Abstract: A system and method is provided that supplies computer inputs using a tracked pointer as an input device during computer-assisted surgery. The system and method provides input or feedback to a computer-assisted surgical device. The system and method utilizes a tracking system for tracking a set of devices in an operating room. The set of devices includes a tracked surgical device that performs one or more tasks on a patient, a tracked display device that displays data related to the operation of the surgical device, and a tracked pointer to interact with the tracked display device and input data into a computing system associated with the tracking system and the tracked display device. The tracked pointer inputs data into the computing system based on the relative position and orientation (POSE) of the tracked pointer relative to the POSE of the tracked display device.

Abstract: An MMS circuit set-up system includes a real time link manager (RTLM) which is coupled to the audio video controller (AVC) of the MMS. The AVC receives data from the MMS reservation system about the starting and ending times for conferences and sends commands to the RTLM to set up connections for the conference. The RTLM is provided with a database of configuration and location information about remote sites and has access to the resource database of one or more ATM switches and/or other networking equipment. The RTLM sends configuration messages to ATM switches and/or other networking equipment in order to set up a conference. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the ATM switches are controlled by the RTLM using SNMP (simple network management protocol) via an ETHERNET.TM. connection to the slot controllers of the ATM switches and networking equipment which does not support SNMP are controlled by the RTLM using TCP/IP (transaction control protocol/internet protocol) via an ETHERNET.TM.

Abstract: To reserve a supply of a good or service, a chip type memory card is inserted into a terminal of a reserving device. This reserving device makes the reservation by sending indications about this reservation to a terminal located near the goods or services to be delivered. On the agreed date and at the agreed place, the renting party goes to this terminal and inserts his memory card therein. The terminal then tells him where and how he should get and use the service or good reserved by him. This system can be applied in particular when the good or service to be obtained by self-service concerns the renting of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for insertion of active components in chip cards. A card is made with a cavity, whose edges are formed from a material having shape memorization properties. The initial shape of the cavity at ordinary temperature is that of a basin having dimensions for housing an integrated circuit micromodule, with overhanging edges which do not allow the micromodule to go out of the cavity or to be inserted into the cavity. The card is then plastically deformed with the overhanging edges pushed back a sufficient distance and the integrated circuit micromodule is inserted. Finally, the card is heated to a temperature at which its shape memorization effect is displayed, and the plastically deformed edges of the cavity again become elastic and resume their initial overhanging shape.

Abstract: The period for which advertisements are displayed on display screens is monitored by coupling the displaying time with the time of a telephone call from a public telephone booth near the display panel. Preferably, the call made from this booth is paid with a pre-payment memory card. This memory card also has a memorizing zone in which it is possible to record an advertisement which is precisely the advertisement to be displayed.

Abstract: The period for which advertisements are displayed on display screens is monitored by coupling the displaying time with the time of a telephone call from a public telephone booth near the display panel. Preferably, the call made from this booth is paid with a pre-payment memory card. This memory card also has a memorizing zone in which it is possible to record an advertisement which is precisely the advertisement to be displayed.