A model of specification-based testing of interactive systems

In this paper we present a model of specification-based testing of interactive systems. This model provides the basis for a framework to guide such testing. Interactive systems are traditionally decomposed into a functionality component and a user interface component; this distinction is termed dialogue separation and is the underlying basis for conceptual and architectural models of such systems. Correctness involves both proper behaviour of the user interface and proper computation by the underlying functionality. Specification-based testing is one method used to increase confidence in correctness, but it has had limited application to interactive system development to date.

Combining Formal Methods and Functional Strategies Regarding the Reverse Engineering of Interactive Applications

Abstract. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) make software easy to use by providing the user with visual controls. Therefore, correctness of GUI’s code is essential to the correct execution of the overall software. Models can help in the evaluation of interactive applications by allowing designers to concentrate on its more important aspects. This paper describes our approach to reverse engineer an abstract model of a user interface directly from the GUI’s legacy code. We also present results from a case study. These results are encouraging and give evidence that the goal of reverse engineering user interfaces can be met with more work on this technique.

Multi-level Input Fusion in multi-modal systems

Context-aware multimodal interactive systems aim to adapt to the needs and behavioural patterns of users and offer a way forward for enhancing the efficacy and quality of experience (QoE) in human-computer interaction. The various modalities that constribute to such systems each provide a specific uni-modal response that is integratively presented as a multi-modal interface capable of interpretation of multi-modal user input and appropriately responding to it through dynamically adapted multi-modal interactive flow management , This paper presents an initial background study in the context of the first phase of a PhD research programme in the area of optimisation of data fusion techniques to serve multimodal interactivite systems, their applications and requirements.

Innovative approach to building systems integration problems: Using systems theory, technological forecasting and scenario planning

Building services are worth about 2% GDP and are essential for the effective and efficient operations of the building. It is increasingly recognised that the value of a building is related to the way it supports the client organisation’s ongoing business operations. Building services are central to the functional performance of buildings and provide the necessary conditions for health, well-being, safety and security of the occupants. They frequently comprise several technologically distinct sub-systems and their design and construction requires the involvement of numerous disciplines and trades. Designers and contractors working on the same project are frequently employed by different companies. Materials and equipment is supplied by a diverse range of manufacturers. Facilities managers are responsible for operation of the building service in use. The coordination between these participants is crucially important to achieve optimum performance, but too often is neglected. This leaves room for serious faults. The need for effective integration is important. Modern technology offers increasing opportunities for integrated personal-control systems for lighting, ventilation and security as well as interoperability between systems. Opportunities for a new mode of systems integration are provided by the emergence of PFI/PPP procurements frameworks. This paper attempts to establish how systems integration can be achieved in the process of designing, constructing and operating building services. The essence of the paper therefore is to envisage the emergent organisational responses to the realisation of building services as an interactive systems network.

ARISupport - Interaction support for augmented reality systems

The communication between user and software is a basic stage in any Interaction System project. In interactive systems, this communication is established by the means of a graphical interface, whose objective is to supply a visual representation of the main entities and functions present in the Virtual Environment. New ways of interacting in computational systems have been minimizing the gap in the relationship between man and computer, and therefore enhancing its usability. The objective of this paper, therefore, is to present a proposal for a non-conventional user interface library called ARISupport, which supplies ARToolKit applications developers with an opportunity to create simple GUI interfaces, and provides some of the functionality used in Augmented Reality systems. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.

Uma Abordagem para a Geração de Casos de Teste Baseada em Modelos

Abstract — The analytical methods based on evaluation models of interactive systems were proposed as an alternative to user testing in the last stages of the software development due to its costs. However, the use of isolated behavioral models of the system limits the results of the analytical methods. An example of these limitations relates to the fact that they are unable to identify implementation issues that will impact on usability. With the introduction of model-based testing we are enable to test if the implemented software meets the specified model. This paper presents an model-based approach for test cases generation from the static analysis of source code.

Metodologia de Suporte à Utilização de Sistemas Interativos

Interactive systems users still face several challenge. Besides current improvements in usability and intuitiveness users have to adapt to the systems proposed to satisfy their needs. For instance, they must learn how to achieve tasks, how to interact with the system, etc. This paper proposes a methodology to improve this situation supporting the use of interactive systems by users. To achieve this goal the approach is based on enriched task models and picture-driven computing. An example based on a text editor illustrates the approach.

A Methodology for GUI Layer Redefinition Through Virtualization and Computer Vision

Nowadays despite improvements in usability and intuitiveness users have to adapt to the proposed systems to satisfy their needs. For instance, they must learn how to achieve tasks, how to interact with the system, and fulfill system's specifications. This paper proposes an approach to improve this situation enabling graphical user interface redefinition through virtualization and computer vision with the aim of increasing the system's usability. To achieve this goal the approach is based on enriched task models, virtualization and picture-driven computing.

A biosignal embedded system for physiological computing

Thesis submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Electronic and Telecomunications Engineering

erweitertes Kameramodell : Methoden und Werkzeuge für die dynamische Kamerasteuerung in interaktiven Systemen

Camera model, intelligent camera, intelligent interactive systems, visual emphasis, cinematic techniques, camera planning

Intranetin ylläpitoprosessin kehittäminen

Työn tavoitteena on tutkia intranetin ylläpitoprosessien merkitystä sisäisen viestinnän, tiedonhallinnan ja käytettävyyden kannalta. Työn kirjallisuusosuuden tavoitteena on tutustua yrityksen sisäisen viestinnän eri tekijöihin, tavoitteisiin, merkityksiin ja menetelmiin. Intranetin roolia organisaation kontekstissa tarkastellaan näkökulmista: organisaatio, tieto organisaatiossa, organisaatioiden sisäinen viestintä ja viestintäteknologian keinot sisäiseen viestintään. Kirjallisuusosan toisena tavoitteena on tutustua käyttäjäkeskeisen suunnittelun lähtökohtiin ja malleihin. Nykypäivän tuotteissa käyttäjäkeskeisyys on itsestään selvää, ja se otetaankin huomioon jo tuotesuunnittelun alkuvaiheista lähtien. Työssä tutustutaan kolmeen käyttäjäkeskeisen suunnittelun prosessimalliin: ISO 13407 –prosessimalli, Usability engineering lifecycle ja vaatimusmäärittelyn spiraalimalli. Työssä esitellään myös käyttäjäkeskeisen vaatimusmäärittelyn toteuttamiseen liittyviä vaiheita, tekijöitä ja toimenpiteitä. Työn käytännönosuudessa tarkastellaan case-yrityksen intranet-palvelun nykytilannetta ja kuvataan nykyinen ylläpitoprosessi ja sen ongelmakohdat. Työn tavoitteena on pohtia ratkaisuja näihin ongelmiin. Käytännössä tämä tarkoittaa intranetin vaatimusmäärittelyn tekemistä, jonka pohjalta voidaan tunnistaa kehityskohteet ja tehdä suunnitelma toimintojen kehittämisestä. Työn lopputuloksena saadaan prosessien kuvaus, joilla ylläpito hoituu parhaiten.

The State of HCI in Ibero-American countries

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a challenging discipline that is currently concerned with the design, implementation and evaluation of interactive systems for human use, as well as the study of major phenomena surrounding them. Indeed, interdisciplinary communities formed by scientists, university teachers and students, people coming from the industry and customers related to HCI are emerging in different parts of the world. In particular, this article overviews the HCI community in the Ibero-American context, which involves hundreds of millions of people working or studying in HCI, whose cultural background is primarily associated with the Spanish and Portuguese languages and cultures, regardless of ethnic and geographical differences. Our final goal is to improve the visibility of this particular HCI community, enhancing the self awareness of its members and their individual motivation and future exchanges.