Instructor
Tarek Abdelzaher, 4126 SC, Tel: (217) 265-6793, e-mail: zaher
Lecture Times
Schedule: Wednesdays and Fridays: 2:00-3:15pm, 1131 SC
Description
An expanding frontier for computer scientists lies at the intersection
of the logical and physical realms. As computing elements become embedded more
pervasively in our environment, a new cyber-physical fabric arises in which
logical processing is deeply intertwined with the distributed physical
environment in which it occurs. Computing becomes less obtrusive and a more
natural part of the external world. It becomes more autonomous and less reliant
on human input, intervention, and administration. Physical objects acquire new
logical properties due to embedded computation, sensing, and actuation. New
applications arise that improve the quality of life (e.g., smart assisted
living facilities), enhance social experiences and human communication (e.g.,
new cyber-physical communication media), improve accessibility of information
(e.g., wide-area data services), and help advance fundamental knowledge in many
environmental, biological, and physical disciplines.
In
this new realm, computer science must be redefined. New models and paradigms
are needed for computation. New underlying theoretical foundations are needed
to support such paradigms. New programming languages and distributed middleware
tools must be developed around the emerging abstractions of cyber-physical
computation. Networking must be redefined to integrate myriads of physical data
sources, actuators, and computing elements, as well as to develop appropriate
application-layer data services. New operating systems are needed that are
optimized for the new computing realm, as opposed to the current machine
architectures and applications. Data mining and machine learning techniques are
needed to identify data patterns, learn context, and act autonomously without
human assistance.
In
recognition to the above challenges, in 2007, the President's Council of
Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) named systems that interact with the
physical world the number one research challenge for
The
class is primarily paper-reading. It is divided into four main parts;
(i) a brief introduction to
distributed cyber-physical systems,
(ii)
a description of emerging applications,
(iii)
a list of major distributed services and underlying
foundations, and
(iv)
a description of software design, development, and
testing challenges.
The
course concludes with directions for future research.
Coursework
and grading
The class will be divided into groups of up to 3 people who will partner or projects and homework. Each group collectively will be required to read two to four papers per week (from a reading list) on the topic covered in class, and type a half-page to one page summary of the paper indicating:
o The main contributions of the paper.
o A critique (positive and/or negative) of this paper.
o The points of strength (best things you liked about the paper).
o The points of weakness (things you didn't like about the paper).
o Opportunities for future work on the topic.
Summaries of assigned research papers (one per group) are to be submitted to the instructor by e-mail by 9pm of the day before class. (Please include the words "598 SUMMARY" in the subject of the e-mail, and include the group members and title of the critiqued paper in the body. A discussion of the research topic will ensue in class.
10% of the grade will be assigned on individuals' class participation, and discussion of research papers.
10% will be assigned on group summaries of the papers covered (all group members share the same grade). More credit will be given to groups with creative and original opinions, and on their ability to defend their correctness.
15% of the grade will be assigned for an open-book take-home midterm
15% will be assigned for an open-book take-home final
50% of the grade will be determined by a substantial group course project. This grade includes progress reports, a work-in-progress presentation, a final project paper, a project demonstration (to the instructor), and a formal final in-class presentation and discussion. The project will implement some innovative cyber-physical service, protocol, or computing environment. Students will be allowed to work in groups of up to 3 on the project. Access will be provided to a project testbed in the second half of the semester. The project will proceed through the following landmarks:
· The project will be chosen by each group within the first three weeks of class. The class web page will offer suggestions on possible projects. Groups are encouraged to come up with their own ideas.
· Each group will schedule a bi-weekly 30 minute meeting with the instructor to discuss progress and problems on their project of interest.
· Each group will prepare a two page project proposal. The proposals are to be submitted to the instructor before February 8th. The proposal should include a credible set of initial project results, a list of further proposed milestones, and a plan of action for the rest of the semester.
· Each group is responsible for a short project presentation in class, on March 12th and 14th. The presentation will allow others to critique the initial results and current state of the project and give constructive feedback to group members.
· Final project presentations will be conducted by each group on April 25th and April 30th.
· Final projects are due the first day of finals. The report follows the standard technical paper format.
Successful projects should result in a conference-quality paper.