Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Future Of Computing: Cyberspace, Jens G. Pohl

Collaborative Agent Design (CAD) Research Center

This paper traces trends in the technological advances of computer and communication systems and examines the promises of the Information Society: global information sharing; and, intelligent decision-support. The technological developments that will lead to the realization of Cyberspace, an information rich environment in which virtual reality capabilities couple directly to the human senses, is explored in terms of five essential components: information processing requirements; communication networks; computing devices (i.e., platforms); hardware and software user-interfaces; and, the meaningful representation of information.

Attention is drawn to the critical role played by information representation in a Cyberspace environment. The author argues …

The Round Table Model: A Web-Oriented, Agent-Based Approach To Decision-Support Applications, Kym J. Pohl, Jens G. Pohl

Collaborative Agent Design (CAD) Research Center

Not unlike King Arthur relying on the infamous Round Table as the setting for consultation with his most trusted experts, agent-based, decision-support systems provide human decision makers with a means of solving complex problems through collaboration with collections of both human and computer-based expert agents. The Round Table Framework provides a formalized architecture together with a set of development and execution tools which can be utilized to design, develop, and execute agent-based, decision-support applications. Based on a three-tier architecture, Round Table incorporates forefront technologies including distributed-object servers, inference engines, and web-based presentation to provide a framework for collaborative, agent-based decision …

Collaborative Decision Support Systems For Facility Management, Arthur J. Chapman, Jens G. Pohl

Collaborative Agent Design (CAD) Research Center

Agent-based collaborative decision support is a methodology of utilizing domain specific intelligent systems, interacting in a common environment, to partner with one or more human decision makers to reach a consensus solution to a complex problem. An example is the recently developed Collaborative Infrastructure Assessment Tool (CIAT) that provides a collaborative planning facility management tool in support of military pier and port management. This methodology is applicable to many similar dynamic facility management problems where the complexity of issues and the number of decision makers result in the need for domain specific agents, a common view of the data, and …

Information Storage Capacity Of Incompletely Connected Associative Memories, Holger Bosch, Franz J. Kurfess

Computer Science and Software Engineering

In this paper, the memory capacity of incompletely connected associative memories is investigated. First, the capacity is derived for memories with fixed parameters. Optimization of the parameters yields a maximum capacity between 0.53 and 0.69 for hetero-association and half of it for auto-association improving previously reported results. The maximum capacity grows with increasing connectivity of the memory and requires sparse input and output patterns. Further, parameters can be chosen in such a way that the information content per pattern asymptotically approaches 1 with growing size of the memory.

Intelligent Assistance For Human Supervisory Control Of Multiple Robots, Robin R. Murphy, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper reviews on-going collaborative efforts between the Colorado School of Mines and Clark-Atlanta University in cooperative assistance for coordination and control of multiple vehicles. It reports on progress in developing an intelligent assistance agent (IAA) for aiding a human operator in diagnosing problems and generating recovery strategies in remote ground robots. The current work has focused on the identification and incorporation of categories of additional information from multiple robots and other agents. These categories are: mission-related sources, such as peer robots working nearby; facility-related sources, such as security cameras; and opportunistically available agents, such as overhead satellites or humans …

Ai And The Changing Face Of Health Care, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

No abstract provided.

Interactive Image Cases For Medical Problem Solving, Erika Rogers, Barb Ericson

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The development of an intelligent assistance agent for diagnostic radiology faces a number of challenges: e.g., how to gain access to the knowledge used an such visual problem solving tasks, how to operationalize it for further processing, and how to present it an the most useful manner for diagnosis. Our previous work an this domain placed an emphasis on the first two issues, and has shown that both perception and problem solving need to be supported an these types of tasks. However, the interface to the underlying intelligence in our first prototypes did not reflect how medical practitioners physically interact …

The Impact Of Multimedia Training On Mental Models Of Simple Processes, Johnny L. Washington, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The purpose of this paper is to describe work in progress on a project which is designed to study how multimedia training may impact people’s mental models of sample processes. A tutorial is under development which helps people learn how to construct an abstract model of the steps needed to produce a letter on a typewriter, and how to change this model when the task moues to a computerized setting. Subjects have been recruited to participate in this study, and the current status of the project is discussed.

Outbreak Agent: Intelligent Wearable Technology For Hazardous Environments, Erika Rogers, Robin R. Murphy, Chris Thompson

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The topic of this paper is a project to design an intelligent agent which supports humans in the domain of hazardous site investigation. This software agent will be integrated into wearable technology which is embedded in the protective clothing worn by the humans. An overview of some of the design issues is presented, with a particular emphasis on the visual problem solving component.

Human-Computer Partnership In Decision-Support Systems: Some Design Guidelines, Jens G. Pohl

Collaborative Agent Design (CAD) Research Center

The design of useful human-computer collaborative decision-support systems requires some understanding of the behavioral and organizational characteristics of human problem solving practices. This paper identifies the principal areas in which computer-based decision making assistance is particularly attractive and critically examines several human problem solving traits that may not be appropriate for direct emulation in the computer-assisted environment. In particular, the author examines the manner in which emotions and hierarchical leadership structures could unnecessarily inhibit the realization of the full potential of a human-computer partnership. Finally, a number of guiding principles are proposed for the design of computer-based decision-support systems.

Hybrid Probabilistic Programs, Alex Dekhtyar, V. S. Subrahmanian

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The precise probability of a compound event (e.g. e₁ V e₂, e₁ Ʌ e₂) depends upon the known relationships (e.g. independence, mutual exclusion, ignorance of any relationship, etc.) between the primitive events that constitute the compound event. To date, most research on probabilistic logic programming [20, 24, 25, 26] has assumed that we are ignorant of the relationship between primitive events. Likewise, most research in AI (e.g. Bayesian approaches) has assumed that primitive events are independent. In this paper, we propose a hybrid probabilistic logic programming language in which the user can explicitly associate, …

Integrating Research Into The Core Curriculum - A Case Study, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

No abstract provided.

A Toolset For The Reengineering Of Complex Computer Systems, Franz J. Kurfess, Mrinalini Lankala, Ashok Vantipalli, Lonnie R. Welch

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper describes a set of tools for the reengineering of computer-based systems, in particular software. The toolset is based on an abstract intermediate representation (IR) which incorporates the system software architecture at five level of granularity: program level, task level, package/object instance level, subprogram level and statement level. The toolset provides a graphical user interface that allows various views of a software architecture, including call graph, rendezvous graph, call-rendezvous graph, call-data-rendezvous graph, control flow graph and dependence graphs. The information captured by the toolset is useful in software structure, flow and interaction analysis, tasks commonly performed manually during maintenance …

Electronic Enterprise Engineering - An Outline Of An Architecture, Michael Bieber, Michael Bartolacci, Jerry Fjermestad, Franz J. Kurfess, Qianhong Liu, Marvin Nakayama, Ajaz Rana, Wilhelm Rossak, Richard Scherl, Murat Tanik, Jason Wang, Raymond Yeh, Peter Ng, Richard Sweeney, Fabio Vitali

Computer Science and Software Engineering

In this paper we put forth a vision for organizations to fully embrace computer support. We propose a business-process oriented architecture for Electronic Enterprise Engineering (EEE) that will enable enterprises to manage and evolve all technological and organizational processes effectively; integrate and manage all enterprise information electronically; and empower knowledge workers at all levels with broad decision support capabilities. Our goal is for the EEE architecture to empower an enterprise to make the best use of its informational assets to operate effectively in this new era of electronic commerce. As part of this project we are developing a standard-based, customizable, …

Agent-Based Expert Assistance For Visual Problem Solving, Erika Rogers, Robin R. Murphy, Barb Ericson

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper presents a domain-independent architecture for facilitating visual problem solving between robots or softbots and humans. The architecture defines virtual and human agents in terms of their inherent cognitive and perceptual abilities, and their weak and strong knowledge sources. It introduces a third agent, an expert assistant called teleVIA, to mediate the flow of information, facilitate cooperation, filter and cache data, and generate the appropriate visual displays. The agent architecture addresses the technical issues of using an expert assistant to coordinate perception, thought, and action, manage sensing and perception, facilitate diagnosis, and to support the collaboration between people and …

Reverse Engineering Of Computer-Based Navy Systems, Lonnie R. Welch, Guohui Yu, Binoy Ravindran, Franz J. Kurfess, Jorge Henriques, Mark Wilson, Antonio L. Samuel, Michael W. Masters

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The financial pressure to meet the need for change in computer-based systems through evolution rather than through revolution has spawned the discipline of reengineering. One driving factor of reengineering is that it is increasingly becoming the case that enhanced requirements placed on computer-based systems are overstressing the processing resources of the systems. Thus, the distribution of processing load over highly parallel and distributed hardware architectures has become part of the reengineering process for computer-based Navy systems.

This paper presents an intermediate representation (IR) for capturing features of computer-based systems to enable reengineering for concurrency. A novel feature of the IR …

Re-Engineering Technical Education In Industry Through Interactive Multimedia Computer-Based Training, Yolanda Kennedy, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper describes current work on re-engineering a short technical course in the area of Non-Destructive Evaluation/Inspection (NDE/I) sponsored by Boeing’s Defense and Space Group. The subject of the course is Eddy Current Testing, and is currently taught over a period of two days using traditional view foils and hand-built artifacts. An overview of some of the course material is presented together with how techniques such as task analysis and storyboarding are being used to design interactive multimedia training modules to support this course.

Interactive Student Support For Introductory Computer Science Courses, Barb Ericson, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper describes the development of interactive multimedia modules which provide supplementary tutorials on basic topics covered in introductory computer science classes. Two such modules were implemented on the topics of number conversions and basic operating system information. The first versions of the tutorials were evaluated in a study using protocol collection and a post-test with a number of student participants. Results from this study led to the re-design of several portions of the tutorials, which now have a greater level of interaction and progressive assistance for problem-solving.

Koala: An Object-Agent Design System, Kym J. Pohl, Jens G. Pohl

Collaborative Agent Design (CAD) Research Center

This paper describes KOALA, a design system with primary focus on the predesign stage of architectural design. KOALA combines object-agent technology with high level representation to form a partnership between the human designer and the computer-based design environment. A diverse taxonomy of agents including Domain agents. Space agents, and Monitor agents work in a collaborative fashion to provide the human designer with expert evaluation and assistance in developing a design solution. Spaces, in their roles as agents attempt to formulate various design solutions based on individual perspectives through negotiation with other agents. The result is a highly interactive design environment …

Categorization Of Programs Using Neural Networks, Franz J. Kurfess, Lonnie R. Welch

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper describes some experiments based on the use of neural networks for assistance in the quality assessment of programs, especially in connection with the reengineering of legacy systems. We use Kohonen networks, or self-organizing maps, for the categorization of programs: programs with similar features are grouped together in a two-dimensional neighbourhood, whereas dissimilar programs are located far apart. Backpropagation networks are used for generalization purposes: based on a set of example programs whose relevant aspects have already been assessed, we would like to obtain an extrapolation of these assessments to new programs. The basis for these investigation is an …

Cooperative Assistance For Remote Robot Supervision, Robin R. Murphy, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper describes current work on a cooperative tele-assistance system for semi-autonomous control of mobile robots. This system combines a robot architecture for limited autonomous perceptual and motor control with a knowledge-based operator assistant which provides strategic selection and enhancement of relevant data. It extends recent developments in artificial intelligence in modeling the role of visual interactions in problem solving for application to an interface permitting the human and remote to cooperate in cognitively demanding tasks such as recovering from execution failures, mission planning, and learning. The design of the system is presented, together with a number of exception-handling scenarios …

A Study Of Visual Reasoning In Medical Diagnosis, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The purpose of this paper is to describe experimental work conducted in the area of diagnostic radiology,with an emphasis on how perception and problem solving interact in this type of task. This work was part of a larger project whose goals included the development of an information-processing model of visual interaction,and the subsequent design of an intelligent cooperative assistant for this domain.

Verbal protocol data was collected from eight radiologists (six residents and two experts) while they examined seven different computer-displayed chest x-rays. A brief overview of the methodology and analysis techniques is presented, together with specific results from one …

Intelligent Multimedia Tutoring For Manufacturing Education, Erika Rogers, Yolanda Kennedy, T. Walton, P. Nelms, I. Sherry

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper describes current work on the design and implementation of intelligent multimedia tutoring modules which are intended to supplement short training courses in Nondestructive Inspection for the Boeing Defense and Space group.

Multimedia In Manufacturing Education Mime, Chris Thompson, Laurie Hodges, Wayne Daley, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper describes a project funded by the Technology Reinvestment Project (TRP) under the manufacturing education component (MET) to design, build, and evaluate interactive multimedia courseware for manufacturing education. Interactive multimedia is defined as the combination of computer based text, sound, graphics, animation, video, and simulation, commercial and defense industries along with a professional society are collaborating on the project in an effort to address important dual-use issues. Advanced media technologies are being exploited to create virtual, time shifted, and/or remote visits to real world manufacturing systems. The foundations for our efforts and the experiences in the first year of …

Estimating Time Available For Sensor Fusion Exception Handling, Robin R. Murphy, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

In previous work, we have developed a generate, test, and debug methodology for detecting, classifying, and responding to sensing failures in autonomous and semi-autonomous mobile robots. An important issue has arisen from these efforts: how much time is there available to classify the cause of the failure and determine an alternative sensing strategy before the robot mission must be terminated?

In this paper, we consider the impact of time for teleoperation applications where a remote robot attempts to autonomously maintain sensing in the presence of failures yet has the option to contact the local for further assistance. Time limits are …

Via-Rad: A Blackboard-Based System For Diagnostic Radiology, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The work described in this article presents an approach to the integration of computer displayed radiological images with cooperative computerized assistance for decision-making. The VIA-RAD system (Visual Interaction Assistant for Radiology) is a blackboard-based architecture, founded on extensive data collection and analysis in the domain of diagnostic radiology, together with cognitive modeling of the interaction between perception and problem-solving. The details of this system are presented in terms of domain knowledge representation and domain knowledge mapping. A small prototype of the system has been implemented and tested with radiology subjects, and the results of this study are also described.

Cognitive Cooperation Through Visual Interaction, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The purpose of the paper is to describe a cooperative system which was designed to provide intelligent assistance in the domain of diagnostic radiology. The approach taken includes the collection and analysis of human performance data, cognitive modelling of the interaction between perception and problem solving. incorporation of this knowledge into a blackboard-based architecture. implementation of a prototype system and testing and evaluation of the prototype. These stages are described, and then discussed in the context of issues particularly relevant to the study of human-machine cooperation.

A Cognitive Theory Of Visual Interaction, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

No abstract provided.

Knowledge-Based Image Enhancement For Cooperative Tele-Assistance, Erika Rogers, Versonya Dupont, Robin R. Murphy, Nazir Warsi

Computer Science and Software Engineering

There is an increasing need in complex environments for computerized assistance, both for the effective filtering and display of pertinent information or data, and also for the decision-making task itself. The combination of artificial intelligence techniques with image processing and graphics capabilities provides the foundation for building intelligent systems which act as mediaries between the human and the task domain. In the field of tele-assistance, this type of system enables cooperative problem-solving between a remote semi-autonomous robot and a local human supervisor. This paper describes current work on such a system, with an emphasis on the development of knowledge-based image …

Cooperative Assistance For Remote Robot Supervision, Erika Rogers, Robin R. Murphy, A. Stewart, Nazir Warsi

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper describes current work on the design of a computer system which provides cooperative assistance for the supervision of remote semi-autonomous robots. It consists of a blackboard-based framework which allows communication between the remote robot, the local human supervisor, and an intelligent mediating system, which aids interactive exception handling when the remote robot requires the assistance of the local operator.