A specification technique for building interface agents in a web environment
Boris W. van Schooten · University of Twente Research Information · 2000
This papers explores some system design issues regarding the structuring and information flow of complex distributed virtual environments (VEs) containing one or more users and dialogue agents. A specification technique is proposed for modelling such systems. We define a specification technique as a suite of interrelated specification languages. It is argued that specification techniques should support gradual design refinement. Therefore, the proposed technique provides several detail levels of specification. Furthermore, the technique tries to explicitly address distributed implementation issues right from the start. Even prototypes made using the technique are suited for distributed usage. The basic idea behind the technique is that all physical objects, such as user interface components and objects in the VE, are modelled as separate software components. These are arranged in a specific structure, reflecting the actual physical or conceptual structure of the objects. A c...