Revolutionize Computer Memory

New Device May Revolutionize Computer Memory

Researchers have developed a single “unified” device that can perform both volatile and nonvolatile memory operation, with applications that could affect computer start times and energy efficiency for internet servers. (Credit: Image courtesy of North Carolina State University)ScienceDaily (Jan. 20, 2011) — Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new device that represents a significant advance for computer memory, making large-scale "server farms" more energy efficient and allowing computers to start more quickly.

Traditionally, there are two types of computer memory devices. Slow memory devices are used in persistent data storage technologies such as flash drives. They allow us to save information for extended periods of time, and are therefore called nonvolatile devices. Fast memory devices allow our computers to operate quickly, but aren't able to save data when the computers are turned off. The necessity for a constant source of power makes them volatile devices.

But now a research team from NC State has developed a single "unified" device that can perform both volatile and nonvolatile memory operation and may be used in the main memory.

"We've invented a new device that may revolutionize computer memory," says Dr. Paul Franzon, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at NC State and co-author of a paper describing the research. "Our device is called a double floating-gate field effect transistor (FET). Existing nonvolatile memory used in data storage devices utilizes a single floating gate, which stores charge in the floating gate to signify a 1 or 0 in the device -- or one 'bit' of information. By using two floating gates, the device can store a bit in a nonvolatile mode, and/or it can store a bit in a fast, volatile mode -- like the normal main memory on your computer."

The double floating-gate FET could have a significant impact on a number of computer problems. For example, it would allow computers to start immediately, because the computer wouldn't have to retrieve start-up data from its hard drive -- the data could be stored in its main memory.

The new device would also allow "power proportional computing." For example, Web server farms, such as those used by Google, consume an enormous amount of power -- even when there are low levels of user activity -- in part because the server farms can't turn off the power without affecting their main memory.

"The double floating-gate FET would help solve this problem," Franzon says, "because data could be stored quickly in nonvolatile memory -- and retrieved just as quickly. This would allow portions of the server memory to be turned off during periods of low use without affecting performance."

Franzon also notes that the research team has investigated questions about this technology's reliability, and that they think the device "can have a very long lifetime, when it comes to storing data in the volatile mode."

The paper, "Computing with Novel Floating-Gate Devices," will be published Feb. 10 in IEEE's Computer. The paper was authored by Franzon; former NC State Ph.D. student Daniel Schinke; former NC State master's student Mihir Shiveshwarkar; and Dr. Neil Di Spigna, a research assistant professor at NC State. The research was funded by the National Science Foundation.

NC State's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is part of the university's College of Engineering

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120111025.htm

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MedApps’ road to AT&T ForHealth

AT&T continued to reveal the constituents of its ForHealth portfolio of mHealth and telehealth solutions that aim to improve disease management. MedApps’ offerings include a remote care monitoring hub called HealthPAL and a Web-based application called HealthCOM. AT&T will provide 3G connectivity to MedApps’ hub and will co-market and distribute MedApps products along with other remote care applications, peripherals and devices in AT&T’s new ForHealth portfolio.

“Instead of having to adapt to every new platform that comes out, we use a single purpose device or personal health device (PHD) that sends personal health information (PHI) into the personal health record (PHR),” MedApps CEO Kent Dicks told MobiHealthNews in an interview in 2009. “That’s what we are doing at MedApps: We are creating a platform that is dedicated solely to collecting personal health information, behavioral information and biometric information to send it to a central server in an invisible way so that the user doesn’t have to press any buttons. If the user misses any data, HealthPAL will alert them to send the data or it will alert a caregiver.”

“MedApps’ focus on cloud computing and open platform architecture, allowing connection of multiple clinical devices to a single plug-and-play hub, is highly aligned with AT&T’s vision,” Randall Porter, assistant vice president, AT&T ForHealth Solutions stated in the press release. “It will help AT&T offer mHealth solutions that are user agnostic and universally accessible, despite carrier, device type and operating-system. AT&T is excited to work with MedApps to provide a comprehensive remote care monitoring solution suite to our healthcare customers.”
ForHealth already includes WellDoc’s mobile and Web-based DiabetesManager program.

MedApps received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its HealthPAL device in June 2009, while it secured a CE Mark for Europe and approval by Health Canada this time last year.
One of MedApps’ biggest partnerships to date was with New Jersey-based hospital group Meridian Health, which uses MedApps’ wireless remote monitoring technology to keep an eye on patients who were recently discharged from acute care settings with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). According to the two companies, the aim was to monitor the patients on a daily “near real-time” basis in an effort to improve patient outcomes and decrease re-admissions to the hospitals.

CardioNet also inked a deal with MedApps late last year to co-market MedApps’ solutions bundled along with its own mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT) services. The companies positioned the partnership as a “strategic alliance” to “deploy new and innovative wireless monitoring solutions that benefit patients in a cost-effective, meaningful manner.”

MedApps navigated the early years of wireless health, first as a mobile phone-based solution, which the FDA approved in 2007, before switching to a connected, dedicated device, called HealthPAL. It’s a bit smaller than a mobile phone, but unlike a phone based solution MedApps does not require the user to push any buttons to function. Although HealthPAL has buttons to access simple menu options, users are not required to even touch the HealthPAL device in order to transmit data for review and online storage. The goal was to maximize usability to improve compliance. Read more about the origins of MedApps in this interview with company CEO Kent Dicks from back in September 2009.

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The GPS with Attitude!

Click on Link below to view video:

http://www.virtualhud.com/VirtualHud/Wingman.aspx


Frequently Asked Questions
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1) What does it project?
The VirtualHUD projects Attitude (Pitch and Roll), Heading, Altitude, Speed and Highway in the Sky when connected to an external GPS. In addition, you can also project any other information desired, via a standard RS-170b video input. A great example is the Forward.Vision EVS-100 Long Wave Infrared Camera. With the EVS-100, we can provide the pilot with a view forward that looks like daylight, even in the darkest night. This image is projected in front of the pilot, turning the propller arc into a window of visibility even in smoke, haze or fog.

2) Does the VirtualHUD project onto the windshield?
No, the VirtualHUD actually projects right through the windshield and onto the surface created by the spinning propeller.

3) So, this must be certified by the FAA, right?
No, as a portable device, the VirtualHUD ForwardVU can be used in any single engine plane with a front propeller. It simply plugs into your cigarette lighter and attaches to the windscreen by a RAM suction cup ball mount. There is also an additional "built-in" chassis for Experimental and Light Sprot Aircraft.

4) What about twins, rotorcraft or jets?
The VirtualHUD was designed specficially for small single engine (or three engined) tractor driven aircraft. Because it uses the propeller as a projection surface, the VirtualHUD only works on aircraft where the pilot is situated directly behind the propeller. This includes most small aircraft from Cessna, Beechcraft, Piper and Cirrus as well as most Experimental and LSA manufacturers.

5) What happens if the propeller stops?
Well, first off, you have bigger problems to worry about. :-) However, the portable VirtualHUD ForwardVU is equipped with a fall back mode that can be used to display the EFIS on to any surface. If the propeller stops, simply pulling the unit away from the windsreeen will enable the fall-back (or what we call "Limp Home") mode. In addition, because this is a backup advisory only device, all your standard instruments will still be in place.

6) Has it flown?
Yes. The VirtualHUD has been undergoing flight testing in a 1982 Beechcraft Skipper. It is mounted directly to the windshield with the use of a standard RAM type ball mount and suction cup. The only other modification done to the plane is the application of a strip of white "prop-tip" paint on each blade. The paint is not necessary, but is used to enhance the visibility of the heads up display.

7) How does it look when the sun is directly behind you?
The VirtualHUD ForwardVU is sun light readable except in the instance where the sun is directly in front of you where our instincts force us to look away anyway, or where the sun is reflecting off of a surface (like a lake or propeller) causing you to be temporarily blinded. There is a simple rule of thumb... if you can't see the propeller, then you can't see the VirtualHUD.

8) How much and when?
The VirtualHUD ForwardVU is available to order now. Check the Purchase Page for more details or contact sales@virtualhud.com to request our purchase agreement and ordering form.

9) Who else has flown it?
Because we are just starting to produce the VirtualHUD, testing has been limited to internal employees only. However, we are now in the process of equipping Corkey Fornof's LoPresti Fury with the VirtualHUD ForwardVU to complete our testing. In addition, we look forward to showing some amazing video from Corkey's beautiful aerobatic routine as he flies through the Highway in the Sky of the VirtualHUD.

10) Will you be at any airshows soon?
Yes. We will be attending all of the larger venues. For example, Sun-n-fun, Oshkosh and AOPA. We also attend several smaller events throughout the year, so please check those event schedules or this site for more information. If you'd like us to attend your show and present a seminar, contact us for further details.
Contact Info: info@virtualhud.com


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