Showing papers on "User Friendly published in 1999"

GUI of remote control facilitates user-friendly editing of macros

Abstract: A remote control device for a home theater has a macro creation/editing mode with authoring tools on the remote's GUI. One of the editing tools lets the user move a selected macro step visibly up or down the list of steps on the GUI.

Development of a rapid prototyping design advice system

Abstract: This paper describes the initial development of a computer based Rapid Prototyping Design Advice System. The system is intended to assist the designer or project manager, particularly those in small and medium sized companies, in planning the prototyping stage of product development. It provides the user with an efficient and user friendly development aid which uses information obtained from the user and Computer Aided Design data to recommend suitable rapid prototyping solutions.

Automatic configuration for remote diagnosis and monitoring of railway equipments

Abstract: Today, there is no standard system for performing maintenance on heterogeneous railway equipments. Maintenance staff needs a standard application capable of diagnosing and monitoring heterogeneous on-board equipments. We propose to build a web-based diagnosis and monitoring system. The main advantage of our approach is that it offers a well known and user friendly interface: a web browser (such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer). In addition, it gives the possibility for remote diagnosis and monitoring railway equipments. Thus experts, not necessarily on site in the depot, can make diagnosis and detect faulty components. They can inspect, more than one vehicle at a time, directly from their office. The on-board communication system and related network management services provide a unified entry point to the train data for diagnosis. We have built an automatic configuration approach for such a maintenance system. As a result, this maintenance system can be installed on any vehicle without previous device-specific knowledge about that vehicle. This paper is intended for people concerned with industrial applications to the Internet and especially for those developing remote monitoring tools for embedded devices.

The building HVAC system in control engineering -- A modeling approach in a widespread graphical environment

Abstract: Many building energy simulation programs are available within the research community. One of the major concerns now is the transfer or sharing of these tools and the required expertise among developers and users for current applications. Recent advances in computer technology on human-computer interaction or computational methods have brought considerable improvement in these tools without any significant recoding. The tools are becoming more user friendly, but they are still not very common among practitioners in HVAC control engineering. This paper discusses the designing of a simulation tool primarily intended for the control field. It gives a method for modeling the dynamic interaction of a building's HVAC system in a graphical environment. The latter is, in fact, a widely used commercial software. The approach thus benefits from its user friendliness and also from its familiarity among practitioners. The work stresses the re-use of existing physical models of HVAC equipment. In the modeling approach, the theoretical aspects of each model are taken from the literature. More attention is paid to optimal use of the graphical programming techniques for a clear description of the systems and components. At every step of the modeling process (from the study of a single phenomenon to thatmore » of a whole system), the developer of the model should consider the way a user will perceive that model. This method provides insight into the phenomena involved in the models and also guides the assembly of models into systems.« less

Distributed agents for user-friendly access of digital libraries

Abstract: Despite the fact that many Digital Libraries (DLs) are available on the Internet, users cannot effectively use them because of inadequate functionality, deficient visualisation and insufficient integration of different DLs. In the framework of this project we develop a user-oriented access system for DLs which overcomes these drawbacks. Based on experiences from the librarian area, higher functions to assist proved search strategies will be implemented. Different DLs will be tightly integrated, so that system-wide search and navigation is possible. The system will be adaptive towards different user wishes, regarding preferences concerning content and system involvement.

EXDASY : A user-friendly and extendable data distribution system

Abstract: This paper introduces Exdasy, a user-friendly and extendable software tool for partitioning unstructured meshes anti mapping mesh partitions to parallel computers. Exdasy was designed to meet the increasing demands to today's data distribution systems, which are posed by the variety of mesh computations, the ongoing development of distribution algorithms, and rapid changes in parallel hardware technology. For this, Exdasy offers third-party state-of-the-art distribution algorithms augmented with graphical user interfaces and powerful graphical evaluation displays. Evaluation of distributions is based on various quality metrics and static machine parameters. Exdasy provides a modular architecture by means of replaceable distribution algorithms, machine models and evaluation facilities. Hereby it is attractive to both users and developers.

Web-based modelling techniques providing interactive views of geographical data with VRML

Abstract: The work presented has been developed within the scope of the on-going EC project, aimed at the definition of an advanced and integrated system for transparent access and visualization of coastal zone management tools, via the Web. In particular, we describe the approach adopted for embedding of a surface modelling module into the Web environment. The result is a user friendly application that provides service for accessing high level modelling functionality and for visualizing or navigating over coastal areas in a desktop virtual reality environment.

RePEc and S-WoPEc: Internet access to electronic preprints in Economics

Abstract: The first electronic Economics preprint appeared in 1993. Since then the growth has been dramatic as the use of the World Wide Web has exploded. RePEc has been instrumental in facilitating access to Economics preprints and in bringing order to the chaos that the WWW frequently represents. In a related effort S-WoPEc provides user friendly tools for adding data to the RePEc system. While this is significant in itself it has also been instrumental in fulfilling S-WoPEc's second goal--to provide increased exposure to Swedish Economics research.

A Hybrid Push-Pull Model to Support Learning: An Empirical Evaluation

Abstract: This paper utilizes two Internet technologies— traditional web-based “pull” technology and emerging “push” technology—to support learning beyond classroom environment through time and space. It describes a generic model that can be adapted to the specific requirements of different courses. We developed two systems based on the model for two courses. One hundred and forty students in six classes evaluated the systems. The evaluation suggests that the systems facilitated learning by providing critical course information in timely manner and in usable formats. The systems were user friendly and increased productivity and convenience of the students. Overall, the students found the systems useful and satisfactory. Introduction and Background Many instructors put course schedule, lecture notes and other teaching material on the web to support classroom-based learning. Recently, an argument is made that the practice has not achieved expected objectives (Young, 1998; Noble, 1998). A close review suggests that there are multiple reasons for the sub-optimal results: • Most course web sites are passive. They lack the interactivity which is crucial in some learning activities such as group discussion, case study analysis, continuing unfinished class discussion, asking questions and immediately receiving answers, clarifying what will be studied in the next class and receiving regular instructor feedback. • When new material is uploaded or old material is revised, most students do not know about it unless they regularly check the course web site. Often critical, time-sensitive material is not reviewed by every student. In addition, the instructor is never sure whether all students reviewed the material. • Not all material is available on the course web sites because many instructors are reluctant to put their intellectual work on the web due to security and possible violation of their intellectual property rights. Or simply they do not have the skills and tools required in HTML/web site design. These reasons are related to the inherent limitations of the web. The web is based on unsecured, static, pull technology. Under the pull format, content is not available to an intended recipient unless the recipient specifically requests it. For example, web browser does not get us news unless we go to a news web site. However, a new Internet technology—push technology—has recently emerged to provide solutions for some limitations of pull technology. Push technology is "a client software that lets Internet users customize delivery of information directly to their desktops from a variety of sources" (Levitt, 1997). It evolved as an alternative to the pull-based web from PointCast, Inc.'s personalized broadcasting technology in 1996. In the last three years, it has gone through the full length of the hype curve. By the third quarter of 1997, it rose to the peak of the hype curve with inflated expectations (GartnerGroup, 1997). However, soon after it fell into the trough of disillusion due to its limitations. Recently, it has returned more mature with clear understanding and reasonable expectations. Despite its apparent failure, push technology has several advantages over pull technology. Push technology allows secure delivery of dynamic, multi-media content in real time to a pre-defined, intended group of recipients even without requiring them to open a web browser. Push technology can be used to deliver time-sensitive information such as news, current inventory level, changes in prices and new product offering more efficiently and effectively. Push technology allows personalization of message or mass customization where a large group of receivers can receive system generated but customized information. Push technology allows delivery of information only to the intended recipients. This increases security and reduces risk of exposing sensitive business information to others. Push technology also provides capabilities to ensure that the receiver has received the information and at least viewed it. Push technology can also be used to automatically distribute new applications and data files. However, push technology has some limitations such as network clogging and information overload, which have led to its downfall and kept the technology from being a dominant force on the Internet (Hayes, 1997; Mosley-Matchett, 1997; Pflung, 1997). This paper takes an intermediate approach by utilizing a hybrid model to support learning. The model is derived from a framework proposed by Malhotra, Gosain and Lee (1997) for information delivery and acquisition systems design. The model identifies and integrates useful features of both push and pull technologies to support learning. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the effectiveness of two systems developed based the model in supporting learning.

Progress of MUSE (Making User Friendly Spaces): A Context-Aware Assistant for Orientation

Abstract: We describe a prototype system of work in-progress that combines remote sensors with presence detection to address the orientation needs when confronted with unfamiliar spaces The goal is to explore how these technologies might together make interactive spaces that can support users in their everyday interactions with the world An application that presents information about our office space using environmental sensing hardware and infrared badges is introduced An explanation of how the prototype is used, and a description of the rationale behind designing its software infrastructure and hardware selection is provided

Advanced technologies in the design of public transit and city information systems

Abstract: Passenger information is an important factor in improving the acceptance of public transit services. Since mobility should be viewed in a more general context, information must not be limited to public transit, and information relevant to the various user groups and different trip purposes should be included. Therefore, a modular expert system has been developed, to fit the required functionality. The most important technical aspects are a detailed data structure, an efficient knowledge based search procedure to calculate connections between any origin and destination point in street networks and public transit networks, and a favourable processing speed. Beside these factors the design of the user interface forms a second focal point, especially concerning user friendly dialog, a uniform structure of screens, and the usage of common icons and pictograms. In addition, multimedia elements have been used to form an attractive product. A passenger information system based upon the presented concept has been implemented in Dresden and has been in operation since 1995.