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Events for April 10, 2014
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USC Viterbi Robotics Open House
Thu, Apr 10, 2014
USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering K-12 STEM Center
Receptions & Special Events
The USC Viterbi Robotics Open House will be Thursday, April 10, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. as part of National Robotics Week. The labs will be open for tours and demonstrations of robots used in service, medicine, entertainment, and more. Everyone is invited -- schools, families, after-school programs, industry representatives. More information is coming.
More Information: 2014RoboticsOpen_house_template.pdf
Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - All Robotics Labs are participating, including RTH, DRB
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Katie Mills
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Sensor Networks for Sustainable Infrastructures
Thu, Apr 10, 2014 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Anna Scaglione, UC Davis
Talk Title: Sensor Networks for Sustainable Infrastructures
Abstract: Infrastructures for energy, transportation, water are serving a growing population, increasingly clustering around urban centers. Information systems made for utilizing more efficiently these infrastructure are crucial to allow a more sustainable future. The challenge is moving from legacy systems and operations that are robust, but slow and inflexible, to systems that are controlled based on real time data analytics which allow to maximize the social benefit earned from their usage. Communication, computation and database storage needs will grow and it is essential to engineer these systems to scale, be secure and resilient. This talk considers models for information sharing, computation and scheduling tasks that can support this vision of pervasive information and intelligent automation. We will discuss progress made on basic decentralizing inference primitives via mull-agent learning algorithms for state estimation and subspace tracking, that can be used to build the distributed intelligence needed for monitoring these infrastructure in a resilient and scalable fashion. We will then discuss how to control anonymously large populations of appliances, to have flexible electricity consumption with scalable information and computation models.
Biography: Anna Scaglione is a Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at UC Davis, and held Associate and Assistant Professor positions before at Cornell University (2001-2008) and at the University of New Mexico (2000-2001). She is a Fellow of the IEEE, and co-recipient of the 2000 IEEE Signal Processing Transactions Best Paper Award, Ellersick Best Paper Award (MILCOM 2005), the 2013 IEEE Donald G. Fink Prize Paper Award and the 2013 IEEE Signal Processing Society Young Author best paper award, with her student. She held several editorial and technical chair positions, including that of Editor in Chief of the IEEE Signal Processing Letters from 2012-2013. She is currently in the Board of Governor of the Signal Processing Society. Her expertise is in the broad area of signal processing for communication systems, networks and, more recently, power systems. Her current research focuses on studying and enabling decentralized learning and signal processing in networks of sensors and on sensor systems and networking models for demand side management and sustainable energy delivery.
Host: Urbashi Mitra, ubli@usc.edu, EEB 540, x04667
Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 132
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Gerrielyn Ramos
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CS Colloquium: Nitin Agrawal (NEC Labs Princeton ) - Rethinking Data Abstractions for Mobile Apps
Thu, Apr 10, 2014 @ 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Nitin Agrawal, NEC Labs Princeton
Talk Title: Rethinking Data Abstractions for Mobile Apps
Series: CS Colloquium
Abstract: Mobile apps have radically changed the ways in which users store, interact, and share data. A crucial component, for building high-quality mobile apps, nowadays is the infrastructure for managing data â both locally on mobile devices and remotely through cloud-based services. In building such “data-centric” mobile apps, developers benefit from several abstractions available for local and remote I/O. In this talk, I will present evidence as to why existing data abstractions, for local storage, are counter-productive for performance, and for cloud sync, are insufficient for consistency, efficiency, and programmability. As part of our work we are rethinking the data abstractions that will empower app developers to write and deploy such apps with ease. I will present a novel data-management platform, Simba, which provides a powerful yet easy-to-use API for mobile data storage and sync. Using Simba, apps take significantly less effort to write, compared to commercially-available sync services like Dropbox, while being more efficient.
Biography: Nitin Agrawal works as a Researcher in the Storage Systems group at NEC Labs Princeton after graduating with a PhD from Wisconsin in 2009. His interests lie in distributed and mobile systems, operating systems, applied machine learning, and storage systems, and his recent research focuses on cloud infrastructure for data-centric mobile services. He has received Best Paper Awards at FAST 2009, FAST 2011, FAST 2012, and a top paper selection at FAST 2007. More details can be found at http://www.nec-labs.com/~nitin/
Host: Ramesh Govindan
Location: Henry Salvatori Computer Science Center (SAL) - 322
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Assistant to CS chair
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PhD Defense - Joongheon Kim
Thu, Apr 10, 2014 @ 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
PhD Candidate: Joongheon Kim
Committee:
Andreas F. Molisch (Chair)
Ramesh Govindan (Co-chair)
Aiichrio Nakano
Antonio Ortega (Outside member)
Title: Elements of Next-Generation Wireless Video Systems: Millimeter-Wave and Device-to-Device Algorithms
Abstract:
This dissertation explores the possible issues and proposes promising solutions in next generation wireless and mobile systems.
For next generation wireless systems, one of the main research contributions is dedicated to multi-Gbps system design and implementation. To achieve multi-Gbps data rates, using millimeter-wave wireless channels is one of the most promising topics since the millimeter-wave systems can easily achieve multi-Gbps data rates according to ultra-wide bandwidth that is 2.16 Gbps in 60 GHz. Therefore, millimeter-wave technologies are actively discussing in next generation 5G cellular research in the bands of 28 GHz and 39 GHz as well. Even though the millimeter-wave wireless systems have this multi-Gbps benefit, research challenges also exist. According to the higher carrier frequencies, the attenuation of signals is a major factor that should be handled. To deal with this issue, relaying and beam training algorithms are mainly used and discussed.
For relaying in millimeter-wave wireless systems, we investigated a joint compression and relaying algorithm for outdoor video applications. Transmission of high-definition (HD) video is a promising application for millimeter-wave wireless links, since very high transmission rates are possible. In particular we consider a sports stadium broadcasting system where signals from multiple cameras are transmitted to a central location. Due to the high path-loss of 60 GHz radiation over the large distances encountered in this scenario, the use of relays might be required. The proposed algorithm analyzes the joint selection of the routes and the compression rates from the various sources for maximization of the overall video quality. We consider three different scenarios: (i) each source transmits only to one relay and the relay can receive only one data stream, and (ii) each source can transmit only to a single relay, but relays can aggregate streams from different sources and forward to the destination, and (iii) the source can split its data stream into parallel streams, which can be transmitted via different relays to the destination. For each scenario, we derive the mathematical formulations of the optimization problem and re-formulate them as convex mixed-integer programming, which can guarantee optimal solutions. Extensive simulations demonstrate that high-quality transmission is possible for at least ten cameras over distances of 300 m. Furthermore, optimization of the video quality gives results that can significantly outperform algorithms that maximize data rates.
For beam training in millimeter-wave wireless systems, we investigated a fast beam training algorithm with receive beamforming. Both IEEE standards and the academic literature have generally considered beam training protocols involving exhaustive search over all possible beam directions for both the beamforming initiator and responder. However, this operation requires a long time (and thus overhead) when the beamwidth is quite narrow such as for mm-wave beams (1 degree in the worst case). To alleviate this problem, we propose two types of adaptive beam training protocols for fixed and adaptive modulation, respectively, which take into account the unique propagation characteristics of millimeter waves. For fixed modulation, the proposed protocol allows for interactive beam training, stopping the search when a local maximum of the power angular spectrum is found that is sufficient to support the chosen modulation/coding scheme. We furthermore suggest approaches to prioritize certain directions determined from the propagation geometry, long-term statistics, etc. For adaptive modulation, the proposed protocol uses iterative multi-level beam training concepts for fast link configuration that provide an exhaustive search with significantly lower complexity. Our simulation results verify that the proposed protocol performs better than traditional exhaustive search in terms of the link configuration speed for mobile wireless service applications.
For next generation mobile systems, direct communication between mobile stations, i.e., called device-to-device communications, is actively discussed in next generation 3GPP cellular mobile systems. In addition, one of major applications of device-to-device mobile systems is adaptive video streaming. One of the most well-known device-to-device network algorithms, used in the FlashLinQ system, provides good performance in terms of the number of activated links. However, it is not optimized for transmission of video streams since it does not consider the quality, or the specific requirements of streaming. We propose an alternative algorithm that consists of a scheduling and a streaming component. The scheduling employs message-passing to determine max-independent sets. For designing the streaming component, a quality-aware stochastic algorithm is introduced that works based on the queue backlog sizes in each transmitter queue. The framework controls the quality of each chunk of video to maximize the qualities of streamed video subject to queue rate stability. The efficiencies of the proposed algorithm is verified by simulation studies in terms of (i) the number of video streaming stalls at receivers and (ii) the queue dynamics at transmitters. According to the simulation results, it is verified that the proposed algorithm presents desired performance in terms of user satisfaction and queue stability.
Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 132
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Lizsl De Leon
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All Programmable SOC FPGA for Networking and Computing in Big Data Infrastructure
Thu, Apr 10, 2014 @ 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Ivo Bolsens, Xilinx
Talk Title: All Programmable SOC FPGA for Networking and Computing in Big Data Infrastructure
Abstract: Today's FPGAs have become 'All Programmable SOC Platforms' that integrate in one single device multi-core CPU's, programmable DSP functions, programmable IO and programmable logic, all immersed in a rich and configurable interconnect network. These programmable platform FPGA's allow for the implementation of heterogeneous multi-core architectures that combine traditional CPU's with application-specific processing cores and dedicated data transfer and storage functions. This is enabled by tools that guide designers during the partitioning and mapping of high-level specifications onto a combination of software running on embedded processors and hardware implemented in programmable logic. FPGAs are well placed to continue to benefit from Moore's law. Advances in process scaling will be augmented with new circuit and architectural improvements along with innovations in system-in-package technology to solve IO challenges and integrate heterogeneous technologies. These innovations will allow designers to build higher performance and lower power systems that optimally exploit the programmable FGPA architecture. As FPGA platforms continue to deliver more performance at lower cost and lower power, they are becoming the heart of embedded applications such as complex packet processing for networks with line rates of 400+ Gbps; high performance digital signal processing in novel wireless baseband and radio functions; and high flexibility to enable programmable networking and data storage functions in cloud infrastructure.
Biography: Ivo Bolsens is senior vice president and chief technology officer (CTO), with responsibility for advanced technology development, Xilinx research laboratories (XRL) and Xilinx university program (XUP). Bolsens came to Xilinx in June 2001 from the Belgium-based research center IMEC, where he was vice president of information and communication systems. His research included the development of knowledge-based verification for VLSI circuits, design of digital signal processing applications, and wireless communication terminals. He also headed the research on design technology for high-level synthesis of DSP hardware, HW/SW co-design and system-on-chip design. Bolsens holds a PhD in applied science and an MSEE from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.
Host: Prof. Viktor Prasanna
More Info: https://bluejeans.com/710795997/browser
Webcast: https://bluejeans.com/710795997/browserLocation: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 132
WebCast Link: https://bluejeans.com/710795997/browser
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Annie Yu
Event Link: https://bluejeans.com/710795997/browser
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CS Colloquium: Aleksandra Korolova (Google) - Scalable Algorithms for Protecting User Privacy
Thu, Apr 10, 2014 @ 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Aleksandra Korolova, Google
Talk Title: Scalable Algorithms for Protecting User Privacy
Series: CS Colloquium
Abstract: THIS TALK WILL BE BROADCAST / STREAMING VIA THE FOLLOWING LINK. (Right click-open link in new tab or window.)
Ubiquitous use of the Internet and mobile technologies combined with dropping data storage and processing costs have enabled new forms of communications and data-driven innovations. However, they have also created unprecedented challenges for privacy, with companies, policy makers, and individuals struggling in their search for approaches that could enable innovation while avoiding privacy harms.
In this talk, I will present algorithmic and data-mining research that demonstrates how these seemingly conflicting goals may be achieved, even when the data being collected about individuals is constantly changing and expanding. I will first demonstrate that merely restricting data sharing is insufficient to protect privacy via a novel attack exploiting Facebook's ad targeting system to reveal users’ secrets. I will then present algorithms that enable useful search data releases and social advertising computations while provably protecting privacy. Finally, I will show how data mining techniques used to improve web search and advertising quality can be effectively applied towards improving privacy policies and building tools for safer user experiences.
Biography: Aleksandra Korolova is a research scientist at Google, where she works on developing and implementing approaches for privacy-preserving data mining and for data-driven understanding of user privacy preferences. Aleksandra received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford, where she was a Cisco Systems Stanford Graduate Fellow. Aleksandra's thesis, "Protecting Privacy when Mining and Sharing User Data", was awarded the Arthur L. Samuel Award for the best 2011-2012 CS Ph.D. thesis at Stanford, and her work on "Privacy Violations Using Microtargeted Ads" was a co-winner of the 2011 PET Award for Outstanding Research in Privacy Enhancing Technologies. Prior to joining Google, Aleksandra has interned at PARC, Facebook, Microsoft, and Yahoo! Research. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from MIT with a B.S. degree in Mathematics with Computer Science.
Host: Shanghua Teng
Location: Henry Salvatori Computer Science Center (SAL) - 101
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Assistant to CS chair
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A Midsummer Night's Dream
Thu, Apr 10, 2014 @ 05:45 PM - 11:00 PM
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Receptions & Special Events
RSVP TO: http://web-app.usc.edu/ws/eo2/calendar/113/event/903809
*This trip is for current USC students only. You must use the provided transportation to participate. Space is limited and advance registration is required. RSVP at the link above beginning Tuesday, March 11, at 9 a.m. Check-in for the event will begin at 5 p.m. on campus. Buses will depart at 5:45 p.m. and return to campus at 11 p.m. Dinner will be provided at check-in.
Having last worked together on the internationally acclaimed War Horse, Bristol Old Vicââ¬â¢s artistic director, Tom Morris, and South Africaââ¬â¢s Handspring Puppet Company reunite to begin a new journey. Shakespeareââ¬â¢s inexhaustible A Midsummer Nightââ¬â¢s Dream unfurls in the wooded ambience of The Broad Stage, interweaving the lives of lovers, actors, friends, foes and fairies. This is a ...Dream about love, transformation, survival and song, where a belief in the mystical presence of fairies isnââ¬â¢t mere superstition, but a magic lore encoded in the routines of a community living on the edge. Trees, objects and tools all pulse and tingle with the possibility of existence in a world whereâ⬔thanks to the magic of Handspringâ⬔all objects can come to life.
For further information on this event:
visionsandvoices@usc.edu
Location: The Broad Stage, Santa Monica
Audiences: Students Only
Contact: Visions and Voices
