Ultra Mobile Personal Computer Research Articles

High speed on-chip multiple cosine transform generator

Speeding up video encoding process is an important issue nowadays due to the high demand of increasing the video transmission speed for real-time video applications. Many algorithms and hardware implementations have been proposed for achieving such demand using pixel domain motion estimation. Moreover, much savings in computations and hardware complexity can be achieved using frequency domain motion estimation (FDME). The key issues in the FDME encoder is to generate four different transforms that are used for deciding the best match motion vector in the motion estimation (ME) process. The related transformed-discrete cosine transform (RT-DCT) generator is responsible for generating such transforms in the FDME encoder. In this paper, a fast RT-DCT generator is proposed to speed up the FDME encoding time by reducing its complexity. That makes the proposed RT-DCT appropriated for real-time video applications with limited resources, such as mobile internet device, cellular phones, personal digital assistant (PDA), and ultra-mobile personal computer. Moreover, the proposed architecture does not scarify the resolution. By adding the proposed RT-DCT generator to the whole FDME system, implementation and simulation results show that the system performs ME for SDTV video sequence at 371 MHz.

Portable system for the detection of micromolar concentrations of glucose

Glucose in non-invasively collected biofluids is generally in the micromolar range and thus, requires sensing methodologies capable of measuring glucose at these levels. Here, we present a small fluorometer system that can quantify glucose in the range of 0–5 µM with resolution of ∼0.07 µM. It relies on the glucose binding protein (GBP) fluorescently labeled with two fluorophores. Fluorescence signals from the dual-labeled GBP are utilized in a ratiometric mode, making the measurements insensitive to variations in protein concentration and other systematic errors. Fluorescence is quantified by a miniature, dedicated ratiometric fluorometer that is powered via USB. Concentration is calculated using an ultra-mobile personal computer. The whole system is designed to be pocket sized suitable for point-of-care or bedside applications. Test results suggest that the system is a promising tool for accurate measurements of low glucose concentrations (0.1–10 µM) in biological samples.

Real-Time Geospatial Data Collection and Visualization with Smartphone

The development of the Global Navigation System and wireless networking technologies have changed the way we live, communicate, share information and even the collection of geospatial data in the field. Along with wireless networking technologies, the improvement in computational power of handheld devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs) and netbook computers allow field users to connect, store and stream large amounts of geospatial data from the web-server. Nowadays, geospatial data collection is more flexible and timely manner. In this paper we discuss field data collection using a smartphone and web-based GIS system, which collects, integrates, visualizes and analyzes the collected data in real-time. We built a web-GIS system for creating a user account, acquiring coordinates from GPS embedded devices or wireless access points, and providing a user-friendly survey form. The collected data can be visualized and analyzed by performing thematic mapping, labeling, symbolizing, querying and generating a summary report. We tested this system on a university campus management system, in which we collected information on illegal disposal sites and parking events within the university campus.

The NAC System in the Smart Grid Systems

During the process of the Smart Grid systems construction, the Safe Access Platform has an increasing important role. Not only could it meet the demand that people of power system can telecommute, but also provides different level of security mechanisms for various smart devices, such as Hand-hold Terminal System PDA, Ultra Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC) and Wireless Data Acquisition Terminal. Determining how to guarantee the internal security and meet the security requirements of access control based on roles is an important subject. The paper presents a new network access control system (NAC system) based on roles. According to the security metrics of the network access equipment (NAE), the NAC system has been designed and implemented to provide different safety strategies for different application scenarios. Besides, 802.1x and L2-IP are discussed specially as the most important key techniques of the implementation of the system.

Mobile devices within manufacturing environments: a BMW applicability study

With the growing need of mobile devices within manufacturing industries, new domains for their use in automotive OEMs have emerged. Advent technology has enabled the development of devices such as ultra-mobile personal computers that provide the function of a computer in a compact, mobile configuration and augmented reality (wearable mobile devices) in a production environment where hands free operation is essential. The use of mobile devices allows for more effective communication and data sharing/recording. This paper details BMW’s preliminary investigation and applicability study of implementing mobile devices within their manufacturing environment to view potential benefits that could be achieved. Manufacturing industries are characterized by many diverse and critical processes, and an effective communication mechanism must be available between such critical processes. It is recognized that the potential for mobile devices in manufacturing process, while realized through current use of mobile phones and PDAs, has not been fully exploited with newer technology. With use of mobile broadband communication, mobile devices can be used for audio and visual communication and provide the ability to transfer large data volumes without location constraints. BMW explores the use of mobile devices use within two manufacturing processes: assembly training and pruefcubing. Through an internal study performed, it is realized that the use of mobile devices demonstrates improvements within the manufacturing process in terms of time efficiency, quality, and communication capabilities. However, the risks and limitations of implementing such systems have prevented their entrance into assembly training and pruefcubing. The deterrent limitations are discussed and future work is proposed for reevaluation.

Confidential information protection system for mobile devices

Mobile devices such as tab devices (e.g. iPad, Galaxy Tab), smart phones, laptops, and ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs) have become very popular as an access point of important information because of benefits such as small size and mobility. However, because of their high probability of loss or theft, it can turn into a point of information leakage. This is the reason why protection mechanism for confidential information stored in mobile devices have become a need. In this paper, a confidential information protection system for mobile devices is proposed, which is composed of a secure file system and a set of protocols. To show the security of our solution, we have performed an analysis of possible attacks. Additionally, we have developed client/server application prototypes using C# to demonstrate its implementation feasibility for a real environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (In this paper, a confidential information protection system for mobile devices is proposed, which is composed of a secure file system and a set of protocols. To show the security of our solution, we have performed an analysis of possible attacks. Additionally, we have developed client/server application prototypes using C# to demonstrate its implementation feasibility for a real environment.)

Increased memory load during task completion when procedures are presented on mobile screens

The primary objective of this research was to compare procedure-based task performance using three common mobile screen sizes: ultra mobile personal computer (7 in./17.8 cm), personal data assistant (3.5 in./8.9 cm), and SmartPhone (2.8 in./7.1 cm). Subjects used these three screen sizes to view and execute a computer maintenance procedure. Results from 65 student participants indicated a significant difference in completion times between the three screen sizes [F(2, 120)=690, p <0.050], but no differences in subjectively assessed cognitive workload, errors or performance time. Competing memory strategies in procedure-based tasks were revealed through the access frequency and amount of time subjects spent reading the procedure before starting the experiment [F(2, 105)=25.17, p <0.001]. When using the 7 in./17.8 cm screen, users read more of the procedure before executing the procedure. In contrast, when using the smaller screen, users sampled the procedure in longer intervals during execution.

RFID-initiated workflow control to facilitate patient safety and utilization efficiency in operation theater

Objective To control the workflow for surgical patients, we in-cooperate radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to develop a Patient Advancement Monitoring System (PAMS) in operation theater. Methods The web-based PAMS is designed to monitor the whole workflow for the handling of surgical patients. The system integrates multiple data entry ports Across the multi-functional surgical teams. Data are entered into the system through RFID, bar code, palm digital assistance (PDA), ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), or traditional keyboard at designated checkpoints. Active radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag can initiate data demonstration on the computer screens upon a patient's arrival at any particular checkpoint along the advancement pathway. Results The PAMS can manage the progress of operations, patient localization, identity verification, and peri-operative care. The workflow monitoring provides caregivers’ instant information sharing to enhance management efficiency. Conclusion RFID-initiate surgical workflow control is valuable to meet the safety, quality, efficiency requirements in operation theater.

Research Progress of UniCore CPUs and PKUnity SoCs

CPU and System-on-Chip (SoC) are two key technologies of IT industry. During the course of ten years of research, we have defined the UniCore instruction set architecture, and designed the UniCore CPU and the PKUnity SoC family. This cross-disciplinary practice has also fostered many innovations in microprocessor architecture, optimizing compilers, low power design, functional verification, physical design, and so on. In the mean time, we have put technology transfer on the list of our top priorities. This effort has led to several marketable products, such as ultra mobile personal computers, secure micro-workstations and 3C-converged consumer electronics. The development of the next generation products, the 64-bit multi-core CPU and SoC, is also underway. They will find their applications in secure and adaptable computers for mobile and desktop, as well as personal digital multimedia devices. Being consistent with the philosophy and the long-term plan, and by leveraging the cutting-edge process technology, we will continue to make more innovations in CPUs and SoCs, and strengthen our commitment to technology transfer.

A novel portable iris recognition system and usability evaluation

We propose a new portable iris recognition system. Because existing portable iris systems use customized embedded processing units, they are limited in ability to expand to other applications, and they have low processing power. To overcome such problems, we propose a new portable iris recognition system consisting of a conventional ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a small universal serial bus (USB) iris camera, and near-infrared (NIR) light illuminators. In general, portable iris systems produce considerable optical blurring. Although auto-focusing motor-driven lenses can be used to overcome it, they are too bulky to be used in a small-sized portable iris system. Therefore, we adopt an iris image restoration algorithm which performs at real-time speed. And by using a conventional UMPC as a processing unit, our portable iris system is more extensible than previous systems. In general, the performance of iris recognition has been mainly evaluated based on the quantitative metrics such as EER (Equal Error Rate), ROC (Receiver Operational Characteristics) curve or recognition time. We propose a new performance measuring method based on qualitative metrics. That is usability evaluation including user acceptance, convenience, satisfaction and resistance.

Architecture of PKUnity-SK SoC for UMPC

How to meet the requirement of 3C fusion better,is the very key point of popularization of Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer(UMPC).PKUnity-SK SoC integrates the CPU,North/South Bridge chipsets,display controller and other I/O devices,which are distributed on the main board in traditional computer,into one single chip.Beyond the efficient processing of multimedia,PKUnity-SK SoC adopts 2D/3D extension instruction,HW/SW cooperated video decoding accelerator as well as hardware supported video encoding/decoding to reduce the demand for CPU performance.The hierarchical storage system in a single chip simplifies the data transfer path and increases the data transfer rate to improve the system performance.Furthermore,many popular I/O controllers are implemented on the SoC to satisfy I/O usage in personal computer.The design of PKUnity-SK SoC achieves the goal of high-integration,high performance and low power,providing a UMPC solution in low cost,low power,easy usage and easy maintenance for education,electronic government,and personal information processing.

From UMPCs to Cell Phones: How Does Diminishing Screen Real Estate Affect Screen Access and Working Memory?

The goal of this study was to conduct preliminary research to inform system design for an advanced NASA assembly task. The primary objective of this research was to compare procedure-based task performance with three common mobile screen sizes: Ultra Mobile Personal Computer (7in/17.8cm), Personal Data Assistant (3.5in/8.9cm), and SmartPhone (2.8in/7.1cm). Study participants used these three screen sizes to view and complete a computer maintenance procedure. Results from 65 student participants indicated a significant difference in completion times between the three screen sizes (F(2, 120) = 690, p &lt; 0.050), but no differences in subjectively-assessed cognitive workload, errors, or performance time. Competing task completion strategies were revealed through video analysis of access frequency and amount of time subjects spent reading the procedure before starting the experiment (F(2, 105) = 25.17, p&lt;0.001). The 3.5 inch screen appeared to appropriately balance time spent reading the procedure before task start, and referring to the procedure during task execution.

Automatic confidence adjustment of visual cues in model‐based camera tracking

AbstractModel‐based camera tracking is a technology that estimates a precise camera pose based on visual cues (e.g., feature points, edges) extracted from camera images given a 3D scene model and a rough camera pose. This paper proposes an automatic method for flexibly adjusting the confidence of visual cues in model‐based camera tracking. The adjustment is based on the conditions of the target object/scene and the reliability of the initial or previous camera pose. Under uncontrolled or less‐controlled working environments, the proposed object‐adaptive tracking method works flexibly at 20 frames per second on an ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC) with an average tracking error within 3 pixels when the camera image resolution is 320 by 240 pixels. This capability enabled the proposed method to be successfully applied to a mobile augmented reality (AR) guidance system for a museum. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Immer außer Atem? Eine Analyse der ärztlichen Tätigkeit in der Pneumologie

Currently, data from questionnaires have demonstrated increasing criticism from respiratory physicians regarding their working situation. They complain about long working hours, income and an increasing amount of time spent on documentation and administrative duties in particular. Since these criticisms are only subjective perceptions they should be compared to data that are more objective. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to collect precise data about physicians' work in respiratory medicine in order to analyse working routines. The working days of 60 physicians in a respiratory medicine hospital ward were observed unobtrusively for a total of 565 hours. An ultramobile personal computer was used to record the type and duration of all job tasks. The study results illustrate that a physician's working day amounted to an average of 9 hours 15 minutes (SD = 0 : 46 : 59 h). Within this time span different time periods were spent on administrative tasks, internal communication and meetings as well as on communication with patients, ward rounds and medical examinations. This is the first real-time analysis of job tasks in respiratory medical care. Some of the problems with work schedules reported by the doctors themselves were partly verified. Regarding the study results, a reorganisation of job tasks coupled with medical assistance systems may prove useful in reducing the workload of respiratory physicians.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Magic lens Interface Using a Handheld Device in an Immersive Virtual Environment

Interaction in an immersive virtual environment is limited by imperfect depth cues, unstable hand placement in midair, and so on. In this study, we summarize the design and implementation of a magic lens interface within an immersive virtual environment using a handheld device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or an ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC). Our interface simplifies the selection and manipulation processes using image-based interaction techniques. An empirical study shows the effectiveness of the proposed interface for selecting 3D objects, especially when the target is small or in motion.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Magic lens Interface Using a Handheld Device in an Immersive Virtual Environment

Interaction in an immersive virtual environment is limited by imperfect depth cues, unstable hand placement in midair, and so on. In this study, we summarize the design and implementation of a magic lens interface within an immersive virtual environment using a handheld device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or an ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC). Our interface simplifies the selection and manipulation processes using image-based interaction techniques. An empirical study shows the effectiveness of the proposed interface for selecting 3D objects, especially when the target is small or in motion.

An intelligent strategy for checking the annual inspection status of motorcycles based on license plate recognition

License plate recognition techniques have been successfully applied to the management of stolen cars, management of parking lots and traffic flow control. This study proposes a license plate based strategy for checking the annual inspection status of motorcycles from images taken along the roadside and at designated inspection stations. Both a UMPC (Ultra Mobile Personal Computer) with a web camera and a desktop PC are used as hardware platforms. The license plate locations in images are identified by means of integrated horizontal and vertical projections that are scanned using a search window. Moreover, a character recovery method is exploited to enhance the success rate. Character recognition is achieved using both a back propagation artificial neural network and feature matching. The identified license plate can then be compared with entries in a database to check the inspection status of the motorcycle. Experiments yield a recognition rate of 95.7% and 93.9% based on roadside and inspection station test images, respectively. It takes less than 1 s on a UMPC (Celeron 900 MHz with 256 MB memory) and about 293 ms on a PC (Intel Pentium 4 3.0 GHz with 1 GB memory) to correctly recognize a license plate. Challenges associated with recognizing license plates from roadside and designated inspection stations images are also discussed.

Mathematics Support and New Technologies

We believe that in a few years’ time many people (perhaps a majority of “net generation” students) will have a combination of a 3G mobile ‘phone with broadband internet, a video iPod, a Play Station Portable and an Ultra Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC). It will be small enough to fit in your pocket, but large enough to display video, text files containing mathematics and allow interaction such as computer-assisted assessment and digital games.