HyperScatter : Modellierungs- und Zoomtechniken für Punktdiagramme

Der Einsatz von Werkzeugen aus dem Bereich der Informationsvisualisierung im privaten Alltag, beispielsweise beim Stöbern in digitalen Bibliotheken wie einer Filmdatenbank, stellt Entwickler vor neue Herausforderungen bezüglich des Interaktionsdesigns muss dieses doch den deutlich höheren Anforderungen der zumeist unerfahrenen Nutzer hinsichtlich der Gebrauchstauglichkeit genügen. Ein möglicher Lösungsansatz könnte hierbei in dem kombinierten Einsatz möglichst einfacher Werkzeuge, die auf einem einheitlichen Interaktionsdesign basieren, liegen. Dieser Beitrag führt die Arbeit aus (Reiterer et al. 2005) fort und zeigt am Beispiel eines Punktdiagramms, dem HyperScatter auf, wie die dort vorgestellte Modellierung des Informationsraums in Kombination mit Zoomtechniken auf andere Werkzeuge übertragbar ist und hierdurch das Ziel eines einheitlichen Interaktionsdesigns erreicht wird. Weiterhin wurde der HyperScatter in einer neuartigen zweiwöchigen Längsschnitt-Evaluationsstudie auf seine Gebrauchstauglichkeit hin überprüft sowie auf seine Fähigkeit, als alleinstehendes Werkzeug den Benutzer in seiner Informationssuche zu unterstützen

Enhancing input device evaluation : longitudinal approaches

In this paper we present our experiences with longitudinal study designs for input device evaluation. In this domain, analyzing learning is currently the main reason for applying longitudinal designs. We will shortly discuss related research questions and outline two case studies in which we used different approaches to address this issue. Finally, we will point out future research tasks in the context of longitudinal evaluation methods

Adaptive Pointing – Design and Evaluation of a Precision Enhancing Technique for Absolute Pointing Devices

Abstract. We present Adaptive Pointing, a novel approach to addressing the common problem of accuracy when using absolute pointing devices for distant interaction. First, we discuss extensively some related work concerning the problem-domain of pointing accuracy when using absolute or relative pointing devices. As a result, we introduce a novel classification scheme to more clearly discriminate between different approaches. Second, the Adaptive Pointing technique is presented and described in detail. The intention behind this approach is to improve pointing performance for absolute input devices by implicitly adapting the Control-Display gain to the current user‟s needs without violating users ‟ mental model of absolute-device operation. Third, we present an experiment comparing Adaptive Pointing with pure absolute pointing using a laser-pointer as an example of an absolute device. The results show that Adaptive Pointing results in a significant improvement compared with absolute pointing in terms of movement time (19%), error rate (63%), and user satisfaction

Pocket Bee- a multi-modal diary for field research

In this paper we present Pocket Bee, a multi-modal diary tool that allows researchers to remotely collect rich and indepth data in the field. Based on the Android smart phone platform, we especially focused on an easy to use user interface. We introduce the notion of core questions that serve as cognitive triggers for pre-defined events. Multiple modalities allow participants to compose notes in the most appropriate and convenient way. Instant network synchronization allows researchers to view and analyze the data on-the-fly while also being able to create new tasks or questionnaires during an ongoing study. These can also be linked to certain trigger events, such as time and date. Thereby, Pocket Bee supports diary and Experience Sampling (ESM) studies. The system was developed in a user-centered design process and its potential value is described in a scenario of use illustrating an upcoming study

Impact of the interaction of material production and mechanical processing on the magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steel

Thin laminations of non-grain oriented (NO) electrical steels form the magnetic core of rotating electrical machines. The magnetic properties of these laminations are therefore key elements for the efficiency of electric drives and need to be fully utilized. Ideally, high magnetization and low losses are realized over the entire polarization and frequency spectrum at reasonable production and processing costs. However, such an ideal material does not exist and thus, achievable magnetic properties need to be deduced from the respective application requirements. Parameters of the electrical steel such as lamination thickness, microstructure and texture affect the magnetic properties as well as their polarization and frequency dependence. These structural features represent possibilities to actively alter the magnetic properties, e.g., magnetization curve, magnetic loss or frequency dependence. This paper studies the influence of production and processing on the resulting magnetic properties of a 2.4 wt% Si electrical steel. Aim is to close the gap between production influence on the material properties and its resulting effect on the magnetization curves and losses at different frequencies with a strong focus on occurring interdependencies between production and mechanical processing. The material production is realized on an experimental processing route that comprises the steps of hot rolling, cold rolling, annealing and punching

Simulation a decision support tool in maintenance float systems – system availability versus total maintenance cost

This paper is concerned with the use of simulation as a decision support tool in maintenance systems, specifically in MFS (Maintenance Float Systems). For this purpose and due to its high complexity, in this paper the authors explore and present a possible way to construct a MFS model using Arena® simulation language, where some of the most common performance measures are identified, calculated and analysed. Nevertheless this paper would concentrate on the two most important performance measures in maintenance systems: system availability and maintenance total cost. As far as these two indicators are concerned, it was then quite clear that they assumed different behavior patterns, specially when using extreme values for periodic overhauls rates. In this respect, system availability proved to be a more sensitive parameter