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REPORT FOR OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2004
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TECHNICAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

() Implemented an initial version of Optimizer, which generates
conference schedules based on given constraints and preferences.

() Tested Optimizer on several "one-day conference" scenarios, and
showed its effectiveness on small-scale problems; have not yet tested
its scalability.

() Implemented a very preliminary version of Information Elicitor,
which identifies critical missing pieces of knowledge in an uncertain
world model, and generates related questions.

() Began work on a GUI for the Space-Time module; this work is done by
Andrew Faulring and Brandon Rothrock in the UI group, with a limited
support from our Space-Time group.

PROJECT PLANS

() Extend Optimizer to handle additional features of the "conference
planning" scenario; a tentative list of target features is posted at
www.cs.cmu.edu/~eugene/Radar/features.txt.

() Run experiments on scalability of Optimizer.

() Continue work on Information Elicitor, and implement advanced
elicitation algorithms.

() Begin empirical evaluation of Information Elicitor.

() Begin work on a conference paper describing Information Elicitor.

OBJECTIVES FOR NEXT PERIOD

() Produce and test the end-to-end version of Space-Time Module.

() Integrate it with Space-Time GUI and Radar architecture.

() Begin tests involving human subjects, in collaboration with Aaron
Steinfeld, who is responsible for the test design.

MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS

We have not participated in any external meetings. We have
participated in the two main internal meetings: kick-off meeting
(Nov. 11) and IET visit (Dec. 21). We made a presentation at the
kick-off meeting; we also prepared a "back-up" presentation for the
IET visit, which was not given because of time constraints. These
presentations are posted at www.cs.cmu.edu/~eugene/Radar/talks.html.