Robin Woodburn

Studies of turn-taking in computermediated communications

Groupware is designed to provide opportunities for physically dispersed computer users to co-operate in a manner akin to a face-to-face meeting. Little is understood, however, of the factors that might influence its success. One possible factor is ‘floor control’, or turntaking, which is an important feature of face-to-face meetings. The paper describes experiments designed to examine the importance of turn-taking in computer-mediated communications, in comparison with face-to-face conversations, and considers means whereby turntaking behaviour, and hence the effectiveness of groupware, can be improved.

Biologically-Inspired On-Chip Learning in Pulsed Neural Networks

Self-learning chips to implement many popular ANN (artificial neural network) algorithms are very difficult to design. We explain why this is so and say what lessons previous work teaches us in the design of self-learning systems. We offer a contribution to the “biologically-inspired” approach, explaining what we mean by this term and providing an example of a robust, self-learning design that can solve simple classical-conditioning tasks. We give details of the design of individual circuits to perform component functions, which can then be combined into a network to solve the task. We argue that useful conclusions as to the future of on-chip learning can be drawn from this work.

Pulse-stream circuits for on-chip learning in analogue VLSI neural networks

We explain the advantages of the Virtual-Targets algorithm for learning in a VLSI Multilayer Perceptron, outline the design issues, and describe fabricated circuits that implement the main algorithmic functions. The test-chip described is a precursor to a larger device incorporating full on-chip learning.<<ETX>>

Pulse-stream techniques and circuits

The pulse-stream technique for analogue computation combines many of the advantages of the analogue and digital domains. It was originally developed for artificial neural networks (ANNs), where it still finds most of its applications.

Coordination Issues in Tools for CSCW

Neither group-based work nor its associated technologies are exactly new. Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), however, makes it necessary to reconsider many aspects of the design of technologies for group work. In particular, it raises questions about the support for the maintenance of common ground within the group (McCarthy et al. 1991), and the coordination of their activities - who can do what, where and when. We refer to these two aspects of group work collectively as “collaboration awareness”.