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, Seattle, WA

2. The ultimate goal of any computer system is to satisfy the user
Premise
The ultimate goal of any computer system is to satisfy the user

3. Performance vs. User Satisfaction
Your favorite metric
(IPS, throughput, etc.) ?

4. Can human physiological traits be used as implicit feedback?
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?

5. Traditional I/O
PICSEL
Mallik ASPLOS 2008

6. 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
Good
Medium
Bad
Arrow key pressure for three performance levels

9. User Management Unit (UMU)
Sensors !
UMU
Query User State
arousal
valence
Stress
Excitement
Relaxation
Depression
Model User State/Emotions

10. 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!

11. Empathic Systems Project: www.empathicsystems.org
Conclusion