.EQ
delim $$
.EN
.ps 8
.vs 10
.nr PS 8
.nr VS 10
.LP
To develop an intelligent front-end (IFE)
for building energy simulation. The IFE is comprised of a number of
cooperating software modules which address human-computer interaction,
context dependent data entry validation, intelligent defaulting,
user modelling and automated performance assessment.
.sp 3
.LP
The following software modules are now operational.
.IP -
A \fIUser Model\fR to track the user's progress
and ensure the system responds in an appropriate manner.
.IP -
A \fIDialogue Handler\fR to converse with the user 
in a manner which is tailored to her/his
conceptual class and level of experience.
.IP -
A \fIPlan Recognition\fR module to identify
the user's performance appraisal wishes.
.IP -
A \fIPlanner\fR to determines the
most appropriate appraisal methodology.
.IP -
A \fIBuilding Model\fR to create, from the information supplied by the user
and the knowledge base, the data structure which describes 
the building under consideration in terms of its
geometry, construction, occupancy and environmental control systems.
.IP -
A \fIBack-End Handler\fR to drive the required appraisal package,
feeding it the necessary data.
.IP -
And a \fIKnowledge Handler\fR to
manipulate the knowledge concerning the application (building design),
the domain (energy modelling), the appraisal software (ESP for example)
and the user class.
.LP
At the present time the integration and testing of these modules
is underway.
.sp 3
.LP
No serious problems have been encountered.
.sp 3
.LP
The project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Infomatios
Group at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Already several
commercial and research organisations have expressed an interest in the IFE
product and it is our intention to establish a number of $beta$-test sites
before the project's end.
