Grids and networks

Intuitive and efficient interaction techniques are a fundamental component of most visualization tools. The integration of interaction techniques into visual representations (and automatic analysis methods in visual analytics) supports the human-information discourse and can be realized in various ways. But we also have to take care that our interaction and visual representation techniques are validated in order to get a clear understanding of their efficiency and usability. In this talk, I will explore current and identify future trends in the development of novel interaction and evaluation techniques for information visualization and related fields. Here, I especially want to highlight recent findings in the use of brain-computer interfaces to adapt and evaluate visualizations.

The aim of this research is to build adaptive interaction techniques and methods for speech user interfaces. The focus is on interaction methods which can adapt to the different users and interaction situations. This includes multilinguality, different communication strategies, robust error handling methods and complex structural elements. The research is done in the context of the Jaspis framework, which is a general architecture for speech application development. Jaspis is based on an adaptive interaction model, which includes input agents, dialogue agents and presentation agents. Using these it is possible to construct highly adaptive, modular and reusable interaction techniques for speech applications.

This paper explores the basic interaction methods and techniques in intelligent decision support systems (IDSS) based on PMCDSS (project management and control DSS) that is our developed project during last six years. From that we found that a computer system has to possess reasonable high-level interaction methods, styles and techniques so as to increase the system function and availability. In the paper, we introduce the PMCDSS as a case study first, and then focus on the role of interaction in system running and its requirements. Further we give the summary of interaction methods and techniques in system analysis and design, such as object-oriented modelling, direct-manipulation style, combining dialogue with computing and determining of interaction structure and interactive points. The aim of this paper is to emphasise the interactive roles, not only to envisage the interface design but also to devote substantial attention to the deep level of human intelligence and thought interacting with machine. >

This paper discusses challenges and approaches of interaction and navigation techniques for multi-perspective views (MPVs) in the context of 3D geovirtual environments. In contrast to single-perspective views, MPVs seamlessly combine multiple views from different perspectives in one image to reduce occlusion and visual clutter while providing additional context information.3D geovirtual environments often provide a single-perspective view and use interaction techniques that are based on ray-casting. The application of ray-cast based interaction techniques for MPVs introduces a number of technical challenges. We show how existing interaction techniques can be adapted for the application to multi-perspective city panoramas. Further, we introduce interaction techniques that enable a fast and directed exploration of virtual 3D building models based on multi-perspective detail+overview visualization.

At the core of successful visual analytics systems are computational techniques that transform data into concise, human comprehensible visual representations. The general process often requires multiple transformation steps before a final visual representation is generated. This article characterizes the complex raw data to be analyzed and then describes two different sets of transformations and representations. The first set transforms the raw data into more concise representations that improve the performance of sophisticated computational methods. The second transforms internal representations into visual representations that provide the most benefit to an interactive user. The end result is a computing system that enhances an end user's analytic process with effective visual representations and interactive techniques. While progress has been made on improving data transformations and representations, there is substantial room for improvement.

Analysis of raw volume data generated from different scanning technologies faces a variety of challenges, related to search, pattern recognition, spatial understanding, quantitative estimation, and shape description. In a previous study, we found that the Volume Cracker (VC) 3D interaction (3DI) technique mitigated some of these problems, but this result was from a tethered glove-based system with users analyzing simulated data. Here, we redesigned the VC by using untethered bare-hand interaction with real volume datasets, with a broader aim of adoption of this technique in research labs. We developed symmetric and asymmetric interfaces for the Bare-Hand Volume Cracker (BHVC) through design iterations with a biomechanics scientist. We evaluated our asymmetric BHVC technique against standard 2D and widely used 3D interaction techniques with experts analyzing scanned beetle datasets. We found that our BHVC design significantly outperformed the other two techniques. This study contributes a practical 3DI design for scientists, documents lessons learned while redesigning for bare-hand trackers, and provides evidence suggesting that 3D interaction could improve volume data analysis for a variety of visual analysis tasks. Our contribution is in the realm of 3D user interfaces tightly integrated with visualization, for improving the effectiveness of visual analysis of volume datasets. Based on our experience, we also provide some insights into hardware-agnostic principles for design of effective interaction techniques.

At the time of this paper, the advances in light field technology already offer 3D displays that immerse the users without the need for additional viewing devices. Despite the numerous advantages and attractive capabilities of such glasses-free 3D displays, their user interface methods are quite complicated and they are currently underwhelming when compared to conventional 2D displays, due to the fact that visual feedback can only be rendered sharply on the emission surface of light field displays. The sharp rendering of user interfaces is a necessity, as blur may hinder their fundamental functions. When it comes to 2D displays, many user interaction techniques and interfaces have been devised. Rendering a user interface on a 2D display could be done in various ways, such as rendering overlays on top of the rendered scene, or by using billboards. These are extensively used in modern video games. User interaction methods have proven their importance and added efficiency to virtual environments throughout the years. Due to their overall value and usefulness, interaction techniques develop immediately as new types of displays arise. With the recent advancements in visualization technologies, user interfaces have been redesigned for use in AR, VR and MR visualization. This includes on-screen augmentation, which enables interaction with visual content on the screen. Although light field displays contain immense potentials, only basic user interfaces have been devised thus far, including FOX (Focus Sliding surface), which grants users the option to scale and to rotate 3D objects. In this paper, we visualize the theater model on real light field displays and we test the different interactions by means of a monitor room. The theatre model is analogous to real-life theatres, where viewers may observe the theatrical presentation on the stage from various angles. The motivation to choose the theater model was the fact that light field visualization similarly allows multiple simultaneous viewers within its field of view, in which the content can be observed in an angle- dependent manner. Moreover, from the users’ perspective, the theater model is thus familiar and it provides high-quality visual feedback. Furthermore, theater stages encompass a lot of interactions, including rigging and flying systems, pulleys, rotating stages, lights, curtains etc. In order to test the different interaction methods on light field displays, a theater model depicting the virtual environment was implemented. Methods for rendering the monitor room and the results of the interactions are discussed in the paper, illustrated by images of the actual visualization on light field displays. It is shown that producing plausible results with no noticeable visual artifacts is challenging, yet possible. The scientific contributions of the paper also highlight the various novel user interfaces for future light field systems and services.

IntroductionExtended reality (XR) technologies, particularly gaze‐based interaction methods, have evolved significantly in recent years to improve accessibility and reach broader user communities. While previous research has improved the simplicity and inclusivity of gaze-based choice, the adaptability of such systems ‐ particularly in terms of user comfort and fault tolerance ‐ has not yet been fully explored.MethodsIn this study, four gaze‐based interaction techniques were examined in a visual search game in virtual reality (VR). A total of 52 participants were involved. The techniques tested included selection by dwell time, confirmation by head orientation, nodding and smooth pursuit eye movements. Both subjective and objective performance measures were assessed, using the NASA‐TLX for perceived task load and time to complete the task and score for objective evaluation.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the interaction techniques in terms of NASA‐TLX dimensions, target search time and overall performance. The results indicate different levels of efficiency and intuitiveness of each method. Gender differences in interaction preferences and cognitive load were also found.DiscussionThese findings highlight the importance of personalizing gaze‐based VR interfaces to the individual user to improve accessibility, reduce cognitive load and enhance the user experience. Personalizing gaze interaction strategies can support more inclusive and effective VR systems that benefit both general and accessibility‐focused populations.

Large display walls and personal devices such as Smartphones have complementary characteristics. While large displays are well-suited to multi-user interaction (potentially with complex data), they are inherently public and generally cannot present an interface adapted to the individual user. However, effective multi-user interaction in many cases depends on the ability to tailor the interface, to interact without interfering with others, and to access and possibly share private data. The combination with personal devices facilitates exactly this. Multi-device interaction concepts enable data transfer and include moving parts of UIs to the personal device. In addition, hand-held devices can be used to present personal views to the user. Our work will focus on using personal devices for true multi-user interaction with interactive display walls. It will cover appropriate interaction techniques as well as the technical foundation and will be validated with corresponding application cases.

INTRODUCTION. Building effective communication with the target audience through media texts is a relevant technique of interactive interaction. The correlation of methods of interactive communication with a regional audience and the functional purpose of elements of a social media media text is studied. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the convergence of the functionality of interactive methods of communication with a regional audience in media texts of social media. The theoretical novelty of the work lies in identifying the convergence of the functionality of media texts, in introducing the concept of “landing” of media content into scientific circulation.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The theoretical basis of the study was the works of L.R. Duskaeva, E.A. Zvereva, A.A. Kazakov, N.I. Klushina, A.M. Shesterina on the use of interactive techniques in media texts. The most comprehensive Tambov communities on VKontakte and Telegram channels were selected as an empirical base. The study used the method of content analysis of social media texts for 2023-2024.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The following conclusions were formulated in the course of the study: 1) each speech technique performs several functions, which indicates the convergence of the functionality of media texts; 2) speech techniques of interactive communication in synthesis with technical means demonstrate effectiveness; 3) speech techniques are a manipulative means, and technical means are used to implement media communication tasks.CONCLUSION. Interactive speech techniques in media texts allow to influence the user, involve him in the news item and form a certain opinion about it, motivate to leave a social reaction to the media content. This gives the authors the opportunity to make the platform more recognizable and interesting, as well as to increase the effectiveness of the community.

We present a set of interaction techniques that make novel use of a small pressure-sensitive pad to allow one-handed direct control of a large number of parameters. The surface of the pressure-sensitive pad is logically divided into four linear strips which simulate traditional interaction metaphors and the functions of which may be modified dynamically under software control. No homing of the hand or fingers in needed once the fingers are placed above their corresponding strips. We show how the number of strips on the pad can be virtually extended from four to fourteen by detecting contact pressure differences and dual-finger motions. Due to the compact size of the device and the method of interaction, which does not rely on on-screen widgets or the 2D navigation of a cursor, the versatile input system may be used in applications, where it is advantageous to minimize the amount of visual feedback required for interaction.

The article examines the essence of interactive learning as an educational process that takes place in the conditions of constant and active interaction of the teacher with all students. The features of interactive teaching methods are determined, as activation of the student’s thinking process; long term of student activity; independence of judgment; constant interaction of students with each other and the teacher. The general techniques of the interactive lesson in teaching the topic «Contract of trust management of property» - a role-playing legal game-are considered, the strengths of this training method are analyzed. The article highlights the issues of innovative methods and forms of education, reveals the essence of the concept of «innovation» in teaching at TSUL. The definition of an innovative method, methodology, approach, and technology is given. Differentiation of teaching methods is considered taking into account the interaction – teacher and student. The author expresses the opinion that the modern methodology for teaching the topic «Property trust agreement» is a methodology built on an effective approach to teaching, according to which there are certain methods and they have been discussed in the article. It is argued that interactive and innovative teaching methods are multicomponent. Specific interactive and innovative teaching methods and techniques are considered to ensure high efficiency of the educational process in teaching legal disciplines - error analysis, brainstorming, Socratic dialogue, business (role) play and others. The article emphasizes the forms of teaching based on the synthesis of classroom and extracurricular work are highly productive and promising. Concrete proposals have been formulated for the development and implementation of interactive and innovative forms and methods of teaching, which are an important component of scientific and methodological and educational work at the university.

This paper represents an examination of recent research in the fields of urban planning, visual artwork, visual image and text analysis, according to which the increasing importance of visual representation in modern society has altered the traditional understanding of visual representation in urban planning. Therefore it is a challenge for architects and urbanists to model and represent urban planning strategies visually to an ever-wider audience of experts and non-experts in urban planning. The focus of this paper is on the consolidation of various cross-disciplinary criteria and how to conceptualise visual representation in urban planning. Santrauka Straipsnyje nagrinėjami svarbūs miesto planavimui, vizualiajam menui, vizualiesiems atvaizdams ir teksto analizei skirti tyrimai. Remiantis šiais tyrimais, didėjanti vizualiosios reprezentacijos svarba moderniojoje visuomenėje keičia tos reprezentacijos naudojimą miesto planavime. Tai iššūkis architektams kaip vizualizacijų ekspertams, pristatant miesto planavimo strategijas plačiai tiek specialistų, tiek ir ne specialistų auditorijai. Šiame darbe dėmesys sutelkiamas ties kūrybingumu, apspręsto kriterijų, susijusių su vizualiosios reprezentacijos miesto planavime įsisąmoninimu.

The current article analyses the activity of raftsmen in the capture expedition in the urban beach of Ponta Negra, Natal-RN-Brazil emphasizing the prevalence of pain/discomfort.2 MATERIALS AND METHODWork Ergonomic Analysis-WEA was used as a reference methodology (Guèrin et al, 2001; Vidal, 2003). In order to perform the modelling, observational and interactional methods were used and also specific protocols. The observational methods include systematic open observational techniques and simulations and also the use of auxiliary resources to record and further analysis, such as photographic and video cameras. The methods and interactional techniques used were the following; social and economical questionnaire, conversational actions, spontaneous and provoked verbalizations, self-confrontations and workshops (collective analysis). The diagram of painful areas was applied (Corllet et al, 1980) and the Nordic Questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms (Kourinka, 1986) in search of report of pain from the raftsmen. Twenty-one raftsmen participated in the research (50% of the population). For the statistic analysis of data it was used Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and the software R(version 2.11.1).

The study was conducted to identify relevant interactive methods of teaching English. For this purpose, a survey of the level of motivation to language learning was conducted, which included a pedagogical experiment with 46 students of 7 grades of the public school “Taalim”. The results of questionnaire survey of students and observation revealed a qualitative positive growth of linguistic creativity and motivation to learn English, due to the use of role-playing games and theatrical performances in lessons. To investigate the use of interactive techniques in English language teaching and to share experiences with colleagues, a conversation was held with 23 teachers, including undergraduates using these methods. The paper examines the concepts of motivation, play, dramatization, describes the main types and methods of using interactive techniques in teaching. It was determined that games and dramatization play an important role in learning. The use of role-playing games promotes language learning, helps to increase cognitive interest in the subject, while making the learning process less difficult, develops memory and thinking, focuses attention on a particular subject, and motivates students to learn English. Dramatization technologies develop imagination, contribute to the automatic understanding of rhymed language phrases, and the development of the student’s sensory and emotional sphere. The conducted research highlighted the main features of the use of game techniques in the process of teaching English and argued that it is important to introduce games and dramatization into the learning process. Interactive methods imply the interest of students in mastering a foreign language, the desire to perceive a foreign language and learn to speak a foreign language. Linguistic creativity and motivation are enhanced through role-playing and dramatization, enabling children to overcome the language barrier and increase their own self-esteem.