TCF 2008 Activities and Events | Post TCF Talks and Forums information - New 4/28/08 | Press Release | Articles | Keynote Speaker | Banquet | Robotic and Electronic Contests | Professional Conference | Talks and Forums on 4/26 & 4/27 | Amateur (Ham) Radio and License Testing | Dates, Hours, Directions, Transportation, Restaurants and Hotels | Downloads |

TCF 2008 Official Contributors

About TCF | History of The Festival | Past Keynote Speakers | Videos | Hobbyist of the Year | Founders | Steering Committee | Sponsors

Prior Years Events

(TCF 2007) | Professional Conference | Keynote Speaker | Poster Sessions | Banquet Speaker | Talks and Forums on Saturday | Talks and Forums on Sunday | Amateur (Ham) Radio and License Testing | Dates and Location | Downloads

(TCF 2006) | Press Release | Professional Conference | Keynote Speaker | Featured Speakers | Poster Sessions | Talks and Forums

Education - Saturday April 28, 2007, Room RC E

10:15 am to 11:10 am
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights: What are they and do I need one?
Anthony Carlis, Invent This! Inc.

Abstract :

An overview of Intellectual Property and how the US Constitution ensures inventor's rights.

Bio :

Anthony Carlis was a Systems Analyst at Unisys Corporation and designed robotic systems and developed data acquisition (telemetry) hardware for NASA and the National Security Agency. He is also an adjunct professor at Widener University teaching classes in Criminal Justice.

11:20 am to 12:15 pm
Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm Based Stock Trading Systems
Donn Fishbein, Neuroquant

Abstract :

Technical analysis can provide a scientific, verifiable method to trade financial markets. Yet at first glance the field appears overwhelming. There are thousands of technical indicators, each with one or more parameters, available to construct trading systems. Which indicators and parameters to choose, and how to weight each, is a daunting task. Artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms can assist in this task. This talk will review the basics of these technologies, and demonstrate their use in the construction of a profitable trading system. The long term performance of trading systems introduced in previous years will also be reviewed.

Bio :

Donn S. Fishbein, MD, PhD, is a physician and scientist who has investigated and traded the financial markets for 25 years. His particular area of interest is mathematical systems with biological roots. For the past six years his focus has been on hybrid artificial neural network and genetic algorithm systems, both for end-of-day trading and more recently for daytrading systems. He has lectured on these subjects, describing profitable systems for trading equities, exchange traded funds, and index futures. He contributes trading signals to a neural net trading website, has offered consulting services and private development of trading systems based on these technologies, and is presently engaged in the launch of a hedge fund based on these strategies.

12:25 pm to 1:20 pm
CAD for Kids/CAD for Teens
Eva Kaplan, Computers + Kids Camp and Walter Silva, Conceptual Product Development, Inc.

Abstract :

The campers at Computers + Kids have been discovering the unlimited creative potential of Dr. Walt's CAD for Kids for several years - learning the basics of going from 2-d to 3-d virtual construction of objects (from cars to houses to robots). Dr. Walt is teaming up with Eva for a step-by-step demonstration of CAD for Kids and CAD for Teens. To sum it up -MIND BLOWING and SIMPLE! Eva and kids prefer it to Turbo Cad and Auto Cad.

Bio :

Eva Kaplan is the founder and director of Computers + Kids, www.computersandkids.com, one of the country's longest running computer camps: computersandkids.com, Princeton Forrestal Village. Walter Silva, President of Conceptual Product Development, Inc., West Caldwell, NJ, is a veteran Mechanical Engineer and is the author of the well-known series of Doctor Walt?s? books that cover CAD software, rapid prototyping, and technical desktop publishing.

1:30 pm to 2:25 pm
The New CAD: Computer-Aided Dieting
Don Libes, NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology

Abstract :

Computers are great at tracking data and making decisions. You aren't. Why not have your computer guide you on better food choices and weight loss ? you already spend tons of time in front of the computer anyway, right? But there are hundreds of diets and hundreds of software programs and websites to help lose weight. Do any work? Is it really necessary to pay for them? Find out which ones work best and how to do it all on the cheap.

Bio :

Don Libes is a computer scientist for the federal government. Don's interests are interaction automation and national broadband policy issues. He has written three books including "Obfuscated C and Other Mysteries".

3:40 pm to 4:35 pm
The Apollo Guidance Computer: Architecture and Operation
Frank O?Brien, Infoage Science/History Learning Center

Abstract :

Perhaps the single spacecraft component that assured the success of the Apollo lunar missions was its guidance computer. Created in the 1960?s when most computers filled an entire room, the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) was small, low power, and included capabilities that are advanced by today?s standards. The Infoage Science and Learning Center has acquired an early AGC as part of its History of Computing Technologies collection. We will be discussing the computers hardware and software architecture, interfaces and how designers overcame its limitations. Additionally, we will cover the user interface and operations required for a flight from the Earth to the Moon. Attendees will get the opportunity to examine the AGC, its components and review its source code.

Bio :

Frank O?Brien is a volunteer Apollo historian for NASA, primarily as a researcher for the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal, and is co-editor of the Apollo Flight Journal. He was responsible for preparing the Lunar Module Simulator and other artifacts for exhibition at the Cradle of Aviation Museum (Long Island, NY), and is an associate director at the Infoage Science/History Learning Center.