Programme of colloquia with abstracts for the Spring 2002 semester

5 March 2002

Dr Ivan Kopecek, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno

Inside is out and outside is in (final state analysis of dialogue)

Abstract: The central theme of the lecture is the problem of deriving relevant principles of behaviour for an object (a user or a dialogue system represented by CARODEJ) from a corresponding dialogue corpus using finite-state analysis, and related issues. We shall also touch upon interesting connections with game theory (the audience will, for example, learn why the ‘Tit for Tat’ social strategy – i.e. an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth – dropped out of the top twenty, which strategies are better and why). We will outline the connections between finite-state analysis and standard VoiceXML. The lecture will also present and demonstrate some related findings and projects from the FI Speech and Dialogue Laboratory over the recent period.

26 March 2002

Ing. Miroslav Bartosek CSc, UVT Brno

Digital Library

Abstract: Following an introductory definition of the term ‘Digital Libraries’ (DL), the lecture will focus on an overview of the fundamental areas of research in the field of DL, such as general architecture, identification infrastructure, metadata, interoperability, global resource discovery, and will present examples of current practical solutions in each of these areas.

2 April 2002

Yorick Wilks, University of Sheffield and James Pustejovsky, Brandeis University

Current issues in natural language processing

9 April 2002

Doc. Milan Konecny CSc, Masaryk University, Brno

Geoinformation infrastructures

Abstract: Geoinformation infrastructures: their role in addressing the challenges of the modern world (at local, regional and global levels). Geoinformatics and geomatics. Geographical data and information: organisation (policy), architecture and standards, legislative and ethical aspects, the search for pricing methods. EU spatial data projects and INSPIRE (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe).
Current scientific agenda in cartography: paradigm shift, scientific and research trends.
The Czech Republic’s national information policy and issues relating to the development of the National Geoinformation Infrastructure (??ZK, CAGI, NEMOFORUM, the role of universities).
Geoinformatics and cartography: their role in addressing complex issues of sustainable development (economic, environmental, cultural and technological) in the context of the information society. A spatial ‘digital divide’?
Global spatial data projects: GSDI (Global Spatial Data Infrastructure), Global Map (Global Map), Digital Earth, U.N. GDB (United Nations Geographic Database), etc.: current status, problems, possible solutions.
The EU’s Sixth Framework Programme: opportunities and the role of geographical information.

16 April 2002

Prof. Jozef Kelemen, CSc, Institute of Informatics, University of Opava

Artificial life

Abstract: This lecture will provide a brief and general introduction to the study of life from a computer science perspective, that is, the field of so-called artificial life, and basic information on one theoretical approach to the study of certain aspects of life based on formal grammars and grammatical systems.

23 April 2002

Ing. Jan Gruntorad CSc, Director of CESNET, Prague

New Directions in Optical Networks for Science and Education

Abstract: Specific demands are placed on computer networks designed to support science and education. In recent years, particularly in connection with GRID-type applications, there has been a growing need for ‘bandwidth on demand’ services. This presentation will outline the activities of the most advanced National Research and Educational Networks (NRENs) in this field – CANARIE, SURFnet, etc. Furthermore, the CESNET consortium’s plans to participate in projects that will test these new services will be outlined, such as the ASTON (A Step Towards Optical Networking) project, which is being developed by the TERENA and FLAG Telecom consortia.

30 April 2002

Prof. Ivo Vondrak, CSc, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB-TU Ostrava

Modelling and Analysis of Organisational Structures

Abstract: Application process modelling and domain analysis constitute the initial phase of information system development. A whole range of more or less formal tools exists for these purposes, ranging from languages such as UML (Unified Modelling Language) to theories dealing with concurrent systems. However, the definition and, where necessary, analysis of an organisational structure is more a matter of the experience and intuition of all those involved (analysts, consultants, management, etc.). The aim of this lecture is to highlight the possibilities offered by formal approaches to this issue and thus to base the specification and analysis of organisational structures on the precise foundations of so-called conceptual relationships.

7 May 2002

RNDr. Pavel Pudlak, DrSc, MU CAV Prague

On disjoint NP sets.

Abstract: At first glance, pairs of disjoint NP sets appear to be a trivial generalisation of NP-completeness theory. In reality, however, much less can be proven about this concept. This is because it is linked to profound problems in cryptography and logic. In this lecture, we shall highlight some of these connections and mention some open problems.

14 May 2002

PhDr Petr Penaz, Masaryk University, Brno

Computational aspects of meeting specific human needs

Abstract: This lecture summarises the main findings from the first three years of operation of the Centre for Assistance to the Blind at the Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University:
a) the human–computer relationship in the case of visual impairment
- playing with a computer and computer games
- the tendency towards virtuality and the struggle against it: substituting reality for virtuality
b) key types of information and common technologies for processing them for the visually impaired
- natural and synthetic sound - audio text and graphics, tactile text and graphics
- audio and tactile navigation; horizontal and vertical text segmentation
- hybrid-coded text
- SMS for the blind
- GIS for blind people
c) Information logistics for people with specific needs at universities
- information systems in practice and the application of the principle of specificity
- university publications for the blind
- Library and web services for visually impaired students

21 May 2002

RNDR Václav Matyas PhD, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno

On Biometric Authentication Systems

Abstract: This lecture presents some interesting findings from an analysis of the usability of biometric authentication systems; the work is being carried out in collaboration with Zdeněk Riha, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University. In addition to a broader overview of the usability of biometric systems for authentication or identification, we will focus primarily on two interesting aspects. Firstly, the relationship between biometric data and the handling of cryptographic keys, particularly certain attempts to generate cryptographic keys from biometric data. Secondly, the possibilities for comparing biometric systems, particularly from the perspective of their security.