Personal computer

About: Personal computer is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 58809 publications have been published within this topic receiving 800814 citations. The topic is also known as: PC.

High-speed reproduction facility for audio programs

Abstract: Method and apparatus for high-speed reproduction of a customized group of audio programs on a slave medium enables the reproduction of musical recordings at a point-of-sale terminal. Master programs are prerecorded by a Dolby ADM (adaptive delta modulated) technique to condense their "information" content and permit higher data throughput during high-speed reproduction. In a "premastering" process to make encoded masters, a special multiplexer board provides interfacing between Dolby ADM digital audio data and a conventional data processing system. The multiplexer board performs computer-like data blocking and also writes a unique sync code directly in the data block. The data processing system also catalogs and edits the blocked digital audio; places encrypted catalog, pricing, and other indicia in the data file representing the music; and sends the data file to a conventional 16-bit PCM file writer for making encoded CD music ROMS which contain the ADM data representing the encoded audio program. A high-speed reproduction device, under control of a desk top personal computer, extracts timing and ADM data from the CD music ROM at high speed and controls high-speed tape drives to compile selected recordings on a single cassette tape in a form compatible with Dolby B noise reduction.

Video conferencing with adaptive client-controlled resource utilization

Abstract: Techniques to dynamically control the allocation of resources between audio and video (and perhaps data) streams of a video conference are disclosed. By providing the dynamic control, a participant to a video conference is able to alter the quality levels for the audio and video (and perhaps data) streams that they receive while the video conference is ongoing. A tool bar, window or the like can be used to enable a participant to dynamically control the quality levels. The techniques are particularly well suited for personal computer based video conferencing.

Digital Technology Use Among Individuals with Schizophrenia: Results of an Online Survey

Abstract: Background: Despite growing interest in the use of digital technology by individuals with schizophrenia, little is known about how these individual relate to, own, and use technology in their daily life and in the context of their symptoms. Objective: The goal of this study is to better characterize technology use in those with schizophrenia. Methods: A Web-based survey of individuals’ use of and attitudes toward technology for those 18 years and older self-identifying as having schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophrenia spectrum disorders was conducted. Consumer input was sought in the design of the survey. Results: In total, 457 individuals responded to this Web-based survey. Ninety percent owned more than one device (personal computer, landline telephone, tablet, public computer, mobile phone without applications or Internet, or smartphone), with many reporting high utilization of multiple devices, and 61% having 2 devices. The respondents reported that Web-based technology helped with support from family and friends, as well as in gathering information. Many respondents used Web-based technology to help identify coping strategies (24% very often or often) including music to help block or manage voices (42%), while others used technology to set alarms/reminders for medication management (28%). Younger respondents in particular anticipated the role of technology growing over time with respect to their recovery. Conclusions: Survey respondents reported that technology access was common, with utilization involving coping, reminders for medications and appointments, and connection. Overall, attitudes were largely positive. Overuse was a concern for 30% of respondents. The study is limited in its generalizability as the population was highly engaged in mental health treatment (87%), self-identified as living with the disorder, and had awareness of their illness. This survey demonstrates high engagement for a subset of technology-oriented individuals living with schizophrenia. It is not known what percent of individuals with schizophrenia are represented by these technology-oriented survey respondents.

Universal remote TV mouse

Abstract: Componentry is added to a conventional universal remote device to enable it to cooperate with a set to beacon to position a cursor or arrow on a television or other display screen and to allow the remote control to perform the functions of a conventional personal computer “mouse” in connection with the cursor, such as, for example, “clicking” on icons on the screen. A wide angle sensor and a stepped beacon pulse are used to increase range of the device, and the beacon pulse sent to the infrared sensor is automatically disabled upon detection of activity on the universal remote section.

Personalizing electronic devices and smart covering

Abstract: An electronic device such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a palm sized personal computer, a media player or a game console, Is provided with an interchangeable covering (220) having a visual representation of a theme, and an electronic component (223) embedded therein having data and/or programming instructions for non-visual representation of the theme. Additionally, a coupler (222), such as a contact or a contactless, facilitates exchange of the data and/or programming instructions between the electronic device and the electronic component (223) embedded within the interchangeable covering (220). The exchanged data personalizes the electronic devices to the predetermined theme. As a result, personalization of electronic devices to a theme may be accomplished more efficiently.