Presents a formal object-oriented specification model (OSS) for computer software system development that is supported by a tool that automatically generates a prototype from an object-oriented analysis model (OSA) instance, lets the user examine the prototype, and permits the user to refine the OSA model instance to generate a requirements…

Discusses the use of multimedia for communication, information, and training in large organizations through local area networks and wide area networks. New applications for multimedia are reviewed; network design considerations are discussed; requirements for multimedia software are described; and system security is considered. (LRW)

Explains multimedia information systems (MMIS) and describes a pilot system with automatic content retrieval developed at the Victoria University of Manchester (England). Topics discussed include types of databases; requirements of the Manchester MMIS; system architecture and operation; semantic data and their representation of images; queries;…

Explores the use of visualization to enhance the information retrieval process, particularly in bibliographic retrieval systems. Topics discussed include document retrieval systems; human visualization; the VIBE (VIsualization by Example) system, a prototype system for visualizing a collection of documents; and differences between VIBE and more…

Describes a computer algorithm used in South Carolina public schools that links year-to-year student test records. The process of matching data files is explained, computer matches are compared with matches based on numeric student identification numbers to determine accuracy, and other applications in support of educational research are…

Describes the design of an experimental computer-aided cataloging advisor, Mapper, that was developed to help novice users with the descriptive cataloging of single-sheet maps from U.S. publishers. The human-computer interface is considered, the use of HyperCard is discussed, the knowledge base is explained, and assistance screens are described.…

Describes VASARI (the Visual Art System for Archiving and Retrieval of Images), a project funded by the European Community to show the feasibility of high resolution colormetric imaging directly from paintings. The hardware and software used in the system are explained, storage on optical disks is described, and initial results are reported. (five…

Discussion of the development of a knowledge navigation system to assist users in searching a large database in a local/wide-area network environment considers the construction of navigation maps, the use of DOS and Windows, connection with electronic mail, and parallel operation with other systems such as BITNET. (28 references) (MES)

Computer-assisted advising can be an effective support for conventional academic advising. A shell-based expert system allows computer-assisted advising without automated student records, because students maintain and input their own records into the system. The Expert System for Advising Undergraduates (ESAU) used in the management department of…

Describes the Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS) system, an integrated information retrieval system for corporate end users. Discussion covers general characteristics of the system, search techniques, protocol development, user interfaces, servers, selective dissemination of information, nontextual data, access to other servers, and description…

Discussion of computer systems that help teachers plan and manage the learning process focuses on the development of a computer consulting system, ASSISTANT, which was designed to help teachers choose the most suitable educational technology and evaluate its effectiveness. The organization of the database is explained. (seven references) (LRW)

Describes the Association of Research Libraries Geographic Information System (GIS) Literacy Project and the experiences of several libraries involved in electronic mapping. An in-depth description of the University of Connecticut's map library is provided. Sidebars include information about GIS business applications and sources of products…

Discussion of downloading from online public access catalogs focuses on downloading to MS-DOS microcomputers from the INNOPAC online catalog system. Tools for capturing and postprocessing downloaded files are described, technical and institutional constraints on downloading are addressed, and an innovative program for overcoming such constraints…

The Macintosh HyperCard environment has become a popular platform for Japanese language courseware because of its flexibility and ease of programing. This project created Japanese bitmap font files for the JIS Levels 1 and 2, and writing XFCNs for font manipulation, Japanese kana input, and answer correction. (12 references) (Author/LB)

Describes the development of the Supreme Court Opinion Network (SCON) which evolved from the need for the Electronic Dissemination of Opinions (EDO). The roles of the Court, vendors, and publishers are explained; funding is discussed; and the computer system that ultimately emerged, Project Hermes, is described. (Contains 16 references.) (LRW)