Showing papers on "User Friendly published in 2014"

Communications network interface for user friendly interactive access to online services

Abstract: A method and a system for connecting a service provider and a user at a remote location relative to the service provider, via a network based telecommunications device, are provided. The method includes utilizing a network operable terminal for transmitting communications between the service provider and the user, employing a display screen depicting a user selectable options menu, corresponding with service functions offered by the service provider, and enabling the user to choose an option from the user selectable options menu to initiate a corresponding communication to the service provider. The system includes a user operable terminal including a user interface display screen with user selectable menu options that are changeable in accordance with differing modes of operation, an internal processing unit configured for providing at least one selectable menu option; and a gateway service platform configured for transmitting an option selected from the at least one selectable menu option to and from one of the user or the provider.

ITU Turkish NLP Web Service

Abstract: We present a natural language processing (NLP) platform, namely the “ITU Turkish NLP Web Service” by the natural language processing group of Istanbul Technical University. The platform (available at tools.nlp.itu.edu.tr) operates as a SaaS (Software as a Service) and provides the researchers and the students the state of the art NLP tools in many layers: preprocessing, morphology, syntax and entity recognition. The users may communicate with the platform via three channels: 1. via a user friendly web interface, 2. by file uploads and 3. by using the provided Web APIs within their own codes for constructing higher level applications.

The DynaRIA tool for the comprehension of Ajax web applications by dynamic analysis

Abstract: Thanks to the fast and growing diffusion of Rich Internet Applications (RIAs), the user experience in the Web 2.0 is becoming more and more appealing and user friendly. RIAs are indeed a new generation of Web applications that exploit a combination of technologies and new development patterns for providing a more interactive, responsive and dynamic user experience. Unfortunately, some characteristics of RIAs, such as the heterogeneity of the implementation technologies, as well as the possibility of dynamically generating the code of the application, cause a general worsening of their analyzability and understandability. Consequently, specific analysis techniques and tools are needed for supporting their comprehension effectively. This paper presents an approach for the comprehension of RIAs implemented in Ajax that is based on a tool for dynamic analysis called DynaRIA. The tool provides an integrated environment for tracing application executions and analyzing them from several perspectives. Moreover, the tool is able to abstract several views on the structure and run-time behavior of the application that can be used in various comprehension activities. To show the actual support provided by DynaRIA in different comprehension contexts, four case studies involving two real Ajax applications will be illustrated in the paper. The experimental results showed the usefulness and effectiveness of the tool in comprehension, debugging, testing and quality assessment scenarios.

The recommendation systems for smart TV

Abstract: In this work, our recommendation system aims at developing a new user friendly technology for smart TV based on control TV by voice command and intelligent recommendation. For this recommendation system, we solve three issues: the realtime data of TV programs lists collection, the design of the low response times and high concurrency server, and the recommendation TV programs which users interested in according to their preferences. The real-time data of the TV programs fetches from the internet by the web crawlers which are working with a concurrency approach, but the data is not in a standard format or encoding, therefore it is necessary to convert these variety of data into well-structured format and store in the database before user selection. In addition, the thread pool technology is used for the high concurrency. At last, with the purpose of recommending the individual TV program for a user, a novel hybrid collaborative filtering approach based on statistic and affinity propagation is proposed, which can automatically analyse user's favorite TV programs and recommend the ones with more interest. The experimental results have shown the proposed method obtained good performance which the average MAE for uses is 0.1585.

Dynamic resource management using gesture-based user interface

Abstract: We propose and implement a user-convenient method for dynamically utilizing resources across varying platform devices using air gesture-based user interface. Resource-sharing is the most ubiquitous task found in modern days. Most commonly used methods includes usage of bluetooth, pen drives, external hard disks, emails, chat applications and social networking websites for sharing images, video/audio resources, url and other contents. The proposed idea eliminates the elaborate process of choosing the resources to be shared and also selecting the method of transfer, be it any of the ways mentioned above. Our idea encapsulates the entire process into a single gesture for the resource-sharing mechanism. In this work we put forward a user friendly, intuitive approach for sharing of resources among cross-platform computing devices using ip network as a medium of transfer and human hand gestures as user interface conjugated with dynamic detection and rendering of the resource.

A Brief State of the Art of CNLs for Ontology Authoring

Abstract: One of the main challenges for building the Semantic web is Ontology Authoring. Controlled Natural Languages CNLs offer a user friendly means for non-experts to author ontologies. This paper provides a snapshot of the state-of-the-art for the core CNLs for ontology authoring and reviews their respective evaluations.

Some Popular Usability Evaluation Techniques for Websites

Abstract: Usability is widely considered to be an essential attribute for fulfilling the quality requirements of any software product. In context to web based products especially web sites, usability is the process for making the navigational prospects more user friendly and task effectiveness to meet user’s satisfaction. If any website fails to navigate a user to his respective goals, then the user loses his interest and considers it as a less usable website. For simplicity, if any software fails to meet user’s need and satisfaction then it is considered as less usable and poor productive. This paper aims to survey on some usability evaluation techniques and factors that are helpful for usability measurement of web and intelligence computing.

An efficient and user-friendly tool for machine translation quality estimation

Abstract: We present a new version of QUEST ― an open source framework for machine translation quality estimation ― which brings a number of improvements: (i) it provides a Web interface and functionalities such that non-expert users, e.g. translators or lay-users of machine translations, can get quality predictions (or internal features of the framework) for translations without having to install the toolkit, obtain resources or build prediction models; (ii) it significantly improves over the previous runtime performance by keeping resources (such as language models) in memory; (iii) it provides an option for users to submit the source text only and automatically obtain translations from Bing Translator; (iv) it provides a ranking of multiple translations submitted by users for each source text according to their estimated quality. We exemplify the use of this new version through some experiments with the framework.

User-friendly transaction interface

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating electronic transactions on a user device are described. User-friendly graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are provided with minimal text and more pictures and images. The GUIs detect or receive various gesture inputs, such as swiping, tapping, and dragging and dropping, and display a corresponding screen or page. The gesture inputs allow a user to select or specify payers/payees, transaction amounts, and funding sources, without having to type numbers or letters.

Demo: VSNsim - A Simulator for Control and Coordination in Visual Sensor Networks

Abstract: The analysis and evaluation of concepts in the research fields of visual sensor networks (VSNs) suffer from the low number of simulation possibilities. In this paper we present a simulator, the VSNsim, dedicated for evaluating control and coordination strategies in VSNs. It is built with the game engine Unity3D and has a very user friendly handling. The algorithms locally running on the sensor nodes of the VSN can be implemented in C#, JavaScript or Boo. Due to graphical user interface and the 3D implementation, our simulator is a tool that can be intuitively applied and extended to a researcher's need.

User-friendly configuration of smart environments

Abstract: The configuration of smart homes represents a difficult task for end-users. We propose a goal-driven approach to this challenge, where users express their needs using a graphical configuration environment. Our system then uses semantic descriptions of devices in the user's surroundings to derive a plan to reach the desired situation. We are able to satisfy complex demands using only first-order logic, which makes this system flexible yet fast. The focus of this paper is to demonstrate how to achieve high usability of the proposed system without burdening users with the underlying semantic technologies. Our initial demo supports setting the ambient temperature, alarms, and media playback, but the use of semantics allows to extend the system with many different kinds of services in a decentralized way.

Providing a context-aware location based web service through semantics and user-defined rules

Abstract: In this paper, the design and the implementation of a novel context-aware location based service is presented, called "Geo SPLIS/Geographic Semantic Personalized Location Information System" Geo SPLIS offers users the capability to add their own contextualized preferences regarding Points of Interests (POIs) and combines them with POI owners group targeted offers to deliver high quality personalized information In order to achieve this, the presented system a) collects data from external sources such as Google Places API, POIs' websites and Google+b) adopts the schemaorg ontology to represent people and places profiles, c) provides a user friendly web editor for adding rules at run time, d) uses RuleML and Jess compatible rules to model user preferences and group-targeted place offers and make them machine executable, e) stores data and rules in the Sesame RDF triple store and f) evaluates these data and rules on-the-fly so that to deliver POIs and offers matching user context, presented on Google Maps Geo SPLIS aims to address some issues regarding knowledge-based personalization in location based services and provide a collaborative knowledge creation platform for other systems in the web

Managing System Architecture for Multi-Rotor Autonomous Flying Platform-Practical Aspects

Abstract: Unmanned aerial systems have become recently a rapidly developing research area. The most popular platforms are undoubtedly multirotors with an ability to vertical take-off and land. These are often controlled by human pilots using some basic apparatus. In this paper the mechanical architecture, hardware components, and software structure of the ground control station have been described. These components create an interface between an operator and the flying machine allowing to perform an operation with a different level of complexity. Furthermore the main purpose of designing this device is to obtain a user friendly system that can be used by a medium experienced user with limited training time.

Achieving People Friendly Accessibility. Key Concepts and a Case Study Overview

Abstract: The present paper stems from the evidence that one of the reasons of the “crisis” of today's cities probably depend on mobility issues. But what should be done to confront all the negative impacts of passenger transportation, without curbing mobility? Can Urban Engineering be applied to promote a friendlier mobility, that should be not only environment and climate friendly, but user friendly as well? And how? A "people friendly" accessibility approach is presented and conceived as a solution to better integrate land uses with the transport system, satisfying people's expectations (especially those of vulnerable users) to easily reach the opportunities they wish to engage with. The case study of Amsterdam, as walkable and cycle friendly city, is briefly presented and reveal good practices in the field of urban and mobility planning. Finally, an isochronical accessibility analysis of Amsterdam is applied: it represent catchment areas of railways stations and of supermarkets, and it highlights how much the structure of the city supports bicycle use.

Presenting Risks Introduced by Android Application Permissions in a User-Friendly Way

Abstract: The emergence of Android as a leading Operating System in terms of market coverage induced the rapid emergence of many mobile applications. A lot of these applications are prone to misuse because of their design. This paper deals with a new method of informing user whether applications installed on his device are potentially harmful or not. The introductory part provides some insight into security mechanisms used in Android. The main part deals with research we based our work on, proposal of our own methodology based on permission model and its implementation in application for real-time offline analysis of installed applications on device running Android. The last part of this paper deals with the evaluation of achievements reached by our methodology implemented in standalone application.

Design and implementation of cost effective surveillance robot

Abstract: A cost effective surveillance robot which can be controlled from anywhere in the world if the user has an access to internet or a Wi-Fi. In this proposed model the system on board contains a camera for a live streaming, in which the video output will be in a browser so that the user need not install any software related to the surveillance robot, which provides and user friendly operation. In this proposed model the robot can be controlled through a Wi-Fi (limited to local area) or with an internet connection the options for both the connections have been provided. Providing opportunity for an common man to purchase and use. This can be controlled through any android device or through a computer. This system also supports voice commands. So even though if the user does not know to use a computer he can just give the voice commands to control the robot.

Appliance systems providing user-friendly shared music playlist editing

Abstract: Appliance systems providing user-friendly shared music playlist editing are provided. An example method of operating an appliance includes identifying a plurality of audio files accessible by the appliance over one or more local area networks. The method includes uploading data identifying the plurality of audio files to a server. The method includes providing an access code to a user computing device. The access code allows the user computing device to communicate with the server to select one or more of the plurality of audio files for playback. The method includes receiving from the server data identifying a first audio file selected for playback. The method includes causing one or more speakers to play the first audio file.

User friendly development architecture for standardised modelling: STEP toolbox

Abstract: Standardised information modelling is currently an important solution of enhancing the interoperability of computer-aided technology (CAx) systems in the manufacturing industry. The success of this solution is critically dependent on the complexity of data structure and implementation methodology. This study presents development architecture, STEP toolbox, which enables users to implement information standards via a simplified process with minimised knowledge requirements. This study starts with an analysis of relevant user groups for different types of tasks and knowledge requirements. Then STEP toolbox is presented as the simplified development architecture that consists of conceptual modelling and an object-oriented application programming interface (API). It is more convenient for typical developers than the conventional implementation methodology. Based on results from test cases for implementing three prototypes, a two-month learning process required for average developers of the information standards is expected to be eliminated.

Human or Superhuman: Individual Differences in the Perception of Technomorphism

Abstract: Traditionally, robotics are created to be user friendly from a human standpoint but recently a different theory has emerged which focuses on how the technology we use may influence how human-like we perceive each other to be. This study investigates how individual differences play in to someone’s propensity to technomorphize. The first focus was on whether those in an engineering or programming field were more likely to technomorphize than those in other fields. The second focus was to continue the validation process for the technomorphism scale and examine how machine-like humans may be perceived. Results from this study showed that those in an engineering field or programming field are more likely to technomorphize than those in different fields.

Measurement of Web Usability: An Approach

Abstract: This paper is about usability of technology available in our lives. How easy it is to use the instruments available to us, how easily are we able to do tasks by using the gadgets available to us. It discusses the benefits of usability and discusses how to improve usability. This paper also has comparisons of the websites of two technology giants, Apple and Samsung. It discusses about each and every aspect of their sites and provides reviews about the ease of usability and the user experience. This paper also discusses the ways to make web more usable and the tools to make it more user friendly and easy to use.

MSSF: A Step towards User-Friendly Multi-cloud Data Dispersal

Abstract: With an increasing number of companies and individuals adopting cloud computing for their data needs. Naturally, there is a shift in financial and operational costs and and provided services should meet users' performance and cost expectations. We focus on storage and propose MSSF, a Multi-cloud Storage Selection Framework. MSSF contains a basic set of algorithms, a set of security rules and a formal definition of user profiles allowing to fit cloud storage services to user needs. Preliminary experiments investigate the cost differences between two baseline algorithms and user profile models. Considering the promising initial results we provide several observations about the MSSF decision making process that will help with future improvements.

A web portal architectural design and implementation for private universities in nigeria

Abstract: A web portal architecture for implementation in private universities in Nigeria was proposed and described in this paper. The waterfall model was adopted as the methodology of choice where it prescribes a systematic approach to software development which helps to clearly define both the user and system requirements, The portal proposed was developed using several development tools such as WAMP packages where the Windows platform is the operating system on which the portal runs, Apache is the server, while MySQL was used for the database and PHP as the scripting language. A model of the portal was designed using modeling tools such as Data Flow Diagram (which included student level data flow diagram, lecturer level data flow diagram, administrator level data flow diagram) and the Use Case Diagram. This was preceded by the implementation of the portal to achieve specific objectives such as controlling educational processes, providing access to educational resources, storing user details and information, ensuring security and data integrity, providing a user friendly environment for users and confidentiality.

A Web-Based Architecture for Interactive Finite Element Program

Abstract: In the recent decade, using of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and smart phones had incredible growth and they can be used as a small computer in business, communication and education. Most of current civil engineering software are created for desktop computers in specific operating system and platforms without any portability and flexibility feature. This paper proposed a web-based architecture for an interactive Finite Element (FE) program. The architecture supports linear and nonlinear analysis of reinforce concrete buildings subjected to static and dynamic loading. Structure modeling is performed on the client-side via any internet browser. Data is send to the server and analyzed by FE program which has been installed on the server. Then, the result of analysis which is response of structure under imposed load is send back to the client-side to show and plot output of analysis. The developed software which is named Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Structure (ARCS) implemented in secure and user friendly interface. Running software in offline mode is possible for modeling but internet connection is needed to transfer input data to the server and transfer output of analysis from server to the client-side. The most important advantage of proposed model is operating system and platform independency. Backup capability of all data and authority access control are other features of ARCS. Therefore the developed software is able to use extensively by engineers to carry out modeling and analysis of structures by any PDAs or smart phones through any operating systems and platforms.

An Informational Model of Open Innovation

Abstract: The chapter proposes an outline of an informational model of open innovation. This model can be a foundation for establishing an innovation facility by a production or service provider entity. The pillars of the model are: (i) access to and extensive use of up-to-date information, knowledge, and best practices; (ii) the use of efficient and user friendly knowledge management systems based on advanced semantic tools; (iii) extensive use of ICT business intelligence tools, including web 2.0 facilities and web services, and social networks; (iv) a customer experience management system and customers’ participation in identifying new products and/or value-added services (prosumerism); (v) close collaboration with academia and relevant non-governmental organizations; (vi) access to a collaborative work platform any-time and from anywhere, implemented as a cloud computing facility. It seems that the proposals included in this chapter can contribute to the research within new areas and trends in management, in particular with respect to modeling innovation processes and their evaluation.