Showing papers in "Kybernetes in 1991"
TL;DR: The decomposition model has demonstrated accurate and physically realistic solutions of systems modelled by nonlinear equations as discussed by the authors, which is a general method of solution connecting the fields of ordinary and partial differential equations.
Abstract: The decomposition model has demon‐strated accurate and physically realistic solutions of systems modelled by non‐linear equations. Linear or determin‐istic equations become simple special cases and the result is a general method of solution connecting the fields of ordinary and partial differential equations. No linearisation or resort to numerically intensive discretised methods is involved. The avoidance of these limiting and restrictive methods offers physically correct solutions as well as insights into the behaviour of real systems where non‐linear effects play a crucial role. In difficult applications, such as those now approached by computational fluid dynamics, the potential saving in computation will be substantial. The method clearly offers the potential of a significant step forward in the rapid solution of complex applications in a time and memory‐saving manner with important implications for computa‐tional analysis and modelling.
43 citations
TL;DR: The focus is on researchers who apply Cybernetics to the study of society and its social systems and processes and a new 300‐item bibliography of the relevant system literature is compiled for the article.
Abstract: In studying the relationship between Cybernetics and Social Science, theories and research in Sociocyber‐netics are examined. The focus is on researchers who apply Cybernetics to the study of society and its social systems and processes. References are backed by a new 300‐item bibliography of the relevant system literature, compiled for the article.
38 citations
TL;DR: A new method to solve zero‐sum two‐person games with imprecise values in their matrices of pay‐offs with a ranking function, the Average Value, which allows the decision makers to take into account their subjectivity.
Abstract: A new method to solve zero‐sum two‐person games with imprecise values in their matrices of pay‐offs is suggested. The natural lack of precision generated by the use of fuzzy numbers in a fuzzy game requires the use of subjective criteria by the players in the resolution model. We apply a ranking function, the Average Value, which allows the decision makers to take into account their subjectivity. The use of this function raises again the solution of the fuzzy game when two criteria, one for each player, are used.
35 citations
TL;DR: A design is developed for a robot controller which can acquire task knowledge as it interacts in the world with its human users based on four reasonable assumptions which lead to a theoretical framework for robot learning systems.
Abstract: Mobile robots with dextrous hands and sophisticated sensory systems will require intelligent, knowledge‐based, expert controllers. A design is developed for a robot controller which can acquire task knowledge as it interacts in the world with its human users. The design is based on four reasonable assumptions which lead to a theoretical framework for robot learning systems. The framework is called a multiple‐context learning system. It is a production system with multiple templates for forming productions as the system interacts with the world. Elaborations of the framework and experimental tests of the system are discussed.
14 citations
TL;DR: The author gives his reflections as a cybernetician on the practice of planning in a presentation directed at a professional audience of planners.
Abstract: The author gives his reflections as a cybernetician on the practice of planning in a presentation directed at a professional audience of planners.
8 citations
TL;DR: Applying general systems theory (GST), especially second‐order cybernetics, to alienation theory not only results in a reconceptualisation and increased mutual comparability of existing theories of alienation, but presents a rationale for subsuming several typical, modern, “information‐overload” problems in Western societies under the rubric of alienation theory.
Abstract: Alienation will be viewed as a generic term for different kinds of information‐processing problems in human individuals, viewed as autopoietic, variable‐boundary systems. Applying general systems theory (GST), especially second‐order cybernetics, to alienation theory not only results in a reconceptualisation and increased mutual comparability of existing (e.g. Marxist and psychoanalytic) theories of alienation, but also presents a rationale for subsuming several typical, modern, “information‐overload” problems in Western societies under the rubric of alienation theory. Such problems include those of selection and scanning, assimilation, flexibility, overchoice, and self‐realisation or self‐actualisation — problems which typically occur in complex and fast‐changing environments.
8 citations
TL;DR: The viability of a social system is dependent upon its ability to generate information and learn, and this requires an appropriate arrangement of its information systems, incorporating two types of recursions and reflecting two methods of learning.
Abstract: The viability of a social system is dependent upon its ability to generate information and learn. This requires an appropriate arrangement of its information systems, incorporating two types of recursions and reflecting two methods of learning. The first method generates information; the second one invokes it from a higher organisational level. Notwithstanding these recursions, the system will not learn unless it is able to face a certain level of inclemency from its environment that compels it into a learning mode.
8 citations
TL;DR: The idea of concept formation should be extended to include quantifiable concepts, similar to the semantic variables of fuzzy set theory, as well as considering the evolution of natural intelligence.
Abstract: The traditional approach to AI is limited because it fails to exploit continuity. The reliance on discrete logic has allowed the rapid initial advance of the subject, but constitutes an inherent deficiency. The limitations have become apparent, and are generally acknowledged by a revival of interest in neural‐net, or connectionist, techniques. This approach has become feasible because of technical developments allowing large‐scale parallel operation. Lessons can be learned by considering the evolution of natural intelligence. Recent studies from a biological viewpoint suggest that this has some unexpected features. The idea of concept formation should be extended to include quantifiable concepts, similar to the semantic variables of fuzzy set theory.
7 citations
TL;DR: A model is presented of multidimen‐sional perception and memorisation and a multidimensional time is proposed which, in certain cases, may be subjectively felt to be of infinite duration.
Abstract: A model is presented of multidimen‐sional perception and memorisation. It is applied to the perception and memorisation of time and then a multidimensional time is proposed. Concepts of matrix factor of attention and matrix factor of memorisation, as well as of thickness of an instant, are introduced. The set of instants of consciousness is shown to be an open set which, in certain cases, may be subjectively felt to be of infinite duration.
6 citations
TL;DR: A six‐compartment model is considered in order to study the kinetics of a 14C‐labelled glucose, and an optimisation method based on the properties of an Archimedes spiral is used to transform the unknown parameters involved in δ, the deviation of the drug concentrations from the observed concentration, into a single variable.
Abstract: The problems of absorption and elimination by an organism through its natural processes are in reality quite complicated, and can be analysed more easily in terms of general compartment theory. In the present study a six‐compartment model is considered in order to study the kinetics of a 14C‐labelled glucose. For identification purposes an optimisation method isu sed based on the properties of an Archimedes spiral, to transform the unknown parameters involved in δ, the deviation of the drug concentrations from the observed concentration, into a single variable. The solution thus requires the global minimum of a function of a single variable. The results obtained are compared with those obtained with the generalised least squares method.
3 citations
TL;DR: Some new and powerful resources for cybernetics and system theory are explored, stemming from number theory, chronotopology, and the cybernetic of history — a field previously not considered.
Abstract: Some new and powerful resources for cybernetics and system theory are explored, stemming from number theory, chronotopology, and the cybernetics of history — a field previously not considered.
TL;DR: The aim is to identify correspondences between the behaviour of subsystems of networks and suitable analytic tools as well as representing subsystems and interactions accurately as far as possible and then utilising the results of systems sciences for analysis.
Abstract: Computer networks are very complex and somewhat unpredictable systems in dynamic operations. Cybernetic modelling, incorporating stochastic, fuzzy variables, wherever appropriate, approximating interactions not easily tractable via a black‐box systems approach, may be more accurate. A method of analysis of computer networks is considered by representing subsystems and interactions, accurately as far as possible, and then utilising the results of systems sciences for analysis, including specifics, e.g. queuing systems. The aim is to identify correspondences between the behaviour of subsystems of networks and suitable analytic tools. Automation along such lines for the analysis and design of networks and other systems may be a possibility.
TL;DR: The belief that seminal experiments in architectural design must now be reclassified to represent genuine paradigms of “created phenomena” is discussed and the remedy suggested is their analysis, critical evaluation and scrutiny of seminal texts to open the way for the development of topological approaches to design and extension of cybernetics into the field of architecture and construction.
Abstract: One of the neglected roles of experiment is the creation of phenomena which then become the centrepiece of theory. The belief that seminal experiments in architectural design must now be reclassified to represent genuine paradigms of “created phenomena” is discussed. The remedy suggested is their analysis, critical evaluation and scrutiny of seminal texts to open the way for the development of topological approaches to design and extension of cybernetics into the field of architecture and construction.
TL;DR: The performance of ALFS is illustrated using data sets from the domains of primary tumour and game playing.
Abstract: ALFS is an inductive learning algorithm that employs feature selection to learn concepts from examples Features which best represent and differentiate a subset from other subsets in learning data are detected and used to produce rules These rules form a knowledge base for an expert system The performance of ALFS is illustrated using data sets from the domains of primary tumour and game playing
TL;DR: In this communication the interpretation of cybernetics in relation to Wiener's definition is discussed and two problems are considered: the first is connected with the structure, and the second concerns its autonomous choice of the goal.
Abstract: In this communication the interpretation of cybernetics in relation to Wiener's definition is discussed. Two problems are considered: the first is connected with the structure, and the second concerns its autonomous choice of the goal.
TL;DR: Ashby's concept of requisite variety is not a generally applicable law but a limited tautology, which may be applicable in certain specific control situations.
Abstract: Ashby's concept of requisite variety is not a generally applicable law but a limited tautology. Attempts to regard it as an empirical truth ignore a wide class of contradictory phenomena and may cause options to be missed in designing effective controllers. However, the concept does provide one strategy among others, which may be applicable in certain specific control situations.
TL;DR: Conceptual integration of existing information systems provides an alternative way of approaching a kind of metasystem, namely, meta‐information systems, and a DBMS metaphor is a useful approach.
Abstract: Conceptual integration of existing information systems provides an alternative way of approaching a kind of metasystem, namely, meta‐information systems. Since various external views can be generated from the same set of information systems for different information needs, a DBMS (database management systems) metaphor is a useful approach.
TL;DR: Education and the development of the interdisciplinary science of cybernetics are needed to break down barriers existing within technology itself, as well as those dividing science from technology.
Abstract: Cybernetics is a powerful unifying concept. It can break down the barriers existing within technology itself, as well as those dividing science from technology. But these barriers are ultimately symbols of general cultural attitudes and consequently a general change of attitude will also be needed. This general change must be achieved through education and the development of the interdisciplinary science of cybernetics.
TL;DR: A time‐series representation of text is used to identify three well‐known empirical laws of text generation and it is shown that the Simon‐Yule model of text provides a constructive mechanism for those laws.
Abstract: A major difficulty in continuous speech recognition research is the lack of effective and objective evaluation of the statistical models of text. Herbert Simon's view for evaluating theories is here applied to the statistical modelling of text. Three significant contributions can be identified. First, a time‐series representation of text is used to identify three well‐known empirical laws of text generation. These laws provide an effective and objective approach for evaluating four leading statistical models of text. Second, it is shown that the Simon‐Yule model of text provides a constructive mechanism for those laws. Third, based on Simon's explanatory processes of imitation and association, an adaptive framework for continuous speech recognition is suggested.
TL;DR: A discussion and review of the contributions presented at the 11th European Conference on Visual Perception by researchers working in the fields of biological vision and machine vision.
Abstract: A discussion and review of the contributions presented at the 11th European Conference on Visual Perception by researchers working in the fields of biological vision and machine vision.
TL;DR: The implementation of a statistical process control (SPC) procedure in the setting up of a crime‐control monitoring system is considered and four effective strategies are discussed.
Abstract: The implementation of a statistical process control (SPC) procedure in the setting up of a crime‐control monitoring system is considered. The SPC system can be viewed as a computer‐aided alarm to trigger corrective action related to crime control. Both implementation procedures and barriers to implemen‐tation are addressed. Four effective strategies are also discussed.
TL;DR: A new definition of the theory of science of science is given, so that paradoxes similar to Russell's paradox will not occur in the new theory ofscience of science developed on the new definition.
Abstract: A new approach of general systems theory is used to study the feasibility of the definition of the theory so‐called the science of science. General scientific theory is studied as a system. The technique, well used by Bertrand Russell in his famous Russell paradox, is applied to show that the theory of science of science cannot exist. A new definition of the theory of science of science is given, so that paradoxes similar to Russell's paradox will not occur in the new theory of science of science developed on the new definition.
TL;DR: The background and origins of Cybernetics are viewed from a philosophical standpoint, with special emphasis on semantics.
Abstract: The background and origins of Cybernetics are viewed from a philosophical standpoint, with special emphasis on semantics. Artificial Intelligence is regarded as a central aspect of Cybernetics and both Artificial Intelligence and Cybernetics as part of Information Science. The principal concentration is with Cybernetics itself.
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TL;DR: Systems with the so‐called “additive” property are studied and some mapping properties between additive systems are given and open questions are posed.
Abstract: Systems with the so‐called “additive” property are studied. This kind of system is an abstract in the language of systems theory of some useful structures in mathematics, such as topology. Some mapping properties between additive systems are given and open questions are posed.
TL;DR: In this article, a probabilistic setting is used to explain capital asset pricing, and an alternative expression for the beta risk premium of the Standard Capital Asset-Pricing Model (CAPM) is derived.
Abstract: A probabilistic setting is utilised in order to explain capital asset pricing, and an alternative expression for the beta‐risk premium of the Standard Capital Asset‐Pricing Model (CAPM) is derived. It is shown that the extended beta‐coefficient has the potential to explain the company‐size effect and the tendency towards underestimation of the systematic risk within the standard CAPM framework.
TL;DR: It is shown that these models could have widespread practical application in safety‐critical systems, and that they demonstrably determine regimes for computation in a minimum number of ways.
Abstract: Contact with other researchers working in the field of surreal numbers, and in particular of their application to computation, and to physics, is sought. An outline research paper on surreal models of arithmetic is presented as an invitation to workers in cybernetics and systems to participate in the study. The extension to Turing computability provided by the surreal models of arithmetic is provably, without any loss of mathematical generality, polynomially complex so that Psurreal = NP surreal. It is shown that these models could have widespread practical application in safety‐critical systems, and that they demonstrably determine regimes for computation in a minimum number of ways.
TL;DR: One of the conclusions of the article is that it is possible to build up a meaningful information theory of fuzzy sets by using the entropy of deterministic functions.
Abstract: The problem of expanding a meaningful entropic theory for fuzzy information cannot be thought of as being a mere (more or less formal) extension of Shannon theory. By using the information theory of deterministic functions, the present author had already obtained some results in this way, and he herein continues this approach. After a short background on the different entropies of deterministic functions and on membership entropy of fuzzy sets, successively mixed entropy of fuzzy sets, joint membership functions of independent fuzzy sets, and conditional entropy of fuzzy sets with respect to other fuzzy sets are considered; the problem of defining transinformation between fuzzy sets, as a generalisation of the well known Shannon concept, is then examined. One of the conclusions of the article is that it is possible to build up a meaningful information theory of fuzzy sets by using the entropy of deterministic functions.
TL;DR: The central theme is to propose some paradigms for the neuron and for various neuron nets and models for the input psychic functions such as creativity, language and social integration are presented.
Abstract: The challenge of explaining all neural and even psychic phenomena with the aid of cybernetics concepts is discussed. The theories concerning the nature of the human brain's activity are considered. The central theme is to propose some paradigms for the neuron and for various neuron nets. Models for the input psychic functions such as creativity, language and social integration are presented.
TL;DR: The possibility of improving the quality of the minimum relative entropy spectral estimates by properly selecting the set of autocorrelation values is demonstrated.
Abstract: The possibility of improving the quality of the minimum relative entropy spectral estimates by properly selecting the set of autocorrelation values is demonstrated. The study concentrates on two aspects: resolvability and accuracy of peak location. Several numerical examples are given.
TL;DR: A model, however, of creativity (designing, constructing) which will not unnecessarily stress any stage of design and will be applicable to all creative activities may be suggested.
Abstract: In the creation process, treated holistically, the stages of chaotic inspiration, ideas classification, selection and decision may be traced. Known models of engineering creativity have aimed usually at one of these stages, which becomes thus particularly emphasised. Frequently positive statements saying that “brainstorming is a useful process at the initial stage of creation” or that “morphological processes are recommended at the stage of details determination” can be found. Such statements, together with the creativity models based on them, diminish the possibility of the application of the stages mentioned above, though they will appear, even independently of the creator's consciousness. A model, however, of creativity (designing, constructing) which will not unnecessarily stress any stage of design and will be applicable to all creative activities may be suggested. A creator's searching for an inspired solution is a typical creative process which may be treated as a catastrophe model. In the selection, one of many methods of pattern recognition may be proposed. A specific model of creativity is presented and also a technique of method implementation using computer techniques.