myers@utcsri.UUCP (Brad A. Myers) (11/24/86)
On Wednesday, November 26, at 11:00am in SF 3202 we will have a graphics
seminar by Larry Miller from ISI. Please come.
Larry also wants to speak with anyone interested in this area. Please mail
me if you want to schedule a time.
Abstract:
Lawrence H. Miller
USC/Information Sciences Institute
4676 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, California 90292
USA
(213) 822-1511
ISI is starting several projects in knowledge based user interface
management systems, natural language understanding and generation,
knowledge representation, presentation graphics, and other AI applied
to interfaces projects. This presentation will be a brief overview of
some of these programs, describing the areas to be approached, the
research issues, and the glimmerings of solutions.
SIMS (Single Interface to Multiple Systems): One of the now classic
problems in man-machine interaction is caused by the availability com-
puter software systems supporting work on different aspects of the
same application. Left unorganized, this presents the user with the
necessity of mastering a variety of distinct computer dialects. This
same computing environment also encourages expensive duplication of
functionality in the software systems which also introduces the possi-
bility of the different software systems having inconsistent data.
SIMS will employ AI technology to forge multiple military software
systems into a coherent and consistent whole.
ISI will develop a component which in itself will communicate with the
user and the individual software systems, as well as, supporting the
communication between these systems. The system will be based on ex-
isting ISI knowledge representation and planning technology, but will
likely require their extension. The schedule calls for laboratory
demonstration in a Naval command center environment within two years.
II (Integrated Interfaces): A larger effort looks at integrating
several input forms (natural language, command languages, direct mani-
pulation) to a collection of software utilities, along with mixed
media output. We will need to understand the meaning of the input
forms, translating them into appropriate commands for one or more
underlying software components. On examining the output, we need to
decide whether the user's query has been adequately answered, perhaps
accessing other resources. Finally we need to present the information
to the user in a form most appropriate to his or her needs, and to the
information content.
Brad Myers
myers@utcsri