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Key research themes
1. How can software reuse and usability engineering enhance the development of interactive applications for Digital TV?
This research area investigates methodologies to improve the productivity, quality, and user experience of interactive Digital TV (iDTV) applications. It addresses challenges such as the immaturity of industrial-scale development processes for iDTV and the integration of usability criteria early in software development. The focus is on leveraging software reuse techniques like Software Product Lines (SPLs) and interaction design patterns tailored to iDTV, to overcome the diverse requirements and heterogeneous nature of television content.
Key finding: Proposes a novel approach combining Software Product Lines (SPLs) with user-centered interaction design patterns to automatically generate executable iDTV applications using Ginga middleware. The SPL-iDTV tool supports... Read more
Key finding: Details the engineering and design considerations in developing T-Mail, an interactive email client for Digital TV that interoperates with internet protocols (SMTP/IMAP). Demonstrates a practical solution serving as a bridge... Read more
Key finding: Introduces a layered system integration model for interactive digital TV applications, comprising interoperable applications, APIs, system software, and hardware resources. Focuses on cross-platform interoperability using... Read more
2. What are effective interaction techniques and interfaces for enhancing user engagement with Digital and Smart TV applications?
This theme explores user interaction modalities and interface designs that facilitate more intuitive, accessible, and engaging experiences for Digital and Smart TV users. Given the shift toward Smart TV platforms and the limitations of traditional remote controls, the research investigates alternative input devices and multimodal interactions, including barcode readers, second screens, quizzes synchronized with TV content, and interaction models aimed at reducing user frustration, especially in t-learning and entertainment contexts.
Key finding: Proposes the use of barcode readers as an alternative interaction device to traditional remote controls in Digital TV, particularly to support t-learning environments. This approach seeks to reduce interaction complexity and... Read more
Key finding: Presents empirical user studies revealing significant barriers to the adoption of interactive TV services, including negative perceptions of interactivity related to security, cost, and usability. The research highlights that... Read more
Key finding: Develops a prototype Smart TV application named Quiz TV that leverages the TV content to engage users interactively during viewing. User testing demonstrated strong interest in interactive features that use TV-specific... Read more
3. How can Digital TV signals be engineered and utilized to enable advanced services such as IoT device control and signal quality mapping?
This research theme focuses on the technological and methodological innovations involving digital TV signal transmission and its application beyond traditional broadcasting. It addresses signal propagation measurement and spatial mapping for ensuring coverage quality, as well as novel uses of digital TV signals as control channels for Internet of Things (IoT) devices synchronized with video content, creating immersive multi-dimensional entertainment environments.
Key finding: Introduces a methodology allowing broadcasters to embed synchronized IoT commands within digital TV streams, enabling simultaneous control of multiple smart devices (e.g., lamps, robotic seats) in coordination with video... Read more
Key finding: Conducts empirical field measurements of digital TV received signal power in an urban area and applies multiple spatial interpolation methods to estimate signal strength distribution. The study identifies Ordinary Kriging... Read more