Changes between Version 4 and Version 5 of BossaIntro

Timestamp:

Oct 2, 2007, 3:22:28 PM (18 years ago)

Author:

davea

Comment:

--

BossaIntro

@@ -10 +10 @@
 In particular:
 
- * Tasks may be short (performed on a single web page) are may involve running separate programs and take several weeks.
+ * Tasks may be short (performed online via a single web page) or may take several weeks and involve running separate programs.
  * Tasks may be performed by a single user or by a group of cooperating users.
  * Tasks may be automatically validated, or may require validation by comparing multiple instances.
@@ -31 +31 @@
 using any other mechanism.
 
-Each skill app has a dynamic set of ''skill tasks''.
+A skill app has a dynamic set of ''skill tasks''.
 Each one has an associated XML document,
 typically describing its parameters or input files.
@@ -38 +38 @@
 Each one represents a copy of the task, either in progress or completed.
 Each instance is assigned either to a user or to a team.
+
+Skill apps are classified as:
+
+ * Online: the task is performed by a single user, sequentially, in a web browser.
+ * Offline: the task is not online, e.g. because it's potentially handled by a group of users, or requires other asynchronous activity.
+
+An online app has an associated ''instance URL'',
+identifying a script that takes an task ID argument and displays the task instance.
+The task may consist either of a single web page or a sequence of web pages.
+In either case the last page in the sequence, when done, should go to
+'''bossa_task_complete.php''', which triggers validation and then asks
+the user if they want more tasks.
+
+An offline app two associated URLs: ''instance start'' and ''instance complete''.
+Each takes a task ID argument.
+The start script shows the user a task instance,
+and makes its input files (if any) available to the user or group.
+The complete script prompts the user to upload files or enter results;
+it should then go to '''bossa_task_complete.php'''.
+
+Skill apps are either:
+
+ * Individually validated: the app has a server-side program that examines a completed instance and decides if it's valid.
+ * Group validated: the app has a server-side program that examines a group of instances, sees if there's a consensus, and if so constructs a ''canonical result'' and marks the instances as valid or invalid.
+
+A project can configure:
+
+ * A maximum number of outstanding offline tasks per user or group
+ * A maximum number of tasks per day issued per user or group
+
+== Implementation ==
+
+To get work, a user goes to a particular page.
+There they see a list of skill apps for which tasks are available
+and for which they are qualified.
+Online and offline apps are listed separately.
+Each app has an estimate of the time or other resources required to complete the task.
+
+To get work for a team, a team administrator