2014 Archived Archive
2014 Meetings Archive
An Update on UHD Technology Evaluation” Dec. 18
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
An Update on UHD Technology Evaluation
Speakers: Mr. Pierre Costa
Lead Member of Technical Staff, AT&T
Dec 18, 2014, 6:30–9 pm
Abstract:
Beyond being the hottest buzzword in the business, 4K or UHD is a breakthrough technology that’s shaking up the industry and rewriting the rulebook on image resolution and quality. A 4K image is four times the size of an HD image (1920 x 1080) or a remarkable 3840 x 2160! This amazing resolution creates an immersive experience where the added detail and size are similar to looking out a large window. The 4K TV new standard affects not just the world of TV and cinema, but cameras, smartphones, tablets, computer monitors and video games. Practically anything that displays images or records video will need to reckon with 4K in the coming years. But this new technology also presents some challenges, particularly in video transmission systems because of the enormous amount of data it requires. This presentation summarizes 4K work performed at ATT Labs Austin facility in the last year.
This presentation is made up of two part:
1. Video Quality Assessment for 4K Distribution: discusses the use of 4K content encoding for distribution networks, more specifically the difference between real-time encoding and off-line encoding (non real-time)
2. Delivering 4K content over Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) networks: this segment focuses on implantations of 4K video delivery on real (existing) networks and points to future requirements on network elements.
Speaker/BIO:
Pierre Costa is Lead Member of Technical Staff at AT&T Laboratories in Austin, TX where he is a research engineer in the area of video technologies. He has been an active member of several Standards bodies and has co-chaired the ATIS Network Performance and QoS subcommittee, the VSF HBRAV and QoE technical groups. He is a member of IEEE and SMPTE, and a contributor and board member of the Video Services Forum. Mr. Costa developed early ATM technology at Washington University, MO. and has been active in video quality measurement standards as well as QoS standards for close to twenty years. He received his BSEE and MSEE from the University of Texas at Austin. He owns two patents in IP-ATM protocol conversion and 27 patents in video technologies.
Location:
ATT Labs
Room #220
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/30639
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
IEEE COMSOC/SP (Austin) website: http://site.ieee.org/ct-comsp/
“Software Defined Networking: Why, When, Where, and How” Dec 12
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
Software Defined Networking: Why, When, Where, and How
Co-Sponsor: CASPA
Speakers: Prof. Ying-Dar Lin,
National Chiao Tung University and
Director of Network Benchmarking Lab (NBL), Taipei, Taiwan
Dec. 12, 2014, 6:30–9 pm
Abstract:
The first wave of cloud computing was to centralize and virtualize servers into the clouds, with a phenomenal result. The emerging second wave, named Software Defined Networking (SDN), is to centralize and virtualize networking, especially its control, into the clouds. SDN deployment started from data centers and now expands to the model of “networking as a service” (NaaS) offered by the operators to enterprise and residential subscribers. By centralizing the control-plane software of routers and switches to the controller, and its applications, and controlling the data-plane of these devices remotely, SDN reduces the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) because the devices become simpler and hence cheaper and number of administrators could be reduced. SDN also enables fast service orchestration because the data plane is highly programmable from the remote control plane at controllers and applications. However, as we detach control plane from where data plane resides, new protocols shall be introduced between control plane and data plane, as the southbound API between controllers and devices and the northbound API between controllers and applications. As we further extend the control plane from controllers to applications such as Service Chaining (SC) and data plane from devices to Network Function Virtualization (NFV), newer mechanisms and APIs need to be added to these APIs. We argue why, when, and where SDN would prevail, and then illustrate how to make it happen. We shall introduce the key technology components, including OpenFlow, SC, NFV, and Network Service Header (NSH) and then review the issues on standardization, development, deployment, and research. At the end, the development and deployment experiences of a campus SDN solution for Wi-Fi/switch control and management are shared.
Speaker/BIO:
YING-DAR LIN is a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) in Taiwan. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from UCLA in 1993. He served as the CEO of Telecom Technology Center during 2010-2011 and a visiting scholar at Cisco Systems in San Jose during 2007–2008. Since 2002, he has been the founder and director of Network Benchmarking Lab (NBL,www.nbl.org.tw), which reviews network products with real traffic. NBL recently became an approved test lab of the Open Networking Foundation (ONF). He also cofounded L7 Networks Inc. in 2002, which was later acquired by D-Link Corp. His research interests include design, analysis, implementation, and benchmarking of network protocols and algorithms, quality of services, network security, deep packet inspection, wireless communications, embedded hardware/software co-design, and recently software defined networking.
Location:
ATT Labs
Room #220
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/30031
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
IEEE COMSOC/SP (Austin) website: http://site.ieee.org/ct-comsp/
“Engineers and Government“ Nov 20
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
Engineers and Government
Speaker: Mr. Len Hause, Diplomacy Fellow and President of MashBrain LLC
Nov 20, 2014, 6–8 pm
Abstract:
As more of the analog world is being converted, analyzed and controlled via the digital domain, the role of the engineer is expanding as well. They face new challenges of scale, adoption, governance, economics and security. Are engineers being properly prepared? Where are there opportunities for engineers to be engaged in these challenges? The speaker will provide a career perspective on the intersection of engineering and governance and the profile of the next generation of engineers.
Speaker/BIO:
Len Hause (Len@MashBrain.com) is an IEEE Engineering and Diplomacy Fellow for the U.S. Department of State in the Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues. He is also president of MashBrain LLC where he consults on transformational strategies that leverage Internet technology and marketing. He was a Fellow of the Technical Staff, Associate of the Science Advisory Board, Internetologist, and Senior Marketing Director at Motorola where he spent more than 30 years in global management roles and as an individual contributor. He has been recognized as a pioneer in the adoption of Internet protocols and culture withinthe Enterprise for innovation, collaboration and organizational learning. He is a member of the IEEE, Association for Computing Machinery, The Recording Academy and has served on many industry, educational, corporate, and government advisory boards and consortiums. Len holds U.S. Patents in telecom and a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University.
Location:
ATT Labs
Room #220
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/29923
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
IEEE COMSOC/SP (Austin) website: http://site.ieee.org/ct-comsp/
“Next Generation Data and Systems for Utilities” Oct 16
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
Next Generation Data and Systems for Utilities
Speaker: Bob Knox, The Structure Group
Oct 16, 2014, 6–8 pm
Bob Knox is the Historian and Asset Analytics lead with Structure’s Energy Management and Control Systems consulting practice. He has over 17 years’ experience in the North American energy and utility industry, including oil and gas, power generation and renewables, and energy transmission and distribution
Abstract:
As such the utility industry is undergoing an unprecedented rate of change and demand for data collection and storage. The proliferation of smart meter, smart grid, AMI, synchrophaser, and asset monitoring devices has resulted in an explosion of Big Data. This presentation explores Big Data concepts, trends, enables, and prevalent industry technologies and data systems including historian and other data systems. Learn more about how utilities are currently deploying Big Data infrastructure, managing information for real-time operational efficiencies, and leveraging terabytes (and more) of historical data for tangible long-term benefits.
Speaker/BIO:
Bob is responsible for the system assessment, solution design, and project delivery of historian integrations to SCADA and other related IT systems. He has extensive experience in the PI system and has worked with many clients to integrate their PI system to other critical business systems, such as financial settlements, generation scheduling, ISO operations and markets, and enterprise asset management
Bob has prepared and presented at numerous industry events such as the OSIsoft User’s Conference and the PI T&D conference on various technology topics such as PI integration for renewables, Enterprise Service Bus integration to PI, and integration framework and best practices.
Big Data is shaping the world around us in every way imaginable. The Internet of Things (IoT) is intricately weaved into society and leaves an indelible electronically recorded footprint along the way. Once ubiquitous analog devices such as clocks, phones, meters, medical devices, and even health and fitness gear have become powerful analytic tools capable of harnessing tremendous value for business and industry.
Location:
ATT Labs
Room #220
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/28945
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
______________________________________________________________________________
“Big Data, Cyber-Biological Systems, and Pattern Recognition” Sep 25
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
Big Data, Cyber-Biological Systems, and Pattern Recognition
Speaker: Choudur K. Lakshminarayan, Principal Scientist, HP Software Research
Sep 25, 2014, 6–8 pm
Abstract:
The Internet of Things deals with connectivity among physical devices known as cyber-physical systems. The trend in healthcare is cyber-biological systems where devices outside and implanted in the human body wirelessly communicate with physical systems. In this set-up, issues such as wireless communication, low power, redundancy, reliability, security, and robust pattern detection are all paramount. The cyber-biological systems generate gigantic amounts of data. This opens opportunities for developing sophisticated techniques for signal de-noising, feature extraction, and statistical pattern recognition within energy constraints. In this talk we will discuss opportunities and challenges in cyber-biological systems and share some results related to feature extraction and classification using ECG signals.
Speaker/BIO:
Dr. Choudur K. Lakshminarayan is a Principal Research Scientist at HP Research, USA and concurrently visiting professor, Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Hyderabad. He specializes in the areas of Mathematical Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning and Data Mining with applications in sensors and sensing in healthcare, energy, and large-scale data centers. He is widely published in peer-reviewed international conferences and journals, and his name appears as an inventor in over 40 patents; granted, published, or pending. He regularly speaks at international conferences, symposia, and universities. He served as a consultant to government, and private industry in the US and India. He holds a PhD in mathematical sciences, and lives in Austin, Texas.
Location:
AT&T Labs
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/28343
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
______________________________________________________________________________
“ZPEG video compression technology – How it can be monetized?” Aug 21
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
ZPEG video compression technology – How it can be monetized?
Speaker:Dr. Raymond Westwater, President Futureware, LLC
Aug 21, 2014, 6–8 pm
Abstract:
Video compression is a mathematically complex subject where solutions require years of research and thousands of hours of development time – to arrive at prototype solutions. New contributions must compete with established standards and even free technologies, and the sales cycles for mature products are typically 12 to 18 months. So how can a new technology be monetized, particularly by a start-up? This question is answered in this presentation, a follow-on to the technology presentation of last year described below.
The three-dimensional DCT optimally decorrelates video content, making it an important tool applicable to various areas of motion video processing. The 3D DCT forms the basis of an ideal image quality processing algorithm, improving upon the existing JND subband decomposition technique. The 3D DCT is a statistically optimal description of motion video that forms the basis of a new motion video format conversion algorithm. This format conversion algorithm has application in crossconversion of video content between high definition and standard definition formats, and in the recovery of information lost in transmission (or compression). Finally, the 3D DCT is used to formulate an important new compression algorithm (ZPEG), which gives highest theoretically possible compression ratios without visual loss. These areas will be discussed, and a live demonstration of the ZPEG video algorithm will be conducted.
Speaker/BIO:
Dr. Raymond Westwater is President of Futureware, LLC, an Austin Technology Incubator Landing Pad start-up company (www.futureware.com). He holds a PhD in video compression from Florida Atlantic University and has worked in video and cellular transmission applications for Lucent, Microsoft, and Intel, secure radio for the US military, and for AT&T Labs qualifying head-end equipment for the IPTV U-verse product.
A special note: The evening will feature Brazilian catering from Joceli Romao.
Location:
AT&T Labs
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/27511
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
______________________________________________________________________________
“IP video surveillance – an irreversible trend for the future”
IoT – IP Video Surveillance – Fawzi Behmann 07-17-14
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
IP video surveillance – an irreversible trend for the future
Speaker:Dr Fawzi Behmann, Founder of TelNet Management
Abstract:
Advancement in Signal & Communications processing technologies have fueled the emergence, deployment and growth of Video Surveillance solutions and services in the past decade.
We are witnessing an unprecedented growth of video surveillance over the streets of Austin, Texas, the nation and the world. We see it in business, cars, schools, homes, government agencies, retail, pubic safety and law enforcement.
An effective Ecosystem solution video surveillance system encompasses sensing, GPS/GIS, processing, connectivity, DVR/NVR – big data and analytics.
The presentation will address the market, technology, requirements & ecosystem solutions in key markets as well as challenges and future trends and impact over our lives.
Speaker/BIO:
Fawzi, a senior member of IEEE and Chair of the IEEE COMSOC/SP Austin chapter is the president of TelNet Management. Fawzi Behmann, has many years of experience in global initiatives and product/solutions deliverables in key markets.
Fawzi held a variety of product and marketing leadership posts with semiconductor companies, equipment vendors and global service providers in the networking and communications industry. Experience include: corporate governance and streamline operations, strategic planning, technology assessment, strategy, system architecture, product and smart system solutions development, project management, and consulting services.
Fawzi holds a Bachelor of Science Honors in Mathematics with Distinction from Concordia University, Masters in Computer Science from Waterloo University and an Executive MBA from Queens University in Canada. Fawzi was a receipt the Freescale CEO Diamond Chip Award and recently an IEEE R5 Outstanding Member Award for services offered to the chapter, section, region and IEEE.
Location:
AT&T Labs
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/27057
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
______________________________________________________________________________
“Measuring the Immeasurable: How geospatial technologies are changing the way we understand disaster risks and community vulnerability” June 19
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
“Measuring
the Immeasurable: How geospatial technologies are changing the way we understand disaster risks and community vulnerability”
Dr. Tarek Rashed, Chief Scientist and President, GSAREH LLC
June 19, 2014, 6-8 p.m.
Abstract:
Assessing risks from and vulnerability to disasters can generally be regarded as an ill-structured problem. Many of current risk models are divergent in terms of the meaning of vulnerability and risks; hazard-specific; essentially descriptive and not of operational value to disaster managers; and short of metrics to measure and compare vulnerability; and do not include ways to assess sensitivity to policy and mitigation measures. Geospatial technologies provide a new way to address these shortcomings and proactively manage risks and reduce vulnerabilities. The purpose of this presentation is two-fold: (1) to provide a brief review of the evolution of current analytical models of disaster’s risk and vulnerability; and (2) to examine how geospatial solutions have been used sets the stage for a new era of understanding and managing natural and technological disasters.
Speaker/Bio:
Dr. Tarek Rashed is the Chief Scientist and President of GSAREH LLC, a geospatial startup and consulting company based in Round Rock, TX. He has over 20 years of experience in GIS and spatial decision making and their applications. Has a BS in Architecture Engineering, a Masters in Computer Science, a Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management and a doctorate in Geography. Has published and presented extensively; accomplishments include a text book in remote sensing, several refereed papers in leading GIS and remote sensing journals and chapters in and lead authorship of prominent GIS and remote sensing books, and manuals and technical reports presented internationally. Dr. Rashed is an experienced leader and manager having variously served as Business Development Consultant, Technical Advisor, Associate Director and President. International GIS project and technical development and management experience in Egypt, Ghana, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Emirates, Qatar, Afghanistan, Croatia, UK and USA. He has a profound expertise in GIS education and an award-winner of numerous national and international awards including the prestigious Gilbert White Award for the best hazards dissertation from the Association of American Geographers, Young Scholar Award from the Consortium of Geographic Information Science, and a GIS Award from the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association. Served for 2 years as a Secretary of the Consortium of Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), and for 4 years as a Board Director in the Central Region of the American Society for Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). He is also a co-founder of Urban Remote Sensing specialty group of the European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories (EARSeL). Tarek holds professional membership in several professional and scientific organizations.
Location:
AT&T Labs
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/26631
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
IEEE COMSOC/SP (Austin) website: http://site.ieee.org/ct-comsp/
______________________________________________________________________________
“Heterogeneous Computing: Promises and Challenges” 22 May
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
“Heterogeneous Computing: Promises and Challenges”
Speaker:Dr. Peter. J. Zievers, Chief Technical Officer at Xcelemor, Inc
May 22, 2014, 6-8 p.m.
Abstract:
The user community benefits from heterogeneous computing technologies today more than ever. These benefits include vastly improved per-function performance at a fraction of the power consumption compared to comparable software functions executing on a microprocessor. Despite all contributions and considerable potential as an alternative, designers relegate heterogeneous computing to an assistant role. Scalable heterogeneous computing has ample range to satisfy generic application needs while slashing power consumption. Control plane performance considerations focus requirements for the successful solution. AAXETM technology enables scalable, economical, powerful heterogeneous systems to handle generic applications by managing heterogeneous computing resources for efficient deployment.
Speaker/Bio:
Peter. J. Zievers is the Chief Technical Officer at Xcelemor, Inc. His research interests include analysis and design of heterogeneous computing systems, resource management for computing systems, and high-performance digital communications for parallel distributed computing systems. He received his BS in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and his master of science and PhD. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. At AT&T and Lucent Technologies, he participated in central office design, ATM and ethernet transport network switch design and wireless system development, with responsibilities including chip and card design, system cabling, ethernet subsystem software, and system diagnostics. Before starting up Xcelemor, he consulted on software projects spanning broadband wireless, secured radio, personal messaging, and broadband infrastructure switching systems, responsibilities including diagnostics, 3rd party feature package integration, and system verification.
Location:
AT&T Labs
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/26025
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
IEEE COMSOC/SP (Austin) website: http://site.ieee.org/ct-comsp/
______________________________________________________________________________
“Aging, Brain Science, and the Future of Health Care” April 17
Saturday, March 22nd, 2014
IEEE Austin COMSOC/SP Meeting
Aging, Brain Science, and the Future of Health Care
Speaker:Wayne
April 17, 2014, 6-8 p.m.
Abstract:
While it’s important to live longer, it’s even more important to live well. This talk looks at the future of health care from several perspectives. First is the demographic of aging baby boomers who are living longer but aren’t necessarily healthy and the effect that will have on our healthcare system. Next is the effect that Moore’s Law and shrinking circuits will have on improving care and reducing costs. And the final segment explores the convergence of engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry and mathematics with cellular, molecular, cognitive and behavioral neurosciences, based on my interview with Dr. Metin Akay, who spoke to this group several months ago. Dr. Akay is Founding Chairman of the new Biomedical Engineering Department and the John S. Dunn professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Houston.
Speaker/Bio:
Wayne is the Founder and Senior Editor of Modern Health Talk, where he writes about tech solutions for keeping seniors safe at home and avoiding costly institutional care. As a retired technologist, futurist and marketer with IBM, Dell, Siemens and his own consulting firm, Wayne knows the positive effect digital technologies can have on society and the challenges of adopting them. He introduced IBM to the Digital Home market and only left after the company got out of consumer markets. After IBM, Wayne established CAZITech Consulting, held leadership roles in Wireless & Home Gateway standards organizations, volunteered with the FCC Consumer Advisory Committee, successfully lobbied the Texas legislature to protect the rights of municipalities to install public Wi-Fi networks, co-founded a nonprofit consumer advocacy to enact new consumer protection laws and abolish an abusive state agency, and founded Modern Health Talk. These days, Wayne is also helping a colleague launch a new sleep wellness business.
Location:
AT&T Labs
9505 Arboretum, Austin
Austin, Texas
United States 78729
Click here for Map
THIS EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP at:
https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/24445
For any questions, please contact COMSOC/SP Chair Fawzi Behmann at f.behmann@ieee.org
IEEE COMSOC/SP (Austin) website: http://site.ieee.org/ct-comsp/