Reliable behaviour simulation of product interface in mixed reality

The validation of a product interface is often a critical issue in the design process. Virtual reality and mixed reality (MR) are able to enhance the interactive simulation of the product human–machine interface (HMI), as these technologies allow engineers to directly involve end users in the usability assessment. This paper describes a MR environment specifically addressed to the usability evaluation of a product interface, which allows the simulation of the HMI behaviour using the same models and the same software employed by engineers during the design phase. Our approach is based on the run-time connection between the visualisation software and the simulators used for product design and analysis. In particular, we use Matlab/Simulink to model and simulate the product behaviour, and Virtools to create the interactive MR environment in which the end user can test the product. Thanks to this architecture, any modification done on the behaviour models is immediately testable in MR.     

LiveROMS: A virtual environment for ocean numerical simulations

LiveROMS is a bootable DVD that contains an Linux-based computer operating system which has a complete, functioning version of the ROMS ocean circulation model and an Octave version of ROMSTOOLS. It allows students and scientists to experiment with this ocean numerical model, with just a basic knowledge of Linux.     

The Use of Microsoft Excel as a User Interface for Biological Simulations

We used Microsoft Excel 4.0 for Windows running on a PC-486 to develop a user interface for two biological simulation models: a lung fluid balance model and a fractal model of the pulmonary circulation. The simulation programs were written in the C programming language, while the user interface was written in the macro language of Excel. The interface builds input data files for the simulation programs and provides a mechanism for displaying relevant information from output files produced from the simulations. Input fields arc partially protected so that the user cannot modify certain portions of the spreadsheet. The Excel interface is used to build models from different available components and to select appropriate parameters for these models. The developed interface was also useful for running models in the batch mode. After selecting changes in lung fluid balance parameters, the interface allows users to find new steady state values by automatically running the model and adjusting initial conditions. Several different graphical options allow users to easily investigate the effects of selecting particular models and parameters. Techniques used in developing our user interface can be extended to most biological simulation programs which manipulate input and output data files.     

ILAN Intelligent Local Area Network Planning Software

The objective of this research is to develop an analysis tool for evaluating a token bus topology, supporting the Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP). Furthermore this research describes an easy-to-use graphical interface for a complex simulation program. Specifically, a graphical user interface for MAP network simulation program is illustrated. Simulation of MAP sub-networks interconnected by bridges can be performed without further programming. This software, called ILAN, features a unique graphical user interface with message definition facility and an error-checking inference engine which advises users of any instances of duplicated or omitted information. ILAN's problem-definition phase is simplified by implementing a single graphical user interface for all inputs.

Two main procedures within ILAN consist of a local area network simulation and an intelligent graphical interface with a unique graphical message definition facility. The simulation procedure includes the ability to model different numbers of multiple MAP sub-networks interconnected by bridges and different numbers of associations between stations using the token bus protocol. Higher layers in the protocol stacks are modeled as queues having variable delays for different messages at different stations. In order to aid users with the difficulty of inputting parameters needed to simulate complex MAP networks, a graphical user interface is developed. By means of this graphical interface, users can describe the MAP hardware configurations as well as message definitions to be simulated. Sequences of messages to be transmitted can be displayed on the screen as users describe them.     

Model-Driven Interactive System Design for Therapy Robots

Physiotherapy using intelligent robots is emerging as a new approach to recovery for many stroke patients. Although therapy robots have a strong potential in dealing with therapeutic and other medical applications, they have not been fully utilized in everyday therapy activities due to concerns over safety and the lack of friendly robot user/patient interaction models. From the viewpoint of software engineering, a user-centred design based on UML (Unified Modelling Language) has been known to be one of the best solutions to satisfy usability since the design process relies heavily on the analysis of users and their tasks to reach their goals. Therefore, a model-driven approach to interactive system design via UML for therapy robots is needed to make them usable in the real world. This paper proposes such approach and introduces a new graphical notation that describes user interface elements and the methods of connection with hardware/software objects. With the proposed abstract interaction models, prototyping interactive systems can be made faster and allows for their evaluation by users and system developers before implementation in order to improve usability from the perspectives of users and system developers.     

SeisPrho: An interactive computer program for processing and interpretation of high-resolution seismic reflection profiles

SeisPrho is an interactive computer program for processing and interpreting high-resolution seismic reflection profiles developed using the Delphi/Kylix multiplatform programming environment. For this reason, it is available under Windows? and Linux? operating systems. The program allows the users to handle SEG-Y data files (and other non-standard formats) carrying out a processing sequence over the data to obtain, as a final result, bitmap images of seismic sections. Some basic algorithms are implemented, including filtering and deconvolution. However, the main feature of SeisPrho is its interactive graphic interface, which provides the user with several tools for interpreting the data, such as reflector picking and map digitizing. Moreover, the program allows importing and geo-referencing maps and seismic profiles in the form of digital images. Trace-by-trace analysis of seismic signal and sea-bottom reflectivity is also implemented, as well as other special functions such as compilation of time-slice maps from close-spaced grids of seismic lines. SeisPrho is distributed as public domain software for non-commercial purposes by the Marine Geology division of the Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR). This paper is an introduction to the program and a preliminary guide to the users.     

支持Web软件用户界面自动生成的交互模型

讨论了Web软件用户界面的特点，提出了适应这些特点的界面交互模型；该模型用图形化的方式表达用户与软件界面之间的交互任务，并定义这些任务与相应域对象之间的关联；该模型支持Web应用界面代码的自动生成。     

DIALOG: A scheme for the quick and effective production of interactive applications software

DIALOG is a collection of routines, including a main ‘driver’ program, which is used by an applications programmer as the user interface to interactive applications programs. The routines handle command analysis, data input and editing, as well as processing standard commands such as HELP. DIALOG offers, with no extra effort from the applications programmer, not only a simple interface for first-time users which gives complete instruction in using the program, but also a ‘command driven’ interface for more experienced users. DIALOG permits the quick and effective production of interactive applications software by programmers with no previous experience of writing such programs. User reaction to the programs so far produced and offered as part of a university computing service has been extremely favourable.     

交互式用户界面的形式化描述与性质验证

随着人机交互技术的发展,计算机和用户之间的接口越来越自然,但用户界面管理系统内部的复杂度却大大地增加了.目前提出的新一代用户界面的模型大都停留在概念模型阶段,缺乏对模型的严格描述和证明.该文结合对基于自然交互方式的用户界面的研究成果,归纳出了一个交互式用户界面的通用模型.为了保证系统设计的正确性,文章讨论了如何使用形式化描述语言LOTOS(language of temporal ordering specification)和基于动作的时序逻辑ACTL(action based temporal log     

Virtual Chesapeake Bay: interacting with a coupledphysical/biological model

The Chesapeake Bay Virtual Environment (CBVE) is a multidisciplinary, collaborative project that fuses 3D visualizations of numerically generated output, observations and other data products into a large-scale, interactive virtual world that supports investigation of coupled physical/biological and environmental processes. Although still under development, CBVE provides an application framework for integrating circulation and biological models with the computer visualization paradigm of the virtual world. In this article, we first briefly describe the physical environment and the observed effects of winds, tides and river runoff on the Chesapeake Bay system. Then we describe the CBVE components and conclude with our efforts directed at understanding how environmental variability may affect the recruitment and retention of the larval phase of certain local marine species     

Spectral optimization for constituent retrieval in Case 2 waters I: Implementation and performance

We describe in detail the implementation of the spectral optimization algorithm (SOA) for Case 2 waters for processing of ocean color data. This algorithm uses aerosol models and a bio-optical reflectance model to provide the top-of atmosphere (TOA) reflectance. The parameters of both models are then determined by fitting the modeled TOA reflectance to that observed from space, using non-linear optimization. The algorithm will be incorporated into the SeaDAS software package as an optional processing switch of the Multi-Sensor Level-1 to Level-2 code. To provide potential users with an understanding of the accuracy and limitations of the algorithm, we generated a synthetic data set and tested the performance of the SOA with both correct and incorrect bio-optical model parameters. Application of the SOA to actual SeaWiFS data in the Lower Chesapeake Bay (for which surface measurements were available) showed that 20% errors in the bio-optical model parameters still enabled retrieval of chlorophyll a and the total absorption coefficient of dissolved plus particulate detrital material at 443 nm with an error of less than 30% and 20%, respectively. In a companion paper we present a validation study of the application of the algorithm in the Chesapeake Bay.     

采用耦合器组件的区域冰—洋耦合模式的实现

采用耦合器组件形式的耦合技术现已成为数值模拟中不同模式物理过程间实现复杂相互作用的主流方法。以美国阿尔贡国家实验室（Argonne National Laboratory）开发的模式耦合工具包（MCT）为基础构建了耦合器组件,并利用其实现了海冰模式CSIM5与区域海洋环流模式ROMS3在北极地区的耦合。耦合模式以多任务多数据（MPMD）并行方式运行,在采用Linux系统和pgi编译器的高性能微机及银河集群计算机系统下已实现利用其开展冰—洋相互作用数值模拟研究的功能。     

Using task analysis to improve usability of fatigue modelling software

The design of any interactive computer system requires consideration of both humans and machines. Software usability is one aspect of human–computer interaction that can benefit from knowledge of the user and their tasks. One set of methods for determining whether an application enables users to achieve their predetermined goals effectively and efficiently is task analysis. In the present study, a task analysis was applied to the graphical user interface of fatigue modelling software used in industry. The task analysis procedure allowed areas of usability improvement to be identified and then addressed with alternate interface prototypes. The present method of task analysis illustrates a practical and efficient way for software designers to improve software usability, user effectiveness and satisfaction, by involving users in the design process.     

THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUN GENERATOR FOR LANGUAGE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Since the early 1990s, there have been a number of small-scale computer programs that automatically constructed simple verbal jokes (puns), but none of these were fully developed systems that could be used for a practical application. We describe the building and testing of the STANDUP program – a large-scale, robust, interactive, user-friendly pun-generator (inspired by Binsted's JAPE program), which is aimed at allowing children, particularly those with communication disabilities, to develop their linguistic skills. The STANDUP system was designed in consultation with potential users and suitable experts, was rigorously engineered using public-domain linguistic data, and has a special purpose, child-friendly, graphical user interface. The software was tested successfully with real users (children with complex communication needs).     

ReliaCloud‐NS: A scalable web‐based simulation platform for evaluating the reliability of cloud computing systems

This paper discusses the implementation, architecture, and use of a graphical web‐based application called ReliaCloud‐NS that allows users to (1) evaluate the reliability of a cloud computing system (CCS) and (2) design a CCS to a specified reliability level for both public and private clouds. The software was designed with a RESTful application programming interface for performing nonsequential Monte Carlo simulations to perform reliability evaluations of a CCS. Simulation results are stored and presented to the user in the form of interactive charts and graphs from within a web browser. The software contains multiple types of CCS components, simulations, and virtual machine allocation schemes. ReliaCloud‐NS also contains a novel feature that evaluates CCS reliability across a range of varying virtual machine allocations and establishes and graphs a CCS reliability curve. This paper discusses the software architecture, the interactive web‐based interface, and the different types of simulations available in ReliaCloud‐NS and presents an overview of the results generated from a simulation.     

航天环境仿真数值计算模型设计

为了解决航天环境数值仿真计算中计算模型单一、程序可移植性差、适应性不强等问题，提出了一种利用UML设计航天环境仿真数值计算模型的方法。该方法基于COM思想，首先利用UML进行顶层设计和功能划分，然后采用面向对象语言开发COM组件，将各类分散的、不同运行环境的空间环境模式规范化和集成化。最终利用该方法实现了一个航天环境数值仿真计算工具包SESTK，该工具包集成了空间环境要素计算模式及其相关程序、扩展数据、太阳地磁活动指数数据库等，为用户提供了良好的使用和扩展接口，便于与其他航天仿真软件集成。     

INTELLIGENT SYNTAX-DIRECTED EDITOR THAT MODELS USER PROFICIENCY

Current interactive software systems try to offer many features and a user-friendly interface to aid the user. However, where one system may suit one user, another user may find it difficult to use, because each user is different. User modeling techniques have been applied to make a system suitable for different users. This paper surveys research works for developing interactive systems that use user modeling techniques. After presenting the systems and techniques, we introduce a system called the Intelligent Syntax-Directed Editor (ISE) as an example to show how this approach can benefit the user as an intelligent tool. The ISE assists the user in (1) using the editor more efficiently through ISE's active suggestions and on-line help and (2) program development through the syntax-directed editor. In applying user modeling techniques, ISE builds a profile/model of the user and, based on this model, ISE offers a suitable amount of help and advice depending on the proficiency of the user toward the system. The ISE is implemented on a VAX/780 computer to demonstrate its ability to volunteer advice     

Spectral optimization for constituent retrieval in Case 2 waters II: Validation study in the Chesapeake Bay

Coastal waters (Case 2) are generally more optically complex than oceanic waters and contain much higher quantities of colored detrital matter (CDM, a combination of dissolved organic matter and detrital particulates) as well as suspended sediment. Exclusion of CDM in the retrieval can lead to an overestimation of chlorophyll a concentration (C). We present a validation of a Case 2 version of the coupled spectral optimization algorithm (SOA) for simultaneous atmospheric correction and water parameter retrieval using Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) satellite ocean color data. Modeling of water constituents uses the Garver, Siegel and Maritorena (GSM) semi-analytic bio-optical model locally tuned for Chesapeake Bay. This includes a parameterization for CDM through its absorption spectrum.SOA-retrieved C and CDM are compared with in situ measurements in Chesapeake Bay. Results are also compared with output from two alternate models 1) the standard algorithm (Std) and 2) the standard atmospheric correction combined with the locally tuned GSM model (StdGSM). The comparisons indicate that the SOA is a viable alternative to both given models in Chesapeake Bay. In contrast, StdGSM appears to require improvement before it can be considered for operational use in these waters. Perhaps the most important result is the high-quality of CDM retrievals with the SOA. They suggest that there is value added using the SOA method in Chesapeake waters, as the Std method does not retrieve CDM. In a companion paper we describe in detail the model implementation, and its accuracy and limitations when applied to the Chesapeake Bay.     

Reduced GUI for an interactive geometry software: Does it affect students' performance?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an experimental study to reduce cognitive load and enhance usability for interactive geometry software.Design/methodology/approachThe Graphical User Interface is the main mechanism of communication between user and system features. Educational software interfaces should provide useful features to assist learners without generate extra cognitive load. In this context, this research aims at analyzing a reduced and a complete interface of interactive geometry software, and verifies the educational benefits they provide. We investigated whether a reduced interface makes few cognitive demands of users in comparison to a complete interface. To this end, we designed the interfaces and carried out an experiment involving 69 undergraduate students.FindingsThe experimental results indicate that an interface that hides advanced and extraneous features helps novice users to perform slightly better than novice users using a complete interface. After receiving proper training, however, a complete interface makes users more productive than a reduced interface.Originality/valueIn educational software, successful user interface designs minimize the cognitive load on users; thereby users can direct their efforts to maximizing their understanding of the educational concepts being presented.     

Vscape V1.1.0. An interactive tool for metastable vacua

Vscape is an interactive tool for studying the one-loop effective potential of an ungauged supersymmetric model of chiral multiplets. The program allows the user to define a supersymmetric model by specifying the superpotential. The F-terms and the scalar and fermionic mass matrices are calculated symbolically. The program then allows you to search numerically for (meta)stable minima of the one-loop effective potential. Additional commands enable you to further study specific minima, by, e.g., computing the mass spectrum for those vacua. Vscape combines the flexibility of symbolic software, with the speed of a numerical package.

Program summary

Program title:Vscape 1.1.1Catalogue identifier: ADZW_v1_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADZW_v1_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.htmlNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 80 507No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 6 708 938Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: C++Computer: Pentium 4 PC Computers: need (GNU) C++ compiler, Linux standard GNU installation (./configure; make; make install). A precompiled Windows XP version is included in the distribution packageOperating system: Linux, Windows XP using cygwinRAM: 10 MBWord size: 32 bitsClassification: 11.6External routines: GSL (http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/), CLN (http://www.ginac.de/CLN/), GiNaC (http://directory.fsf.org/GiNaC.html)Nature of problem:Vscape is an interactive tool for studying the one-loop effective potential of an ungauged supersymmetric model of chiral multiplets. The program allows the user to define a supersymmetric model by specifying the superpotential. The F-terms and the scalar and fermionic mass matrices are calculated symbolically. The program then allows you to search numerically for (meta)stable minima of the one-loop effective potential. Additional commands enable you to further study specific minima, by, e.g., computing the mass spectrum for those vacua. Vscape combines the flexibility of symbolic software with the speed of a numerical package.Solution method: Coleman-Weinberg potential is computed using numerical matrix diagonalization. Minima of the one-loop effective potential are found using the Nelder and Mead simplex algorithm. The one-loop effective potential can be studied using numerical differentiation. Symbolic users interface implemented using flex and bison.Restrictions:N=1 supersymmetric chiral models onlyUnusual features: GiNaC (+CLN), GSL, ReadLib (not essential)Running time: Interactive users interface. Most commands execute in a few ms. Computationally intensive commands execute in order of minutes, depending on the complexity of the user defined model.