Computer Systems LabResearch at TJHSST

22

Research Areas in CS• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

Can I write a program that can learn on its own to accomplish a particular task or solve a problem?

• 3D Computer Graphics: Can I visualize a physical situation realistically with a computer program?

• Computer Vision: Can a computer program see, distinguish, and analyze objects in an image?

• Modeling of Complex Systems, numerically and graphically: Can I simulate a complex environment and mathematical model. How closely can my simulation match and predict reality?

333

Research Areas in CS• Distributed and Parallel Programming

methods for high performance computing: For a complex programming task, can I take advantage of processing in parallel across multiple processors?

• Software Design, Object Oriented Programming: What are optimal techniques for large scale applications with large user bases and a need for long term modifications and updates?

44

Research Models(from Pasteur's Quadrant (1997) Donald Stokes)

• Pure basic research: Can I create a logarithmic, randomly accessible data structure? Can I create a hybrid machine learning system?

• Use-inspired basic research: Can I create a 3D visualization package for graphics modeling for a Physics course? Can I create a program that can learn on its own how to translate text from one language to another for people to obtain web-based translations?

• Pure applied research: Can I write a student Intranet program for a high school? The program needs to be robust and maintainable by future students for many years.

55

Software Testing and Analysis of Your Program

• Dynamic Testing: Random tests, Structural tests, Functional tests, Path and branch testing.

• Process Modeling: - Finding a formula to verify and validate your program's behavior.

• Requirements and Specifications: - Defining requirements and the specifications for verifying these requirements.

66

Lifecycle Models for the Development Process (from Rapid Development by McConnell)

• Spiral Model - breaks a software project up into miniprojects. Each miniproject addresses one or more major risks. Each iteration moves your project to a larger scale.

• Evolutionary Prototyping - develop the system concept as you move through the project. You may begin by developing the most visible aspects of the system. Useful when requirements may change throughout your project or when you're unsure of the optimal architecture or algorithms to use.

• Staged Delivery - you show software results in successively refined stages. Unlike evolutionary prototyping, when you use staged delivery, you know exactly what you're going to build when you set out.

77

Computer Systems LabExample Projects

88

Student Intranet – Software Engineering

• A new platform is developed implementing paradigms in object-oriented programming and collaborative development.

99

Development of an Object-Oriented

Module-based Extensible

Student Intranet Web

Application in PHP5

A new platform, known as Intranet2, implements paradigms in Object-

Oriented programming and collaborative

development in the creation of a new student

Intranet.

101010

Implementation of Steganographic Techniques - Cryptography

• The purpose of this project is to design a steganographic program in C++ capable of hiding a message within a WAV file, and then later extracting the hidden message. It should be able to work with any WAV formatted sound file, and the message ideally will not be detectable.

11

Implementation of

Steganographic Techniques

The purpose of this research will be to investigate various methods

of steganography (hiding data within different media). I will

develop a new program to hide data within the WAVE file type.

The first part of the program itself will be able to accept two inputs:

the 'clean' file and the hidden message. It will then combine the

two and output a 'doctored' file with the hidden message inside it. The second part of the program

will be able to reverse the process, receiving a 'doctored' file as input

and extracting the hidden message.

1212

NetChat Communications System – Software Engineering, Distributed

platforms

• The creation of a network communication system that will use methods of transferring data between a server and a client using an XML protocol.

1313

NetChat Communication

s Systems

The project involves creating a method of

transferring data between a server and client using an XML-based protocol.

This framework would be extended into the form of

an application called “NetChat”. Using the developed framework,

NetChat would be capable of sending data back and

forth in the form of instant messages, email, news feeds, along with various other means of

communication.

141414

Image Filter Techniques – Image Processing, Computer Vision

• This project explores digital image filtering techniques by comparing the median and frequency filters. By testing the filters with images varying in object type (people, landscapes, or objects) and noise composition, the project determines the advantages and disadvantages of each in specific situations.een a server and a client using an XML protocol.

15

Image Filter Techniques

This project explores digital image filtering techniques by

comparing the median and frequency filters. By testing the filters with images varying in

object type (people, landscapes, or objects) and noise

composition, the project determines the advantages and

disadvantages of each in specific situations.

16161616

Logarithmic Randomly Accessible Data Structure - Algorithms

• Making a data structure that performs like a dynamic array but functions in logarithmic time for all operations is the goal. By using a binary tree in which values are stored at the leaf nodes and each node keeps track of how many leaves there are below it, we can quickly achieve logarithmic random access, insertion and deletion in the average case but all operations are linear on the worst case.

17

Logarithmic Randomly

Accessible Data Structure

Making a data structure that performs like a dynamic array

but functions in logarithmic time for all operations is the goal. By

using a binary tree in which values are stored at the leaf nodes

and each node keeps track of how many leaves there are below

it, we can quickly achieve logarithmic random access, insertion and deletion in the

average case by all operations are linear on the worst case.

1818181818

Graphical Display of a Physics Simulation – Computer Modeling

• The purpose is to make a physics simulation that will display objects placed by the user graphically and display information about those objects on a graphical user interface. The goal is to allow the user to place any combination of objects, including particles, springs, and ramps, in a graphical display, input values for these objects, and run a simulation that will track these values and display the interactions and positions of the objects graphically in two-dimensions.

19

Computer Graphics and

Physics Simulations

A physics simulation, in order to adequately demonstrate physical

laws and predict an unlimited number of scenarios, must

implement a broad range of mathematical equations and

provide the user with the ability to set up a scenario with

whatever number of objects and arrangements of these objects

that he desires. The goal of this project is to create such a

simulation.

202020202020

Modeling of Complex Systems: Economics

• The stock market is an example of a complex system, made up of millions of interactions between different investors and affected by every action made by thousands of companies. Economic theory suggests that the actions of investors are governed by few well informed primary investors. Primary catalysts may be news reports, press releases, income reports, etc, and it may be possible to predict trends across the market by analyzing news on stocks.

21

Economic Modeling

My project is involved with using data mining techniques on

the internet in order to gather enough information for the use of

a genetic algorithm in trend analysis of a complex system;

e.g., the stock market. The most fundamental element of my

program is creating a correlation between news about a company and its stock and the price of the

stock itself.

22222222222222

Creation of a Domain Specific Computer Language – Computer

Language Design• A domain-specific language (DSL) is a

programming language designed to be used for a specific and limited set of tasks. Using metaprogramming techniques, I designed IFAlpha, a DSL hosted within Ruby for creating interactive fiction games. My goal was to create an intuitive and expressive language for creating Interactive Fiction (IF) games while hiding the details of implementation from the programmer.

23

Creation of a Domain-Specific

Computer Language

The purpose of my project is to explore programming language design and metaprogramming

techniques in Ruby through the creation of a DSL for creating Interactive Fiction games. My vision is to create an intuitive

interface for the game writer. The value in the project is to be found

in both the technical implementation and the design of

the interface. My goal is to create a programming language interface that is easy for a non-

programmer end-user to use writing IF games that hides

implementation details while allowing expressiveness.

2424242424242424

Decentralized Distributed Processing – Distributed

Programming• The purpose of this project is to produce a

medium for distributing the load of enormous tasks to networked peers with varying computing power in an efficient manner. This will distribute the work load from one computer to other computers within a network of peer computers by sending portions of the data and the proper analytical tools to all of the specified peers while also computing various peer's tasks.

25

Decentralized Distributed Processing

With the enormous amount of data being collected every day, a

single computer's CPU's computational ability to analyze the data and to utilize meaning

behind the data is less than satisfactory. In order to mine

through of the data within certain time constraints, a collection of

computers is needed. The purpose of this project is to

produce a medium for distributing the load of enormous

tasks to networked peers with varying computing power in an

efficient manner.

2626

Machine Learning and Computational Linguistics

• Using statistical processes in text translation.

2727

French/English Translation and Computational Linuguistics

This project uses computational linguistics to serve students of French or English as a second language as well as those who

know only one of these languages. The program will

translate French to English and English to French well enough to

be understandable to someone who knows only the output language. This is useful for

surfing the web, reading texts in a foreign language, and

communication with someone from another country. It can also

be used for students to check their writing by translating back

to their native tongue.

282828

Machine Learning Processes: Genetic Algorithms

• The program works like a general genetic evolutionary process. First, the parameters, cost, and cost function are defined. An initial population is created, and the cost is evaluated for each individual in the population. Pairs are selected to reproduce, and mutations may occur. The resulting population is tested and if the desired result is obtained the program stops. Otherwise, the process begins again with the cost evaluation step.

29

Machine Learning AlgorithmsThe purpose of this project is to create a program that can play a game at an expert level.

The program will probably use alpha-beta pruning or genetic algorithms, two common algorithms of AI. Genetic algorithms use parent states to create child states, while alpha-beta pruning looks for the best move at the moment. The results of the genetic algorithm and the alpha-beta pruning can be compared to find an optimum AI for playing the game.

30303030

The Dynamics of Cellular Automata – Artificial Life

• John Conway's Game of Life showed that simple rules can generate amazingly complex patterns. Using variations of the rules he devised, one can learn about the advantages of different sets of rules and the implications for simple evolution and chaos theory.

31

Cellular Automata Dynamics

Cellular automata grids can be used to show that simple rules can generate complex patterns.

Using variations of rules devised from John Conway's Game of Life, one can learn about the

advantages of different sets of rules and the implications for simple evolution and chaos

theory.

3232323232

Computer Modeling: TJ's Hallways and Student Traffic

• The purpose of this project is to create a simulation of the students and teachers at Jefferson moving around the building. This simulation is meant to be accurate based on time and location.

33

TJ Hall Modeling

The purpose of this project is to model TJ students in their school environment throughout a typical school day. The goal is to have dots to represent the students

moving on the basis of probability to various parts of the

building. If the project were completed it would allow the

user to control various aspects of the day. This project is worth doing to demonstrate just how

big the need is for a new building; to indirectly show that TJ is overcrowded. Students and teachers alike might be interested

in seeing the results, mostly to avoid the crowded areas during

their travels.

343434343434

Modular Architecture for Game Design – Software Engineering, Object Oriented Programming

• Common current game architectures limit program flexibility and modularity. With the advent of middleware and the increasing complexity of games, this is no longer acceptable. This project attempts to design and implement a modular, Data-centered architecture based on the "System of Systems" approach.

35

Modular Architecture for Game Design

Common current game architectures limit program

flexibility and modularity. In this project I will attempt to design

and implement a highly modular, Data-centered architecture based

on the "System of Systems" approach. The final

implementation need not have any significant complexity within

each system (e.g. graphics, AI, etc.) but rather must demonstrate

the successful interaction of independent systems.

36363636363636

Music Compositional Software Development – Computer Music

• Music editing software may be expensive, complicated, and could be improved as a teaching tool. A new, free software designed for amateur composers and music students requires a less powerful editing system and can incorporate learning tools to aid teachers in teaching music theory to students.

37

Compositional Software

DevelopmentThe purpose of this project is to make an easy to use composition aid software that incoporates a simple and intuitive GUI into a robust highly capable system of

music display.

3838383838383838

Map Path Finding with Realistic Conditions – AI Search Algorithms

• An abstract representation of a map will be used to incorporate realistic conditions along with a visual display. The project can be used as a tool for educating students on different types of search algorithms, memory efficiency, and runtimes. Realistic aspects of traffic movement such as traffic light and stop sign delays can provide better paths through a map.

39

Map Path Finding and

Efficient Search Techniques

My project will deal with maps and pathfinding. The primary

goal of the project would be to use an extension of the A* search

algorithm to find both the shortest distance path and the fastest path through a given

graph - an abstract representation of a real life map. Eventually, I

hope to include realistic artificial intelligence concepts such as

speed limits and street lights. A random graph generator will also

be created.

404040404040404040

Human Cognitive Emulation – Computer Modeling in Psychology

• This project attempts to recreate accurate human responses to stimuli. Using a survey format, this experiment hopes to produce a unique response to a stimuli based on information gained about the user. This lab can perhaps draw broad conclusions about groups of people and how they respond, combined with other techniques of emulating human thought patterns, computers can become closer and closer to accurately representing a human cognition.

41

Human Cognitive Emulation

This project attempts to accurately model human

responses to stimuli. Using a survery format, this research hopes to produce a unique

responce to a stimuli based on information gained about the

user. Analyzed solely on its own, the ramification of this project

can perhaps draw broad conclusions about groups of

people and how they respond. When combined with other

techniques of emulating human thought patterns, computer

programs can come closer to representing accurately human

responses.

4242

Evolution Simulator – Computer Modeling of Environments, Artificial

Life

• Simulate the evolution of different organisms within an environment. There will be a genetic variability that will allow the organism species to evolve, or die out. The hope is a demonstration of natural selection, showing that after many generations the collective gene will be more advanced than the original.

4343

Evolution Simulator

The purpose of this project is to create an AGENT-based model that simulates the evolution of different organisms within an

environment. These organisms will be a simulation of real-world

organisms, with the need for food, the ability to breed and die, and so on. Their function and lifespan will

be based on dozens of genetic characteristics, such as metabolism,

eyesight, etc., and these characteristics will be passed on to offspring. There will be a genetic

variability that will allow the organism species to evolve, or

devolve. The hope is a demonstration of natural selection, and after several generations the

collective gene will be more advanced than the original.

444444

Applications of Neural Networks – Machine Learning

• Neural networks are a powerful way of finding patterns and functions. Traditional methods and algorithms can have troublefinding patterns in data when there are noisy data and imperfections. Neural networks are designed to handle noise and be able to find complex patterns in noisy data. In that way, they are ideal for applications like predicting the stock market, compressing data and analyzing musical compositions.

45

Applications of Neural

NetworksNeural networks are a powerful

way of finding patterns and functions. Traditional methods

and algorithms often have troublefinding patterns in data when

there are noisy data and imperfections. Neural networks are designed to handle noise andbe able to find complex patterns in noisy data. In that way, they are ideal for applications like predicting the stock market,

compressing data and analyzingmusical compositions.

Furthermore, different types of neural networks have different strong points; this project will

attempt each of the applications with various types of neural

networks.

464646

Traffic Light Simulation – Computer Modeling, Traffic

• This project simulates a busy traffic light. The cars follow all necessary rules of the road so that the simulation is realistic. The program recognizes patterns in the intersection and makes the light as efficient as possible by minimizing waiting time and queue length plus maximizing green light usage for cars. The patterns in the intersection can change hourly to match the real world.

47

Traffic Light Simulation

This project is meant to simulate a busy traffic light. The program tries to recognize patterns in the

intersection and make the light as efficient as possible by

minimizing waiting time for cars, both average waiting and total

waiting time. The patterns would be related to the time of day and

the day of the week. At first I would purposely input

recognizable patterns and see if the program would catch it, but eventually the plan would be to

possibly use this program using a real intersection's data.

4848

3D Visualization Package – Computer Graphics

• Develop a 3D graphics simulation engine designed to simplify the task of coding 3D simulations, while still giving the developer control over every aspect of the rendering and simulation process.

4949

Development of a 3D

Visualization Engine

The purpose of my project is to investigate the workings of a 3D graphics simulation engine, and develop an engine designed to simplify the task of coding 3D

simulations, while still giving the developer control over every aspect

of the rendering and simulation process. Hopefully, this engine will simplify the visualization process to the point where it is worthwhile to code a 3D representation of some problem. I also hope to make it

possible for the developer to use my engine without any knowledge of

OpenGL or SDL, but rather do all the necessary code behind the scenes when using the default rendering

methods.

5050

Hybrid Machine Learning System – Machine Learning

• Designing a system that combines the capabilities of multiple types of AI and machine learning systems, such as neural networks and subsumption architectures, to produce a more flexible and versatile hybrid system.

5151

Hybrid AI and Machine Learning Systems

The purpose of this project is to design a system that combines the capabilities of multiple types of AI and machine learning systems, such as neural networks and subsumption

architectures, to produce a more flexible and versatile hybrid system. The end goal is to produce a set of

basic library functions and architecture descriptions for the easy

manipulation of the AI/ML subsystems (particularly neural

networks), and use those to build an AI system capable of teaching itself how to complete tasks specified by a human-defined heuristic via either

supervised training or trial-and-error and inference, and of altering learned behaviors to cope with changes in its

operational environment with minimal human intervention.

525252

Unique-Bid Auction Modeling and Analysis – Computer Modeling,

Economics, Game Theory

• To create an auction environment that allows human and robotic bidders to compete for a fictitious auction items.

53

Unique-Bid Auction

Modeling and Analysis

The purpose of this project is to simulate a unique-bid auction

environment and to economically analyze the auction results. When completed, this project would be an exercise in complex systems

modeling, computer networking, artificial intelligence, and

graphical interfaces and displays. When the environment program is perfected, I will alter the size and access to information and

track the changes in the auction's performace.

54545454

Hallway Traffic Simulator – Computer Modeling

• This project is intended to spot flaws in school hallway design and find an ideal layout. My primary goal for the first quarter will be to program an algorithm in fortran that will write basic movements of individuals to a text file. I will also write a viewer in java to read from the text file and display these movements in a GUI.

55

Hallway Traffic Simulator

This project is intended to spot flaws in school hallway design and find an ideal layout. My

primary goal for the first quarter will be to program an algorithm in fortran that will write basic movements of individuals to a

text file. I will also write a viewer in java to read from the

text file and display these movements in a GUI.

5656565656

Machine Learning Applications: Othello

• The purpose of this research project is to implement machine learning with artificial intelligence. A purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of machine learning.

57

Machine Learning

Applications in Othello

The purpose of this research project is to implement machine

learning with artificial intelligence. This research will gain a deeper understanding of

machine learning, a subject which I am very interested in. Anyone who is interested in having a significant Othello

challenge will be interested in the results of this project.

585858585858

3D Graphics Module – Software Engineering

• The purpose of this research project is to write a program that allows the user to graph functions of two variables. The program will incorporate elements of 3D graphics by allowing the user to rotate, shrink, and stretch the graphs. The program may be included in the student Intranet as a module and will thus include elements of modular design.

59

3D Graphics Module

My project will be an addition to the Intranet. Currently, the Intranet has a module for

calculator registration in case someone loses their calculator. However, there is no module to

replace the functionality of a graphing calculator while it is

lost.The purpose of my project is to

create an Intranet module containing a regular 4-function

calculator along with a graphing utility and matrix and list editors.

I will try to include every matrix, graph, and statistical

operations contained on the TI-83.

60606060606060

End-to-end Bittorent Publication – Computer Networks

• End-to-end publication through Bittorrent involves creating a .torrent metadata file, communicating with peers through a central “tracker,” and an initial “seed” with a complete copy of the file. This project aims to simplify this process by providing a complete package that provides all the parts of this process.

61

End-to-end Bittorent

PublicationBittorrent is a peer-to-peer network

that always allows for fast download speeds despite the

number of peers downloading the file. Currently, there exist tools to make .torrent files, tools to "track" the peers downloading the file, and

tools to host .torrent files. This project aims to unify this process by making an end-to-end software suite that simplifies the process of publishing a file on the Bittorrent

network for download. It will involve a complete implementation of the Bittorrent protocol, including

encoding torrent files, peer-to-tracker and peer-to-peer

communication.

6262626262626262

An Investigation of Chaos Theory Using Supercomputing Techniques –

High Performance Computing

• The purpose of this project is to investigate Chaos Theory while applying advanced supercomputing algorithms using the Message Passing Interface (MPI). Through an analysis of more simple chaotic systems, I hope to learn about more sophisticated systems.

63

An Investigation of Chaos Theory

Using Supercomputing

TechniquesThe purpose of this project is to investigate Chaos Theory while

applying advanced supercomputing algorithms using the Message Passing Interface (MPI). Through an analysis

of more simple chaotic systems, I hope to learn about more

sophisticated systems.

6464

Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) – Algorithms, Machine Learning, Path

Finding

• Finding optimal paths in a complex network. ACO is an algorithm that is used to find near optimal solutions to NP problems.

6565

Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms

Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is an algorithm that is used to

find near optimal solutions to NP problems. This research aims to study the differences in strengths and weaknesses between various

implementations of ACO (as applied to the Traveling

Salesman Problem), suggest or conduct development into

improving performance of ACO algorithms, and study the general application of ACO algorithms to the Traveling Salesman Problem.

666666

6767

Computer Systems LabMentorship

• TASC Component Architecture and Simulation Environment: Systems Modeling, Northrop Grumman IT

• Implementation of Artificial Physics Using AIBO Robot and the Pyro Programming Environment: AI Robotics, NRL

• Development of a Practical Social Network Analysis Program: IT.COM

6868

Computer Systems LabMentorship

• Fairness and Justness in Non-Cooperative Game Theory: Experimental Economics Modeling, GMU

• Analysis of Driver Patterns in a Simulated Environment: Computer Modeling, Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

• Advanced Speed Guidance for Merging and Sequencing Techniques: MITRE

Thanks and have fun computing!