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Credentials

Consulting areas:
Artificial Intelligence
Natural Language Processing
Software for Microsoft Windows
Microcontrollers and Electronics
Optics and Imaging
Seminars

Résumé and Terms

Consulting rates on request.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 


Covington Innovations Home > Computers and Electronics > Michael A. Covington

Michael A. Covington

Michael A. Covington, Ph.D.

Consultant and Author

+1 706 549-4633


Summer and Fall 2008: Currently I am fully occupied and can accept, at most, only small amounts of additional private work. I am still available for projects funded through research contracts with The University of Georgia, and of course larger private projects can be planned for the future. Please contact me if you need my services, but understand that I may not be available immediately. Thanks.


Credentials:

Ph.D. (Linguistics), Yale University, 1982

Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director,
Institute for Artificial Intelligence, The University of Georgia

Senior Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Former contributing editor and "Q&A" columnist, Electronics Now Magazine


Artificial intelligence and natural language processing

As a computational linguist, I am trained in the computer processing of human languages and the computer modeling of human logical reasoning.

I can develop software that understands English. For example, in a recent demonstration I developed a web page that answered questions in English to help the user choose the right pair of binoculars from a large catalogue. A more common task, which I've tackled several times, is to extract information from natural-language text, or to classify texts according to their content.

I am a widely recognized expert on the Prolog programming language and also use other programming languages to fit the task.

Natural language processing is a hot area for investment right now. I can help you evaluate software and inventions for potential investment.

User-friendly software for any application

I can turn your ideas into software. I specialize in creating user-friendly Windows software to meet a client's needs. Recent projects range from business information management to video editing. I normally program in C# using the Microsoft .NET Framework, but numerous other programming languages and methodologies are available.

Microcontrollers and electronics

I develop microcontroller firmware, microprocessor-controlled equipment, and unusual PC interfaces. My "NOPPP" programmer for the PIC16F84 has resulted in two manufactured products, several magazine articles, and about 100,000 web site visits.

No project is too small (when I'm available). I enjoy quick, simple jobs.

Free download:

Seminars

I can give seminars to business groups on "How to Write More Clearly, Think More Clearly, and Learn Complex Material More Easily" (applying artificial intelligence discoveries to the efficient use of the human mind); on computer security and ethics; and on topics related to my University teaching.

Scientific imaging, photography, and optics

I have been doing astronomical photography for over 30 years and my books about it are well known. This has given me valuable experience in digital and film imaging of all sorts of unusual targets, as well as image processing, which I can apply for other purposes. This includes interfacing cameras to optical instruments of all types. If the human eye can see something, and maybe even if it can’t, I can photograph it.


Recent consulting projects:

  • Developing software tools for an undisclosed government-related application

  • Developing documentation for an embedded system product

  • Developing a commercial software product related to business knowledge management

  • Prototyping a commercial software product involving knowledge management and video editing

  • Use of natural-language understanding techniques in psychological research

  • Development of natural-language understanding techniques for handling incoming e-mail

  • Evaluation of proposed natural-language processing software for potential investors

  • Conversion of a Department of Agriculture food database into a nicely typeset book (in collaboration with Melody Covington)


Résumé and Terms

Consulting rates: On request.

I work for The University of Georgia full-time during the school year, and private consulting is a part-time activity.

Another way to procure my services is through a research contract with the University. The total cost per hour of work is comparable, and much larger amounts of my time can be procured, as well as access to laboratories, colleagues, and graduate students. Research contracts can be as small as $5000 or less, can include nondisclosure agreements, and can be set up quickly. If not sure whether you need a private consultation or a research contract, let me advise.



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Last Revision July 14, 2008