Development objectives of the SAPI project

This document presents strong connotations of Industrial Research aimed at the study and definition of models, methodologies and techniques to customise interaction in the context of e-business, as well as their testing and validation using Pre-Competitive Development activities. The following is a summary of the development objectives in which the project activities were grouped.

DO1. A Deeper Analysis of the State of the Art. Starting with an existing study (in terms of standards, legislation, guidelines, other projects and services already implemented and referring to activities planned for the project) we begin to outline user requirements and the functional architecture of a generic platform to provide services to also meet the needs of visually impaired users.

DO2. Study of intelligent services and contents. This development objective refers to the modelling of the provider/user domain of interactive resources (both content and/or services) using techniques and formal languages that represent the knowledge favouring an ontological approach. Subsequent to the definition of the defined domain model, the models and description and semantic annotation methods of resources will be defined to include intelligent characteristics and behaviour. Lastly, interaction management between users and services will be modelled.

DO3. Study of formal description models of the user and context and evolution rules. This development objective will study and define the modelling of the user profile and the inference/development of the model in relation to the user/system interaction possibilities. Problems in relation to the modelling of other characteristics are also dealt with that determine the adaptation of content and services and in reference to context. Lastly, methods are studied and defined based on the knowledge to customise, as well as the interface and the user-platform interaction model.

DO4. Study of advanced multi-modal interfaces and special devices for the disabled. This development objective concerns the enrichments of customisation methods as per DO3 to support advanced interaction methods such as semantic screen reading and VPN User Communication Identifier and special devices for the disabled. The objective to pursue, and reach, will be to define, plan and develop solutions that cross current boundaries set by market availability and that really respond to the primary requirements of accessibility and usability, in an efficient and effective manner, for all types of users, both for the non-disabled and disabled.

DO5. Testing and analysing the impact of research. The last development objective is dedicated to the development of a prototype software platform that based on the application of the models and methodologies defined during the other development objectives, can make the basis to develop advanced solutions to provide customised content and services. The validation of research conducted occurs by developing two demonstrators: the first to provide a type of "postal order payment" service and the second a type of "financial consultancy" service. The objective will conclude with the testing of services with real users.