Engineering Commons^™

A Graph Browser With Zoom And Roam For Allegro Common Lisp, Steve B. Cousins, J. Andrew Fingerhut

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

This report describes an object-oriented tool that has been developed for viewing graphs on a Macintosh II computer using Allegro Common Lisp. The tool is useful for visualizing data which can be represented in tree or graph form. The graphs can be viewed for far away to get a global view, and from close up so that the labels on the vertices can be discerned. Scrolling can be performed at a nearly infinite number of resolutions, and a search feature makes it easy to find any node rapidly. Although the 'information space' on which the graph is logically plotted is …

Atamm Multicomputer System Design, William Robert Tymchyshyn

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The Algorithm To Architecture Mapping Model, or ATAMM, is a graph theoretic design methodology that has been created to resolve design and performance issues involved with concurrent processing. Petri-net marked graphs are used to represent the computational environment.

This thesis describes the development of a multicomputer system which will operate within the bounds specified by the ATAMM model. The system is first designed and implemented using the framework of standard multicomputer design theory. A validation is then performed by the comparison of the system's computational performance to results predicted by ATAMM. This validation is shown to be successful for three …

Using A Partial Order And A Metric To Analyze A Recursive Trace Set Equation, Jan Tijmen Udding, Tom Verhoeff

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

In Trace Theory the notion of a process is defined in terms of a set of finite-length traces over an alphabet. These processes are used as the semantics for a program notation. The program text for a recursive component naturally gives rise to an equation over trace sets. This paper takes two approaches at the analysis of that equation. The first approach is based on a partial order and it concentrates on the projection operator for processes. This yields a condition under which the greatest solution of that equation can be approximated by iteration. The second approach introduces a metric …

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.

Performance Models For Noahnet, Gurudatta M. Parulkar, Adarshpal S. Sethi, David J. Farber

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Noahnet is an experimental flood local area network with features such as high reliability and high performance. Noahnet uses a randomly connected graph topology with four to five interconnections per node and a flooding protocol to route messages. In Noahnet flooding, the routing of a message from a source to the destination node is a two step process: flooding-growth and flooding-contraction. During the growth of flooding, the message propagates to every node which is not occupied with a message and is reachable from the source node. During the contraction of flooding, the nodes that became occupied during the growth of …

Parallel Simulated Annealing, Roger D. Chamberlain, Mark N. Edelman, Mark A. Franklin, Ellen E. Witte

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Since the paper by Kirkpatrick, Gelatt and Vecchi in 1983, the use of Simulated Annealing (SA) in solving combinatoric optimization problems has increased substantially. The SA algorithm has been applied to difficult problems in the difficult problems in the digital design automation such as cell placement and wire routing. While these studies have yielded good or near optimum solutions, they have required very long computer execution times (hours and days). These long times, coupled with the recent availability of the number of commercial parallel processors, has prompted the search for parallel implementations of the SA algorithm. The goal ahs been …

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 …

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.

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.