ABSTRACT
Computer user modelling has been applied in a number of domains, for a range of purposes. Examples include computer assisted learning, industrial processing and text editing. User modelling methods are reviewed. Their applicability to complex systems, such as those found in manufacturing, commerce, aviation, is considered with reference to their ability to cope with real-time situations involving multiple agents.
Interaction framework (I.F.) is briefly described and its application to describing complex systems is considered. The mathematical support for formally describing systems in terms of the agents involved, their objectives and the interaction events required to realise objectives. Links between objectives and interaction events are made explicit as are temporal constraints. Analysis of a model built using I.F. assists with the ‘cognitive specification’ of a canonical user in a particular rôle with respect to temporal issues. Examples from manufacturing and aviation demonstrate this approach.
