Research

Focus
My research interest is in user interfaces for ubiquitous computing applications. The ubiquitous computing vision is a world in which computers are embedded in everyday objects and become part of everyday activities. My focus is on two types of ubicomp user interfaces: (1) speech interfaces for users who are also involved in an eyes-busy, hands-busy task, such as operating a vehicle and (2) multi-touch table interfaces. My research is part of the Project54 effort at UNH, which addresses ubicomp in the law enforcement setting. This ten year, multi-million dollar effort, on which I am the principal investigator, has resulted in the design and deployment of the Project54 system. The Project54 system integrates in-car devices, provides a single user interface for interaction with these devices and allows the integration of mobile police units into an agency-wide data network. The Project54 system is deployed in over 1,000 law enforcement vehicles, primarily in New Hampshire. National deployment is spearheaded by 54ward, a company with an engineering force of Project54 alumni.

My collaborators:

  • Peter Heeman – Peter and I have recently completed an NSF project on multi-threaded spoken dialogues.
  • Tom Miller – Tom is the co-PI of the Project54 effort at UNH. We collaborate on various aspects of this effort, from work on handheld computers, to multi-touch surfaces to in-car user interfaces.
  • Tim Paek – Tim and I work on exploring in-car speech user interfaces.

PhD students:

  • Zeljko Medenica – Zeljko works with me and Tim on exploring in-car user interfaces and their effects on driving.
  • Oskar Palinko – Oskar works with me on exploring in-car user interfaces and their effects on driving.

Former PhD student: