When we want to buy a newspaper or a magazine, we go to a newsagent or a kiosk and browse through the material on offer. Normally the local newsagent will even deliver the newspapers or magazines to our homes. In the multimedia age a similar role will be played by a software agent which searches the available material for us, select the items we want and deliver them to us.

The ACTS project KIMSAC has developed and tested a kiosk based information service using agent technology and object oriented design. The experience has resulted in insights into the building of distributed systems for multimedia applications.

The project has developed an Agent Services Layer (a software for developing applications using agent technology), Presentation System (a set of software tools that allow rendering to a specific environment), Asset Compiler (a tool for translating asset description into Java programmes), Local Agent Environment (facilitates communication between agents within an environment and with agents outside it), Asset Model (a tool which allows user interface designers to describe multimedia content), Video system for kiosk based applications

KIMSAC carried out trials of its multimedia kiosks in three different locations in Ireland during 1997 and 1998. The kiosks provided access to networked multimedia applications that enabled users to query social-welfare entitlements, as well as allowing unemployed users to match their CVs to job vacancies.

The first trial in 1997 lasted three months and used 6 kiosks in social welfare offices, 2 at each of the three sites (Galway, Tralee and Tallagt near Dublin). In this trial staff in the offices helped users to operate the system. A second trial in 1998 lasted six months and the kiosks operated in a 'stand alone' environment, i.e. there was be nobody actively directing clients to use the kiosks.

The kiosk presented users with a Personal Service Assistant (PSA) as a life-like interface between users and services. Key system features included

1. Touch Screen: Easier access for those that are not confident with using a keyboard and a mouse. Instead people can use the traditional pointing device - the finger. The touch screen displays text, graphics, still pictures, video and animation.

2. Speakers: Provides audio information to meet different requirements.

3. Handset: For those with hearing difficulties or to provide privacy when listening to confidential information.

4. Printer: Can print information displayed on the screen .

5. Card Reader: Reads swiped Social Welfare card to authorise access to SWS Information and personal information. A PIN is needed in conjunction with the card reader for access to personal information.

6. Other Features: Camera and microphone for video conferencing with Social Welfare and Fas experts.

Users found that they significantly reduced the time involved in searching for answers to employment or welfare enquiries.