Showing papers on "User interface published in 1995"

About Face 3: The Essentials of Interaction Design

Abstract: The essential interaction design guide, fully revised and updated for the mobile age About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design, Fourth Editionis the latest update to the book that shaped and evolved the landscape of interaction design. This comprehensive guide takes the worldwide shift to smartphones and tablets into account. New information includes discussions on mobile apps, touch interfaces, screen size considerations, and more. The new full-color interior and unique layout better illustrate modern design concepts. The interaction design profession is blooming with the success of design-intensive companies, priming customers to expect "design" as a critical ingredient of marketplace success. Consumers have little tolerance for websites, apps, and devices that don't live up to their expectations, and the responding shift in business philosophy has become widespread. About Faceis the book that brought interaction design out of the research labs and into the everyday lexicon, and the updated Fourth Editioncontinues to lead the way with ideas and methods relevant to today's design practitioners and developers. Updated information includes: Contemporary interface, interaction, and product design methods Design for mobile platforms and consumer electronics State-of-the-art interface recommendations and up-to-date examples Updated Goal-Directed Design methodology Designers and developers looking to remain relevant through the current shift in consumer technology habits will find About Faceto be a comprehensive, essential resource.

Letizia: an agent that assists web browsing

Abstract: Letizia is a user interface agent that assists a user browsing the World Wide Web. As the user operates a conventional Web browser such as Netscape, the agent tracks user behavior and attempts to anticipate items of interest by doing concurrent, autonomous exploration of links from the user's current position. The agent automates a browsing strategy consisting of a best-first search augmented by heuristics inferring user interest from browsing behavior.

Bricks: laying the foundations for graspable user interfaces

Abstract: We introduce the concept of Graspable User Interfaces that allow direct control of electronic or virtual objects through physical handles for control. These physical artifacts, which we call "bricks," are essentially new input devices that can be tightly coupled or “attached” to virtual objects for manipulation or for expressing action (e.g., to set parameters or for initiating processes). Our bricks operate on top of a large horizontal display surface known as the "ActiveDesk." We present four stages in the development of Graspable UIs: (1) a series of exploratory studies on hand gestures and grasping; (2) interaction simulations using mock-ups and rapid prototyping tools; (3) a working prototype and sample application called GraspDraw; and (4) the initial integrating of the Graspable UI concepts into a commercial application. Finally, we conclude by presenting a design space for Bricks which lay the foundation for further exploring and developing Graspable User Interfaces.

Virtual reality on a WIM: interactive worlds in miniature

Abstract: This paper explores a user interface technique which augments an immersive head tracked display with a hand-held miniature copy of the virtual environment We call this interface technique the Worlds in Miniature (WIM) metaphor By establishing a direct relationship between life-size objects in the virtual world and miniature objects in the WIM, we can use the WIM as a tool for manipulating objects in the virtual environment In addition to describing object manipulation, this paper explores ways in which Worlds in Miniature can act as a single unifying metaphor for such application independent interaction techniques as object selection, navigation, path planning, and visualization The WIM metaphor naturally offers multiple points of view and multiple scales at which the user can operate, all without requiring explicit modes or commands Informal user observation indicates that users adapt to the Worlds in Miniature metaphor quickly and that physical props are helpful in manipulating the WIM and other objects in the environment

RMM: a methodology for structured hypermedia design

Abstract: Hypermedia application design di ers from other software design in that it involves navigation as well as user-interface and information processing issues. We present the Relationship Management Data model (RMDM) and the Relationship Management (RMM) methodology for the design and development of hypermedia applications. The seven steps of the methodology lend themselves to computer support, paving the way for a computerized environment to support the design and development of hypermedia applications. This article focuses on design activities, which are addressed within the rst three steps of the methodology.

Scenario-based design: envisioning work and technology in system development

Abstract: Partial table of contents: Work Processes: Scenarios as a Preliminary Vocabulary (K. Kuutti). Creating Contexts for Design (M. Kyng). Scenario Use in the Design of a Speech Recognition System (J. Karat). Usage Representations for Reuse of Design Insights: A Case Study of Access to On-Line Books (T. Carey & M. Rusli). Design Space Analysis and Use Representations (A. MacLean & D. McKerlie). Rapid Prototyping of User Interfaces Driven by Task Models (P. Johnson, et al.). Generating Object-Oriented Design Representations via Scenario Queries (S. Robertson). The Use-Case Construct in Object-Oriented Software Engineering (I. Jacobson). Discussion: Scenarios as Engines of Design (R. Mack). Some Reflections on Scenarios (B. Nardi). Index.

The world through the computer: computer augmented interaction with real world environments

Abstract: Current user interface techniques such as WIMP or the desktop metaphor do not support real world tasks, because the focus of these user interfaces is only on human–computer interactions, not on human–real world interactions. In this paper, we propose a method of building computer augmented environments using a situation-aware portable device. This device, calledNaviCam, has the ability to recognize the user’s situation by detecting color-code IDs in real world environments. It displays situation sensitive information by superimposing messages on its video see-through screen. Combination of ID-awareness and portable video-see-through display solves several problems with current ubiquitous computers systems and augmented reality systems.

A component- and message-based architectural style for GUI software

Abstract: While a large fraction of application code is devoted to graphical user interface (GUI) functions, support for reuse in this domain has largely been confined to the creation of GUI toolkits ("widgets"). We present a novel architectural style directed at supporting larger grain reuse and flexible system composition. Moreover, the style supports design of distributed, concurrent applications. Asynchronous notification messages and asynchronous request messages are the sole basis for intercomponent communication. A key aspect of the style is that components are not built with any dependencies on what typically would be considered lower-level components, such as user interface toolkits. Indeed, all components are oblivious to the existence of any components to which notification messages are sent. While our focus has been on applications involving graphical user interfaces, the style has the potential for broader applicability. Several trial applications using the style are described.

Interactive sketching for the early stages of user interface design

Abstract: Current interactive user interface construction tools are often more of a hindrance than a benefit during the early stages of user interface design. These tools take too much time to use and force designers to specify more of the design details than they wish to at this early stage. Most interface designers, especially those who have a background in graphic design, prefer to sketch early interface ideas on paper or on a white-board. We are developing an interactive tool that allows designers to quickly sketch an interface using an electronic pad and stylus. Our tool preserves the important properties of paper: A rough drawing can be produced very quickly and the medium is very flexible. However, unlike a paper sketch this electronic sketch can easily be exercised and modified. In addition, our system allows designers to examine, annotate, and edit a complete history of the design. When the designer is satisfied with this early prototype, the system can transform the sketch into a complete, finished interface in a specified look-and-feel. This transformation takes place with the guidance of the designer. By supporting the early design phases of the software life-cycle, our tool should both ease the prototyping of user interfaces and improve the speed with which a final interface can be created.

User interface for an implantable medical device using an integrated digitizer display screen

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for an improved user interface for communicating with implantable medical devices are described. An integrated digitizer display screen and a digitizer pen serve as the primary input devices to a tablet computer adapted to receive real-time and stored medical data. The pen is used to select programming options by tapping portions of the digitizer based on visual images on the display. Additionally, the pen may be used to manipulate the medical data through the use of gestures, or be used to enter free form annotations concerning the medical data. An additional aspect of the user interface is the use of a questionnaire card to input information into the tablet computer by tapping the pen on the marked answers on the questionnaire card.

An overview of the PARCTAB ubiquitous computing experiment

Abstract: The PARCTAB system integrates a palm-sized mobile computer into an office network. The PARCTAB project serves as a preliminary testbed for ubiquitous computing, a philosophy originating at Xerox PARC that aims to enrich our computing environment by emphasizing context sensitivity, casual interaction and the spatial arrangement of computers. This article describes the ubiquitous computing philosophy, the PARCTAB system, user interface issues for small devices, and our experience in developing and testing a variety of mobile applications.

The Responsive Workbench: a virtual work environment

Abstract: In this virtual environment, customized scientific visualization tools offer specialists new ways to work cooperatively, which opens the door to more comprehensive analysis and, perhaps, reduced costs. Implementing the Responsive Workbench required close attention to several important elements: its components, a typical setup, the user interface, feedback speed and real-time rendering. >

Targeting advertising in a home retail banking delivery service

Abstract: A practical system and method for the remote distribution of financial services (e.g., home banking and bill-paying) involves distributing portable terminals to a user base. The terminals include a multi-line display, keys "pointing to" lines on the display, and additional keys. Contact is established between the terminals and a central computer operated by a service provider, preferably over a dial-up telephone line and a packet data network. Information exchange between the central computer and the terminal solicits information from the terminal user related to requested financial services (e.g., for billpaying, the user provides payee selection and amount and his bank account PIN number). The central computer then transmits a message over a conventional ATM network debiting the user's bank account in real time, and may pay the specified payees the specified amount electronically or in other ways as appropriate. Payments and transfers may be scheduled in advance or on a periodic basis. Because the central computer interacts with the user's bank as a standard POS or ATM network node, no significant software changes are required at the banks' computers. The terminal interface is extremely user-friendly and incorporates some features of standard ATM user interfaces so as to reduce new user anxiety.

Force feedback system

Abstract: A 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.

Three-dimensional (3D) video presentation system providing interactive 3D presentation with personalized audio responses for multiple viewers

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides actual interactive choices to members of an audience in the form of three dimensional (3D) objects in space, and after each member of the audience reaches out at, points at, or looks at the 3D object of choice, the system responds and alters the audio and/or video feedback to each member. Specifically, a 3D video production is presented on a screen and at several points during the presentation a character or person, appearing on the screen, requests each user to respond to a question by physically selecting one of several possible 3D objects, the 3D objects appearing through the 3D effect to be floating directly in front of each user. The 3D answer options could be three 3D characters, for example. Selection of one of these objects is facilitated through a unique user interface unit, embodied in either a helmet, gun, or wand configuration. Each of these alternative user interface units allow the interactive selection to be made by physical gestures. The user interface unit is comprised of a detection device, a processor and associated circuitry, and attached headphones. Immediately upon making a selection, the user interface unit determines the choice made by the user, matches the choice with a distinct prerecorded audio feedback response, and presents to the user a distinct and individualized audio response. These personalized feedback responses are seamlessly communicated to each user through a set of headphones, and thus, amount to minimally perceived alterations from the common audio presentation. Interactive realism is enhanced through the preferred lip synching of the audio feedback response to the video character's mouth movements.

Electronic check image storage and retrieval system

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and retrieving images of documents, e.g. checks. The method comprises placing a plurality of documents in a document imaging machine and forming an electronic image of each document, storing each electronic image in an electronic storage device, providing at least one user interface device in communication on a communication link with the electronic storage device, placing a request for at least one document image on the user interface device, transmitting the request by the communication link to the electronic storage device, searching the electronic storage device for the requested electronic image of the document, retrieving the at least one electronic image or providing an indication that the image was not found, storing the electronic image, if found, in an electronic file, for transmission to the user interface device at user option, providing the electronic image to the user interface device at command of a user at the user interface device for storage at the user interface device and displaying the requested electronic image on a display of the user interface device. Preferably, the electronic, images are stored with embedded identifying information in a TIFF file format and the check images can be displayed on a display device which permits the user to view both sides of the checks simultaneously and perform functions such as zooming and rotation of the images.

User interface for information retrieval system

Abstract: An improved information retrieval system user interface for retrieving information from a plurality of sources and for storing information source descriptions in a knowledge base. The user interface includes a hypertext browser and a knowledge base browser/editor. The hypertext browser allows a user to browse an unstructured information space through the use of interactive hypertext links. The knowledge base browser/editor displays a directed graph representing a generalization taxonomy of the knowledge base, with the nodes representing concepts and edges representing relationships between concepts. The system allows users to store information source descriptions in the knowledge base via graphical pointing means. By dragging an iconic representation of an information source from the hypertext browser to a node in the directed graph, the system will store an information source description object in the knowledge base. The knowledge base browser/editor is also used to browse the information source descriptions previously stored in the knowledge base. The result of such browsing is an interactive list of information source descriptions which may be used to retrieve documents into the hypertext browser. The system also allows for querying a structured information source and using query results to focus the hypertext browser on the most relevant unstructured data sources.

How to design usable systems

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter describes the way in which usable systems can be designed. Usability is a combination of many factors, each of which is often developed independently. User-interface code is becoming an increasingly large percentage of the total system code. Standards are beginning to emerge for user interface design. Establishing standards for software aspects of the user interface is probably premature. There are lots of guidelines for a good system design. However, these are not enough for the design of good systems. One should at the beginning and throughout development focus on prospective users and their work. It is often heard that people buy computer systems for the functions in them. One is unlikely to figure out what the functions should be without talking with users. One should continuously measure each aspect of usability, and then iterate in a hill-climbing way toward a better system. All aspects of usability should begin evolving from the beginning and should be under one focus.

Method and system for displaying an animated focus item

Abstract: A viewer interface is disclosed for use in an interactive television network operative for providing an animated focus item in association with a control item to indicate that the control item is in a state responsive to commands from a user input device. An "animation" is any form of highlighting that is non-static, including but not limited to flashing, varying illumination, varying size, varying shape, varying position, varying color, varying display components, a moving and/or changing cartoon type image, a video image, a sound track, or a combination of these elements. Selection of the control item to receive focus and selection of options presented by control items having focus are accomplished by viewer interaction with the remote control unit, and such selections do not require a keyboard or mouse to indicate the viewer's desire to change the focus from one control item to another or to select an option. The user interface is also suitable for use in a general computing environment as well as in an interactive television environment.

Federated information management (FIM) system and method for providing data site filtering and translation for heterogeneous databases

Abstract: A FIM system integrates data from a plurality of interconnected local databases to provide users with access to a virtual database. The FIM includes a user interface for generating a global query to search the virtual database, a smart dictionary database (SDD) that contains configuration data, a data information manager (DIM) that decomposes the global query into local queries, and a plurality of local information managers (LIMs) that execute the local queries to search for and retrieve data from the enumerated databases. A filter generates a list of those local databases that contain information relevant to the global query. As a result, the DIM only generates local queries for the enumerated local databases. An input translator converts the global query into the respective local formats for the local databases so that the FIM provides true integration of heterogeneous databases. An output translator converts the data retrieved from each local database into a uniform i/o format so that the data presented to the user is integrated. The user typically selects the i/o format as his or her local format or a global format associated with the virtual database.

System for the capture and replay of temporal data representing collaborative activities

Abstract: A system for the capture and playback of temporal data representing a collaborative activity such as a meeting. Such temporal data is captured by one or more capture devices (e.g. audio recordings or an electronic whiteboard). Temporal data is comprised of timestreams and events. Timestreams are sets of timestamped data which represent some recordable aspect of the meeting. Events are contained within a timestream that represent natural activities that occurred during the course of the session. Events are used to create indices which provide direct access to a point or span in time during the collaborative activity. Playback of a session is performed under the control of a session access device. Coupled to the session access device are a plurality of players for playing back timestreams. The session access device utilizes event information to create a user interface for controlling session replay. The user interface is comprised of a plurality of windows. Each window may represent a player, a playback controller or an editor.

Tool and method for diagnosing and correcting errors in a computer program

Abstract: In a computer system, an improved tool and method for debugging complex computer programs is disclosed. The tool extracts critical debugging information from computer memory and/or remote storage memory and uses this information to graphically depict call relationships among various functions comprising the program which is the subject of the debugging operation. Debug commands are accepted by the tool through a graphical user interface using operations performed by the user directly on the graphical representation of program functions. The ability of the tool to accept user commands through the graphical user interface and to display critical debugging information using this same interface greatly facilitates program debugging.

A heuristic algorithm for a dial-a-ride problem with time windows, multiple capacities, and multiple objectives

Abstract: The paper describes a system for the solution of a static dial-a-ride routing and scheduling problem with time windows (DARPTW). The problem statement and initialization of the development project was made by the Copenhagen Fire-Fighting Service (CFFS). The CFFS needed a new system for scheduling elderly and disabled persons, involving about 50.000 requests per year. The problem is characterized by, among other things, multiple capacities and multiple objectives. The capacities refer to the fact that a vehicle may be equipped with e.g. normal seats, children seats or wheel chair places. The objectives relate to a number of concerns such as e.g. short driving time, high vehicle utilization or low costs. A solution algorithm REBUS based on an insertion heuristics was developed. The algorithm permits in a flexible way weighting of the various goals such that the solution reflects the user's preferences. The algorithm is implemented in a dynamic environment intended for on-line scheduling. Thus, a new request for service is treated in less than 1 second, permitting an interactive user interface.

System and method for displaying program listings in an interactive electronic program guide

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an interactive entertainment distribution network including a headend which is connected to provide programs to a plurality of user interface units in individual homes. The user interface units are configured to run electronic program guides for displaying available programs categorized by discrete time slots. Each of the programs has a scheduled time period which occupies at least a portion of one or more of the discrete time slots. The headend maintains a database with a plurality of program data records. Each program data record is indexed by one of a plurality of bucket numbers. The bucket numbers correspond respectively to the plurality of discrete time slots. Each particular program is represented by a program data record and associated bucket number for each of the one or more discrete time slots which the program occupies. The electronic program guide requests programming information from the headend by specifying one or more bucket numbers to the headend.

User interface software tools

Abstract: Almost as long as there have been user interfaces, there have been special software systems and tools to help design and implement the user interface software. Many of these tools have demonstrated significant productivity gains for programmers, and have become important commercial products. Others have proven less successful at supporting the kinds of user interfaces people want to build. This article discusses the different kinds of user interface software tools, and investigates why some approaches have worked and others have not. Many examples of commercial and research systems are included. Finally, current research directions and open issues in the field are discussed.

Four Easy Pieces for Assessing the Usability of Multimodal Interaction: The Care Properties

Abstract: We propose the CARE properties as a simple way of characterising and assessing aspects of multimodal interaction: the Complementarity, Assignment, Redundancy, and Equivalence that may occur between the interaction techniques available in a multimodal user interface. We provide a formal definition of these properties and use the notion of compatibility to show how the system CARE properties interact with user CARE-like properties in the design of a system. The discussion is illustrated with MATIS, a Multimodal Air Travel Information System.

Interactive electronic trade network and user interface

Abstract: An interactive trade network is described that integrates distributive messaging using a host computer and telecommunication networks, real-time interactive communications, a hierarchical knowledge matrix containing two familiar and comprehensive indices of classes of goods and classes of establishments and a legend of trade-related, cross-reference terms or parameters, a multiline programmable application, an integrated application program interface, and integrated application programs. The Host System uses each Index Number of each of the indices as a topic board name. The apparatus creates a highly-selective media for either (a) messaging on mutually exclusive indexed topics of trade or (b) engaging in pubic or private real-time conferencing or electronic mail dedicated to any class of indexed economic activity. It enables progressive discussions on, and the retrieval of just the information needed under, discrete indexed topics on trade instantaneously. The interface typically facilitates access to one of thousands of topic boards upon input for, or interpreted to, three key strokes in the selector process. Users may review, broadcast, post or "chain" messages to one party or multiple parties, whether known or anonymous. Messages are cross-referenceable by geographic codes, time and other alpha-numeric descriptors.

Advanced tools for speech synchronized animation

Abstract: A random access animation user interface environment referred to as interFACE enabling a user to create and control animated lip-synchronized images or objects utilizing a personal computer for use in the users programs and products. A real-time random-access interface driver (RAVE) together with a descriptive authoring language (RAVEL) is used to provide synthesized actors ("synactors"). The synactors may represent real or imaginary persons or animated characters, objects or scenes. The synactors may be created and programmed to perform actions including speech which are not sequentially pre-stored records of previously enacted events. Furthermore, animation and sound synchronization may be produced automatically and in real-time. Sounds and visual images of a real or imaginary person or animated character associated with those sounds are input to a system and may be decomposed into constituent parts to produce fragmentary images and sounds. A set of characteristics is utilized to define a digital model of the motions and sounds of a particular synactor. The general purpose system is provided for random access and display of synactor images on a frame-by-frame basis, which is organized and synchronized with sound. Both synthetic speech and digitized recording may provide the speech for synactors.

Computer controlled display system using a graphical replay device to control playback of temporal data representing collaborative activities

Abstract: A system for controlling the playback of a recorded session utilizing a window acting as a player for playing back a timestream for a shared representation media, such as an electronic whiteboard. Timestream and event information for the session is captured by one or more recording devices. Playback of a session is performed under the control of a session access device which utilizes event information to create a user interface for controlling session replay. The user interface includes the window for playing back the timestream of a shared representation media. Each graphical object in the window is associated with one or more events (e.g. a creation event, an editing event, a move event or a deletion event). Selection of a graphical object enables playback time to be moved to the time for one of the associated events. Selection may also be made on an area of the window. This will enable the user to view all events related to graphical objects in the selected area (as some graphical objects may be erased or moved).

About Face: The Essentials of User Interface Design

Abstract: From the Publisher: The cleverest code in the world is worth nothing if a program's interface proves an unwieldy barrier to users That's why programmers and designers alike will benefit from About Face: The Essentials of User Interface Design Here, respected software designer Alan Cooper shares his own real-world experience and design principles so that you, too, can fashion intuitive, effective user interfaces Applicable to multimedia and Web sites as well as application software, About Face is an invaluable resource for design professionals