User-machine Interface Research Articles

Crack-inducing Strain Sensor Array using Inkjet-Printed Silver Thin Film for Underplate and Off-centered Force Sensing Applications.

The change in resistance upon bending in metal films as thick as 1 mm used for underpanel force touch applications is limited by the low sensitivity, thus requiring high-performance readout circuitry. In this paper, we report inkjet-printed silver thin films having crack-inducing underlayers, which further increases the sensitivity of their resistance changes under deformation. This allows for detecting weak vertical forces even through the plates (force-receiving layer), such as 0.4 or 1.2 mm thick polyethylene terephthalate or 0.4 mm thick glass. The underplate sensors will detect a force level as low as 10 gf, which corresponds to the amount of force required for fingerprint recognition. Furthermore, such highly sensitive strain sensors can potentially solve the inaccuracy issue of wearable devices, which can occur when misplaced sensors detect relatively weak biosignals, such as heart rate and blood pressure. The sensor detects the accurate pulse patterns of the wrist artery even though it is off-centered from the artery by 6 mm or larger. The crack-based strain sensor and its usage as a hidden underplate force sensing device will create various wearable and user-machine interface applications.

MARFit: An Integrated Software for Real-Time MR Guided Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation System

MR guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) therapy has been a promising treatment modality for many neurological disorders. However, the lack of real-time image processing software platform sets barriers for relevant pre-clinical researches. This work intends to develop an integrated software for MRgFUS therapy. The software contains three functional modules: a communication module, an image post-processing module, and a visualization module. The communication module provides a data interface with an open-source MR image reconstruction platform (Gadgetron) to receive the reconstructed MR images in real-time. The post-processing module contains the algorithms of image coordinate registration, focus localization by MR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI), temperature and thermal dose calculations, motion correction, and temperature feedback control. The visualization module displays monitoring information and provides a user-machine interface. The software was tested to be compatible with systems from two different vendors and validated in multiple scenarios for MRgFUS. The software was tested in many ex vivo and in vivo experiments to validate its functions. The in vivo transcranial focus localization experiments were carried out for targeting the focused ultrasound in neuromodulation.

Comparison of segmentation tools for structural analysis of bone tissues by finite elements

Medical image segmentation is one of the bases of development in the field of personalized medicine, which allows the reconstruction of parts of the human body to produce virtual models by classifying pixels to create a surface or volume with similar properties. This work is focused on image segmentation through open-source software for bone structure analysis using the finite element method. According to this approach, the aim of this study is to investigate the sequential process, based on the features and requirements of the reconstruction software, to assess the segmentation tools and provide a comparative analysis. The methodology focuses on the software that has been documented for the anatomical reconstruction of organs and tissues, accounting for algorithms of manual, semi-automatic and automatic handling. Three segmentation packages are analyzed: 3D Slicer with a semi-automatic process called Region Growing, ITK-Snap with its interactive mechanism Active Contour segmentation mode, and, finally, In Vesalius with its automatic segmentation technique that identifies types of tissues and a simplified user-machine interface. A comparison is proposed based on the ease of the workflow, time for completion, the robustness of the tool, and precision of the semi-automatic and automatic methods, as opposed to the manual process, by statistic deviations and volume error obtained with Cloud Compare. The segmentation of a vertebra obtained from a DICOM© file in a computerized axial tomography was completed, and performance indicators were evaluated. The results showed that 3D Slicer - Grow from seeds is the best option to make the segmentation with a 9.59% of volume error and the fastest process among others.

Expert consensus on a train-the-trainer curriculum for robotic colorectal surgery.

Robotic techniques are being increasingly used in colorectal surgery. There is, however, a lack of training opportunities and structured training programmes. Robotic surgery has specific problems and challenges for trainers and trainees. Ergonomics, specific skills and user-machine interfaces are different from those in traditional laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to establish expert consensus on the requirements for a robotic train-the-trainer curriculum amongst robotic surgeons and trainers. This is a modified Delphi-type study involving 14 experts in robotic surgery teaching. A reiterating 19-item questionnaire was sent out to the same group and agreement levels analysed. A consensus of 0.8 or higher was considered to be high-level agreement. Response rates were 93-100% and most items reached high levels of agreement within three rounds. Specific requirements for a robotic faculty development curriculum included maximizing dual-console teaching, theatre team training, nontechnical skills training, patient safety, user-machine interface training and telementoring. A clear need for the development of a train-the-trainer curriculum has been identified. Further research is needed to assess feasibility, effectiveness and clinical impact of a robotic train-the-trainer curriculum.

Design of Fumigation Temperature Control System Based on Single-Chip Microcontroller

In order to mitigate problems such as temperature non-linearity, severe hysteresis, and large magnitude of fluctuation, we have designed a fumigation temperature control system based on AT89C52 single-chip microcontroller. The combination of improved PID algorithm and Pulse Width Modulation (PMW) technology results in whole-process fumigation temperature controlling with reduced overshoot and shortened lag time. Our test results show that the design leads to superior temperature control capability and dynamic performance. The fumigation temperature control system based on this design has very good stability and reliability, with friendly user-machine interface that allows easy operation. The circuits and programs used in the design have good versatility and portability.

Neurofuzzy based device for programmable hearing aids

A neurofuzzy device is described that provides a fuzzy logic based user-machine interface for optimal fitting of programmable hearing prosthesis using a neural network that generates targets to be matched by the hearing prosthesis based on individual audiometric and other relevant data to the specific impairment and on the neural network accumulated learning from previous successful fittings. The incorporated learning process can occur on or off line and implements fitting rationales that can satisfy the needs of a general or specific clientele. The parameters of the programmable prosthetic device are set as a group in order to achieve optimal matching to the targets. The user-machine interface realized by a fuzzy logic system deciphers the commends/responses of the user while listening to various stimuli and modifies the targets accordingly thus, providing a closed loop system for in-situ interactive fitting.

Interaction with In-Vehicle Electronic Systems: A Complete Description of a Neural Network Approach

Interaction with in-vehicle systems (car phones, traffic information, route guidance, etc) becomes a very difficult task since the control devices are often reduced to small switches and push-buttons. To solve the problem, a new input interface is proposed, based on character recognition. The paper describes in detail how a simple neural network can be applied down to the level of an industrial realization to provide a reliable user-machine interface. The industrial application is that of character recognition where characters are drawn with the finger on a small touchpad. Compared with the nearest neighbour method, the neural network solution has slightly better recognition rate, is faster and requires less memory space. The design of the recognition system is given and results of an experiment made on a driving simulator are presented.

Robotics-based obstacle-avoidance systems for the blind and visually impaired - Navbelt and the guidecane

NavBelt and GuideCane are computerized devices based on advanced mobile robotics obstacle-avoidance technologies. NavBelt is worn by the user like a belt and is equipped with an array of ultrasonic sensors. It provides acoustic signals via a set of stereo earphones that guides the user around obstacles or displays a virtual acoustic panoramic image of the traveler's surroundings. One limitation of the NavBelt is that it is exceedingly difficult for the user to comprehend the guidance signals in time to allow fast walking. A newer device, called GuideCane, effectively overcomes this problem. The GuideCane uses the same mobile robotics technology as the NavBelt but is a wheeled device pushed ahead of the user via an attached cane. When the GuideCane detects an obstacle, it steers around it. The user immediately feels this steering action and can follow the GuideCane's new path easily without any conscious effort. This article describes the two devices, including the mechanical, electronic, and software components, user-machine interface, and some experimental results.

Interconnecting smart card system with PLC controller in a local operating network to form a distributed energy management and control system for buildings

Distributed control and energy management for buildings is a viable solution, ensuring both indoor comfort for the occupants and reduction of energy consumption. The aim of this paper is to present the architecture of a distributed building energy management system that can be installed in new as well as in existing buildings, which are more energy inefficient. The system integrates a smart card unit, acting as a user machine interface, sensors, actuators, interfaces, a PLC controller that incorporates the fuzzy control algorithm, local operating network (LON) modules and devices and an optional PC which monitors the performance of the system. The distributed control architecture is based on the properties of the LON. The complete system is installed and tested in the Laboratory of Electronics of the Technical University of Crete.

An integral system for assisted mobility [automated wheelchair

The modularity of the electronic guidance systems of the SIAMO wheelchair allows for user-specific adaptability based on environment and degree of handicap. The overall system includes an innovative user-machine interface, a complete sensory subsystem (ultrasonic, infrared, vision, etc), and an advanced strategy of control and navigation. This allows different alternatives for guidance and guarantees user safety and comfort.

Integral system for assisted mobility

This paper presents the results of a research work carried out in the Electronics Department of the University of Alcalá in the field of electronic systems for the guidance of wheelchairs for the disabled and/or the elderly. These electronic systems have been designed to meet a wide range of needs experienced by users of this type of wheelchair. One of their most important features is their modularity, thereby making them adaptable to the particular needs of each user according to the type and degree of handicap involved. The overall system includes a complete user–machine interface, motor control modules and safety and autonomous guidance systems. The project is called: “Sistema Integral de Ayuda a la Movilidad (SIAMO)” (integral system for assisted mobility).

A user-centric view of QoS-aware communication

Recent technological advances coupled with new trends in using today's computing and communication infrastructure have raised new challenges in designing user interfaces for distributed multimedia applications. It has become essential to present the idea of QoS to the user, not only due to limitations of the infrastructure, but also because of the need to control user-machine interface bandwidth. In addition, a need for a tighter integration of communication and collaboration has become apparent. In this paper, we motivate the need for QoS support in the user-interface by considering shared virtual spaces, a unified communication paradigm for collaboration. We present a user-interface framework which provides the user with implicit and explicit control of quality of service, and describe our experience in designing and implementing such systems.

Introduction to an expert system shell - STIM

STIM (Shell with Thinking in IMages) is an expert system shell based on factor spaces. It consists of seven blocks: user-machine interface, system description, knowledge acquisition, knowledge-base building, problem solving, repair system, and help information. In this paper, we will introduce the system block by block after a brief survey of theoretic aspects.

Interactive graphics interface for power system network analysis

The evolution in user-machine interfaces for power system network analysis software is examined, and an interactive graphics approach is described. Batch and interactive processing are defined, and the drawbacks of text-based interactive interfaces are identified. The development of a user-machine interface for power system network analysis using interactive graphics is described. The conceptual model used to visualize the power system is the one-line diagram. The task of modifying the network and the task of editing the one-line diagram are combined into a single task. The use of command modes in the program was avoided by supporting the full range of commands at all times. From the user's perspective, the program appears as a single entity rather than a collection of different modules. >

Development of a Practical Electrical Stimulation System for Restoring Gait in the Paralyzed Patient

A percutaneous functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) system is being developed for restoring function in the lower extremities of spinal cord injured people with lesions between T4 and T11. Limitations of the current system are electrode failure, muscle fatigue, cumbersome electrical hardware, and an inefficient user-machine interface. Transforming this experimental system into a practical FNS system requires achieving acceptable levels of safety, reliability, function, metabolic energy requirement, ease of use, cosmesis, and cost. This eventually can be accomplished with development of implantable stimulators and totally implantable electrodes, intimate command devices with tactile feedback, and closed-loop control of muscle stimulation.

A MODEL FOR AN INTERACTIVE GRAPHICAL INTERFACE TO AN ELECTRONIC OFFICE SYSTEM

As the diversity and number of potential users of interactive computer systems increases, there is a greater awareness that the design of the user-machine interface is crucial for their efficiency and acceptability. Systems designers often talk of the fundamental dilemma in dialogue design being the conflict between making an interface easy to use for novices and quick and sophisticated for expert users. This so-called "trade-off" has become so well established that one could be forgiven for believing that the form of dialogue either suits novices or expert users, but cannot cater for both.

Computer-Aided Design— A new tool for the cost engineer?

Cost engineers have long known that the design of a project is likely to be the paramount factor which determines the final cost. Yet, effective cost control during the conceptual and detailed design phases of a project are perhaps the most difficult aspects of cost control. While the cost of the manhours required to perform the design work can be controlled using standard techniques, control of the cost implications of design decisions requires a close working interface between design and cost engineering which is seldom achieved. The rapidly changing world of computing has, once again, produced a computer capability of great interest to the cost engineer, one which provides effective integration of design and cost engineering. The latest generations of Computer-Aided Design (C.A.D.) systems have reached a level of interactive and flexible operation such that many applications can be developed. This article will describe how C.A.D. technology has been successfully applied to cost control of large projects in the oil industry. Basic principles of design and cost modelling, database construction and user-machine interface will be discussed. The article will show how C.A.D.-based systems can be developed for such cost engineering tasks as cost estimating, change control, design/cost optimization studies, cost forecasting and cost reporting.

Several approaches for improving user cordiality in the design of on-line systems for novice users

This paper presents several factors to be considered when designing a novice user-machine interface for an on-line system. These include user objectives, current procedures for processing the data, tutorial aids, database organization and human factors issues related to ease of terminal use. Various examples from recent experience are given to illustrate some of these points.

Case Study: Ergonomic and Hazard Evaluation of a New Consumer Product

The introduction of a new, powerful, mechanical home-use tool carries with it a high risk of product liability. This liability stems from both planned and unanticipated use of the product. In view of this, it is imperative that designers and manufacturers carefully analyze their proposed product to insure that possible failures and hazards have been evaluated and corrected, that current ergonomic principles have been used in the design, that instructions and warning signs clearly document the hazards associated with use of the product, and that the advertising describe only safe methods of handling and using the product. This paper describes the analyses that were performed on a tool prior to its production. The purpose of the analyses was to identify and solve as many of the hazardous operating problems of the tool as possible. To this end, a series of system safety analyses was performed to define the user, user-machine interface, and mechanical problems associated with the ditcher-saw.