Stephen Hayne

Multi-user view integration system (MUVIS): an expert system for view integration

A description is given of the architecture and development of a knowledge-based system called MUVIS (multiuser view integration system) to support the design of distributed object-oriented databases. MUVIS is implemented using an object-oriented development environment. It assists database designers in representing user views and integrating these views into a global conceptual view. The view integration component is decoupled from the view modeling component. The underlying data model, the semantic data model, treats all parts of the design as objects, thereby reducing the complexity of the integration.<<ETX>>

Distributed facilitation: a concept whose time has come?

Group facilitation is a dynamic process that involves managing relationships between people, tasks and technology, as well as structuring tasks and contributing to the effective accomplishment of the meetings outcomes. This is a difficult problem that becomes even more difficult as group work is geographically distributed. This paper provides a comprehensive framework, in the form of a meeting model, that defines the many activities that surround group work. We show that in existing systems support for facilitation is low and based on the level of facilitator control, we identify facilitation functions and suggest a rational for prioritizing them. With this in hand, we are designing and implementing a prototype facilitation system to support group activities in a distributed environment.

Gesturing through cursors: implementing multiple pointers in group support systems

The authors discuss the issues underlying the concept of gesturing. Specifically, they explore gesturing as applied to users of group support systems. The definition of gesturing is extended beyond simple telepointers to include: the use of motion as a means of expression; and movement that expresses or emphasizes an idea, a sentiment or attitude. The authors address such issues as at what level of interactions should gesturing be supported, how large and what shape should gesture pointers be, how should they move, what are network and processor throughput requirements, and what effect group size may have. The authors results show that full motion computer gesturing can be supported on PC-LAN (local area network) systems for small groups. Gesturing for medium and large groups requires the use of special techniques such as regulating transmission rates, motion smoothing, and point and quiver cursors.<<ETX>>

Alleviating convergence problems in group support systems: the shared context approach

Not all Group Support Systems are identical, as is demonstrated by their software implementations. We discuss two existing implementations of group support tools and the process models underlying them. We demonstrate that fundamental to both processes is the merging or integration of individual data. Based on this and other empirical research, the Shared Context Model (SCM) of cooperative work is adopted and we show that it supports existing processes and others. We expect that groups will find merging their work easier with the SCM. This model is presented and embedded in the architecture and implementation of four group tools. Because these tools are destined to be used by dispersed groups, synchronously or asynchronously, an object-based communication and control mechanism is incorporated. Finally, as graphics and multi-tasking have been shown to be increasingly important, the tools are implemented in Microsoft Windows for personal computers attached to local area networks.

Group data base design: addressing the view modeling problem

Abstract Todays organizations increasingly depend on the use of data base technology to manage their operations. Advances in technology have resulted in increasing the number and complexity of these data bases. Despite their growing complexity, all data bases have one thing in common: each must have gone through either a formal or an informal design process. Data bases must mirror reality accurately, and thus the design process must better capture that reality. The heart of the design process is the conceptual design, data model mapping, and physical design. Our research focuses on providing automated support for the first of these, e.g., conceptual design. Conceptual design is known to be a very difficult and time-consuming phase in the development of data base applications. This article describes the architecture, implementation, and use of a distributed graphical group data base design system. The group view modeling system (GVMS) is implemented in Microsoft Windows for networked personal computers. The main purpose of GVMS is to allow multiple designers (or users) to share conceptual design information in real time and resolve design conflicts through the electronic medium. The underlying data model, semantic data model, is extended to include distribution information as well as transactions and is represented as an extended entity relationship model. Diagram management techniques are implemented to aid in simplifying large complex designs. A small study demonstrated that groups of data base designers who define their view collectively outperform individuals.

Integrating information systems technologies to support consultation in an information center

Abstract This paper presents an approach for integrating different types of information systems technologies to support the functions of an information center (IC). A knowledge-based system, information center expert/help service (ICE/H), has been developed to provide support for the help services of an IC. A general process model to represent the consultation process in an IC is described. Based on this model, an architecture has been developed to support the consultation process. The architecture depicts the use of a knowledge management system, a data management system and a communication (e-mail) system to emulate the consultation process. The ICE/H system has been implemented using this architecture to support an IC with 5000 users.

Integration of information systems technologies to support consultation in an information center

This paper presents an approach for integrating different types of information systems technologies to support the functions of an Information Center (IC). A knowledge based system, Information Center Expert/Help Service (ICE/H), has been developed to provide support for the help services of an IC. A general process model to represent the consultation process in an IC is described. Based on this model, an architecture to support the consultation process has been developed. The architecture depicts the use of a knowledge management system, a data management system and a communication (E-mail) system to emulate the consultation process. The ICE/H system has been implemented using this architecture to support an IC with 5000 users.

A distributed group tool for issue analysis

A description is given of the architecture and implementation of a distributed graphical tool, the Graphic Issue Analysis (GIA) system to support brainstorming and issue analysis. GIA is implemented using an object-oriented environment for personal computers attached to local networks. It allows groups to share issues and comments on those issues in real time. This group tool allows the user to represent a mental model graphically and share it with others in the group in real time. Conflicts are resolved and semantic information in a general form is preserved. It is expected that the information captured and displayed will greatly enhance the groups ability to gather ideas and reach a consensus on those ideas.<<ETX>>