Interfaces

The conventional interface used to access an online decision analysis system consists of two dialogues. One is the web page containing controls such as buttons and the other is the browser used to access and interpret web pages, which also has controls such as buttons. By clicking on either browser or web page controls a user can navigate to make use of the functionality offered by some part of the system.

More information ... Capability enhancement ..... find out more about the types of support and training we provide to enhance the capabilities of clients in defining requirements, designing and implementing online decision analysis systems or in effective use of systems ... Some utilities ..... online decision analysis systems can be integrated with a range of convenient support functions which assist in the administration of documents, data bases and a range of online and offline operations ...

Browsers are a well-established technology first implemented in 1990 and today follows a range of standards and comes in various forms produced by different suppliers.

The most common browser today is the Microsoft© Internet Browser which is supplied with the Windows Operating Systems.

VCT programs

Since adopting DScript as a core scripting language in 2000, SEEL has also developed a more advanced program or "platform" based on Virtual Client Technology (VCT - see box on right or see Why Virtual Client Technology?) to improve the dynamic character of the interface so that, for exa,ple, both web page dialogues and the control frame dialogues, normally occupied by a browser's controls, can change dynamically in terms of shape and content. In other words, all of the "real estate" of the laptop or desktop monitor becomes reconfigurable as a single coordinated dialogue. For example a trading terminal looks and operates like a browser with a trading terminal functionality in the web pages accessed. With a VCT platform the whole monitor screen takes on the functionality of a trading terminal with all of the specialised function buttons on the "browser frame" leaving the web page less cluttered. The whole look anf feel of the program dialogue causes the frame and the web content to merge and become one interface. Where a different set of function buttons are required the server can signal the VCT program to present another set of buttons but allow the user to toggle between them if they want. VCT platforms also permit a far better control of online systems users of the client end operating system as well as other programs at the client end. VCT platforms can also operate without dialogues to control automated operations such as server controlled temperature regulation in buildings, energy use, security systems and other useful operations.

Browser technology is now available on mobile devices such as telephones and palm held computers so that access to online content is being practiced from a larger range of geographic locations.

Dialogue scenarios

Although the mobile device, as a result of the geographic penetration of networks and low unit costs, is becoming ubiquitous, the types of dialogues or "page layout" used by individuals will depend upon the nature of the decision analysis systems being accessed.

Examples include a utility worker who needs to travel to visit operational sites or even corporate customers receiving a specialised service. Where unexpected events arise such as a technical problem in a plant or an unexpected customer question, accessing an expert dialogue component of a decision analysis system can guide the utility worker to the technical solutions or answer to questions. Although mobile devices have browser ability their small web screen normally required a need to "redimension" parts of web pages in order to read them or to access use controls on the pages; this caometimes require navigation. We provide web control and text dimensions which minimise the extend of manipulation or navigation required on mobile devices. This enables the user to access exactly what is required in a convenient manner.

The advance of applied information theory in an increasing number of applications is making increasing demands on the ability of mobile devices to service these both in terms of transmitting data to the central server as well as accessing information from the server. The design of web page formats according to progress through, for example, an expert dialogue system, can greatly facilitate the convenience of using mobile devices.