Algorithms for security in robotics and networks

The dissertation presents algorithms for robotics and security. The first chapter gives an overview of the area of visibility-based pursuit-evasion. The following two chapters introduce two specific algorithms in that area. The algorithms are based on research done together with Dr. Giora Slutzki and Dr. Steven LaValle. Chapter 2 presents a polynomial-time algorithm for clearing a polygon by a single 1-searcher. The result is extended to a polynomial-time algorithm for a pair of 1-searchers in Chapter 3.;Chapters 4 and 5 contain joint research with Dr. Srini Tridandapani, Dr. Jason Jue and Dr. Michael Borella in the area of computer networks. Chapter 4 presents a method of providing privacy over an insecure channel which does not require encryption. Chapter 5 gives approximate bounds for the link utilization in multicast traffic