Publication | Closed Access
Abstract Interaction Objects
163
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0
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1993
Year
EngineeringVisual Programming LanguageAction LanguageSocial SciencesAbstract Object TheoryInteraction ParadigmComputer GraphicsAbstract Interaction ObjectsGraphics SystemsInteractive SystemsInteraction ObjectsInteractive Computer GraphicProgramming LanguagesInteraction TechniqueDesignComputer ScienceGraphics SystemAutomated ReasoningFormal MethodsHuman-computer InteractionMotion GraphicsInteractive Computing
The concept of an interactor was introduced as an abstraction of an entity in interactive graphics capable of both input and output, and interaction objects can be applied beyond graphics systems to reason about interactive systems in general. The authors aim to develop a model and theory of interactive systems using the interactor concept and state‑based processes, and to present two formal models for interaction objects that support rigorous specification of a graphics system. They construct two formal models for interaction objects and sketch a small vocabulary of operators derived from state‑based processes and agents to enable rigorous specification. Their model abstracts from any specific graphics framework, making it suitable for the abstraction level required by formal system development.
Abstract The concept of an ‘interactor’ has been introduced by Faconti and Paterno' [6] as an abstraction of an entity in interactive graphics capable of both input and output. However the notion of interaction object need not be confined to graphics systems; it represents a useful structure for thinking and reasoning about the behaviour of interactive systems in general. As part of Esprit Basic Research Action 7040 (Amodeus‐2) we are using the concept of interactor, and existing work on state‐based processes and agents, to develop a model and theory of interactive systems. In this paper we describe two formal models for interaction objects and sketch how they can be used to build a small vocabulary of operators to support the rigorous specification of a graphics system. Our model differs from the approach of Faconti and Paterno' in that it abstracts away from any specific graphics framework and is thus suited to the level of abstraction demanded by formal approaches to system development.