An approach to Petri net based formal modeling of user interactions from X3D content

ABSTRACT

X3D standard provides a well defined and well controlled runtime model for user interaction and scripting. Information captured from X3D content, combined with the characteristics of X3D viewers, can be used to formally describe and model user interface and user interactions. Virtual Environments (VEs) and entities they contain are accessed using interaction techniques supported by available input and output devices. The interaction process can be modeled using Petri nets. In this paper, we give a formal definition of interaction Petri net model (IPN). The basic structure of IPN can be automatically generated from information extracted from X3D content. The generated Petri net model is analyzed to provide information about the 3D interface presented to a user while viewing X3D content. The formal description provides a sound mathematics for the analysis of user interface characteristics.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Theory and methods

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: Petri nets

Keywords:
Petri net, X3D, formal methods