More on Old Topics

Reviews of "In Defense of Globalization" by Jagdish Bhagwati; "Globalization and Its Enemies" by Daniel Cohen; "The Art of SQL" by Stéphane Faroult with Peter Robson; "About Face 2.0: The Essentials of Interaction Design" by Alan Cooper and Robert Reimann; "Deep Time of the Media: Toward an Archaeology of Hearing and Seeing by Technical Means" by Siegfried Zielinski     

First draft of a report on the EDVAC

The first draft of a report on the EDVAC written by John von Neumann is presented. This first draft contains a wealth of information, and it had a pervasive influence when it was first written. Most prominently, Alan Turing cites it in his proposal for the Pilot automatic computing engine (ACE) as the definitive source for understanding the nature and design of a general-purpose digital computer     

Informing the evaluation and design of technology in intentional work environments through a focus on artefacts and implicit theories

Observation and analysis of work and computer systems in context can provide valuable information for the evaluation, design and further development of computer systems; however, there are still questions regarding the analysis and utilization of information from field studies. In particular, from a design viewpoint, it is necessary to be able to move from the extensive observational data that is often collected during a field study to information that is relevant for design. In this paper, we discuss the use of theories and models of human–machine interaction to guide the analysis of information gathered during field studies, and illustrate the application of an artefact-based theory with the results from two different and independently conducted case studies. This approach was valuable in structuring information collected in flexible environments, in which models that rely on the normative procedures found in more causal environments may be less useful. In addition to shaping the interpretation of data from the two studies, the use of an artefact-based theory also proved useful in integrating results across the two field studies, to suggest more domain-independent design criteria.     

Natural language interface for information management on mobile devices

A natural language interface (NLI) enables the ease-of-use of information systems in performing sophisticated human - computer interaction. To address the challenges of mobile devices to user interaction in information management, we propose an NLI as a promising solution. In this paper, we review state-of-the-art NLI technologies and analyse user requirements for managing notable information on mobile devices. To minimize any technical difficulties arising from developing and improving the usability of NLI systems we develop general principles for NLI design, which fills in a gap in the literature. In order to satisfy user requirements for information management on mobile devices, we innovatively design NLI-enabled information management architecture. It is shown from two usage scenarios that the architecture could lead to reduced effort in user navigation and improved efficiency and effectiveness of managing information on mobile devices. We conclude the article with the implications of this study and suggestions for future direction.     

移动情境感知及其交互研究

结合情境信息的移动应用和交互研究是普适计算领域中非常重要的内容.综合移动情境感知相关研究的发展,从人机交互研究的角度,提出了基于用户、环境和任务的情境信息分类方法.根据情境信息的数据获取、数据表示、系统架构、数据处理、服务应用和系统评价等六个方面,分析了移动情境感知应用研究的关键问题,总结了移动情境感知对人机交互研究中的研究方法、数据收集、用户控制感及交互方式等产生的影响.最后提出了当前移动情境感知及其交互研究中存在的问题和可能的研究方向.     

Bringing context-aware access to the web through spoken interaction

The web has become the largest repository of multimedia information and its convergence with telecommunications is now bringing the benefits of web technology to hand-held devices. To optimize data access using these devices and provide services which meet the user needs through intelligent information retrieval, the system must sense and interpret the user environment and the communication context. In addition, natural spoken conversation with handheld devices makes possible the use of these applications in environments in which the use of GUI interfaces is not effective, provides a more natural human-computer interaction, and facilitates access to the web for people with visual or motor disabilities, allowing their integration and the elimination of barriers to Internet access. In this paper, we present an architecture for the design of context-aware systems that use speech to access web services. Our contribution focuses specifically on the use of context information to improve the effectiveness of providing web services by using a spoken dialog system for the user-system interaction. We also describe an application of our proposal to develop a context-aware railway information system, and provide a detailed evaluation of the influence of the context information in the quality of the services that are supplied.     

Language, communication, social interaction and the design of human-computer interfaces

The importance of human sciences to the design of information technology is now generally recognized. As part of this recognition there is an interest in employing findings about language, communication and social interaction in design. In particular there has been a great deal of recent interest in the use of the methods and findings of conversation analysis, a sociological approach to the investigation of the structure of human conversation. The paper discusses the rationale for the use of such findings, outlines directions currently being pursued in this area, and provides a bibliography of recently-published and forthcoming research.     

Static and interactive infographics in daily tasks: A value-in-use and quality of interaction user study

Infographics are a common visual means to inform users. This paper investigates how lay people of different age, gender and educational background perceive the use of infographics for information visualization in daily tasks. We chose three topics of general interest: weather, study and work and three infographics, one for each topic. We administered a questionnaire to people randomly split in two groups: the first group interacted with a static version of each infographic, i.e., a snapshot of it; the second group interacted with the fully configurable infographics. We aimed to assess information quality on different dimensions, to take into account both formal and substantial aspects; interaction quality along dimensions like usability and ease of use; and design quality on the dimensions of the Visualization Wheel by Cairo, to assess the trade-off between information complexity and aesthetics of infographics. The goal was to measure whether the quality of infographics affects the perception of information and the users' interaction. The overall results suggest that, although interactive infographics are perceived as more complex, the experience with them is better. From our observations, we derived a model to assess the overall quality of static and interactive infographics, based on information, interaction and design quality dimensions.     

普适的RFID网络模型研究

为了适应物联网不同应用间的异构性,设计了一种普适的RFID网络模型,介绍了模型中的层次结构并着重研究了RFID网络中的事件处理层和信息服务层。在事件处理层上使用EPCglobal颁布的应用级别事件AI正（Application Level Event）规范,规范定义了RFID事件过滤和采集接口,使得从标签读取到应用接收过程中保持数据处理、接收的一致性;在信息服务层采用发布／订阅机制,设计不同的发布／订阅方法,使在企业应用和RFID网络间数据实现灵活交互,基本满足了企业应用的各种需求。     

A desktop virtual reality-based interactive modular fixture configuration design system

Modular fixture configuration design is a complicated task requiring strong professional background and practical experience. However, automated or semi-automated computer aided modular fixture systems based on CAD packages still are not well accepted by the manufacturing industry due to the lack of intuitive interaction and immediate feedback compared with traditional models such as paper and physical models. In this paper, a novel Virtual Reality-based system for interactive modular fixture configuration design is presented. We use a multi-view based modular fixture assembly model to assist information representation and management. In addition, the suggested strategy is compatible with the principles of virtual environment and it is easy to reutilize the element model. Based on geometric constraints, we propose a precise 3D manipulation approach to improve intuitive interaction and accurate 3D positioning of fixture components in virtual space. Thus, the modular fixture configuration design task can precisely be performed in virtual space.     

基于Google Maps的同城生活信息平台设计策略研究

当今时代,GIS的发展为数字城市信息化提供主要支持,针对同城生活信息平台的设计目标和作用,结合Googlemaps提供的API,实现城市地理空间数据的共享,以城市信息交互、共享为目的,对基于Googlemaps的同城生活信息平台的设计方案及实现策略进行归纳和研究,来构建基于Googlemaps的同城生活信息平台,使平台在人们的生活中得到应用,给人们的生活带来方便。     

Modelling touch-interaction time on smartphones

Accurate performance models are important for interaction technique, application, and hardware design. The limited screen size of mobile devices and use of touch interaction require unique considerations, especially when interacting with large amounts of information. This paper considers the performance impact of target visibility on mobile smartphone applications that provide on- and offscreen content with the commonly used direct-touch interactions and four cursor-based interaction methods for precise selection. Three existing and 12 novel performance models are experimentally validated. Fitts' Law, which was not designed for modelling selection of offscreen targets, did not predict interaction times for mobile interaction methods as accurately as is commonly observed with desktop interaction with onscreen targets. Target visibility was found to greatly impact interaction times (particularly for direct-touch interaction). The presented models that incorporate variables related to target visibility greatly improve predicted interaction times. The use and merits of the top models are discussed, emphasizing the importance and implications of accepted user-interface design guidelines.     

Design evaluation of information appliances using augmented reality-based tangible interaction

In this paper, we propose an approach to tangible augmented reality (AR) based design evaluation of information appliances, which not only exploits the use of tangible objects without hardwired connections to provide better visual immersion and support more tangible interaction, but also facilitates the adoption of a simple and low cost AR environment setup to improve user experience and performance. To enhance the visual immersion, we develop a solution for resolving hand occlusion in which skin color information is exploited with the use of the tangible objects to detect the hand regions properly. To improve the tangible interaction with the sense of touch, we introduce the use of product- and fixture-type objects, which provides the feelings of holding the product in his or her hands and touching buttons with his or her index fingertip in the AR setup. To improve user experience and performance in view of hardware configuration, we devise to adopt a simple and cost-effective AR setup that properly meets guidelines such as viewing size and distance, working posture, viewpoint matching, and camera movement. From experimental results, we found that the AR setup is good to improve the user experience and performance in design evaluation of handheld information appliances. We also found that the tangible interaction combined with the hand occlusion solver in the AR setup is very useful to improve tangible interaction and immersive visualization of virtual products while making the user experience the shapes and functions of the products well and comfortably.     

P2P context awareness based sensibility design recommendation using color and bio-signal analysis

In regards to information technology of modern society, IT convergence technology is applied in various fields. Particularly, active studies are conducted for creative design products with the use of IT convergence technology in design industry which transforms sensibility of people into various expressions. People started to put high significance to design elements and sensibility accordingly with diverse and distinctive lifestyle and active studies are also conducted on sensibility engineering interaction method which connects sensibility of people with design to satisfy such demand. Also, since distributed processing became available, advancement from server centered information processing and network, such strength is applied to design industry as well. The purpose of this study lies in recommending and proposing P2P context awareness based sensibility design using color and bio-signal analysis. In order to express design that coincides with distinctive and differentiated sensibility of people, the proposed method analyzes relation between visual sensibility and color design with the use of statistic analysis tool R 3.1.0 and SPSS 21.0 and the clustering of users with similar sensibility is conducted with the use of P2P network based context awareness. It recommends color design that coincides with the sensibility of new user by using the P2P network based collaborative filtering and applying it to color design based on clustered users. Proposed method reduces the time and cost spent to estimate design that satisfies the sensibility and requirement of user and supports companies to have concrete and clarified grasp on ambiguous personal requirement of user.     

Assessing the impact of geometric design intent annotations on parametric model alteration activities

The effective representation and communication of design intent plays a crucial role in CAD model alteration activities. In history-based parametric modeling systems, design intent information is usually expressed implicitly within the model. However, there is evidence that suggests that an explicit representation can increase productivity and quality and facilitate the transferring of design knowledge throughout the different stages of the product lifecycle. In this paper, we assess the effectiveness of 3D annotations as mechanisms for explicit design intent representation and examine their impact in model alteration processes that require a direct interaction with the model's geometry. We present the results of a series of studies aimed at measuring user performance and model quality in two scenarios. First, we hypothesized that annotations are valuable tools to provide design information when inadequate modeling assumptions can be made by designers. Second, we evaluated annotations as tools to communicate design decisions when multiple options are available. In both cases, results show statistically significant benefits of annotated models, suggesting the use of this technique as a valuable approach to improve design intent communication.     

Co-ordinating Distributed Knowledge: A Study into the Use of an Organisational Memory

This paper presents an ethnographically informed investigation into the use of an organisational memory, focusing in particular on how information was used in the performance of work. We argue that understanding how people make use of distributed knowledge is crucial to the design of an organisational memory. However, we take the perspective that an ‘organisational memory’ is not technology dependent, but is an emergent property of group interaction. In this sense, the technology does not form the organisational memory, but provides a novel means of augmenting the co-ordination of collaborative action. The study examines the generation, development and maintenance of knowledge repositories and archives. The knowledge and information captured in the organisational memory enabled the team members to establish a common understanding of the design and to gain an appreciation of the issues and concerns of the other disciplines. The study demonstrates why technology should not be thought of in isolation from its contexts of use, but also how designers can make use of the creative flexibility that people employ in their everyday activities. The findings of the study are therefore of direct relevance to both the design of knowledge archives and to the management of this information within organisations.     

个性化的动态网站建设研究与设计

本次设计主要设计了一个校园网站,本文首先介绍了建立本网站的意义。接着简要阐述了Intemet的相关知识及设计一个网站的步骤。然后具体阐述了本网站的整体规划与设计情况,并对制作网页所用到的相关软件的特点与应用作了概括说明,其中主要包括用FrontPage制作页面,用Access制作后台数据库,用asp实现互动功能,用Photoshop6．0加工处理图像等,并讲述了它们的使用要点及其方法。     

基于Web的学生信息管理系统的设计与实现

加快教育信息化建设已成为我国教育事业改革与发展的必然选择。实现学生信息管理则成为高校信息化、数字化建设的一项重要内容。本文在对高职院校学生信息的详细分析的基础上,研究了在Windows操作系统平台下开发的基于web的学生信息管理系统的关键技术及系统的设计与实现。系统实现的主要功能是在网络环境下,实现对信息的上传、更新、删除、查询、打印等。本系统的目标是解决人与机的交互、系统的安全性、数据结构的设计等主要问题,进而实现对高职院校各系部学生信息的管理、成绩的管理及相关信息的查询工作。系统运用ASP技术和access数据库技术,采用B/S结构的高职院校学生信息管理系统。     

浅议网页设计中的信息图形化

随着科技的发展,利用计算机和互联网的信息处理日趋重要。在人机交互过程中,采用信息图形化的手段可以使人机交互界面保持一致,使信息的传递和获取更加直观和生动。本文首先论述了信息图形化的发展历程,并且详细的分析了信息图形化在网页设计中的重要作用,最后从文字图形化、数据图形化、结构图形化三个方面探讨信息图形化在网页界面设计中的应用。     

文献信息检索课上机实践内容设计及其教学质量保障

在普通本科院校中,开设文献信息检索课上机实践练习有很强的必要性,它有利于提高教学质量,加强师生互动交流,使学生牢固掌握数字资源的应用。本文主要以OPAC的操作、搜索引擎理解与应用、电子期刊、电子图书与学术搜索来设计上机内容。同时指出,为保证上机实践的总体教学质量,还应建立相应的上机质量保障机制,如加强操作题目的可考查性,并要求操作题以作业形式提交等。