We propose in project FERMI to develop a Retrieval Model for a new
generation of IR systems handling every kind of data in any medium
in an integrated manner through interaction with a user. The research will
be conducted within a framework based on formal logics with associated
theories of uncertainty. Retrieval will be viewed as a form of informative
reasoning based on a notion of entailment subject to a measure of
uncertainty, thus capturing quantitatively the probability of relevance
of a stored object. The results of our research using suitable multimedia
data will be tested within an experimental setting. The tests will use
prototype implementations of algorithms whose computational complexity
will have been investigated. An experimental design appropriate for
large scale testing will be specified so that our results will be
reported with statistical validity.