Conceptual clustering using relational informatio

Work in conceptual clustering has focused on creating classes from objects with a fixed set of features, such as color or size. In this paper we describe a system which uses relations between the objects being clustered as well as features of the objects to form a hierarchy tree of classes. Unlike previous conceptual clustering systems, this algorithm can define new attributes. Using relational information the system is able to find object classifications not possible with conventional conceptual clustering methods

Towards an integrated discovery system

Previous research on machine discovery has focused on limited parts of the empirical discovery task. In this paper we describe IDS, an integrated system that addresses both qualitative and quantitative discovery. The program represents its knowledge in terms of qualitative schemas, which it discovers by interacting with a simulated physical environment. Once IDS has formulated a qualitative schema, it uses that schema to design experiments and to constrain the search for quantitative laws. We have carried out preliminary tests in the domain of heat phenomena. In this context the system has discovered both intrinsic properties, such as the melting point of substances, and numeric laws, such as the conservation of mass for objects going through a phase change

A framework for empirical discovery

Previous research in machine learning has viewed the process of empirical discovery as search through a space of 'theoretical' terms. In this paper, we propose a problem space for empirical discovery, specifying six complementary operators for defining new terms that ease the statement of empirical laws. The six types of terms include: numeric attributes (such as PV/T); intrinsic properties (such as mass); composite objects (such as pairs of colliding balls); classes of objects (such as acids and alkalis); composite relations (such as chemical reactions); and classes of relations (such as combustion/oxidation). We review existing machine discovery systems in light of this framework, examining which parts of the problem space were, covered by these systems. Finally, we outline an integrated discovery system (IDS) we are constructing that includes all six of the operators and which should be able to discover a broad range of empirical laws

Conceptual clustering using relational information

Work in conceptual clustering has focused on creating classes from objects with a fixed set of features, such as color or size. In this paper we describe a system which uses relations between the objects being clustered as well as features of the objects to form a hierarchy tree of classes. Unlike previous conceptual clustering systems, this algorithm can define new attributes. Using relational information the system is able to find object classifications not possible with conventional conceptual clustering methods

A framework for empirical discovery

Previous research in machine learning has viewed the process of empirical discovery as search through a space of 'theoretical' terms. In this paper, we propose a problem space for empirical discovery, specifying six complementary operators for defining new terms that ease the statement of empirical laws. The six types of terms include: numeric attributes (such as PV/T); intrinsic properties (such as mass); composite objects (such as pairs of colliding balls); classes of objects (such as acids and alkalis); composite relations (such as chemical reactions); and classes of relations (such as combustion/oxidation). We review existing machine discovery systems in light of this framework, examining which parts of the problem space were, covered by these systems. Finally, we outline an integrated discovery system (IDS) we are constructing that includes all six of the operators and which should be able to discover a broad range of empirical laws

An integrated approach to empirical discovery

In recent years, researchers in machine learning have investigated three main aspects of empirical discovery: forming taxonomies, finding qualitative laws, and finding quantitative laws. In this paper, we introduce IDS (Integrated Discovery System), a system that integrates these aspects of scientific discovery. We begin by examining the system's representation, showing how it describes events like chemical reactions as sequences of qualitative states. IDS incrementally processes these sequences to build a hierarchy of states, forming qualitative laws and numeric relations to augment this hierarchy. We discuss the three learning components that produce this behavior, using examples to illustrate the processes. Since this work is still in progress, we describe the current status of IDS and close with our plans for extending the system

Towards an integrated discovery system

Previous research on machine discovery has focused on limited parts of the empirical discovery task. In this paper we describe IDS, an integrated system that addresses both qualitative and quantitative discovery. The program represents its knowledge in terms of qualitative schemas, which it discovers by interacting with a simulated physical environment. Once IDS has formulated a qualitative schema, it uses that schema to design experiments and to constrain the search for quantitative laws. We have carried out preliminary tests in the domain of heat phenomena. In this context the system has discovered both intrinsic properties, such as the melting point of substances, and numeric laws, such as the conservation of mass for objects going through a phase change

Missing link? Comparison of manual and automated linking in hypertext engineering

Proceedings of the Human Factors Society1310-314PHFS