Showing papers on "Graphical user interface published in 1991"

Programming real-time applications with SIGNAL

Abstract: The authors present the main features of the SIGNAL language and its compiler. Designed to provide safe real time system programming, the SIGNAL language is based on synchronous principles. Its semantics are defined via a mathematical model of multiple-clocked flows of data and events. SIGNAL programs describe relations on such objects, so that it is possible to program a real time application via constraints. The compiler calculates the solutions of the system and thus can be used as a proof system. The equational approach is a natural way to derive multiprocessor executions of a program. This approach uses a graphical interface of a block-diagram style, and the system is illustrated on a speech recognition application. >

Graphical user interface with gesture recognition in a multiapplication environment

Abstract: An advanced user interface for use with a computer system operating on an integrated operating environment. The integrated operating environment allows a plurality of application programs to be running simultaneously, one of which is designated the active application program to which all input data is directed. The advanced user interface allows a user to select among user-friendly input devices to operate any application program according to his individual preferences without change to the application program code. The advanced user interface includes alternate input modules which translate the input signals transmitted from the various input devices into input messages useable by the rest of the interface. The advanced user interface also includes interface profiles which contain mappings of the input messages against corresponding commands useable by the application programs, the integrated operating environment or other modules of the advanced user interface itself. An environment link module refers to the interface profiles and matches the input message against the corresponding command for the application program active at the time the input signal was transmitted and send the corresponding command to that application program. The environment link module matches the input message against a corresponding command for an application which owns a window in which a key feature of a gesture is made.

Hypermedia link marker abstract and search services

Abstract: A set of hypermedia linking services enable client applications to incorporate hypermedia capabilities in an open system architecture. The users are provided with a consistent hypermedia interface completely managed by the hypermedia services and not by the client application itself. The graphical user interface includes methods for menu handling, dialog box presentation and pointing device message handling, e.g., mouse message handling. Normal hypermedia activities such as object management, object creation, object deletion and object modification is provided. In addition, an open system searching mechanism is provided to satisfy broad non-context requests for information by the user without sacrificing the advantages of an open hypermedia environment.

Application independent (open) hypermedia enablement services

Abstract: A set of hypermedia linking services enable client applications to incorporate hypermedia capabilities in an open system architecture. The users are provided with a consistent hypermedia interface completely managed by the hypermedia services and not by the client application itself. The graphical user interface includes methods for menu handling, dialog box presentation and pointing device message handling, e.g., mouse message handling. Normal hypermedia activities such as object management, object creation, object deletion and object modification is provided.

ATLAS/ti--A Prototype for the Support of Text Interpretation

Abstract: At the core of ATLAS/ti is an explorative approach to theory-building. With linear textual data, such as transcribed interviews, as a starting point, segmentation and coding (“textual phases”) of the text alternates with the building of conceptual networks and hypertextual structures (“conceptual phase”). The researcher may draw actual “maps,” consisting of boxes and connecting lines, that depict the linkages among concepts as a network. Memos can be written for any entity at any stage in the process. For proceeding to a coherent text-outcome, features like the compilation of text units, and cut & paste operations between different text windows are available. All interaction with the program is through a graphic user interface containing windows, menus and icons, since special emphasis is placed in this program on its “readiness-at-hand.”

Graphic Design for Electronic Documents and User Interfaces

Abstract: 1. Introduction. 2. Layout. 3. Typography. 4. Symbolism. 5. Color. 6. Visualizing Knowledge: Charts, Diagrams, and Maps. 7. Screen Design for User Interfaces. 8. A Comparison of Graphical User Interfaces. 9. Appendices. 10. Acknowledgments. 11. Bibliography. 12. Index. 13. Authors. 14. Bibliography. 0201543648T04062001

XTV: a framework for sharing X Window clients in remote synchronous collaboration

Abstract: XTV is a distributed system for sharing X Window applications synchronously among a group of remotely located users at workstations running X and interconnected by the Internet. The major components of the system are designed and implemented in such a way that make them reusable in other collaborative systems and applications. A description is presented of the fine technical details and knowledge required to understand and replicate the work which went into developing XTV. The following concepts are discussed: interception, distribution and translation of traffic between X clients and display servers; regulation of access to tools using a token passing mechanism and reverse-translation of server traffic; and accommodation of systems with different architectures which may have different byte orders for integer representation. >

Graphical user interface with fisheye adaptation principle

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out a variable dialog with technical equipment that has a display and an input, such as a television screen with a touch keyboard. According to the invention, the dialog is to be carried out by means of the fisheye principle, in which, by means of one or more multi-stage input elements, the extent or scope of the functions that are shown and accessible in parallel, by means of a threshold value indicator, is adjustable by means of an input operation.

Graphical user interface editing system

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) editing system for developing or editing of a new GUI through a GUI environment provided to a workstation, a personal computer or the like. The system is designed so that user's erroneous operations can be effectively avoided, various sorts of processing are defined for a minimum number of events, the GUI editing can be carried out flexibly under various GUI development environments while not prescribed by the size of GUI elements or by a GUI definition language, whereby such GUI development and editing can be efficiently and flexibly realized on a general-purpose operating system (OS). Further, a denotation procedure of a newly designed or edited GUI developing element to a GUI element database can be remarkably simplified.

Postprocessing system for echo sounder data

Abstract: Echo sounding is a powerful and widely used technique for remote sensing of the marine environment. In order to enhance the power of the echo sounder, a postprocessing system has been designed and realized in standard software that is essentially machine independent. This has been done by adhering to the following international standards: UNIX operating system, C programming language, X Window Systems, Structured‐Query Language (SQL) for communication with a relational database, and Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Preprocessed data are transferred from the echo sounder to the postprocessing system by means of a local‐area network (LAN), namely Ethernet. Development of the postprocessing system, for analysis of such diverse scatterers as plankton, pelagic, and bottom fish, and the bottom itself, is documented in the following way. The history of echo integration is summarized. User requirements for the new system are listed. Reasons are given for the choice of the particular computing environment, including both hardware, software, and external communications. The system design, consisting of data flow and graphical user interfaces, is described. Implementation of the system is defined through integration techniques and a discussion of performance issues. Operating procedures and the first field trials of the system are described. Several features characteristic of and perhaps unique to the postprocessing system are, for example: (1) user definition of arbitrarily shaped integration regions, including non‐constant‐depth intervals, by means of interactive graphics; (2) preprocessor error correction, e.g., adjustment of the noise threshold or redefinition of the detected bottom; (3) use of several color map techniques in order to extract such information as signal strength and shape; and (4) the scheme of interconnections of graphical user interfaces, database, and data files. This work does not introduce a set of computer instructions. It does describe a design philosophy and method of realization that may have broader applications in acoustics than that ostensibly concerned only with the quantitative estimation of fish abundance.

Adaptive direct manipulation

Abstract: A description is presented of ADM (adaptive direct manipulation), a prototype graphical user interface (GUI) system which is adaptive to user performance. ADM allows users to perform a set of tasks via direct manipulation of graphical buttons presented within the display space of a computer touch screen. The presentation and management of these buttons dynamically adapt to the button selection behavior of the current user. The goal of this work was to understand and develop a working software system which could correctly integrate the necessary knowledge to support a given set of operations and effectively adapt its GUI to the behavior and performance of a user. >

Graphical user interface

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a computer system that includes a memory for storing application programs and application files. The user interface permits the user to initiate execution of a selected application program, and produces a snapshot that graphically represents a screen produced during the execution of the application program. The snapshot may be displayed after execution of the application program is terminated, and provides a visual reference for the application file that was opened when the snapshot was taken. Snapshots and their corresponding application files may be organized in a project format, and new documents opened by an application program may be automatically placed in the opened project. An improved technique for initiating the execution of application programs is also described.

System monitoring method and device including a graphical user interface to view and manipulate system information

Abstract: A system monitoring device is disclosed which is capable of displaying historical or real time information and also allows a user to set, via direct manipulation, a range of values in relation to other currently displayed information in graphical format on a computer screen and to view such relationships in an intuitive manner. A user interface is provided whereby a user can interact with information being viewed via an input device, e.g., a pointing device. The user interface of the system monitoring device of the present invention includes two interactive icons which allow a user to select and display information contained in a historical record, or log, of information, as well as real time information, and also to expand the interactive icon into a range of values so that there is a range, or hysteresis, between the point at which the activity may take place and the point at which the activity is canceled which a user can directly manipulate in an intuitive manner on a display device.

Method and system for enabling a blind computer user to handle message boxes in a graphical user interface

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that enables blind or visually impaired computer users to handle message boxes in a graphical user interface. When a message box first appears, the textual content of the box is announced audibly and an audible homing signal is produced. In the preferred embodiment, the homing signal is a tone whose pitch increases as the distance between the pointer and the message box decreases.

Event capturing for computer software evaluation

Abstract: A method for evaluating application software used with a computer system having a graphic user interface The method is implemented as a computer program that runs simultaneously with the application software The program continually checks a system-provided event record to determine if a user-initiated event has occurred If so, the program relates the event to an on-screen object of the graphic user interface and to the time at which it occurred The program outputs an event capture log, which may be used for subsequent analysis

System and method for managing graphic images

Abstract: A graphic user interface for a computer is provided in which representations of application programs can be placed on the display in a specified area reserved for such a purpose in which area they could not be so readily obscured and forgotten, and which includes a facility for controlling the placement of such representations within the reserved area. The graphic images are guided into specific locations, or "docks" in the reserved area, and their removal from the docks is restricted to prevent accidental withdrawal.

Filtering event capture data for computer software evaluation

Abstract: A method for evaluating application software used with a computer system having a graphic user interface. The method is implemented as a computer program that runs simultaneously with the application software. The program continually checks a system-provided event record to determine if a user-initiated event has occurred. If so, the program relates the event to an on-screen object of the graphic user interface and to the time at which it occurred. Events and objects and their attributes are associated with identifiers so that the invention can be programmed to select only certain event data. The program outputs an event capture log, which may be used for subsequent analysis.

Supervisory management center with parameter testing and alerts

Abstract: A smart telecommunications supervisor management workstation with monitoring system provides real-time operation statistics and graphical representation of system operation in real time. A standardized graphic user interface and a mouse-driven point and click user friendly interface minimize keyboard entry. A management workstation also generates reports using off-the-shelf spreadsheet packages incorporates data management functions via a highly refined user interface. The management workstation comprises an integrated system for generating alerts based on user-defined criteria for database information. Color-coded or shaded monochrome displays provide ease of viewing. Extensive use of icons allows quick identification and selection of management control functions.

Multi-media system including bi-directional music-to-graphic display interface

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a music-controlled graphic interface for closely binding musical and graphical information. The invention comprises a digital instrument interface, a computer device for translating digital musical sequences into graphical display information, and one or more displays for presenting the graphical information. Digital musical information is used to access graphical information. The accessing of the graphical information can be accomplished using the digital musical information as an index to a stored look-up table of video/graphic data. Alternatively, the musical information can serve as an input into an algorithm to calculate the video data in real time. The invention can also proceed in the backwards direction. Changing graphical data can be used to access musical or other sound information, to create musical sounds that match closely a changing displayed image. The invention allows accurate and rapid synchronization of sound and image, especially in computer animation.

A graphical query language for object oriented databases

Abstract: The authors discuss the main aspects of a graphical environment for querying object oriented databases, using the by-example approach. Its full integration in a browsing environment reduces the learning effort and gives the language high flexibility making it suitable for users with different skill. The query formulation is accomplished by interacting with query forms, where the user can access the properties of objects in order to define conditions on them. The language has been integrated in the user interface of the KIWIS system, and further enriched with advanced features developed using some facilities of KIWIS. In particular, the user can formulate queries incrementally, and interact uniformally with both default and tailored object representations. >

A proposal for a remotely shared control systems laboratory

Abstract: The authors present a futuristic approach to sharing one of the most expensive components of engineering education, the laboratory. The objective of the shared laboratory is to improve the effectiveness of the control and instrumentation laboratory experience for undergraduates. An experimental station can be operated from a computer in a classroom, or from a computer at a remote location or another campus. A multimedia configuration using a graphical user interface and remote logon capability is envisioned. The system will provide the tools to predict system performance with a simulation, show data as they are generated, analyze data after they are taken, and show a visual presentation of the experimental configuration with video disc. This facility will permit cooperative development of laboratory experiments and comparison of pedagogical approaches with others who use the experimental packages (software and hardware). >

Method for black and white image reduction based upon averaging black/white pixel counts of neighboring blocks

Abstract: A data processing system provides a desk view which serves as a graphical user interface to the system. The desk view displays detailed miniaturized images of all documents possessed by the user. The compressed document images are user moveable and stackable in the desk view. The desk view also enables user selected operations including mailing, disposing, annotating, stapling, unstapling and printing of documents. User interaction with items of the desk view is communicated through an electronic stylus. Different actions with the stylus provide naturally expected effects. The stylus and desk view provide a simulation of a common office desk and user interaction therewith.

Improving implementation of graphical user interfaces for object-oriented knowledge-bases

Abstract: Second generation knowledge-based systems have raised the focus of research from rulebased to model-based systems. Model-based systems allow knowledge to be separated into target domain model knowledge and problem solving knowledge.This work supports and builds on the hypothesis that fully object-oriented knowledge-bases provide the best properties for managing large amounts of target domain model know ledge. The ease by which object-oriented representations can be mapped to efficient graphical user interfaces is also beneficial for building interactive graphical knowledge acquisition and maintenance tools. These allow experts to incrementally enter and maintain larger quantities of knowledge in knowledge-bases without support from a knowledge engineer.The thesis points to recent advances in the conception of knowledge-based systems. It shows the need for efficient user interfaces for management of large amounts of heterogeneous knowledge components. It describes a user interface software architecture for implementing interactive graphical knowledge-base browsers and editors for such large knowledge-bases. The architecture has been inspired by object-oriented programming and data-bases, infological theory, cognitive psychology and practical implementation work.The goal with the user interface software architecture has been to facilitate the implementation of flexible interactive environments that support creative work. Theoretical models of the entire user interaction situation including the knowledge-base, the user interface and the user are described. The models indicate how theoretical comparisons of different user interface designs can be made by using certain suggested measures.The architecture was developed in the frame of a cooperative project with the Department of Mechanical Engineering on developing a knowledge-based intelligent front end for a computer aided engineering system for damage tolerance design on aircraft structures.

ACT: a robot programming environment

Abstract: The authors describe ACT, a system designed to plan and monitor robot motions using a geometric representation of the environment. The goal in developing ACT was to design a system which could be used in industrial applications as well as a software basis to develop new robot programming techniques in the academic environment. ACT is intended to provide the user with advanced programming tools such as inline path planning and graphic monitoring of robot tasks. The project included developments not directly related to robotics but which were essential to enhance these new programming techniques. For example, a special user interface was developed to specify the robot tasks as well as to interface with existing CAD modelers. The authors present the technical choices made in developing the system and the most technically innovative parts of the system. >

Visual strategies for querying databases

Abstract: A number of interfaces, based on different techniques which better exploit the human senses, have been recently suggested and implemented so enlarging the bandwidth of the man-machine communication channel. The availability of graphical devices at low cost has given rise to a large diffusion of visual interfaces. The database field is particularly suited for such interfaces mainly because the database is often queried by a casual user, who may not be conversant with conventional query languages. The use of a visual tool may therefore help to access the database, without the dependency on the native language and the limitations imposed by the specific application area. The authors concentrate on the querying strategies developed in existing visual query systems (VQS) by defining a suitable taxonomy and analyzing how these systems can be compared against such a taxonomy. >

A prototype B3 trusted X Window System

Abstract: Multilevel secure windowing systems are a key technology for the 1990s. The authors have spent 20 months designing and implementing a prototype of a multilevel secure X Window System as a proof of concept vehicle for their software engineering process model for the development of trusted systems. The prototype is targeted to B3 evaluation criteria. In the early stages many doubted that B3 was achievable for a windowing system (especially X); the prototype demonstrates that B3 is achievable. The paper describes the goals, the architecture of the system, and some of the trade-offs made to achieve the goals. It also contrasts the work with existing compartmented mode workstations (CMW) windowing systems. >

Application independent services enabling the incorporation of hypermedia

Abstract: A set of hypermedia linking services enable client applications to incorporate hypermedia capabilities in an open system architecture. The users are provided with a consistent hypermedia interface completely managed by the hypermedia services and not by the client application itself. The graphical user interface includes methods for menu handling, dialog box presentation and pointing device message handling, e.g., mouse message handling. Normal hypermedia activities such as object management, object creation, object deletion and object modification is provided.

An overview of GINA—the generic interactive application

Abstract: GINA is an object-oriented application framework written in CommonLisp and CLOS. It is based on an interface between CommonLisp and the OSF/Motif software. The generic interactive application is executable and has a complete graphical user interface, but lacks any application-specific behaviour. New applications are created by defining subclasses of GINA classes and adding or overriding methods. The standard functionality of a typical application is already implemented in GINA. Only the differences to the standard application have to be coded. For example, commands for opening, closing, saving and creating new documents are already available in GINA. The programmer only has to write a method to translate the document contents into a stream of characters and vice versa.

Speech Synthesis: Technology for Disabled People

Abstract: Introduction Speech and Technology Human-Computer Interaction Case Studies Adapting Graphical User Interfaces The Future

A rule-based approach to the ergonomic “static” evaluation of man-machine graphic interface in industrial processes

Abstract: This paper describes a rule-based approach to the “static” ergonomic evaluation of man-machine graphic interface in industrial processes. The first part presents research works which do directly or indirectly contribute to the ergonomic design or evaluation of man-machine interfaces. The second part proposes an ergonomic methodology for designing man-machine interfaces. In this methodology, the presentation of information is evaluated and improved through the use of an expert system: SYNOP, described in the third part. The last part outlines the possible interests of such a rule-based approach.