TORONTO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

Course Outline (W2024)

BME802: Human-Computer Interaction

Instructor(s)Dr. Kristiina Mai [Coordinator]
Office: ENG318
Phone: (416) 979-5000 x 556085
Email: kvmai@ryerson.ca
Office Hours: By appointment
Calendar DescriptionPrinciples underlying the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems as well as the major research topics associated with such systems. Technical breakdown of interfaces that are multi-media based front-ends to complex networks. Graphical user interfaces will be introduced along with the related physiological and human factors issues. Design of interfaces using virtual reality, the Internet, and other advanced development tools. Commonly integrated media such as video, graphics, and audio capabilities will be examined. User-centered technology will be a primary theme using the design of web pages and medical device design as hands-on applications.
PrerequisitesBME 506, BME 639, BME 674 and BME 634
Antirequisites

None

Corerequisites

None

Compulsory Text(s):
  1. Information, Sensation and Perception, Norwich, K.H.,2003 http://www.biopsychology.org/norwich/isp/isp.htm
Reference Text(s):
  1. Engineering Psychology and Human Performance, Wickens, C., Hollands, J., Banbury, S., and Parasuraman, R.; Pearson, 2013
  2. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, Recent Edition. Hall, J.E., Elsevier, 2021.
Learning Objectives (Indicators)  

At the end of this course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrates methodology to evaluate human perception limits for a user interface modality. (1d Specialized engineering). (1d)
  2. Predicts unstated customer and user needs. Defines design parameter uncertainties and their impacts (4a – Problem Definition). (4a)
  3. Evaluates and selects appropriate models, and tools tools for measuring variables in question (5a – Use scientific techniques and engineering tools). (5b)
  4. Make Concise Technical Presentation to a Peer Group (7b – Oral). (7b)
  5. Application of Public Interest in Decision Making (8b – Public Interest). (8b)
  6. Evaluation of project scope, critical assumptions and deliverables with stakeholders (11b - Project Management). (11b)
  7. Gains a working knowledge of the literature of the field (12b – Professional Development). (12b)

NOTE:Numbers in parentheses refer to the graduate attributes required by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

Course Organization

3.0 hours of lecture per week for 13 weeks
2.0 hours of lab per week for 12 weeks
0.0 hours of tutorial per week for 12 weeks

Teaching AssistantsTBA
Course Evaluation
Theory
Midterm Exam 20 %
Final Exam 30 %
Laboratory
Labs 20 %
Design Project 10 %
Major Project 20 %
TOTAL:100 %

Note: In order for a student to pass a course, a minimum overall course mark of 50% must be obtained. In addition, for courses that have both "Theory and Laboratory" components, the student must pass the Laboratory and Theory portions separately by achieving a minimum of 50% in the combined Laboratory components and 50% in the combined Theory components. Please refer to the "Course Evaluation" section above for details on the Theory and Laboratory components (if applicable).


ExaminationsMidterm exam in class. Final exam during exam period.
Other Evaluation InformationFinal exam will be cumulative.
Teaching MethodsLectures with slides presented in class and posted on D2L. Classes include discussions and oral presentations.
Other InformationCourse content and Lab schedules may vary as discussed in lectures

Course Content

Week

Hours

Chapters /
Section

Topic, description

1

3

Norwich 2, 11,12, Wickens 1

Introduction to Course and Outline
 Human-in-the-loop Systems
 Definitions, Technology history and evolution
 Introduction to Psychophysics


2

3

Norwich 3, Wickens 2

Signal Detection Theory
 Stimulus-Response Matrix
 Sensitivity
 Experimental paradigms


3

3

Norwich 4-7, 14, Wickens 2

Criteria, Bias, Decision Strategy
 Information Theory
 Human Perception: Entropy Theory
 Channel Capacity


4

3

Norwich 14, Wickens 3

Redundancy
 Vision and Extraocular Muscles
 Sleep Signals
 Visual Processing


5

3

Norwich 13, Wickens 9

Choice of Action: Uncertainty
 Reaction Times
 Speed vs. Accuracy


6

3

Midterm Exam


7

3

Wickens 10,12

EMG, Hands-free interfaces
 Thermal Imaging
 Eye Movements
 Vestibular System, Accelerometers
 Vestibulo-ocular, Vestibulo-colic Reflex


8

3

Wickens 6

Spectrogram
 Hearing and Sound Cues
 Written and Spoken Language
 Icons, Codes


9

3

Wickens 9,11

Processing strategies
 Articulation Index
 Usability Testing
 Design Guidelines and Aids


10

3

Wickens 4

Vision and Extraocular Muscles
 Depth Perception
 2D vs. 3D Displays
 Orientation and Motion


11

3

Wickens 5

Virtual and Augmented Reality
 Advanced Displays and Navigation
 Verbal vs. Spatial Mapping
 Learning and Training


12

3

Wickens 3

Attention, Display Design
 Focused, Divided, Selective Attention
 Target Search, Vigilance
 Cost Benefit Analysis


13

3

Wickens 7,8

Processing: Memory
 Working vs. Long Term Memory
 Encoding, Storage, Retrieval
 Processing: Decision Making


Laboratory(L)/Tutorials(T)/Activity(A) Schedule

Week

L/T/A

Description

3-5

Lab

1. Psychophysical Experiment Instructional Video

6-7

Lab

2. Sleep Biometrics

8-10

Lab

3. Hands-free Interfaces

11-13

Lab

4. Website Usability Testing

University Policies & Important Information

Students are reminded that they are required to adhere to all relevant university policies found in their online course shell in D2L and/or on the Senate website

Refer to the Departmental FAQ page for furhter information on common questions.

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