We support people in interacting with complex information systems

The Interoperability and Assistance Systems department researches and develops solutions that support people in interacting with complex information systems. In a »system of systems« approach, interoperability is vital.

Our R&D projects in the field of software architectures for computer-based assistance systems focus on dialog design and semantic interoperability. We contribute in this way to the technical networking of systems and their content. Using multimodal and multimedia interaction technologies, we tailor dialogs to suit specific users and tasks, which facilitates collaboration. Our ontology-based information systems, web services and intelligent software agents distribute information to personalized end-user devices on time and in the right granularity. Modern, technology-based learning environments, including the use of serious games, give users the decision-making abilities they need. Our capabilities include designing, implementing and evaluating system solutions for interactive sensor data analysis; creating knowledge and integrating it into expert systems to support networked data analysis and modeling users, workflows and application domains. We also specialize in competence management in distributed systems.

We build components for interactive image analysis, ontology-based specialist databases, network-enabled information management systems, and training and education systems. Compliance with and monitoring of domestic and international software quality standards is integral to our development activities. Many of our partners and clients belong to the defense and civil security sectors. Products we have developed include CSD (Coalition Shared Database), a client-server system that distributes information relevant to reconnaissance among NATO partners; i2exrep, a tool that uses databases to generate reports that comply with standardized reporting formats; AMFIS, a generic, modular ground control station that can coordinate mobile sensor carriers and evaluate sensor data and situation reports; and Lost Earth 2307, an adaptive serious game framework that trains image interpreters and other specialists.
 

Project partners

• German defense authorities (Federal Ministry of Defense and subordinate agencies)
  
• Defense industry
• European Union