More on standards
W3C has also recently issued the Scalable Vector Graphics standard (SVG, www.w3.org/TR/SVG/) as a recommendation. This XML-based format allows 2D graphics to be resized and displayed well on a variety of devices. Interestingly, the first piece of software that allowed an SVG image to be displayed within a Web browser was developed by CSIRO, and CSIRO W3C fellow Dean Jackson is one of the standard's authors.
In August, the XML interoperability consortium OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards, www.oasis-open.org) began work on Human Markup Language. HumanML will use XML to convey human characteristics such as cultural, social, kinesic, psychological, and intentional features within data. The organisation expects applications in the areas of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, conflict resolution, psychotherapy, art, workflow, advertising, cultural dialogue, agent systems, diplomacy, and business negotiation.
"Using HumanML, we can substantially reduce interpersonal and intersocietal conflicts associated with the inadequate conveyance of human traits and expression," says Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga, chair of the OASIS HumanML technical committee.
The committee will also work on issues such as messaging, style, alternative schemas, constraint mechanisms, object models, and repository systems--all in the context of representing and amalgamating human information within data.
"HumanML extends the use of XML into totally new arenas and offers the potential to affect the way we communicate with one another," claims Karl Best, director of technical operations for OASIS.
