Micro-video display with ocular tracking and interactive voice control

In certain space-restricted environments, many of the benefits resulting from computer technology have been foregone because of the size, weight, inconvenience, and lack of mobility associated with existing computer interface devices. Accordingly, an effort to develop a highly miniaturized and 'wearable' computer display and control interface device, referred to as the Sensory Integrated Data Interface (SIDI), is underway. The system incorporates a micro-video display that provides data display and ocular tracking on a lightweight headset. Software commands are implemented by conjunctive eye movement and voice commands of the operator. In this initial prototyping effort, various 'off-the-shelf' components have been integrated into a desktop computer and with a customized menu-tree software application to demonstrate feasibility and conceptual capabilities. When fully developed as a customized system, the interface device will allow mobile, 'hand-free' operation of portable computer equipment. It will thus allow integration of information technology applications into those restrictive environments, both military and industrial, that have not yet taken advantage of the computer revolution. This effort is Phase 1 of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Topic number N90-331 sponsored by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport. The prime contractor is Foster-Miller, Inc. of Waltham, MA

On the dynamic response of pressure transmission lines in the research of helium-charged free piston Stirling engines

In free piston Stirling engine research the integrity of both amplitude and phase of the dynamic pressure measurements is critical to the characterization of cycle dynamics and thermodynamics. It is therefore necessary to appreciate all possible sources of signal distortion when designing pressure measurement systems for this type of research. The signal distortion inherent to pressure transmission lines is discussed. Based on results from classical analysis, guidelines are formulated to describe the dynamic response properties of a volume-terminated transmission tube for applications involving helium-charged free piston Stirling engines. The scope and limitations of the dynamic response analysis are considered

Chemiluminescent Tags for Tracking Insect Movement in Darkness: Application to Moth Photo-Orientation

The flight tracks of Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) flying toward a 5 watt incandescent light bulb were recorded under low light conditions with the aid of a camera-mounted photomultiplier and a glowing marker technique. Small felt pads bearing a chemiluminescent (glowi ma­erial, Cyalume®, were affixed to the abdomens of free-flying moths. insects orienting to a dim incandescent bulb were easily visible to the naked eye and were clearly captured on videotape. On their initial approach to the light source, M. sexta were found to orient at a mean angle of -0.220 ± 2.70 (mean ± SEM). The speed of the initial approach flight (OA ± 0.03 m/s) was significantly faster than the speed immediately after passing the light (0.29 ± 0.02 m/s; t =6.4, PM. sexta initially fly approximately at a light source and only after passing it, do they engage in circular flight around the source. M. sexta flight to lights does not entirely match any paths predicted by several light orientation mechanisms, including the commonly invoked light compass theory

The Miller Ratio: Is It Really This Simple?

The implication of the study of the Miller Ratio (MR), given the simplicity of its computation, is the possibility of the MR being both a beneficial and easy to use tool for practitioners and regulators to detect for the possibility of earnings management (EM). The previously studied models, particularly the Modified Jones Model (MJM), were not designed to be utilized on a case-by-case basis since they were studied using large samples of firms in an attempt to make generalized statements about the effectiveness of the models. The MR, designed to be utilized on a case-by-case basis, is easily computed. If corporate managers become aware of this simple, easy-to-use tool to detect EM, they may be more cautious about engaging in this activity. Essentially, the MR could assist practitioners and regulators in prioritizing their work load of companies to analyze. It can be another tool in their arsenal to assist them in their regulatory and auditing duties. The simplicity and benefit of the MR is discussed in this study

Sixth Eastern Wildlife Management Conferences Summary and What Lies Ahead

I want to begin by expressing appreciation to Ed Jones, Mike King, Greg Yarrow, Pete Bromley, John Heisterberg, and others on the program committee for hosting and conducting this Sixth Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference. I also want to express our appreciation to the exhibitors, the National Animal Damage Control Association, and The Wildlife Society (TWS) for their support. I think those of you who are still here will join me in congratulating these people, organizations, and TWS for helping ensure a successful conference. As one of the people who perceived the need for this conference in the early 1980\u27s, I congratulate each of you as participants for your part in making this conference a continued success. In my opinion, wildlife damage management today is at a critical crossroads and I will attempt in the following discussion to share what I feel lies ahead

Conference Summary: What Have We Learned?--Where Do We Go From Here?

Since I am charged with providing some closing comments this morning, let me begin by having those of you who are still with us to join me in providing a round of applause to Jim Parkhurst, Phil Eggborn, and Martin Lowney, the Conference Planning Committee, and to those on the Conference Program Committee; to the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, session moderators; and to all of you as participants who helped make this 8th Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference so successful. And, as most of you know who have ever planned and conducted such a conference, there are always a number of people who work behind the scenes to help make everything go smoothly; we want to be sure to express our appreciation to them as well. Thanks to Barbara Falls, from Virginia Tech, and to her husband, who pitched in to help prepare the barbecue and serve all of us who participated in the field trip Friday afternoon and evening. Barbara did an exemplary job in handling reservations, coordinating with the hotel on rooms and arrangements, and helping Jim Parkhurst with other conference functions and activities