Task-oriented parsing - a diagnostic method to be used adaptive systems

ABSTRACT

In order to be able to show context-dependent responses to the user's actual needs, adaptive systems have to be provided with models of possible task contexts. Existing methods for the representation of tasks in HCI are insufficient for this purpose as they do not support task-oriented parsing (i.e. analysing the input stream in terms of higher level task units). This paper presents a Prolog implementation of a task-oriented parser (+ generator) based on a grammar notation called LEXITAS. As an application, an online coach for a UNIX-like file management system is described. Further applications, such as automated macro detection from given interaction protocols, are discussed.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.4 OPERATING SYSTEMS
      D.4.0 General

          Nouns: UNIX

  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.2 Information Storage
          Subjects: File organization

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.4 Knowledge Representation Formalisms and Methods
          Subjects: Representations (procedural and rule-based)
      I.2.5 Programming Languages and Software

          Nouns: Prolog
      I.2.7 Natural Language Processing
          Subjects: Language parsing and understanding

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Languages