Interface Objects Research Articles

User interface modeling technique in the cloud environment

For designing a qualified user interface, there needs to be a graphic expert, requirement analyst, system designer, programmer, technical expertise, social activity scientist, and experts for each field. However, it is extremely difficult for these various experts to participate in such user interface design. This paper focused on design rules and modeling techniques of user interfaces that can support user availability. The visual cohesion of business events can be improved by modeling the prototype of the object-oriented user interface based on the object. The clustering method uses transaction objects and forms objects based on business event objects and task objects. We have studied it in detail so that a prototype of the user interface can be created. The significance and conclusions of this study are as follows. First, visual cohesion is improved by designing the object of functional, sequential, and communicative objects. Second, the object design rules of the user interface were created so that even an inexperienced designer could create a high-quality prototype. Third, it enhances the user's preference, ease, understanding, compliance rate, and quality of graphic layout by improving object-based visual cohesion. Fourth, functional, sequential, communicative, and procedural cohesion of business events is increased by the clustering of user interface objects. As a result, this paper is providing a modeling method of user interface technique in the cloud environment that could enhance the visual cohesion of user interface prototypes.

The Design of Augmented Reality-Based Synectic Model Device in Writing Short Stories

A Short story is a miniature of people's experience while the characters, plot, and setting aim to record imaginative events (Stanton, 2017). When making up story ideas, students have problems developing story facts such as plot, characters, and settings (Sayuti, 2006). This barrier emerged conflicts that were unevenly distributed across all stages of the course. The direct characterization employed in storytelling made the short stories less varied. The physical and setting depicted did not work out optimally. The advantage of using the synectic model is that it can allow students to look for and makeup concepts to describe objects through an analogy process. Augmented Reality allows users to interact with an object's interface and see it in a well-designed and attractive 3D format, so it can solve student difficulties in developing story ideas in writing short stories.

The Design of Augmented Reality-Based Synectic Model Device in Writing Short Stories

A Short story is a miniature of people's experience while the characters, plot, and setting aim to record imaginative events (Stanton, 2017). When making up story ideas, students have problems developing story facts such as plot, characters, and settings (Sayuti, 2006). This barrier emerged conflicts that were unevenly distributed across all stages of the course. The direct characterization employed in storytelling made the short stories less varied. The physical and setting depicted did not work out optimally. The advantage of using the synectic model is that it can allow students to look for and makeup concepts to describe objects through an analogy process. Augmented Reality allows users to interact with an object's interface and see it in a well-designed and attractive 3D format, so it can solve student difficulties in developing story ideas in writing short stories

Numerical Simulation of Mutual Capacitance Touch Screens for Ungrounded Objects

Mutual capacitance touch screens translate billions of finger touches to digital signals around the world daily. By enabling these screens to detect ungrounded objects, it may be possible to extend their functionality by detecting tangible user interface objects on the screen surface. This paper presents results from finite-element method simulations, as well as experiments, showing that the mutual capacitance touch screen panel sensing principle can be used to detect ungrounded objects. Looking into how different design parameters of the touch panel affect grounded and ungrounded touch differently, we have found a film-glass-film stack-up to be 1.55 times more sensitive to ungrounded than grounded touch, compared with 0.65 and 0.20 for two different configurations of glass-film stack-up.

Toward Understanding the Findability and Discoverability of Shading Gradients in Almost-Flat Design

Prior usability studies have suggested that a raised appearance from shading gradients may improve the findability and discoverability of objects in a graphical user interface. The present research investigates this claim in the context of almost-flat design. A traditional visual search paradigm was implemented to examine the rate at which shading gradients are processed in the context of almost-flat design, and perceived depth ratings were collected to examine the magnitude and direction of depth emergent from simple shaded objects. Results indicated shading gradients were highly salient and processed preattentively amidst flat distractors, but if overused, they could be a considerable distraction when searching for a flat object. Perceived depth results confirmed that an emergent sense of depth differentiated shaded objects from flat objects during deliberate processing. These findings advocate the use of almost-flat design, but they also raise the need for further research and the development of design guidelines for the use of shading gradients.

Virtual experimentation in electromagnetism, mechanics and optics: web-based learning

This paper present novel virtual laboratories of electromagnetism, mechanics and optics to be used in the teaching of physic for the students as well as to the teacher in the classroom. The model used is friendly with the users and also is responsible for displaying data and its manipulation. The Vista/model, implements the behavior of the view to respond to user actions and expose model data in a way that is easy to use bindings, it is the mechanisms by which we can link the elements of the user interface objects containing the information to be displayed in the view. During the process of application of virtual laboratories the students shown a increasing ability to learn this specifics physics topics using a Web-based learning environment and a guide of work with the virtual laboratories framed in the meaningful learning pedagogical model.

Tactile reasoning: hands-on versus hands-off—What is the difference?

This study investigates tactile reasoning in relation to sense-making in the context of designing a new non-traditional information environment. We define tactile reasoning as an interaction technique that supports analytical reasoning by the direct manipulation of information objects in the graphical user interface. When people directly manipulate data, for example, by moving individual pieces of information to create temporary groups or sequences or by eliminating pieces of information from a group, we hypothesize that this can enhance their sense-making and analytical reasoning ability by helping them discover new explanatory relationships created by the rearranged pieces of information. Our study used a card-sorting task where participants were either allowed or not allowed to touch and manipulate the cards to look for information or to construct groups of information that could provide meaningful explanations. Participants were asked to think aloud as they constructed an understanding of the information contained in the cards. Results showed that being able to manipulate the cards has a positive effect on analytical reasoning performance. In the more difficult task conditions, participants who were allowed to use their hands were observed to make 99 sets of sense-making strategies, in comparison with the 50 by participants who were not allowed to use their hands.

Developing Distributed Collaborative Applications with HTML5 under the Coupled Objects Paradigm

One of the main tasks in developing distributed collaborative systems is to support synchronization processes. The Coupled Objects paradigm has emerged as a way to easily support these processes by dynamically coupling arbitrary user interface objects between heterogeneous applications. In this article we present an architecture for developing distributed collaborative applications using HTML5 and show its usage through the design and implementation of a series of collaborative systems in different scenarios. The experience of developing and using this architecture has shown that it is easy to use, robust and has good performance.

Tangible User Interface Design for Climate Change Education in Interactive Installation Art

The authors discuss how tangible user interface objects can be important educational and entertainment tools in environmental education. The authors describe their interactive installation artwork Reefs on the Edge, which incorporates tangible user interface objects and combines environmental science and multiple art forms to explore coral reef ecosystems that are threatened by the effects of climate change. The authors/artists argue that the use of tangible user interface in an installation-art setting can help engage and inform the public about crucial environmental issues.

Developing Distributed Collaborative Applications with HTML5 under the Coupled Objects Paradigm

One of the main tasks in developing distributed collaborative systems is to support synchronization processes. The Coupled Objects paradigm has emerged as a way to easily support these processes by dynamically coupling arbitrary user interface objects between heterogeneous applications. In this article we present an architecture for developing distributed collaborative applications using HTML5 and show its usage through the design and implementation of a series of collaborative systems in different scenarios. The experience of developing and using this architecture has shown that it is easy to use, robust and has good performance.

LoCoBoard: Low-Cost Interactive Whiteboard Using Computer Vision Algorithms

In the current digital age, the adoption of natural interfaces between humans and machines is increasingly important. This trend is particularly significant in the education sector where interactive tools and applications can ease the presentation and comprehension of complex concepts, stimulate collaborative work, and improve teaching practices. An important step towards this vision, interactive whiteboards are gaining widespread adoption in various levels of education. Nevertheless, these solutions are usually expensive, making their acceptance slow, especially in countries with more fragile economies. In this context, we present the low-cost interactive whiteboard (LoCoBoard) project, an open-source interactive whiteboard with low-cost hardware requirements, usually accessible in our daily lives, for an easy installation: a webcam-equipped computer, a video projector, and an infrared pointing device. The detection software framework offers five different Pointer Location algorithms with support for the Tangible User Interface Object protocol and also adapts to support multiple operating systems. We discuss the detailed physical and logical structure of LoCoBoard and compare its performance with that of similar systems. We believe that the proposed solution may represent a valuable contribution to ease the access to interactive whiteboards and increase widespread use with obvious benefits.

XML Based Graphical User Interface Editor and Runtime Parser for ISO 11783 Machine Automation Systems

Graphical user interface design is a very visual process which requires graphical tools. Modern integrated development environments have text editors for writing code and graphical user interface editors for designing the user interface. In ISO 11783 systems this distinction between the program logic and the user interface elements is even more pronounced as the program is executed by the electronic control unit on the agricultural implement while the user interface is being loaded to the virtual terminal in the tractor cabin. The ISO 11783 standard defines a binary format for loading user interfaces to the virtual terminal. However, using XML format for manipulating and storing user interfaces has many advantages. XML files can be validated and parsed by standard tools and libraries. They are human readable which makes debugging relatively easy. XML files can also be extended to contain new information without breaking existing implementations. Most importantly, describing user interfaces as structured documents allows efficient reuse of composite user interface objects such as entire displays.

Design of a multi-body dynamics analysis program using the object-oriented concept

A multi-body dynamics analysis program is presented using one of the most useful programming methodologies, the object-oriented concept. The object-oriented concept defines a problem from the physical world as an abstract object. The object becomes encapsulated with the data and method. Simulation is performed using the object's interface. It is then possible for the user and the developer to modify and upgrade the program without having particular knowledge of the analysis program. The method presented in this thesis has several advantages. Since the mechanical components of the multi-body system converts independent modeling into a class, the modification, exchange, distribution and reuse of classes are increased. It becomes easier to employ a new analysis method and interface with other S/W and H/W systems. Information can be communicated to each object through messaging. This makes the modeling of new classes easier using inheritance. When developing a S/W for the computer simulation of a physical system, it is reasonable to use object-oriented modeling.

Special issue on component-based software development

Special issue on component-based software development

Lessons learned from automating tests for an operations support system

AbstractWe present experience gained in automating tests for an operations support system. A major portion of the effort was devoted to extending a commercial test tool so that testers could easily manipulate graphical user interface (GUI) objects on two implementations of the application. For this purpose, we developed a test automation library as support infrastructure for writing tests. The challenges and tradeoffs are discussed such as simplicity/complexity for a tester versus a library developer, hiding/exposing window hierarchy to the tester, providing common methods for different types of GUI objects, transparently manipulating custom GUI widgets, and coping with data‐dependent test cases. We discuss the requirements of test code reusability, maintainability, and portability, and describe the solutions we found. In addition, we offer observations about benefits and pitfalls of test automation, our recommendations for maximizing return on investment, and results from automating a variety of tests. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

OODS: an object-oriented design system — an example of electronics assemblies

Object-oriented design is viewed as a promising approach for handling a wide variety of design problems. However, little work has been done to date on developing object-oriented design systems that can handle a variety of design problems. This paper describes an object-oriented design system (OODS) that uses an object-oriented formalism called design with objects (DwO). The background to DwO is described including the DwO design model, the other design objects in DwO, the use of DwO methods and the resulting design process models. The decomposition of objects in OODS is then described, followed by a description of the configuration system object and the user interface (UI) object. The implementation of OODS is then detailed. This implementation uses the Internet to communicate between OODS and users, and with databases that may be geographically scattered. The use of OODS is illustrated by a description of an application as an example that involves the design of electronics assemblies. The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, a new object-oriented design formalism is presented. Second, an implementation architecture for this formalism is described, and, third, an example application is presented showing how this approach can be used.

Object-oriented virtual environment for visualization of flexible multibody systems

An object-oriented event-driven virtual environment (VE) for viewing the simulation results of flexible multibody systems (FMS) is developed. The VE interfaces with the following output devices: immersive stereoscopic screen(s) and stereo speakers; and a variety of input devices including, head tracker, wand, joystick, mouse, microphone, and keyboard. The VE incorporates the following types of primitive software objects: user-interface objects, support objects, geometric entities, and finite elements. Each object encapsulates a set of properties, methods, and events that define its behavior, appearance, and functions. A “container” object allows grouping many objects into one object, which inherits the properties of its “children” objects. The VE allows real-time viewing and “fly-through” of photo-realistic models, vibrational mode-shapes, and animation of the dynamic motion of FMS. An application of this VE is presented for visualization of the dynamic analysis results of a large deployable space structure — NASA’s Next Generation Space Telescope.

Procedural Consistency in the User Interface

Existing user interface standards focus largely on issues related to the “look and feel” of the user interface, and thus they cannot be used to achieve procedural consistency. A new approach to standards, known as functional user interface standards, articulates a common user model for performing specific sets of tasks. The functional user interface standards rely upon object-oriented technology to define a set of platform-independent user interface objects which may be employed by a designer to construct a compliant design. These objects operate as reusable components in much the same way that software components are reused to facilitate the production of software. This new approach has been used to generate applications that may differ with respect to their appearance, but are consistent with respect to the procedural model presented to the user.

On Object-Oriented Communication Models and Multimedia User Interfaces for Process Control

Object-oriented models and multimedia user interfaces are of growing importance for modern distributed automation systems. An object-oriented communication system is introduced, based on an implementation of the CORBA 2.0 standard, which is applicable to any distributed process control system in basic industries. The object concept allows user interface objects and automation objects to be integrated into one common model. Therefore the author is investigating and developing methods and utilities that provide an object-oriented integration of multimedia functions into distributed process control systems. A first prototype of the communication system allows a periodic exchange of still images between a supervising camera at one computer and a remote computer via a small-band ISDN telephone line.

Simple and effective link-time optimization of Modula-3 programs

Modula-3 supports development of modular programs by separating an object's interface from its implementation. This separation induces a runtime overhead in the implementation of objects, because it prevents the compiler from having complete information about a program's type hierarchy. This overhead can be reduced at link time, when the entire type hierarchy becomes available. We describe opportunities for link-time optimization of Modula-3, present two link-time optimizations that reduce the runtime costs of Modula-3's opaque types and methods, and show how link-time optimization could provide C++ which the benefits of opaques types at no additional runtime cost. Our optimization techniques are implemented in mld, a retargetable linker for the MIPS, SPARC, and Intel 486, mld links a machine-independent intermediate code that is suitable for link-time optimization and code generation. Linking intermediate code simplifies implementation of the optimizations and makes it possible to evaluate them on a wide range of architectures. mld's optimizations are effective: they reduce the total number of instructions executed by up to 14% and convert as many as 79% of indirect calls to direct calls.