Intelligent information systems and advanced driver assistance systems help drivers maintain a high level of situational awareness during vehicle operation; however, they also increase visual distraction and cognitive load because of ubiquitous demands for peripheral interactions and additional cognitive engagement in virtual information space.
This project investigates how the power of machine learning technology can be put in the hands of end-users, allowing them to selectively automate the mundane tasks they face day after day at work. We have developed systems that allow users to automate and to automate information retrieval based on incoming email messages. In addition, we are currently designing systems that allow biologist to automate aspects of the many tasks they undertake in support of searching for related research.
Magnetic levitation is a substantially new approach which promises a qualitative leap in improvement of haptic (sense of touch) computer interactions. A user interacts with the computer by using a rigid tool to interact with computed environments. We are testing the capabilities of this system to guide manipulation.
People with episodic memory impairment (EMI) lack an awareness of the actions, events and experiences of their everyday lives. This often results in confusion, depression, impaired decision-making, and additional stress for a caregiver. A common cause of EMI is Alzheimer’s Disease. In this project, we are examining the use of capture and access technologies to improve recollection of past experiences and to reduce caregiver burden.
MOVE (Maps Optimized for Vehicular Environments) is an in-car navigation system that provides assistance for drivers who are navigating an unfamiliar route. It overcomes the limitation of current systems, which often provide too much information for the driver to attend to at any given moment. MOVE optimizes map information to provide situationally appropriate navigation information to the driver.
Dual-income families face constant challenges as they attempt to address the conflicting repsonsibilities of work, school, family, and enrichment activities. These families often feel "controlled" by their rigid schedule that leave no free time, or they feel "out of control" when deviations in their routines cause cascading sets of breakdowns. Ths project focuses on the development of smart home systems that help families feel they are in control of their lives.
The Quality of Life Technology (QoLT) Center is a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center (ERC) whose mission is to transform lives in a large and growing segment of the population - people with reduced functional capabilities due to aging or disability.
Wearable Computers seek to merge the user’s information space with their work space. Wearable research at Carnegie Mellon proceeds on several fronts. The Wearable Group develops new functional systems at a rate of about one design per year. Several of these systems require system or application software, some of which is distributed to the community.
This project explores how gaze, speech and sound, small movements, gesture, and proximity to the user affects the way that we perceive and work with social robots. We are testing these design primitives on everything from simple wheeled robots to humanoid systems.
A large percentage of the US population is overweight or obese, and a leading cause of this is lack of physical activity. Early fieldwork has shown that users have difficulty finding opportunities for physical activity and understanding how much exercise they get. To address these issues, we are exploring the use of mobile phone and web technology to monitor and inform users about their physical activity and the context in which the activities occur.
