Commutative product semantics

This article describes a structured axiomatic theory in which important practical phenomena of product semantics can be described and analyzed. The approach includes and extends the well-known semiotic notions of icon, symbol and index. Several small-scale case studies illustrate the theory

Prisoner's dilemma in software testing

In this article the problem of software testing is modeled as a formal strategic game. It is found that for certain values of the productivity and reward parameters the game is essentially equivalent to the Prisoner's Dilemma. This means that the game has a unique Nash equilibrium, which is not optimal for both players, however. Two formal games are described and analyzed in detaiJ, both capturing certain (though not all) aspects of real software testing procedures. Some of the literature on the Prisoner's Dilemma is reviewed and the r

Teaching geometrical principles to design students

We propose a new method of teaching the principles of geometry to design students. The students focus on a field of design in which geometry is the design: tessellation. We review different approaches to geometry and the field of tessellation before we discuss the setup of the course. Instead of employing 2D drawing tools, such as Adobe Illustrator, the students define their tessellation in mathematical formulas, using the Mathematica software. This procedure enables them to understand the mathematical principles on which graphical tools, such as Illustrator are built upon. But we do not stop at a digital representation of their tessellation design we continue to cut their tessellations in Perspex. It moves the abstract concepts of math into the real world, so that the students can experience them directly, which provides a tremendous reward to the students

Actuating movement in refined wearables

Nowadays it is quite possible to deploy textiles as sensors and avoid traditional hard sensors. Actuation (movement) turns out more difficult. It is advantageous to combine sensing and actuation, similar to ecological perception theory. Although several actuators are known: SMA, voice coil, motors, they all have significant disadvantages. Materials: we explored new ways of using electric motors in feedback loops together with textile sensors (modified servos). Approach: together with Industrial Design (Eindhoven University of Technology, TU/e) and Fashion (Utrecht School of Arts, HKU) students we followed a hands-on approach to come to inspired innovative fashion: garments capable of mechanical change, showing dynamic forms or adapting to the person wearing it. Findings: we obtained six very different concepts, themes ranging from defence, attraction, using daylight, playfulness to breathing and dancing. The noise of the mechanism can strengthen the intended semantics – sometimes it is a problem. The conductive yarn sensors are useful, yet introduce calibration challenges. We have short video-clips of the results which we shall show during our presentation. Implications and relevance: our examples show the potential of actuation as a new semantic language, which will become even more important when new technologies will help us overcome the present-day actuator limitations. Conclusions and recommendations: our students enjoy this way of learning about electronics, programming and video making immensely while also learning about fashion and aesthetics. A new dynamic language is waiting to be discovered. We will share our findings and future propositions for activated fashion

Internet control and monitoring : options and complications

In this position paper we address the topic of Internet control and monitoring of embedded systems. Rather than jumping into solutions, we wanted to establish a clear view of the potential advantages of networking embedded systems and the technical complications that arise. The paper summarises our main findings, the options and complications that have been identified

Relation partition algebra — mathematical aspects of uses and part-of relations

AbstractManaging complexity in software engineering involves modularisation, grouping design objects into modules, subsystems, etc. This gives rise to new design objects with new ‘use relations’. The lower-level design objects relate to these in a ‘part-of’ relation. But how do ‘use relations’ at different levels of the ‘part-of hierarchy’ relate? We formalise our knowledge on uses and part-of relations, looking for mathematical laws about relations and partitions. A central role is played by an operator /. For a “uses” relation r on a set of objects X and a partitioning into modules viewed as an equivalence θ, we form a relation rθ on the set Xθ. We adopt an axiomatic point of view and investigate a variety of models, corresponding to different abstraction mechanisms and different ways of relating high- and low-level uses relations

Kinematics analysis of a robotic zipper prototype for miniaturisation

This paper presents the mechanism and kinematics analysis of a robotic zipper prototype. This generic version of the robotic zipper is dedicated to automatically open and close the zipper which could be beneficial to elderly, people with physical disability, upper limb reduction deficiencies (ULRD), visual impairment, or developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The mechanism and kinematic analysis were conducted based on the working prototype build using Meccano. Results from this study are used to select the DC motor for the miniature model of this robotic zipper. Finally, the analysis managed to define the desired amount of DC motor torque and power for the miniature model and drive the robotic zipper to function as an assistive device for zipping or unzipping process

Process algebra with pointers

Abstract. \Ve present a process algebra for mobile processes without bound or free variables. Instead; pointers arc used) that refer back to an action executed in the history of a process. The situation is comparable to a presentation of the '\~cakulus with De Bruijn indices. Note: Report CS~R 02~03) Department of Mathematics and Computer Science) Tedmische Universiteit Eindhoven

On the creation of standards for interaction between real robots and virtual worlds

Research on virtual worlds and environments has increased tremendously in the last decade, giving birth to a variety of applications spanning over several areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, psychology and sociology, among others. In this paper we elaborate on one issue affecting the areas of virtual worlds and robotics: the lack of standard mechanisms for communication and interaction between virtual worlds and robots. We contribute to the scientific community our thoughts on the possibility of creating a standard platform that enable the seamless interaction between these heterogeneous, distributed devices and systems. Hopefully, these ideas will turn, in the future, into applications that not only address the challenges in communication, control and interoperability of such systems (robots and virtual worlds), but also help to improve the standard of life of people through tangible products and services