The Laboratory Computer

The Laboratory Computer: A Practical Guide for Physiologists and Neuroscientists introduces the reader to both the basic principles and the actual practice of recording physiological signals using the computer. It describes the basic operation of the computer, the types of transducers used to measure physical quantities such as temperature and pressure, how these signals are amplified and converted into digital form, and the mathematical analysis techniques that can then be applied. It is aimed at the physiologist or neuroscientist using modern computer data acquisition systems in the laboratory, providing both an understanding of how such systems work and a guide to their purchase and implementation. The key facts and concepts that are vital for the effective use of computer data acquisition systems A unique overview of the commonly available laboratory hardware and software, including both commercial and free software A practical guide to designing one's own or choosing commercial data acquisition hardware and software

The Laboratory Computer: A Practical Guide for Physiologists and Neuroscientists introduces the reader to both the basic principles and the actual practice of recording physiological signals using the computer. It describes the basic operation of the computer, the types of transducers used to measure physical quantities such as temperature and pressure, how these signals are amplified and converted into digital form, and the mathematical analysis techniques that can then be applied. It is aimed at the physiologist or neuroscientist using modern computer data acquisition systems in the laboratory, providing both an understanding of how such systems work and a guide to their purchase and implementation. The key facts and concepts that are vital for the effective use of computer data acquisition systems A unique overview of the commonly available laboratory hardware and software, including both commercial and free software A practical guide to designing one's own or choosing commercial data acquisition hardware and software

Science undergraduates have come to accept the use of computers as commonplace. The daily use of portable sophisticated electronic calculators (some of them rivaling general-purpose minicomputers in their capa bi li ti es) has hastened this development. Over the past several years, computer assisted experimentation has assumed an important role in the experimental laboratory. Mini- and microcomputer systems have become an important part of the physical scientist's array of analytical instruments. Prompted by our beliefthat this was an inevitable development, we began several years aga to develop the curricular materials presented in this manual. At the outset, several objectives seemed important to uso First, insofar as possible, the experiments included should be thoroughly tested and error free. Second, they should be compatible with a variety of laboratory computer, data-acquisition, and control systems. Third, little or no previous background in either electronics or programming should be necessary. (Of course, such background would be advantageous. ) To satisfy these objectives, we decided to adopt a widespread high-level computer language, BASIC, suitably modified for the purpose. Furthermore, we have purposely avoided specifying any particular system or equipment. Rather, the functional characteristics of both hardware and software required are stipulated. The experiments have been developed using Varian 620 and Hewlett-Packard 2100 series computers, but we believe they are readily transferable to other commonly available computer systems with a minimum of difficulty.

Utilizing classroom tested projects and exercises, this supplemental text and disk exposes advanced undergraduate and graduate students to digital signal processing (DSP) in a computer environment. These exercises and projects offer practical applications to real-world problems with easy modification to provide students with variety and fresh testing from year to year. The software is easy to use with an on-line help function which explains the usage of all DSP functions.

The Use of Computers for Laboratory Automation gives readers sufficient knowledge of computer systems and automation to enable them to read, and evaluate critically, technical literature and system specifications, thereby allowing the active participation in the selection, implementation, use and maintenance of computer systems in laboratories. The Use of Computers for Laboratory Automation addresses the fundamental concepts in computer engineering, software engineering and automation. It places the emphasis on principles of operation rather than on `product specific' details, which makes it independent and to a large degree `future-proof'. Particular attention is given to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and the associated verification and valuation of computers in regulated (GLP) environments. The book is written in an approachable style, using simple technical language, making it easily accessible to scientists at all professional levels (licentiate, graduate, practising professional) and capacities (technician, analyst, technical manager etc.), and from many different disciplines.

The proliferation of information and communication technology tools in recent years has led many educators to revise the way they teach and structure their learning environments. The growth of technology applications in teaching and training is not only gaining momentum, it is becoming a significant part of today's educational scene. This book presents research and case studies to explain how these technology-rich learning environments can be structured and positive results can be achieved. The authors, based on their extensive research data present the pedagogical and organizational implications of technology-rich learning environments and, more importantly, they provide practical models, ideas and exemplars for educators to actualize the full potential of technology in the future.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Laboratory for Computer Science (LCS) hasbeen responsible for some of the most significant technological achievements of the past fewdecades. Much of the hardware and software driving the information revolution has been, andcontinues to be, created at LCS. Anyone who sends and receives email, communicates with colleaguesthrough a LAN, surfs the Web, or makes decisions using a spreadsheet is benefiting from thecreativity of LCS members.LCS is an interdepartmental laboratory that brings together faculty,researchers, and students in a broad program of study, research, and experimentation. Theirprincipal goal is to pursue innovations in information technology that will improve people's lives.LCS members have been instrumental in the development of ARPAnet, the Internet, the Web, Ethernet,time-shared computers, UNIX, RSA encryption, the X Windows system, NuBus, and many othertechnologies.This book, published in celebration of LCS's thirty-fifth anniversary, chronicles itshistory, achievements, and continued importance to computer science. The essays are complemented byhistorical photographs.