Laser Disc Player Research Articles

The Convergence Effect: Real and Virtual Encounters in Augmented Reality Art

The Convergence Effect: Real and Virtual Encounters in Augmented Reality Art

Virtual geotechnical laboratory experiments using a simulator

The details of a test simulator that provides a realistic environment for performing virtual laboratory experimentals in soil mechanics is presented. A computer program ‘Geo-Sim’ that can be used to perform virtual experiments, and allow for real-time observations of material response is presented. The results of experiments, for a given set of input parameters, are obtained with the test simulator using well-trained artificial neural-network-based soil models for different soil types and stress paths. Multimedia capabilities are integrated in Geo-Sim, using software that links and controls a laser disc player with a real-time parallel processing ability. During the simulation of a virtual experiment, relevant portions of the video image of a previously recorded test on an actual soil specimen are dispalyed along with the graphical presentation of response from the feedforward ANN model predictions. The pilot simulator developed to date includes all aspects related to performing a triaxial test on cohesionless soil under undrained and drained conditions. The benefits of the test simulator are also presented. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Intelligent standby concept

Modern consumer electronic products like TVs, VCRs, laser disc players, and Hi-Fi equipment offer users the convenience of switching the equipment on and off via a remote control handset. When this type of equipment is switched off, it is said to be in standby mode. In standby mode the equipment still has the power supply operating in order to provide power for the microcontroller and other standby circuitry. This power is typically ten Watts or higher. An intelligent standby circuit is described, whereby a combination of software and hardware interact in order to reduce the standby power. This method allows the power supply to be disconnected from the mains supply.

Here Is Where You Heard the Ocean: An Interactive Sound Installation

ries is composed of nine short separate memories connected by a radio tune-in s und. The ocean video and audio play continuously from a laser-disc player. A proximity sensor acts as the device that controls the hidden interactivity. The sensor determines the presence of a person and plays or pauses the soundtrack of memories depending on the location of the person. Joe Rosen custom-wrote and built the original program, which combined a program in C, an AIFF sound file, and a microcomputer controller. In this format, the work was installed as a technical presentation at the Interactive Telecommuni-

Converting laserdisc video to digital video: a demonstration project using brain animations.

Interactive laserdiscs are of limited value in large group learning situations due to the expense of establishing multiple workstations. The authors implemented an alternative to laserdisc video by using indexed digital video combined with an expert system. High-quality video was captured from a laserdisc player and combined with waveform audio into an audio-video-interleave (AVI) file format in the Microsoft Video-for-Windows environment (Microsoft Corp., Seattle, WA). With the use of an expert system, a knowledge-based computer program provided random access to these indexed AVI files. The program can be played on any multimedia computer without the need for laserdiscs. This system offers a high level of interactive video without the overhead and cost of a laserdisc player.

Development procedure of a hypermedia application in support of industrial tasks

A technical environment which involves great amounts of specifications and procedure instructions is conducive to hypermedia technology. In a hypermedia environment, pertinent information is relationally retrieved and presented via a multitude of media avenues such as text, fullmotion video, photographs, audio, and graphics. This technology greatly reduces both the documentation search time and the confusion of interpretation associated with an information overload. Ultimately, a substantial increase in productivity is the result. In this paper we report our experience in the development of a hypermedia-based information center. This development procedure is a by-product of a pilot project currently being conducted at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, FL. The subject of our research is the working environment of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). A typical process from routine work instructions was selected and served as a basis of our development and evaluation. The outcome of the study is a computer-based hypermedia information center which employs full-motion video (via a laserdisc player), hypertext, graphics, and an authoring language.

GALE: A Graphics Assisted Learning Environment for computer-based interactive videodisc education

GALE, a Graphics Assisted Learning Environment, is a computer-based interactive videodisc authoring tool. GALE was created as the authoring package for AI/LEARN/Rheumatology, an independent study system for teaching rheumatology to medical trainees. GALE has potential widespread application beyond rheumatology. Interactive videodisc technology is a prime feature of GALE. Other highlights are: WordPerfect macros which simplify programming, graphics-based large text characters, tracking of user responses, hypertext-like definition capabilities, color coded screens to distinguish between hypertext branches and the mainstream of the course content and ability to overlay text on the video image. GALE runs on a PC-compatible computer with selected Pioneer LaserDisc players. GALE uses WordPerfect 5.1 for text editing and has been designed for use by non-programmers.

The Video Encyclopedia of the 20th Century. CEL Educational Resources, New York. Laser discs, printed volumes, laser disc player, $11,600. “20th Century Navigator,” search-and-find software, $1,500.

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High C/N Recording in Sb2Se3/Bi Write-Once Disk

The read-out signal in an alloying disk, which has a large phase difference of the reflection coefficient between nonrecorded and recorded states, was analyzed by taking into account the effects of grooves. It was found that the read-out signal can be enhanced by interference between light reflected from a groove and recording media. A 60-dB CN (carrier-to-noise) ratio was obtained by applying this idea to the Sb2Se3/Bi alloying disk. NTSC (National Television System Committee) direct FM signal recording was confirmed by using this disk. It can be read by a modified Laser Disc player system.

A comparison of student performance following instruction by interactive videodisc versus conventional laboratory

AbstractThis experimental study compared an interactive computer/videodisc learning approach to the conventional laboratory approach for learning biology concepts and science process skills. Students at a large midwestern university were randomly assigned to instruction on respiration and biogeography by interactive videodisc or a traditional laboratory investigation teaching the same concepts. The videodisc delivery system consisted of a TRS‐80 Model III microcomputer interfaced to a Pioneer laser disc player and a color TV monitor. Results show no statistically significant differences between the two approaches for student grades on laboratory quizzes, laboratory reports, and the laboratory final exam. However, the interactive videodisc group required approximately one‐half the classroom time used by the conventional laboratory group. The two approaches appear equivalent when evaluated by traditional learning outcomes, but the interactive videodisc strategy was significantly more time efficient than a traditional laboratory approach.

HORTICULTURE INTERACTIVE VIDEO PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA

Horticulture information is being placed at the fingertips of Virginia citizens through the use of Public Information Interactive Video Systems. A personal computer (with a touch-screen monitor) and laserdisc player work together to offer a multi-media delivery system. The user moves through programs by simply touching the screen to browse, skip ahead, back up, look up specific information, and print out needed information. A program on household plants contains photographs and information on 131 popular cut flowers and houseplants. A program on selecting landscape plants includes short video segments on the plant selection process, a plant sorter, picture album, and information on the 141 trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers. Horticulture questions are among those answered in a section on questions most often asked of extension agents. This horticulture information program is one of the top two programs used in the Public Information Interactive Video System in Virginia.

HORTICULTURE INTERACTIVE VIDEO PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA

Horticulture information is being placed at the fingertips of Virginia citizens through the use of Public Information Interactive Video Systems. A personal computer (with a touch-screen monitor) and laserdisc player work together to offer a multi-media delivery system. The user moves through programs by simply touching the screen to browse, skip ahead, back up, look up specific information, and print out needed information. A program on household plants contains photographs and information on 131 popular cut flowers and houseplants. A program on selecting landscape plants includes short video segments on the plant selection process, a plant sorter, picture album, and information on the 141 trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers. Horticulture questions are among those answered in a section on questions most often asked of extension agents. This horticulture information program is one of the top two programs used in the Public Information Interactive Video System in Virginia.

MAPS: a microcomputer-aided patient simulation.

MAPS is a life-like, interactive, MS-DOS, computer-based system that was developed to increase medical student's opportunities to diagnose and manage patient problems. The system combines a microcomputer with an optional laserdisc player, however the system is not dependent upon the use of a laserdisc player. Students interact by means of the keyboard using natural English Input. In the area of history the dialogue resembles that which might occur with a live patient. All students enquiries and screen displays are recorded in order to later assess performance. These simulations have been used successfully for the last four years to enhance students' clinical problem-solving skills in an Integrative Course. MAPS was designed to be independent of the content area and the shell can be used in any educational/training area in which hypotheses are generated and refined through data collection and interpretation.

The LC MARC Database on Video Laserdisc: The MINI MARC System

The size of the LC MARC database and requisite indexes is discussed. The “old” MINI MARC system that provided inhouse access to this database is described and illustrated. This system has now been replaced with one using two 12‐inch laserdisc players. The characteristics and advantages of this “new” system are reviewed, as is the process for developing the laserdisc database.

Computer-Assisted Instruction: The View from the Language Lab

In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in computerassisted instruction (CAI) in foreign languages, due mainly to the microcomputer boom. While CAI has been around for the last decade, it has had some serious drawbacks. The number of programs was limited. High demand for terminals at an institution might result in students working at 3 a.m. The number-crunchers who developed mainframe computers (and continue to administer them) had trouble understanding the needs of foreign language instructors, who in turn had difficulty comprehending the operation of the computer. Faculty were reluctant to invest the time and effort in learning to program, and felt uncomfortable with computer science students looking over their shoulders. There was a pervasive fear that a key wrongly punched would result in the loss of an expensive program or some even worse damage to the mainframe itself, or that the errors necessitated by the learning process would be recorded by the machine itself and would someday resurface to humiliate the operator. The microcomputer has changed all that. Instead of facing a terminal linked to an unseen mainframe-rather like a swimmer caught in the coils of an octopus-the operator now works at a stand-alone machine that resembles a super-typewriter and is much less threatening. Stand-alones are tolerant of even the most ham-fisted, forget the operator's errors and provide step-by-step instructions (which however sometimes appear to have been translated from Tibetan into English by someone with little knowledge of either language). Suddenly the user is freed from those incomprehensible briefings on batch runs, punch cards, and exotic acronyms, and can concentrate on learning to use one machine for one or two purposes, such as word processing and foreign language instruction. Now the stage is set for introducing CAI into the foreign language classroom. The machines (hardware) and programs (software) are available at acceptable cost. Administrators (who may see high-tech innovations as a way to save faculty costs) seem favorably disposed. Government funds are becoming available. Society at large has been softened up by the wide array of inexpensive game machines, some of which are now available in improved form for educational purposes. Interaction with other machines such as laser-disc video players, and a variety of graphics programs, are available now and show promise of further development. Having said all this, how are we to use CAI in foreign languages? Even assuming that equipment will continue to drop in price, the cost of providing enough stand-alone machines with attendant printers, plus interactive equipment such as laser-disc players, may be prohibitive at the beginning or intermediate levels. In addition, do we wish to train students