A terminological language for representing complex knowledge

This paper describes the current implementation of KRAM, a hybrid system for knowledge representation that is part of a project whose task is to build a realistic model of how agents interact with each other and with the external world: the simulation should be embodied in a cooperative and user-friendly interface for an information system. The focus of the paper is on the terminological component, TERM-KRAM, that supplies the meaning of all the concepts that are necessary to model man-machine interaction. The assertional component enables the users to make statements about external entities. TERM-KRAM exhibits some specific features that make it especially suitable for representing actions and complex objects. Moreover, the system can be used for a wide range of applications, in particular those in which it is desirable either to offer explanation to users or to model agents and/or their behaviour, e.g., man-machine interaction, cognitive modelling, planning and help systems.