Bücher der Reihe Applied Computing

Examining the evolution of Web information systems, this text pays particular attention to the emergent attributes of electronic markets.

We first began looking at pointing devices and human performance in 1990 when the senior author, Sarah Douglas, was asked to evaluate the human performance ofa rather novel device: a finger-controlled isometric joystick placed under a key on the keyboard.

This book addresses issues concerning the engineering of system prod- ucts that make use of computing technology. These systems may be prod- ucts in their own right, for example a computer, or they may be the computerised control systems inside larger products, such as factory automation systems, transportation systems and vehicles, and personal appliances such as portable telephones. In using the term engineering the authors have in mind a development process that operates in an integrated sequence of steps, employing defined techniques that have some scientific basis. Furthermore we expect the operation of the stages to be subject to controls and standards that result in a product fit for its intended purpose, both in the hands of its users and as a business venture. Thus the process must take account of a wide range of requirements relating to function, cost, size, reliabili- ty and so on. It is more difficult to define the meaning of computing technology. These days this involves much more than computers and software. For example, many tasks that might be performed by software running in a general purpose computer can also be performed directly by the basic technology used to construct a computer, namely digital hardware. However, hardware need not always be digital; we live in an analogue world, hence analogue signals appear on the boundaries of our systems and it can sometimes be advantageous to allow them to penetrate further.

but when we state that A 'equals' B , as well having to know what we mean by A and B we also have know what we mean by 'equals'. This section explores the role of observers; how different types of observ- er see different things as being equal, and how we can produce algo- rithms to decide on such equalities. It also explores how we go about writing specifications to which we may compare our SCCS designs. * The final section is the one which the students like best. Once enough of SCCS is grasped to decide upon the component parts of a design, the 'turning the handle' steps of composition and check- ing that the design meets its specification are both error-prone and tedious. This section introduces the concurrency work bench, which shoulders most of the burden. How you use the book is up to you; I'm not even going to suggest path- ways. Individual readers know what knowledge they seek, and course leaders know which concepts they are trying to impart and in what order.

Knowledge-based (or expert systems) and image processing have been applied to many domains but, although both fields frequently address common application areas, they are rarely applied together. Often a combined knowledge-based system and image processing approach can be highly appropriate and this book provides an insight into both areas and show students how a judicious mix of the two can result in a more effective system. The authors include detailed case studies to illustrate the two approaches as well as worked examples and solutions to problems throughout the text. Third and fourth year undergraduates and MSc students with some computer science background will find this book invaluable. Postgraduates and researchers looking for an introduction to either area - or ways to combine the two - will also welcome this clearly written and comprehensive text.

Java and Object Orientation: An Introduction (2nd edition) shows readers how to build object oriented applications in Java. Written in a clear and concise style, with lots of examples, this revised edition provides:- A detailed understanding of object orientation- A thorough introduction to Java including building blocks, constructs, classes, data structures etc.- Coverage of graphical user interfaces and applets (AWT, Servlets)- Object oriented analysis and design including UML. If you are looking for a good introduction to Java and object orientation, then this is the book for you. Source code for the examples in this book is available at: http://www.java-and-oo.net

System design has conventionally been the province of engineers, and the approaches taken to the design of systems have conventionally led to formal specification of the system. The past decade or two has seen the rise of another approach, that of human-computer interaction (HCI). Given the number of incidents and accidents which are attributed to 'human error', it is sensible to develop an approach to system design which views humans as an essential element in the system. Thus, an important aspect of designing systems is the study of the interaction between humans and the technology that they use. In terms of bringing computers and computing to a wide audience, the 1980s were the boom years. The first personal computer (PC) was launched onto the market in February 1978, and since then, PCs have become a common-place feature of our homes, offices, schools, retail outlets, hospitals, banks, etc. Within Western society today, there are very few organisations that have not been infiltrated by computer technology, and few individuals who have not had experience of computers. However, the increase in use of computers has not been matched with a corresponding spread of training of users; much of the human-computer interaction research has sought to design systems which do not require special training, i. e. which people can simply walk up to and use. Not surprisingly, this has resulted in a number of difficulties; some of which have yet to be satisfactorily resolved.