Molecular electronics: the first steps towards a new technology

Limitations of classical semiconductor physics motivate the study of information storage and information transfer in molecular structures. Fundamental aspects for the construction of possible future molecular electronic devices are discussed and elementary excitations which can serve as molecular information carriers are studied.     

Model-integrated mechatronics - toward a new paradigm in the development of manufacturing systems

The traditional approach for the development of manufacturing systems considers the constituent parts of the system, i.e., mechanical, electronic, and software, to be developed independently and then integrated to form the final system. This approach is being criticized as inappropriate for the complexity and the dynamics of today's systems. This paper proposes an architecture that promotes model integration not only for implementation space artifacts but also in artifacts of the early analysis and design phases of the development process. The proposed architecture, which promotes reuse and significantly decreases development and validation time, is at the heart of a new paradigm called model-integrated mechatronics (MIM). MIM applies domain-specific modeling languages for the concurrent engineering of mechanical, electronic and software components of mechatronic systems. It simplifies the integrated development process of manufacturing systems by using as basic construct the mechatronic component. The MIM paradigm was utilized to define "Archimedes," a system platform that supports the engineer through a methodology, a framework, and a set of tools to automate the development process of agile mechatronic manufacturing systems.     

一种新型的核电站主控室人机交互过程跟踪系统

人机交互过程跟踪系统是利用监控服务器、鼠标跟踪终端、视频矩阵切换、交换机、高清解码器构建的一套独立的网络系统,该网络系统在能够控制DCS画面信号自由切换的基础上又能够与DCS系统网络实现物理隔离,即保证了网络安全,又提高了主控室工作人员对人机交互活动的监护效率,减少人因误操作,同时,视频存档功能也使得操纵员的人机交互过...     

Self-assembly for microscale and nanoscale packaging: steps toward self-packaging

The packaging of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoscale devices constitutes an important area of research and development that is vital to the commercialization of such devices. Packaging needs of these devices include interfaces to nonelectronic domains; integration of structures, devices, and subsystems made with incompatible fabrication processes into a single platform; and the ability to handle a very large numbers of parts. Although serial, robotic assembly methods such as pick-and-place have allowed significant manufacturing feats, self-assembly is an attractive option to tackle packaging issues as the size of individual parts decreases below 300 /spl mu/m. In this paper, we review advances made in the usage of self-assembly for packaging and potential directions that growth in this area can assume. In the micrometer scale, we review the use of capillary forces, gravity, shape recognition, and electric fields to guide two- and three-dimensional self-assembly processes. In the nanoscale, we survey the usage of self-assembled molecular monolayers to solve current packaging issues, DNA hybridization for guiding self-assembly processes of nanoscale devices, and methods used to package nanowires or nanotubes into electronic circuits. We conclude with an example of a nanoscale biosensor which directly incorporates the concept of its package into its fabrication process. Even though the idea of a fully self-packaging system has not been demonstrated to date, the body of work reviewed and discussed here presents a solid foundation for the pursuit of this goal.     

面向任务的空基信息系统用户化人机交互设计

根据任务目标要求和执行过程,用户化定制空基信息系统人机交互界面和操作流程,使得系统人机交互功能更贴近于用户业务需求,更有效地协助用户实现其任务目标。具体方法是,以任务执行过程为主线,按照信息的获取、加工、存储、应用、分发等处理流程将任务分解为多个子任务,并以此为参照,将空基信息系统细化分解为多个子系统,然后根据各个子系统的操作要求定义系统操作员席位职责。一方面,面向任务目标要求和执行过程的系统功能分解方法确保了用户需求的落实;另一方面,多用户并行处理模式简化了用户操作视图,增强了系统的易用性和人机交互效率。该方法不仅可以在新系统研制过程中发挥良好作用,还可以在已有系统改造项目中得以应用。     

Near-sensor image processing: a new paradigm

The paper introduces the concept of near-sensor image processing. By this, the authors mean techniques in which the physical properties of the image sensor itself is utilized to do part of the signal processing task. It is shown that the analog-temporal behavior of photodiodes combined with thresholding amplifiers can be used favorably to do certain low-level image processing tasks including median filtering and convolution. The given examples also show how adaptivity to different light levels can be achieved in a natural way. To extract features from the image, such as moments and shape factors, the authors introduce a simple measurement function.     

人机交互系统的实时人眼跟踪技术研究

为了解决面向移动设备的眼动跟踪技术存在的计算效率低、跟踪误差大等问题,采用改进眼动跟踪技术的方法,开展人机交互系统的研究。主要内容包含系统总体架构、系统用户登录、系统功能实现等内容设计,并对系统功能实现展开分析。研究结果表明,系统各功能及界面实现均满足用户要求,可用于指导新手用户对重要信息的浏览,提升用户理解效率。     

Integrating perceptual and cognitive modeling for adaptive and intelligent human-computer interaction

This paper describes technology and tools for intelligent human-computer interaction (IHCI) in which human cognitive, perceptual, motor and affective factors are modeled and used to adapt the H-C interface. IHCI emphasizes that human behavior encompasses both apparent human behavior and the hidden mental state behind behavioral performance. IHCI expands on the interpretation of human activities, known as W4 (what, where, when, who). While W4 only addresses the apparent perceptual aspect of human behavior the W5+ technology for IHCI described in this paper addresses also the why and how questions, whose solution requires recognizing specific cognitive states. IHCI integrates parsing and interpretation of nonverbal information with a computational cognitive model of the user which, in turn, feeds into processes that adapt the interface to enhance operator performance and provide for rational decision-making. The technology proposed is based on a general four-stage interactive framework, which moves from parsing the raw sensory-motor input, to interpreting the user's motions and emotions, to building an understanding of the user's current cognitive state. It then diagnoses various problems in the situation and adapts the interface appropriately. The interactive component of the system improves processing at each stage. Examples of perceptual, behavioral, and cognitive tools are described throughout the paper Adaptive and intelligent HCI are important for novel applications of computing, including ubiquitous and human-centered computing.     

基于Memory-link协议的人机交互系统的可靠性设计

介绍一种人机交互系统的可靠性设计方案。该系统基于Memory-link通信协议,采用了目前流行的基于ARM7架构的S3C44BOX作为主控芯片,通过RS-422实现人机交互通信。结合抗干扰的硬件设计和稳定有效运行的软件设计方案,实现了在强干扰下稳定可靠的通信。实验结果表明,本系统抗干扰能力强、运行稳定可靠,在自主开发控制系统的人机交互通信部分具有一定的参考价值。     

Designing for intimacy: creating new interfaces for musical expression

Contemporary musical instrument design using computers provides nearly limitless potential for designing the mapping between gesture and sound. When designing effective and expressive musical instruments, the types of relationship between musician/player and his instrument and the aesthetics of the relationships must be considered. This paper discusses four types of relationships and their aesthetics. A high degree of intimacy is achieved when the relationship reaches a level where the mapping between control and sound is transparent to the player, that is, the player embodies the device. Ultimately, this type of relationship allows intent and expression to flow through the player to the sound and, hence, create music. Three new interfaces for musical expression, the Iamascope, Sound Sculpting and Tooka, provide examples of how instruments may be designed to develop and explore intimacy and embodiment of new musical instruments.     

ACTS: The first step toward a switchboard in the sky

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS), now under development and scheduled for launch in May 1992, is presently the main focus of NASA's communications program. Key technologies for ACTS include electronically hopping spot beam antennas, on-board processing and circuit switching, and Ka-band transmission.     

Parallel transport: a new transport layer paradigm for enabling Internet quality of service

The transport layer in the network protocol stack serves as a liaison between the application and the underlying network. Any quality of service provided by the network thus has to be effectively translated by the transport layer protocol in order to be enjoyed by the applications. In this article, we argue for a fundamental rethinking of the transport layer design to facilitate such QoS delivery. We identify the key requirement for a QoS enabling transport layer protocol as the ability to effectively handle multiplicity in terms of user differentiation levels, network resources, and service models. However, TCP, the transport layer protocol predominantly used in the Internet, is unable to support such multiplicity due to its single-state design. We extend TCP to a parallel transport layer protocol called parallel TCP (pTCP) that can tackle the different dimensions of multiplicity, and hence enable varying classes of QoS to applications. We discuss the applicability of pTCP in three specific domains with different levels of network support for QoS, and present simulation results substantiating our arguments.     

Toward a new IP over ATM routing paradigm

The explosive growth of the Internet has given IP routing new challenges. Innovative solutions have been proposed to solve the current router bottleneck by evolving to a tighter integration of IP and ATM, an approach called shortcut routing. This article categorizes the current IP over ATM shortcut proposals and identifies a number of issues. However, while IP and ATM routing and forwarding functions must be more closely integrated, a differentiation according to type of traffic seems advantageous; hence the need to evolve to an IP over ATM dual-mode routing model     

BeamMAC: A new paradigm for medium access in wireless networks

Medium access using the distributed coordination function of IEEE 802.11 is not efficient in wireless multihop networks if the devices are equipped with beamforming antennas. This paper proposes a distributed MAC protocol that goes completely away from the spatial reservation scheme of 802.11. It facilitates the use of beamforming antennas by following an announcement-objection scheme: a potential sender must “simulate” a transmission on a signaling channel before it can access the traffic channel. Based on this simulation, each receiving device estimates the expected interference and objects to the transmission if necessary. This paradigm overcomes the drawback of 802.11-based approaches that neighboring devices are silenced irrespective of whether or not they disturb signal reception. It benefits from a tight interaction of the MAC and physical layer.     

The intelligence-led enterprise : taking the first "baby steps"

This publication contains reprint articles for which IEEE does not hold copyright. You may purchase this article from the Ask*IEEE Document Delivery Service at http://www.ieee.org/services/askieee/     

The new paradigm for wireless network optimization: a synergy of automated processes and human intervention

With the evolution of wireless technologies, the optimization process for the radio access network has undergone a dramatic increase in complexity. This trend is driven by the introduction of multiple objectives for packet data services, the increasing network heterogeneity resulting from technology overlays, and the growing demand for nondisruptive optimization of operating networks. In a multidisciplinary effort, Bell Laboratories has developed a new optimization methodology that tackles these challenges using automated processes. We show that the paradigm shift toward automation requires the development of several interdependent algorithms each designed to cope with a particular optimization task. In the application described, human intervention proves indispensable; it demands a new kind of expertise that combines understanding of the automated processes with knowledge of network operation. Through examples we illustrate the variety of tasks that have to be automated and where guidance is needed through human control. The development of these automated processes is an important step toward dynamic optimization routines that are integrated into the network and adjust the network in a real-time manner.     

Cellular neural networks: a paradigm for nonlinear spatio-temporalprocessing

The paradigm of Cellular Neural Networks (CNNs)is going to achieve a complete maturity. In fact, from a methodological point of view, important results on their digitally programmable analog dynamics have been gained, completed with thousands of application routines. This has encouraged the spreading of a great number of applications in the most different disciplines. Moreover, their structure, tailor made for VLSI realization, has led to the production of some chip prototypes that, embedded in a computational infrastructure, have produced the first analogic cellular computers. This completes the framework and makes it possible to realize complex spatio-temporal and filtering tasks on a time scale of microseconds. In this paper some sketches on the main aspects of CNNs, from the formal to the hardware prototype point of view, are presented together with some appealing applications to illustrate complex image, visual and spatio-temporal dynamics processing