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.

Three-dimensional (3D) and 4D color Doppler fetal echocardiography using spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC)

Abstract: Objective Color Doppler echocardiography is used to visualize three transverse planes: the four-chamber, five-chamber, and three vessels and trachea views. Color Doppler spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) is a new three-dimensional (3D) technique allowing the acquisition of a volume of data from the fetal heart that is displayed as a cineloop of a single cardiac cycle. The aim of the study was to examine the potential of color Doppler STIC to evaluate normal and abnormal fetal hearts. Methods This prospective study included 35 normal fetuses and 27 fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHD) examined between 18 and 35 weeks of gestation. Volume acquisition was achieved by initiating the image capture sequence from the transverse four-chamber view. Volumes were stored for later offline evaluation using a personal computer-based workstation in a multiplanar mode and as spatial volume rendering. Results Successful acquisition was possible in all 62 cases. The three planes could be demonstrated in 31/35 healthy fetuses and in 24/27 fetuses with CHD. Spatial volume rendering was attempted in 18 fetuses with CHD. In the four normal fetuses with inadequate visualization using color Doppler STIC, the region of interest was perpendicular to the ultrasound beam. In two fetuses with CHD inadequate visualization was related to an enlarged heart in late gestation, in which the entire cardiac volume could not be acquired. The third case was an 18-week fetus with complex CHD and transposed great vessels in which artifacts were related to confluent color signals as a result of low resolution in the reconstructed plane. Conclusions STIC in combination with color Doppler ultrasound is a promising new tool for multiplanar and 3D/4D rendering of the fetal heart. Limitations may be found later in gestation in fetuses with large hearts and early in gestation as a result of low discrimination of signals. In addition, insonation perpendicular to the structure of interest does not image color Doppler signals and should be avoided during acquisition. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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

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

Interactive system and method for surveying and targeting customers

Abstract: An interactive, customer-accessible data processing system embodied in a programmed personal computer that induces customers of a restaurant, store or other business to enter information about themselves into the system. The information, which may include names, addresses, dates and answers to survey questions, is entered into data fields displayed on a display screen. The system enables a business to generate promotional messages tailored to customers based on the customer-entered information. For example, a business can readily generate birthday offer letters to customers based on their name, address, and birth date simply by selecting an option provided by the system. To induce customers to enter the necessary information, the system flashes an incentive message on the computer display screen. The message may offer to enter a customer into a drawing or other contest in return for the customer entering the necessary information into the system.

EMG signal classification for human computer interaction: a review

Abstract: With the ever increasing role of computerized machines in society, Human Computer Interaction (HCI) system has become an increasingly important part of our daily lives. HCI determines the effective utilization of the available information flow of the computing, communication, and display technologies. In recent years, there has been a tremendous interest in introducing intuitive interfaces that can recognize the user's body movements and translate them into machine commands. For the neural linkage with computers, various biomedical signals (biosignals) can be used, which can be acquired from a specialized tissue, organ, or cell system like the nervous system. Examples include Electro-Encephalogram (EEG), Electrooculogram (EOG), and Electromyogram (EMG). Such approaches are extremely valuable to physically disabled persons. Many attempts have been made to use EMG signal from gesture for developing HCI. EMG signal processing and controller work is currently proceeding in various direction including the development of continuous EMG signal classification for graphical controller, that enables the physically disabled to use word processing programs and other personal computer software, internet. It also enable manipulation of robotic devices, prosthesis limb, I/O for virtual reality games, physical exercise equipments etc. Most of the developmental area is based on pattern recognition using neural networks. The EMG controller can be programmed to perform gesture recognition based on signal analysis of groups of muscles action potential. This review paper is to discuss the various methodologies and algorithms used for EMG signal classification for the purpose of interpreting the EMG signal into computer command.

Digital McLuhan: A Guide to the Information Millennium

Abstract: Marshall McLuhan died on the last day of 1980, on the doorstep of the personal computer revolution. Yet McLuhan's ideas anticipated a world of media in motion, and its impact on our lives on the dawn of the new millennium. Paul Levinson examines why McLuhan's theories about media are more important to us today than when they were first written, and why the Wired generation is now turning to McLuhan's work to understand the global village in the digital age.