AIList-REQUEST@AI.AI.MIT.EDU (AIList Moderator Nick Papadakis) (05/24/88)
Return-Path: <@AI.AI.MIT.EDU:CHIN%PLU@ames-io.ARPA> Date: Mon, 16 May 88 11:55:08 PDT From: CHIN%PLU@ames-io.ARPA Subject: seminar announcement To: ailist@stripe.sri.com *************************************************************************** National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center SEMINAR ANNOUNCEMENT SPEAKER: Balas Natarajan Carnegie-Mellon University TOPIC: "Towards Learning Algorithms" ABSTRACT: This talk concerns two paradigms for "learning algorithms". First, we consider learning in the sense of acquiring new information - specifically, extracting a good approximation to an unknown set from examples for the set. After formalising the problem, we give a theorem identifying conditions necessary and sufficient for such learning to be efficient. We also present smooth extensions of these results to functions (as opposed to sets) on discrete and continuous domains. Second, we consider learning in the sense of improving computational efficiency - specifically, constructing good heuristics for a problem from solved examples. After formalising the problem, we give a theorem identifying conditions sufficient to allow the construction of provably good heuristics for a collection of problems. BIOGRAPHY: Balas K. Natarajan is a Research Scientist at the Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. He received his Ph.D. in computer science from Cornell University in 1986. Currently his major research interests include both formal and applied methods in Machine Learning and Robotics. DATE: Monday, TIME: 3:00 - 4:00 pm BLDG. 244 Room 103 May 23, 1988 -------------- POINT OF CONTACT: Marlene Chin PHONE NUMBER: (415) 694-6525 NET ADDRESS: chin%plu@ames-io.arpa *************************************************************************** VISITORS ARE WELCOME: Register and obtain vehicle pass at Ames Visitor Reception Building (N-253) or the Security Station near Gate 18. Do not use the Navy Main Gate. Non-citizens (except Permanent Residents) must have prior approval from the Director's Office one week in advance. Submit requests to the point of contact indicated above. Non-citizens must register at the Visitor Reception Building. Permanent Residents are required to show Alien Registration Card at the time of registration. ***************************************************************************