Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/H95235/01
Title:	SAFE-DIS INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE SAFE DESIGN OF DISTRIBUTED NETWORKS IED4/1/9216
Principal Investigator:	Ahmad, Professor K
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Computer Services
Organisation:	University of Surrey
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 November 1993	Ends:	31 October 1996	Value (£):	115,556
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Software Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Information Technologies Water
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The objective of the Safe-DIS project is to emphasise the role of Information Systems in making safety-related information available to design engineers in a timely and effective manner. We are focusing on the hazards inherent when simulation software is used to produce computer models which are then taken as the basis for safety-critical designs. The final goal of the project is the production of an intelligent information system which will support the safe use of an existing software simulation package, (Hydroworks produced by Wallingford Software). We aim to develop a methodology for knowledge acquisition and knowledge animation which is sensitive to the particular characteristics of safety-related information. Techniques to be explored include; brainstorming, recorded interviews and automated text analysis for knowledge acquisition; and expert systems, information browsers (including termbanks) and possibly neural networks for knowledge animation. Our inquiries concerning the particular nature of safety-related information will lead us to investigate the specialist language(s) used to convey such information and the potential for the exploitation of multi-agent architectures in a domain where numerous, diverse sources of information all contribute to the maintenance of safety. This is a collaborative project : Wallingford Software, a leading simulation software company is working with the University of Surrey. Progress:We have developed a system, the Safe-DIS workbench, which at once serves as a research and development environment and as a prototype of the final system. The workbench facilitates the simultaneous acquisition, animation and validation of information. The workbench also acts as an interface to and between several animation mechanisms and the expanding knowledge base. The mechanisms implemented so far are;(i) an expert system performing automate procedures - used to help in approximating 3-D turbulent network with appendages to a 1D stable system that emphasises the backbone of the network;(ii) the introduction of safety labels to the modelling process in line with the principles of explanation and justification - the system interjects with warnings or even intervenes to prevent hazardous use of the simulation software, in a manner sensitive to the experience of the user;(iii) facilities for information retrieval and browsing are developed and will be made accessible from all parts of the system these will allow the user to navigate the vast quantities of texts available including official guidelines, pertinent legal documents and articles from learned journals, (exploiting the potential granted with the advent of the Internet). Over time we plan to investigate not only the sophistication, power and number of these modules but also wish to place import on developing interactions between them so as to increase their effectiveness in ensuring safety. Our ongoing research into multi-agent architectures suggests that they may provide a suitable framework for the instantiation of such interactions. Our investigations into the language used to communicate safety-related information has led us to hypothesise the existence of a specialist Language of Safety - the subsequent elaboration of which will provide insights into the nature of safety-related information and prompt the development of improved techniques for the elicitation and dissemination of safety-related information. The Safety-Critical Systems Round Table has been established. This is a group of six design engineers with a wealth of experience gained in the use of simulation software in the course of their daily work. To date, we have hosted four, day long, meetings of the Round Table and engaged in a variety of knowledge elicitation activities concerning the safe use of simulation software for design. Asides from being a rich source for acquiring knowledge, the Round Table provides us with a channel for feedback on our system from a user-orientated pe
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Organisation Website:	http://www.surrey.ac.uk