Showing papers on "User interface published in 1994"

Usability inspection methods

Abstract: Usability inspection is the generic name for a set of costeffective ways of evaluating user interfaces to find usability problems. They are fairly informal methods and easy to use.

Pad++: a zooming graphical interface for exploring alternate interface physics

Abstract: We describe the current status of Pad++, a zooming graphical interface that we are exploring as an alternative to traditional window and icon-based approaches to interface design. We discuss the motivation for Pad++, describe the implementation, and present prototype applications. In addition, we introduce an informational physics strategy for interface design and briefly compare it with metaphor-based design strategies.

Multimedia service access by reading marks on an object

Abstract: An apparatus and method enables a user to control the selection of electronic multimedia services to be provided to the user by one or more servers over a communication medium. The apparatus includes a scanner for reading marks on an object and for communicating a request signal, having an object code representing the read marks, to a user interface. The interface receives the request signal and transmits to the servers a request command including an interface identification code and the object code which is used to select the desired electronic multimedia service. The servers identify the selected electronic multimedia service using the object code. The interface then enables the selected electronic multimedia service transmitted from the servers to be received by the user's receiver.

A survey of design issues in spatial input

Abstract: We present a survey of design issues for developing effective free-space three-dimensional (3D) user interfaces. Our survey is based upon previous work in 3D interaction, our experience in developing free-space interfaces, and our informal observations of test users. We illustrate our design issues using examples drawn from instances of 3D interfaces.For example, our first issue suggests that users have difficulty understanding three-dimensional space. We offer a set of strategies which may help users to better perceive a 3D virtual environment, including the use of spatial references, relative gesture, two-handed interaction, multisensory feedback, physical constraints, and head tracking. We describe interfaces which employ these strategies.Our major contribution is the synthesis of many scattered results, observations, and examples into a common framework. This framework should serve as a guide to researchers or systems builders who may not be familiar with design issues in spatial input. Where appropriate, we also try to identify areas in free-space 3D interaction which we see as likely candidates for additional research.An extended and annotated version of the references list for this paper is available on-line through mosaic at address http://uvacs.cs.virginia.edu/~kph2q/.

Improved graphical user interface with method and apparatus for interfacing to remote devices

Abstract: An intuitive graphical user interface is based upon a geographic map structure, and includes a system for controlling remote external electronic devices. In the defined graphical user interface, each Space of the geographic map structure is rendered on a touch screen display as a graphic image of a geographic space. Within each Space are colored cartoon-like icons called "objects" which can be Selected and manipulated by the user. Certain objects, referred to as portals, transport the user from one Space to another Space when Selected. Other objects, referred to as buttons, perform associated actions or functions when Selected. The graphical user interface is displayed on a hand-held display device used to control remote devices. Each remote electronic device transmits a user interface program object that defines a graphical user interface to the display device. The hand-held display devices displays the graphical user interface associated with the remote device when a user selects an icon associated with the remote device on the display device's touch screen display.

Method and apparatus for indexing, searching and displaying data

Abstract: A computer research tool for indexing, searching and displaying data is disclosed. Specifically, a computer research tool for performing computerized research of data including textual objects in a database or a network and for providing a user interface that significantly enhances data presentation is described. Textual objects and other data in a database or network is indexed by creating a numerical representation of the data. The indexing technique called proximity indexing generates a quick-reference of the relations, patterns and similarity found among the data in the database. Proximity indexing indexes the data by using statistical techniques and empirically developed algorithms. Using this proximity index, an efficient search for pools of data having a particular relation, pattern or characteristic can be effectuated. The Computer Search program, called the Computer Search Program for Data represented in Matrices (CSPDM), provides efficient computer search methods. The CSPDM rank orders data in accordance with the data's relationship to time, a paradigm datum, or any similar reference. An alternative embodiment of the invention employs a cluster link generation algorithm which uses links and nodes to index and search a database or network. The algorithm searches for direct and indirect links to a search node and retrieves the nodes which are most closely related to the search node. The user interface program, called the Graphical User Interface (GUI), provides a user friendly method of interacting with the CSPDM program and prepares and presents a visual graphical display. The graphical display provides the user with a two or three dimensional spatial orientation of the data.

Measuring usability: preference vs. performance

Abstract: Simplistically stated, usability engineering aims at improving interactive systems and their user interfaces. Defined slightly more precisely [8], usability is a general concept that cannot be measured but is related to several usability parameters that can be measured. Measurable usability parameters fall into two broad categories: subjective user preference measures, assessing how much the users like the system, and objective performance measures, which measure how capable the users are at using the system

Passive real-world interface props for neurosurgical visualization

Abstract: We claim that physical manipulation of familiar real-world objects in the user’s real environment is an important technique for the design of three-dimensional user interfaces. These real-world passive interface props are manipulated by the user to specify spatial relationships between interface objects. By unobtrusively embedding free-space position and orientation trackers within the props, we enable the computer to passively observe a natural user dialog in the real world, rather than forcing the user to engage in a contrived dialog in the computer-generated world. We present neurosurgical planning as a driving application and demonstrate the utility of a head viewing prop, a cutting-plane selection prop, and a trajectory selection prop in this domain. Using passive props in this interface exploits the surgeon’s existing skills, provides direct action-task correspondence, eliminates explicit modes for separate tools, facilitates natural two-handed interaction, and provides tactile and kinesthetic feedback for the user. Our informal evaluation sessions have shown that with a cursory introduction, neurosurgeons who have never seen the interface can understand and use it without training.

The genetic data environment an expandable GUI for multiple sequence analysis.

Abstract: An X-Windows-based graphic user interface is presented which allows the seamless integration of numerous existing biomolecular programs into a single analysis environment. This environment is based on a core multiple sequence editor that is linked to external programs by a user-expandable menu system and is supported on Sun and DEC workstations. There is no limitation to the number of external functions that can be linked to the interface. The length and number of sequences that can be handled are limited only by the size of virtual memory present on the workstation. The sequence data itself is used as the reference point from which analysis is done, and scalable graphic views are supported. It is suggested that future software development utilizing this expandable, user-defined menu system and the I/O linkage of external programs will allow biologists to easily integrate expertise from disparate fields into a single environment.

Home automation system

Abstract: A home automation system comprises a number of sub-systems for controlling various aspects of a house, such as a security sub-system, an HVAC sub-system, a lighting control sub-system, and an entertainment sub-system. The network comprises a host computer connected through a host interface to a plurality of nodes. The network is in a free form topology and employ asynchronous communication. The host computer polls each node on the network to determine system configuration and to perform a diagnostic check on the system. The messages that are transmitted between the nodes are comprised of a source address, a destination address that uniquely identifies the location of each piece of hardware on the system, a message type field, and a data length segment. Each hardware device has a mirror image software object in the host computer to which messages are directed. The user interfaces for the various sub-systems share a common interfacing method whereby use of the system is greatly simplified.

Interactive information delivery system

Abstract: An information delivery system including a head end broadcasting a data stream of media objects, the head end being coupled to a broadcast television interface and at least one information service provider and including an encoder for encoding information in the media object is disclosed. The system may deliver and implement a programming guide delineating programming information available on the information delivery system in one or more media objects in the data stream in an encoded fashion by the encoder. A user terminal is coupled to the head-end and receives the media objects. The user terminal has an output and includes a decoder for the media objects. Also provided in one aspect is a user interface, at least partially stored in the user-terminal, which selects a user-defined subset of media objects for provision to the output of the user terminal. Further, an information navigation system for an information delivery system is provided. The navigation system functions with the electronic program guide and includes a user interface having a plurality of icon representations of various functions of the system, and including a broadcast television interface. The navigation system also includes a smart service navigator which interacts with the user interface and the electronic program guide to provide an output to the user.

The movable filter as a user interface tool

Abstract: Magic Lens filters are a new user interface tool that combine an arbitrarily-shaped region with an operator that changes the view of objects viewed through that region. These tools can be interactively positioned over on-screen applications much as a magnifying glass is moved over a newspaper. They can be used to help the user understand various types of information, from text documents to scientific visualizations. Because these filters are movable and apply to only part of the screen, they have a number of advantages over traditional windowwide viewing modes: they employ an attractive metaphor based on physical lenses, show a modified view in the context of the original view, limit clutter to a small region, allow easy construction of visual macros and provide a uniform paradigm that can be extended across different types of information and applications. This paper describes these advantages in more detail and illustrates them with examples of magic lens filters in use over a variety of applications. CR

User modeling and user-adapted interaction

Abstract: User modeling has made considerable progress during its existence now of more than a decade. Particularly in the last few years, the need has been recognized in many application areas for software systems to automatically adapt to their current users. As a result, research on user modeling has extended into many disciplines which are concerned with the development of interactive computer systems that are used by heterogeneous user populations. These fields include Intelligent Interfaces, Active and Passive Help Systems, Guidance Systems, Hypertext Systems, Intelligent Information Retrieval, Natural-Language Systems, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, and Cooperative Expert Systems. Applications in office machines, consumer electronics and automobiles are also being envisioned. Several recent empirical evaluations provide support for the usefulness of user-adaptation in the investigated application domains.

Acceleration activated joystick

Abstract: A video game user interface device that allows the user to play standard video games using realistic arm, leg and body movements which relate to the various activities portrayed in the video game being played. The device is sensitive to acceleration and outputs a signal to the video game controller when an acceleration is detected.

The Responsive Workbench [virtual work environment]

Abstract: The Responsive Workbench concept was developed as an alternative to the multimedia and virtual reality systems of the past decade. It was recognized that almost nobody wants simulations of their working worlds in a desktop environment. Generally. users want to focus on their tasks rather than on operating the computer. The Responsive Workbench is a virtual working environment that locates virtual objects and control tools on a real "workbench". The objects-computer-generated stereo images-are projected onto the surface of a workbench. This setting corresponds to the actual work situation in an architect's office, in surgery, and so forth. A human guide uses the virtual working environment while several collaborators watch events through stereo shutter glasses. The participants operate within a nonimmersive virtual environment. Depending on the application, the virtual workbench can integrate various input and output modules, such as motion, gesture, and voice recognition systems. This characterizes the general trend away from the classical human-machine interface. Several guides can work together in similar environments either locally or by using broadband communication networks. A responsive environment, consisting of powerful graphics workstations, tracking systems, cameras, projectors, and microphones, replaces the traditional multimedia desktop workstation. >

Computerized order entry system and method

Abstract: A computerized order entry system for the placement of an order by a user via a terminal having a display is disclosed. The system includes a data capture mechanism for capturing order information and a storage device for storing the order information captured through the data capture mechanism. The system also provides a user interface for providing the user with access to a plurality of buttons representing a plurality of corresponding order entry functions. Each button is associated with an order entry function window having at least one data capture field into which order information related to the corresponding function may be captured. The user interface includes a mechanism for automatically routing the user to a particular order entry function window upon selection of the associated button. With such a configuration, placement of the order is substantially user-driven.

Method and system for providing a tactile virtual reality and manipulator defining an interface device therefor

Abstract: An system and method for providing a tactile virtual reality to a user is present. The position and orientation of the user is utilized to generate a virtual reality force field. Forces are in turn generated on the user as a function of this force field. A six-axis manipulator is presented for providing a user interface to such a system. This manipulator provides a unique kinematic structure with two constant force springs which provide gravity compensation so that the manipulator effectively floats.

Method and system for authenticating access to heterogeneous computing services

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating access to heterogeneous computing services is provided. In a preferred embodiment, logon providers are configured into the computer system, which provide secure access to their services by requiring authentication of user identification information using a logon mechanism. According to this embodiment, a user designates a primary logon provider to provide an initial logon user interface. The user enters identification information when this user interface is displayed, for example a user name, a password and a domain. The computer system executes a logon sequence, which first invokes the primary logon provider to collect identification information and to authenticate the user for access to services provided by the primary logon provider. The system then authenticates the collected identification information to provide the user access to operating system computer services. If the system logon authentication procedure is not successful, then the logon sequence displays its own user interface to collect additional identification information. The logon sequence then invokes the logon routines of other logon providers to enable them to authenticate already collected identification information without displaying additional user interfaces. A preferred embodiment enables the system logon sequence to use authentication information stored on a network to authenticate the user for access to local computing services. Also, logon providers can be provided for drivers other than network drivers when a logon mechanism is required to access their computing services. Further, using a primary logon provider, the initial logon user interface displayed to collect identification information can be replaced.

Information catalog system with object-dependent functionality

Abstract: A computer implemented information catalog database system is disclosed for cataloging information stored in one or more data storage resources under the control of one or more data processing nodes. The catalog system includes a cataloging service facility for performing one or more information cataloging functions to organize and present a graphical view of the information stored in the data storage resource. The information cataloging functions are categorized into a plurality of defined function categories. An object generation facility generates one or more meta-data objects corresponding to units of information stored in the data storage resource. The meta-data objects contain attributes defining characteristics of the information units to which they correspond and the meta-data objects are assigned to one or more of the function categories to define the information cataloging functions which may be performed on the meta-data objects. A user interface is provided for executing the information cataloging functions on the meta-data objects in response to user input.

Computer user interface having tiled and overlapped window areas

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the display of multiple windows in a computer user interface in an efficient manner. Two separate window areas are allocated in a display area. A first area is an overlapped window area where windows may overlap each other. A second area is a tiled window area where windows may not overlap each other. User interface controls are provided to allow the user to designate a displayed window as tiled or overlapped and the designated window is moved from area to area, accordingly. Windows in either area may be resized and repositioned, although with some restrictions in the tiled area. The computer system automatically adjusts window and area sizes within predefined limits.

Multimedia: Computing, Communications and Applications

Abstract: Foreword Preface 1.Introduction Branch-overlapping Aspects of Multimedia. Content. Global Structure. Multimedia Literature. 2. Multimedia: Media and Data Streams. Medium. Main Properties of a Multimedia System. Multimedia. Traditional Data Stream Characteristics. Data Streams Characteristics for Continuous Media. Information Units. 3. Sound/Audio. Basic Sound Concepts. Music. Speech. 4. Image and Graphics. Basic Concepts. Computer Image Processing. Comments. 5. Video and Animation. Basic Concepts. Television. Computer-based Animation. 6. Data Compression. Storage Space. Coding Requirements. Source, Entropy, and Hybrid Coding. Some Basic Compression Techniques. JPEG. H.261 (px64). MPEG. DVI. Comments. 7. Optical Storage. History. Basic Technology. Video Disks and Other WORMs. Compact Disk Digital Audio. Compact Disk Read Only Memory. CD-ROM Extended Architecture. Further CD-ROM-based Developments. Compact Disc Write Once. Compact Disk Magneto Optical. The Prospects of CD Technologies. 8. Computer Technology. Communication Architecture. Multimedia Workstations. Comments. 9. Multimedia Operating Systems. Introduction. Real-Time. Resource Management. Process Management. File Systems. Additional Operating System Issues. System Architecture. Concluding Remarks. 10. Networking Systems. Layers, Protocols, and Services. Networks. Local Area Networks (LANs). Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Wide Area Networks (WANs). Comments. 11. Multimedia Communication Systems. Application Subsystem. Transport Subsystem. Quality of Service and Resource Management. Comments. 12. Data Base Systems. Multimedia Database Management System. Characteristics of an MDBMS. Data Analysis. Data Structure. Operations on Data. Integration in a Database Model. Comments. 13. Documents, Hypertext and Hypermedia. Documents. Hypertext and Hypermedia. Document Architecture SGML. Document Architecture ODA. MHEG. 14. User Interface. General Design Issues. Current Work. Extension through Video and Audio. Video at the User Interface. Audio at the User Interface. User- friendliness as the Primary Goal. Comments. 15. Synchronization. Introduction. Notion of Synchronization. Presentation Requirements. A Reference Model for Multimedia Synchronization. Synchronization. Case Studies. Comments. Summary and Outlook. 16. Abstractions for Programming. Abstraction Levels. Libraries. System Software. Toolkits. Higher Programming Languages. Object-oriented Approaches. Comments. 17. Multimedia Applications. Introduction. Media Preparation. Media Composition. Media Integration. Media Communication. Media Consumption. Media Entertainment. Trends. 18. Future Directions. Where Are We Today? What Are the Next Steps? What Are the Multimedia Research Issues? Abbreviations. Bibliography. Index.

Constraint satisfaction and debugging for interactive user interfaces

Abstract: Many user interface toolkits use constraint solvers to maintain geometric relationships between graphic objects, or to connect the graphics to the application data structures. One efficient and flexible technique for maintaining constraints is multi-way local propagation, where constraints are represented by sets of method procedures. This dissertation examines the use of local propagation constraint solvers in user interface toolkits, and presents three new systems: (1) The SkyBlue constraint solver. SkyBlue is an incremental constraint solver that uses local propagation to maintain a set of constraints as individual constraints are added and removed. If all of the constraints cannot be satisfied, SkyBlue leaves weaker constraints unsatisfied in order to satisfy stronger constraints (maintaining a constraint hierarchy). SkyBlue is a more general successor to the DeltaBlue algorithm that satisfies cycles of methods by calling external cycle solvers and supports multi-output methods. These features make SkyBlue more useful for constructing user interfaces, since cycles of constraints can occur frequently in user interface applications and multi-output methods are necessary to represent some useful constraints. (2) The Multi-Garnet user interface development system. Garnet is a user interface toolkit that incorporates a constraint solver to maintain one-way constraints between object fields: any object field can have an associated formula to calculate its value from other object fields. The Multi-Garnet package extends Garnet to support multi-way constraints and constraint hierarchies. It integrates the SkyBlue solver into the Garnet object system, allowing programmers to create and use constraints without explicitly accessing the constraint solver. Multi-Garnet has been used to construct complex user interfaces that would have been difficult to construct just using Garnet's constraint solver. (3) The CNV user interface builder and debugger. Programmers need tools to examine the behavior of large constraint networks, just as they need such tools when debugging imperative programs. The CNV user interface builder includes a set of debugging tools to help programmers understand the behavior of complex constraint networks. One tool uses a new algorithm to generate alternate constraint solutions that would have been produced if SkyBlue had chosen different methods to satisfy the constraints.

User interface having simultaneously movable tools and cursor

Abstract: A user interface technique operates in the environment of a processor-controlled machine for executing a program that operates on a set of underlying data and displays a visible representation thereof. The user simultaneously and independently moves the tools with one hand, normally the non-dominant hand (e.g., a right-handed user's left hand) and operates on the visible representation with the other, normally the dominant hand. In a specific implementation, the input devices include a trackball for positioning the tools and a mouse for positioning a cursor and initiating actions.

Recognition system and method for user inputs to a computer system

Abstract: A technique for analyzing and interpreting user inputs to a computer, such as strokes, key depressions, or voice signals to a hand-held, pen-based computer system. Inputs to the system are received at a user interface, such as a dual function display/input screen from users in the form of pen strokes or gestures. A database stores the input data strokes and hypotheses regarding possible interpretations of the strokes. Recognition of the input strokes and recognition of higher level combinations of strokes (forming characters and words, etc.) is performed using recognizers, or recognition domains, each of which performs a particular recognition task. A controller is provided for controlling the hypotheses database and for scheduling the recognition tasks in the recognition domains. Arbitration resolves conflicts among competing hypotheses associated with each interpretation. The recognition domains, or recognizers generate two or more competing interpretations for the same input. The recognizers use a data structure called a unit, where a unit is a set of subhypotheses together with all their interpretations generated by a single recognizer. A recognizer operates at a first level for identifying one or more groups of related subhypotheses using grouping knowledge. These grouped subhypotheses generate a unit with no interpretations for each group and store the unit in the database in what is called a piece-pool memory. A recognizer has a second level of operation where each unit generated in the grouping stage is classified to provide the unit with one or more interpretations. The classified unit are stored in a unit pool memory. Two or more interpretations of the input data are combined in a hierarchical structure according to a predetermined scheme in successive steps to form higher level interpretations.

A framework for source code search using program patterns

Abstract: For maintainers involved in understanding and reengineering large software, locating source code fragments that match certain patterns is a critical task. Existing solutions to the problem are few, and they either involve manual, painstaking scans of the source code using tools based on regular expressions, or the use of large, integrated software engineering environments that include simple pattern-based query processors in their toolkits. We present a framework in which pattern languages are used to specify interesting code features. The pattern languages are derived by extending the source programming language with pattern-matching symbols. We describe SCRUPLE, a finite state machine-based source code search tool, that efficiently implements this framework. We also present experimental performance results obtained from a SCRUPLE prototype, and the user interface of a source code browser built on top of SCRUPLE. >

What video can and cannot do for collaboration: a case study

Abstract: As multimedia become an integral part of collaborative systems, we must understand how to design such systems to support the user's rich set of existing interaction skills, rather than requiring people to adapt to arbitrary constraints of technology-driven designs. To understand how we can make effective use of video in remote collaboration, we compared a small team's interactions through a desktop video conferencing prototype with face-to-face interactions and phone conversations. We found that, compared with audio-only, the video channel of our desktop video conferencing prototype adds or improves the ability to show understanding, forecast responses, give nonverbal information, enhance verbal descriptions, manage pauses, and express attitudes. These findings suggest that video may be better than the phone for handling conflict and other interaction-intense activities. However, the advantages of video depend critically on the nearly-instantaneous transmission of audio, even if it means getting out of sync with the video image. Nonetheless, when compared with face-to-face interaction, it can be difficult in video interactions to notice peripheral cues, control the floor, have side conversations, point to things or manipulate real-world objects. To enable rich interactions fully, video should be integrated with other distributed tools that increase the extent and type of shared space in a way that enables natural collaborative behaviors within those environments.

Group-oriented communications user interface

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for displaying and processing communications via a variety of communications media using a personal computer. Messages received either wirelessly, for example, wireless e-mail, or over telephone wireline, such as voice mail or facsimile, are segregated and presented for review by the subscriber according to whether the originator is within a select group of routinely contacted individuals and also by type of media. The system includes a graphical user interface to provide an intuitive and efficient message processing capability. In alternative embodiments the apparatus and methods are self-documenting and facilitate communication to the system manufacturer.

Passivity of a class of sampled-data systems: application to haptic interfaces

Abstract: Passivity of systems comprising a continuous time plant and discrete time controller is considered. This topic is motivated by stability considerations arising in the control of robots and force-reflecting human interfaces ("haptic interfaces"). A necessary and sufficient condition for the passivity of a class of sampled-data systems is derived. An example-implementation of a "virtual wall" via a one degree-of-freedom haptic interface-is presented.

User Interface Having Click-Through Tools that Can Be Composed with Other Tools

Abstract: A user interface technique operates in the environment of a processor-controlled machine for executing a program that operates on a set of underlying data and displays a visible representation thereof. The system further provides a visual depiction of a set of tools. The tools include click-through tools that can be combined with other tools (including other click-through tools) to provide composite tools. A click-through tool includes a generally transparent delineated active area that is movable so that it can be placed over a desired portion of the visible representation. When the user interacts with the visible representation through the active area, the action takes on an attribute of the particular click-through tool. A click-through tool can be superimposed on another click-through tool, whereupon an action taken through the two click-through tools onto the visible representation takes on attributes of both tools.

Adaptive user support: ergonomic design of manually and automatically adaptable software

Abstract: Contents: R. Oppermann, Introduction. R Oppermann, H. Simm, Adaptability: User-Initiated Individualization. M. Krogsaeter, C. Thomas, Adaptivity: System Initiated Individualization. M. Krogsaeter, R. Oppermann, C. Thomas, A User Interface Integrating Adaptability and Adaptivity. T. Fox, G. Grunst, K-J. Quast, HyPLAN: A Context-Sensitive Hypermedia Help System. M. Paetau, Configurative Technology: Adaptation to Social Systems Dynamism.