Tomas Zeman

Multilanguage e-Learning Course for Industrial Automation

Compared to traditional forms of education, we can find many advantages for increasing the qualification with the help of interactive e-learning courses. Let us mention for example lower training costs, almost unlimited capacities (concerning the number of students taking the course simultaneously) and the possibility to return (even repeatedly) to already studied topics. The e-learning methods also bring opportunity to choose the most appropriate pace of training.

Consistent categorization of multimodal integration patterns during human–computer interaction

Multimodal interaction represents a more natural style of human-computer interaction permitting our developed communicative skills to interact with computer systems. It remains a challenging task to design reliable multimodal systems. Employing advanced methods providing optimal performance depends on precise modeling of integration patterns that allows adapting to preferences and differences of individual users. While basic foundation and empirical evidence around these differences has already been described and confirmed in previous research works, introduced measures and classifications seem oversimplified and insufficiently precise to design reliable and robust interaction models. In this paper, results of our study of multimodal integration patterns in systems combining speech and gesture input are presented. Important interaction differences of subjects and their specific multimodal integration patterns were confirmed and completed with our own findings. Based on the obtained results, a new integration pattern categorization is defined and analyzed. The introduced categorization provides more reliable and consistent results in comparison with classifications presented in related literature. Moreover, its generality means it is applicable on other input modality combinations.

Manitou: A multimodal interaction platform

Multimodal human-computer interaction combining multiple input modalities is the key for permitting our highly skilled and coordinated communicative behavior to control computer systems in flexible and natural manner. In this paper a multimodal interaction platform, called Manitou, is presented. The platform empowers researchers and developers to employ speech, gestures and other modalities in applications, enabling multimodal interaction. Key features of the platform are exposed to the web environment to facilitate a fast prototyping and delivering applications, exploiting multimodal interfaces. Benefits of the platform have been proven by a sample application and subsequent user experience survey.

Influence of Noise on IPTV over xDSL

This paper focuses on the impact of impulse noise on picture quality in IPTV service provided over access networks based on ADSL/ADSL2+ technology. Impulse noise is a non-stationary stochastic electromagnetic interference which consists in random occurrences of energy peaks with random amplitudes. The source of impulse noise can be the electromagnetic radiation from power cables, high-voltage power lines, power switching and control, and electrical discharges. The impulse noise, which is characterized by its short duration, is composed of peaks. These peaks occur in bursts, which cause so-called block errors in transmitted data.

Progressive Approaches to Education of Modern Modulation Methods

This paper analyzes modern education methods used in subjects dealing with data communications, more specifically with modulation methods.

Laboratory education of communication technologies

The paper describes a concept of a modern laboratory dedicated to education in the area of data communications. The laboratory is being built according to an analysis of pedagogical needs with respect to the recent trends, attempting to make the most of e-learning, access to virtual processes, flexible personal attendance and lectures on demand.

Improving Response Time through Multimodal Integration Pattern Modeling

While researchers have focused primarily on accuracy when addressing multimodal input segmentation, response time (or latency) has been rather overlooked in their work, despite its unquestionable importance. We propose a method of the input segmentation through integration pattern modeling that provides a significant improvement in response time over the state-of-the-art approaches, while maintaining remarkably high accuracy (98–99%). To this end, a new Bayesian Belief Network classification model was designed based on the recent empirical evidence about users’ multimodal integration patterns. The model is employed in a procedure to segment related inputs into multimodal units. Using the introduced procedure the response time can be improved to 0.8 seconds for sequential integrators and even dropped bellow 0.5 s for simultaneous, which represents a relative improvement of 20% and 50%, resp., at the very least. Although demonstrated on a combination of speech and gestures, the suggested approach can be generalized to a broad range of other modality mixtures.

Modelling of impulse noise in subscriber lines

This paper is dedicated to modelling of impulse noise. It presents a new model based on the application of general mathematical distributions. The new model has been verified by measurements of the impulse noise generated by home electrical appliances.

Multilingual and multisensorial dictionary tool as a support for the effective learning in the area of ICT

E-learning can be more efficient when training materials are supported by various additional interactive and explanatory tools. One such supporting tool we have developed and implemented in the framework of several Leonardo da Vinci (LdV) and Erasmus+ projects focused on the lifelong learning of experts from ICT area and vocational training. Training materials for topics in information and communication technologies are full of technical terminology and abbreviations. Therefore we provided students with a multilingual and multisensorial terminological dictionary. This paper presents the evolution, modifications and enhancements of this tool throughout the four EC projects. We mainly concentrate on its basic functions and features as well as graphical user interfaces which offer the end users the flexible access to multilingual terminological database. We also explain reasons why we changed its nature in particular projects.

Modeling of impulse noise in access networks

This paper describes a new model for studying impulse noise in metallic lines and offers theoretical base for modeling of impulse noise in digital communication systems intended for use with medium-voltage power distribution lines.