Distributed access knowledge-based system: reified interaction service for trace and control

Explains our approach to help users graphically trace and control the behavior of distant objects in a knowledge-based system (KBS). This working context implies tackling several problems: numerous, varied and heterogeneous entities to distribute; dynamic and interactive communications; bi-directional control; and user-friendly means of expression. Our approach is based on an architecture using an existing tool (DICO*) that allows connecting distant heterogeneous objects through an interaction mechanism. We also offer two kinds of dedicated and extensible libraries of trace and control interactions. We have tested this approach in a prototype proving the advantages of these two libraries as well as those of DICO* to distribute KBSs. Our reified interaction service accommodates adaptive multi-access to a KBS without modifying its code