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SUMMARY:Discrete Gene Regulatory Networks: A novel approach to configuring
  sensor network operation - Andrew Markham (Oxford University)
DTSTART:20101021T150000Z
DTEND:20101021T160000Z
UID:TALK27025@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Eiko Yoneki
DESCRIPTION:Distributed algorithm design in wireless sensor networks typic
 ally involves creating solutions which are tailored towards a particular p
 roblem. It is often not clear which parameters to adjust in order to apply
  the same algorithm to a slightly different scenario. As an attempt to add
 ress this problem\, I present a method in which distributed controllers ca
 n be automatically created in response to a user's requirements. Inspired 
 by the way in which cells alter their behaviour in response to diffused pr
 otein concentrations\, an abstract representation\, termed a discrete Gene
  Regulatory Network (dGRN)\, is introduced. Each node runs an identical dG
 RN controller which controls node activity and interaction. The controller
 s are authored automatically using an evolutionary algorithm. The communic
 ation that occurs between nodes is neither specified or designed\, but eme
 rges naturally. I will present some simple examples demonstrating how this
  method works.\n\nAs a particular example\, I show that the dGRN approach 
 can generate effective strategies for nodes to cooperatively track a movin
 g target. The obtained strategies vary according to the user’s accuracy 
 requirements and the speed of the target\, and are similar to those which 
 would be expected from a network engineer.  I also show that this resultin
 g controllers can be executed on standard sensor nodes (T-mote SKY). The d
 GRN framework thus greatly reduces the amount of effort involved in adjust
 ing a network’s operation for a particular scenario\, by evolving applic
 ation-specific sensor network controllers.\n\nBio: Andrew is a postdoc in 
 the Sensor Network group\, Oxford University Computing Lab\, working on th
 e interdisciplinary WildSensing project (along with Cambridge Computing La
 b and Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit) which monitors badgers
  above and below ground using a variety of technologies. Prior to joining 
 the comlab\, he completed his PhD and BSc in electrical engineering at the
  University of Cape Town\, South Africa\, graduating with first class hono
 urs. He was the winner of the SAIEEE national student paper competition fo
 r his work on underwater wireless sensor networks. Andrew works on problem
 s that lie on the boundary between the natural world and embedded technolo
 gy\, ranging from tagging penguins on remote islands to his more recent wo
 rk on tracking badgers in woodland.\n
LOCATION:FW26\, Computer Laboratory\, William Gates Builiding
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