Showing papers on "User interface published in 1977"

The system for business automation (SBA): programming language

Abstract: The system for business automation (SBA) is a system within which application experts—nonprogrammers—can describe and execute their applications on a computer. The user of SBA views his application as manipulation of information in two-dimensional pictures of tables, business forms, and reports on a display terminal. He can gradually automate this application by giving “examples” to the system of how he manually manipulates the information. The Query-by-Example database language is a subset of the SBA programming language.

Adaptive man/computer interfaces: information systems which take account of user style

Abstract: The experiments and methodology to be talked about here are intended to aid the systems analyst in the task of designing user interface modules for business applications and other information systems. Other work has been done on how best to design user interface dialogues and soft-ware modules for specific applications, e.g. airline reservation systems (Martin, 1973) and a police system (Bockelman, 1972), But, as in these cases, the work was limited to a specific application.We hope that this present on-going effort will provide insights into the computer user for systems analysts working with a wide variety of applications. Further, it is hoped that these insights will include understanding that psychological mechanisms the users employ in their interaction with a computer. A whole new level of understanding of the user will be required for this.

Case studies of end user requirements for interactive problem-solving systems

Abstract: Interactive problem-solving is defined as user/machine dialogues to identify and solve problems with imprecise solution criteria. Although high payoffs from interactive problem-solving systems have been predicted, few such systems are in use. A key problem is the lack of understanding of the requirements of the potential users. This paper presents the results of case studies of the use of an interactive problem-solving system. Based on observations from these case studies, a list of user characteristics have been compiled relating to user behavior (e.g., data user and problem solving methods) and user requirements (e.g., the need for involvement in the solution process).

A data base design decision support system

Abstract: The task of physical data base design in an DBTG enviornment is examined. Generation of an internal schema which considers questions of storage versus access costs, efficient implementation of data relationships, efficient placement of data within the data base and allocation of primary and secondary storage is shown to be a formidable task. Current data base design aids are reviewed. One aid, a sophisicated mathematical model of DBTG data bases (Gerritsen 1977) is shown to be a potentially valuable tool. A limitation of this model is that no optimization algorithm other than total enumeration has been found. This paper proposes an implementation of the Gerritsen model. An interactive design tool, based upon the Gerritsen model, is discussed. A Data Base Design Decision Support System (DBD-DSS) for use by the DBA is developed. The objectives and structure of the DBD-DSS are examined. A comprehensive example illustrating both the user interface and the potential benefits of the interactive tool is presented.

CS4: a tool for database design by infological simulation (abstract)

Abstract: The task of physical data base design in an DBTG enviornment is examined. Generation of an internal schema which considers questions of storage versus access costs, efficient implementation of data relationships, efficient placement of data within the data base and allocation of primary and secondary storage is shown to be a formidable task. Current data base design aids are reviewed. One aid, a sophisicated mathematical model of DBTG data bases (Gerritsen 1977) is shown to be a potentially valuable tool. A limitation of this model is that no optimization algorithm other than total enumeration has been found. This paper proposes an implementation of the Gerritsen model. An interactive design tool, based upon the Gerritsen model, is discussed. A Data Base Design Decision Support System (DBD-DSS) for use by the DBA is developed. The objectives and structure of the DBD-DSS are examined, A comprehensive example illustrating both the user interface and the potential benefits of the interactive tool is presented.

Research flight software engineering and MUST, an integrated system of support tools

Abstract: Consideration is given to software development to support NASA flight research. The Multipurpose User-Oriented Software Technology (MUST) program, designed to integrate digital systems into flight research, is discussed. Particular attention is given to the program's special interactive user interface, subroutine library, assemblers, compiler, automatic documentation tools, and test and simulation subsystems.

User Interface Multilevel Security Issues in a Transaction- Oriented Data Base Management System

Abstract: : The Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Navy and CINCPAC have agreed to carry out a Military Message Experiment to evaluate computer-aided message-handling systems in an operational military environment. Such systems are merely transaction-oriented data base management systems. Our role in the experiment is to investigate the security ramifications of such message-handling systems. This investigation includes the identification of primitives that are needed to ensure security, and the identification of the impacts that security imposes on the user interface. This report discusses several tradeoffs between secure implementation and the richness of the user interface.

Interfacing the user

Abstract: In laboratory automation systems the user interface is that part of the software/hardware systems that provides for communication with the user. A new software approach is reported, consisting of a flexible interpreter combined with FORTRAN coded application modules. The interpreter (BACO) is built on a tagged data structure, comprising user variables, program lines as well as part of the language definition. A language dialect may be defined, tailored to the requirements of the application at hand. The structure of the system is described and an example of its application is given.

Interactive design of visual aids

Abstract: The implementation of an interactive design tool using computer graphics techniques to produce high quality visual aids is described. The generated two-dimensional shaded images are composed of both pre-defined and user-defined opaque shapes used in conjunction with character strings. The user interface is simple and easy to use. User interaction is primarily via a large data tablet used to specify shapes and control image manipulation. The system alleviates many of the tedious mechanical aspects of visual aid production and allows concentration on the more creative aspects. There is immediate visual feedback for all actions. Implementation was done using a graphics extented Algol-60 in conjunction with an interactive real-time shaded graphics system. This operational system has produced a number of visual aids including those accompaning this paper.

Architectural issues in distributed data base systems

Abstract: The design of a distributed data base is a complex and difficult task requiring careful consideration of data organization, data distribution, user interface, updating/retrieval schemes, program/data placement, security policies and reliability issues. In this paper, we have discussed a design methodology which can be used to design a distributed data base. This design methodology is a systematic way to guide the designer in making decisions during the requirement process phase, the design process phase and the implementation phase. We conclude this paper by examining the architectural issues in the design of distributed data bases.