Zodiac: A history-based interactive video authoring system

This article is addressed to the issue of how interactive video can be used as a training tool for process operators. Several important instructional features of interactive video are discussed in the context of the interactive video training system (IVTS) approach and some examples of using interactive video in operator training are presented. It is suggested that in some situations interactive video may replace high fidelity simulators where these are not cost‐effective. It is also suggested that interactive video can be used as a preparatory training tool preceding the expensive training in high fidelity simulators or, in cases where simulators are not used, in the real work environment. The need for empirically derived data that can guide the design of interactive video as a training tool for process operators is stressed and suggestions for research are given.

Segmentation of video data stream aims to divide the stream into temporally shorter, meaningful and manageable segments. This is the first step towards content-based multimedia database management, contented-based retrieval and browsing, and is very important to many other applications that aim to work with content. This paper presents a novel video mining algorithm that uses genetic programming for evolved rule-based scene boundary detection and whose key advantage is that is video content independent. Hence, the algorithm can be applied without modification to different video sequences just by feeding it different training data.

The concept and advantages of the Drum–Buffer–Rope (DBR) scheduling and buffer management (BM) system are now widely accepted and recognized by the industrial communities. Therefore, there are several types of commercial DBR and BM business solution software such as OPT21™, DISASTER™, Visual DBR™, Synchrono™, Drummer™, etc., on the market. However, prior to implementation of any of these, factories must first gather a complete data set for their perspective throughput nets. This means that the users will be required to enter and maintain a complicated database and the degree of difficulty of the entire software system implementation process will also increase. Furthermore, it is also unrealistic to maintain the accuracy of these dynamic data in the fast-paced and competitive business environment. Therefore, in this article, we have proposed the Easy-to-Use DBR and BM system concept. The term ‘Easy-to-Use’ refers to the fact that users will be required to enter and maintain a minimal set of fundamental data to satisfy the factories’ operation needs. The system framework mentioned in our article contains the full and complete function of the DBR and BM system but with very limited data maintenance by the users. Therefore, with less procedural complexity, this system can produce a higher range of operational application and can attract higher interest from the users. The concept of simplified throughput net design proposed in our article cannot only be used as a reference when factories develop their own information systems, but can also provide a new design model and algorithm for the system software developers as well. Since the database maintenance is significantly simplified, the factories can quickly adapt to any changes in the dynamic, rapid-changing, and highly competitive production environment. In the article, we first describe the concept of the Easy-to-Use DBR and BM system and the steps to simplify the information system by using a simple throughput net. We then explain the system framework and design methodology. At the end, we have used a prototype system to demonstrate and to verify the applicability and efficiency of the concept and framework mentioned in our article.

Summary form only given. In recent years, large displays have become increasingly popular. Several notable examples are sharing visualized large size of data, smart office, digital signage, interactive public art, and architectural exterior displays. These systems consist of both software and real space components. For instance, interactive digital signage likely utilizes software, cameras, sensors, projectors, speakers, PCs, and real spaces: room for exhibition, urban building for projection. In order to make these systems work correctly or effectively, developers are required to configure software and real space components at the same time. While integrated development environments (IDE) of graphic design and software design have become popular like as Adobe Flash or Apple Interface Builder, we don't have an appropriate IDE of space design and software design. We are currently developing such an IDE, named City Compiler, which simulates how an interactive system made with processing runs in the 3D virtual world modeled with Google SketchUp. City Compiler facilitates the design of interactive systems concerning the choice of sensors, actuators and their placement in the 3D world, including the assessment of their range of sensitivity and effect, e.g. the visibility of a display.

Interactive videos have high potential in a wide range of learning scenarios in both private and professional life. Due to their unique combination of characteristics they can be used to create situational, exploratory and personalized learning experiences. As we are currently investigating the applicability, costs and benefits of interactive videos, we learned that interactive videos are a useful instrument especially in several areas of knowledge management, E-Business and E-Learning as well as entertainment. This article aims at providing a comprehensive understanding for the context, functionality, technical implemen-tation and suitable application scenarios of interactive video as well as provide experience gathered in several application projects in practice.

This paper presents the development of an interactive learning environment for dynamic simulation and active vibration control of flexible plate structures. The work is aimed to facilitate the learning process of the subject area through the development of an interactive environment that can help users to simulate and visualise behaviour of flexible structures with given physical characteristics, to test and validate controller designs. Simulation algorithms based on finite difference scheme in characterizing the dynamic behaviour of a two-dimensional such as plate structures are incorporated. Controller design strategies are integrated within this framework. The design and implementation of the interactive learning system incorporating the simulation algorithms, modelling and control strategies, are developed using Matlab. The result of the simulation is further utilized in the modelling and control of the specified flexible plate structure.

Telepresence, especially in the form of interactive video, is becoming critical to modern warfare, delivering intelligence and enhancing situation awareness. This paper describes an interactive video communication system, Indirect Networked Target-Enhanced Robust Video-Interaction Telepresence (INTERVIT), that has been developed at Physical Optics Corporation (POC). The system consists of ground visual sensors, real-time video compression and target assessment and tracking, and secure wireless transmission. The paper describes the design, fabrication and test for an implemented experimental INTERVIT system.

Software is rapidly moving from the desktop to the Web. The Web provides a generic user interface that allows ubiquitous access, instant collaboration, integration with other online services, and avoids installation and configuration on desktop computers. For software development, the Web presents a shift away from developer workstations as a silo, and has the promise of closer collaboration and improved feedback through innovations in Web-based interactive development environments (IDEs). Moving IDEs to the Web is not just a matter of porting desktop IDEs; a fundamental reconsideration of the IDE architecture is necessary in order to realize the full potential that the combination of modern IDEs and the Web can offer. This paper discusses research challenges and opportunities in this area, guided by a pilot study of a web IDE implementation.

Automation systems are gaining lot of popularity nowadays and are being used at various places such as shopping malls, toll gates, airports, etc. In this paper, we present the implementation details of two schemes for home automation and control. The first scheme presents a prototype of Home Automation System (HAS) for remotely controlling the appliances at home through the subject of email. This system is based on ARM11 Raspberry Pi microcontroller board. Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is used for developing the necessary software. The second scheme uses Bluetooth technology for controlling the devices when we are at home. It uses a HC-05 Bluetooth module and Bluetooth Controller mobile application for switching on or off the appliances. Relays and LEDs are used as load to demonstrate the working of the system. This prototype design can be extended for several applications including surveillance, power monitoring, fault monitoring, power control and security.

An expert system called SEIB (sustaining-engineer-in-a-box) has been developed to allow routine lithography troubleshooting to be performed by manufacturing personnel, reducing their dependence on sustaining engineers. SEIB is a multi-media, multi-interface expert system, capable of utilizing interactive video images, PC-based information, and database information contained within a mainframe computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system. SEIB utilizes a custom expert system contained within a DVIR interactive video platform. This allows for quick resolution of problems without engineering intervention. Because of its design, the system can be easily adapted to any functional area in the fabrication facility.

This research is based on data from clinical information systems such as HIS, EMR, LIS, etc, based on the functions of the traditional paper bedside card, relying on wired network technology, using the Internet of Things technology to design and develop a multi-functional intelligent interactive electronic bedside card system for inpatients. The functional framework of the system is introduced and discussed in detail, and the design is carried out from several aspects of system architecture, network architecture, software architecture, database and software system. The results show that the system has stable performance and can ensure the real-time and accuracy of medical information. The implementation of the system can fully meet the needs of clinical first-line ward management, reduce the workload of nursing staff, improve work efficiency, and reduce the possibility of medical accidents. At the same time, it can facilitate patients to see their own health information, improve patient experience. It has important guiding significance for the development of ward management and hospital information construction.

This study reports on the effect of using interactive learning environment system by embedding problem-posing and problem-solving learning pattern as a flow of interaction. This interactive learning environment system is attempted as a solution to help understand and learn basic programming in Vocational High Schools. The effects that will be known are student learning outcomes and tracking of question-level patterns. The research method used was a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group design, involving 36 vocational high school students who were divided into an experimental group (N=18) and a control group (N=18). For data analysis, the technique of independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test was used. The results showed that student learning outcomes on each test there were significant differences after using interactive learning environment system and there was a good improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group. A total of 20 questions are provided for each test with a different pattern. Analysis of the level pattern of questions is done by distinguishing between the database answer key system and student answers. The tracking results showed that on the 1st test the level of accuracy occurred in 12 questions with the easy category and for the 2nd test the accuracy level occurred in 14 questions with the easy category.

This paper presents an interactive video system that enables users to change the flow of video playback by interacting with hotspots that were predefined throughout the video streams. These hotspots are synchronized with the underlying video streams and the interactions result in smooth transitions between the preloaded targets. This approach allows the dynamic visualization of content by interacting with the hotspots and producing the consequent changes in the flow of the story. The system includes web-based and mobile video players specifically developed to deal with the interactive features, as well as a configuration tool that allows content managers to choose which pre-produced interaction possibilities will be used for a specific target audience. The interactive video solution presented herein has potential to be used as a powerful communication tool, in commercial, e-learning, accessibility and entertainment contexts.

This paper introduces an interactive video system and its architecture where several systems cooperate to manage the services of interactive video. Each system is specialized according to the data it handles and the functionality it performs. A system can be a database (for billing purposes) or just a video store system (to store the video data) lacking the typical features of a database or an information retrieval system to support indexing and querying of video data. Because quality of service is an important requirement for whole management system, a specific system is introduced in the architecture. Such system monitors the bandwidth of the network, the buffer size and the frame size and rate. The resulting architecture of interactive video system consists of several systems cooperating through an active rules based workflow system to integrate their functionalities while preserving autonomy, extensibility and data integrity where necessary.

Our objective was to assess the acceptability of using an interactive video system in a general practice setting to inform patients about treatment choices. A descriptive cohort study was carried out in eight general practices in Oxfordshire. Fifty-four patients with mild hypertension and 29 with benign prostatic hypertrophy were studied. Patients' views of the video, treatment preference, level of involvement in treatment decision and satisfaction with decision-making process and GPs' views of the effect of the video on subsequent consultations were measured. Both patients and GPs reported favourable impressions of the interactive video system: 71% of patients said it definitely helped with their treatment decision; GPs said they found the video helpful in 82% of cases. The results of this pilot study were sufficiently encouraging to indicate the need for a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the video on the doctor-patient relationship, on subsequent treatment decisions and on health outcomes and patients' well-being.