Nat's Place

Spring 2002

6.833 - The Human Intelligence Enterprise Analyzes seminal work directed at the development of a computational understanding of human intelligence, such as work on object tracking, object recognition, change representation, language evolution, and the role of symbols in learning and communication. Reviews visionary ideas of Turing, Minsky, and other influential thinkers. Examines the role of brain scanning, systems neuroscience, and cognitive psychology. Emphasis on discussion and analysis of original papers. Patrick Winston MAS 910 - Research in Media Technology Chris Schmandt

Fall 2000

MAS 965 - Natural Language Processing This course introduces principles and algorithms of natural language processing relevant for both text and spoken language processing. Topics include statistical language modeling, part of speech tagging, robust parsing, frame-based language understanding, language acquisition, and information retrieval. Emphasis will be placed on semantic analysis and representations. Selected topics from current research in spoken language processing will also be covered. Deb Roy MAS 910 - Research in Media Technology Chris Schmandt

Spring 2001

MAS.967 - Sensor Technologies for Interactive Environments This class will explore sensor technologies for smart environments and interactive applications; giving students a broad introduction to state-of-the-art techniques, exposure to current research, and practical experience that will assist in developing and fielding such systems in their own work. We will introduce the principles and operation of many sensor families and discuss applications in computer-human interfaces, new musical instruments, medicine, environmental sensing, ubiquitous computing, and other current areas of interest. Topics will include: Basic signal conditioning electronics for standard sensor systems; Pressure and force sensing; Piezoelectrics and related materials; Electric field sensing and inductive techniques; Optical sensing; Thermal and acoustic sensing; RF and microwave systems; Inertial and orientation sensing; Macroparticle, chemical, and environmental systems; Medical and radiation sensing; Digital sensor modules and emerging interface standards. Joe Paradiso MAS 910 - Research in Media Technology Chris Schmandt

Fall 2000

MAS 622J - Pattern Recognition and Analysis Fundamentals of characterizing and recognizing patterns and features of interest in numerical data. Basic tools and theory for signal understanding problems with applications to user modeling, affect recognition, speech recognition and understanding, computer vision, physiological analysis, and more. Decision theory, statistical classification, maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation, non-parametric methods, unsupervised learning and clustering. Additional topics on machine and human learning from active research. Deb Roy 12.215 - Modern Navigation Introduces the concepts and applications of navigation techniques using celestial bodies and satellite positioning systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). Topics include astronomical observations, radio navigation systems, the relationship between conventional navigation results and those obtained from GPS, and the effects of the security systems, Selective Availability, and anti-spoofing on GPS results. Laboratory sessions cover the use of sextants, astronomical telescopes, and field use of GPS. Application areas covered include ship, automobile, and aircraft navigation and positioning, including very precise positioning applications. Tom Herring MAS 910 - Research in Media Technology Chris Schmandt

Spring 2000

6.431 - Probabilistic Systems Analysis Modeling, quantification, and analysis of uncertainty. Formulation and solution in sample space. Random variables, transform techniques, simple random processes and their probability distributions, Markov processes, limit theorems, and elements of statistical inference. Interpretations, applications, and lecture demonstrations. J. N. Tsitsiklis 6.868 - The Society of Mind Introduction to a theory that tries to explain how minds are made from collections of simpler processes. Treats such aspects of thinking as vision, language, learning, reasoning, memory, consciousness, ideals, emotions, and personality. Incorporates ideas from psychology, artificial intelligence, and computer science to resolve theoretical issues such as wholes vs parts, structural vs functional descriptions, declarative vs procedural representations, symbolic vs connectionist models, and logical vs common-sense theories of learning. Marvin Minsky MAS 967 - Multilingual Computing How might we build computers which can be used by everyone around the planet? The problems are complex. Thousands of languages are in active use worldwide. Almost a billion people are unable to read or write. Many languages don't even have a written form. Yet most interface technologies are tied to specific written languages. This course explores aspects of natural language and language technologies related to the theme of multilingual computing. Topics to be covered include: text, speech, and visual input and output; semantic representations; language translation and trans-lingual communication; language learning by humans and machines; open system development of language technologies; and applications of multilingual computing in developing nations. Readings will draw from a broad number of areas including artificial intelligence, speech processing, linguistics, and media studies. Deb Roy MAS 910 - Research in Media Technology Chris Schmandt

Fall 1999

Physics123 - Laboratory Electronics A lab-intensive introduction to electronic circuit design. Develops circuit intuition and debugging skills through daily hands-on lab exercises, each preceded by class discussion with minimal use of mathematics and physics. The treatment moves quickly from passive circuits, through design with discrete transistors, then concentrates on the application of integrated operational amplifiers to make a variety of circuits including integrators, oscillators, regulators, and filters. The digital half of the course emphasizes the use of programmable logic devices, microprocessors, and microcontrollers, while treating issues that arise in interfacing both analog and digital devices to a computer. Provides an overview of radio and television, digital audio, signal averaging, and construction techniques. Final project: build a micro-computer ( schematic ) Paul Horowitz and Thomas Hayes MAS 879 - Experiences in Interactive Expression Through discussions and presentations by visiting artists, this weekly seminar highlights the history of interactive digital art and contemporary issues in the field. Glorianna Davenport, Stephen Benton MAS 921 - Proseminar in Media Arts and Sciences A seminar on Media Arts and Sciences, an emerging discipline. The seminar is conceived of as participation in the development of a new discipline as much as the study of it. Extensive reading list touches on antecedent disciplines (e.g., technologies of computational media, cognitive sciences, AI, theory of communication, design) and on the sociological, historical, and epistemological study of intellectual disciplines. Required of Ph.D. students in the Media Arts and Sciences Program. MAS 910 - Research in Media Technology Chris Schmandt

Spring 1999

MAS 910 - Research in Media Technology Chris Schmandt

MAS ThG - Graduate Thesis comMotion: a context-aware communication system

Fall 1998

MAS 654 - Cognitive Artifacts and Architectures The acquisition and communication of knowledge demands a coherent cognitive framework within which we can reason about events and states in the world. What frameworks are plausible, and how do these choices affect our deductive and creative processes? Material includes analog representations, Bayesian nets, grammars, default logics, belief theory, and discourse analysis. Whitman Richards MAS 910 - Research in Media Technology Chris Schmandt

Spring 1998