Multi-touch interactions for model-based sonification

Presented at the 15th International Conference on Auditory Display (ICAD2009), Copenhagen, Denmark, May 18-22, 2009This paper presents novel interaction modes for Model-Based Soni- fication (MBS) via a multi-touch interface. We first lay out details about the constructed multi-touch surface. This is followed by a description of the Data Sonogram Sonification Model and how it is implemented using the system. Modifications from the original sonification model such as the limited space scans are described and discussed with sonification examples. Videos showing exam- ples of interaction are provided for various data sets. Beyond Data Sonograms, the presented system provides a basis for the imple- mentation of known and novel sonification models. We discuss the available interaction modes with multi-touch surfaces and how these interactions can be profitably used to control spatial and non- spatial sonification models

Do eco-rating schemes improve the environmental performance of ships?

Submitted version (preprint).submittedVersio

Interactive Sonification to Support Joint Attention in Augmented Reality-based Cooperation

Neumann A, Hermann T, Tünnermann R. Interactive Sonification to Support Joint Attention in Augmented Reality-based Cooperation. In: Proceedings of ISon 2013, 4th Interactive Sonification Workshop. 2013: 58-64.This paper presents and evaluates interactive sonifications to sup- port periphery sensing and joint attention in situations with a limited field of view. Particularly Head-mounted AR displays limit the field of view and thus cause users to miss relevant activities of their interaction partner, such as object interactions or deictic references that normally would be effective to establish joint attention. We give some insight into the differences between face-to-face interaction and interaction via the AR system and introduce five different interactive sonifications which make object manipulations of interaction partners audible by sonifications that convey information about the kind of activity. Finally we present the evaluation of our designs in a study where participants observe an interac- tion episode and rate features of the sonification in questionnaires. We conclude the results into factors for acceptable sonifications to support dyadic interaction

Blended Sonification: Sonification for Casual Interaction

Tünnermann R, Hammerschmidt J, Hermann T. Blended Sonification: Sonification for Casual Interaction. In: ICAD 2013 - Proceedings of the International Conference on Auditory Display. Łódź, Poland; 2013: 119-126.In recent years, graphical user interfaces have become almost ubiquitous in form of notebooks, smartphones and tablets. These systems normally force the user to attend to an often very specific and narrow screen and thus squeeze the information through a chokepoint. This ties the users’ attention to the device and affects other activities and social interaction. In this paper we introduce Blended Sonifications as sonifications that blend into the users’ environment without confronting users with any explicitly perceived technology. Blended Sonification systems can either be used to display information or to provide ambient communication channels. We present a framework that guides developers towards the identification of suitable information sources and appropriate auditory interfaces. We aim at improving the design of interactions and experiences. Along with the introduction and definition of the framework, this paper presents interface examples, both for mediated communication and information display applications

Direct Visualization and Silver Enhancement of Ultra-Small Antibody-Bound Gold Particles on Immunolabeled Ultrathin Resin Sections

Ultra-small gold colloids bound to immunolabeled ultrathin resin sections were visualized using transmission, scanning, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM, SEM, STEM). The best marker contrast is obtained in a field emission STEM (200 kV) equipped with a high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) detector. HAADF STEM renders possible the simultaneous visualization of ultra-small gold and ultrastructural details in unstained resin sections, and an overall presentation of a labeled E. coli cell. For routine work, an enhancement step is a prerequisite for easy detection of bound marker molecules. Five different silver enhancing solutions were tested for their suitability for ultra-small gold intensification. Enhancers lacking the protective colloid gum arabic exhibit lower quality with regard to efficiency and homogeneity of enhancement. This problem can be overcome by adding gum arabic. Silver enhancement generally results in heterogeneously sized particles. This is most probably due to the heterogeneous original gold colloid probe. In general, an estimation of enhancement efficiency is associated with difficulties depending on experimental conditions and the electron microscopic imaging modes used. Only a low number of the ultra-small gold particles seems to remain unenhanced or poorly enhanced when treated with high-quality enhancers. On-section labeling of ultrathin resin sections with silver-enhanced ultra-small gold markers also offers the possibility of high-resolution immunolabeling experiments at the light microscopic level

Time-Resolved X-ray Microscopy of Spin-Torque-Induced Magnetic Vortex Gyration

Time-resolved X-ray microscopy is used to image the influence of alternating high-density currents on the magnetization dynamics of ferromagnetic vortices. Spin-torque induced vortex gyration is observed in micrometer-sized permalloy squares. The phases of the gyration in structures with different chirality are compared to an analytical model and micromagnetic simulations, considering both alternating spinpolarized currents and the current's Oersted field. In our case the driving force due to spin-transfer torque is about 70% of the total excitation while the remainder originates from the current's Oersted field. This finding has implications to magnetic storage devices using spin-torque driven magnetization switching and domain-wall motion.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figure

EcoSonic: Auditory Displays supporting Fuel-Efficient Driving

Hammerschmidt J, Tünnermann R, Hermann T. EcoSonic: Auditory Displays supporting Fuel-Efficient Driving. In: Thomas O, Ebba H, eds. NordiCHI '14 Proceedings of the 8th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction: Fun, Fast, Foundational. Helsinki, Finland: ACM New York, NY, USA; 2014: 979-982.In this paper, we present our work towards an auditory display that is capable of supporting a fuel-efficient operation of vehicles. We introduce five design approaches for employing the auditory modality for a fuel economy display. Furthermore, we have implemented a novel auditory display based on one of these approaches, foussing on giving feedback on the engine’s optimal rpm range, which is a major factor for eco-driving. Finally, we report on the development of a simple but physically realistic car simulator, which allows for a reproducible evaluation of prototype auditory displays as well as a comparison to state-of-the-art visual fuel efficiency indicators

EcoSonic: Towards an Auditory Display Supporting a Fuel-Efficient Driving Style

Hammerschmidt J, Tünnermann R, Hermann T. EcoSonic: Towards an Auditory Display Supporting a Fuel-Efficient Driving Style. In: Sandra P, Howard C, Radek R, eds. Sonification of Health and Environmental Data. York, England; 2014: 51-56.In order to support drivers in adopting a more fuel efficient driving style, there currently exists a range of fuel economy displays, providing drivers feedback on instantaneous and long-term fuel consumption. While these displays rely almost completely on visual components for conveying relevant information, we argue that there are significant benefits in using auditory interfaces for providing feedback while driving. We review existing literature and discuss various design strategies for auditory displays that are applicable for supporting a fuel-efficient driving style. Exploring one of these design strategies, we furthermore introduce several prototypical sonification designs

Role of a2b1 integrins in mediating cell shape on microtextured titanium surfaces

Surface microroughness plays an important role in determining osteoblast behavior on titanium. Previous studies have shown that osteoblast differentiation on microtextured titanium substrates is dependent on alpha-2 beta-1 (a2b1) integrin signaling. This study used focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy, combined with three-dimensional image reconstruction, to investigate early interactions of individual cells with their substrate and the role of integrin a2b1 in determining cell shape. MG63 osteoblast-like cells on sand blasted/acid etched (SLA) Ti surfaces after 3 days of culturing indicated decreased cell number, increased cell differentiation, and increased expression of mRNA levels for a1, a2, aV, and b1 integrin subunits compared to cells on smooth Ti (PT) surfaces. a2 or b1 silenced cells exhibited increased cell number and decreased differentiation on SLA compared to wild-type cells. Wild-type cells on SLA possessed an elongated morphology with reduced cell area, increased cell thickness, and more apparent contact points. Cells on PT exhibited greater spreading and were relatively flat. Silenced cells possessed a morphology and phenotype similar to wild-type cells grown on PT. These observations indicate that surface microroughness affects cell response via a2b1 integrin signaling, resulting in a cell shape that promotes osteoblastic differentiation. VC 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 564–573, 2015.Surface microroughness plays an important role in determining osteoblast behavior on titanium. Previous studies have shown that osteoblast differentiation on microtextured titanium substrates is dependent on alpha-2 beta-1 (a2b1) integrin signaling. This study used focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy, combined with three-dimensional image reconstruction, to investigate early interactions of individual cells with their substrate and the role of integrin a2b1 in determining cell shape. MG63 osteoblast-like cells on sand blasted/acid etched (SLA) Ti surfaces after 3 days of culturing indicated decreased cell number, increased cell differentiation, and increased expression of mRNA levels for a1, a2, aV, and b1 integrin subunits compared to cells on smooth Ti (PT) surfaces. a2 or b1 silenced cells exhibited increased cell number and decreased differentiation on SLA compared to wild-type cells. Wild-type cells on SLA possessed an elongated morphology with reduced cell area, increased cell thickness, and more apparent contact points. Cells on PT exhibited greater spreading and were relatively flat. Silenced cells possessed a morphology and phenotype similar to wild-type cells grown on PT. These observations indicate that surface microroughness affects cell response via a2b1 integrin signaling, resulting in a cell shape that promotes osteoblastic differentiation. VC 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 564–573, 2015