Chrysostomos L. Nikias - US grants

Nikias This is a collaborative research project with John G. Proakis (Northeastern University). The research focuses on the development, testing and mathematical analysis of adaptive signal processing algorithms based on nonlinear performance criteria. Areas of research include: 1. blind deconvolution algorithms based on criteria with memory nonlinearity; 2. decision feedback equalizers using higher-order statistics; 3. joint estimation and detection algorithms of the ML-type and MAP-type when the signals are Gaussian distributed; 4. adaptive multichannel signal recovery algorithms when the signals have gone through severe magnitude and phase distortion; and 5. blind deconvolution algorithms based on neural networks and Volterra filters. Special emphasis is placed on the investigation of the numerical properties and performance of the algorithms. Performance metrics being considered include probability of error in the restored sequence as a function of SNR, sensitivity to signal statistics and data conditioning, rate of convergence, choice of sliding windows and finite length effects. Applications of the new algorithms are being considered in digital communications, speech, image processing and geophysics.

9422106 Leahy This award is to purchase equipment dedicated to research in computer and information science and engineering. Specifically, the equipment will be used for research in multi-dimensional signal and image processing, including in particular: 1) fusion of multimodal neuroimaging data; 2) adaptive quantization of image and video; 3) automatic target recognition via deformable template matching; 4) design of high resolution diffractive optics for photonic interconnections and computing; and 5) advanced adaptive multidimensional and array signal processing. Common to all of these projects is a need for access to fast numerical computation and high resolution visualization and display capabilities. The goal of this project is to set up a state of the art facility for processing, visualization and display of multidimensional data. Towards this end, a computer for high performance numerical computation, and a RAM-based workstation for display of high resolution video image sequences with a high performance graphics capability will be purchased. ***

9711742 Nikias This award provides funds to the Engineering Research Center at the University of Southern California entitled Integrated Media Systems Center to develop a set of interactive, multimedia modules for instruction in the Multimedia Careers Program as part of the proposed Multimedia university Academy at the University of Southern California. These instructional materials will be designed to be transportable to other facilities and will be developed closely with industry. The modules will include topics on the principles of multimedia systems, principles of computing, computing tools, communications, design and visual arts, and audio and production cycle.

9708393 Nikias Funding is provided to help the NSF Engineering Research Center, the Integrated Media Systems Center, establish the IMSC Multimedia Academy. This endeavor is a community outreach educational program designed to meet inner city industry demand for a workforce trained in multimedia technology, as well as a model school to-work post-high school education program. ***

Abstract EEC-9872823 Nikias This award will fund the purchase of equipment to enhance, augment and expand research and education activities on the Integrated Media Systems Center's (IMSC's) Media Immersion Environment (MIE). The MIE is the centerpiece of the research program and strategic plan of the IMSC, and provides a physical hardware and software framework for the integration of multimedia engineering and scientific developments from IMSC and elsewhere, with broad multidisciplinary applicability to every aspect of the human sensory experience and interpersonal interactions. Special purpose equipment will be purchased to enable the continued evolution of the MIE concept.

This award provides funding in partial support of acquisition of equipment to upgrade the network infrastructure of the Integrated Media Systems Engineering Research Center (IMSC) at the University of Southern California from the existing local area network to a wide area network. The equipment is being used to establish a new telepresence laboratory, improve the performance and lower the cost of realistic, textured, animated rendering and avatar data extraction for telepresence applications to support multimedia research. The equipment includes ATM Network hardware upgrades and connections to the Next Generation Internet, real-time encoders/decoders for full D1-rate video compression, high performance graphics workstations, network attached storage, wireless ultra-wideband impulse radio transceivers, and 3D immersive display an eye human-computer interface devices. The facilities will enable more than 25 faculty and staff and more than 100 students to attack the hardware and software barriers that limit the creation, dissemination, and access to multimedia information. The equipment will support multidisciplinary research and education in the process of solving cutting-edge systems-level problems that require final solution assessment by design, simulation, and implementation.

0125449
Silverman

This award is to the University of Southern California to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179).

Partners
The partners for the effort are the University of Southern California (Lead Institution), California State University Fresno, Caltech, Claremont Graduate University, University of Arkansas, University of Nevada-Reno, University of Pittsburgh, NASA Ames, California Technology Trade and Commerce, LA Economic Development Corporation, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Niagara Broadband, and National Collegiate Innovators and Inventors Alliance.

Proposed Activities
The partners propose to create and implement a national Technology Transfer and Commercialization Network to coordinate and provide a variety of resources and knowledge so that network users can collaborate and innovate. The activity will provide private sector partners that supply needed technology, financial, and legal expertise, national labs and state and local governments that assist in firming and evaluating the program, academic partners that supply vital content and structure. The partnership will allow the partners and their clients to be successful innovators, sustaining the partnership in the future.

Proposed Innovation
The proposed network of academic institutions will provide a variety of resources and knowledge to partners, especially under-served schools, that they could not generate on their own. The infrastructure will allow academic institutions to move their intellectual property into commercialization through partnerships with venture capital, private companies, start-ups etc. The combined engineering expertise of the partners will provide resources to small companies that they could not afford otherwise. The business school expertise of the major academic institutions will be available for small universities and businesses alike.

Potential Economic Impact
The partnership will stimulate and support innovation growth by linking sources of knowledge and expertise with those needing such sources to make their enterprises prosper, particularly those in under-served areas. The resulting economic growth and development will generate additional resources to sustain the partnership.

Potential Societal Impact
Creation of economic wellbeing and jobs for people in under-served areas will have a beneficial effect on the people of those areas.