UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
		 COMPUTER SCIENCE RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM


                 "Coordinate Systems of Understanding"

                         Dr. Attila Egri-Nagy 
                     (School of Computer Science, 
                     University of Hertfordshire)

        	       8 March 2006 (Wednesday) 

                          Lecture Theatre E350
		       Hatfield, College Lane Campus
			       3 - 4 pm

       	       Coffee/tea and biscuits will be available.
			 [Catering Permitting]

		    Everyone is Welcome to Attend
			  [Space Permitting]



Abstract:

The algebraic hierarchical decomposition of finite state automata (known as
the Krohn-Rhodes Theory) gives us coordinate systems for understanding the
behaviour of a complex system.
The decomposition identifies the components of the given phenomenon
described as an automaton, and constructs a hierarchical model from these
building blocks.  The theory has the same role for computational structures
as the Prime Decomposition Theory for integers, but with more emphasis on
how the components are hierarchically put together. The number of levels
gives a complexity measure: the longest chain of functional dependency
within the system. We consider these algebraic decompositions as formal
models for understanding complex systems. They are cognitive tools which can
be generated automatically for any kind of intelligence (human, software,
robot, etc.).

But what do we mean exactly by a coordinate system in this context? What is
a hierarchical description?  What is complexity change within the system?
The aim of the talk is to define these notions precisely by introducing the
mathematical background of these ideas. The possible applications of the
theory are also presented -- in the talk the emphasis is on the examples,
not on the theorems.

http://www.egri-nagy.hu
http://graspermachine.sf.net



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Hertfordshire Computer Science Research Colloquium
http://homepages.feis.herts.ac.uk/~nehaniv/colloq