Hans C. Arents

Concept-based retrieval of hypermedia information: from term indexing to semantic hyperindexing

Abstract The key to unlocking the information retrieval potential of hypertext and hypermedia systems lies in a more semantics-aware indexing of the information in the hypernetwork, and in the effective visualization and navigation of this hypermedia index structure. We briefly highlight the information retrieval issues specific to hypertext and hypermedia systems, and discuss our concept-based information retrieval model for hypertext. We then examine in detail two different approaches to the concept-based indexing of hypermedia information which we developed during the Active LibraryTM on Corrosion project: term indexing with three-dimensional index navigation and semantic hyperindexing with broad-button link navigation. Finally, we discuss how a conceptbased indexing technique could represent a significant step towards a more intelligent retrieval of hypermedia information.

Information Structuring for Intelligent Hypermedia: A Knowledge Engineering Approach

The next generation of hypermedia systems will undoubtedly incorporate many concepts and techniques taken from the field of artificial intelligence and knowledge-based systems, in order to add more intelligence to the basic hypertext model. In this paper, we discuss where this need for more intelligent hypermedia systems comes from, by looking at the major authoring and reading problems characteristic of hypermedia. We then point out the similarity in system architecture which exists between expert systems and intelligent hypermedia systems, and discuss how a knowledge engineering approach to hypermedia information structuring can help us address these authoring and reading problems. Finally, we describe the use of such an approach in our implementation of IKON, a prototype third-order hypermedia system, based on the so-called Model-Map-View-Praxis or MMVP conceptual system architecture

Use of Hypertext for Corrosion Analysis

Hypertext forms a novel approach to the problem of handling large amounts of heterogeneous information. Its underlying concepts appear to be well suited to the computer implementation of diagnostic guides, and should also enable us to devise more adequate explanation and help facilities for use in diagnostic expert systems. In this paper we will describe research on applying hypertext techniques to corrosion analysis, and highlight the advantages compared to more conventional techniques.

Delivering materials engineering information using hypermedia systems

The availability of reliable and detailed information on the properties, behavior, and characteristics of materials is of crucial importance to engineers during materials engineering processes, that is, designing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining industrial components and installations. The challenges facing computerized information tools that must provide effective support for these materials engineering processes are threefold: to develop materials information systems for use by engineers that allows structured, standardized access to diverse, highly interconnected information on materials. In this paper, we discuss how the use of hypermedia tools and techniques allows us to address these three challenges. We contend that the rich diversity and interconnectedness of materials information can only be adequately captured using the hypermedia data model. We also discuss how, using the interface functionals of a hypermedia tool, we can tailor the interface of a materials information system to the task-related needs of the corrosion engineer. We illustrate this by examining two hypermedia materials information systems that have been developed in cooperation with our research group: the Active Library® on Corrosion (ALC) and CONNAISSANCE. The ALC is a CD-ROM based hypermedia system with a large but fixed collection of corrosion engineering information that can be consulted on the engineers personal computer. CONNAISSANCE is a unique hypertext system with continuously updated materials engineering information that can be accessed and consulted on-line.