Supporting the User

Metadatabases are databases which describe other databases in a comprehensive and stnretured way [51], A prominent example is the DAIN Metadatabase of Internet Resources for Environmental Chemicals kctp //wwMmz.uni-ka el.de/dain) which in 2002 comprised more than 700 entries. This metadatabase is documented in Chapter V, Section 10 of the Handbook, on Databa.scs on Enviromnental Information", It supports the user in finding the right database(s) for their purposes. 

By means of the transform utility, the user is able to perform a great number of analyses without programmer support. The user is also able to display data in whichever units are appropriate without programmer intervention. 

Usability Does the system at runtime provide an intuitive interface and easily support the users tasks Does this apply to all categories of users Building good business models so that system operations are designed as refinements of business tasks, and getting early user input on user-interfaces, are both important aspects of usability. There are also other, deeper issues of designing human-computer interactions that are outside our scope. 

To support the user, step-by-step guiding dialogs are implemented in the database. As long as the site-specific BOM has not been modified by the user, all data entries are marked to be estimates since they are only derived from the default BOM. To accommodate process improvements that are expected over time, the BOM modeling can be further detailed to include time-dependent changes. 

The hierarchical code organization is illustrated in Fig. 18.3. This is by code series and then individual codes. ADAS provides extensive Fortran and IDL subroutine libraries which are available for use in a user s own codes and analysis programs. The IDL subroutines support the user s interface to interactive ADAS and graphical presentation of results. Modular basic atomic calculation routines, utilities and access routines to the ADAS data classes are mostly provided in Fortran but generally with IDL versions which use the Fortran through C wrappers. In particular reaEadf .pro and run-adas.pro IDL procedures give access to ADAS data or run ADAS codes at the IDL command line - independent of interactive ADAS. The libraries now include 700 subroutines. 

Suitability for the task describes the characteristics of a user interface to effectively support the user in doing his work. This means that the dialogue only shows information which is related to the actual problem and therefore important for solving the task. To avoid confusing the user and to ensure efficient work, additional or unnecessary commands should not be provided. 

A system is called error tolerant if the intended task result can be achieved without or with minimum effort of correction by the user despite incorrect input. The dialogue system should support the user in finding and avoiding input mistakes, and it should secure that under no circumstances an incorrect user input leads to data loss or even a system break down. 

A dialogue is called suitable for learning if it supports the user in learning the dialogue system. The dialogue system should enable the user to familiarize himself with the basic design principles and operational concepts. In doing so, the user can visualize a picture or model of the function of the system. 

The concept of optimal usability is more complex. An optimized design will allow users maximal use of their performance and skill resources, allocated at their discretion to the apphcation task, to maximize their performance on the application task. Thus an optimal design minimizes the resources required to perform the interaction task and enhances the utiKty of the user s resources in performing the apphcation task. This means that the interface will support the user in performing the portion of the apphcation task allocated to the user. This is accomphshed through apphcation-level design issues associated with the organization and level of objects, actions, and information. 

An assembly of components and subsystems, including the necessary connectors, used to (a) stabilize and partially support the user at an elevated work location and allow free use of both hands. This type of restraint system is referred to as a work positioning system or, simply, a positioning system (b) restrict the user s motion so as to prevent reaching a location where a fall hazard exists. This type of restraint system is referred to as a travel restriction system. 

In the case study, we used the commercial analyzing tool [39] that solves these problems by enabling und actively supporting the user to understand the problem... 

Robots for ADL support, which include systems that support the user in performing upper-limb functional tasks (e.g., wheelchair-mount robot arms, upper-limb prostheses, and exoskeletons), feeders, and vocational robotic workstations... 

Many robotic feeding systems are commercially available and used in clinical and home settings to support the user while eating. Some examples are the Mealtime Partners Assistive Dining Device [97], which is equipped with rotating bowls, a mechanical spoon, and a positioning arm the Neater Eater [98], which consists of a two-DoF arm and one dish and the SECOM My Spoon system [99], which consists of a five-DoF manipulator, a gripper, and a meal tray... 

Optical fiber and fiber optical cable have dramatically changed the face of telecommunications over the last 20 years. As the industry matures the installation of optical cables and associated equipment will continue to reach further into businesses, schools, and homes, bringing a wider variety of services and improved quality of life to end users. In order to properly design, specify, order, install and grow an optical system, whether for a LAN, SAN, or a nationwide telecommunications network, knowing the basics of fiber and cable are critical in ensuring the completed system wifi support the user s telecommunications needs both presently and far into the future. 

The following interfaces have been defined to support the User Requirements and Use Cases described above. They are applied primarily to two new CAPE-OPEN components ... 

The Camera Monitor System is only one among many other mechanical or electronic sub-systems which are integrated into the complete vehicle system. Therefore it is important to study each driver and passenger usage in more detail to secure that the CMS can support the users in an optimal way without causing annoyance, like unnecessary delays, or risk for surprises, like unexpected behaviour. 

The explanation component supports the user in answering questions by supplying additional information. Moreover, it allows the explanation of why certain questions have to be answered and how the results were obtained. 

Formulating the mathematical model of a process step is a difficult task. Therefore, some expert system applications support the user in composing a consistent set of equations for a process element. ... 

One of the last steps in designing chemical processes is plant layout which includes placement of equipment as well as routing of pipes. Because this task requires a lot of experience, combined with the capability of handling a tremendous number of alternatives, it was natural that researchers started to minimize the design effort by developing expert systems which support the user working on this task. 

Suspension. A system designed to suspend and support the user while being raised up or down (transported), not allowing a free fall... 

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