Computer `visualization´ of user activity: hybrid recognition of conceptual patterns

An approach to utilize a hybrid pattern-recognition scheme in designing computer interfaces that can adapt to human users is proposed. It presupposes definition of interface structures that are conducive to human conceptual activities. These are used as structural prototypes that are recognizable with the help of production systems from the area of artificial intelligence. As a result, a user-specific expert system is defined to ascertain the computer´s current focal position in the logical workspace, based on its knowledge of where the user is (conceptually) and where he/she is likely to go next. The expert-system vehicle moves around attempting to be in a variably sized neighbourhood of the user´s location. It follows the user within and among currently applicable conceptual/logical structures and, in so doing, tries to be as helpful as possible