<I-N-C-A> - Shared Model for Synthesized Artifacts

The Edinburgh I-X Intelligent Systems Technology approach uses the core notion of the representation of a product as a set of nodes making up the components of the product model, along with constraints on the relationship between those nodes and a set of outstanding issues - <I-N-C-A> - Issues, Nodes, (Critical and Auxiliary) Constraints and Annotations. Engagement with various standards setting groups is a part of this work.

The work involves the investigation of the use of shared models for task directed communication between human and computer agents who are jointly exploring a range of alternative options for activity.

Six concepts are being used as the basis for exploring task orientated multi-agent and mixed-initiative work involving users and systems. Together these provide for a shared model of what each agent can and is authorised to do and what those agents can act upon. The concepts are:

1. Shared Object/Product Model -- a structured representation of the object being modelled or produced using a common constraint model of the object or product (<I-N-C-A>).
2. Shared Planning and Activity Model -- a rich plan representation using a common constraint model of activity (<I-N-OVA>, itself a specialisation of <I-N-C-A>).
3. Shared Task Model -- Mixed initiative model of "mutually constraining the space of objects/products".
4. Shared Space of Options -- explicit option management.
5. Shared Model of Processing Capabilities -- handlers for issues (functional capabilities described in <I-N-OVA>) and constraint managers.
6. Shared Understanding of Authority -- management of the authority to do work (to handle issues) and which may take into account options and levels of abstraction of the model of the object or product.

In particular, this work will carry forward the development of a strong systematic ontology to underpin the models of processes and activity - including continuing to engage in and promote its use as a basis for standards. The work will draw on the initial efforts to create an ontology suitable for the conceptual description of all aspects of an organisation - the Enterprise Ontology and on the development of the <I-N-OVA> constraint model of activity. The work will promote the aim that PIF, NIST PSL, OMWG CPR and SPAR all converge on a single core model of activity which can be based on the more abstract <I-N-C-A>.

More Details on <I-N-OVA>

• <I-N-OVA> Description
• <I-N-OVA> Object Model

XML Version

• Sample XML ideas for <I-N-C-A>
• I-X XML coding conventions

AIAI | I-X

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