Computer Systems Lab
Project Abstracts and Categories
2001-2002
- Computer Simulation and Modeling, Computational Computer Science
- Student: Mee-Jung Jang
Title: Evolution of Darwin's Finches: Simulation using Genetic
Algorithms
Abstract: On his voyage around the world, Charles Darwin discovered 13 different
species of finches on the Galapagos Islands. Darwin concluded that these
different species had all evolved by means of natural selection from a single
mainland species over the course of a few million years. This project uses
genetic algorithms to simulate the process of the evolutionary changes that
gave rise to the varying species of the finches. Factors including the
abundance of food, probability of mutation, and size of the initial
results of this project demonstrate the drastically different evolutionary
paths the finches could have followed depending on varying environmental
conditions. I
- Name: Navdeep Singh
Title: An Analysis of Seismic Related Structural Damage
Abstract:
This program deals with physical modeling. It simulates the effects of an
earthquake on a building. The movemnt of a building wil be modeled in OpenGL.
- Student: Brian D. Vo
Title: Implementation of Valuation Models in C++ to Analyze Different
Industries
Abstract
A program was developed to investigate the ability of computers to analyze
data and predict the movement of stocks. The main programming language used to
create the algorithm to forecast stock prices was C++. The program took
different user-inputted variables coupled with pre-defined variables in data
files and calculated an estimate of the worth of a company. It then ranked a
stock according to its return and risk factor. The final product generated a
recommendation list of stocks in different industries to the user, which could
then be applied to one's portfolio.
- Computer Algorithms
- Student: Jeff Cohen
Title: The Use of Polynomial-time Reducibility to Improve Approximations to
NP-complete Problems
Abstract:
NP-complete problems are thought, though not proven, to be intractable. Because
they are commonly encountered by programmers in situations where an exponential
-time solution will be too slow, efficient approximations based on greedy or
random approximation algorithms are necessary. By the definition of NP-completeness,
all NP-complete problems are polynomial-time reducible to one another. By
reducing one NP-complete problem to another, some aspect of it that was not
immediately obvious but that can be exploited to produce a superior greedy
algorithm may be revealed. The goal of this project is to examine such reductions
and determine if, in fact, this approach is viable for some set of problems.
- Artificial Intelligence, Games, Modeling
- Student: James Andrew Gilbertson
Title: Investigation Into An Artificial Intelligence for Bridge
Abstract:
Computer scientists have tried to make computers mimic human thought for quite
some time. They have been relatively successful in making programs to play
perfect information games such as checkers and chess. However they have been
less successful with imperfect information games such as bridge. This project
deals with creating a program to play bridge using a modified minimax tree.
- Student: Mee-Jung Jang
Title: Evolution of Darwin's Finches: Simulation using Genetic
Algorithms
Abstract: On his voyage around the world, Charles Darwin discovered 13 different
species of finches on the Galapagos Islands. Darwin concluded that these
different species had all evolved by means of natural selection from a single
mainland species over the course of a few million years. This project uses
genetic algorithms to simulate the process of the evolutionary changes that
gave rise to the varying species of the finches. Factors including the
abundance of food, probability of mutation, and size of the initial
results of this project demonstrate the drastically different evolutionary
paths the finches could have followed depending on varying environmental
conditions.
- Student: Will Burns
Title: The Development of a 3D Chess Program with Artificial Inteligence in
OpenGL
Abstract:
The creation of a 3D Chess program utilizing the 3D capabilities of OpenGL.
It includes various levels of Artificial Intelligence with settings including
one player against the computer and two players.
- Student: Meng Tan
Title: Deep in the Game: Artificial Intelligence and Civilization
Abstract:
The simulation of realism in computer games has typically become a greater
concern as computer hardware has improved by leaps and bounds. The realism in
modern war games and flight/driving simulators is astounding, as well as the
artificial intelligence of computer opponents. However, the simulation of mass
human behavior has never been attempted beyond very simplistic modeling based
on fixed rules (i.e. civilization). Deep in the Game seeks to apply
neural/belief network AI techniques to create a more realistic historical
strategy game.
- Computer Graphics and Modeling
- Name: Eric Zettervall
Title: Using Lindenmayer Systems to Render Trees in OpenGL
Abstract:
This project uses the concept behind Lindenmayer systems to generate data in a
linked list tree. This data is then taken and rendered using the
OpenGL API to create realistic looking, three-dimensional trees in a simulated
environment. This program uses the ability of C++ to do recursive functions in
order to simulate a Lindenmayer System, and uses the advanced OpenGL concept
of quadric shapes to generate the parts of the tree. This project combines
L-Systems, recursive functions, and OpenGL to create the desired output.
- Student: Daniel Walsh
Title: Development of a Silhouette-Based Three-Dimensional Modeling
Tool
Abstract:
An algorithm was developed to make three-dimensional renderings of an object
based on silhouettes of the object. In order to take all visible attributes
into account, silhouettes from the front, above, and the side of the object
are used. Numeric data from the silhouette picture files are read into a
three-dimensional matrix and scaled, producing a three-dimensional
representation of the object. 45-45-90 triangles are drawn between existing
adjacent points, forming surfaces of the object in space.
Two images will be used. Common points between the images will be identified,
and concentric circles will be drawn through the points. Equations of the
circles will be calculated and put into slope-intercept
- Student: Will Burns
Title: The Development of a 3D Chess Program with Artificial Inteligence in
OpenGL
Abstract:
The creation of a 3D Chess program utilizing the 3D capabilities of OpenGL.
It includes various levels of Artificial Intelligence with settings including
one player against the computer and two players.
- Student: Niloy Dasgupta
Title: Modeling and Development of an Adaptive Cruise Control System for
Vehicles
Abstract:
Developing an adaptive cruise control system for vehicles with distance
measuring capabilities in OpenGL. The development of the vehicle and its
respective variables, functions and interactions with its environment is
analyzed in an effort to produce the best algorithm for automated braking in
the cruise control system.
- Student: Jonathan Miller
Title: Exploration of Irregular Shapes in OpenGL
Abstract:
When working in OpenGl often it is difficult to create objects that are
irregular in shape, as very few things in the real world are composed solely
of spheres, cubes, cylinders, and toruses. In order to create more realistic
shapes simple triangles must be combined into a more complex polygon. This
project looked at ways to more easily create and manipulate these complex
polygons.
- Student: Christina Valencia
Title: Implementation of Ray Tracing to Create a Virtual Underwater
Environment
Abstract:
Students are often faced with the challenge of envisioning the worlds they are
taught about in the classroom. POV-Ray ray tracing enables the creation of an
underwater environment for educational purposes. The realistic rendering of a
scene beneath the water's surface allows users to experience and learn about
the underwater surroundings. Students are able to "travel" underwater with
this education tool.
- Networking
- HCI - Human Computer Interaction
- Computer Architecture
- Student: Natan T. Cliffer
Title: Analysis of a Decentralized MIMD Environment
Abstract:
This project is an investigation into the modelling and design of a pipelining
system for a processor that allows maximum use of hardware. The proposed design
would allow multiple instructions to be in one part of the pipeline at the same
time in a flexible network of pipeline elements.
- Computers in Education
- Student: Annalisa Grimes
Title: The World Wide Web as an Educational Tool
Abstract:
More and more schools are taking advantage of computers as tools with which to
teach subjects ranging from mathematics to art to English and foreign language.
Children grow up with unprecedented familiarity with this technology. With the
increasing accessibility of the web as a learning tool, subjects as diverse as
college chemistry and the history of the United States space program can become
targets for the students of the Information Age. This paper seeks to explain
the various avenues one might take in designing different sorts of educational
websites.
- Encryption
- Student: Christopher P. Christensen
Title: Encryption and Decryption Using Character Manipulation, Twist and Flip,
and RSA
Abstract:
Internet security is an important issue these days, especially when it comes to
sending personal, private information over the internet. Many people seek to
take advantage of the lack of security often found online and attempt to use
other people's personal information for their own gain. Internet fraud can be
achieved via a method called pinging, by which a hacker illegally accesses
another Internet user's hard drive without alerting the victim. Protection
against hackers can be achieved with encryption. In order to help protect unsuspecting
victims of hackers, this project seeks to develop an encryption method that
provides better file security. The project will combine three methods of
encryption already used in various levels of security. Character (bit)
manipulation provides the least amount of security, but combined with a
modified Twist and Flip algorithm and RSA, the most advanced encryption method
in use, there is the possiblity of a nearly unbreakable code.
- Database Applications, Expert Systems
- Student: Greg W. Price
Title: Online Bleeding Logs for Hemophiliacs: Simplifying Data Collection and
Analysis
Abstract:
The objective of this project is to simplify for doctors of hemophiliacs the
process of collecting, compiling, searching, and viewing information contained
in their patients' bleeding logs. The data are entered into a MySQL database
using PHP scripts on a website and retrieved using a Java application that
utilizes the Swing and JDBC APIs and the MM.MySQL drivers. The application
currently creates graphs to display number of bleeds in one site over time or
display number of bleeds at each site during a specified time period.
- Web and E-Business applications
- Student: Amanda Agan
Title: Development of a web-based condominium complex system using PHP
and MySQL.
Abstract:
Managing a well-run condominium complex is extremely complicated. The use of a
database to help manage the massive amounts of information can be extremely
beneficial. This project will attempt to create and maintain a database of
owner/tenant information, work orders, work histories and contact information
for a condominium complex with a user friendly, web-based interface.
- Student: Anthony Cross
Title: Design of a Modular MySQL Database Structuring in the Development of a
Dynamic Web Site
Abstract:
The goal of this project is to focus on the development of an advanced
relational database structuring to provide the backend for a dynamically
generated web site. The project will focus on a modular object oriented design
of a database to carry out complex, large-scale database interactions through
the most simple and efficient structure. The database structure is created in
MySQL, and is designed to interact with a PHP frontend.
- Student: Eugene E. Otto
Title: Development of a User-friendly Control Panel for an Ensim-based
Webhost
Abstract:
The control panel, Sevaa-CP, is an attempt at a visually pleasing an
easy-to-use interface for people hosting with an Ensim-based host. It
centralizes the most commonly used functions, such as e-mail and site
statistics, into a single location with easy access for site administrators.
- Computers and Music
- Student: Sunny Khemlani
Title: The Development of a Virtual Synthesizer
Abstract:
The intent of the project is to develop and produce software that emulates a
synthesizer. A synthesizer is a device used in musical creation. It combines
simple waveforms to produce more complex sounds. This program will use several
methods of multimedia, audio, and graphics development to program virtual
instrumentation for music creation. It will use a GUI created in Visual Basic
and DirectX to control and manage audio output while working with several
algorithms to produce real-time effects.
- Student: Geoffrey Pitsch
Title:The Stravinsky Project : Using Genetic Algorithms to Compose
Music
Abstract:
This program will use artificial intelligence and user input to compose
original music using midi output from the computer. The AI will use genetic
algorithms based on music theory to determine the "quality" of any given
phrase, and the type of music will gravitate towards the preference of the
user.