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Publications

Publications by HASLab

2009

Discovery-based Edit Assistance for Spreadsheets

Authors
Cunha, J; Saraiva, J; Visser, J;

Publication
2009 IEEE SYMPOSIUM ON VISUAL LANGUAGES AND HUMAN-CENTRIC COMPUTING, PROCEEDINGS

Abstract
Spreadsheets can be viewed as a highly flexible end-users programming environment which enjoys wide-spread adoption. But spreadsheets lack many of the structured programming concepts of regular programming paradigms. In particular, the lack of data structures in spreadsheets may lead spreadsheet users to cause redundancy. loss, or corruption of data during edit actions. In this paper, we demonstrate how implicit structural properties of spreadsheet data can be exploited to offer edit assistance to spreadsheet users. Our approach is based on the discovery of functional dependencies among data items which allow automatic reconstruction of a relational database schema. From this schema. new formulas and visual objects are embedded into the spreadsheet to offer features for auto-completion, guarded deletion, and controlled insertion. Schema discovery and spreadsheet enhancement are carried out automatically in the background and do not disturb normal user experience.

2009

Pattern-based analysis of automated production systems

Authors
Campos, JC; Machado, J;

Publication
IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline)

Abstract
As formal verification tools gain popularity, the problem arises of making them more accessible to engineers. A correct understanding of the logics in which properties are expressed is needed in order to guarantee that properties correctly encode the intent of the verification process. Writing appropriate properties, in a logic suitable for verification, is a skilful process. Errors in this step of the process can create serious problems since a false sense of security if gained with the analysis. However, when compared to the effort put into developing and applying modelling languages, little attention has been devoted to the process of writing properties that accurately capture verification requirements. This paper illustrates how a collection of property patterns, and its tool support, can help in simplifying the process of generating logical formulae from informally expressed requirements. © 2009 IFAC.

2009

An Infrastructure for Experience Centered Agile Prototyping of Ambient Intelligence

Authors
Silva, JL; Campos, JC; Harrison, MD;

Publication
EICS'09: PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACM SIGCHI SYMPOSIUM ON ENGINEERING INTERACTIVE COMPUTING SYSTEMS

Abstract
Ubiquitous computing poses new usability challenges that cut across design and development. We are particularly interested in "spaces" enhanced with sensors, public displays and personal devices. How can prototypes be used to explore the user's mobility and interaction, both explicitly and implicitly, to access services within these environments? Because of the potential cost of development and design failure, the characteristics of such systems must be explored using early versions of the system that could disrupt if used in the target environment. Being able to evaluate these systems early in the process is crucial to their successful development. This paper reports on an effort to develop a framework for the rapid prototyping and analysis of ambient intelligence systems.

2009

Interaction Engineering Using the IVY Tool

Authors
Campos, JC; Harrison, MD;

Publication
EICS'09: PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACM SIGCHI SYMPOSIUM ON ENGINEERING INTERACTIVE COMPUTING SYSTEMS

Abstract
This paper is concerned with support for the process of usability engineering. The aim is to use formal techniques to provide a systematic approach that is more traceable, and because it is systematic, repeatable. As a result of this systematic process some of the more subjective aspects of the analysis can be removed. The technique explores exhaustively those features of a specific design that fail to satisfy a set of properties. It also analyzes those aspects of the design where it is possible to quantify the cost of use. The method is illustrated using the example of a medical device. While many aspects of the approach and its tool support have already been discussed elsewhere, this paper builds on and contrasts an analysis of the same device provided by a third party and in so doing enhances the IVY tool.

2009

Advanced engineering tools for next generation substation automation systems: The added value of IEC 61850 and the InPACT project

Authors
Paulo, R; Carrapatoso, A; Lemos, M; Bernardo, R; Campos, J;

Publication
IET Conference Publications

Abstract
Automation systems according to IEC 61850 are a powerful solution for station automation. Engineering of such distributed systems is however a non-trivial task which requires different approaches and enhanced tool support. In this paper the authors (i) present how IEC 61850 is viewed and is being adopted by a utility and vendor, (ii) discuss its engineering potential and current issues, (iii) point-out global requirements for next generation tools, (iv) present the InPACT project which is tackling some of these concerns and (v) propose key elements of visual languages as one contributing enhancement.

2009

Editorial

Authors
Boca, P; Boute, R; Duce, D; Oliveira, J;

Publication
Formal Aspects of Computing - Form Asp Comp

Abstract

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