Digital Commons Network^™

Adaptive Prefetching For Device-Independent File I/O, Dan Revel, Dylan Mcnamee, David Steere, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Device independent I/O has been a holy grail to operating system designers since the early days of UNIX. Unfortunately, existing operating systems fall short of this goal for multimedia applications. Techniques such as caching and sequential read-ahead can help mask I/O latency in some cases, but in others they increase latency and add substantial jitter. Multimedia applications, such as video players, are sensitive to vagaries in performance since I/O latency and jitter affect the quality of presentation. Our solution uses adaptive prefetching to reduce both latency and jitter. Applications submit file access plans to the prefetcher, which then generates I/O …

Using Multimedia Microworlds To Motivate And Engage Adult Learners, Susan B. Stoney

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

As educational institutions come under increasing pressure from outside forces to restructure the way students learn, efforts are being made by researchers to find ways to assist students to learn through independent thought and to solve problems in a resource-based, self-paced environment. Such an environment needs to be sufficiently interesting and novel to motivate students who begin to use it, and to continue to engage them as they progress through it. This study has sought to identify what such a learning environment needs to encompass in order to motivate and engage adult learners so that they will not only want …

User Response And Organisational Fit For Information Systems In Earth Observation, Jeff Kingwell

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

A group of seventy six scientists and data managers in the Australian research agency CSIRO were surveyed to establish their needs and preferences in relation to information systems for Earth observation data. After study of available alternatives, three prototype Earth observation information management systems were installed and the user response was evaluated through interview of fifteen of the group. The prototypes consisted of web-based client servers which permitted users to interrogate databases of Earth observation datasets; to search for information about sensor or satellite performance, and to retrieve data and information products. The chosen systems were CILS, the CEOS (Committee …

Performing Cooperative Work And Conferencing On An Intranet Using Java, Thaveeporn Limpanyalers

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The process of organising, preparing and conducting a meeting is a time consuming one. Additionally, geographic separation compounds the amount of effort required. Within this study, an electronic conferencing system in an Intranet environment is designed and implemented, thus enabling employees in the same organisation to meet up electronically without the dual constraints of time and space. Specifically, the study investigates incorporation of facial expressions and an ongoing polling system. The results demonstrate that a presence of facial expressions helps users to better engage in on-line discussion and that users find an ongoing poll to be useful in determining direction …

Vector Geometry And Applications To Three-Dimensional Computer Graphics, Rory Morrison

Theses : Honours

The mathematics behind algorithms involved in generating three-dimensional images on a computer has stemmed from the analysis of the processes of sight and vision. These processes have been modeled to provide methods of visualising three-dimensional data sets. The applications of such visualisations are varied. This project will study some of the mathematics that IS used in three-dimensional graphics applications

An Integrated Web-Based Ill System For Singapore Libraries, Schubert Foo, Ee Peng Lim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The paper proposes an integrated Web-based inter-library loan (ILL) system to replace and enhance the existing manual-based ILL system used by Singapore libraries. It describes the system requirements that must be supported in order to make it a viable and acceptable solution to all participating libraries. Subsequently, it presents the client-server Web-based system architecture, database design and Java development platform that are used to implement the system. The new system exhibits a host of advantages over the manual system including the minimising of human resource by eliminating form-filling and other forms of paper work completely, improving the access and speed …

Module Embedding, Atanas Radenski

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

This paper proposes a code reuse mechanism called module embedding that enables the building of new modules from existing ones through inheritance, overriding of procedures, and overriding of types; the paper also describes an implementation scheme for this mechanism. Module embedding is beneficial when modules and classes are used in combination and need to be extended together, or when modules are more appropriate medium than classes.

Flow And Congestion Control For Internet Streaming Applications, Shanwei Cen, Calton Pu, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The emergence of streaming multimedia players provides users with low latency audio and video content over the Internet. Providing high-quality, best-effort, real-time multimedia content requires adaptive delivery schemes that fairly share the available network bandwidth with reliable data protocols such as TCP. This paper proposes a new flow and congestion control scheme, SCP (Streaming Control Protocol) , for real-time streaming of continuous multimedia data across the Internet. The design of SCP arose from several years of experience in building and using adaptive real-time streaming video players. SCP addresses two issues associated with real-time streaming. First, it uses a congestion control …

Tertiary Storage In Multimedia Systems: Staging Or Direct Access?, Hwee Hwa Pang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Multimedia applications that are required to manipulate large collections of objects are becoming increasingly common. Moreover, the size of multimedia objects, which are already huge, are getting even bigger as the resolution of output devices improve. As a result, many multimedia storage systems are not likely to be able to keep all of their objects disk-resident. Instead, a majority of the less popular objects have to be off-loaded to tertiary storage to keep costs down. The speed at which objects can be accessed from tertiary storage is thus an important consideration. In this paper, we propose an adaptive data retrieval …

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.

Purdue-On-Line: A Facility And Distributed Learning Framework To Develop And Deliver Internet Based Education, Elias N. Houstis, Ahmed K. Elmagarmid, Sanjiva Weerawarana, Anthony L. Peiris, Nitesh D. Dhanjani, Gordon L. Coppoc, Abdalfattah Y.M. Nour, Lefteris H. Tsoukalas, Don Jones

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Smart Video Text: An Intelligent Video Database System, F. Kokkoras, H. Jiang, I. Vlahavas, Ahmed K. Elmagarmid, Elias N. Houstis

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Formal Specification Of Fragmentation And Reassembly In Ipv6, Ibrahim Sahin

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Development and implementation of a networking standard such as the new Internet Protocol (IPv6) is a very difficult process. Different implementations of the standard must be fully compatible to allow different computers to communicate with each other. However, standards are often ambiguous, frequently a result of providing specifications in the English language. A more formal specification could assist in the design of systems. This thesis demonstrates that capability using the Prototype Verification System (PVS).

In this thesis study, a formal specification for fragmentation and reassembly in IPv6 was created to provide a tool for the standardization of IPv6 using PVS. …

From Contemporary Workflow Process Automation To Adaptive And Dynamic Work Activity Coordination And Collaboration, Amit P. Sheth

Kno.e.sis Publications

The article outlines a research agenda for researchers in the area of workflow. We believe that today's workflow systems should evolve to what is termed as work coordination and collaboration systems (WCCSs). A WCCS will: (a) adapt to various changes in the organization (including its interactions with external organizations) and the organizational processes by being able to change the process definitions as well as change the processes and component activities while they are being enacted or executed; and (b) support a unified framework for managing coordination, collaboration, and information based decision making activities that naturally occur as part of organizational …

Distributed Collaborative Learning Environments, Mark C. Kilby

Link Foundation Modeling, Simulation and Training Fellowship Reports

The evolution of technologies for the World Wide Web (WWW), computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) and distributed simulation provides new opportunities for education delivery as well as unique perspectives for training. Simulation follows a learn-by-doing philosophy . The WWW and CSCW provides a collaborative learning perspective by encouraging collective knowledge building. By merging these two approaches, Distributed Collaborative Learning Environments (DCLEs) can be developed to provide new approaches to training in the military, industry, and academia. Traditional approaches toward educational rely on an information transfer model. Instructors deliver the material to the students and students are tested on how well they …

Information Retrieval On The World Wide Web, Venkat N. Gudivada, Vijay V. Raghavan, William I. Grosky, Rajesh Kasanagottu

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Effective search and retrieval are enabling technologies for realizing the full potential of the Web. The authors examine relevant issues, including methods for representing document content. They also compare available search tools and suggest methods for improving retrieval effectiveness.

Extracting Functionally Equivalent Object-Oriented Designs From Legacy Imperative Code, Ricky E. Sward

Theses and Dissertations

This research defines a methodology for automatically extracting functionally equivalent object-oriented designs from legacy imperative programs. The Parameter-Based Object Identification (PBOI) methodology is based on fundamental ideas that relate programs written in imperative languages such as C or COBOL to objects and classes written in object-oriented languages such as Ada 95 or C ++. Transformations have been developed that formalize the PBOI methodology and a formal proof is provided showing the extracted object-oriented design is functionally equivalent to the legacy imperative system. To focus the task of re-engineering, generic models of imperative programming languages and object-oriented programming languages have been …

Multiple Representation For Understanding Data Structures, Biffah Hancies, Venky Shankararaman, Jose Munoz

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In this paper an approach to enhance the learning of abstract computing concepts by novice students is presented. This approach is based on effective use of multiple visual representations, and it was applied within the domain of linear data structures: array, stack, queue and linked list. A prototype computer-based instructional system called MRUDS (Multiple Representation for Understanding Data Structures) was developed and evaluated. It was found from the evaluation that the three presentation modules namely, analogy, representation and algorithm contributed to the students' learning process, each contributing to and reinforcing the effect of the others.

Building Multi-Discipline, Multi-Format Digital Libraries Using Clusters And Buckets, Michael L. Nelson

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

Our objective was to study the feasibility of extending the Dienst protocol to enable a multi-discipline, multi-format digital library. We implemented two new technologies: cluster functionality and publishing buckets. We have designed a possible implementation of clusters and buckets, and have prototyped some aspects of the resultant digital library.

Currently, digital libraries are segregated by the disciplines they serve ( computer science, aeronautics, etc.), and by the format of their holdings (reports, software, datasets, etc.). NCSTRL+ is a multi-discipline, multi-format digital library (DL) prototype created to explore the feasibility of the design and implementation issues involved with created a …

The Self-Organizing Desk, Daniela Rus, Peter De Santis

Dartmouth Scholarship

The self-organizing desk is a system that enhances a physical desk-top with electronic information. It can remember, organize, update, and manipulate the information contained in the documents on a desk. The system consists of a simple robot eye that can survey the desk, a module for smart extraction of information from the images taken by the robot, a module for representing this information in multiple views, and a module that allows a user to interact with this information.

Influence And Consensus In Group Decision Making Environment, Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah, Byungcho Kim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In this research, the effect of expert support on influence and consensus in group decision making is investigated. The results indicate that ESS support diminishes the group members' influence on the group judgment as well as the influence exerted by the most influential group member. On the other hand, explanations support provided by ESS increases consensus in group decision making.

Multimedia Data Analysis Using Imagetcl (Extended Version), Charles B. Owen, Fillia Makedon

Computer Science Technical Reports

ImageTcl is an new system which provides powerful Tcl/Tk based media scripting capabilities similar to those of the ViewSystem and Rivl in a unique environment that allows rapid prototyping and development of new components in the C++ language. Powerful user tools automate the creation of new components as well as the addition of new data types and file formats. Applications using ImageTcl at the Dartmouth Experimental Visualization Laboratory (DEVLAB) include multiple stream media data analysis, automatic image annotation, and image sequence motion analysis. ImageTcl combines the high speed of compiled languages with the testing and parameterization advantages of scripting languages.

Multiple Media Stream Data Analysis: Theory And Applications (Extended Version), Charles B. Owen, Fillia Makedon

Computer Science Technical Reports

This paper presents a new model for multiple media stream data analysis as well as descriptions of some applications of this model in development at Dartmouth College. This model formalizes the exploitation of correlations between multiple, potentially heterogeneous, media streams in support of numerous application areas. The goal of the technique is to determine temporal and spatial alignments which optimize a correlation function and indicate commonality and synchronization between media streams. It also provides a framework for comparison of media in unrelated domains. Applications such as text-to-speech alignment, functional magnetic resonance imaging, speaker localization, and degraded media realignment are described.

Afec: An Adaptive Forward Error- Correction Protocol And Its Analysis, Kihong Park

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Quality Of Service Provision In Noncooperative Network Environments, Kihong Park, Meera Sitharam, Shaogang Chen

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Report On The 5th Ifip International Workshop On Quality Of Service, Oguz Angin, Andrew T. Campbell, Lai Tee Cheok, Raymond Liao, Koon-Seng Lim, Klara Nahrstedt

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This paper presents a summary of the fifth International Workshop on Quality of Service (IWQOS) which was held at Columbia University in May 1997. The goal of this three-day meeting was to foster interaction between researchers active in the area of Quality of Service(QOS) research, to reflect on past experiences and lessons learnt, and to discuss future QOS challenges. To reflect this goal, this year's workshop included a hot program made up of (i) a keynote address on "Programming Telecommunications Networks"; (ii) panels addressing "QOS for Distributed Object Computing Middleware --- Fact or Fiction?" and "Reservations about Reservations"; (iii) a …

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

Computer Science and Software Engineering

No abstract provided.

Impact Of The Adoption Of New Technology (Facnet) On A Minority-Owned Small Business In Colorado, Tamara L. James

McCabe Thesis Collection

FACNET is a computer network that moves Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) from the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal buying sites to and from the certified Value Added Network (VAN).

This study is conducted to answer the following questions about the use FACNET by XYZ Communications:

1) Has FACNET helped reduce the cost of paper used in the business?

2) Has FACNET helped reduce the cost of long distance calls (telephone and fax) in the business?

3) Has FACNET helped reduce the cost of traveling expenses (hotel and transportation) in the business?

4)Has FACNET helped the business to conduct in …

A Vhdl-93 Hardware Description Browser, Laura C. Debrock, Krishnaprasad Thirunarayan

Kno.e.sis Publications

This paper describes the design and implementation of the VHDL-93 Hardware Description Browser, which is a tool for the intelligent retrieval of information from VHDL designs. The Browser consists of two UNIX processes: a TCL/TK Graphical User Interface and a Prolog search engine. The GUI elicits queries from the user and submits them to the Prolog search engine via a two-way communication pipe. The search engine satisfies queries by traversing a forest of parse trees corresponding to the associated VHDL designs. The results are then sent to the GUI for posting.

Two public-domain tools were used to implement the Browser: …