Kim Mills

Implementing an intervisibility analysis model on a parallel computing system

Abstract Parallel computing will likely play an important role in integrating spatial environmental models for large-scale systems. Intervisibility analysis with error simulation in a digital elevation model is used to illustrate an approach to developing parallel models, and to demonstrate some benefits of high-performance computing. Analyzing the structure of the application problem ensures an appropriate match between problem and parallel system implementation. Data communication is the most important computational issue in this application. The line of sight algorithms and data distribution strategies for two intervisibility models run on the Connection Machine-2 are described and partial program listings are appended. Results of this study show that intervisibility may be overestimated when the effects of DEM error are ignored.

An interactive remote visualization environment for an electromagnetic scattering simulation on a high performance computing system

An integrated interactive visualization environment was created for an electromagnetic scattering (EMS) simulation, coupling a graphical user interface (GUI) for runtime simulation parameters input and 3-D rendering output on a graphical workstation, with computational modules running on a parallel supercomputer and two workstations. Application Visualization System (AVS) was used as integrating software to facilitate both networking and scientific data visualization. Using the EMS simulation as a case study, the authors explore the AVS dataflow methodology to naturally integrate data visualization, parallel systems and heterogeneous computing. Major issues in integrating this remote visualization system are discussed, including task decomposition, system integration, concurrent control, and a high level data-visualization-environment distributed programming model.

A large scale comparison of option pricing models with historical market data

A set of stock option pricing models is implemented on the Connection Machine-2 and the DECmpp-12000 to compare model prices and historical market data. Improved models which incorporate stochastic volatility with American call generally have smaller pricing errors than simpler models which are based on constant volatility and European call. In a refinement of the comparison between model and market prices, a figure of merit based on the bid/ask spread in the market and the use of optimization techniques for model parameter estimation, are evaluated. Optimization appears to hold great promise for improving the accuracy of existing pricing models, especially for stocks which are difficult to price with conventional models.<<ETX>>

The Living Textbook and the K-12 Classroom of the Future

The Living Textbook creates a unique learning environment enabling teachers and students to use educational resources on multimedia information servers, supercomputers, parallel databases, and network testbeds. We have three innovative educational software applications running in our laboratory, and under test in the classroom. Our education-focused goal is to learn how new, learner-driven, explorative models of learning can be supported by these high bandwidth, interactive applications and ultimately how they will impact the classroom of the future.

Web Technologies and the Potential for Innovation in Distance Education

Web-based distance education technologies may improve education and support totally new educational systems. Web technologies present new opportunities for delivering multimedia information and interacting with physical simulations. This paper describes some infrastructure and human interaction issues, a text-indexed video, and a Web-based image storage and presentation system, and three on-going distance education projects.

A collaboration to apply advanced information technologies in education

A collaboration between teachers, education researchers, and computational scientists to apply advanced information technology in the K-12 classroom is described. Over the past year in the Living Schoolbook project, prototype Education Information Infrastructure (EII) services were developed, teacher team training conducted, and teacher projects to create multimedia content for EII services established. Large scale projects combining the expertise and resources of teachers, education researchers, computational scientists, the media industry, and computing and commounications vendors are needed to develop education as a National Challenge application.

InfoMall: A Scalable Organisation for the Development of High-Performance Computing and Communications - Software and Systems

InfoMall is a programme lead by the Northeast Parallel Architectures Center (NPAC) featuring a partnership of over twenty-five organisations and a plan for accelerating development of the High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) software and systems industry. HPCC (or HPCN as it is known in Europe) is a critical technology which will have unprecedented impact on industry, education, society, and defense. Acceptance of HPCC by these real world sectors is held up by the extremely hard problem of HPCC software development. InfoMall employs a novel technology development strategy involving closely linked programmes in technology execution and certification, software development, marketing, education and training, economic development and small business support. InfoMall has excellent HPCC and other facility infrastructure. InfoMall partners have unrivaled expertise in all the areas critical to rapid development of the HPCC software industry. The process is constructed and explained by analogy to the full-service set of stores found in a shopping mall. InfoMall is a concept which can create 15,000 jobs in New York State alone, and be scaled in future years to create an order of magnitude more jobs nationally.

InfoMall: an innovative strategy for high‐performance computing and communications applications development

InfoMall is a program led by the Northeast Parallel Architectures Center featuring a partnership of approximately twenty‐four organizations with a plan for accelerating development of the High‐Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) software and systems industry. HPCC is a critical technology where the United States has clear international leadership and which will have unprecedented impact on industry, education, society, and defense. The communications component of HPCC is critical to developing HPCC products. Acceptance of HPCC by these real‐world sectors has been delayed by the extremely hard problem of HPCC software development. InfoMall employs a novel technology development strategy involving closely linked programs in technology extraction and certification, software development, marketing, education, and training, economic development, and small business support. The process is constructured and explained by analogy to a full‐service set of stores in a shopping mall.

Gordius: a data parallel algorithm for spatial data conversion

Abstract A data parallel algorithm is presented for spatial data (raster-to-vector) conversion. It operates on pure two-dimensional raster images and derives a fully topological vector data set, where polygons are defined by homogeneity criteria. The algorithm is implemented in data parallel C, and makes extensive use of scan functions that combine communication and computation along grid axes. Code segments listing each step in building a hierarchy of points, lines, and polygons are listed. Performance evaluations on a Connection Machine-2 reveal that run-time is not sensitive to the number of polygons in the image, and increases sublinearly with grid size.

The electronic InfoMall - HPCN enabling industry and commerce

We describe our InfoMall technology transfer program — a partnership of over sixty commercial, academic and federal organisations working together on HPCN technology development as well as HPCN-enabled business activities. We discuss a selection of some of the project activities being undertaken by InfoMall members and focus on an “Electronic InfoMall” activity in collaboration with the US Air Force to exploit high performance computing (HPC) systems and software shared between collaborating members of a virtual organisation. This system is built around the World Wide Web — a protocol developed in Europe for the exchange of multimedia hypertext. We have demonstrated how HPC systems can be linked together using this mechanism, to provide networked services such as Video on Demand and Simulation on Demand. More information on InfoMall is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.infomall.org/.