SETI data controllers

Three data controllers developed for the SETI project are described. Two are used primarily for recording and playback of SETI data from the Radio Science Surveillance System (RSSS). The third is used as a SETI station controller for DSS 13

The Role of Inter-Controller Traffic for Placement of Distributed SDN Controllers

We consider a distributed Software Defined Networking (SDN) architecture adopting a cluster of multiple controllers to improve network performance and reliability. Besides the Openflow control traffic exchanged between controllers and switches, we focus on the control traffic exchanged among the controllers in the cluster, needed to run coordination and consensus algorithms to keep the controllers synchronized. We estimate the effect of the inter-controller communications on the reaction time perceived by the switches depending on the data-ownership model adopted in the cluster. The model is accurately validated in an operational Software Defined WAN (SDWAN). We advocate a careful placement of the controllers, that should take into account both the above kinds of control traffic. We evaluate, for some real ISP network topologies, the delay tradeoffs for the controllers placement problem and we propose a novel evolutionary algorithm to find the corresponding Pareto frontier. Our work provides novel quantitative tools to optimize the planning and the design of the network supporting the control plane of SDN networks, especially when the network is very large and in-band control plane is adopted. We also show that for operational distributed controllers (e.g. OpenDaylight and ONOS), the location of the controller which acts as a leader in the consensus algorithm has a strong impact on the reactivity perceived by switches.Comment: 14 page

Communicating Processes with Data for Supervisory Coordination

We employ supervisory controllers to safely coordinate high-level discrete(-event) behavior of distributed components of complex systems. Supervisory controllers observe discrete-event system behavior, make a decision on allowed activities, and communicate the control signals to the involved parties. Models of the supervisory controllers can be automatically synthesized based on formal models of the system components and a formalization of the safe coordination (control) requirements. Based on the obtained models, code generation can be used to implement the supervisory controllers in software, on a PLC, or an embedded (micro)processor. In this article, we develop a process theory with data that supports a model-based systems engineering framework for supervisory coordination. We employ communication to distinguish between the different flows of information, i.e., observation and supervision, whereas we employ data to specify the coordination requirements more compactly, and to increase the expressivity of the framework. To illustrate the framework, we remodel an industrial case study involving coordination of maintenance procedures of a printing process of a high-tech Oce printer.Comment: In Proceedings FOCLASA 2012, arXiv:1208.432

Data highway terminal controller

A data highway terminal controller with transmission controllers assigned to each processor in a set of multiple processors is described. Shared-use terminals are loop connected to the processors via the controllers

Data protection and the legitimate interest of data controllers: much ado about nothing or the winter of rights?

EU data protection law is in a process of reform to meet the challenges of the modern economy and rapid technological developments. This study analyses the legitimate interest of data controllers as a legal basis for processing personal data under both the current data protection legislation and its proposed reform. The relevant provision expands the scope of lawful processing, but is formulated ambiguously, creating legal uncertainty and loopholes in the law. The new proposed regime does not resolve the problem.Taking a“rights” perspective, the paper aims to show that the provision should be narrowly interpreted in light of the ECJ case law, and to give effect to the Charter of Fundamental Rights; a rephrasing of the norm is desirable. The provision on the legitimate interest of data controllers weakens the legal protection of data subjects

Bayesian Optimization Using Domain Knowledge on the ATRIAS Biped

Controllers in robotics often consist of expert-designed heuristics, which can be hard to tune in higher dimensions. It is typical to use simulation to learn these parameters, but controllers learned in simulation often don't transfer to hardware. This necessitates optimization directly on hardware. However, collecting data on hardware can be expensive. This has led to a recent interest in adapting data-efficient learning techniques to robotics. One popular method is Bayesian Optimization (BO), a sample-efficient black-box optimization scheme, but its performance typically degrades in higher dimensions. We aim to overcome this problem by incorporating domain knowledge to reduce dimensionality in a meaningful way, with a focus on bipedal locomotion. In previous work, we proposed a transformation based on knowledge of human walking that projected a 16-dimensional controller to a 1-dimensional space. In simulation, this showed enhanced sample efficiency when optimizing human-inspired neuromuscular walking controllers on a humanoid model. In this paper, we present a generalized feature transform applicable to non-humanoid robot morphologies and evaluate it on the ATRIAS bipedal robot -- in simulation and on hardware. We present three different walking controllers; two are evaluated on the real robot. Our results show that this feature transform captures important aspects of walking and accelerates learning on hardware and simulation, as compared to traditional BO.Comment: 8 pages, submitted to IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation 201

Bespoke controllers and their impact on game feel

This project explores the role and effect of bespoke game controllers on game feel and accessibility. The project aims to develop a range of custom controllers and associated games, designed to tightly couple the user interaction with the game execution. Player analytics will be collected to quantify, explore and improve the user experience.Game feel encompasses a wide range of definitions including intuitive controls, physical interaction with virtual objects, and the appeal of playing. Game feel is subjective and therefore challenging to quantify, but something every player instinctively recognises. There is a growing niche of games utilising bespoke hardware to deliver a unique player experience, such as games played with Unicorn horns or by shouting, rather than the traditional controller. The project seeks to push the boundaries of games and explore how game design, user experience and accessibility are affected when the limitation of traditional input systems is removed. The project has developed four bespoke controllers, utilising creative technologies and physical sensors. The controllers are based on inputs using force sensitive sensors, flex sensors, distance sensor and orientation sensors. Prototype games have been developed for each controller designed to exploit the controllers unique form of user interaction. The next steps are to evaluate the player experience and explore how the various controllers are utilised using a data-driven approach.The project proposes that the bespoke controller could widen engagement and improve the user experience by delivering a more intuitive interface and improving game feel. The project will provide insights and design guidelines for both of the development of the custom game controllers and how they can be linked to certain game mechanics in the associated games

It’s not the model that doesn’t fit, it’s the controller! The role of cognitive skills in understanding the links between natural mapping, performance, and enjoyment of console video games

This study examines differences in performance, frustration, and game ratings of individuals playing first person shooter video games using two different controllers (motion controller and a traditional, pushbutton controller) in a within-subjects, randomized order design. Structural equation modeling was used to demonstrate that cognitive skills such as mental rotation ability and eye/hand coordination predicted performance for both controllers, but the motion control was significantly more frustrating. Moreover, increased performance was only related to game ratings for the traditional controller input. We interpret these data as evidence that, contrary to the assumption that motion controlled interfaces are more naturally mapped than traditional push-button controllers, the traditional controller was more naturally mapped as an interface for gameplay