Showing papers on "Blackboard (design pattern) published in 2006"
TL;DR: A neural blackboard architecture for sentence structure, where neural structures that encode for words are temporarily bound in a manner that preserves the structure of the sentence, is presented and shown that the architecture solves the four problems presented by Jackendoff.
Abstract: Human cognition is unique in the way in which it relies on combinatorial (or compositional) structures. Language provides ample evidence for the existence of combinatorial structures, but they can also be found in visual cognition. To understand the neural basis of human cognition, it is therefore essential to understand how combinatorial structures can be instantiated in neural terms. In his recent book on the foundations of language, Jackendoff described four fundamental problems for a neural instantiation of combinatorial structures: the massiveness of the binding problem, the problem of 2, the problem of variables, and the transformation of combinatorial structures from working memory to long-term memory. This paper aims to show that these problems can be solved by means of neural "blackboard" architectures. For this purpose, a neural blackboard architecture for sentence structure is presented. In this architecture, neural structures that encode for words are temporarily bound in a manner that preserves the structure of the sentence. It is shown that the architecture solves the four problems presented by Jackendoff. The ability of the architecture to instantiate sentence structures is illustrated with examples of sentence complexity observed in human language performance. Similarities exist between the architecture for sentence structure and blackboard architectures for combinatorial structures in visual cognition, derived from the structure of the visual cortex. These architectures are briefly discussed, together with an example of a combinatorial structure in which the blackboard architectures for language and vision are combined. In this way, the architecture for language is grounded in perception. Perspectives and potential developments of the architectures are discussed.
207 citations
1 Jan 2006
TL;DR: This is a mere sketch of the course being given in the fall of 2004, which is functions of one complex variable, functions of several real variables and topology, all at the undergraduate level.
Abstract: This is a mere sketch of the course being given in the fall of 2004. I shall give the course in French, but if some student so wishes, I shall write on the blackboard in English. In the same eventuality, these lecture notes are in English. Prerequisites for the course are functions of one complex variable, functions of several real variables and topology, all at the undergraduate level.
180 citations
TL;DR: The emergence of this system view from design suggests that redesign (or rewriting in the context of evolved systems) is a promising route for understanding the fundamental principles governing the organization of natural genetic systems.
Abstract: The practitioners of the brand of synthetic biology that lies closest to engineering are fond of quoting the phrase Richard Feynman had written on his blackboard: ‘What I cannot create I do not understand’. This phrase captures both a warning about the limitations of analysis in understanding complex systems and an endorsement of the value of design in the quest for discovery. Analysis, modeling, and simulation have a tendency to focus attention on the details of individual elements and components, whereas the reiterative nature of design requires grappling with the trade-offs and compromises required to enable system function. The emergence of this system view from design suggests that redesign (or rewriting in the context of evolved systems) is a promising route for understanding the fundamental principles governing the organization of natural genetic systems. Synthetic biology rewriting efforts have usually followed a strategy of constructing deliberately simplified systems to build an understanding
47 citations
28 Nov 2006
TL;DR: This paper introduces middleware supporting both computation and communication in automated video surveillance networks based on the Blackboard architectural style, providing scalability, availability and the ability to integrate separately developed surveillance services.
Abstract: Automated video surveillance networks are a class of sensor networks with the potential to enhance the protection of facilities such as airports and power stations from a wide range of threats. However, current systems are limited to networks of tens of cameras, not the thousands required to protect major facilities. Realising thousand camera automated surveillance networks demands middleware and architectural support; replacing the ad hoc approaches used in current systems with robust and scalable methods.This paper introduces middleware supporting both computation and communication in automated video surveillance networks. The computational approach is based on the Blackboard architectural style, which is widely used in signal processing and AI. Communication on the surveillance network follows the service oriented model, with publish/subscribe messaging; providing scalability, availability and the ability to integrate separately developed surveillance services. The middleware is demonstrated through its application to an important class of surveillance algorithms.
20 citations
5 Oct 2006
TL;DR: A novel concept of fully automated construction system called Automatic Modular Assembly System (AMAS), which drastically reduces the difficulty of automated construction task in this paper, focuses on distributed control method of the assembler robots.
Abstract: Construction work should be simplified by introducing modularity into both structural components and means of assembly. Based on this idea, we have proposed a novel concept of fully automated construction system called Automatic Modular Assembly System (AMAS), which drastically reduces the difficulty of automated construction task. In this paper, we focus on distributed control method of the assembler robots. The area on which the assembler robots can move dynamically expand during the construction process. We introduce a gradient field to indicate the directions based on current map to the assembler robots. The structure modules generate the gradient field by using neighbor-to-neighbor communication. We assume large number of modules and robots; therefore we need to organize the motion paths of these robots to avoid collision among them. An algorithm which is based on blackboard algorithm allows robots to search their paths in the spatiotemporal space.
20 citations
TL;DR: It has been shown that the modified technology acceptance model does not fully mediate the effect of Self-efficacy on System Use and efforts to gain students' acceptance and, therefore, use of information systems such as Blackboard must pay adequate attention to users' Self- efficacy and motivational variables such as Enjoyment.
Abstract: The modified technology acceptance model was used to predict actual Blackboard usage (a web-based information system) in a sample of 57 Hong Kong student teachers whose mean age was 27.8 yr. (SD=6.9). While the general form of the model was supported, Application-specific Self-efficacy was a more powerful predictor of system use than Behavioural Intention as predicted by the theory of reasoned action. Thus in this cultural and educational context, it has been shown that the model does not fully mediate the effect of Self-efficacy on System Use. Also, users' Enjoyment exerted considerable influence on the component variables of Usefulness and Ease of Use and on Application-specific Self-efficacy, thus indirectly influencing system usage. Consequently, efforts to gain students' acceptance and, therefore, use of information systems such as Blackboard must pay adequate attention to users' Self-efficacy and motivational variables such as Enjoyment.
20 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the impact of WebCT on students learning taking a course “Introduction to Computers in Business” offered at the College of Commerce and Economics, Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman.
Abstract: The World Wide Web Course Tool (WebCT), Blackboard and Moodle are used for teaching and learning in higher education institutions around the globe. This study investigated the impact of WebCT on students learning taking a course “Introduction to Computers in Business” offered at the College of Commerce and Economics, Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman. The finding showed that though the students have little exposure of WebCT at the beginning of the course but towards the end they have appreciated the importance and the use of WebCT as it is easily accessible from any Internet enabled location at any time. In addition it helps them in better understanding and learning the course material.
20 citations
14 Jun 2006
TL;DR: Control engineering teaching at ITESM Campus Monterrey combines advanced didactic techniques, software systems and experimental equipment as instructional tools to achieve educational objectives.
Abstract: Control engineering teaching at ITESM Campus Monterrey combines advanced didactic techniques, software systems and experimental equipment as instructional tools to achieve educational objectives. A course is designed with the purpose of helping the students to get deep knowledge of process control as well as team work and autonomous learning abilities. International guidelines for the course design are provided by ABET criteria and engineering education colloquies. The chosen tools are used under a principle of practical experience which is basic for engineering formation. Problem based learning and cooperative work provide a didactic framework for the course activities. Blackboard is the Internet platform of the course. Matlab and control station allow the simulation of control systems. The experimental level process station gives the opportunity to implement and observe the real time performance of the different control strategies. A teaching learning system is proposed based on the synergy of instructors, students, academic contents and instructional tools.
18 citations
Patent•
22 Mar 2006
TL;DR: In this article, a system and method for natural language processing comprises a blackboard data structure for providing a shared knowledge repository over which a collection of natural language agents can execute processes on the processable data form, each agent being capable of providing a processing resource usable for serving requests to execute a natural language process.
Abstract: A system and method for natural language processing comprises a blackboard data structure for providing a shared knowledge repository over which a collection of natural language agents can execute processes on the processable data form, each agent being capable of providing a processing resource usable for serving requests to execute a natural language process on the processable data form, and determining, based on their respective capabilities and examination of the blackboard, what requests for processing they can best serve; and a dispatcher for coordinating the work of registered agents, maintaining a high-level description of tasks to be completed to provide a solution to a given natural language engineering problem, and determining the registered agents that best provide a solution to the given natural language engineering problem.
17 citations
21 Oct 2006
TL;DR: This paper proposes a blackboard method that is able to find (near) optimal workflows and accommodate to changing conditions like for instance delays or faults on the fly.
Abstract: Composing Grid Services to workflows, which solve specific problems is not a trivial task. Various parameters like for example timing constraints, desired quality of solution, availability of (computing) resources, error recovery, payment and security issues, to name only a few, have to be considered. The heterogeneity and the highly dynamic nature of the Grid pose additional challenges. Current implementations try to construct workflows based on the user's needs and the capabilities of the respective services before the actual run. In this paper we propose a blackboard method that is able to find (near) optimal workflows and accommodate to changing conditions like for instance delays or faults on the fly.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: What faculty did to retain and assist the 157 newly admitted non-traditional baccalaureate nursing students using two technological methods is explained.
Abstract: Historically Black College and University (HBCU) implemented new teaching methodologies that incorporate both technology and face-to-face teaching as a means of assisting and retaining the non-traditional student. Teaching strategies were enhanced through a new instructional delivery method, Tegrity. The course, Introduction to Nursing Process I, was transformed to a hybrid on-line course using Blackboard and Tegrity. Its transformation reflected inherent strengths when faculty used a systematic approach and implemented a strong team effort. A team approach including collaboration on lecture content and shared PowerPoint presentations in all sections of the course facilitated consistency in the course content. A conceptual model, which included a systems approach that encourages student involvement, was actualized throughout the project. This article utilizes a descriptive approach and explains what faculty did to retain and assist the 157 newly admitted non-traditional baccalaureate nursing students using two technological methods.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce the key points for consideration as an institution begins a project to insert a library presence into online and courseware-enhanced classes taught on Blackboard.
Abstract: Blackboard Learning System(tm) enhancements can provide high levels of sophistication and make it relatively simple to provide a seamless connection between online courses and library services. But not all institutions are willing or able to make the investment for these additional features. Yet providing direct links to library resources from Blackboard courses may still be the best way to facilitate a connection between the two Web environments. This paper is intended to introduce the key points for consideration as an institution begins a project to insert a library presence into online and courseware-enhanced classes taught on Blackboard. A general “primer” on the potential functionality of Blackboard is included as well as instructions for the various means of creating links from course menus to a library Web page.
Patent•
5 Jul 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, an automatic blackboard eraser consisting of an upper rail, a lower rail member, two slide seats, at least one erasing roller, an outer cover and a driving motor is described.
Abstract: The utility model relates to a roller type automatic blackboard eraser. The utility model comprises an upper rail member, a lower rail member, two slide seats, at least one erasing roller, an outer cover and a driving motor, wherein the upper rail member is arranged on the top end of a blackboard, the lower rail member is arranged on the bottom end of the blackboard, the two slide seats are correspondingly arranged astride on the upper and the lower rail members and slide, and the erasing roller which is pivoted between the two slide seats rotates by the linkage of a motor for erasing the board surface of the blackboard by a motor; the outer cover is fixedly arranged between the two slide seats and coats the outer side of each erasing roller, a dust collecting chamber is formed by the definition between the outer cover and the blackboard, the outer cover is connected with a suction inlet of a dust collector by a flexible pipe and dust in the dust collecting chamber is sucked into the dust collector. The driving motor is fixedly arranged on the slide seats, a gear wheel is driven to rotate by the linkage of the driving motor, and the gear wheel is engaged on gear racks which are fixedly arranged on the top end of the blackboard or the bottom end of the blackboard in normal times; when the driving motor is driven to rotate, the two slide seats are driven to displace left and right on the blackboard by the linkage of the driving motor and the erasing roller can erase the blackboard left and right repeatedly following the slide seats.
10 Jul 2006
TL;DR: The interest of students in Web based learning, the category of students who can benefit from e- learning approach, and the present information technology infrastructure that can support e-learning implementation programme in a developing country with Uganda as a case study are presented.
Abstract: The use of information and communication technology (ICT) has enhanced teaching and learning in developing countries. Educational institutions use ICT as a tool for teaching and learning in a number of ways including but not limited to Internet-based content delivery (an example is blackboard software), visualization by using PowerPoint projector and overhead projector, local area network (LAN) for conducting lessons with the instructor taking control at the server computer. The use of ICT has not been fully explored for delivery of educational services and in particular e-learning. In this paper, we have presented the opinion of the public and education service providers for the future of e-learning in Uganda. In particular we present the interest of students in web based learning, the category of students who can benefit from e-learning approach, and the present information technology infrastructure that can support e-learning implementation programme in a developing country with Uganda as a case study.
TL;DR: An overview of the blended-learning course “Constrained PID Control” is brought, which explains what, why, how and for whom and “zooms in” some circumstances of its development.
2 Jan 2006
TL;DR: This work is organized around a complex mission: "Go to the blackboard and write" for mobile manipulators that have capabilities of locomotion and manipulation that relies on different sensors, exhibits different operating modes and needs to switch between different feedbacks and set-points.
Abstract: This work is devoted to planning and execution of complex missions in Robotics. Robotics has evolved from an industrial, repetitive framework to application domains with much more variability of tasks, with increasing complexity in uncertain environment. This is clearly the case for Service Robotics e.g. but even industrial robots have now to work in environment not totally calibrated for the task they have to perform. The result is that the classical decomposition in static ordered local tasks cannot apply in presence of such a variability. It has a poor dynamic performance and cannot cope with uncertainties. Our work is organized around a complex mission: "Go to the blackboard and write" for mobile manipulators that have capabilities of locomotion and manipulation. It is a simple and intuitive example of a complex mission that relies on different sensors, exhibits different operating modes and needs to switch between different feedbacks and set-points. Our approach is based on Hybrid Dynamical Systems. It is focused on dynamical sequencing of control laws that ensures good transients, robustness and allows to update the mission at every transition from one mode to another. Simulation have been realized with matlab Simulink and Stateflow toolboxes and experimental validation is developed within the Genom controller on the h2 bis nonholonomic mobile manipulator.
1 Oct 2006
TL;DR: This paper converts a DL platform into an integrated and interactive e-learning system, called DiLight, which concentrates on organizing lecturing slides, videos, reading materials and students comments into meaningful items/documents, and provides multiple retrieval methods that are suitable for students’ varied tasks, needs and preferences.
Abstract: Digital library (DL) increasingly becomes an important learning topic for training librarians and information specialists. However, due to many perspectives, models, and activities developed in DL field, it is difficult for students to develop an initial clear understanding of DL. Current available e-learning environments (such as Blackboard) cannot provide the desired functionalities for supporting students’ learning on DL. In this paper, based on the integrated functionalities of collecting, organizing, retrieving, and preserving digital objects in a collection, we convert a DL platform into an integrated and interactive e-learning system. The system, called DiLight, concentrates on organizing lecturing slides, videos, reading materials and students comments into meaningful items/documents, and provides multiple retrieval methods that are suitable for students’ varied tasks, needs and preferences. Students’ initial feedbacks are very positive, and demonstrate the usefulness of DiLight system in their learning processes.
TL;DR: In 2004, the Binghamton University Libraries created a task force to explore the possibility of providing access to electronic reserves through the newly available Blackboard Content System, which is used to collect, manage, and publish content in Blackboard.
Abstract: SUMMARY In 2004, the Binghamton University Libraries created a task force to explore the possibility of providing access to electronic reserves through the newly available Blackboard Content System™. The Content System is used to collect, manage, and publish content in Blackboard. The task force used a psychology course to pilot the Content System for reserve material after the class professor assigned “Course Builder” privileges to the reserves staff. Preliminary findings of the pilot study suggest that using Blackboard for course reserves allows library resources to be better integrated into academic course work. The task force plans to continue their investigation into using Blackboard for course reserves. Challenges that need to be addressed in this investigation include the issue of requiring Course Builder privileges for each course, gathering and managing statistics, and the management of documents saved in the Content System.
16 Oct 2006
TL;DR: This paper presents a hierarchical approach based on the use of blackboard architecture and multiagent system and how to provide a convenient way for scene interpretation and modeling issued from a multispectral satellite image.
Abstract: For an interpretation system, a priori knowledge of the observed scene is necessary to identify objects and if necessary to determine their description. These objects are identified by comparing the extracted data from images to an a priori description of the object or object class. Therefore the use of an appropriate knowledge can efficiently reduce the complexity of matching image data to object descriptions due to different object classes, contexts and viewing conditions. Blackboard architectures are well suited to the task of selecting and applying the relevant knowledge to each situation as it is encountered. In this paper, we present a hierarchical approach based on the use of blackboard architecture and multiagent system and how to provide a convenient way for scene interpretation and modeling issued from a multi-spectral satellite image.
1 Jan 2006
TL;DR: The framework of an automated vision system for monitoring quality control is presented where detection of various forms of defects is achieved by combining distributed artificial intelligence and image processing.
Abstract: The framework of an automated vision system for monitoring quality control is presented where detection of various forms of defects is achieved by combining distributed artificial intelligence and image processing. A distributed blackboard architecture manages the processing of image data via an area of shared memory where the current understanding of the problem evolves. Registration into a common co-ordinate system and segmentation of reference and sensed images is performed in a multi-resolution fashion by intelligent agents that work in parallel and communicate with each other by means of the blackboard. Pixel-level fusion is then performed on registered images in order to exploit complementary and redundant data, allowing identification of suspected defects.
1 Jan 2006
TL;DR: The Scavenger Hunt game as discussed by the authors was developed to encourage students to learn or review all the technology-related skills they would need in the online course in a fun, nonthreatening and purposeful way.
Abstract: Distance education courses present some unique challenges for both students and instructors. One of the first challenges students experience occurs when they try to navigate through the technology environment itself. While it is true that traditionalaged students are much more technology savvy than ever before, their acumen in technology does not ensure that they will automatically understand how to navigate a technologydriven learning environment. As students initially learn how to work in a distance education learning environment, they can become frustrated because of the time it takes to “get around.” When this happens, the instructor often has to spend a great deal of time responding to a variety of troubleshooting questions. Regardless of the distance education courseware in use or the level of sophistication with technology that a student has, problems typically surface with each new course. As a strategy for addressing this issue proactively, the author created a solution that was specifically designed to highlight the technology skills needed throughout the course. The goal was to reduce the amount of frustration that students often felt as they learned the new technology so that they could focus more readily on course content. The solution was the development of a preliminary assignment an online Scavenger Hunt that prompted students to learn or review all the technologyrelated skills they would need in the online course in a fun, nonthreatening and purposeful way. The use of the Scavenger Hunt game has made the use of a webbased course management system, like Blackboard, less threatening for students and has significantly reduced the need for additional instructor time to deal with technologyrelated issues throughout the course.
9 Oct 2006
TL;DR: A generic architecture is proposed, the Universal ECA Framework, which is currently under development and includes a blackboard-based platform, a high-level protocol to integrate general purpose ECA components and ease ECA system prototyping.
Abstract: Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) are computer generated life-like characters that interact with human users in face-to-face conversations. To achieve natural multi-modal conversations, ECA systems are very sophisticated and require many building assemblies and thus are difficult for individual research groups to develop. This paper proposes a generic architecture, the Universal ECA Framework, which is currently under development and includes a blackboard-based platform, a high-level protocol to integrate general purpose ECA components and ease ECA system prototyping.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the patterns of math instruction applied by Taiwanese teachers and delve into the cultural roots of these patterns, finding that the Taiwanese math instruction pattern may be summarized as a cultural activity of "practice makes perfect, on the blackboard".
Abstract: Studies show a sharp difference in math achievement between students in the U.S. and students in several East Asian countries, amongst them Taiwan. It is suggested that the patterns of math instruction applied by teachers may have contributed to these differences. This study intends to investigate the patterns of math instruction applied by the Taiwanese teachers and to delve into the cultural roots of these patterns. Data source includes videotaping of instruction by three middle school math teachers and a questionnaire survey of 297 eighth-graders. It was found that the Taiwanese math instruction pattern may be summarized as a cultural activity of “practice makes perfect, on the blackboard”. The underlying cultural beliefs are further explored, including the incremental view of human intelligence, self-improvement through diligent effort, and the teacher's role as an authority figure.
1 Jan 2006
TL;DR: Results of both studies showed that the post and vote model of Web-based peer assessment were valid with these groups, and generalizable to undergraduate classes engaged in similar tasks.
Abstract: Two tests of validity were conducted with undergraduate education students on the post and vote model of Web-based peer assessment. Validity was determined by calculating a Pearson product-moment correlation and corresponding coefficient of determination that compared the average grade assigned by the pre-service teachers with the grade assigned independently by the course instructor. Results of both studies showed that the post and vote model of Web-based peer assessment were valid with these groups, and generalizable to undergraduate classes engaged in similar tasks.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The Universal ECA Framework as mentioned in this paper is a high-level protocol to integrate general purpose ECA components and ease ECA system prototyping, which includes a blackboard-based platform.
Abstract: Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) are computer generated life-like characters that interact with human users in face-to-face conversations. To achieve natural multi-modal conversations, ECA systems are very sophisticated and require many building assemblies and thus are difficult for individual research groups to develop. This paper proposes a generic architecture, the Universal ECA Framework, which is currently under development and includes a blackboard-based platform, a high-level protocol to integrate general purpose ECA components and ease ECA system prototyping.
Patent•
18 May 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, a blackboard architecture is expanded to match communication terminals (e.g., mobile terminals) that are unstable in communication state, and sources of knowledge are stored in blackboards and are distributed and multiplexed in units of blackboards over the mobile terminals.
Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage shared data when the data are shared in a distributed system environment, without individual distributed components being affected by the condition of communications. SOLUTION: A blackboard architecture is expanded to match communication terminals (e.g., mobile terminals) that are unstable in communication state. For example, in the blackboard architecture expanded, sources of knowledge are stored in blackboards and are distributed and multiplexed in units of blackboards over the mobile terminals, so that each of the mobile terminals has its distributed blackboard. To maintain data consistency among the distributed blackboards, for the sources of knowledge updated while certain of the mobile terminals are interrupted from radio communication, the sources of knowledge stored in the distributed blackboards that the mobile terminals have may be subjected to delayed synchronization when the mobile terminals are restored from the state of being interrupted from radio communication. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI
Posted Content•
TL;DR: Under consideration are the general set of Human computer Interaction (HCI) and Educational principles from prominent authors in the field and the construction of a system for evaluating Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) with respect to the application of these HCI and Educational Principles.
Abstract: Under consideration are the general set of Human computer Interaction (HCI) and Educational principles from prominent authors in the field and the construction of a system for evaluating Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) with respect to the application of these HCI and Educational Principles. A frequency analysis of principles is used to obtain the most significant set. Metrics are devised to provide objective measures of these principles and a consistent testing regime is introduced. These principles are used to analyse the University VLE Blackboard. An open source VLE is also constructed with similar content to Blackboard courses so that a systematic comparison can be made. HCI and Educational metrics are determined for each VLE.