Main description:

The following are the proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Human and Machine Perception held in Pavia, Italy, on September 14 -17, 1998. This edition has been under the auspices of two Institutions: the Cybernetic and Biophysics Group (GNCB) of the Italian National Research Council (CNR), the Centro Interdipartimentale di Scienze Cognitive, of Pavia University and the Centro Interdipartimentale Tecnologie della Conoscenza, of Palermo University. A wide spectrum of topics is covered in this series, ranging from computer perception to psychology and physiology of perception, for analysing and comparing biological and artificial approaches. The theme of this workshop was focused on "Emergence, Attention and Creativity". The workshop structure consisted of five modules each one composed of two invited lectures (dealing with solutions in nature and machines respectively) and a panel discussion. The lectures focused on presenting the state-of-the-art and outlining open questions. In particular, they sought to stress links, suggesting possible synergies between different cultural areas. The panel discussion was conceived as a forum for an open debate, briefly introduced by each panellist, and mainly aimed at deeper investigation for the different approaches and strictly related topics. The panellists were asked to prepare a few statements on hot-points, which were delivered in advance to the participants as a guide for a qualified discussion.

Contents:

Evolution: The Dynamics of Biological Evolution and the Importance of Spatial Relations and Shapes; L. da Fontoura Costa, L. Augusto Consularo. Emergent Evolution of Cooperative Structures; P. Mussio, P.Bottoni. Intervention in Evolution: (Un)Predictability versus Control; J.D. Becker. Panel Summary - Can Learning Guide Evolution? R. Bordogna, R. Walker. Emergence: The Emerging Properties of Neuronal Networks: Focus on the Cerebellum; E. D'Angelo. Face Detection and Camouflage Breaking by Direct Convexity Estimation; A. Tankus, et al. Coping with Uncertainty: the Self-Organisation of Social Systems; G. Kuppers. Panel Summary - Multistimuli and Different Sensory Modalities; G. Grisanti, S. Vallerga. Variability, Ambiguity and Attention: a Perception Model based on Analog Induction; J.-S. Lienard. Alerting Mechanisms in Attentive Vision Systems; G. Garibotto. Purposive Visual Perception and Co-operative Behaviour: some Issues for the Design of Physical Agents; G. Adorni, et al. Panel Summary - Planning and Problem Solving; S. Gaglio, et al. Creativity: Creations and Discoveries in Science: the Role of Abductive Reasoning; L. Magnani. Analogy Perception and Creativity Mechanisms; B. Vivicorsi. Panel Summary - Creativity in 22 Questions: What's the Catch? B. Zavidovique. Knowledge Management and Representation: Recognising, Remembering and Knowing; O. Andreani-Dentici. Panel Summary - Symbolism and Connectionism Paradigms; L. Magnani, et al. Presence, Telepresence and Usability; S. Levialdi. Non Linear Models for Speech Melody; R. D'Autilia. Panel Summary - `How Can I Know What I Think Until I See What I Say?' W.Gerbino. Index.