CD-Icon: an iconic language based on conceptual dependencyBrighton

Abstract A system is described, based entirely on icons, that attempts to allow people to communicate when they have no common language. Unlike previous computer-based iconic systems, the purpose is to explore unrestricted person-to-person communication. The system is based around a message structure derived from Schank's Conceptual Dependency formalism, with the ultimate referential objects being self-explaining icons. Messages are composed by selecting options from a small number of carefully designed screens which can be accessed recursively, resulting in a very powerful medium. The recipient receives an animated version of the message using actors which are represented by simple icons. These icons can be used to gain access to a full description of the actor.