Engineering Commons^™

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, November 1988, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

A fourteen page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

Transformation Based Endorsement Systems, Thomas Sudkamp

Computer Science and Engineering Faculty Publications

Evidential reasoning techniques classically represent support for a hypothesis by a numeric value or an evidential interval. The combination of support is performed by an arithmetic rule which often requires restrictions to be placed on the set of possibilities. These assumptions usually require the hypotheses to be exhausitive and mutually exclusive. Endorsement based classification systems represent support for the alternatives symbolically rather than numerically. A framework for constructing endorsement systems is presented in which transformations are defined to generate and update the knowledge base. The interaction of the knowledge base and transformations produces a non-monotonic reasoning system. Two endorsement based …

Mulch: A Multi-Layer Channel Router Using One, Two, And Three Layer Partitions, Ronald I. Greenberg, Alex T. Ishii, Alberto L. Sangiovanni-Vincentelli

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Chameleon, a channel router for three layers of interconnect, has been implemented to accept specification of an arbitrary number of layers. Chameleon is based on a strategy of decomposing the multilayer problem into two- and three-layer problems in which one of the layers is reserved primarily for vertical wire runs and the other layer(s) for horizontal runs. In some situations, however, it is advantageous to consider also layers that allow the routing of entire nets, using both horizontal and vertical wires. MulCh is a multilayer channel router that extends the algorithms of Chameleon in this direction. MulCh can route channels …

Comments On Proposed Transport Protocols, Anil Bhatia, James Sterbenz, Gurudatta M. Parulkar

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Over the last few years, a number of research groups have made considerable progress on the design of high speed networks- on the order of a few hundred Mbps to the few Gbps. The emphasis of this work has been on the design of packet switches and on the design of network access protocols. However, this work has not yet addressed the internetworking and transport level issues in the high speed internet. As part of our effort on the design of VHSI model, we considered the appropriateness of recently proposed transport protocols, NETBLT and VMTP, as candidates for the transport …

Relational Completeness Of Show And Tell Visual Programming Language, Takayuki Dan Kimura

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

In this paper we present the database applications of the Show and Tell Language (STL) and demonstrate the relational completeness of the language. STL is a visual programming language designed for novice computer users who are not familiar with keyboarding. A program can be constructed by using only a pointing device, except for textual data entry. A program can be constructed by using only a pointing device, except for textual data entry. Various programming concepts such as subroutine, iteration, recursion, concurrency, exception, and so forth are represented by two-dimensional graphic patterns and icons. The language is used to test the …

A Parallel Distributed Approach To Parsing Natural Language Deterministically, Stan C. Kwasny

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

The Determinism Hypothesis (Marcus, 1980) has given rise to much debate. The hypothesis makes explicit the idea that Natural Language interpretation need not depend in any fundamental way on the use of pseudo-parallelism or backtracking. We are exploring the consequences of this hypothesis in attempting to develop approaches to parsing which integrates current work in parallel distributed adaptive networks. We follow the basic approach of "Wait-and-See" parsing (WASP) which has shown the Natural Language interpretation of all but some varieties of "garden-path" sentences can be deterministically performed using a stack, a buffer for sentence constituents, and partitioned packets of rules. …

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 …

An Aeration Duct Design Model For Flat Grain Storage, Thomas C. Bridges, Douglas G. Overhults, Samuel G. Mcneill, G. M. White

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Traditionally most grain is stored in circular type bins which provide a convenient means for handling and management. With the excess grain production and government loan programs of the past few years, some producers have used rectangular structures and covered piles to complement their round storages. The recommended management practices used with round bins are still required in those alternative storages and may be more critical in obtaining a quality end product.

One such recommended practice used with round bins is aeration. This practice is used to maintain a uniform temperature in the grain mass, preventing condensation and "hot" spots …

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 …

Implementing Ray Tracing Algorithm In Parallel Environment, Tjah Jadi

Dissertations and Theses

Ray tracing is a very popular rendering algorithm in the field of computer graphics because it can generate highly-realistic images from three-dimensional models. Unfortunately, the computational cost is very expensive. To speed up the rendering process we present both static and dynamic scheduling (balancing) strategies for a multiprocessor system. Hence, the load balancing among the processors is the most important problem in parallel processing. The implementation of the algorithm is based on a modified octree structure.

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 …

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 …

Knowledge Organization And Inference Engine For The Wvu Face Decision Support System, S. Carrow, R. S. Nutter Jr., R. S. Raman, N. A. Reddy, Y. V. Reddy, R. Larry Grayson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The knowledge-based organization for the West Virginia University Face Decision Support System is given, along with the initial development of the associated inference engine. The knowledge base contains generic knowledge about underground coal mines that utilize continuous miners. A typical knowledge entry is given, and the inference engine methodology is explained. The engine utilizes this knowledge with data from monitoring systems and from interaction with the section foreman, to assist in making section management decisions and plans.

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 …

Matrix Methods Of Approximating Classical Predator-Prey Problems, E. Y. Rodin, R. Greenberg, B. Nelson

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

No abstract provided.

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 …

Model Of Hot-Film Sensor With Substrate Effects, David Mcalpine Judge

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A detailed mathematical model is constructed to investigate the frequency response of a hot-film anemometer system. Since several diverse factors affect the frequency response, the analysis is broken down into three main parts. Each part is a detailed mathematical model. The first model consists of the ordinary differential equations which govern the electronics of the feedback system and heat transfer of the sensor. An important simplification in this model is that the rate of heat conduction from the sensor to its substrate is constant.

In the second model the unsteady state heat transfer properties of the substrate are examined by …

Transaction Network: A Parallel Computation Model Based On Consume/Produce Paradigm, Takayuki Dan Kimura

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

This report introduces a new parallel computation model that is suitable for pursuit of large scale concurrency. Our goal is to develop a semantically clean paradigm for distributed computation with fine-grained parallelism. Our approach is to demote the notion of process as the key concept in organizing large scale parallel computation. We promote, instead, the notion of transaction, an anonymous atomic action void of internal state, as the basic element of computation. We propose to organize a computation as a network, called a transaction net, of databases connected by transactions. A transaction, when it is fired, consumes data objects from …

Advanced Communications Systems, Jonathan S. Turner

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

The Advanced Communication Systems Project is concerned with new communication technologies that can support a wide range of different communication applications in the context of large public networks. Communications networks in common use today have been tailored to specific applications and while they perform their assigned functions well, they are difficult to adapt to new uses. There currently are no general purpose networks, rather there are telephone networks, low-speed data networks and cable television networks. As new communications applications proliferate, it becomes clear that in the long term, a more flexible communications infrastructure will be needed. The Integrated Services Digital …

Software Tools For Performance Evaluation Of Concurrent Processing, Rodrogo A. Obando

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The development and use of software tools for performance evaluation of concurrent processing is presented in this thesis. The particular concurrent processing architecture proposed by Stoughton and Mielke is investigated. The modelling of this architecture is based on Petri net theory and it can be studied making use of circuit theory. Computation of lower bounds for Time Between Outputs (TBO) and Time Between Input and Output (TBIO) can be accomplished by using principles of circuit theory, among others. This new modelling needs to be deeply evaluated and studied. This evaluation and study is accomplished with the tools developed and presented …

Prodb: An Experimental Generalized Database System User's Manual, Guillermo R. Simari

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

The following notes document in a succinct manner the use of the system PRODB. The system is still evolving and several new features are in the process of being added. PRODB is a prototype system that is being used as an exploration vehicle of the possible extensions to the relational model through logic programming. The system consists of a relational database system having a relational algebra type language as a query language. It is written in Prolog and it extends the capabilities of Prolog predicates with the relational algebra operators for handling the database structure. The database system currently provides …

Belief Maintenance Systems: Initial Prototype Specification, Roseanne M. Fulcomer, William E. Ball, John P. Tadlock

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

A fundamental need in future information systems is an effective method of accurately representing and monitoring dynamic, real-world situations inside a computer. Information is represented using an Extended Open World Assumption (EOWA), in which the data are explicitly true or false. Reasoning within the EOWA is done through the use of a dynamic dependency net which only represents those beliefs and justifications that are both currently valid and in current use. In this paper, we present definitions and uses of the EOWA and dynamic dependency net in our current research of developing a database with which we can use deductive …

Impact Of Automation On Process Control Decision-Making, Steven M. Miller, Susan R. Bereiter

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This paper investigates changes in the process control of a vehicle assembly plant which had been modernized from a principally manual procedure to one that uses programmable automation extensively. Process control is defined as the information flow and decision-making required to perform basic process operations. We investigate the effects of implementing a computer-integrated production system on the amount and types of process control decision-making and on the distribution of process control decision-making between humans and machines. After automation, the emphasis on decisions regarding product quality specifications increased and the emphasis on decisions related to flexibility in handling a variety of …

A Unified Approach To Mixed-Mode Simulation, Roger D. Chamberlain, Mark A. Franklin

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

This paper presents a unified approach to mixed-mode simulation. It investigates the algorithms for both logic and circuit simulation, considering their similarities and differences, and a general framework is presented for integrating the two algorithms in uniform manner. The time advance mechanisms and component functional evaluations of the algorithms are show to be similar in nature, and mechanisms for the translation of information represented uniquely in the two algorithms are given. The resulting integrated algorithms is capable of performing mixed-mode simulation, where a circuit is partitioned into discrete and continuous regions, and each region is simulated at the appropriate level. …

Wind Streamline Ambiguity Removal Of Microwave Scatterometer Data, Hans W. Zaepfel

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

There is a class of satellite microwave scatterometers that return oceanographic information which includes wind vectors with directional ambiguity. The first part of the ambiguity removal process is to reduce the data to a directional ambiguity of 180°. This thesis shows that wind direction change contains the information required for streamline ambiguity removal and that syntactic pattern recognition techniques can be used to locate the areas of wind direction change. Spreading the information along the areas of wind direction change results in the removal of the streamline ambiguity. The algorithm is implemented and the results are presented showing that it …