Abstract

Semanticons can enhance the representation of files by offering symbols that are both meaningful and easily distinguishable. The semantics of a file is estimated by parsing its name, location, and content to generate a context, which is used to query an image database. The resulting images are simplified by segmenting them, computing an importance value for each segmented region, and removing unimportant regions. The abstract look-and-feel of icons is achieved using non-photorealistic techniques for image generalization. We increase the effectiveness of the semanticons by compositing them with traditional and familiar interface icons. Two psychophysical studies using semanticons as stimuli, demonstrate that semanticons decrease the time necessary to locate a file in a visual search task and enhance performance in a memory task.

Paper: [pdf]

Supplemental Images

24 finishedcity/city/city_project.ppt



23 silhouette_algorithms.ppt



22 lab_labtests.ppt



21 estimate.xls



20 classes/CS211/solutions/answers.xls



19 classes/CS211/Grades.xls



18 Cmts-feedback.on.discussion/document/comments.doc



17 iTunesSetup



16 party.html



15 5.2.2-RELEASE_floppies/drivers



15 5.2.2-RELEASE_floppies/drivers



14b archiving_mirror/mirror-2.9.doc



14 archiving_mirror/mirror-2.9.doc



13 articles/problem_report.rtf



12 strategicObjectives.xml



11 softwareProcesses.xls



10 resume.doc



9 important.txt



8 readme.txt



7 Japanese VGA Driver



6 violence_jokes.htm



5 ..->/articles/mailing-list-faq/article.rtf.zip



4 ..->/articles/java-tomcat/article.rtf.zip



3 ..->/articles/laptop/article.rtf.zip



2 ..->/articles/dialup-firewall/article.rtf.zip



1 ..->/articles/committers-guide/article.rtf.zip



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Visual Language

Used for HTML

Used for XML

Used for .txt, .rtf

Used for Excel

Used for Powerpoint

Used for System files such as drivers

Used for Word files

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Text:
articles/problem_report.rtf -> txt
important.txt
readme.txt

RTF
mailing-list-faq/article.rtf.zip
java-tomcat/article.rtf.zip
laptop/article.rtf.zip
firewall/article.rtf.zip
committers-guide/article.rtf.zip

Word:
archiving_mirror/mirror-2.9.doc
resume.doc
Cmts-feedback.on.discussion-document-comments.doc

Excel:
softwareProcesses.xls
classes-CS211-Grades.xls
ClassesCS211-solutions-answers.dsw -> xls
estimate.cpp -> xls

System:
iTunesSetup
5.2.2-RELEASE_floppies/drivers
Japanese VGA Driver

HTML:
party.html
violence_jokes.htm
strategicObjectives.xml -> html

Powerpoint:
finishedcity/city/city_project.ppt
silhouette_algorithms.ppt
lab_labtests.ppt