Award details

Enabling technologies for decision support systems

Reference	BBS/E/C/00131570
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Mr Paul Verrier
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Rothamsted Research
Department	Rothamsted Research Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	37,413
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/1999
Duration	24 months

Abstract

In order to create Decision Support Systems which are both appropriate to the Agricultural and Horticultural areas and accommodate the latest advances in computing hardware and software technology, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the needs of these DSSs and of the underlying software mechanisms. This project aims at determining the areas where there are weaknesses in DSS techniques, and in ensuring that the appropriate software technologies are investigated and well understood in order that they may be used to address the weaknesses and to enhance the capabilities of the Human Computer Interface and the ability to compare outcomes of decision processes and to represent biological processes in a meaningful manner through the medium of computer displays. Particular areas for investigation are the handling of spatial variability, particularly in how to display it, the ability to utilise networking concepts to create mechanisms to deliver up to date research results, model parameters and research articles to aid the technology transfer process. Further areas to be worked on include the mechanisms to hold OLE objects in compound documents in order to utilise the existing software for displaying model and decision outputs, multimedia concepts to assist in the delivery of the research results to the end-user. This technology development is aimed at creating a better infrastructure for both the developers of such systems, the farm advisors and the farmers themselves. Several areas are being targetted (i) OLE mechanisms. Output will be a definition of how to use OLE containers and OLE servers to re- use models and software applications within a new application. (ii) Compound document mechanisms. Output will be a working guide to the principles of compound documents and a defined standard mechanism for using them in decision support and related applications (iii) A review of spatial variability display mechanisms. Additional search engine features are required and these must be coupled with a compaction mechanism for the construction of compressed hypertext files and internal links to databases which have index access for psuedo- hypertext links. Investigations into plant architecture simulation will continue with the target being to define a system for incorporating simulation models of internal and external plant events and their effect on the architectural development. Morphogenic models will be used initially. A review of decision methods will be conducted and appropriate mechansims defined for future evaluation and development.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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