Pocket PC Research Articles

Complecto mutatio

Students can best understand the benefits of software design principles when they have to work on a project in which requirements change repeatedly in some substantial way over the course of a semester. This poster describes two different semester-long projects in which substantial change was enforced upon the students by making them develop a system that had to work on three different user interface platforms (text-based console, desktop Windows, and a mobile Pocket PC). By making the students plan and adapt for this change the students were better able to truly appreciate the benefits of good design and were willing to take the extra effort to implement a design that reflects the principles taught in most object-oriented design courses. One of the key principles engaged by this approach was the importance of a layered architecture to software projects driven by change.

Design and development of feed-formula system based on pocket PC

Design and development of feed-formula system based on pocket PC

A new instrument for the measurement of occupational vibration

Directive 2002/44/CE relative to the risks arising from vibration has been transcribed into national laws of most Member States. This directive deals with the determination of limits and action values for the daily exposure to vibration. Two physiological domains are addressed: the "hand‐arm" and the "whole‐body" domains, the acceptable statutory values of which are specified in the text. The experimental protocol, as well as indicators relevant for assessment, is defined in Standards ISO 5349‐2 and ISO 2631‐1. The equivalent frequency‐weighted acceleration shall be measured on the 3 axes x, y and z, the bandwidth of which is defined for each domain. 01dB‐Metravib introduces a new portable instrument that perfectly meets the requirements of this statutory application. A blind metrological instrument connected to a triaxial accelerometer is installed on site. The instrument is remotely controlled by the operator using a wireless remote control of the Pocket PC type. This remote control is used to manage measurement configurations ("whole‐body", hand‐arm"), to start acquisitions (immediate, delayed mode) and to collect measured data for post‐processing and archiving purposes. We will present metrological and operational advancements of this new instrument and describe a real case study dealing with the assessment of daily exposure to vibration.

A distributed mobile database implementation on Pocket PC mobile devices communicating over Bluetooth

This paper describes a distributed database system implementation built on top of stand-alone mobile databases found on mobile devices. At the heart of the architecture are elected devices that take on the role of data directories which collect the schema of the databases and become the contact points for all nodes that wish to submit queries against the distributed database. The system is implemented on Pocket PCs that run the Microsoft WinCE operating system and communicate using Bluetooth, thus limiting the architecture to eight devices, which is a restriction imposed by piconets. Sample databases were configured on the devices that ran the SQL Server CE database engine, and a list of 170 sample queries of varying complexities were designed to conduct performance evaluation. This evaluation involved measurement of query response time, generated traffic, and device energy consumption. The obtained results indicated the feasibility of the system and its potential for providing mobile users with a framework for aggregating disparate data that are stored in mobile databases in the wireless ad hoc network.

QUANTIFIED DEEP TENDON REFLEX DEVICE, SECOND GENERATION

The deep tendon reflex is a fundamental aspect of neurological examinations. The severity of and degree of recovery from a traumatic brain injury can be assessed by the myotatic stretch reflex. A hyperactive reflex response is correlated with spasticity, which can also be correlated with the degree of damage to the supraspinal input, in essence assessing the severity of traumatic brain injury. The myotatic stretch reflex is clinically evaluated by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reflex scale (0–4); however, this scale lacks temporal data and may also vary in interpretation. The solution is a fully quantified evaluation system of the myotatic stretch reflex, whereby a patellar hammer's force input is based on original potential energy and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer quantifies the output. The MEMS accelerometer is attached to a set anchor point near the ankle. The reflex amplitude is based on the maximum acceleration of the reflex response. The quantified data collected from MEMS accelerometers are transmitted by a portable computer (i.e. a Pocket PC). This paper describes a device that quantitatively evaluates the reflex response using accelerometers and that demonstrates precision for reproducibility.

Focus on test and measurement

Focus on test and measurement

A Pocket PC based field information fast collection system

To acquire and analyze field information quickly and effectively, a Pocket PC (PPC) based field information fast collection system was designed. Compared with a desktop computer, the operation system of this system (Windows CE) is greatly different in many aspects of system development and design. Key technologies investigated included geographic information system (GIS), spatial access methods, database technology on Windows CE and sampling control plan. Considering the uniqueness of farms, an object-oriented farm model was developed to describe farm objects properly, edit sampling plan conveniently, and perform sampling control easily. The system can be used with the global positioning system (GPS) and sensors to acquire and analyze field information instantly. Some examples are used to explain the use of the system. The development of the system supports fast collection and real-time processing of precision farming field information.

An integrated decision support system for dealing with time extension entitlements

Claims and disputes on time extension for delays are common in construction projects. Various methods and divergent approaches are used by different parties in assessing delays. Disputes then often arise on (a) eligibility of a delay event for claiming extension of time (EOT), (b) choice of method for evaluating EOT, and (c) quantification of the EOT. This research initiative aims at formulating a knowledge-based decision guidance system to help all concerned parties in navigating through these various options, in order to rationalize their approaches towards the preparation and evaluation of the EOT claims. Such rationalization is based on structured approaches, which are in turn devised from the particular contractual and project conditions. This rationalization is also expected to assist in a convergence of assessment approaches that would in turn reduce disputes and consequently wasted resources. In targeting those aims, a prototype of an integrated decision support system (DSS) for dealing with time extension claims was recently developed using (a) a structured web-based decision support framework, which is supplemented by (b) a Pocket PC based portable framework with seamless database integration. This paper presents some essential highlights on the development and usefulness of key modules of the DSS.

Mapping large areas of radioactively contaminated land with a self adapted, handheld, GPS coupled, scintillation detector

In Belgium, during several decennia, a phosphate plant discharged radium chloride containing waste water into two small rivers. One of those is part of a hydrographically very complex ecosystem with lots of small tributaries and hundreds of hectares of flooding zones. Hence, the river banks and large parts of these flooding zones have become contaminated with radium, heavy metals and chlorides. During a foot campaign, using a home made portable data logging system, consisting of a commercial 2.5 kg NaI detector, a computer mouse sized GPS, and a small pocket PC, the radioactive contamination of about 600 ha of sometimes very rough terrain was measured and mapped. The resulting very detailed radium contamination maps shed a whole new light on the water flow patterns of the ecosystem. The apparatus can also be used for efficiently guiding sampling campaigns for investigating other types of contamination. The ground maps are also compared to existing maps from helicopter measurements, evaluating strengths and weaknesses from both methods.

Ambulatory monitoring of freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease

Freezing of gait (FOG) is common in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), is resistant to treatment and negatively impacts quality of life. In this study an ambulatory FOG monitor was validated in 11 PD patients. The vertical linear acceleration of the left shank was acquired using an ankle-mounted sensor array that transmitted data wirelessly to a pocket PC at a rate of 100 Hz. Power analysis showed high-frequency components of leg movement during FOG in the 3–8 Hz band that were not apparent during volitional standing, and power in this ‘freeze’ band was higher ( p = 0.00003) during FOG preceded by walking (turning or obstacles) than FOG preceded by rest (gait initiation). A freeze index (FI) was defined as the power in the ‘freeze’ band divided by the power in the ‘locomotor’ band (0.5–3 Hz) and a threshold chosen such that FI values above this limit were designated as FOG. A global threshold detected 78% of FOG events and 20% of stand events were incorrectly labeled as FOG. Individual calibration of the freeze threshold improved accuracy and sensitivity of the device to 89% for detection of FOG with 10% false positives. Ambulatory monitoring may significantly improve clinical management of FOG.

Determining issues of importance for patients with prostate cancer: Results of a web-based study in 2,128 patients with prostate cancer for the development of a quality of life (QL) instrument, the prostate cancer symptom scale (PCSS)

5138 Background: Identifying key issues for patients with malignancy is central to assessing QL and patient reported outcomes. This aids in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs for those with the disease. The immediate aim of this study was to determine content validity using a large patient panel for the PCSS, a QL measure for patients with prostate cancer. The PCSS also uses an inexpensive hand-held pocket PC to enhance feasibility. The PCSS concept is based on the LCSS (a validated lung cancer instrument). Methods: We used the established patient base of the web-based NexCura patient information resource to survey registered patients with prostate cancer. Demographic stratifications included stage of disease, prior radical prostatectomy, and current treatment (none, hormonal, non-hormonal). 2,128 patients completed the anonymous web-conducted survey, performed over a 3-day period. Patients were asked to rank 18 issues on a 5-point scale assessing the importance of each item. Issues included general, prostate-specific, psychosocial and summative items. Results: The 10 highest (and 2 lowest) ranked items are seen in the table ; results are described by the percent of patients choosing the top category (very important) and the top 2 rating categories of importance. Ratings by disease subsets (such as NED or metastatic disease; hormonal or non-hormonal treatment) were quite similar to results found for the whole group, as listed in the table . Conclusions: These results represent the largest survey of patient concerns in prostate cancer and support using computer-assisted survey technology to assess such information in all malignancies to obtain patient input rapidly from large patient samples. Strong support for content validity for the PCSS was obtained. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A MOBILE COMPUTING SOLUTION FOR COLLECTING FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS DATA ON A POCKET PC

The present paper provides a task analysis for creating a computerized data system using a Pocket PC and Microsoft Visual Basic. With Visual Basic software and any handheld device running the Windows Moble operating system, this task analysis will allow behavior analysts to program and customize their own functional analysis data-collection system. The program will allow the user to select the type of behavior to be recorded, choose between interval and frequency data collection, and summarize data for graphing and analysis. We also provide suggestions for customizing the data-collection system for idiosyncratic research and clinical needs.

Internet and well-being

The Internet is a worldwide decentralized network of computers. It started as part of the US army network and progressed to become an academic information network, and then, as it is today, a global, open communication network that affects almost every aspect of people's lives (Bargh and McKenna, 2004; Ellerman, 2007; Haythornthwaite and Hagar, 2004). Initially, the number of Internet users was small; however, the number of users is continually expanding and is estimated at more than one billion people today. Another major change has come about through the ease with which the Internet may be accessed and the number of different ways this could be done. Early on, the Internet could only be accessed through a traditional, desktop computer. Today, however, people may enter cyberspace using a portable computer, cell phone, or a pocket PC, with the result that the Internet can accompany them wherever they are. In fact, the Internet has integrated so well into people's lives that, for many, it is very difficult to imagine life without it; they receive information, communicate with others, do their shopping, plan their next trip, take part in a virtual work team, and play games in a virtual community, to mention just a few common activities. The advent of the Internet was initially regarded by many scholars as a dubious development; for example, a longitudinal study conducted by Kraut and his colleagues linked Internet use with loss of social contact, depression, and loneliness (Kraut et al. , 1998).

Energy-aware QoS for application sessions across multiple protocol domains in mobile computing

The proliferation of heterogeneous devices and diverse networking technologies demands flexible models to guarantee the quality-of-service (QoS) at the application session level, which is a common behavior of many network-centric applications, e.g., Web browsing and Instant messaging. Several QoS models have been proposed for heterogeneous wired/wireless environments. However, we envision that the missing part, which is also a big challenge, is taking energy, a scarce resource for mobile and energy-constrained devices, into consideration. In this paper we propose a novel energy-aware QoS model, e-QoS, for application sessions that might across multiple protocol domains, which will be common in the future Internet, rather than an exception. The model provides QoS guarantee by dynamically selecting and adapting application protocols. To the best of our knowledge, our model is the first attempt to address QoS adaptation at the application session level by introducing a new QoS metric called session lifetime. To show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, we have implemented two case studies: Web browsing from a Pocket PC to a regular Web server, and an instant messaging application between two Pocket PCs. In the former case study, our approach outperforms the conventional approach without energy-aware QoS by more than 30% in terms of the session lifetime. In the second case study, we also successfully extend the session lifetime to the value negotiated by two Pocket PCs with very diverse battery capacities.

Wireless implementation of a mobile learning environment based on students' expectations

In this paper, we describe the educational opportunities of teaching in a wireless classroom using notebooks and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Specific mobile learning applications in wireless classrooms are developed for students and teachers, which is accessible on a Pocket PC and notebook computer. We have conducted a survey among university students and lecturers on the weaknesses faced in a conventional classroom and asked their opinion on what type of mobile learning applications they would intend to use in a classroom to help them learn and teach effectively. From the survey we provide a variety of tools such as mobile learning courseware system, which can be accessed on a Pocket PC, classroom group discussion, audio chat facility using Session Initiation Protocol and online assessments. Real-time chat is proposed to allow students and lecturers to communicate with each other during class. We also look into the didactic aspects of mobile learning and the usability issues in accessing information on mobile devices.

A hand-held PC interface

Effectively addressing user needs is a key element in successful product design. As part of my Design and Technology Systems and Control A-level coursework, I set out to design a product that would encapsulate the power of a conventional PC in a portable form, whilst avoiding the complexities and costs of a conventional portable, or the performance limitations of devices like Palms, Pocket PCs and Microsoft's Origami portable.

P1-B01 組込系プロセッサへのRTミドルウェアの適応 : Windows CEへのRTミドルウェア実装(RTミドルウェアとオープンシステム)

In this research, we aimed expanding the coverage of the RT middleware. We propose porting of RT middleware to embedded system, adopting Windows CE. It becomes possible to increase the reusability of software also to various devices. Moreover, by enabling to mount RT middleware on Windows CE, it can be possible to implement RT middleware to more platforms. As the method to mount the RT middleware on Windows CE, we used TAO on the CORBA, mounting part of OpenRTM-aist-0.2.0. We use PDA which Pocket PC 2003 installed in and SH-4 board developed ZMP Company as Hardware, when we implement OpenRTM-aist-0.2.0 to Windows CE.

Comparison of Alternative Methods for Longitudinal Studies on Human Exposure-related Activities

P-806 Introduction: Funded by a U.S. EPA grant, RTI International has developed a “data collection platform” to collect time-stamped human exposure-related data regarding activity, location, exertion-level, diet, and use of consumer products. Our objective is to develop a platform that has sufficiently low participant burden that it can be used in longitudinal studies. This paper discusses the results of a pilot test with 40 participants in the spring of 2006. Methods: The pilot test compares four methods of data collection: paper forms, pocket PC menus, voice recordings, and photographs taken every 60 seconds. It also assesses the completeness and accuracy of: GPS data for outdoor locations, RF beacons for indoor room locations in the participant's residence, fob buttons for recording use of consumer products, and a heart rate monitor. All automated data are integrated through a pocket PC carried by the participant. Five pilot test subjects will be randomly assigned to each of eight experimental treatments. Each subject will participate for 7 consecutive days. Results: The burden of alternative data collection methods will be compared in terms of both the time required for participants to provide the data and the time required for analysts to process the data to the point where electronic databases suitable for statistical analysis are available. The methods that produce the greatest amount of detail, have the most events reported, and have least decline over time in the number of events reported will be considered the most reliable methods. For example, we will analyze the burden on participants and project staff to produce time/activity/location data as follows: Discussion and Conclusions: This paper will present recommendations for the method(s) that will be tested further in a 12-month field test with 150 participants in 2007. Results from this project will determine a set of collection methods that will produce accurate estimates of human exposure-related activities in future longitudinal studies.TABLE 1: Average Time (seconds) Required to Enter a Change of Activity or Location into the Database

Comparison of measurement techniques for speech intelligibility

A comparison of measurement techniques for speech intelligibility between two recently released measurement systems is made. EASERA (Electronic and Acoustic System Evaluation and Response Analysis) uses a standard PC and an EASERA Gateway interface attached via Firewire. The software postprocesses a variety of stimuli in order to derive the impulse response for the room under test. This impulse response is then further processed and the results are presented to the user in both graphical and textual presentations. The Ivie Technologies IE-35 is based on a Pocket PC system and uses an external modulated noise source as stimulus to produce an intelligibility score as a single number or average of a series of measurements. This paper will explore a variety of measurements made in the same locations in a room by both systems. Results will also be shown for a variety of other acoustic measures that quantify the acoustical parameters of the room.

Long-term monitoring of gait in Parkinson's disease

A new system for long-term monitoring of gait in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been developed and validated. The characteristics of every stride taken over 10-h epochs were acquired using a lightweight ankle-mounted sensor array that transmitted data wirelessly to a small pocket PC at a rate of 100 Hz. Stride was calculated from the vertical linear acceleration and pitch angular velocity of the leg with an accuracy of 5 cm. Results from PD patients (5) demonstrate the effectiveness of long-term monitoring of gait in a natural environment. The small, variable stride length characteristic of Parkinsonian gait, and fluctuations of efficacy associated with levodopa therapy, such as delayed onset, wearing off, and the ‘off/on’ effect, could reliably be detected from long-term changes in stride length.