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Machine Interface (machine + interface)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Engineering50%

Selected Abstracts

Stretchable, Large-area Organic Electronics

ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 20 2010
Tsuyoshi Sekitani
Abstract Stretchability will significantly expand the application scope of electronics, particularly large-area electronics,displays, sensors, and actuators. If arbitrary surfaces and movable parts could be covered with stretchable electronics, which is impossible with conventional electronics, new classes of applications are expected to emerge. A large hurdle is manufacturing electrical wiring with high conductivity, high stretchability, and large-area compatibility. This Review describes stretchable, large-area electronics based on organic field-effect transistors for applications to sensors and displays. First, novel net-shaped organic transistors are employed to realize stretchable, large-area sensor networks that detect distributions of pressure and temperature simultaneously. The whole system is functional even when it is stretched by 25%. In order to further improve stretchability, printable elastic conductors are developed by dispersing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as dopants uniformly in rubbers. Further, we describe integration of printable elastic conductors with organic transistors to construct a rubber-like stretchable active matrix for large-area sensor and display applications. Finally, we will discuss the future prospects of stretchable, large-area electronics with delineating a picture of the next-generation human/machine interfaces from the aspect of materials science and electronic engineering. [source]

Intravascular neural interface with nanowire electrode

ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 7 2009
Hirobumi Watanabe
Abstract A minimally invasive electrical recording and stimulating technique capable of simultaneously monitoring the activity of a significant number (e.g., 103 to 104) of neurons is an absolute prerequisite in developing an effective brain,machine interface. Although there are many excellent methodologies for recording single or multiple neurons, there has been no methodology for accessing large numbers of cells in a behaving experimental animal or human individual. Brain vascular parenchyma is a promising candidate for addressing this problem. It has been proposed [1, 2] that a multitude of nanowire electrodes introduced into the central nervous system through the vascular system to address any brain area may be a possible solution. In this study we implement a design for such microcatheter for ex vivo experiments. Using Wollaston platinum wire, we design a submicron-scale electrode and develop a fabrication method. We then evaluate the mechanical properties of the electrode in a flow when passing through the intricacies of the capillary bed in ex vivo Xenopus laevis experiments. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of intravascular recording in the spinal cord of Xenopus laevis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(7): 29,37, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10058 [source]

A fuzzy logical vigilance alarm system for improving situation awareness and trust in supervisory control

HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2006
Cheng-Li Liu
An automation system's operating performance is judged by how well an automation unit is monitored and maintained by its supervisors. Previous research has shown that situation awareness (SA) and trust are critical factors in automation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and improve supervisory performance in automation manufacturing. First, a conceptual structure of the relationship among SA, trust, and vigilance was developed. Second, a quantitative vigilance performance-measuring model (, value) was proposed. Third, a matrix experiment based on orthogonal arrays through a simulated system of an auxiliary feed-water system (AFWS) was conducted to verify the effect of the measuring model. Finally, according to the vigilance performance-measuring model, a fuzzy logical vigilance alarm system was constructed to improve operating performance. The results of the first experiment indicated that the , value on human dynamic decision-making characteristics was easy and objective in the measurement of operators' vigilance. With greater vigilance, there is a greater likelihood of making appropriate SA and acquiring more trust in automation. The results of the second experiment indicated that applying the , value to the design of the fuzzy logical vigilance alarm system could improve supervisory performance efficiently. Therefore, an adaptive vigilance performance-measuring model combined with a fuzzy technique applied to the design of a human,machine interface for the improvement of cognitive decision making and operating performance is an important new direction in automation manufacturing. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 409,426, 2006. [source]

RAOUL HAUSMANN'S REVOLUTIONARY MEDIA: DADA PERFORMANCE, PHOTOMONTAGE AND THE CYBORG

ART HISTORY, Issue 1 2007
MATTHEW BIRO
This article argues that Hausmann's poetry and performance practices of 1918 and 1919 prepared the ground for the cybernetic imagery that became prevalent in his caricatures, photomontages and assemblages of 1920. Through an examination of Hausmann's poetry and performance strategies, his concept of human identity, and his understanding of the relationship between sexuality and social revolution, a new understanding of Hausmann's visual concerns is developed. In particular, this article investigates why Hausmann's portraits often undermined their sitter's identity; why Hausmann sometimes emphasized sexuality in his representations; and why, in addition to reminding their viewers of mechanized war, Hausmann's images of the human,machine interface anticipated many of the ideas inherent in the concept of the cyborg developed in the later twentieth century. [source]