Showing papers by "Brian R. Gaines published in 1991"

Knowledge acquisition for knowledge-based systems

Abstract: The work reported at the first Japanese Knowledge Acquisition for Knowledge-Based Systems Workshop is discussed, providing both an overview of the field and an introduction to a series of articles on knowledge acquisition. The discussion covers tools, methods, and mediating representations; real-time problem solving; the system-model-operator metaphor; an interview architecture based on dynamic analysis, inductive knowledge acquisition from structured data; research in Japan; how to make application programming easier; justification-based knowledge acquisition; integrating knowledge acquisition and performance systems; tasks, methods, and knowledge; rule induction; hypertext; explanation-based learning and case-based reasoning; and interviewing. >

An interactive visual language for term subsumption languages

Abstract: A visual language is defined equivalent in expressive power to term subsumption languages expressed in textual form. To each knowledge representation primitive there corresponds a visual form expressing it concisely and completely. The visual language and textual languages are intertranslatable. Expressions in the language are graphs of labeled nodes and directed or undirected arcs. The nodes are labeled textually or iconically and their types are denoted by six different outlines. Computer-readable expressions in the language may be created through a structure editor that ensures that syntactic constraints are obeyed. The editor exports knowledge structures to a knowledge representation server computing subsumption and recognition, and maintaining a hybrid knowledge base of concept definitions and individual assertions. The server can respond to queries graphically displaying the results in the visual language in editable form. Knowledge structures can be entered directly in the editor or imported from knowledge acquisition tools such as those supporting repertory grid elicitation and empirical induction. Knowledge structures can be -exported to a range of knowledge-based systems.

Integrating rules in term subsumption knowledge representation servers

Abstract: This paper addresses the integration of services for rule-based reasoning in knowledge representation servers based on term subsumption languages. As an alternative to previous constructions of rules as concept→concept links. a mechanism is proposed based on intensional roles implementing the axiom of comprehension in set theory. This has the benefit of providing both rules as previously defined. and set aggregation. using a simple mechanism that is of identical computational complexity to that for rules alone. The extensions proposed have been implemented as part of KRS. a knowledge representation server written as a class library in C++. The paper gives an example of their application to the ripple-down rule technique for large-scale knowledge base operation. acquisition and maintenance.

A minimalist approach to the development of a word processor supporting group writing activities

Abstract: Group-writing, in which a document is jointly produced by a team of writers, occurs widely in science and in industry. There are now a number of products and research tools designed to support group-writing teams. Most, however, require use of non-mainstream word-processing systems, and assume that full information is available through a network to mediate conflicts. Tlds paper reports research on group-writing tools that deviate as little as possible from conventional word processors and assume only intermittent network connection for document exchange and conflict resolution. GroupWn.ter can be used by some people in a collaborative team as a conventional word processor, by others as a versioning and text/sound annotation system, and by others as a full hypertext system all while working with the same corpus of documents. It offers fill typographic and page layout facilities and imports typographic text from, andl exports to, the mainstream commercial word pmeessors.

Organizational modelling and problem solving using object-oriented knowledge representation server and visual language

Abstract: Object-oriented knowledge representation systems allow an organization to be modeled in an understandable way. User interaction with such a system is enhanced if the graphic representations normally used, such as organization charts and room layout plans, are supported through visual languages directly generating the underlying knowledge structures. The operational and problem-solving procedures of an organization expressed visually within this framework become overt and accessible, and their implementation and consequences can be automated and evaluated. This paper reports some experience in the design and implementation of a lightweight, objectoriented knowledge representation server, and its application to organizational modeling and problem solving. The primary user interface is through a formal visual language implemented as a drawing environment on graphic workstations. The open architecture implementation of the server allows it to be integrated with existing applications, such as corporate database and accounting systems, and also allows functionality to be added through self-contained modules requiring no changes in the kernel system.

Between neuron, culture and logic: explicating the cognitive nexus Neurones, culture et logique: vers une connexion cognitive

Abstract: The paradigm shift from behaviorism to cognitive science has wrought many changes in our methodologies, experimental techniques, and models of human activity. Not the least of these changes has been the legitimation of such hidden variables as mental processes. The cognitive science paradigm has been a swift river carrying us to new horizons but there are now a number of major counter-currents. The positivism of behaviorism is being replaced by the reductionism of neural networks—how do mental processes arise out of physical cellular activity? The ontogenetic bias of both behaviorism and cognitive science is being challenged by ethnomethodological perspectives in which the very notion of an individual is an experimental artifact—how do mental processes arise out of the lifeworld? Meanwhile the promise of greater understanding of the knowledge level is being fulfilled, and operational models of human cognition and action are being generated—how do mental processes relate to the logical structures of overt knowledge? This paper surveys these issues both theoretically and in terms of practical applications. It suggests that it is from the underlying tensions that the strength of the cognitive science paradigm arises, but to harness that strength requires much broader concepts of cognition and mental processes than are conventionally accepted. Resume: Le deplacement du paradigme du behaviorisme vers celui des sciences cognitives a suscite de nombreux changements dans notre methodologie, nos techniques experimentales et nos modeles du comportement humain: en particulier, la legitimation de ces variables cachees que sont les processus mentaux. Le paradigme des sciences cognitives est un fleuve rapide qui nous transporte vers d'autres horizons ou cependant se dessinent plusieurs contre-courants majeurs. Le positivisme du behaviorisme est remplace par le reductionnisme des reseaux neuromimetiques—comment les processus mentaux sont-ils issus de l'activite physique cellulaire? La perspective ontogenetique commune au behaviorisme et aux sciences cognitives est disputee par la perspective ethnomethodologique selon laquelle la notion meme d'individu devient un artefact experimental—comment les processus mentaux sont-ils issus du monde vivant? Pendant ce temps, les promesses d'une plus grande maitrise du niveau de la connaissance se realisent—comment les processus mentaux sont-ils relies la structure logique de la connaissance explicite? Cet article effectue un survol de cette problematique la fois du point de vue theorique et du point de vue des applications. Nous emettons l'hypothese que ce sont les tensions sous-jacentes au paradigme des sciences cognitives qui en font la force, mais que la canalisation de cette force exige un elargissement au-de des definitions traditionnelles des concepts de cognition et de processus mentaux.

Supporting personal networking through computer networking

Abstract: REPGRID-NET: A NEIWORKING SUPPORT SYSTEM RepGrid-Net is a computer-based message system that integrates conventional electronic mail and bulletin board facilities with repertory grid elicitation and analysis facilities to provide both unstructured and structured communications supporting the formation and operation of special interest networks. Users see a mail system in which special-interest networks are specifically supported. The coordinators of such a network provide a basic focus for it through statements of inten~ topics and issues which are handled on a bulletin board basis. They also provide one or more kernel grids listing specific topics and the concepts which they apply to them. These kernel grids can be developed by others interested in the groups, using the stated topics and concepts, and adding to them. General similarities between grids are analyzed to provide a socionet of people with common viewpoints, and this may be used to access the mail system to communicate with them. Detailed comparisons of similarities and differences between viewpoints may be made, and individual concept structures can be analyzed. —— Is!!!! I1%%%’”1

The Cognitive Basis of Knowledge Engineering

Abstract: The goal of knowledge engineering is to create an artificial system which reflects knowledge-like qualities. Current tools, techniques and procedures in knowledge engineering concentrate on the elicitation and representation of knowledge structures. This concentration of effort reflects the current emphasis on the epistemological and computational/representational characteristics of knowledge engineering. A different, yet complementary perspective is offered in this paper. Knowledge engineering is defined as a human activity system, characterized as a cognitive environment or network which deals with complex epistemological domains. Rather than viewing knowledge engineering as entirely concerned with knowledge content, those processes which produce the knowledge in the knowledge engineering environment are viewed as the focus of attention. Memory, judgment and choice, text comprehension, and social cognition and communication represent a selection of cognitive science domains which offer research findings of importance for knowledge engineering. Based on these research findings, the groundwork is laid for the development of cognition-support tools for knowledge engineering.

Extending electronic mail with conceptual modeling to provide group decision support

Abstract: This paper reports an attempt to move computer-based techniques for supporting the analysis of group cognitive processes and decision-making from being specialist applications to becoming a routine organizational tool used as readily as electronic mail. The objective is to support the discourse processes of functional groups within an organization by enabling them to investigate, analyze and compare the conceptual frameworks of those playing roles within the group. In particular, the system developed shows when individuals are in conflict through using the same term for different concepts, or in tacit correspondence through using different terms for the same concept. It provides support for group knowledge and decision processes as an integrated extension to electronic mail requiring no particular expertise in use or supervision. The work reported is part of a larger study of knowledge support systems merging artificial intelligence and computer communication techniques.

Designing expert systems for usability

Abstract: This paper surveys the human factors problems of using expert systems technology including both knowledge acquisition and application. The variety of dialog styles in expert systems is illustrated and analyzed. The basic paradigm shifts brought about by developments in knowledge-based systems in information technology are described. The applicability of existing human factors guidelines for humancomputer interaction is discussed. Problems in knowledge acquisition for expert systems are reviewed and some of the techniques for automating the knowledge engineering process are described. The usability problems of expert systems are seen as a superset of those for earlier generations of informatic system, involving new levels of complexity as human-computer interaction takes place at the level of knowledge processes, and requiring major interdisciplinary study.