Showing papers on "User modeling published in 1996"

Methods and techniques of adaptive hypermedia

Abstract: Adaptive hypermedia is a new direction of research within the area of adaptive and user model-based interfaces. Adaptive hypermedia (AH) systems build a model of the individual user and apply it for adaptation to that user, for example, to adapt the content of a hypermedia page to the user's knowledge and goals, or to suggest the most relevant links to follow. AH systems are used now in several application areas where the hyperspace is reasonably large and where a hypermedia application is expected to be used by individuals with different goals, knowledge and backgrounds. This paper is a review of existing work on adaptive hypermedia. The paper is centered around a set of identified methods and techniques of AH. It introduces several dimensions of classification of AH systems, methods and techniques and describes the most important of them.

Specifying and establishing communication data paths between particular media devices in multiple media device computing systems based on context of a user or users

Abstract: The present invention describes a system of multiple devices and multiple users, wherein the identity and location of each device and user may be known to the system. A method is described for establishing media connections between at least a first user and a second user based on the context of the system and the environment of the particular device, computing devices, or users. The system receives a media connection request from the first user, including information indicating the first user preferences for media, and identifies the intended recipient user or users. The location and media devices in proximity to each of the users is determined, and the preset profiles and policies of the users involved are determined. Each user may specify acceptable media connections and contextual attributes. When the contextual attributes and acceptable media connections for each user are consistent, media device communications paths are established.

System and method enabling awareness of others working on similar tasks in a computer work environment

Abstract: A computer system and method provide networked computer users with information about which other users are task proximate to the user, thereby facilitating spontaneous communications regarding task-related, or other, issues. The information about other users is displayed in a user interface window on each computer that presents a visual representation of each user who is task proximate to the user operating the computer. Task proximity to other users may change as the user context switches between applications, and the user interface window is updated accordingly. Task proximity is determined individually by different applications. One exemplary system architecture for providing the information includes a person object representing each user, and storing the visual representation of the user. An encounter window on each computer displays the visual representations. A number of encounter-aware applications may execute on each computer. An encounter server on each computer provides communication between the encounter-aware applications of the positions of each user, position being determined, for example, by the function the user is using, the data, and the time. At least one encounter-aware application includes a match object that accepts information from the encounter servers about user positions and determines the task proximity of the users. The match object informs the encounter server of the task proximity of the user. The encounter server then updates the appropriate encounter window. The encounter windows further provide a number of communication mechanisms so that users can efficiently contact those other users who are task proximate.

Numerical uncertainty management in user and student modeling: An overview of systems and issues

Abstract: A rapidly growing number of user and student modeling systems have employed numerical techniques for uncertainty management. The three major paradigms are those of Bayesian networks, the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence, and fuzzy logic. In this overview, each of the first three main sections focuses on one of these paradigms. It first introduces the basic concepts by showing how they can be applied to a relatively simple user modeling problem. It then surveys systems that have applied techniques from the paradigm to user or student modeling, characterizing each system within a common framework. The final main section discusses several aspects of the usability of these techniques for user or student modeling, such as their knowledge engineering requirements, their need for computational resources, and the communicability of their results.

A task-centered approach for user modeling in a hypermedia office documentation system

Abstract: The development of user-adaptive systems is of increasing importance for industrial applications. User modeling emerged from the need to represent in the system knowledge about the user in order to allow informed decisions on how to adapt to match the user’s needs. Most of the research in this field, however, has been theoretical, “top-down.” Our approach, in contrast, was driven by the needs of the application and shows features of bottom-up, user-centered design.

Hypadapter: An Adaptive Hypertext System for Exploratory Learning and Programming

Abstract: We have developed an adaptive hypertext system designed to individually support exploratory learning and programming activities in the domain of Common Lisp. Endowed with domain-specific knowledge represented in a hyperspace of topics, the system builds up a detailed model of the user’s expertise which it utilizes to provide personalized assistance. Unlike other work emerging in the field of adaptive hypertext systems, our approach exploits domain and user modelling techniques to support individuals in different ways. The system not only generates individualized presentations of topic nodes, but also provides adaptive navigational assistance for link-based browsing. By identifying and suggesting useful hyperlinks according to the user’s knowledge state and preferences, the system encourages and guides exploration. While browsing through the hyperspace of topics, the system analyses the user’s navigational behaviour to infer the user’s learning progress and to dynamically adapt presentations of topics and links accordingly.

Evaluating user interfaces to information retrieval systems: a case study on user support

Abstract: Designing good user interfaces to information retrieval systems is a complex activity. The design space is large and evaluation methodologies that go beyond the classical precision and recall figures are not well established. In this paper we present an evaluation of an intelligent interface that covers also the user-system interaction and measures user's satisfaction. More specifically, we describe an experiment that evaluates: (i) the added value of the semiautomatic query reformulation implemented in a prototype system; (ii) the importance of technical, terminological, and strategic supports and (iii) the best way to provide them. The interpretation of results leads to guidelines for the design of user interfaces to information retrieval systems and to some observations on the evaluation issue.

Don't underestimate the problems of user centredness in software development projects - there are many!

Abstract: On the basis of a longitudinal field study of 29 commercial software development projects, the pros and cons of user centredness in software development were analysed. We looked at two concepts: user participation-an organizational device-involving a user representative in the team, and user orientation-a cognitive-emotional concept-which pertains to positive attitudes towards users. Both were found to be associated with project difficulties relating to process and product quality as well as overall project success. We suggest that the issue is no longer whether or not to involve users, but instead to develop a realistic understanding of the difficulties associated with user centredness.

Cross service common user image association

Abstract: An apparatus and means enabling a user to operate across multiple service domains using a single IDENTIFIER, ID. A Cross Service Association Domain mapping system is used to allow the desired IDENTIFIER and common user integration. A user is able to employ a single appropriate ID to access any of a plurality of services. The apparatus associates and relates all the IDENTIFIERs associated with each common user by maintaining an image of all the IDENTIFIERs for each user for all that user's applications which bridge the service and/or domain boundaries. Once a user is identified with any of the associated user IDENTIFIERs, the means allows the connection and/or routing to and from even otherwise disparate services. Included are a method, apparatus, and architecture which satisfies the above requirements while providing domain service interrelation and a common user image for the resulting interrelation. It provides for real time collaboration for cooperative, shared, and adaptive service network entities. The invention is used to advantage in many existent and developing service and user applications including applications for service support, cross service end user interfaces, service media transformations and multi-media cross services.

User-expertise modeling with empirically derived probabilistic implication networks

Abstract: The application of user-expertise modeling for adaptive interfaces is confronted with a number of difficult challenges, namely, efficiency and reliability, the cost-benefit ratio, and the practical usability of user modeling techniques. We argue that many of these obstacles can be overcome by standard, automatic means of performing knowledge assessment. Within this perspective, we present the basis of a probabilistic user modeling approach, the POKS technique, which could serve as a standard user-expertise modeling tool.

Method for dynamically switching between visual styles

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a user to retrieve a user interface and a visual style from a local or remote storage unit, rapidly display the visual stylized user interface, and dynamically switch between visual styles, without comprising security over a network system. Once displayed, the user can customize or configure the visual style of the user interface. The invention includes a programmable graphics user interface (PGUI). The PGUI is initialized to a default visual style or to a user's preferred style when the user logs onto a network system. In the preferred embodiment, after proper login, a user interface, stored on a server as a description in a text-based User Interface Language (UIL), is transferred to user's client system. The PGUI parses the UIL description and creates the user interface controls defined in the description. The PGUI then uses the currently selected visual style to display the user interface, and then reads any content (e.g., text, images, or other content) for the interface. The PGUI displays the content within the user interface, such as in a scrollable area or any other area described by the UIL. Once the user interface is displayed, the user can change the user interface, save the user interface, change the contents, save the contents, or switch visual styles. Compound or complex user interfaces can be easily created by combining simple user interface components.

Design and evaluation of an adaptive icon toolbar

Abstract: As information systems become increasingly important in many different domains, the potential to adapt them to individual users and their needs also becomes more important. Adaptive user interfaces offer many possible ways to adjust displays and improve procedures for a user's individual patterns of work. This paper describes an attempt to design an adaptive user interface in a computer environment familiar to many users. According to one classification of adaptive user interfaces, the adaptive bar described in this paper would be classified as a user-controlled self-adaptation system.

User Requirements Elicitation - A Framework for the Study of the Relation between User and Artefact

Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to gain a deeper understanding of the relation between the user and the technical artefact and, further, how this relation can be studied for the formulation and assessment of user requirements. A tentative framework for the study of the user-artefact relation has been derived from adapted theory and experiences from seven empirical studies. In this framework, the artefact is regarded as a mediating tool in an activity. In order to understand its mediating role, artefacts must be studied as part of a use activity. The framework suggests that five dimensions need to be explored and analysed on different levels in order to fully understand the role of, and the requirements for, an artefact in a use activity. The analysis moves between "higher" levels of analysis, related to motives and goals, and a 'lower' level, related to the specific, local circumstances which trig specific operations. The framework is developed as a tool for thought and discussion in the process of designing and evaluating user requirement studies. In order to evaluate the usefulness of the framework, seven empirical studies have been analysed. In each case, the framework has lent itself to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of each methodological approach. It has allowed an assessment in terms of the respective coverage of the information elicited in each study in relation to a desired complete picture. The results show that the model has a potential for describing and explaining the outcome of studies with different methodological approaches, as well as systematic comparisons of the character of the information elicited. Furthermore, the framework suggests that not all information and, hence, not all requirements are equally accessible. The introduction of breakdown provides us with a concept that is useful both in explaining what users can and cannot express verbally: what is accessible through interviews and what is accessible through observations. Elicitation of user requirements is shown to be not only a 'collection of information', it is a process through which we aim to understand the relation between the user and the artefact. The results demonstrate how time becomes an important sixth dimension in relation to the study of the user and the artefact.

A graph-based framework for multiparadigmatic visual access to databases

Abstract: Describes an approach for multiparadigmatic visual access integration of different interaction paradigms. The user is provided with an adaptive interface augmented by a user model, supporting different visual representations of both data and queries. The visual representations are characterized on the basis of the chosen visual formalisms, namely forms, diagrams and icons. To access different databases, a unified data model called the "graph model" is used as a common underlying formalism to which databases, expressed in the most popular data models, can be mapped. Graph model databases are queried through the adaptive interface. The semantics of the query operations is formally defined in terms of graphical primitives. Such a formal approach permits us to define the concept of an "atomic query", which is the minimal portion of a query that can be transferred from one interaction paradigm to another and processed by the system. Since certain interaction modalities and visual representations are more suitable for certain user classes, the system can suggest to the user the most appropriate interaction modality as well as the visual representation, according to the user model. Some results on user model construction are presented.

Method and system for graphically displaying and navigating through an interactive voice response menu

Abstract: An interactive voice response menu for computer software support which typically presents voice queries to a user is graphically displayed on a user computer. The interactive voice response menu is graphically displayed using a hierarchical paradigm scheme which is created based on statistics gathered from known user problem and is updated continuously when additional user problems are discovered. The user navigates through the graphical interactive voice response menu hierarchical scheme choosing more and more specific queries with the user computer to help diagnose the user's software problem. Also, when the user visits selected levels in the hierarchical scheme, diagnostic applications are launched automatically on the user computer which gather data for use in diagnosing the user's computer software problem.

For want of a bit the user was lost: cheap user modeling

Abstract: The more a computer knows about a user, the better it can serve that user. But there are different styles, and even philosophies, of how to teach our computers about us-about our habits, interests, patterns, and preferences. "Cheap" user modeling, the subject of this essay, simply means ascertaining a few bits of information about each user, processing that information quickly, and providing the results to applications, all without intruding upon the user's consciousness. In short, there are techniques for personalization that can-and should-be built into today's systems. Like most journal papers, this is a description of an existing system: DOPPELGANGER. But it is also an exhortation for readers to incorporate the described techniques and philosophy into their own systems.

Grouping of operations in a computer system

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer system connectable to a display device to display a graphical user interface through which a user can select an action in order to invoke a desired operation, and to a method of operation of such a system. The action is selectable by one or more views of that action provided via the graphical user interface, and the system is characterised by means for providing a container object which is displayable via the graphical user interface on the display device, the container object being arranged to respond to user selection by creating a user page for display to the user. Further, the system is characterised by identifying means for identifying when a user selection of the container object has occurred, and for informing the container object of that selection, thereby causing a user page to be created, and view association means for enabling a user to associate views of actions with the user page created upon selection of the container object. Preferably, means are provided for enabling the user to associate a user page created from the container object with a collective view of actions. By such a technique, the user is provided with an easy to use mechanism for grouping actions together as desired, for example so that his/her most commonly used actions are provided in one place.

Interface Agents in Complex Systems

Abstract: Computers are increasingly being introduced as the vehicle for work, particularly information-based work which has been performed traditionally by manual methods. Computerization of the working environment has created many problems for new computer users. It has been suggested (e.g., Norman, 1993) that the computer itself — specifically the human-computer interface — can and should help solve these problems. Research has begun to create components of the user interface, called ‘agents’ or ‘interface agents’; that act to assist the human being in applying the functional capabilities of computer systems (e.g., Reicken, 1994). Most research on interface agents has focused. on generic tasks such as electronic-mail management or electronic purchasing. Less research, particularly at a general or methodological level, has been devoted to interface agents for complex, domain-specific HCIs. Such applications are work-related, for example, specific systems in telecommunications, manufacturing, finance, aerospace, health care and education. These are typically complex interfaces in which the user must integrate a great deal of task/domain knowledge with a great deal of system/tool knowledge to accomplish the work goals. It is argued in this paper that interface agent concepts and technology are most applicable to this class of complex domain-based HCIs.

Synthetic environment employing a craft for providing user perspective reference

Abstract: A multi-dimensional user oriented synthetic environment system allows application programs to be programmed and accessed with input/output device independent, generic functional commands which are a distillation of the actual functions performed by any application program. A shared memory structure allows the translation of device specific commands to device independent, generic functional commands. Complete flexibility of the mapping of synthetic environment data to the user is thereby allowed. Accordingly, synthetic environment data may be provided to the user on parallel user information processing channels allowing the subcognitive mind to act as a filter, eliminating irrelevant information and allowing the processing of increase amounts of data by the user. The user is further provided with a craft surrounding the user within the synthetic environment, which craft, imparts important visual referential an motion parallax cues, enabling the user to better appreciate distances and directions within the synthetic environment. Display of this craft in close proximity to the user's point of perspective may be accomplished without substantially degrading the image resolution of the displayed portions of the synthetic environment.

Method of using multiple perceptual channels to increase user absorption of an N-dimensional presentation environment

Abstract: A multi-dimensional user oriented synthetic environment system allows application programs to be programmed and accessed with input/output device independent, generic functional commands which are a distillation of the actual functions performed by any application program. A shared memory structure allows the translation of device specific commands to device independent, generic functional commands. Complete flexibility of the mapping of synthetic environment data to the user is thereby allowed. Accordingly, synthetic environment data may be provided to the user on parallel user information processing channels allowing the subcognitive mind to act as a filter, eliminating irrelevant information and allowing the processing of increase amounts of data by the user. The user is further provided with a craft surrounding the user within the synthetic environment, which craft, imparts important visual referential an motion parallax cues, enabling the user to better appreciate distances and directions within the synthetic environment. Display of this craft in close proximity to the user's point of perspective may be accomplished without substantially degrading the image resolution of the displayed portions of the synthetic environment.

Method and apparatus for warning a user that feedback has been provided in a graphical user interface

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) for a data processing system which allows to monitor the feedbacks from the processes in execution through a window representation. Such GUI comprises means for warning the user that a feedback is received from one of the processes in an unobtrusive way. This avoids to the user to be obliged to suspend the current activities in order to handle the feedback message.

Method and system for automated reconfiguration of a client computer or user profile in a computer network

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automated reconfiguration of a client computer or user profile in a computer network. The invention allows a user to automatically reconfigure a client computer or user profile using computer software running on the client computer. The method of the invention comprises presenting a user of the client computer with a number of reconfiguration options using a user interface. The user may then select one or more of the reconfiguration options using the user interface. After receiving the user's input, a script is executed corresponding to the user's selection wherein the script causes a reconfiguration of the client computer or user profile.

Customization of network documents by accessing customization information on a server computer using uniquie user identifiers

Abstract: User-selected customization information for a network (e.g., HTML) document is stored at a server with reference to user identifying information that uniquely identifies the user. Whenever the user navigates back to the network address of the HTML document, the user is identified automatically and receives a customized HTML document formed in accordance with the customization information.

Specifying user knowledge for the design of interactive systems

Abstract: Minimum requirements for interactive systems to be usable and reliable include computer systems performing as intended, and users not making errors in issuing commands or in interpreting information from the device display. Traditionally, most approaches to software engineering have focused on the first of these concerns; correctness of system performance. However, it is equally important to deal with the user concerns. An Instruction Language is presented for describing the knowledge a user needs to perform tasks with the device. The constraints provided by a semi-formal description language help the designer to identify possible mismatches between the system model and the user's model of that system. This type of mismatch is illustrated with an example taken from the design of the Macintosh desktop. If a further step is taken, formalising that description and adding principles about users' cognitive processes, inferences may also be made about possible user errors. This is illustrated with an example taken from the design of a mail tool. The Instruction Language and associated principles provide a means of evaluating system design in relation to user knowledge prior to implementation.

Rule-based detection for reverse engineering user interfaces

Abstract: Reengineering the user interface can be a critical part of the migration of any large information system. The paper details experiences with manually reverse engineering legacy applications to build a model of the user interface functionality, and to develop a technique for partially automating this process. The results show that a language-independent set of rules can be used to detect user interface components from legacy code, and also illustrate problems that require dynamic analysis to solve them.

Fuzzy techniques and user modeling in Sales Assistants

Abstract: Uncertainty and fuzziness are ubiquitous in the field of computerized selling. Therefore the mastery of these domains might be a key factor for the success of electronic selling. In this paper the Sales Assistant is introduced. It employs user models in the problem solving and dialog control layers, and fuzzy techniques for the management of imprecision. Fuzzy Multiple Criteria Analysis has proven its usefulness in product evaluation if there are no severe interdependencies among the product attributes. The user model in the Sales Assistant is constructed unobtrusively on the basis of user behavior, and it uses short-term information. It increases the transparency and usability of a large hypertext-like information system.

Method and apparatus for interfacing with a host computer system sharing tasks with another user on a client computer system

Abstract: A task sharing manager including control logic for managing task sharing for the user, and an end user interface for interacting with the user is provided to a computer system. The control logic of the task sharing manager keeps track of the sharable active tasks for the user, and present the list along with a number of command options to the user through the end user interface for task sharing. The control logic monitors all user interactions with the end user interface as well as task activities, and responds to these events accordingly. As a result, a user may share task across computer systems in a more efficient and user friendly manner.