Meetings
Once the chapter is better established, a regular meeting schedule can be put together. The plan right now is for monthly meetings. This page will include information on past and future meetings. If slides/handouts are available, they will be posted as well.
Dr. Cornell ChunDecember, 9, 2011Title: Detection of plastic objects using polarimetric Ground Penetrating Radar Abstract: Ground penetrating radar is often used for the detection of landmines but is limited by low signal-to-clutter ratios. We built and tested a forward-looking polarimetric GPR which measures the scattering matrix of targets and background. From the scattering matrix we calculated the polarizability angle, relative phase angle, and target magnitude. Measurements were made on dry sand without a target, sand with a buried polystyrene cylinder, and sand with a buried styrofoam cylinder. As frequency was swept the relative phase angle changed more rapidly when either cylinder was present compared to the sand alone. The relative phase may be a useful feature for detecting plastic objects and voids in sand Affiliation: Physics Innovations, Inc,Inver Grove Heights, MN Food: None Place of Meeting: The Conference Room 1B, Lockheed Martin Corporation, 3333 Polot Knob Road, Eagan Time of Meeting: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Dr. Ahmad TewfikJanuary 14, 2010Title: ProTOMAC: Proactive Transmit Opportunity Detection at the MAC Layer for Cognitive Radio Networks Abstract: The wide proliferation of wireless services and applications with increasing bandwidth needs is rapidly creating a spectrum shortage. However, the problem is caused primarily by inefficient legacy spectrum allocation and utilization policies, so that even when some applications suffer from lack of bandwidth, there is idle capacity in the band they are using or other bands. The FCC, ITU and other regulatory organizations have adopted, or are exploring, alternative spectrum usage policies and regulations to address the issue. The new policies and regulations support an open spectrum policy implemented by cognitive radios and overlay transmissions implemented via ultrawideand technology and/or cognitive radios. This talk describes a revolutionary approach for addressing spectrum scarcity and unlocking hidden communication capacity thereby increasing the reach and utility of wireless connectivity. The non-traditional communication technique studied in this research effort detects transmission opportunities that occur when incumbent primary users enjoy signal to noise ratio values that are higher than the minimum value required to maintain their quality of service. It then judicially exploits these opportunities while preserving the current quality of service of the primary users. Affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN Food: None Place of Meeting: The Auditorium Conference Room, Lockheed Martin Corporation, 3333 Polot Knob Road, Eagan Time of Meeting: 12:00 - 1:00 pm John A. HoschetteDecember 7, 2009Title: Future embedded real time processors jet fighter mission computers Abstract: High speed mission computing onboard a modern fighter aircraft is done by the mission computer. The mission computer is networked with the avionics subsystems to aid the pilot in mission planning, mission execution and workload management. As the brains of this linked and integrated avionics system, the mission computer must support a multi-mission aircraft with instantly changing needs to provide the pilot the best situational awareness possible. To accomplish this, the mission computer requires high speed throughput, modularity, and an open architecture of embedded real time processors to meet the extreme and ever changing processing demands of modern fighter aircraft. In this keynote John will address the driving factors and key technologies for embedded real time processors for future integrated modular avionics of a jet fighter mission computer. The future of jet aircraft mission computers centers on modular, optically networked embedded processors using multi-core technology based on a standard format card and chassis. Affiliation: Technical Director,Lockheed Martin MS2 Tactical Systems, Eagan, MN Food: None Place of Meeting: The MPR Conference room, Lockheed Martin Corporation, 3333 Polot Knob Road, Eagan Time of Meeting: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Dr. Guillermo SapiroNovember 9, 2009Title: Overview of image and video analysis activities at Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department University of Minnesota Abstract: In this talk he will present an overview of some of the activities in his research group in the area of image and video analysis. He will present applications in the areas of restoration, segmentation, detection, and classification. He will also describe the underlying fundamentals behind his work and some transfers to DoD, Government Agencies, and Industry. Affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN Food: None Place of Meeting: The MPR Conference room, Lockheed Martin Corporation, 3333 Polot Knob Road, Eagan Time of Meeting: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Dr. Nikos PapanikolopoulosDecember 17, 2008Title: Robot Teams Abstract: Teams of robots equipped with communication, sensing, computation, and grasping capabilities have potential for tremendous impact on a wide range of applications such as search/rescue, surveillance, infrastructure protection, scientific exploration, and smart environments. In this talk, the development of a modular hardware and software infrastructure is discussed in order to investigate the relationship between the capabilities of individual units and the collective capability of the entire robotic team. Affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN Food: None Place of Meeting: Conference Room 1K, Lockheed Martin Corporation, 3333 Polot Knob Road, Eagan Time of Meeting: 11:30 - 1:00 pm Dr. Ron MahlerOctober 30, 2008Title: A Radical New Paradigm for Multitarget Detection and Tracking Abstract: Traditional multitarget tracking is based on a bottom-up, divide-and-conquer paradigm, in which multitarget scenarios are broken down into many parallel single-target problems. This presentation summarizes, at a conceptual overview level, a completely new top-down paradigm based on multitarget statistics. The approach has led to fundamentally new multitarget detection and tracking algorithms (the PHD and CPHD filters) which have attracted considerable interest around the world. The presentation also describes some of the applications (including real-time, real-data applications) which have been addressed using the approach. Affiliation: Lockheed Martin, Eagan, MN Food: None Place of Meeting: The Blue Room, Lockheed Martin Corporation, 3333 Polot Knob Road, Eagan Time of Meeting: 12:00 - 1:30 pm Dr. Peter SheaDecember 11, 2007Title: Sensor Tasking using Genetic Algorithms Abstract: Through a Phase I SBIR effort we developed a system architecture and a common tasking approach for solving the sensor tasking problem as applied to a radar and EO/IR sensor mix. Our sensor tasking considers multiple layers within the task hierarchy ranging from the mission level, where tasking focuses on mission requirements, down to where sensor tasking focuses on radar sub-mode and waveform selection. We also developed a genetic algorithm based task scheduling approach and demonstrated the ability to automatically task and schedule sensors in an end-to-end closed loop simulation. In the proof of concept we demonstrated the ability to schedule multiple radar sensors simultaneously. This provides a solid foundation for our future efforts including incorporation of EO/IR and other sensor types. During the second phase of this effort, we have included additional sensor tasking capabilities in terms of repeating tasks, linked tasks, and sensor resource constraints. Additionally, we have focused effort on the development of automatic needs and task generation capabilities. Affiliation: Black River Systems Company, Inc., Lakeville, MN Food: None Place of Meeting: Lockheed Martin Corporation, 3333 Polot Knob Road, Eagan Time of Meeting: 4:30 - 5:30 pm Scott E. MorganNovember 27, 2007Title: Interesting Work, If You Can Get It Abstract: This lecture describes efforts by the presenter in his role as an industrial advisor to Universities. Challenging and innovative projects assist senior year students to make the transition from student to engineer. The presentation will cover the development and outcome of select student projects: Sky Spirit UAV and the St. Paul Parks Trail Usage System. These projects resulted in increased opportunities for jobs and also patents. The lecture also discusses the motivation by industry for enhanced collaboration with academia in the 21st century. Affiliation: Lockheed Martin, Eagan, MN Food: None Place of Meeting: Room 3-210, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building, University of Minnesota Time of Meeting: 5:00 - 6:00 pm Dr. Robert J. MonsonDecember 7, 2006Title: Systems Engineering and the Art of Seeing Abstract: The typical development engineer is taught in school how to produce designs with rigor and coherence. Somewhat lacking from this educational process is the creative process and how it connects with engineering. By understanding how to focus our attention on the right things, the engineer can dramatically increase their personal creativity and systems awareness. Borrowing from the world of art technique, we can learn to design on the right side of the brain, which can provide excellent insights within the engineering process, resulting in greater success and satisfaction for the engineer. Affiliation: Lockheed Martin, Eagan, MN Food:Sandwiches and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP so we bring enough food. Place of Meeting: Room 2-120, Molecular and Cellular Biology Building, University of Minnesota Time of Meeting: 11:30 - 1:00 pm Firooz SadjadiOctober 31, 2006Title: Improving AESS-related Professional Activities in the Twin Cities Area Abstract: N/A Affiliation: Lockheed Martin, Eagan, MN Food: None Place of Meeting: Lockheed Martin Corporation, 3333 Polot Knob Road, Eagan Time of Meeting: 4:30 - 5:30 pm Dr. Peter SheaNovember 18, 2005Title: Improved GMTI Performance Prediction Methodology Abstract: The ability to analytically determine the performance of a tracking system under a variety of operating conditions is useful in a variety of situations ranging from radar and sensor design stages to understanding tracking performance in a sensor resource management system. The shortcoming of most tracking performance analysis work is that it is valid only under the conditions in which the data was collected. Any deviation from these circumstances results in a model extrapolation with questionable results. Previously, we described an approach in which we could predict the performance of GMTI tracking system by incorporating key influences on the tracking performance. In this previous work we made assumptions that missed detections due to MDV and terrain were random events. Clearly, these events are highly correlated in space and time and this presentation examines methods for removing these assumptions which results in an improved model of system performance. This presentation will review our prediction methodology and describe the modifications for increasing the robustness of our methodology for determining the tracking performance prediction. Affiliation: Black River Systems Company, Inc., Lakeville, MN Food:Sandwiches and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP so we bring enough food. Place of Meeting: Room 20, Humphrey Center, University of Minnesota Time of Meeting: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Dr. Tariq SamadOctober 22, 2005Title: Control ... Automation ... Autonomy Abstract: Progress in automation and control has been driven, in part, by the desire to realize complex engineering systems capable of autonomous operation. I illustrate the trend toward increasing autonomy with examples from multiple domains--aerospace, process industries, facility management. Economics, performance, and human safety are highlighted as key considerations driving research in autonomous systems. Yet in many respects the goal of true autonomy remains a distant vision; in particular, complex systems today have limited abilities to respond appropriately to "unforeseen" situations. The second half of the talk discusses some research topics in autonomous systems. New developments in model-predictive control, hybrid dynamical systems, adaptive resource management, and statistical verification are reviewed. I end with some speculative remarks on "consciousness" as it relates to autonomy. Affiliation: Honeywell Laboratories, Minneapolis, MN Place of Meeting: Room 3-180, Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Building, University of Minnesota Time of Meeting: 9:10 - 9:40 pm Dr. Tryphon GeorgiouMarch 11, 2005Title: Estimation and Control: Hidden Technologies in an Uncertain World Abstract: N/A Affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN Food:Sandwiches and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP so we bring enough food. Place of Meeting: Pillsbury Hall, University of Minnesota |
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