Showing papers on "Testbed published in 1983"

The Distributed Vehicle Monitoring Testbed: A Tool for Investigating Distributed Problem Solving Networks

Abstract: Cooperative distributed problem solving networks are distributed networks of semi-autonomous processing nodes that work together to solve a single problem. The Distributed Vehicle Monitoring Testbed is a flexible and fully-instrumented research tool for empirically evaluating alternative designs for these networks. The testbed simulates a class of a distributed knowledge-based problem solving systems operating on an abstracted version of a vehicle monitoring task. There are two important aspects to the testbed: (1.) it implements a novel generic architecture for distributed problems solving networks that exploits the use of sophisticated local node control and meta-level control to improve global coherence in network problem solving; (2.) it serves as an example of how a testbed can be engineered to permit the empirical exploration of design issues in knowledge AI systems. The testbed is capable of simulating different degrees of sophistication in problem solving knowledge and focus-of attention mechanisms, for varying the distribution and characteristics of error in its (simulated) input data, and for measuring the progress of problem solving. Node configuration and communication channel characteristics can also be independently varied in the simulated network.

A Testbed for Realistic Image Synthesis

Abstract: Classical ray-tracing techniques, which have produced the most realistic computer-generated images to date, are being enhanced in this developmental system.

The distributed vehicle monitoring testbed

Abstract: Cooperative distributed problem solving networks are dist,libuted networks of semi-autonomous processing nodes t,hat work t,ogether t,o solve a smgle problem The Distrihut,ed Vehicle Monitoring Testbed is a flcxihle and fully-inst,rllmeni.ed research tool for empirically evaluating altclnative designs fol these net.works The t.estbed simulates a class of a distributed knowledge-based problem solving systems operating on

A Distributed Experimental Communications System

Abstract: The packet experimental communications system (packet XCS) is a new experimental voice and data switch. It uses a local-area network (LAN) for digital voice transmission, with local intelligence for switching. The packet XCS also has highly distributed control. The individual sites cooperate to provide user services as well as internal data management. We have learned that several local networks, including CSMA/CD networks, can be made to work well for voice transmission and that highly distributed control is practical in such a system. A system has been constructed which is used as a testbed for distributed voice and data communications experiments. This system is purely for experimentation and does not indicate a direction for future Bell System product offerings.

The Experimental Integrated Switched Network - a System-Level Network Test Facility

Abstract: An Experimental Integrated Switched Network (EISN) has been developed to provide a system-level testbed for the evaluation of advanced communications networking techniques, including survivable network routing algorithms using a mix of transmission media, for application in the Defense Switched Network (DSN). EISN includes five CONUS sites linked by a wideband demand-assigned satellite channel and by dialed-up terrestrial trunks for alternate satellite/terrestrial routing experiments. Experiments to date have validated techniques for integration of circuit-switched terrestrial systems with the demand-assigned satellite system, and for the establishment of alternate routes over satellite and terrestrial paths. Currently, candidate routing algorithms for application in the DSN are being implemented and tested using external routing/controller processors attached to digital circuit switches at EISN sites. In addition, EISN is also being used to support data communication experiments using DoD standard data protocols in a combined satellite/ terrestrial network environment. Work is ongoing both in system experiments and in testbed developments to include additional capabilities. This paper represents a description and status report on both the testbed and the experimental efforts.

Autonomous vehicle control: an overview of the Hughes project

Abstract: This paper presents a review of early work on a project to develop autonomous vehicle control technology. The goal of this effort is the development of a very generic capability that can be tailored to a wide range of applications. The emphasis in this development effort has been on the fundamental AI-based technology required to build autonomous systems and the implementation of a testbed environment to evaluate and demonstrate the system capabilities. 10 references.

NOSC Systolic Processor Testbed.

Abstract: : NOSC(Naval Ocean Systems Center) has expended considerable resources in designing and fabricating a systolic array testbed and writing software utility programs for its exploitation. These tools now permit us to readily explore the hardware design tradeoffs for future generation systolic processors. However, we do not have the resources to explore all desirable paths. It will be to the Navy's benefit if the tools we do have are made available to other U.S. researchers (probably via telephone/modem access) for them to explore their particular algorithmic interests. This document describes the capabilities and usefulness of these tools. (Author)

Design, analysis, and implementation of distributed systems from a performance perspective

Abstract: A message-based approach to interprocess communication is widely accepted for distributed computing. A distributed program which consists of communicating processes runs on a distributed architecture which is specified by the number of processors, the speed of each processor, and the interconnection structure where the lines can have different capacities and lengths. A processor can communicate with any other processor by routing messages through intermediate processors over fixed paths. Scheduling problems arise in distributed environments. We have studied and developed heuristics for (1) initially assigning processes to processors and (2) selecting processor queueing disciplines. To observe and measure the behavior of distributed programs running on distributed architectures and using different scheduling strategies, we have provided a testbed which consists of a compiler and simulator to run CSP-like programs on user specified architectures. Using this testbed the scheduling heuristics were tested extensively on several algorithms on various architectures. The algorithms studied are a partial differential equation solver, distributed and centralized monitors for the multiple copy database problem, and a set of producer-consumer systems. For these systems the heuristics exhibited good behavior.

Distributed Estimation in the MIT/LL DSN Testbed

Abstract: The acoustic tracking algorithms currently used in the MIT Lincoln Laboratory distributed sensor networks (DSN) testbed is described The original motivation for inclusion of various features in those algorithms and the lesson learned about those features through experimentation with real and simulated data are discussed Plans for modifications to the detection and tracking algorithms are sketched

An interprocess communication model for a distributed software testbed

Abstract: This paper describes design and implementation of an IPC model for a distributed software testbed Shoshin. The IPC model was designed to provide a reliable message communication among distributed processes and to support implementations of user level protocols for various applications. A multiprocess structure, which separates a link level and a transport level, has been used to provide a flexible protocol management. The basic performance of the current implementation and the extensibility of the model are also discussed.

A system for intelligent teleoperation research

Abstract: The Automation Technology Branch of NASA Langley Research Center is developing a research capability in the field of artificial intelligence, particularly as applicable in teleoperator/robotics development for remote space operations. As a testbed for experimentation in these areas, a system concept has been developed and is being implemented. This system, termed DAISIE (Distributed Artificially Intelligent System for Interacting with the Environment), interfaces the key processes of perception, reasoning, and manipulation by linking hardware sensors and manipulators to a modular artificial intelligence (AI) software system in a hierarchical control structure. Verification experiments have been performed: one experiment used a blocksworld database and planner embedded in the DAISIE system to intelligently manipulate a simple physical environment; the other experiment implemented a joint-space collision avoidance algorithm. Continued system development is planned.

Transaction optimization in a distributed database testbed system

Abstract: The design of the transaction optimization portion of the distributed database testbed system at the Honeywell Corporate Technology Center is described. In the design, data flow analysis and distributed query optimization techniques are applied to distributed transaction optimization. The theoretical foundations of this approach are presented, and a comprehensive example is given. 16 references.

CMS-a testbed for evaluating distributed architectures

Abstract: This paper describes the crossbar multimicroprocessor system (CMS) that is a part of an overall environment for developing, testing, evaluating, and validating distributed computing solutions for real-time problems. The cms provides 6 Z8001 based processor modules and 12 sharable memories interconnected in a crossbar configuration. The paper focuses on the hardware design of the various subsystems of the CMS and describes the implementation techniques appropriate for this type of system. 5 references.

Overview of the Image Understanding Testbed

Abstract: : The Image Understanding Testbed is a system of hardware and software that is designed to facilitate the integration, testing, and evaluation of implemented research concepts in machine vision. The system was developed by the Artificial Intelligence Center of SRI International under the joint sponsorship of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA). The primary purpose of the Image Understanding (IU) Testbed is to provide a means for transferring technology from the DARPA-sponsored IU research program to DMA and other organizations in the defense community. The approach taken to achieve this purpose has two components: * The establishment of a uniform environment that will be as compatible as possible with the environments of research centers at universities participating in the IU program. Thus, organizations obtaining copies of the testbed can receive new results of ongoing research as they become available. * The acquisition, integration, testing, and evaluation of selected scene analysis techniques that represent mature examples of generic areas of research activity. These contributions from IU program participants will allow organizations with testbed copies to immediately begin investigating potential applications of IU technology to problems in automated cartography and other areas of scene analysis.