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Post graduate research in
Formalisation of Human-Computer Interface issues concerned with multi
modal(visual, sound, speech)output
At Oxford Brookes University, UK
Deadline for applications: 30.3.99
Two research studentships, described in detail below, are available to support
work on BrookesTalk our Web browser for blind and visually impaired people.
BrookesTalk recently won a medal in the British Computer Society IT Awards '98
for innovation, details on http://www.brookes.ac.uk/speech
1. Algorithms for Transposing Visual Computer Interfaces into Speech
The proliferation of computer systems and in particular the use of visual
interfaces that draw on a wide range of visual metaphors pose significant
problems for the blind or visually impaired user.
Research on this project involves an investigation of potential methodologies
for transposing the semantics of visual mode interaction objects to aural or
mixed aural/visual modes. The Web browser for the blind BrookesTalk developed
in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences will act as platform for
evaluation of transposing algorithms.
The focus of the work is analysis of the semantics of visual interface
interactions, identification of key elements of interaction and subsequent
evaluation of their effectiveness in aural interaction objects.
2. Methodologies for Dynamic Combination of Visual and Aural Output Modes
in Human Computer Interfaces
This research work addresses the needs of the visually impaired user,
particularly the elderly, who can increase the usability of computer
interfaces, as their sight deteriorates, by incorporating more speech to
support a visual interface.
In this new approach to multi modal interaction, different forms of output
support different types and gradations of disability.
The focus of the work is to develop a formalism to describe combinations of
visual and aural interface elements and to describe levels of visual disability
at the computer interface.
The Web browser for the blind BrookesTalk developed in the School of Computing
and Mathematical Sciences will act as platform for evaluation of the
effectiveness of approaches developed.
Applicants for both posts should have a good honours Degree in
Computing/Computer Science prefereably with some HCI content. Candidates
completing an MSc and/or with industrial experience relevant to any of the
above are particularly encouraged to apply.
The work will be supported by a University Research Studentship Bursary based
on current EPSRC rates.
Successful applicants may be able to undertake paid undergraduate teaching for
up to six hours per week.
Application forms and further details of these posts may be obtained from
Postgraduate Admissions,
School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University,
Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP
Tel: +44 (0)1865 484298, Fax: +44 (0)1865 483666, email: [log in to unmask]
Informal enquiries can be made to the Leader of the Speech Project, Mary
Zajicek Tel: +44 (0)1865 483683 (before 13.3.99), email:
[log in to unmask]
Details about the School, its research activities and the proposed research
areas can be found on the
School's web pages: http://www.brookes.ac.uk/cms.
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