Meriem Riahi

A model based approach to semi-automated user interface generation for process control interactive applications

Abstract The purpose of this paper is the description of a model-based approach (called ERGO-CONCEPTOR) to semi-automated user interface (UI) generation. Its application field concerns process control interactive applications. From a database describing the industrial process (for instance a chemical process) to be supervised, the system is able to generate automatically UI specifications using guidelines. The specifications contain eventually, design alternatives. They can be selected by the designer who can then interactively generate the UI. ERGO-CONCEPTOR is composed of three main modules. The first allows an interactive process description according to three sub-models (a physical model, a structural model and a functional model). The second module uses a knowledge-based approach for the automated generation of the UI specification. Finally, the third module is used by the designer to interactively generate the specified UI.

XML in formal specification, verification and generation of mobile HCI

Our work is carried out in the framework of a global approach for Human-Computer Interaction design and automatic generation. This approach is based on a formal modeling of the Human-Computer Interaction. We propose a Model Based Design Approach (MBDA). We are concerned with identifying the user tasks and requirements and further with the automatic graphical interface validation and generation. Therefore we use Petri Nets. Indeed, the Petri Nets are very efficient in formal modeling of HCI. Our research focuses on mobile HCI. It aims to analyze the ubiquitous environment using ontology described in OWL2 standard. We face difficulties in modeling ontology in XML using Petri Nets. Thus, it becomes necessary to adopt approaches for manipulation of Petri nets via XML as PNML or XML Nets.

De la modélisation des dysfonctionnements d'un système complexe à la déduction des besoins informationnels des utilisateurs: une transition difficile en IHM

In industrial processes, the dysfunction modelling step is a must. It is performed in the beginning of the design process. Information carried out in this step offers a great opportunity to deduce the users informational needs. However, going from the dysfunction modelling step to the users informational needs deduction step still seems to be difficult and is often miss studied on complex cases. In this paper, we present a way of solution. An illustration is given too.

XML and Petri Nets in specification and generation of mobile HCI

We propose, in this paper, a global approach, based on a formal modeling of the mobile Human-Computer Interaction. It aims to analyze an ubiquitous environment using ontology, described in OWL; and modeling the environment by using a combination of Petri Nets and XML as the Petri Net Markup Language (PNML). In our research, we are interested particularly in the integration of OWL with PNML. How to ensure data exchange between the analyzing and modeling phases of a Human-Computer System? And how can the OWL data feed our Petri Nets?

Une approche IDM pour l'adaptation ergonomique au contexte d'IHM mobile

With the notion of mobility and computing ubiquity, we have migrated from the user-centered design to the context-based design, integrating user, platform and environment. We have passed from the presentation ergonomics and adaptation to the user profiles to the contextual ergonomics and the management of nomadic objects. It is against this background that fits our research. We propose, for that purpose, an approach, based on MDA (Model-Driven Architecture) concepts, for ergonomic adaptation to the context. It is based on a generic context model and transformation models.

Use of Formalized Guidelines for Semi-Automated Generation of GUI: The Ergo-Conceptor+ Tool

Automated applications with high degree of security require the permanent presence of human operator to control the system’s evolution and to react to unexpected events. In order to help the operator in its different tasks, GUI are generally proposed. But the major problems for the development of such interfaces is to decide: What to present in these interfaces? When and how to present it? Our research deals with these problems and proposes a design approach of user interfaces based on guidelines. This approach is supported by a tool called Ergo-conceptor+.