This paper presents a resilient framework for real-time, low-bitrate voice communication across heterogeneous wireless networks in emergency Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. The system supports IP-based voice transmission from high-bitrate Wi-Fi networks to constrained Long Range (LoRa™) and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) links. A key innovation is an adaptive flow control mechanism that manages link asymmetry, achieving over 98% successful packet delivery. The design extends existing emergency satellite communication channels by enabling voice support without disrupting ongoing services, enhancing utilization of underused spectrum. Furthermore, the system is low-cost and rapidly deployable, offering a practical alternative to traditional solutions. Structured over-the-air and emulated testing demonstrate reliable sub-1 kbps voice transmission with consistent latency, jitter, and inter-arrival time across all links. These results highlight a viable upgrade path for legacy SAR systems operating in remote or infrastructure-degraded environments, as well as in areas where mainstream networks are rendered inoperative by disasters. • Novel IP protocol enables voice transmission over links below 1 kbps. • Codec 2 compresses voice to 700 bps while preserving intelligibility. • VoLB protocol supports voice across low-bitrate heterogeneous links. • Evaluated latency and jitter over Wi-Fi, CSS, and DSSS networks. • Achieves sub-0.8 s latency and jitter consistently below 0.05 s.

Mobile communication devices, such as mobile phones and networked personal digital assistants (PDAs), allow users to be constantly connected and communicate anywhere and at any time, often resulting in personal and private communication taking place in public spaces. This private -- public contrast can be problematic. As a remedy, we promote intimate interfaces: interfaces that allow subtle and minimal mobile interaction, without disruption of the surrounding environment. In particular, motionless gestures sensed through the electromyographic (EMG) signal have been proposed as a solution to allow subtle input in a mobile context. In this paper we present an expansion of the work on EMG-based motionless gestures including (1) a novel study of their usability in a mobile context for controlling a realistic, multimodal interface and (2) a formal assessment of how noticeable they are to informed observers. Experimental results confirm that subtle gestures can be profitably used within a multimodal interface and that it is difficult for observers to guess when someone is performing a gesture, confirming the hypothesis of subtlety.

Mobile devices are generally used in public, where the user is surrounded by others not involved in the interaction. Audible notification cues are often a cause of unnecessary disruption and distraction both for co-located people and even for the user to whom they are directed. We present a wearable peripheral display embedded in eyeglasses that delivers subtle, discreet and unobtrusive cues. The display is personal and intimate; it delivers visual cues in the wearers' periphery without disrupting their immediate environment. A user study conducted to validate the design reveals that the display is effective and subtle in notifying users. Experimental results show, with significance, that the cues can be designed to meet specific levels of visibility and disruption for the wearer, so that some cues are less noticeable when the user is not under high workload, which is highly desirable in many practical circumstances. Hence, peripheral notification displays can provide an effective solution for designing socially acceptable notification displays, unobtrusive to the user and the immediate environment.

Using a mobile device in a social context should not cause embarrassment and disruption to the immediate environment. Interaction with mobile and wearable devices needs to be subtle, discreet and unobtrusive. Therefore, we promote the idea of "intimate interfaces": discrete interfaces that allow control of mobile devices through subtle gestures in order to gain social acceptance. To achieve this goal, we present an electromyogram (EMG) based wearable input device which recognizes isometric muscular activity: activity related to very subtle or no movement at all. In the online experiment reported, the EMG device, worn on an armband around the bicep, was able to reliably recognize a motionless gesture without calibration or training across users with different muscle volumes. Hence, EMG-based input devices can provide an effective solution for designing mobile interfaces that are subtle and intimate, and therefore socially acceptable.

VR has been explored as an artistic medium from its early beginnings in the last century. It has drawn off various other forms, be these theatre or the panorama. What are the current aesthetics of VR? How has content matured, engaged and created a new sense of awe, beauty, social engagement. This is an opportunity to share their work with leading virtual reality artists from around the world.