Stephen A. Weyer
Alan H. Borning
Abstract
We describe a prototype electronic encyclopedia implemented on a powerful personal computer, in which user interface, media presentation, and knowledge representation techniques are applied to improving access to a knowledge resource. In itself, an electronic encyclopedia is an important information resource, but this work also illustrates the issues and approaches for many types of electronic information retrieval environments. In the prototype we make dynamic use of the structure and semantics of the text articles and index of an existing encyclopedia, while experimenting with other forms of representation, such as simulation and videodisc images. We present a long-term vision of an intelligent user-interface agent; summarize previous work related to futuristic encyclopedias, electronic books, decision support systems, and knowledge libraries; and outline current and potential research directions.
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Index Terms
- A prototype electronic encyclopedia
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Reviews
Hilary D. Burton
Weyer and Borning describe a prototype electronic encyclopedia which combines extensive full text browsing and retrieval capabilities with graphics and simulation features to create a powerful, user-responsive, interactive information system. Well thought out, the prototype brings together a variety of information processing techniques to create an environment which supports the multiple access and analysis approaches which an intelligent user might employ. The tour-filter-guide-model methaphor which they develop for navigation and presentation of the system is imaginative, but useful. The system is written in the object-oriented language ZETALISP. Future plans called for implementation on a VAX 11/780 using RTI's INGRES, but premature termination of the project interrupted this effort. Hopefully, the work can be resumed in the future. There is a good review of earlier, as well as current, related work and an extensive list of references.
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