Distributed Parallel Processing Laboratory

Nikolay Mirenkov Professor	Alexander Vazhenin Associate Professor	Rentaro Yoshioka Assistant Professor

Existing systems of symbols and notations are usually very abstract and there is a great gap between the form and meaning of data/knowledge. Our long-term education, in an essential part, is reduced to training our brain for being "encodingdecoding" machine bridging this gap. The abstractness mentioned and bridging operations are sources of serious mental and physical problems for a great variety of people and, especially for disabled and elderly. Our aging society is also becoming information society. So, the above-mentioned aspect of our environment is becoming crucial. That is why, our research is to develop a new environment with lesser level of abstraction and to investigate how it can improve the quality of people life. Our general program is cyber-infrastructure including high-performance computing. We are also thinking about active knowledge being developed by humanity and undertaking research efforts in visual (multimedia) languages and tools, parallel and distributed systems. In a great part, our research and development are based on an idea of selfexplanatory components in a cyberFilm format. A cyberFilm is a set of color stills supported, if necessary, by text, voice/sound and special links. Each still is to represent a view (some features) of objects or processes. Each cyberFilm is to represent a multiple view (an extended set of dynamic and/or static features) of objects or processes. Different views can be related to different moments of time, positions in space, levels of hierarchy, values of data attached to space points, etc. Different media can be used for different views. A self-explanatory cyberFilm means that the associated stills are organized and presented in such a way that the semantic richness is clearly brought out. The investment of meaning in the cyberFilm is reduced to developing a series of views watching (and hearing) in non-linear order. Usually, a still is self-evident and a cyberFilm is a result of special gathering of clues or hints. This result is a piece of knowledge. So, self-explanatory adequacy depends on this knowledge. The more accurate and relevant views are used, the greater adequacy is reached. The idea of cyberFilms is used for the specification of information resources and programming operations with the resources, as well as for the representation of multimedia messages and implementation of human-computer interfaces. The idea of equal opportunities to all individuals in the use of information resources is used to create a right set of cyberFilms and methods of their adaptation. We lead three clusters of projects related to filmification of methods and data: Active Knowledge Studio for teachers, students, and programmers, F-Communication System for children, elderly and handicapped people, Virtual objects, haptic interface and 3D printers for people doing fast prototyping, and WWW-based software for students involved in multimedia programming and distance learning.

Refereed Journal Papers

[nikmir-01:2006]	P.-A. Fayolle, A. Pasko, B. Schmitt, and N. Mirenkov. Constructive Heterogeneous Object Modeling Using Signed Approximate Real Distance Functions. Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, 6(3):221.229, 2006.
	We introduce a smooth approximation of the min/max operations, called signed approximate real distance function (SARDF), for maintaining anapproximate signed distance function in constructive shape modeling. We applyconstructive distance-based shape modeling to design objects with heterogeneousmaterial distribution in the constructive hypervolume model framework. Theintroduced distance approximation helps intuitively model material distributionparameterized by distances to so-called material features.
[nikmir-02:2006]	P. Sapaty, M. Sugisaka, R. Finkelstein, J. Delgado-Frias, and N. Mirenkov. Advanced IT support of crisis relief missions. Journal of Emergency Management, 4(4):29.36, 2006.
	A novel distributed control ideology and technology will be described for management of advanced crisis relief missions. The approach is based on the installation of a universal fsocialf module in highly portable electronic devices, like laptops and mobile phones, which can collectively interpret a spatial scenario language, exchanging high-level program code (waves), data, and control with other modules in a parallel fashion. This technology can dynamically integrate any human and technical resources that were scattered postdisaster into an operable, distributed system capable of solving - autonomously - complex survivability, relief, and reconstruction problems. Key words: critical infrastructures, key resources, emergency management, emergent societies, crisis relief, information technologies, distributed control, WAVE-WP model, mobile electronic devices, mobile robotics.
[nikmir-03:2006]	Y. Watanobe, N. Mirenkov, R. Yoshioka, and O. Monakhov. Filmification of methods: A visual language for graph algorithms. Journal of Visual Languages and Computing, page accepted to be published, 2006.
	A novel approach for using the filmification of methods concept in the graph algorithm representation, specification, and programming is considered. It is based on a gcyberFilmh format, where a set of multimedia frames represents algorithmic features. A brief description of the cyberFilm concept and an observation of graph algorithm features are presented. A number of cyberFilms related to Primfs and Dijkstrafs algorithms have been developed and used to explain the basic ideas of the approach. Several versions of the algorithm visualization are demonstrated by corresponding examples of cyberFilm frames and icon language representations. In addition, a method for program generation from the cyberFilm specification is provided with explanations of program templates supporting the cyberFilm frames.
[nikmir-04:2006]	Y. Watanobe, R. Yoshioka, and N. Mirenkov. A Searching Method Based on Problem Description and Algorithmic Features. International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering, 2(5/6):359.368, 2007.
	A searching method based on fwhatf and fhowf problem descriptions, within a special software component library, is presented. The fwhatf problemdescription is based on a high-level representation of general features of initial and final data the problem can process or produce. The fhowf problem description is based on another high-level representation of the algorithmic features of the problem solution. In this paper, the basic idea of the fwhatf and fhowf problem descriptions, as well as attributes and corresponding multimedia symbols, are considered. Some examples of interface panels that use these attributes are also described.
[nikmir-05:2006]	D. Vazhenin, N. Mirenkov, and A. Vazhenin. Movie-based Templates for Linear Algebra Problems. International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security, 7(1):378.385, 2007.
	The paper discusses program design approaches supporting effective and convenient programming. The first approach is based on movie-based representation of algorithms and programs. The user has a deal with special multimedia objects, each of which can generate an executable code as well as produce animation frames. These objects build an algorithmic skeleton representing the steps of computation. The second approach is the template meta-programming technique in which templates are used by a compiler to generate temporary source code.
[nikmir-06:2006]	K. Kanev, N. Mirenkov, and A. Urata. Position Sensing for Parking Simulation and Guidance. The Journal of 3D images, 21(1):66.69, 2007.
	In this work we discuss parking facilities enhanced with digitally encoded signs and surfaces that could greatly facilitate car local position and orientation tracking and thus serve as a basis for steering and automated parking. As a proof of concept we build an experimental system, based on a 1/10 remote controlled car with a wireless camera and a corresponding computer system. Specialized Cluster Pattern Interface (CLUSPI software analyzes images obtained by the wireless camera and determines local position and orientation of the model car. Obtained tracking data, when mapped to the geometry of the model parking facility, allows for early detection of potential collisions and thus for appropriate steering guidance. Further, by mapping to virtual models of real cars and parking facilities far more realistic visualization and simulations could also be provided. Possibilities for enhancing learning and comprehension through self-explanatory components and multiple views are under consideration. Potential applications of the experimental model system could be training and evaluation of steering and parking skills.
[vazhenin-01:2006]	D. Vazhenin, A. Vazhenin, and N.Mirenkov. Movie-based Templates for Linear Algebra Problem. International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security (IJCSNS), 7(1):378.385, 2007.
	The paper discusses program design approaches supporting effective and convenientprogramming. The first approach is based on movie-based representation ofalgorithms and programs. The user has a deal with special multimedia objects
[vazhenin-02:2006]	Tosiaki Oka, Dmitry Vazhenin, and Alexander Vazhenin. WEB-based Task Management andMonitoring Environment. GESTS Int. Trans. On Computer Science and Engineering, 37(1):200.211, 2007.
	The paper presents the main elements of the WWW-based Task Management andMonitoring Environment supporting development and execution of a big variety ofuserfs applications. We discuss an approach combining effective and comfortabletask management, on-line monitoring of local and remote applications as well as dynamicvisualization of matrix data. This allows the user watching the computational processesvia Internet in real time, controlling the big amount of remote applications. The usercan also program a monitoring process controlling parallel program execution by assigningsuitable variables and arrays to be observable. Tools presented can also support aDynamic Visualization of matrix data, which may be changed continuously.

Referred Proceeding Papers

[nikmir-07:2006]	Y. Watanobe, N. Mirenkov, and R. Yoshioka. A visual language for the description of algorithmic semantics. In Proceedings of IASTED International Conference on Software Engineering,, pages 91.96, Innsbruck, Austria, 2006.
	A visual language for the description of algorithmic semantics in software components is presented. The algorithmic semantics is defined through a set of features of data which can be used as input and output of algorithmic interface of the component. These features include spatial and temporal aspects, as well as possible relations between units of the data. The language, based on a set of icons and special visual constructs, allows to describe these features. Each description is performed within a standardized format structure where positions possess some levels of predifined meaning.In this paper, we focus on presenting this structure and icons to specify spatial/temporal features of data units and their mathematical/physical relations. We also discuss how algorithmic semantics can be used for searching software components and their reusability.
[nikmir-08:2006]	Y. Watanobe, N. Mirenkov, and R. Yoshioka. Algorithmic CyberFilm Language,. In Proceedings of IEEE Japan-China Joint Workshop on Frontiers of Computer Science and Technology, pages 178. 185, Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan, 2006.
	The algorithmic cyberFilm language is a visual programming language for presentation, specification and consequent automatic code generation of computational algorithms. The language employs physical abstraction which represents an algorithm as a model of a space and activity in this space. This language has been used to present/specify a variety of algorithms, but a general description of it has not yet been presented. This paper tries to provide a rather systematic description of the algorithmic cyberFilm language including its syntax and semantic aspects. We also illustlate that this language can be a new type of semantic description language for an algorithm description.
[nikmir-09:2006]	Y. Watanobe, N. Mirenkov, and R. Yoshioka. CyberFilm specifications for generalized graph search algorithms. In Proceedings of IASTED International Conference on Advances in Computer Science and Technology, pages 129.134, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 2006.
	A multimedia programming approach for the generalized graph search (traversal) algorithms is considered. It is based on a concept of cyberFilm, which is a set of multimedia frames defining algorithmic features. Through these frames, the user can represent computational steps and specify gactivityh within the steps. Each set of multimedia frames, represented by a special icon, is supported by a set of template programs to generate corresponding executable codes. Such icons and sets of template programs behind them provide powerful repetitive-type constructs for specifying computational algorithms. The main contributions of this paper are an introduction of a cyber- Film developed for the generalized graph search algorithms and a description of the template programs supporting this cyberFilm.
[nikmir-10:2006]	K. Kanev, N. Mirenkov, and A. Urata. Parking Simulation and Guidance in a Model Environment. In Proceedings of the Japan-China Joint Workshop on Frontier of Computer Science and Technology, pages 116.120, Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan, 2006.
	This work is dedicated to a parking simulation and guidance environment based on remote controlled car models operated over digitally encoded surfaces and monitored by a computer system that provides virtual views and guidance. The tangible part of the environment consist of physical car models that can be touched, moved by hand and steered by wireless modules. A controlling computer system can remotely sense model car positions and orientations through the Cluster Pattern Interface (CLUSPI, embedded into the flooring of the model environment. Based on that the controlling computer maintains a virtual reality representation of the model environment and uses it for producing additional views and for providing guidance to users.The tangible parking simulation and guidance model environment has the potential to augment traditional classroom learning and to bridge the gap between driving theory and practice. Potential application areas could be driving schools, events for increasing driving safety awareness and others.
[nikmir-11:2006]	K. Kanev, N. Mirenkov, and A. Urata. Fine Position Sensing for Parking Simulation and Guidance. In Proceedings of the Ninth Int. Conf. on Human and Computers, pages 56.59, Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan, 2006.
	In this work we discuss parking facilities enhanced with digitally encoded signs and surfaces that could greatly facilitate car local position and orientation tracking and thus serve as a basis for steering and automated parking. As a proof of concept we build an experimental system, based on a 1/10 remote controlled car with a wireless camera and a corresponding computer system. Specialized Cluster Pattern Interface (CLUSPI software analyzes images obtained by the wireless camera and determines local position and orientation of the model car. Obtained tracking data, when mapped to the geometry of the model parking facility, allows for early detection of potential collisions and thus for appropriate steering guidance. Further, by mapping to virtual models of real cars and parking facilities far more realistic visualization and simulations could also be provided. Possibilities for enhancing learning and comprehension through self-explanatory components and multiple views are under consideration. Potential applications of the experimental model system could be training and evaluation of steering and parking skills.
[nikmir-12:2006]	K. Kanev, N. Kamiya, and N. Mirenkov. Communicating Mathematics Through Digitally Enhanced Documents. In Int. Conf. on Communicating Mathematics in the Digital Era, Aveiro, Portugal, 2006.
	In this, work possibilities for digital enhancement of existing materials in mathematics and related subjects with additional content and functionality that could augment comprehension by bringing in self-explanatory components, multiple views and information sources on demand are explored. Analysis of existing educational materials for math classes is conducted and appropriate procedures for preparation of experimental educational content are clarified. Examples based on exiting and original math lessons printed content, additional digital content and corresponding links and references are considered. Small-scale educational experiments in controlled laboratory environment are planned where the sample digitally enhanced educational content is used for verification of our method. Obtained results are expected to serve as a basis for building practical implementations that could be directly used for more efficient communication of math concepts and ideas in the course of the teaching process and elsewhere.
[nikmir-13:2006]	H. Migiyama, T. Hayashi, and N. Mirenkov. A Picture Language Translator. In Proceedings of IEEE Japan-China Joint Workshop on Frontier of Computer Science and Technology, pages 121.128, Aizu- Wakamatsu, Japan, 2006.
	Picture languages are an attractive basis for communication. However, it is difficult to represent and understand accurate meaning in such languages. So,we are developing an approach where pictures with captions are allocated on positions of a 2D structure and special translators generate corresponding sentences in natural languages. These positions have pre-defined meaning and represent a multimedia hieroglyph. The hieroglyph is a complex picture (a multimedia sentence) including more simple pictures (multimedia words). In this approach the fhieroglyph writingf is reduced to selecting appropriate multimedia words through special interface panels without necessity to user keyboards. As a result, the users can send and receive multimedia messages, though they have never used a computer before. In this paper, methods and implementation techniques for translating multimedia hieroglyphs into English are explained.
[nikmir-14:2006]	M. Kotani and N. Mirenkov. A New Educational System for Children. In Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Humans and Computers, pages 113. 118, Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan, 2006.
	A new type of educational systems based on self-explanatory components and oriented to developing childrenfs vocabulary is presented. A self-explanatory component represents the meaning of a word via a multiple view which is shown by a set of different media. This approach is also based on an association technique providing additional features of the self-explanatory components.
[rentaro-01:2006]	Y. Watanobe, N. Mirenkov, and R. Yoshioka. Algorithmic cyberFilm Language. In Proceedings of the IEEE Frontier of Computer Science and Technology, pages 178.185. IEEE, Nov. 2006.
	A general overview of a visual programming language, the algorithmic cyberFilm language, is presented. The description focuses on the syntax and semantics aspect of the language.
[vazhenin-03:2006]	D. Vazhenin and A. Vazhenin. Movie-Based MultimediaMatrix Library. In Proc. of the 2006 IEEE International Conference onMultimedia and Expo (ICME006), pages 1069.1072, Toronto, Canada, July 2006. IEEE, IEEE Computer Society.
	The paper describes a library supporting effective programming anddesign of matrix algorithms and programs. The important feature ofproposed library is the visual algorithm representation using amovie-based approach. The user has a deal with special multimedia objects

Chapters in Book

[nikmir-15:2006]

K. Kanev, N. Kamiya, and N. Mirenkov. Communicating Mathematical Concepts Through Digitally Enhanced Documents, page chapter in book: Communicating Mathematics in the Digital Era. A.K.Peters Press, 2007.

In this chapter a method and corresponding technological means for digital enhancement of existing materials in mathematics and related subjects with additional content and functionality that could enhance comprehension by bringing in self-explanatory components, multiple views and information sources on demand are proposed. Existing technologies for linking digital information to paper based documents are analyzed and direct interaction methods and corresponding implementations are investigated. Applicability of the innovative Cluster Pattern Interface CLUSPIfor embedding digital content and references to digital texts, images, sound, video and other multimedia content into traditional materials for math studies and research is evaluated.

Grants

[nikmir-16:2006]	N. Mirenkov. Ministry of Education Scientific Research Fund, 2005-2007.
[rentaro-02:2006]	R Yoshioka. Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, 2006-2008.
[rentaro-03:2006]	R Yoshioka. Subsidy from the Fukushima Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Education, 2006.
[vazhenin-04:2006]	A. Vazhenin. The Fukushima Prefectural Foundation for Advancement of Science andEducation, 2005-2007.
[vazhenin-05:2006]	A. Vazhenin. Ministry of Education Scientific Research Fund, 2005-2007.

Academic Activities

[nikmir-17:2006]	Nikolay Mirenkov, 2006. Member, the IFIP Working Group 10.3 (Concurrent Systems)
[nikmir-18:2006]	Nikolay Mirenkov, 2006. Associate Editor, the Tamkang Journal of Science and Engineering, International Journal
[nikmir-19:2006]	Nikolay Mirenkov, 2006. Member of ACM and IEEE
[nikmir-20:2006]	Nikolay Mirenkov, Sep. 2006. Member of the Program Committee, International conference HC-2006, Japan
[nikmir-21:2006]	Nikolay Mirenkov, Sep. 2006. Member of the Program Committee, International conference CIT-2006, Korea
[rentaro-04:2006]	R. Yoshioka, Sept. 2006. Programming committee member
[vazhenin-06:2006]	A. Vazhenin, Jan. 2006. IEEE Member
[vazhenin-07:2006]	A. Vazhenin, Jan. 2006. ACM Member

Ph.D. and Other Theses

[nikmir-22:2006]	Atsushi Hasegawa. Master Thesis: Attaching Digital Information to Paper Materials Using Camera Interface, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Nikolay Mirenkov
[nikmir-23:2006]	Tetsuro Hoshi. Master Thesis: A Visual Environment for Robot Controlling, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Nikolay Mirenkov
[nikmir-24:2006]	Hiroshi Migiyama. Graduation Thesis: New Type of English and Japanese Learning System for Children, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Nikolay Mirenkov
[nikmir-25:2006]	Kazuhiro Mori. Graduation Thesis: Camera based interface for severe disable people, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Nikolay Mirenkov
[nikmir-26:2006]	Taiichirou Hayashi. Graduation Thesis: Generating and presenting the word candidateswithin interfaces of F-communication environment, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Nikolay Mirenkov
[rentaro-05:2006]	Kagawa Shinki. Graduation Thesis: A Visual Editor for I/O Interfaces of Softwar Components, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Yoshioka, R.
[rentaro-06:2006]	Toshiaki Kato. Graduation Thesis: A Method to Augment Mixed Reality with Haptic Devices, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Yoshioka, R.
[rentaro-07:2006]	Kazuki Shinagawa. Graduation Thesis: A Search Method for Algorithms based on Application Features, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Yoshioka, R.
[vazhenin-08:2006]	Ai Watanabe. Graduation Thesis: Visual References Specifications in Movie-based Programming, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: A. Vazhenin
[vazhenin-09:2006]	Hirotaka Utsumi. Graduation Thesis: Movie-based Programming: Specification of ControlLines and Structures, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: A. Vazhenin
[vazhenin-10:2006]	Kenichi Seino. Graduation Thesis: Verification Tools For WWW-based DistanceLearning Environment, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: A. Vazhenin
[vazhenin-11:2006]	Hirotaka Utsumi. Graduation Thesis: Teacher-Student Workplaces for DistanceLearning Environmen, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: A. Vazhenin
[vazhenin-12:2006]	KentaroWatanabe. Master Thesis: Project Management Tools for WEB-based ProgrammingEnvironment, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: A. Vazhenin
[vazhenin-13:2006]	Yutaka Okazaki. Master Thesis: WEB-monitoring of Remote Applications, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: A. Vazhenin
[vazhenin-14:2006]	Mayumi Nishiyama. Graduation Thesis: Group Operations in Movie-based Programming, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: A. Vazhenin

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