erihm

Erihm is a term used in theoretical discussions of human–machine interoperability. In its common usage, erihm refers to a modular framework designed to harmonize data semantics, user intents, and feedback across diverse systems. It is not tied to a single standard or organization, and its precise definition varies among researchers.

Origins and naming: The coinage erihm appears in late-2010s literature and is sometimes described as an acronym, though there is no universal expansion. The most cited formulations describe erihm as an entity-relation information hub for human–machine systems, emphasizing interconnected components rather than a fixed protocol.

Concepts and structure: Proponents outline four architectural layers: semantic mapping that translates domain concepts into interoperable representations; an interaction protocol governing user actions and system responses; an accountability ledger to record decisions and provenance; and a governance envelope that addresses consent, privacy, and safety. The aim is to reduce cross-system friction and improve explainability.

History and reception: Erihm emerged in academic and practitioner discussions around 2018–2020 and has since appeared in various pilot projects and position papers. Critics argue that the term is underspecified and that the lack of concrete standards limits its practical value.

Applications and limitations: Potential applications include education technology, assistive devices, and cross-platform data integration. Limitations include unclear metrics, possible overreach beyond current interoperability capabilities, and the risk of creating fragmented interpretations of the same data.

See also: Human–computer interaction, Interoperability, Information architecture, Explainable AI.