191,132 research outputs found
Towards Collaborative Conceptual Exploration
In domains with high knowledge distribution a natural objective is to create
principle foundations for collaborative interactive learning environments. We
present a first mathematical characterization of a collaborative learning
group, a consortium, based on closure systems of attribute sets and the
well-known attribute exploration algorithm from formal concept analysis. To
this end, we introduce (weak) local experts for subdomains of a given knowledge
domain. These entities are able to refute and potentially accept a given
(implicational) query for some closure system that is a restriction of the
whole domain. On this we build up a consortial expert and show first insights
about the ability of such an expert to answer queries. Furthermore, we depict
techniques on how to cope with falsely accepted implications and on combining
counterexamples. Using notions from combinatorial design theory we further
expand those insights as far as providing first results on the decidability
problem if a given consortium is able to explore some target domain.
Applications in conceptual knowledge acquisition as well as in collaborative
interactive ontology learning are at hand.Comment: 15 pages, 2 figure
Interpreting Quantum Particles as Conceptual Entities
We elaborate an interpretation of quantum physics founded on the hypothesis
that quantum particles are conceptual entities playing the role of
communication vehicles between material entities composed of ordinary matter
which function as memory structures for these quantum particles. We show in
which way this new interpretation gives rise to a natural explanation for the
quantum effects of interference and entanglement by analyzing how interference
and entanglement emerge for the case of human concepts. We put forward a scheme
to derive a metric based on similarity as a predecessor for the structure of
'space, time, momentum, energy' and 'quantum particles interacting with
ordinary matter' underlying standard quantum physics, within the new
interpretation, and making use of aspects of traditional quantum axiomatics.
More specifically, we analyze how the effect of non-locality arises as a
consequence of the confrontation of such an emerging metric type of structure
and the remaining presence of the basic conceptual structure on the fundamental
level, with the potential of being revealed in specific situations.Comment: 19 pages, 1 figur
Semantic browsing of digital collections
Visiting museums is an increasingly popular pastime. Studies have shown that visitors can draw on their museum experience, long after their visit, to learn new things in practical situations. Rather than viewing a visit as a
single learning event, we are interested in ways of extending the experience to allow visitors to access online resources tailored to their interests. Museums
typically have extensive archives that can be made available online, the challenge is to match these resources to the visitor’s interests and present them in a manner that facilitates exploration and engages the visitor. We propose the use of knowledge level resource descriptions to identify relevant resources and create structured presentations. A system that embodies this approach, which is in use in a UK museum, is presented and the applicability of the approach to the broader semantic web is discussed
Towards a Unified Knowledge-Based Approach to Modality Choice
This paper advances a unified knowledge-based approach to the process of choosing the most appropriate modality or combination of modalities in multimodal output generation. We propose a Modality Ontology (MO) that models the knowledge needed to support the two most fundamental processes determining modality choice – modality allocation (choosing the modality or set of modalities that can best support a particular type of information) and modality combination (selecting an optimal final combination of modalities). In the proposed ontology we model the main levels which collectively determine the characteristics of each modality and the specific relationships between different modalities that are important for multi-modal meaning making. This ontology aims to support the automatic selection of modalities and combinations of modalities that are suitable to convey the meaning of the intended message
Quantum Particles as Conceptual Entities: A Possible Explanatory Framework for Quantum Theory
We put forward a possible new interpretation and explanatory framework for
quantum theory. The basic hypothesis underlying this new framework is that
quantum particles are conceptual entities. More concretely, we propose that
quantum particles interact with ordinary matter, nuclei, atoms, molecules,
macroscopic material entities, measuring apparatuses, ..., in a similar way to
how human concepts interact with memory structures, human minds or artificial
memories. We analyze the most characteristic aspects of quantum theory, i.e.
entanglement and non-locality, interference and superposition, identity and
individuality in the light of this new interpretation, and we put forward a
specific explanation and understanding of these aspects. The basic hypothesis
of our framework gives rise in a natural way to a Heisenberg uncertainty
principle which introduces an understanding of the general situation of 'the
one and the many' in quantum physics. A specific view on macro and micro
different from the common one follows from the basic hypothesis and leads to an
analysis of Schrodinger's Cat paradox and the measurement problem different
from the existing ones. We reflect about the influence of this new quantum
interpretation and explanatory framework on the global nature and evolutionary
aspects of the world and human worldviews, and point out potential explanations
for specific situations, such as the generation problem in particle physics,
the confinement of quarks and the existence of dark matter.Comment: 45 pages, 10 figure
Interactive form creation: exploring the creation and manipulation of free form through the use of interactive multiple input interface
Most current CAD systems support only the two most common input devices: a mouse and a keyboard that impose a limit to the degree of interaction that a user can have with the system. However, it is not uncommon for users to work together on the same computer during a collaborative task. Beside that, people tend to use both hands to manipulate 3D objects; one hand is used to orient the object while the other hand is used to perform some operation on the object. The same things could be applied to computer modelling in the conceptual phase of the design process. A designer can rotate and position an object with one hand, and manipulate the shape [deform it] with the other hand. Accordingly, the 3D object can be easily and intuitively changed through interactive manipulation of both hands.The research investigates the manipulation and creation of free form geometries through the use of interactive interfaces with multiple input devices. First the creation of the 3D model will be discussed; several different types of models will be illustrated. Furthermore, different tools that allow the user to control the 3D model interactively will be presented. Three experiments were conducted using different interactive interfaces; two bi-manual techniques were compared with the conventional one-handed approach. Finally it will be demonstrated that the use of new and multiple input devices can offer many opportunities for form creation. The problem is that few, if any, systems make it easy for the user or the programmer to use new input devices
Conceptual Spaces in Object-Oriented Framework
The aim of this paper is to show that the middle level of
mental representations in a conceptual spaces framework is consistent
with the OOP paradigm. We argue that conceptual spaces framework
together with vague prototype theory of categorization appears to be
the most suitable solution for modeling the cognitive apparatus of
humans, and that the OOP paradigm can be easily and intuitively
reconciled with this framework. First, we show that the prototypebased
OOP approach is consistent with Gärdenfors’ model in terms
of structural coherence. Second, we argue that the product of cloning
process in a prototype-based model is in line with the structure of
categories in Gärdenfors’ proposal. Finally, in order to make the fuzzy
object-oriented model consistent with conceptual space, we
demonstrate how to define membership function in a more cognitive
manner, i.e. in terms of similarity to prototype
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