast changing markets, and local producers continue to define the state-of-the-art in successive generations of technology—from semiconductor equipment, personal and handheld computers, and networking hardware and software, to biotechnology, multimedia software, and internet-related infrastructure and services. Taiwan’s technology achievements are more recent, but no less impressive. The Taipei area, which served as a source of low cost labor for consumer electronics production as late as the 1970s, is known today for the speed and flexibility of its personal computer manufacturers. These firms dominate the markets for a large and growing range of computer-rela ted products, from motherboards and monitors to optical scanners and power supplies. Meanwhile, the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park, established in 1980, is now a state-of-the art manufacturer of semiconductor s, on par with the world market leaders in the US and Japan. Taiwan’s total information technology output is now greater than that of larger nations like Korea; in fact it is larger than the output of Germany and France combined (Anderson 1998.)

Integrated routing/mapping information system

Abstract: An Integrated Routing/Mapping Information System (IRMIS) links desktop personal computer cartographic applications to one or more handheld organizer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or “palmtop” devices. Such devices may be optionally equipped with, or connected to, portable Global Positioning System (GPS) or equivalent position sensing device. Desktop application facilitates user selection of areas, starts, stops, destinations, maps and/or point and/or route information. It optionally includes supplemental online information, preferably for transfer to the PDA or equivalent device. Users' options include route information, area, and route maps. Maps and related route information are configured with differential detail and levels of magnitude. Used in the field, in conjunction with GPS receiver, the PDA device is configured to display directions, text and map formats, the user's current position, heading, speed, elevation, and so forth. Audible signals identifying the next turn along the user's planned route are also provided. The user can pan across maps and zoom between two or more map scales, levels of detail, or magnitudes. The IRMIS also provides for “automatic zooming,” e.g., to show greater detail or closer detail as the user approaches a destination, or to larger scale and lower resolution to show the user's overall planned route between points of interest. The IRMIS also enables the user to mark or record specific locations and/or log actual travel routes, using GPS position information. These annotated location marks and/or “breadcrumb” or GPS log data can be saved, uploaded, displayed, or otherwise processed on the user's desktop geographic information or cartographic system. The IRMIS application and data may be distributed online and/or in tangible media in limited and advanced manipulation formats.

Flashtoaster for Reading Several Types of Flash-Memory Cards, With or Without a PC

Abstract: A flash-memory-card reader reads and writes multiple types of flash-memory cards, including CompactFlash, and the smaller SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick. A converter chip converts the different card signals for transfer to a host personal computer (PC). Serial-to-parallel data conversion is performed for the smaller card formats with serial data interfaces, but not for CompactFlash with a parallel-data interface. A single slot has a 50-pin connector for CompactFlash cards or passive adapters. The passive adapters have the CompactFlash form factor and a smaller connector fitting smaller flash cards. Passive adapters have no components but simply wire the smaller connector to the CompactFlash connector. A pin mapping allows card-type detection by sensing the LSB address pins of the CompactFlash interface. A larger CompactFlash reader has multiple slots for each card type. The reader is connected to the PC by a cable, or located within the PC chassis in a drive bay. A stand-alone reader copies images from the flash-memory card to a removable disk media. Pressing a button initiates image transfer.

The notification collage: posting information to public and personal displays

Abstract: The Notification Collage (NC) is a groupware system where distributed and co-located colleagues comprising a small community post media elements onto a real-time collaborative surface that all members can see. Akin to collages of information found on public bulletin boards, NC randomly places incoming elements onto this surface. People can post assorted media: live video from desktop cameras; editable sticky notes; activity indicator; slide shows displaying a series of digital photos, snapshots of a person's digitial desktop, and Web page thumbnails. User experiences show that NC becomes a rich resource for awareness and collaboration. Community members indicate their presence to others by posting live video. They regularly act on this information by engaging in text and video conversations. Because all people can overhear conversations, these become active opportunities to join in. People also post items they believe will be interesting to others, such as desktop snapshots and vacation photos. Finally, people use NC somewhat differently when it is displayed on a large public screen than when it appears on a personal computer.

Jamming of Granular Flow in a Two-Dimensional Hopper.

Abstract: Granular systems consist of particles which interact among themselves only by interparticle contacts [1‐3]. In nature, many important phenomena such as avalanche, landslide, soil fluidization, and blood flow can be related to three-dimensional (3D) granular flow. On the other hand, two-dimensional (2D) flow phenomena can be found in the baggage flow on conveyer belts, the transport of cans and bottles in factories, and traffic jam in a city. Although there are many theoretical, experimental, and computer simulation studies in granular systems, our basic understanding of the static and dynamical properties of granular systems is far from clear. For example, in the simple problem of granular flow through a hopper, one finds that the flow is jammed after a few particles are discharged when the opening is smaller than a critical value [4]. However, very little is known about how the transition from flowing to jamming occurs. With the advance in experimental techniques and fast electronic computers, studies in laboratory experiments [5] and computer simulations [6] showed that jamming is due to arch formation at the hopper opening. Nevertheless, there is not even a quantitative description of the arch that leads to jamming. In this Letter, we report our studies on the basic mechanism of the jamming process of granular flow in a 2D hopper. We measured the jamming probability as a function of the hopper opening. Our results show that the jamming probability can be understood quantitatively by a simple geometrical model in which the arch that leads to jamming is treated as the trajectory of a restricted self-avoiding random walker. The effects of friction and the hopper angle on the jamming probability are also discussed. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of our experimental setup. We fabricated a 2D hopper with an aluminum base plate. The walls (FP and MP) of this hopper are 4 mm thick aluminum plates each having a cut at the opening of the hopper so that both FP and MP make an angle f with the horizontal direction when the hopper is at the upright position. The hopper angle f can be changed by replacing the walls. The movable wall (MP) is attached to a stepping motor (SM) controlled translation stage (B) such that the hopper opening R can be varied continuously using a stepping motor controller (SMC) through a personal computer (PC). In the hopper, we put 200 monodisperse stainless steel disks of 3 mm thick and D 5 mm in diameter. To observe the disk motion in the hopper, its front plate is made of 2 mm thick transparent Plexiglas. Since MP and FP are 4 mm thick, the disks cannot flip over inside the hopper. The disk surfaces are polished to reduce the friction among the disks and that between the disks and the walls. The hopper is mounted on a vertical rotating stage such that the symmetry axis of the hopper is perpendicular to the axis of the rotation. When the hopper is rotated from the upside down to the upright position, the disks in the hopper will fall down toward the opening. Either all of the disks fall out of the hopper or some disks are left in the hopper due to jamming at the hopper opening. The motion of the disks is captured by a CCD video camera and the video images are taken by a frame grabber (FG) to the same PC that controls R. Image processing software is developed to analyze the captured video and to determine if, in each revolution, the flow in the hopper is jammed or not. Figure 2(a) shows an image of a typical jamming event captured in the experiment. For each opening R, we counted the number of jamming events Na and

Method and apparatus for synchronizing a portable computer system with a desktop computer system

Abstract: A tightly integrated the palmtop computer system and personal computer system is disclosed. The palmtop computer system and personal computer system synchronize with each other to share information. The synchronization software recognizes different synchronization environments including: synchronizing multiple palmtop computer systems with a single personal computer system, synchronizing a single palmtop computer system with multiple personal computer systems, synchronizing a palmtop computer system with a remote personal computer system across a network using a local personal computer system, and remotely synchronizing with a personal computer system across a telephone line. The synchronization software handles each different synchronization environment appropriately with minimal user interaction.

Playback apparatus, playback method, and recording medium

Abstract: Audio data are played back by a personal computer a relationship with a playback process recognized easily. Displays showing the contents of play lists are arranged and displayed so that the contents become continuous in sequence in a playback sequence from content that is currently being played back from a display of an operation element that causes an image of a playback process to appear or from a display showing the content which is currently being played back. When the playback of one piece of content of one play list from among a plurality of play lists is terminated and one piece of content of an other play list is played back, at least the content that is currently being played back and content to be subsequently played back are displayed so that the contents can be distinguished.

Apparatus and method for delivery of advertisement information to mobile units

Abstract: In the present invention, advertisements are transmitted electronically at designated locations, as a substitute for stationary billboards. A network navigation center outputs guide access information GAI to a personal computer of an ad sponsor over the Internet and receives registration of advertisement information ADI for the designated location(s) from the personal computer of the ad sponsor according to the guide access information GAI. In addition, the network navigation center receives current position information API from mobile communication device(s) carried by automobile, via a mobile telephone base station and a public telephone network. Likewise, the network navigation center transmits the advertisement information ADI, based on current position information API, to the mobile communication instrument via the public telephone network and mobile telephone base station.

System and method for synchronization of image data between a handheld device and a computer

Abstract: A system and method providing a conduit (310) between a handheld electronic device (120), such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) and a remote storage unit (110), such as a personal computer (PC) hard drive, allowing a user to transfer images captured by an image capture device (124) attached to the handheld electronic device (120) and synchronize the data between the handheld electronic device (120) and the remote storage unit (110) in a manner that is easy, intuitive and useful, is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment, the conduit (310) of the present invention is a software program that is installed into the standard sync manager (230) of a computer, providing seamless synchronization between a PDA and the computer without the need for user interaction.

Three-dimensional virtual-reality surgical planning and soft-tissue prediction for orthognathic surgery

Abstract: Complex maxillofacial malformations continue to present challenges in analysis and correction beyond modern technology. The purpose of this paper is to present a virtual reality workbench for surgeons to perform virtual orthognathic surgical planning and soft-tissue prediction in three dimensions. A resulting surgical planning system, i.e., three-dimensional virtual reality surgical planning and soft-tissue prediction for orthognathic surgery, consists of four major stages: computed tomography (CT) data post-processing and reconstruction, three-dimensional (3-D) color facial soft-tissue model generation, virtual surgical planning and simulation, soft-tissue-change preoperative prediction. The surgical planning and simulation are based on a 3D CT reconstructed bone model, whereas the soft-tissue prediction is based on color texture-mapped and individualized facial soft-tissue model. Our approach is able to provide a quantitative osteotomy-simulated bone model and prediction of postoperative appearance with photorealistic quality. The prediction appearance can be visualized from any arbitrary viewing point using a low-cost personal computer-based system. This cost-effective solution can be easily adopted in any hospital for daily use.

System, method and apparatus for converting and integrating media files

Abstract: The present invention teaches a digital media file conversion and integration system including a server coupled to the Internet to allow users to download media files to a server the Internet. The system contains devices to screen, compress, and update the media files, devices to break down the media files into low level components, devices to convert one or media files to an intermediate format and then combine the intermediate formats to create an output format, devices to convert output formats to a presentation file, electronic storage to allow third party access to the presentation file through the Internet or email. Presentation files can be created for electronic devices such as portable digital assistants or cellular phones. Users can choose from several output formats. Users can subscribe to the presentation service or pay per use. In an alternate embodiment, users can author digital media files on a personal computer and download the authored file to the presentation conversion system.

Personal videoconferencing system having distributed processing architecture

Abstract: A personal videoconferencing system includes a videoconferencing appliance connected to a personal computer through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or similar connection. The appliance is provided with a video camera and microphone for generating local video and audio streams. The local video and audio streams are compressed by a video and audio encoder residing at the appliance, and the compressed video and audio streams are conveyed to the personal computer over the USB connection. The appliance may be further provided with an audio decoder for decompressing a remote audio stream received by the personal computer through a network interface and conveyed to the appliance via the USB connection. A video decoder, located on the personal computer, is configured to decompress the local video stream (received through the USB connection) as well as a remote video stream received through the network interface. The decompressed video streams are then sent to a monitor for display to a user. The decompressed audio stream may be played either at a loudspeaker coupled to the audio decoder or at the personal computer.

System and method for ordering and delivering media content

Abstract: An Automatic Purchase System (APS) provides a radio broadcast listener with the ability to conveniently purchase media content such as music or speech while listening to the radio. The user can respond to items in the radio broadcast such as advertisements, fund raising drives such as those conducted by public radio, or interactive listener polls during the broadcast. Data such as song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored, can be transmitted using the RBDS/RDS data stream. A reference number representing song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored can also be employed for ease of implementation. This reference number can reside in a lookup table to be accessed by the APS server software on a Data Server located at the broadcast site, a remote site or both for purposes of redundancy. Transmission of purchase requests from a Technology Enabled Radio (TER) is provided via wireless transmission, or by accessing the Internet using a personal computer or through a cellular or wireless phone.

Wireless control device

Abstract: A wireless control device includes a small, lightweight housing worn by an operator, for example on the operator's wrist, and a controlled device, for example a personal computer. Several optical emitters, preferably light emitting diodes operating in the infrared range, and several optical detectors are provided on the housing. At least one x-axis emitter-detector pair operates to detect an x-direction of a pointing motion or gesture, and at least one y-axis emitter-detector pair operates to detect a y-direction of a pointing motion or gesture. This motion can then be used to cause a response in the controlled device. For example, angles of the operator's hand at the wrist can be interpreted to induce motion of a cursor on a computer display. The device may also include a motion sensor, an environmental condition sensor, or a voice recognition sensor, and can also be adapted for gesture recognition and image scanning applications.

Client content management and distribution system

Abstract: A method for distribution to and management of an inventory of digital content in a digital content vending machine, DCVM. The DCVM includes an infrastructure and an inventory in a client on a personal computer, PC. The infrastructure presents a graphical user interface on the client containing a plurality of stores operated by vendors. Customers shop in the stores by viewing information about and selecting assets inventory. One or more master servers are provided to update the infrastructure and inventory.

Effective affective user interface design in games

Abstract: It is proposed that games, which are designed to generate positive affect, are most successful when they facilitate flow (Csikszentmihalyi 1992). Flow is a state of concentration, deep enjoyment, and total absorption in an activity. The study of games, and a resulting understanding of flow in games can inform the design of non-leisure software for positive affect. The paper considers the ways in which computer games contravene Nielsen's guidelines for heuristic evaluation (Nielsen and Molich 1990) and how these contraventions impact on flow. The paper also explores the implications for research that stem from the differences between games played on a personal computer and games played on a dedicated console. This research takes important initial steps towards defining how flow in computer games can inform affective design.

Hand-held computers incorporating reduced area imaging devices

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use with a miniature hand-held computer referred to in the industry as a PDA. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining image processing circuitry. In a second configuration, all of the image processing circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion near the same location. In the first configuration, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal end of a camera module. In a second configuration, the image sensor is remote from the remaining image processing circuitry wherein available space within the PDA is used to house the remaining circuitry. In any of the embodiments, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor. One or more video processing boards can be stacked in a longitudinal fashion with respect to the first board, or the video processing boards may be placed within the housing of the communication device. The PDA includes a miniature LCD-type video view screen which is capable of viewing not only the images taken by the camera module, but also can show incoming video images received from a personal computer connected to a global communications network. The camera module is of such small size that it can be easily stored within the housing of the PDA, and may be attached thereto as by a small retractable cable.

Recalibration of the GASP geobarometer in light of recent garnet and plagioclase activity models and versions of the garnet-biotite geothermometer

Abstract: The garnet-Al silicate-plagioclase (GASP) geobarometer has been recalibrated using four recent garnet activity models, four analogous garnet-biotite temperature models, and two recent plagioclase activity models. A typical sillimanite-bearing sample that formed at about 5.25 kbar, 575 °C shows a possible P range of ~0.7 kbar due to T error, ~1 kbar due to range of garnet activity model, ~0.9 kbar due to range of plagioclase activity model, and ~5.4 kbar due to range of experimental end-member reversals extended by one sigma. Calibrations were further constrained with the kyanite-sillimanite (K-S) phase boundary such that the best fit of 76 pelitic schist samples from 11 localities provides an individual end-member calibration for each of the eight possible combinations of garnet and plagioclase activity models with the appropriate geothermometer. Samples with low grossular or anorthite component were rejected. The end-member calibrations are constrained to pass through the the best-determined portion of the GASP experimental reversals at 1230 °C, 26.6 kbar. These individual end-member calibrations provide self-consistent models that tend to compensate for error in the garnet and plagioclase activity expressions. The models were also tested on a set of 59 samples from the Alps. The recommended calibration is the average garnet activity model and average garnet-biotite T model of Holdaway (2000), the Fuhrman and Lindsley (1988) plagioclase activity model, and H Grs = −6628521, S Grs = 258.76 to combine with the remaining phases in the Berman database to produce the optimum end-member GASP curve. These thermodynamic data are for the GASP geobarometer only. Error is about ±0.8 kbar absolute and about ±0.6 kbar relative. Geological error is the largest component of error in many of these samples. Care should be taken to be sure that analyzed plagioclase and biotite are near analyzed garnet, that the peak- T portions of garnet and plagioclase are selected, that the peak- T Al silicate is determined, and that the T calculated is the most accurate possible. These calibrations represent an improvement over previous published GASP calibrations. These eight models are available for distribution as three programs ( T , P , P - T intersection) for the DOS-based personal computer.

Battery and maintenance service system for power supply device

Abstract: A portable personal computer (2) accesses a service handling server (1) established on the Internet (5) to transmit data from a power supply monitor unit (4). The service handling server (1) checks, by referring to a power supply information database (22), for abnormality data received with a type of a portable personal computer (2) specified, and, when it is not abnormal, sends back an OK answer, but e-mails abnormality handling information when it is abnormal.