Frank Klassner

LEGO MindStorms: not just for K-12 anymore

Using LEGO Mindstorms robots to support the ACM Computing Curriculum 2001 in lab exercises and projects from the beginner courses in programming to advanced courses in operating systems, compilers, networks, and artificial intelligence.

BIG: an agent for resource-bounded information gathering and decision making

Abstract The World Wide Web has become an invaluable information resource but the explosion of available information has made Web search a time consuming and complex process. The large number of information sources and their different levels of accessibility, reliability and associated costs present a complex information gathering control problem. This paper describes the rationale, architecture, and implementation of a next generation information gathering system—a system that integrates several areas of Artificial Intelligence research under a single umbrella. Our solution to the information explosion is an information gathering agent, BIG, that plans to gather information to support a decision process, reasons about the resource trade-offs of different possible gathering approaches, extracts information from both unstructured and structured documents, and uses the extracted information to refine its search and processing activities.

IPUS An Architecture for the Integrated Processing and Understanding of Signals

The Integrated Processing and Understanding of Signals (IPUS) architecture is presented as a framework that exploits formal signal processing models to structure the bi-directional interaction between front-end signal processing and signal understanding processes. This architecture is appropriate for complex environments, which are characterized by variable signal to noise ratios, unpredictable source behaviors, and co-occuring objects whose signal signatures can distort each other. A key aspect of this architecture is that front-end signal processing is dynamically modifiable in response to scenario changes and to the need to re-analyze ambiguous or distorted data. This architecture tightly integrates the search for the appropriate front-end signal processing configuration with the search for plausible interpretations. In our opinion, this dual search, informed by formal signal processing theory, is a necessary component of perceptual systems for intelligent agents that must interact with complex environments. In order to explain this architecture in detail, an example of its use in an implemented system for acoustic signal interpretation is presented. ****************************************************************** This work was supported by the Rome Air Development Center of the Air Force Systems Command under contract F30602-91-C-0038, and by the Office of Naval Research under contract N00014-92-J-1450. The content does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the Government, and no official endorsement should be inferred. This report extends work on non-control aspects of IPUS reported in Technical Report 91-34. Please refer to that report for more information on control in IPUS.

Do lego mindstorms robots have a future in CS education

Lego Mindstorms is an inexpensive robotics system consisting of a microprocessor brick, various sensors and motors, and numerous Lego pieces. It can be programmed in a variety of languages, including Java and C++. Since its initial release in 1996, dozens of papers have been written on its use in computer science education. In fact, a recent search for “MindStorms” in the ACM Digital Library produced 271 hits. Many of these papers describe its use, one way or another, in laboratory settings. Numerous workshops on its use in CS education have been held, attended by hundreds of faculty. Yet the platform’s adoption is not as widespread as this level of interest would suggest. In fact, some early adopters of MindStorms have come to feel that the platform is not all that well suited to CS education, or at least that its supposed benefits have not been proven.

Mindstorms without robotics: an alternative to simulations in systems courses

This paper examines the applicability of LEGO Mindstorms to the intermediate-level computer science curriculum, which traditionally includes courses such as Computer Organization and Operating Systems. We describe three open-laboratory projects that employ Mindstorms in exploring systems-level programming topics and present results from student evaluations of the projects over the last two years. An interesting feature of the projects is that they do not involve robotics or robot construction but instead focus on the Mindstorms programmable brick as a platform in its own right.

The use of robots in the undergraduate curriculum: experience reports

Using the robot as a metaphor for assisting students in understanding problem solving in general, the algorithmic process, and the relationship between algorithms and computing agents is not new. While simulated robot environments have existed for many years (e.g. Karel the Robot[3]) it is only recently that the technology for inexpensively supplying undergraduates with real robots has become available. Lego Mindstorms, MIT Handyboards, the Rug Warrior, and others are examples of such systems. Programmable in familiar languages, including C, Ada, and Java, these systems allow for the creative exploration of important computer science concepts. Representing a variety of institution types the panelists will discuss their experiences in using hands-on robot-based projects for illustrating various important computer science concepts.

Enhancing lisp instruction with RCXLisp and robotics

This paper presents the RCXLisp library, an extension to Common Lisp that allows students to investigate a broad range of artificial intelligence and computer science topics using the LEGO MindStorms® platform. The library has two features that distinguish it from other third-party packages and languages designed by academics and hobbyists for programming the MindStorms platform. The first is that it supports both remote control and on-board programming of MindStorms robots. The second is that it supports targeted communication between multiple LEGO robots and command-center desktops. The package is also the only one to be integrated into most popular Common Lisp programming environments. This paper also summarizes student experiences with the package over the years 2000-2003 in an Artificial Intelligence course.

Can Web development courses avoid obsolescence

Yes.

Resources for next generation introductory CS courses: report of the ITiCSE'99 working group on resources for the next generation CS 1 course

The ongoing purpose of this working group is to collect, evaluate, and foster the development of resources that might be used in next generation introductory CS courses. Such courses will integrate elements of object-oriented programming and design, program design patterns, concurrency, and event-driven programming. The product of the working group is a web repository that provides resources that might be used in such a course. The site will include sample syllabi, pedagogical patterns, programming and design patterns, course modules, projects, tools and techniques.The URL for the web site is:http://csis.pace.edu/ ~bergin/iticse99/

Using the new lego MindStorms EV3 robotics platform in CS courses (abstract only)

This workshop will conduct an exploration of the newly released Lego Mindstorms EV3 robot platform and its applicability to the college computer science curriculum. Participants will learn about the EV3 through handouts and hands-on programming exercises. The first part of the workshop will focus on demonstrating EV3 robots as well as the STEM concepts and computing concepts they illustrate. The second part of the workshop will focus in on the new capabilities of the EV3. This workshop will be more detailed than the vendor led workshop. It will be of benefit to participants new to Mindstorms robotics as well as those with NXT/RCX experience who want to see the evolution of the platform and new components featured in the EV3. These include a revision of the controller brick hardware and software, new color and gyroscopic sensors, and increased processing and memory capabilities. The organizers have a combined 20 years of experience using Mindstorms in CS courses (including courses in introductory programming, systems, and artificial intelligence) with Lego and third party programming environments. Participants must bring a Bluetooth-capable laptop (Mac or Windows), and will have a robot, software, and kit to use for the workshop. Participants will receive a promotion code to purchase a 10% discounted Mindstorms kit.