Paper Reading#5 A Framework for Robust and Flexible Handling of Inputs with Uncertainty

Title: A Framework for Robust and Flexible Handling of Inputs with Uncertainty

Authors: Julia Schwarz, Scott E. Hudson, Jennifer Mankoff, Andrew D. Wilson

Author Bios:

Julia Schwarz is a grad student in Carnegie Mellon.

Scott E. Hudson is a professor for Carnegie Mellon.

Jennifer Mankoff is an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon

Andrew D. Wilson is a researcher at Microsoft

Everyone is currently still at Carnegie Mellon while Andrew is still at Microsoft

place: UIST '10 Proceedings of the 23nd annual ACM symposium on User interface software and technology in New York.

Summary:

Hypothesis:

introducing a way to reduce the amount of uncertainty when devices are reading gestures done by users

method:

did a demo to show its effectiveness. Test various technologies that currently exist and also provide incite into how it can also be applied effectively in the future.

6 cases:

window resizing

sliders

tiny buttons for touch input

smart text

speech text entry

improved GUI pointing

Each possible event is given a probability and this probability greatly affects what decision a device may make in the face of uncertain inputs. Interactors handle all events and all the different interactors receive an event in the case of uncertainty or ambiguity. 2 possible actions are then taken: temporary/final. The mediator decides on the action performed

Result:

the authors demonstrates methods of improving user/technology interactions in a easy a straightforward way

Content: 

This whole paper was meant to address different ways to solve problems that people often get into when interacting with devices. This is handled partly through new input framework that can be easily integrated into current products. The new frame work is based on probabilities and allows a better method of decision making, feedback, and accuracy despite possible ambiguity or uncertainty.

Discussion:

Although there was a demo on their method I wish there was more feedback from actual users or more intense method of participation by people in regards to the products effectiveness. I really had a sense of connection with this paper because I have to deal with input problems all the time. This is sometimes cause I’m not paying attention or cause the devices themselves are not so friendly.