Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
sets combined with multivariate records in alphanumeric form. While these
types of data represent just a subset of the overall data avalanche, the fi elds
for which the associated data analysis techniques are applicable are rather
broad.
In order to reap the full benefi t of the human computation component,
it is necessary to break away from the traditional single-user mouse-and-
keyboard paradigms. These standard setups present users with a few megapix-
els to view and manipulate. For large-scale data sets, this interface allows a
narrow window through which users can analyze data. A new generation of
ultra-high-resolution tiled display systems creates new opportunities to present
information, which can greatly increase the “bandwidth” to the human visual
system [7-10]. The human retina can process approximately 10 one-million-
point images per second [4]. As tiled-display systems are able to render hun-
dreds of megapixels simultaneously, these systems are capable of fully
saturating the human visual system. These systems have been shown to be
much more effective for data analysis compared to the standard pan-and-
zoom environments. The advantage of these systems comes not only from the
immense amount of pixel real estate available but also from the user's ability
to physically interact with the space. Furthermore, the large display size allows
multiple users to interact in the workspace collaboratively.
While collaborative workspaces have been shown to have great utility,
developing these environments effectively is a challenging endeavor [11]. In
order to keep users engaged, working environments must present users with
the ability to see and interact with content. As group sizes grow to more than
a few users, this requirement presents challenges for standard interface modal-
ities. Unfortunately, traditional means to interface with these types of systems
generally do not work well in multiuser paradigms as interactions are often
controlled from standard single-user mouse-and-keyboard interfaces. In par-
ticular, multiuser interface modalities developed for ultra-high-resolution
display spaces have generally provided specialized solutions requiring users
to learn new paradigms before interfacing with the system.
Multitouch devices present new opportunities for interfacing with data sets.
While standard interface devices limit speed of interaction, creating a bottle-
neck in data analysis [12], multitouch systems leverage the user's real-world
experiences as part of the computer interface. Recent advancements in con-
sumer electronics have generated an explosion of multitouch capable devices.
Multitouch devices have been shown to be a natural interface as they leverage
users' previous experiences. Most of all, users carry many of these devices on
their person (e.g., cell phones, tablets), providing a familiar and readily usable
hardware interface for use in collaborative digital workspaces. Huang showed
that gestures are physical expressions of mental concepts [13]. Multitouch
interfaces enable simple gestures which can convey complicated interactions
[12]. Furthermore, natural interfaces allow for greater accessibility for multiple
users to work on a single data set, thereby allowing for more eyes and brains
to examine the data.
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