43 research outputs found
Parallel earcons: reducing the length of audio messages
No full textThis paper describes a method of presenting structured audio messages, earcons, in parallel so that they take less time to play and can better keep pace with interactions in a human-computer interface. The two component parts of a compound earcon are played in parallel so that the time taken is only that of a single part. An experiment was conducted to test the recall and recognition of parallel compound earcons as compared to serial compound earcons. Results showed that there are no differences in the rates of recognition between the two groups. Non-musicians are also shown to be equal in performance to musicians. Some extensions to the earcon creation guidelines of Brewster, Wright and Edwards are put forward based upon research into auditory stream segregation. Parallel earcons are shown to be an effective means of increasing the presentation rates of audio messages without compromising recognition rates
Using non-speech sounds to improve access to 2D tabular numerical information for visually impaired users
No full textWe investigated two solutions for numerical (2D) tabular data discovery and overview for visually impaired and blind users. One involved accessing information in tables (26 rows x 10 columns containing integers between and including 0 and 100) by this target user group using both speech and non-speech sounds. The other involved accessing similar information in tables of the same size through speech only by the same user group. We found that opportunities to access data through non-speech sounds result in a highly significant decrease in the overall subjective workload, more specifically in the mental, temporal, performance, and frustration workload categories. This subjective workload assessment was supported by our quantitative results which showed a highly significant decrease in the average time taken to complete a given data comprehension task and a significant increase in the number of successuflly completed tasks
Audio Preview Cues: Interaction Aides for Exploration of Online Music and Beyond
No full textWe present a light weight mechanism called preview cues that allows non-experts to explore an audio collection by providing supporting information (analogous to the use of tooltips) at the point of interest
The design and evaluation of an auditory-enhanced scrollbar
No full textA structured method is described for the analysis of interactions to identify situations where hidden information may exist and where non-speech sound might be used to overcome the associated problems. Interactions are considered in terms of events, status and modes to find any hidden information. This is then categorised in terms of the feedback needed to present it. An auditory-enhanced scrollbar, based on the method described, was then experimentally tested. Timing and error rates were used along with subjective measures of workload. Results from the experiment show a significant reduction in time to complete one task, a decrease in the mental effort required and an overall preference for the auditory-enhanced scrollbar
Course grades and standardized tests as predictors of successful completion of the associate degree nursing program at Lakeshore Technical College
No full textPlan BDue to the increasingly severe shortage of registered nurses, Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) is now more aware of, and more determined to deal with the issues of student recruitment and retention. Successful completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program (A.D.N.) at Lakeshore Technical College depends on many factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic to the program. Variables that affect the learner such as family concerns, health, or program related issues might lead to problems in school related areas such as retention. Student records of 174 LTC associate degree nursing students, enrolling in the program in and after January of 1997, who graduated, failed, or withdrew from the program by May 2000, will be analyzed. Grades received in specific required general education courses, pre-nursing required science courses, and scores received on the American College Test (ACT) or Assessment of Student Skills for Entry Test (ASSET) will be studied. This data will be examined to determine if a pattern exists between grades, standardized testing scores, and retention in the LTC associate degree-nursing (A.D.N.) program. Analysis of the data obtained in this research may identify factors that could alert faculty members to academic problems and potential failure of the student. It would also allow for early intervention to aid the student through the use of guidance, faculty or peer assistance, and promote successful completion of the program
Lively voice: a new model for speaking synthetic characters
No full textSpeech is one component of most synthetic characters. It is often assumed that the most important objective for such characters is that they should be ‘life-like’, ‘natural’ and ‘believable’. This paper suggests that this is inappropriate and that a better quality is one which we call ‘liveliness’. This concept and many of the ideas behind it derive from the theatre. One of the objectives of this work is to establish the same kind of relationship between the synthetic character and the user as exists between an actor and an audience, the audience is not fooled that the actor ’is’ the character, no more should the synthetic character be expected to be a real person. It is proposed to test these ideas in a performance bringing together an actor, an audience and a computer, all interacting and producing laughter in the audience
