Showing papers on "Upload published in 1994"

Network architecture to support recording and playback of real-time video games

Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording and replaying the interaction between a plurality of players of a video game is disclosed. The system of the present invention includes a computer for recording and replaying the interaction between a plurality of players of a video game, the computer comprises: 1) a network interface coupled to a network; 2) client application software executing in the computer, the client application software includes: a) processing logic for saving game information indicative of the interaction between a player of the plurality of players and a video game executing on the computer; b) processing logic for connecting the first computer to a server coupled to the network; and c) processing logic for uploading the game information to a server memory coupled to the server. The computer of the present invention also includes: a) processing logic for downloading the game information from a server memory coupled to the server; and b) processing logic for executing the video game on the computer using the game information in place of input from the player.

Facsimile server system comprising a facsimile server and at least one remote facsimile

Abstract: A facsimile server system which can be utilized similarly to a stand-alone FAX. A remote FAX includes a scanner, a printer and a FAX communication unit. A client delivers document data to a FAX server, and makes a request for FAX transmission/printing. The FAX server expands the document data requested to be transmitted, into image data, and it transfers the image data to the appropriate remote FAX and gives a command for the FAX transmission/printing. When instructed to perform FAX transmission directly by a user, the remote FAX accepts the image of a handwritten document, and it subsequently delivers the image data of the document to the FAX server and makes a request for the FAX transmission. Besides, when the remote FAX has been commanded to scan image data or has received image data as FAX reception, it delivers the scanned image data or the received image data to the FAX server. Then, the FAX server accumulates the image data and offers them to the client in accordance with a retrieval process.

Automatic updating of computer software

Abstract: A system for managing resources, which can take the form of (a) computer-compatible information, such as data files and programs, and (b) non-computer-compatible information, such as data contained on microfiche, and (c) physical objects. The resources are located at geographically diverse sites. The invention contains a descriptive profile for each resource, and allows any user to search all profiles, and to search the profiles according to “fields” (a database term), such as by location of the resources, or by category of the resources. The user can order delivery of a selected resource, and the system causes delivery of the resource to be executed, irrespective of the form (e.g., physical object) of the resource. If a resource takes the form of software, the invention provides a facility for detecting updates to the software, and automatically downloading the undated software to a user's computer.

System and method for direct accessing of remote data

Abstract: A data access client program resides on a local computer and a data access server program resides on a remote computer. The programs are adapted to enable an application program on the local computer to access data stored on the remote computer. The client and server programs are adapted to communicate with one another over a communication link, preferably one employing the Advanced Program to Program Communication (APPC) protocol. The user stores the attributes of remote files to be accessed on a predetermined computer. When the application program on the local computer issues a remote data access request, the data access client program communicates the request to the data access server program. The server is configured to obtain the previously stored file attributes and to access the data requested by the application program based thereon. The server returns the requested information to the client, which in turn provides the information to the application program. The invention is adapted for use with a COBOL application development system and for accessing an individual record of the remote data file, such as during debugging operations in the application development system.

Design of a multimedia storage server

Abstract: This paper examines the requirements for a large multimedia storage system, such as one for a movie-on-demand service. It presents the architecture for a storage system based on these requirements. The paper then presents a scheme for the organization, placement, and retrieval of multimedia data from the server. The data organization and retrieval schemes are analyzed and it is shown that their performance is superior to other schemes found in the literature.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Disk scheduling for multimedia data streams

Abstract: This paper presents a framework for reasoning about the timing correctness of multimedia data streams supported on a shared, serially-reusable server. A real-time scheduling approach is used to guarantee the timing requirements for multimedia applications such as video-on- demand and multimedia presentations. This framework incorporates the use of scheduling models, which are defined as abstractions that can be used to reason about timing correctness on physical resources. The scheduling models in this paper can be applied to multimedia systems which use periodic tasks to retrieve data from a disk. With their use, the multimedia system designer can reason a priori about the throughput, capacity, and schedulability of a system. The models enable the real-time system architect to quickly explore the system design space, to establish and maintain a firm performance baseline, to optimize system configuration parameters, and to explore the impact of new technologies. As an example of the application of this framework a new disk policy called T-scan is developed here. T-scan is applied to a multimedia task set and the analytical results are presented. Additionally, the performance of various disk policies are compared using the framework.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Video game and communications system to be used on an airplane accessible via an onboared distributed processing system.

Abstract: An airline-based video game system includes a multitasking master computer (2), which preferably stores video game and other application programs on its hard disk. The master computer is coupled to a set of airplane zone control computers ADBl to ADBN which also perform conventional cabin management tasks. The zone control computers receive data from the master control computer and couple data to identified seat controlling processing units (SEBs). Each SEB receives data from, and couples data to, a set of unique seat display units which are associated with each seat in the airplane. The system downloads application software to the seat display units from the master computer. After receipt of a downloading request, the master computer responds by setting up an application program transmission for generating the display menu which appears on each SDU. The initial applications program downloading results in a menu display at every passenger seat which initiated a request. The applications program is then coupled to each SDU for display on its liquid crystal display screen. The display menu advantageously permits each passenger to select between various operating modes including: movies, games, shopping, survey forms, language selection, communication/data processing services. Communication or data processing services permit selection of in-flight phone services, word processing services, and facsimile services. If a user opts for video game play, then the available game titles and/or descriptions thereof are displayed. The SDU includes interface processors and associated hardware and software which enable high speed downloading operations to be efficiently performed. The master computer initiates a high speed video game program downloading process to enable the user to play the selected video game.

Storage subsystem in a large multimedia server for high-speed network environments

Abstract: Multimedia information systems are an essential component of several multimedia applications ranging from media entertainment to on-line library systems. However, the bandwidth available on traditional workstation-based I/O systems is not sufficient to be able to support hundreds of multimedia information streams. In this paper, we discuss our approach to built a storage subsystems in a multimedia server which can deliver variable-bit-rate audio/video data streams to several hundred clients simultaneously over a high-speed broadband network. Our approach is to distribute the bandwidth requirement across multiple disks in a disk-array architecture. We address issues of multimedia data layout on this disk subsystem.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Electronic postage scales system and method

Abstract: In an improved postage scales system, soft-selection keys are used for selecting options including shipping service options provided by the system. The soft keys are multi-function, being assigned a function according to previous selections input through the soft keys. A changeable indication of the function of each soft key appears on teh screen in alignment therewith. The system is capable of interfacing and communicating with other devices such as a printer, a remote computer, an optical scanner, an integrated circuit (IC) card, etc. Certain data and code for use in the system can be updated by downloading new data and code from IC cards to the system. A security measure is instituted such that, after an update of the data or code, a system user is required to enter a valid authorization number in order to enable the system. Such a measure is, in part, necessary for deterring unauthorized copying of software of the system onto another similar system.

GRAMS: a distributed multimedia service system

Abstract: This paper is on the design and implementation of GRAMS (Gopher-style Real-time ATM Multimedia Services), a multimedia system designed for a star configuration ATM LAN with the central server providing multimedia services to multiple users in real-time. It is also the initial step towards and the essential part of a distributed multimedia system over larger area networks.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Hypertext-based computer vision teaching packages

Abstract: The World Wide Web Initiative has provided a means for providing hypertext and multimedia based information across the whole INTERNET. Many applications have been developed on such http servers. At Cardiff we have developed a http hypertext based multimedia server, the Cardiff Information Server, using the widely available Mosaic system. The server provides a variety of information ranging from the provision of teaching modules, on- line documentation, timetables for departmental activities to more light hearted hobby interests. One important and novel development to the server has been the development of courseware facilities. This ranges from the provision of on-line lecture notes, exercises and their solutions to more interactive teaching packages. A variety of disciplines have benefitted notably Computer Vision, and Image Processing but also C programming, X Windows, Computer Graphics and Parallel Computing. This paper will address the issues of the implementation of the Computer Vision and Image Processing packages, the advantages gained from using a hypertext based system and also will relate practical experiences of using the packages in a class environment. The paper addresses issues of how best to provide information in such a hypertext based system and how interactive image processing packages can be developed and integrated into courseware. The suite of tools developed facilitates a flexible and powerful courseware package that has proved popular in the classroom and over the Internet. The paper will also detail many future developments we see possible. One of the key points raised in the paper is that Mosaic's hypertext language (html) is extremely powerful and yet relatively straightforward to use. It is also possible to link in Unix calls so that programs and shells can be executed. This provides a powerful suite of utilities that can be exploited to develop many packages.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Improved radial basis function network for visual autonomous road following

Abstract: We have developed a radial basis function network (RBFN) for visual autonomous road following at the University of Maryland Computer Vision Laboratory. Preliminary testing of the RBFN was done using a driving simulator, and the RBFN was then installed on an actual vehicle at Carnegie-Mellon University for testing in an actual road following application. The RBFN had some success, but it experienced some significant problems such as jittery control and driving failure. Several improvements have been made to the original RBFN architecture to overcome these problems, and they are described in this paper.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Access the Internet

Abstract: From the Publisher: Establish your own direct connection with NetCruiser. Insert the enclosed disk, and you're on your way. NetCruiser's tools make it easy to get the most from the whole Internet. Use worldwide e-mail options, browse the World Wide Web, participate in newsgroups, and take part in online chat. Conduct online research, download and upload files, or just make a few new friends. Learn how to run Netscape, Eudora, and other applications with Netcruiser.

Multimedia server for on-demand services

Abstract: A multiple-access server for moving picture information (MAMI) has been developed that allows multiple users to access moving picture information stored in the disk of the server concurrently without interfering with each other. This paper presents the structure of MAMI and the scheduling algorithm used on it.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Enabling and disabling features of a imaging system over a common communication channel

Abstract: of EP0635965A technique for downloading or activating or deactivating selected machine features (Figs 3-8) from a remote central station (157) that is connected to the remote machine (30) by a communication channel (175). Also, the invention includes identifying (Fig.9) features to be downloaded and then activated at a given site and communicating the data relative to the identified features to the remote machine.

CLIENT/SERVER VS. COOPERATIVE PROCESSING Two Downsizing Topologies Compared

Abstract: Cooperative processing is a variant of the client/server architecture. In exchange for a little more work being done on the server, cooperative processing overcomes certain data security and integrity problems associated with distributed client/server tools. Readers are invited to use the self-test to choose the model that bests suits their needs.

Aircraft/mission requirements approach for helmet-mounted display decisions

Abstract: This paper is based upon an effort in support of the Armstrong Laboratory, Helmet Mounted Sensory Technology Advanced Development Program (HMST ADP). That effort produced a report which provided the HMST ADP with information to make informed helmet system development decisions. These would be based upon not only crew, but aircraft and mission requirements. Specifically addressed were the following items (portions of them are discussed within this paper): the background of Helmet Display (HD) research and USAF decisions, current aircraft capabilities that support HDs, HD types, aircraft and HD utility, integration with current and future avionics and weapon systems and some analytical conclusions. This work was to project the potential elements which make up those decisions, such as crew, weapons, sensors, aircraft and missions into four HD option descriptions as representative of the technology for examination. These four are discussed throughout this paper as: austere, semi- austere, helmet-mounted head-up display (HUD) and helmet-mounted display (HMD).© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Dial-up remote access image database

Abstract: In this paper, a prototyping system for dial-up remote access image database is proposed. As a videotex system, the system includes Information Customer, Information Provider, Communication Server, Public Switch Telephone Networks, and a database server containing an image database. Because the color natural image is included in the database, the high resolution visual medium are given and many possible applications can be provided. Currently, a color image with a resolution of 400 by 400 can be accessed in about 25 seconds by using JPEG compression and high-speed modem. The system can be employed on many applications, such as home-shopping, remote education, etc. Also, it can be a pioneer system to provide teleservice in Integrated Serve Digital Network.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Desktop printer for DOE fabrication

Abstract: Computer generated holograms (CGHs) and diffractive optical elements (DOEs) have become increasingly important in lens fabrication, artificial intelligence, optical computing research, and in other applications where diffraction based optical manipulation is required. Research in these areas has been hampered by the lack of an affordable and practical system capable of printing large format, high resolution diffractive optical elements. We describe a new design for a DOE printer, based on a modified step-and-repeat printing method, which reduces these problems.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.