Dynamic Composite Data Physicalization Using Wheeled Micro-Robots

This paper introduces dynamic composite physicalizations, a new class of physical visualizations that use collections of self-propelled objects to represent data. Dynamic composite physicalizations can be used both to give physical form to well-known interactive visualization techniques, and to explore new visualizations and interaction paradigms. We first propose a design space characterizing composite physicalizations based on previous work in the fields of Information Visualization and Human Computer Interaction. We illustrate dynamic composite physicalizations in two scenarios demonstrating potential benefits for collaboration and decision making, as well as new opportunities for physical interaction. We then describe our implementation using wheeled micro-robots capable of locating themselves and sensing user input, before discussing limitations and opportunities for future work

Functional Maps Representation on Product Manifolds

We consider the tasks of representing, analyzing and manipulating maps between shapes. We model maps as densities over the product manifold of the input shapes; these densities can be treated as scalar functions and therefore are manipulable using the language of signal processing on manifolds. Being a manifold itself, the product space endows the set of maps with a geometry of its own, which we exploit to define map operations in the spectral domain; we also derive relationships with other existing representations (soft maps and functional maps). To apply these ideas in practice, we discretize product manifolds and their Laplace--Beltrami operators, and we introduce localized spectral analysis of the product manifold as a novel tool for map processing. Our framework applies to maps defined between and across 2D and 3D shapes without requiring special adjustment, and it can be implemented efficiently with simple operations on sparse matrices.Comment: Accepted to Computer Graphics Foru

Functional maps representation on product manifolds

We consider the tasks of representing, analysing and manipulating maps between shapes. We model maps as densities over the product manifold of the input shapes; these densities can be treated as scalar functions and therefore are manipulable using the language of signal processing on manifolds. Being a manifold itself, the product space endows the set of maps with a geometry of its own, which we exploit to define map operations in the spectral domain; we also derive relationships with other existing representations (soft maps and functional maps). To apply these ideas in practice, we discretize product manifolds and their Laplace–Beltrami operators, and we introduce localized spectral analysis of the product manifold as a novel tool for map processing. Our framework applies to maps defined between and across 2D and 3D shapes without requiring special adjustment, and it can be implemented efficiently with simple operations on sparse matrices

An Extendable Multiagent Model for Behavioural Animation

This paper presents a framework for visually simulating the behaviour of actors in virtual environments. In principle, the environmental interaction follows a cyclic processing of perception, decision, and action. As natural life-forms perceive their environment by active sensing, our approach also tends to let the artificial actor actively sense the virtual world. This allows us to place the characters in non-preprocessed virtual dynamic environments, what we call generic environments. A main aspect within our framework is the strict distinction between a behaviour pattern, that we term model, and its instances, named characters, which use the pattern. This allows them sharing one or more behaviour models. Low-level tasks like sensing or acting are took over by so called subagents, which are subordinated modules extendedly plugged in the character. In a demonstration we exemplarily show the application of our framework. We place the same character in different environments and let it climb and descend stairs, ramps and hills autonomously. Additionally the reactiveness for moving objects is tested. In future, this approach shall go into action for a simulation of an urban environment

A short history off-line

Emerging technologies for learning report - Article exploring the history of ICT in education and the lessons we can learn from the pas

Computers and young children

This study addresses the issue of using computers in early childhood classrooms. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with using computers with young children were discussed. Guidelines for choosing developmentally appropriate software were outlined and conclusions were drawn from literature. Recommendations were made for future computer studies

Using Visual Representations of Data to Enhance Sensemaking in Data Exploration Tasks

This paper explains how visual representations of data enable individual sensemaking in data exploration tasks. We build upon theories of human perception and cognition, including Cognitive Fit Theory, to explain what aspects of visual representations facilitate sensemaking for the viewer. We make three primary contributions. First, we give a general characterization of visual representations that would be used for data exploration tasks. These representations consist of a scene, objects within the scene, and the characteristics of those objects. Second, we extend Cognitive Fit Theory into the data exploration task domain. We explain that the data exploration task has a number of spatial subtasks including observing data points, looking for patterns or outliers, making inferences, comparing observed facts or patterns to one’s own knowledge, generating hypotheses about the data, and drawing analogies from the context being observed to another context. Third, we offer a set of theoretical propositions about how visual representations of data can serve the sensemaking goal. Specifically, visual representations best facilitate sensemaking in data exploration tasks when they (1) support the four basic human visual perceptual approaches of association, differentiation, ordered perception, and quantitative perception, (2) have strong Gestalt properties, (3) are consistent with the viewer’s stored knowledge, and (4) support analogical reasoning. We propose that visual representations should possess several of these four aspects to make them well-suited for the task of data exploration

Maths Apps index #maths4us Project Report

This report provides an overview of the Maths Apps index project led by the Association for Learning Technology (ALT) as part of the maths4us initiative during 2012/13

Interactive Learning Management System to Develop Spatial Visualization Abilities

An Interactive Learning Management System (ILMS) is presented, which functions as a web-based Spatial Visualization Ability (SVA) learning support tool for students of engineering graphics and as a management tool for teachers to track student learning. This software is designed to fill the gaps in student knowledge, giving them more uniform spatial visualization abilities when enrolling on University Engineering degrees. The ILMS_SVA consists of: (1) a Content Management System (CMS); (2) a preliminary level assessment test; (3) a web-based tool for exercise management and self-assessment incorporating a 3D viewer that functions as an interactive tutorial (IT), allowing the manipulation of 3D objects in every exercise; (4) a database. It is designed for three types of users (student, teacher, and administrator), and has been validated with engineering graphics students at the University of Burgos (Spain) by means of experimental trials in the classroom and a user satisfaction survey, over two academic years. The results indicate that use of this tool improved SVA among students generally and was even of greater effectiveness for those students that accessed engineering courses with no prior knowledge of Technical Drawing