The Future of Graphic User Interfaces: Personal Role Managers

Personal computer users typically manage hundreds of directories and thousands of files with hierarchically structured file managers, plus archaic cluttered-desktop window managers, and iconic representations of applications. These users must deal with the annoying overhead of window housekeeping and the greater burden of mapping their organizational roles onto the unnecessarily rigid hierarchy. An alternate approach is presented, Personal Role Manager (PRM), to structure the screen layout and the interface tools to better match the multiple roles that individuals have in an organization. Each role has a vision statement, schedule, hierarchy of tasks, set of people, and collection of documents. (Also cross-referenced as ISR-TR-94-48) (Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-713

Beyond the Tunnels: Advanced 3D graphical modulation

International audienceTunnels are 3D graphical sliders which modify the appearance of, or "modulate", one or several 3D objects simultaneously using these objects as cursors themselves. They rely on a strong visual feedback to provide multiple scales and parameters combinations which makes them appropriate for the use in immersive virtual musical instruments. In this paper we present applications of the Tunnels for collaborative modulation tasks, for avatars and weapons modifications in 3D video games, and for the control of interactive scenarios. We also propose several improvements to the Tunnels such as a method for storing them and a two-dimensional version called Grids

Magic Lenses: A support Tool for 3D Visualization

Las lentes mágicas son herramientas que permiten modificar parte de un área de trabajo de acuerdo con una selección específica y a la propiedad que dicha herramienta posea. Este artículo describe el trabajo realizado para extender el concepto de lente mágica, para permitir ver dentro de modelos en tres dimensiones (3D) que se cargan en una aplicación desarrollada como ejemplo. Para la implementación de las lentes se utilizó un algoritmo para la síntesis de imágenes denominado trazador de rayos.Magic lenses are tools which allow changing a work area according to specific selections and properties. This paper describes the work done aimed to extend the concept of magic lenses to allow seeing inside 3D models which are uploaded from an example application. In order to implement the lenses a ray tracing algorithm for image synthesis was used.

The design of a GUI paradigm based on tablets, two-hands, and transparency

An experimental GUI paradigm is presented which is based on the design goals of maximizing the amount of screen used for application data, reducing the amount that the UI diverts visual attentions from the application data, and increasing the quality of input. In pursuit of these goals, we integrated the non-standard UI technologies of multi-sensor tablets, toolglass, transparent UI components, and marking menus. We describe a working prototype of our new para-digm, the rationale behind it and our experiences introduc-ing it into an existing application. Finally, we presents some ot the lessons learned: prototypes are useful to break the barriers imposed by conventional GUI design and some of their ideas can still be retrofitted seamlessly into products. Furthermore, the added functionality is not measured only in terms of user performance, but also by the quality of interaction, which allows artists to create new graphic vocabularies and graphic styles

Pixel Data Access for End-User Programming and Graphical Macros

Pixel Data Access is an interprocess communication technique that enables users of graphical user interfaces to automate certain tasks. By accessing the contents of the display buffer, users can search for pixel representations of interface elements, and then initiate actions such as mouse clicks and keyboard entries. While this technique has limitations it offers users of current systems some unusually powerful features that are especially appealing in the area of end-user programming. Also cross-referenced as UMIACS-TR-99-2

Virtual Vouchers: Prototyping a Mobile Augmented Reality User Interface for Botanical Species Identification

Figure 1 : (a) Botanists gathering samples in the field. (b) View through a video see-though display of first prototype of the tangible augmented reality user interface. ABSTRACT As biodiversity research increases in importance and complexity, the tools that botanists require for field-work must evolve and take on new forms. Of particular importance is the ability to identify existing and new species in the field. Mobile augmented reality systems can make it possible to access, view, and inspect a large database of virtual species examples side-by-side with physical specimens. In this paper, we present prototypes of a mobile augmented reality electronic field guide and techniques for displaying and inspecting computer vision-based visual search results in the form of virtual vouchers. Our work addresses head-movement controlled augmented reality for hands-free interaction and tangible augmented reality. We describe results from our design and investigation process and discuss observations and feedback from lab trials by botanists

Parallel processing interfaces to television

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Program in Media Arts & Sciences, 1995.Includes bibliographical references (leaf 76).by Frank Kao.M.S