1,721,016 research outputs found
LogicGlue: Hardware-Independent Embedded Programming Through Platform-Independent Drivers
No full textThe growing capabilities of microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators, coupled with decreasing costs, have led to a proliferation of embedded interactive systems. Prototyping such electronic systems has become democratized across a broad audience, including students, hobbyists, professional engineers, and programmers. Central to this evolution is the ease of software development, and in particular, the availability of low-level drivers and programming libraries which have significantly lowered the barriers to programming these systems. However, this ecosystem often presents challenges due to the tight coupling between programming libraries, drivers, and the underlying sensors and actuators. This frequently leads to compatibility issues. This paper introduces LogicGlue, which addresses these challenges by providing a platform-independent driver specification format. LogicGlue driver specifications allow hardware-independent application logic to be written, facilitating the process of interchanging components with minimal-to-no code adjustments. Unlike existing solutions, LogicGlue supports efficient interfacing via native communication protocols. This approach not only simplifies electronics prototyping but also ensures compatibility between various types of electronic components from different vendors. By reducing the complexity of hardware integration, LogicGlue enables a more seamless exploration of novel interactive behaviours and interfaces, forming a new tool for engineering interactive computing systems.This research was supported in part by the Special Research Fund (BOF) project BOF19KP04 and in part by the U.K. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Grant EP/W020564/1
Rataplan: Resilient Automation of User Interface Actions with Multi-modal Proxies
No full textWe present Rataplan, a robust and resilient pixel-based approach for linking multi-modal proxies to automated sequences of actions in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). With Rataplan, users demonstrate a sequence of actions and answer human-readable follow-up questions to clarify their desire for automation. After demonstrating a sequence, the user can link a proxy input control to the action which can then be used as a shortcut for automating a sequence. Alternatively, output proxies use a notification model in which content is pushed when it becomes available. As an example use case, Rataplan uses keyboard shortcuts and tangible user interfaces (TUIs) as input proxies, and TUIs as output proxies. Instead of relying on available APIs, Rataplan automates GUIs using pixel-based reverse engineering. This ensures our approach can be used with all applications that offer a GUI, including web applications. We implemented a set of important strategies to support robust automation of modern interfaces that have a flat and minimal style, have frequent data and state changes, and have dynamic viewports.ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This research was supported by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Hasselt University and by the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), project G0E7317N End-User Development of Intelligible Internet-of-Things Objects and Applications
JigFab: Computational Fabrication of Constraints to FacilitateWoodworking with Power Tools
No full textstatus: Publishe
Challenges and Opportunities for Delay-Invariant Telerobotic Interactions
No full textEffective operation in direct-control telerobotics relies heavily on real-time communication between the operator and the robot, as the operator retains full control over the robot’s actions. However, in scenarios involving long distances, communication delays disrupt this feedback loop, creating significant challenges for precise control. To investigate these challenges, we conducted a user study where participants operated a TurtleBot3 Waffle Pi under varying delay conditions. Post-experiment brainstorming and analysis revealed recurring challenges, including over-correction, unpredictable robot behavior, and reduced situational awareness. Potential solutions identified include improving robot behavior predictability, integrating feedforward mechanisms, and enhancing visual feedback. These findings underscore the importance of designing intelligent interfaces to mitigate the impact of delays on telerobotic performance.This work was funded by the Flemish Government under the “Onderzoeksprogramma Artificiële Intelligentie (AI) Vlaanderen” program and by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Hasselt University, BOF23OWB29. The infrastructure for this work is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU project MAXVR-INFRA and the Flemish government
Demonstrating History in Motion: Interactive 3D Animated Visualizations for Understanding and Exploring the Modeling History of 3D CAD Designs
No full textHistory in Motion (HiM) is an interactive visualization tool that enables CAD designers to interactively explore the design history of 3D CAD models. In contrast to manually exploring the modeling history of a CAD project, designers can select geometry elements to find relevant modeling features in HiM. These modeling features are then explained to designers using a novel 3D interactive animation that visualizes how the modeling features interact, and are used on top of the CAD model, to realize the selected geometry. A control panel in HiM allows for a deeper exploration of the modeling features, with shortcuts for making modifications. During this demonstration, attendees can experiment with HiM on a variety of CAD designs and explore their design histories.This research was supported by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Hasselt Universit
AntHand: Interaction Techniques for Precise Telerobotic Control Using Scaled Objects in Virtual Environments
No full textThis paper introduces AntHand, a set of interaction techniques for enhancing precision and adaptability in telerobotics through the use of scaled objects in virtual environments. AntHand operates in three phases: up-scaling interaction, for detailed control through a magnified virtual model; constraining interaction, which locks movement dimensions for accuracy; and post-editing, allowing manipulation trace optimization and noise reduction. Leveraging a use-case related to surgery, the application of AntHand is showcased in a scenario demanding high accuracy and precise manipulation. AntHand demonstrates how collaboration between humans and robots can improve precise control of robot actions in telerobotic operations, while maintaining the familiar use of traditional tools, rather than relying on specialized controllers.SIGAI, SIGCHI
This work was funded by the Flemish Government under the “Onderzoeksprogramma Artificiële Intelligentie (AI) Vlaanderen” programme and by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Hasselt University, BOF23OWB29
History in Motion: Interactive 3D Animated Visualizations for Understanding and Exploring the Modeling History of 3D CAD Designs
No full textWe present History in Motion (HiM), an interactive visualization tool that enables CAD designers to interactively explore the design history of 3D CAD models. In contrast to manually exploring the modeling history of a CAD project, HiM finds relevant modeling features for geometry elements selected by the designer. We contribute a novel 3D interactive animation that visualizes how the modeling features interact, and are used on top of the CAD model, to realize the geometry. A control panel allows for a deeper exploration of the modeling features, with shortcuts for making modifications.Special Research Fund (BOF) of Hasselt Universit
SOLDAR: Supporting Low-Volume PCB Prototyping Using Collaborative Robots and Augmented Reality
No full textPrinted circuit boards (PCBs) are fundamental to modern electronics and are present in almost every electronic device. However, despite their ubiquity, current PCB assembly methods can be time-consuming and lack flexibility for one-off designs. This poster investigates how low-volume PCB prototyping can be enhanced by integrating collaborative robots (cobots) and Augmented Reality (AR). Specifically, we introduce SOLDAR, a system that facilitates the soldering of electronic through-hole components on PCBs. By using a cobot for optimal PCB positioning and AR glasses for step-by-step guidance, SOLDAR aims to streamline the assembly process. The expected outcomes are increased efficiency, reduced assembly time, and greater flexibility for low-volume PCB prototyping designs. To validate these hypotheses, user experiments are necessary.This work was funded by the Flemish Government under the “Onderzoeksprogramma Artificiële Intelligentie (AI) Vlaanderen” program and by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Hasselt University, BOF23OWB29. The infrastructure for this work is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU project MAXVR-INFRA and the Flemish government
LamiFold: Fabricating Objects with Integrated Mechanisms Using a Laser cutter Lamination Workflow
No full textWe present LamiFold, a novel design and fabrication workflow for making functional mechanical objects using a laser cutter. Objects fabricated with LamiFold embed advanced rotary, linear, and chained mechanisms, including linkages that support fine-tuning and locking position. Laser cutting such mechanisms without LamiFold requires designing for and embedding off-the-shelf parts such as springs, bolts, and axles for gears. The key to laser cutting our functional mechanisms is the selective cutting and gluing of stacks of sheet material. Designing mechanisms for this workflow is non-trivial, therefore we contribute a set of mechanical primitives that are compatible with our lamination workflow and can be combined to realize advanced mechanical systems. Our software design environment facilitates the process of inserting and composing our mechanical primitives and realizing functional laser-cut objects.status: Publishe
StrutModeling: A Low-Fidelity Construction Kit to Iteratively Model, Test, and Adapt 3D Objects
No full textWe present StrutModeling, a computationally enhanced construction kit that enables users without a 3D modeling background to prototype 3D models by assembling struts and hub primitives in physical space. Physical 3D models are immediately captured in software and result in readily available models for 3D printing. Given the concrete physical format of StrutModels, modeled objects can be tested and fine tuned in the presence of existing objects and specific needs of users. StrutModeling avoids puzzling with pieces by contributing an adjustable strut and universal hub design. Struts can be adjusted in length and snap to magnetic hubs in any configuration. As such, arbitrarily complex models can be modeled, tested, and adjusted during the design phase. In addition, the embedded sensing capabilities allow struts to be used as measuring devices for lengths and angles, and tune physical mesh models according to existing physical objects.sponsorship: Research Foundation Flanders (FWO)status: Publishe
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