Digital Commons Network^™

A Simulation Study Of A Space-Borne Optical Disk Mass Memory System, Kenny G. Chen

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Issues concerning space-borne applications of an optical disk mass memory system (ODMMS) are investigated through computer simulation. The simulation model is developed according to a current description of the ODMMS with certain application constraints. The results are examined in terms of system modularity, multi-user data rate buffering, disk module access, and read/write file management. The conditions and requirements for future disk controller designs are indicated in the simulation results.

Hierarchical Discrete-Event Simulation On Hypercube Architecture, Roger D. Chamberlain, Mark A. Franklin

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

This paper presents model of hierarchical discrete-event simulation algorithm running on a hypercube architecture. We assume a static allocation of system components to processors in the hypercube. We also assume a global clock algorithm, with an event-based time increment. Following development of the performance model, we describe an application of the model in the area of digital systems simulation. Hierarchical levels included are gate level (NAND, NOR, and NOT gates) and MSI level (multiplexors, shift registers, etc.). Example values (gathered from simulations running on standard von Neumann architectures) are provided at the model inputs to show the effect of different …

Lsim2 User's Manual, Roger D. Chamberlain, Mark N. Edelman

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Lsim2 is gate/switch-level digital logic simulator. It enables users to model digital circuits both at the gate and switch level and incorporates features the support investigation of the simulation task itself. Lsim2 is an augmented version of the original lsim* with the addition of several new MSI-type components models. This user's manual describes procedures for specifying a circuit in lsim2, mechanisms for controlling the simulation, and approaches to modeling systems.

Automatic Interface Generations From Grammar Specifications, Steve B. Cousins

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

This paper presents a method for automatically generating user interfaces to programs. All possible legal strings of input to a moderately interactive program, taken together, specify the input language of that program. A grammar for such a language is fundamentally knowledge about the language, and that knowledge can be used to assist the program's user in constructing legal program input. The set of words which can appear next in an input sentence, the 'Next set', is defined and a technique for calculating it with a modified version of Prologs's Definite Clause Grammar parser is given. One type of interface this …

Teaching In A Virtual Classroom : Volume 2 Of A Virtual Classroom On Eies : Final Evaluation Report, Computerized Conferencing & Communications Center, Starr Roxanne Hiltz

Computerized Conferencing and Communications Center Reports

A Virtual Classroom is a teaching and learning environment located within a computer-mediated communication system. As a teaching environment, it provides a set of tools, strengths, and limitations which are available to an instructor for delivering course materials and structuring learning experiences. Its characteristics are merely potentials, just as the empty classroom with its chalkboards and desks awaits the efforts and creativity of the instructor and the students to make it "come alive."

This is the second volume of the final research report on experiences with the prototype of a Virtual Classroom system constructed and operated on EIES, the Electronic …

Learning In A Virtual Classroom : Volume 1 Of A Virtual Classroom On Eies : Final Evaluation Report, Computerized Conferencing & Communications Center, Starr Roxanne Hiltz

Computerized Conferencing and Communications Center Reports

The Virtual Classroom [TM] is a system for learning and communicating via connected computers. Students in the Virtual Classroom share their thoughts, questions and reactions with professors and classmates using computers equipped with specially designed software. The software enables students to send and receive messages, interact with professors and classmates, read and comment on lecture material, take tests and receive feedback, and more, without having to attend scheduled classes. Learning can take place at any location in the world and at any time of the day using a computer on campus, at home or in the workplace.

The primary goal …

Doctor Of Arts In Information Science Interim Catalog Computer-Based Program For Information Professionals 1988, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Bi-Directional Inference Engine Using An Object-Oriented Approach, Taha A. Sidani

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An inference engine is the mechanism by which an expert system program uses the domain specific information in the knowledge base to solve a problem at hand. Most of the current systems apply one of three control strategies to perform the reasoning process. These strategies are better known as forward chaining, backward chaining, and hybrid control. However, some of these systems restrict the user by confining him/her to use only the type of control provided. Hybrid systems infer using both forward and backward chaining. In either case, the user is limited to the method in which the knowledge engineer represented …

Char: The Fire Investigators Aid The Implementation Of Expert System, Pamella M. Johnson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to determine the applicability of expert systems to fire investigation. This will be accomplished by: a) using an expert systems building tool, b) extraction and organization of the knowledge base, c) application of the system to solve a real problem.

Ada Real-Time Performance Benchmarks For Personal Computer Environments, Stephen L. Laroche

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A set of benchmarks were developed to test the real-time performance of Ada Personal Computer (PC) compilers. The benchmark set measures the overhead associated with various functions, including subprogram calls both from within and outside of packages ( including generic), dynamic allocation and deallocation of objects, exceptions, task activation/termination, task rendezvous, various time related functions, common arithmetic functions, and file I/0. The benchmark set also determines the type of memory deallocation supported, and determines whether fixed-interval or pre-emptive delay task scheduling is used. The different benchmarks are described along with an explanation of the testing methods for each benchmark. Two …

Object-Oriented Development Techniques For Real-Time Software Systems: A Case Study, Thomas S. Seldenright

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Great improvements have been made in computer technology over the last forty years. Today, systems are being developed to solve complex problems that were previously thought to be out of the reach of computer solutions. Unfortunately, advances in software development techniques have been outpaced by the advances made in hardware development techniques. In recent years, effort has been made to formalize software development techniques suitable for real-time systems. This paper presents an object-oriented approach to realtime systems development. The object-oriented development approach is applied to a real-time case study problem. The case study involves controlling the speed of a toy …

Survey Of Local Area Networks For Low End Systems, Wipawadee P. Sonprasit

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Local area networks (LANs) that support small systems, the personal computers in particular, are surveyed. LAN environments, factors motivating interest in PC LANs, and capability requirements of LANs posed by low-end systems users, are outlined. Discussion of LAN technology includes standards, architecture, transmission media, topology, transmission techniques, access protocol, and performance factors topics. Commercial products are presented with more in-depth outline on selected products. Observation and future of PC LANs conclude the survey.

Design Of A Systolic Architecture To Implement Graphic Transforms, Aimee A. Murray

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The graphics generator hardware is an important component of flight-training simulators. The function of this hardware is to generate 3D perspective images at rates of 30 frames per second to produce realistic out-ofwindow scenes viewed by the crew under training. Within most graphics generator hardware are array processors which achieve high computation throughput necessary to generate real-time processing. The function of the array processors is to transform, clip, rotate and perspective project the data base into screen coordinates for use by the graphic generator. A FIMD (few instructions multiple data) systolic architecture is proposed to achieve high computational throughput that …

Comparison Of Graphical Design Methodologies, Pamela Stark Woodard

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The recent development of the Ada language by the Department of Defense and its required use within the Department of Defense for the development of embedded software systems has resulted in a need for better methods to represent Ada software designs. Graphical design techniques have long been used as software design and documentation aids. The use of graphical techniques to illustrate an Ada design can provide a clear, concise means to describe a complex software system. The purpose of this paper is to investigate several software design methodologies which incorporate graphical design notations. The specific software methodologies examined in detail …

Utilizing Object-Oriented Design To Reduce The Effort Expended On The Maintenance Phase Of A Software Project, Susan Muriel Storma

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Due to poor software design, software products typically incur substantial cost overruns during the maintenance phase of the life cycle. Use of modern software engineering principles (e.g., information hiding and abstraction) can i mprove the design of a product and, hence, reduce the effort associated with the maintenance phase of a product. Object-oriented design (OOD) is a tool which embodies these software engineering principles. This paper first presents the concepts of 00D and how it is used. A design example involving a programmable temperature controller is presented utilizing 00D and is then compared to a top-down design approach. Conclusions are …

Evaluation Of 3d Voxel Rendering Algorithms For Real-Time Interaction On A Simd Graphics Processor, Don Schreiter, John B. Zimmerman

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

The display of three-dimensional medical data is becoming more common, but current hardware and image rendering algorithms do not generally allow real-time interaction with the image by the user. Real-time interactions, such as image rotation, utilize the motion processing capabilities of the human visual system, allowing a better understanding of the structures being imaged. Recent advances in general purpose graphics display equipment could make real-time interaction feasible in clinical setting. We have evaluated the capabilities of one type of advanced display architecture, the PIXAR Imaging Computer, for real-time interaction while displaying three-dimensional medical data as two-dimensional projections. It was discovered …

Master Of Science In Computer Science Catalog, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Center For Computer Science Master Of Science Computer Science 1988-89, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

M.S. Course Schedule April 4, 1988-June 24, 1988, Nova University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Center For Computer-Based Learning: Doctor Of Arts In Information Sciences, Nova University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Center For Computer-Based Learning Doctor Of Arts In Information Sciences Course Sequence, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Computer-Based Doctoral And Master's Programs For Professionals Delivered Through Unix 1988, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Doctor Of Arts In Information Science Interim Catalog 1988, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Doctor Of Education In Computer Science Course Sequence, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Doctor Of Education In Computer Education, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Development Of Techniques To Perform Simulation-Adaptation In A Simulation Training Environment Using Expert System Methods, Cheryl E. Bagshaw

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The use of computers for instructional purposes is steadily increasing, along with an emphasis on developing systems which create environments tailored to human beings. Artificial Intelligence techniques have been incorporated into these systems with an aim at developing better methods of modeling of simulating knowledge and intelligent behavior. One type of these systems, Intelligent Simulation Training Systems (ISTS), utilize a simulation in the training process. This is an ideal environment for the instruction of skills which focus on the ability to understand the time and space relationships of objects.

An intelligent tutor module of an ISTS must configure scenarios for …

Direct Digital Control Of A Liquid Level Control Unit, Barbara Viehman Lytle

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A system was developed to allow undergraduate engineering students the capability of simulating various types of control modes in a laboratory environment. The use of digital control and common industrail components such as transducers, recorders, and valves was implemented.

Modification to an existing bench scale process control system is outlined and demonstrated. A computer program was written which interfaces with the hardware and data acquisition software allowing the user many options to study control processes under a variety of conditions. A wide range of parameters can be selected. System parameters can be saved on disk or printed directly. Data are …

Two Dimensional And Three Dimensional Path Planning In Robotics, Hyun Suk Kim

Dissertations and Theses

A methodology for 2D and 3D collision free path planning algorithm in a structured environment is presented. The isolated free convex areas are represented as a nodes in a graph, and a graph traversal strategy that dynamically allocates costs to graph path is used. Modification of the algorithm for small computational time and optimality is discussed. The 3D path planning is done in the three orthogonal two-dimensional projections of a 3D environment. Collision checking to increase the optimality for 3D paths is done in each of the three orthogonal two-dimensional subspaces.

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Adaptive Histogram Equalization For Contrast Enhancement, John B. Zimmerman, Stephen M. Pizer, Edward V. Staab, J. Randolph Perry, William Mccartney, Bradley C. Brenton

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Adaptive Histogram Equalization (AHE), a method of contrast enhancement which is sensitive to local spatial information in an image, has been proposed as a solution to the problem of the inability of ordinary display devices to depict the full dynamic intensity range in some medical images. This method is automatic, reproducible, and simultaneously displays most of the information contained in the grey-scale contrast of the image. However, it has not been known whether the use of AHE causes the loss of diagnostic information relative to the commonly-used method intensity windowing. In the current work, AHE and intensity windowing are compared …

Load And Communications Balancing On Multiprocessor Logic Simulation Engines, Ken Wong, Mark A. Franklin

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

The problem considered in this paper is to find an assignment of logic components to processors which will achieve logic simulation speed-ups approaching the ideal for large processor populations. This problem becomes particularly important when a significant portion of the speed-up expected from logic simulation engines is attributed to load sharing (as opposed to obtaining speed-up by employing specialized hardware to carry out specific tasks associated with the simulation process such as event queue manipulation or function evaluation). Our research considers this problem for a particular multiprocessor simulation architecture for which a performance model has bene developed. The model is …