Building software agents for training systems: A case study on radiotherapy treatment planning1

摘要

The main aim of this paper is to discuss the design issues and implications that relate to the use of software agents in Training Systems. We have designed and implemented a Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Learning Environment (called RATAPLAN), which incorporates an interface intelligent agent to support training of Simulation Technologists and Radiation Physicists in this knowledge domain. The learning environment consists of an interactive simulation. The interface agent (called Consulta) acts both as demonstrator and assistant to the users. The paper describes in depth the agent's architecture and illustrates the agent–user interaction and communication. With Consulta we promote the collaboration between novice and expert practitioners in Radiotherapy Treatment Planning.