MERIT motifs

MERIT (Multimedia Extensions of Retrieval Interaction Tools) provides a user-centered interface to a database covering European research programs, projects, and consortia in the field of information technology. The system supports the user by offering a selection of sample retrieval strategies, called cases, which are modifiable to meet requirements. The dialogue is focused by object perspectives which define its thematic structure. Based on the resulting dialogue plans, MERIT generates situation-dependent query forms and visualizations of information objects. The process of selecting search terms is assisted by a semantic component proposing additional search terms that are derived from an initially given one by associative reasoning. The system generates graphical presentations of retrieval results, which support a survey or detail oriented reception of the retrieved data. Additionally, the system employs interactive maps to display geographical data and provides scanned-in documents