Empathic Computer Architectures and Systems

1
Empathic Computer Architectures and Systems

• Alex Shye, Lei Yang, Xi Chen, Pan Yan, Berkin
  Ozisikyilmaz, Arindam Mallik,
• Bin Lin, Gokhan Memik, Peter A. Dinda, Robert P.
  Dick
• Northwestern University, EECS

ASPLOS Wild and Crazy Ideas Session. March 3,
2008. Seattle, WA
2
Premise
The ultimate goal of any computer system is to
satisfy the user
3
Performance vs. User Satisfaction
?
4
Ask the User!

• Elicit user feedback for
• DVFS
• VM Scheduling
• Resource Borrowing
• Direct user feedback may be annoying

Can human physiological traits be used as
implicit feedback?
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Traditional I/O
PICSEL Mallik ASPLOS 2008
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Leveraging Physiological Traits

• Model user with
• Eye tracker
• Galvanic Skin Response
• Photoplethysmograph (heartbeat)
• Skin Temperature
• Motion/Force Sensors
• Used in HCI and psychology
• Iqbal-CHI2005
• Mandryk-CHI 2006
• Whang J. PE 2007

7
GSR Soccer game (FIFA 2005)
Skin Conductance
Time

• GSR measures user involvement
• Red points indicate reduction in performance

8
Force Sensors Shockwave game
Force
Good
Medium
Bad

• Arrow key pressure for three performance levels

9
User Management Unit (UMU)
UMU
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Conclusion

• Implies a win-win situation
• Computer becomes more efficient
• User becomes happier
• Not only can you use your computer your computer
  can use you!

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Conclusion
Empathic Systems Project www.empathicsystems.org