Abstract: A user interface which can access downloaded TV program information, which can be continually updated and provided either "over the air", over cable or satellite transmission paths or other "fast data" paths, and automatically correlate this information with the preferences of the user, to create and display at least one program information database based upon the results of the correlation.

Abstract: A method for developing user interfaces by refining them iteratively over several versions is presented. Each iteration is subjected to user testing or other usability-evaluation methods designed to uncover usability problems. This method not only eliminates problems of this nature, but also allows designers to take advantage of any insights into user needs that emerge from the tests. The author describes four case studies where the median improvement in overall usability from the first to the last iteration was 165%, and the median improvement per iteration was 38%. >

Abstract: An infusion pump system dispenses a drug to a patient in accordance with a predetermined therapy. The system includes a drug delivery system controlled by a microprocessor and replaceable memory modules coupled to the microprocessor for configuring a specific pump user interface and other characteristics required for the therapy. Information specific to a particular patient is entered through input structure on the pump. The memory modules include plural memory sections for storing different types of information.

Abstract: A vehicle location system which provides a plurality of cellular systems that each includes a memory for identifying the cellular subscriber stations that are based in the particular system and visiting cellular subscriber stations based in another of the systems. The plurality of cellular systems include a roaming network that interconnects and transfers data in the memory relative to the presence of home and visiting cellular subscriber stations in the systems. An interface computer is provided to interconnect with at least one of the plurality of cellular systems. The interface computer accesses data in the roaming network relative to predetermined cellular subscriber stations. A location computer interconnects with the interface computer and translates the interface computer data relative to these predetermined cellular subscriber stations into location data that indicates the position of each cellular subscriber stations based upon the known position of the particular cellular system in which the subscriber station is currently registered. A user interface, that may include messaging systems and an electronic mail system, interconnect between a user and the location computer and allows access to location and related data relative to specified fleets of subscriber stations.

Abstract: A system comprising a user interface which can access downloaded electronic programs (e.g. pay per view movies) and information records related to said programs, which can be continually updated and provided over cable or satellite transmission paths or other "fast data" paths, and which can automatically correlate the program information with the preferences of the user, to create and display at least one personalized information database based upon the results of the correlation.

Abstract: A problem solving expert system is provided which is particularly useful in managing the health care of individual patients. A description of a problem (e.g., medical condition) and a proposed solution therefor (e.g., medical procedure) is entered via a user interface. A topical library is searched to identify information relevant to the problem and proposed solution. Access to the identified information is available in either a full text or synopsis format, to assist a user in assessing the appropriateness of the proposed solution. An inference engine provides a recommendation to the user as to the appropriateness of the proposed solution based on information entered via the user interface and rules associated with the inference engine. A user can interact with the inference engine in either a structured or guided mode. The structured mode is directed to inexperienced users and dynamically generates questions in response to previous answers provided by the user to enable the inference engine to make its recommendation. The guided mode is directed to experienced users and provides a predefined questionnaire enabling the user to decide which questions to answer in order to obtain a recommendation.

Abstract: Most ideas come from previous ideas. The sixties, particularly in the ARPA community, gave rise to a host of notions about “human-computer symbiosis” through interactive time-shared computers, graphics screens and pointing devices. Advanced computer languages were invented to simulate complex systems such as oil refineries and semi-intelligent behavior. The soon to follow paradigm shift of modern personal computing, overlapping window interfaces, and object-oriented design came from seeing the work of the sixties as something more than a “better old thing”. That is, more than a better way: to do mainframe computing; for end-users to invoke functionality; to make data structures more abstract. Instead the promise of exponential growth in computing/$/volume demanded that the sixties be regarded as “almost a new thing” and to find out what the actual “new things” might be. For example, one would compute with a handheld “Dynabook” in a way that would not be possible on a shared mainframe; millions of potential users meant that the user interface would have to become a learning environment along the lines of Montessori and Bruner; and needs for large scope, reduction in complexity, and end-user literacy would require that data and control structures be done away with in favor of a more biological scheme of protected universal cells interacting only through messages that could mimic any desired behavior.Early Smalltalk was the first complete realization of these new points of view as parented by its many predecessors in hardware, language and user interface design. It became the exemplar of the new computing, in part, because we were actually trying for a qualitative shift in belief structures—a new Kuhnian paradigm in the same spirit as the invention of the printing press—and thus took highly extreme positions which almost forced these new styles to be invented.

Abstract: A user interface is displayed on a computer system capable of processing one or more data streams. The user interface has one or more displayed representations, where each of the displayed representations corresponds to one of the data streams. A user of the computer system selectively adjusts the processing of each of the data streams using the corresponding displayed representation of the user interface. In a preferred embodiment, in which the computer system is a system for multicasting audio, video, and/or text data streams, the user interface has a video window for displaying the video stream, a set of audio controls for controlling the play of the audio stream, and a text reader bar for displaying the text stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes (13) at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox (13) includes processor means (121) for controlling the computer jukebox (13), storage and retrieval means (93) for data, display means (125) for selection menus, audio production means (127) for playing musical records, and a user interface (123) enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station (11) can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox (13), and each computer jukebox (13) can upload usage data to the central station (11).

Abstract: Introduction (T. Kuhme, M. Schneider-Hufschmidt). Part I: Setting the stage. Part II: Modelling users, tasks, and dialogs. Part III: Prototypes and Systems. Part IV: Evaluation. About the authors. Subject index.

Abstract: A flash memory system includes a user interface and array controller The user interface receives the user command issued by the processor and has the ability to queue a plurality of commands for execution The user interface further functions as an arbiter to control the priority of commands to be executed The array controller performs the operations on the flash array such as program and erase The array controller consists of a general purpose processor with program memory which is programmable by the user The program memory stores one or more algorithms that can be executed by the array controller The algorithm is selected according to the command received at the user interface The algorithms can be customized simply by programming the program memory The system further provides an interrupt mechanism which enables the flash memory system to perform a context switch of a higher priority command with the lower priority, but currently executing, command

Abstract: Immersive virtual environments (IVEs) provide a tightly coupled human-computer interface; input to the sensory organs of the human participant are directly generated through computer displays, in the visual, auditory, tactile and haptic modalities. Some of the results of a pilot experimental study of presence in IVEs are outlined. This is a contribution to a project involved in constructing a system for architectural walkthrough, where architects and their clients are able to navigate through and effect changes to a virtual building interior. Emphasis is placed on the interface provided by the virtual environment generator (VEG) to the human user, and initially on the problem of the establishment of the presence of the human inside the virtual environment (VE). >

Abstract: An eye tracking interface system for generating communication and control functions as a result of pre-defined eye gestures is disclosed. The system includes a detecting device adapted to detect bio-electromagnetic signals generated by eye movements. A first processor receives the detected bio-electromagnetic signals, and generate tokens corresponding to said pre-defined eye gestures. A second processor receives the tokens, and generates command signals based on a protocol correlating tokens to desired command signals. Thereafter, a user interface responds to said command signals, and provides control functions in response to said command signals.

Abstract: Systems for performing peritoneal dialysis having an improved user interface functions and monitoring capabilities. In one respect, the systems discriminate between alarm conditions that require user intervention to correct and alarm conditions that reflect conditions that are anomalies but typically correct themselves with minimum or no user intervention. In another respect, the systems identify occluded liquid flow paths and discriminate whether the flow path is associated with a liquid source or a liquid destination.

Abstract: Methods for allowing a user to customize an interface for a computer program are provided. The methods allow a user of the computer program flexibility in organizing commands into a menu structure. The methods also allow a user of a computer program to assign a keystroke sequence to a command. The user can then invoke the command by entering the keystroke sequence. A command assigned to a keystroke sequence does not need to be associated with a menu. The methods allow the user of a computer program to predefine parameters for commands. The predefinition allows the user to invoke a command without reentering the parameters. In a preferred embodiments, the methods use a command array that contains an entry for each command. The methods use an array associated with each menu. The arrays contain unique identifiers of the commands that are associated with the menu. These unique identifiers are used to reference entries into the command array. The entries in the command array include a reference to the program code that implements the commands.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for the dynamic sharing of user interfaces and portions of user interfaces. A user interface server coupled to applications, a display object store, and a window management system. The user interface server allows an application developer to provide an application with a user interface that is independent of any particular window management system. The user interface server provides applications with the ability to dynamically load user interfaces from the display object store and to attach any sub-hierarchy of a user interface, stored in the display object store, to a previously loaded user interface. The sub-hierarchy can be attached at any point which is consistent with parent-child relationships for components.

Abstract: Task-offload aids (e.g., an autopilot, an 'intelligent' assistant) can be selectively engaged by the human operator to dynamically delegate tasks to automation. Introducing such aids eliminates some task demands but creates new ones associated with programming, engaging, and disengaging the aiding device via an interface. The burdens associated with managing automation can sometimes outweigh the potential benefits of automation to improved system performance. Aid design parameters and features of the overall multitask context combine to determine whether or not a task-offload aid will effectively support the operator. A modeling and sensitivity analysis approach is presented that identifies effective strategies for human-automation interaction as a function of three task-context parameters and three aid design parameters. The analysis and modeling approaches provide resources for predicting how a well-adapted operator will use a given task-offload aid, and for specifying aid design features that ensure that automation will provide effective operator support in a multitask environment.

Abstract: A user/computer interface is described that employ a constrained natural language-form input. The computer employs a feedback method to reinforce a user's confidence and knowledge that the computer comprehends a query or instruction. The user interface initially parses a user's natural language-form input into a case frame. The case frame is then filtered into a goal-expression that comprises a verb and remaining syntactical portions of the input query/instruction. The system then paraphrases the goal-expression into constrained natural language-form and communicates the paraphrase to the user for confirmation that the computer system has correctly interpreted the user input. The computer also compares the goal-expression with prestored goal-expressions to determine a match and then performs an action in response to a match being found.

Abstract: Overview - fuel for a new discipline introduction -supporting the process of innovation. Part 1 Direction manipulation: direct manipulation - a step beyond programming languages a study of file manipulation by novices using commands vs. direct manipulation remote direct manipulation - a case study of telemedicine workstation. Part 2 Menu selection: embedded menus - selecting items in context an empirical comparison of pie vs. linear menus time stress effects on two menu selection systems. Part 3 Hypertext: finding facts vs. browsing knowledge in hypertext systems restructuring knowledge for an electronic encyclopaedia the electronic teaching theatre - interactive hypermedia and mental models of the classroom. Part 4 Touchscreens: improving the accuracy of touchscreens - an experimental evaluation of three strategies high precision touchscreens - design strategies and comparisons with a mouse touchscreens now offer compelling uses touchscreen interfaces for alphanumeric data entry scheduling home control devices - a case study of the transition from the research project to a product. Part 5 Public access: guide to opportunities in volunteer archaeology - case study on the use of a hypertext system in a museum exhibit evaluating three museum installations of a hypertext system ACCESS at the Library of Congress user interface consistency - an evaluation of original and revised interfaces for a video disk library. Part 6 Information visualization - dynamic queries, treemaps and the filter. Part 7 Flow metaphor: dynamic queries for information exploration - an implementation and evaluation the dynamic home finder -evaluating dynamic queries in a real estate information exploration system treemaps - a space-filling approach to the visualization of hierarchical information structures. Part 8 Essays and explorations: a nonanthropomorphic style guide -overcoming the Humpty Dumpty syndrome human values and the future of technology - a declaration of responsibility engagement and construction - educational strategies for the post-TV era protecting rights in user interface designs declaration in Apple vs. Microsoft Hewlett Packard appendix - HCIL publications appendix - videos.

Abstract: A human oriented object programming system provides an interactive and dynamic modeling system to assist in the incremental building of computer programs which facilitates the development of complex computer programs such as operating systems and large applications with graphic user interfaces (GUIs). A program is modeled as a collection of units called components. A component represents a single compilable language element such as a class or a function. The three major functionality are the database, the compiler and the build mechanism. The database stores the components and properties. The compiler, along with compiling the source code of a property, is responsible for calculating the dependencies associated with a component. The build mechanism uses properties of components along with the compiler generated dependencies to correctly and efficiently sequence the compilation of components during a build process.

Abstract: We have developed a virtual-reality interface to a scanning tunneling microscope (STM); the resulting system is called the Nanomanipulator. The user interface comprises a stereoscopic color head-mounted display, a force-feedback remote manipulator master station, and a high-performance graphics computer. It provides the illusion of a surface floating in space in front of the user. The user's hand gestures are translated into commands that are sent to the STM in real time; the returned video and haptic signals allow the user to see and feel the surface topography and to control the timing and location of voltage pulses applied between the tip of the STM probe and the sample under study. My thesis is that a virtual-reality interface is a powerful and effective user interface to an STM--allowing qualitatively different types of experiments to be performed. The success of our investigations using this system demonstrates the validity of the thesis. We have used the Nanomanipulator to examine various surfaces and to perform surface modification experiments. This investigation has led to new insight into the meaning of certain surface features and into the mechanisms by which voltage pulses change the tip and sample. These insights were the direct results of the real-time visualization and the more interactive nature of our system compared to standard methods. The key to the success of the Nanomanipulator system is that it provides an intuitive two-way interface to the instrument. Raw data from an STM is not in a format easily understood by a scientist, and the Etch-a-Sketch type of controls required for positioning an STM tip are neither natural nor familiar to a user. The Nanomanipulator system acts as a translator between the instrument and the scientist, allowing the scientist to concentrate on interacting with the surface under study rather than on the computer interface or the STM itself. This system seeks to put the scientists on the surface, in control, while the experiment is happening--thus turning the STM from a remote, batch surface modifier into a real-time, user-guided surface modifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring secure communication over an unsecured communications medium between a user working on an unsecured workstation or computer and a host computer. A secure user interface is created by inserting a trusted path subsystem between input/output devices to the workstation and the workstation itself. Data transferred from the input/output devices is intercepted, encrypted and transmitted in packets to the host computer. Packets of screen display data from the host computer are decrypted and presented within a user-defined screen overlay.

Abstract: As a methodology to develop a force feedback system, the concept of "surface displaying" is introduced. A prototype mechanism and its control system is then designed and developed. Methodology for model calculation and simulation is discussed. The idea of texture mapping in a tactile sense is suggested, and is proven to be effective. >

Abstract: Two alternative user interface designs were subjected to user testing to measure user performance in a database query task. User performance was also estimated heuristically in three different ways and by use of formal GOMS modelling. The estimated values for absolute user performance had very high variability, but estimates of the relative advantage of the fastest interface were less variable. Choosing the fastest of the two designs would have a net present value more than 1,000 times the cost of getting the estimates. A software manager would make the correct choice every time in our case study if decisions were based on at least three independent estimates. User testing was 4.9 times as expensive as the cheapest heuristic method but provided better performance estimates.

Abstract: Graphical user interface system and methods for providing "hints" for screen objects of interest, particularly user interface elements which rely upon multitudes of iconic (bitmap image) indicia. The interface includes a static (status) frame or window positioned in a non-intrusive fashion below or to one side of a client area (active portion) of a user interface. The frame is continually updated with appropriate descriptors or "hints" (e.g., text and/or graphics) as a screen cursor moves from one screen object to another.

Abstract: A secure access control system has a 'smart' key assembly (25) with storage means (28) for storing identification data (29) and image data (30). An interface (31) provides communication between the key assembly (25) and an access control assembly (33) having a data processing assembly (44), a user interface assembly (45), a receiving slot (38) for the key assembly (25) and an identity verifier (39). The data processing assembly (44) is controlled by a central processor (34) and has data storage means (35). The user interface assembly has a keypad (36) and an LCD (37). The identity verifier (39) compares a sensed identification of a user with the image data (30) embedded in the key assembly (25).