7 research outputs found
HIPPO -- an adaptive open hyptertext system
The hypertext paradigm offers a powerful way of modelling complex knowledge structures. Information can be arranged into networks, and connected using hypertext links. This has led to the development of more open hypertext design, which allow hypertext services to be integrated seamlessly into the user's environment. Recent research has also seen the emergence of adaptive hypertext, which uses feedback from the user to modify objects in the hypertext. The research presented in this thesis describes the HIPPO hypertext model which combines many of the ideas in open hypertext research, with existing work on adaptive hypertext systems.
The idea of fuzzy anchors are introduced which allow authors to express the uncertainty and vagueness which is inherent in a hypertext anchor. Fuzzy anchors use partial truth values which allow authors to define a "degree of membership" for anchors. Anchors no longer have fixed, discrete boundaries, but have more in common with contour lines used in map design. These fuzzy anchors are used as the basis for an adaptive model, so that anchors can be modified in response to user actions. The HIPPO linking model introduces linkbase trees which combine link collections into inheritance hierarchies. These are used to construct reusable inheritance trees, which allow authors to reuse and build on existing link collections. An adaptive model is also presented to modify these linkbase hierarchies. Finally, the HIPPO system is re-implemented using a widely distributed architecture. This distributed model implements a hypertext system as a collection of lightweight, distributed services. The benefits of this distributed hypertext model are discussed, and an adaptive model is then suggested
HIPPO -- an adaptive open hyptertext system
The hypertext paradigm offers a powerful way of modelling complex knowledge structures. Information can be arranged into networks, and connected using hypertext links. This has led to the development of more open hypertext design, which allow hypertext services to be integrated seamlessly into the user's environment. Recent research has also seen the emergence of adaptive hypertext, which uses feedback from the user to modify objects in the hypertext. The research presented in this thesis describes the HIPPO hypertext model which combines many of the ideas in open hypertext research, with existing work on adaptive hypertext systems.
The idea of fuzzy anchors are introduced which allow authors to express the uncertainty and vagueness which is inherent in a hypertext anchor. Fuzzy anchors use partial truth values which allow authors to define a "degree of membership" for anchors. Anchors no longer have fixed, discrete boundaries, but have more in common with contour lines used in map design. These fuzzy anchors are used as the basis for an adaptive model, so that anchors can be modified in response to user actions. The HIPPO linking model introduces linkbase trees which combine link collections into inheritance hierarchies. These are used to construct reusable inheritance trees, which allow authors to reuse and build on existing link collections. An adaptive model is also presented to modify these linkbase hierarchies. Finally, the HIPPO system is re-implemented using a widely distributed architecture. This distributed model implements a hypertext system as a collection of lightweight, distributed services. The benefits of this distributed hypertext model are discussed, and an adaptive model is then suggested
A VISUAL DESIGN METHOD AND ITS APPLICATION TO HIGH RELIABILITY HYPERMEDIA SYSTEMS
This work addresses the problem of the production of hypermedia
documentation for applications that require high reliability, particularly
technical documentation in safety critical industries. One requirement of this
application area is for the availability of a task-based organisation, which
can guide and monitor such activities as maintenance and repair. In safety
critical applications there must be some guarantee that such sequences are
correctly presented. Conventional structuring and design methods for
hypermedia systems do not allow such guarantees to be made. A formal
design method that is based on a process algebra is proposed as a solution
to this problem. Design methods of this kind need to be accessible to
information designers. This is achieved by use of a technique already
familiar to them: the storyboard. By development of a storyboard notation
that is syntactically equivalent to a process algebra a bridge is made
between information design and computer science, allowing formal analysis
and refinement of the specification drafted by information designers.
Process algebras produce imperative structures that do not map easily into
the declarative formats used for some hypermedia systems, but can be
translated into concurrent programs. This translation process, into a
language developed by the author, called ClassiC, is illustrated and the
properties that make ClassiC a suitable implementation target discussed.
Other possible implementation targets are evaluated, and a comparative
illustration given of translation into another likely target, Java