Design and evaluation of browser-to-browser video conferencing in WebRTC

Edan, N. M., Al-Sherbaz, A. and Turner, S. J. (2017) Design and evaluation of browser-to-browser video conferencing in WebRTC. Proceedings of 2017 Global Information Infrastructure and Networking Symposium (GIIS) - WCAMCS’17.

Abstract
This paper describes the Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) technology and the implementation of its clients and server. The main aim is to design and implement WebRTC video conferencing between browsers in real implementation using Chrome and (Wired & WiFi) of LAN & WAN networks. Also, an evaluation of CPU performance, bandwidth consumption and Quality of Experience (QoE) was achieved. Moreover, a signalling channel between browsers using the WebSocket protocol via Node.js platform has been created and executed. This paper will give web developer an opportunity to comprehend the WebRTC technology, as well as to understand how to design WebRTC video conferencing.


All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

WebNSM a novel scalable WebRTC signalling mechanism for many-to-many video conferencing.

Edan, N. M., Al-Sherbaz, A. and Turner, S. J. (2017) WebNSM a novel scalable WebRTC signalling mechanism for many-to-many video conferencing. In: IEEE Conference on Collaboration and Internet Computing. San Jose, California, USA: IEEE.

abstract
There is a strong focus on the use of Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) for many-to-many video conferencing, while the IETF working group has left the signalling issue on the application layer. The main aim of this paper is to create a novel scalable WebRTC signalling mechanism called WebNSM for many-to-many (bi-directional) video conferencing. WebNSM was designed for unlimited users over the mesh topology based on Socket.io (API) mechanism. A real implementation was achieved via LAN and WAN networks, including the evaluation of bandwidth consumption, CPU performance, memory usage, maximum links and RTPs calculation; and Quality of Experience (QoE). In addition, this application supplies video conferencing on different browsers without having to download additional software or user registration. The results present a novel signalling mechanism among various users, devices and networks to open one or multi rooms at the same time using the same server, determine room initiator to keep the session active even if the initiator or another peer leaves, sharing new user with current participants, etc. Moreover, this experiment highlights the limitations of CPU performance, bandwidth consumption and using mesh topology for WebRTC video conferencing.

All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

A new channel selection algorithm for the Weightless-N Frequency Hopping with lower collision probability.

Abbas, R., Al-Sherbaz, A., Bennecer, A. and Picton, P. (2017) A new channel selection algorithm for the Weightless-N Frequency Hopping with lower collision probability. In: 8th International Network of the Future (NoF) Conference Proceedings. London: IEEE. (Accepted)

Abstract
There are different techniques used by Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications technologies to mitigate collision problem and data loss. One of these techniques is Frequency Hopping (FH), which is used by Weightless-N technology with a special random channel selection algorithm. In such a system, the probability of a message collision mainly depends on the randomisation algorithm used to access channels. This paper provides a novel randomisation algorithm for the channel selection process of the Weightless-N system. The new proposed algorithm is based on a uniform randomisation distribution and called a Uniform Randomisation Channel Selection Technique (URCST). This new algorithm provides a better system performance and lower probability of collision. In addition, it is faster and easier than the Mersenne Twister algorithm.


All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Northampton Computing Publications this year so far - September 2017

Ajam, H. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) A study of recent contributions on performance and simulation techniques for accelerator devices. In: International Conference on Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Turkey: IEEE ICEEE. (Accepted) https://doi.org/10.1109/ICEEE2.2017.7935829 Ajam, H., Ramdhany, R., Hammond, M. and Mu, M. (2017) A middleware to enable immersive multi-device online TV experience.In: Proceedings of the ACM International Conference on Interactive Experiences for TV and Online Video. New York: ACM. (Accepted) https://doi.org/10.1145/3084289.3089919 Ajit, S. (2017) Exam as an assessment instrument in computer programming courses: student perceptions. Poster presented to: 6th International Assessment in Higher Education Conference (AHE 2017), Manchester, United Kingdom, 28-29 June 2017. Ajit, S., Holmes, C., Johnson, J., Kolovos, D. S. and Paige, R. F. (2017) Model-based tool support for Tactical Data Links: an experience report from the defence domain. Software & Systems Modeling. 16(2), pp. 559-586. 1619-1366. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10270-015-0480-2 Al Barrak, A., Al-Sherbaz, A., Kanakis, T. and Crockett, R. G. M. (2017) Enhancing BER performance limit of BCH and RS codes using multipath diversity. Computers. 6(2) 2073-431X. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers6020021 Al Barrak, A., Al-Sherbaz, A., Kanakis, T. and Crockett, R. G. M. (2017) Utilisation of multipath phenomenon to improve the performance of BCH and RS codes. In: 8th Computer Science & Electronic Engineering Conference. New York: IEEE. 978-1-5090-2050-8. pp. 6-11. Al-Dabbagh, M., Al-Sherbaz, A. and Turner, S. J. (2017) The future vision of intelligent transportation system. Poster presented to: 3rd Connected & Autonomous Vehicles R&D (CAV3) Competition Briefing Event, London, 23 August 2017. Al-Mahmood, A. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) A study of FPGA-based System-on-Chip designs for real-time industrial application. International Journal of Computer Applications. 0975-8887. (Accepted) Al-Rubaye, Z., Al-Sherbaz, A., McCormick, W. D. and Turner, S. J. (2017) Sheep in Northampton use smart device as a sensor. [Image]. Northampton: The University of Northampton Al-Waisi, Z. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) An overview of on-chip cache coherence protocols. In: IEEE IntelliSys Conference 2017 Proceedings. London: IEEE. (Accepted) Al-Zoiny, S. and Al-Sherbaz, A. (2017) Connected Health Services in Smart Technologies. UK: Kobo Publisher. 1230001603163. Azasoo, J., Kuada, E., Osei Boateng, K. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) An algorithm for micro-load shedding in generation constrained electricity transmission network. Paper presented to: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power and Energy Society (PES) PowerAfrica Conference 2017, Accra, Ghana, 27-30 June 2017. (Accepted) Coulter-Smith, L. (2017) Changing minds: multitasking during lectures. In: Springer Computer Science Proceedings. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer-Verlag. (Accepted) Fawcett, L., Mu, M., Hareng, B. and Race, N. (2017) REF: enabling rapid experimentation of contextual network traffic management using Software Defined Networking. IEEE Communications Magazine. 0163-6804. (Accepted) Hill, G., Turner, S. J. and Childs, K. (2017) The answers not on the screen. Paper presented to: 13th China Europe Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE), Athens, Greece, 24-25 May 2017. (Accepted) Manh Phan Hung, D., Manyam Seshadri Naidu, S. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) Architectures for cloud-based HPC in data centers. In: IEEE International Conference on Big Data Analysis. Beijing, China: IEEE. (Accepted) Mu, M., Stokking, H. and Den Hartog, F. (2017) Network delay and bandwidth estimation for cross-device synchronized media. In: Montagud, M., Cesar, P., Jansen, J. and Boronat, F. (eds.) Mediasync: Handbook on Multimedia Synchronization. U.S.: Springer. pp. 1-28. (Accepted) PMCid:PMC5467036 Ofori-Attah, E., Bhebhe, W. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) Architectural techniques for improving the power consumption of NoC-based CMPs: a case study of cache and network layer. Journal of Low Power Electronics and Applications. 7(2) 2079-9268. https://doi.org/10.3390/jlpea7020014 Olajubu, O., Ajit, S. and Turner, S. J. (2017) Automated test case generation from high-level logic requirements using model transformation techniques. In: Proceedings of 9th Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CEEC'17). IEEE. (Accepted) Opoku Agyeman, M., Vien, Q.-T., Hill, G., Turner, S. J. and Mak, T. (2017) An efficient channel model for evaluating Wireless NoC architectures. In: 2016 International Symposium on Computer Architecture and High Performance Computing Workshops (SBAC-PADW). Online: IEEE. 978-1-5090-4844-1. pp. 85-90. PMid:28808578 PMCid:PMC5551012 Opoku Agyeman, M. and Zong, W. (2017) An efficient 2D router architecture for extending the performance of inhomogeneous 3D NoC-based multi-core architectures. In: 2016 International Symposium on Computer Architecture and High Performance Computing Workshops (SBAC-PADW). USA: IEEE . 978-1-5090-4844-1. pp. 79-84. Opoku Agyeman, M., Zong, W., Yakovlev, A., Tong, K.-F. and Mak, T. (2017) Extending the performance of hybrid NoCs beyond the limitations of network heterogeneity. Journal of Low Power Electronics and Applications. 7(2) 2079-9268. https://doi.org/10.3390/jlpea7020008 Saleh Alalaki, M. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) A study of recent contributions on simulation tools for Network-on-Chip (NoC).International Journal of Computer Systems. 4(3) 2394-1065. (Accepted) Turner, S. J. (2017) Experience of using spreadsheets as a bridge in the understanding of AI techniques. Paper presented to: 13th China Europe Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE), Athens, Greece, 24-25 May 2017. (Accepted) Vien, Q.-T., Le, T. A., Phan, C. V. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2017) An energy-efficient NOMA for small cells in heterogeneous CRAN under QoS constraints. Paper presented to: 23rd European Wireless (EW), Dresden, Germany, 17-19 May 2017. (Accepted) Vien, Q.-T., Opoku Agyeman, M., Le, T. A. and Mak, T. (2017) On the nanocommunications at THz band in graphene-enabled Wireless Network-on-Chip. Mathematical Problems in Engineering. 1024-123X. (Accepted) Yuan, J., Lorenz, F., Lommatzsch, A., Mu, M., Race, N., Hopfgartner, F. and Albayrak, S. (2017) Countering contextual bias in TV watching behavior: introducing social trend as external contextual factor in TV recommenders. In: ACM International Conference on Interactive Experiences for Television and Online Video (ACM TVX). The Netherlands: ACM. (Accepted)

All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Robots, junk and four weeks

Some of the text taken from: https://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/robots-fruit-and-computer-coding-sixth-formers-get-a-taste-of-university-research/ by University of Northampton Press Team

A select group of sixth-form pupils has spent the summer working on a series of research projects at the University of Northampton.

Nathaniel Roberts, spent his time at the University making a junkbot – a robot made from waste items, such as a drinks can, powered by a kit.

He then coded the junkbot to make it move and used his experiences to produce an instruction manual for junkbot beginners.

Nathaniel said: “The project has taught me how to manage myself, set aims and work towards completing them, and given me an insight into how to write a technical manual in language that’s informative and easy to understand.”

Michael Welsh, from Kettering Buccleuch Academy, spent the summer programming a robot to learn how to follow a straight line, using sensors.

He said: “It works as a concept, but pretty difficult to get it right in practice, and has meant lots of methodical research. I’d like a career in computer science and this project has been pretty intense and demonstrated things can be a lot more work than you initially assume, but I like a challenge.”

Hiren Mistry, from Caroline Chisholm School in Northampton, learnt how to program a robot before creating a set of tasks for Year 7 pupils to do the same.

He said: “It’s been fairly tricky, with a lot of research and testing, and has given me a real insight into computer science.”

The University’s Associate Professor in Computing and Immersive Technologies, Dr Scott Turner, said: “The Nuffield placements have been incredibly successful. The students were all set very challenging university level projects and have enjoyed a real taste of the work we do here.

“I was very impressed with their commitment and aptitude for their subjects and am sure they will all go on to be a success at university, should they choose to go down that route.”


Related Links to the work.

• Robot control by a neuron
• Crumbly Toilet Roll Junkbot
• Minecraft to move USB Raspberry Pi Robot Arm
• How to use PS3 controller to move USB robot arm
• Turner, Scott; Welsh, Michael (2017): neuralbitbot. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.5358406.v1

In the news

• Northampton Chronicle and Echo - University of Northampton opens doors to sixth formers for holidays

• Northamptonshire Chamber  - Robots, fruit and computer coding – sixth-formers get a taste of university research

• All Things Business - Robots, fruit and computer coding – sixth-formers get a taste of university research

All opinions in this blog are the Author's and should not in any way be seen as reflecting the views of any organisation the Author has any association with. Twitter @scottturneruon


All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Award-winning Coding Competition launched

Great news the award-winning Coding Competition is being launched at the moment: http://www3.northamptonshire.gov.uk/councilservices/children-families-education/schools-and-education/information-for-school-staff/coding-competition/Pages/default.aspx 

This is a collaboration between:

• The University of Northampton, 
• Northamptonshire County Council, 
• Code Club 
•  Worshipful Company of Information Technologists.

The rules have been changed to allow teams from all over the UK now to participate.

·         How old do I need to be to enter the competition?Team members must have been born between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2009

·         How many team members do we need to enter the competition?
Teams need to consist of between three to six members of children of the eligible age.

·         How do we register our team?
A teacher, adult supervisor or Code Club volunteer needs to register your team on the Coding Competition website. The individual responsible for registering your team must be able to demonstrate UK residency.

Hope this is of interest. The hashtag for this is #TheCodingComp

 https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%23TheCodingComp

All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

BCS Bedford : Scratch: programming language for 5 years old and beyond

Scratch: programming language for 5 years old and beyond

Jackie Samosa

CAS Bedford Hub Leader, 

Assistant Headteacher at Mark Rutherford School

Tuesday, 12^th September 2017

6.45-8.00pm

(Registration starts at 6:30pm)

The Park Inn Hotel, 2 St Mary's Street,

Bedford MK42 0AR

(Free Parking at the rear – Inform Hotel Reception)

The ‘new’ national curriculum for Computing was introduced in September 2014. The curriculum includes coding for children from Year 1 (age 5) and goes all the way to Key Stage 3 (age 14) and beyond.  At the younger age, popular programming languages include Scratch, Kodu and Alice. Scratch is a graphical programming language that could be used to create stories, games, and animations without a single line of ‘traditional’ code. It is a project from the MIT Media Lab and is free to use. Jackie Samosa is the Assistant Head teacher of Mark Rutherford School and leader of the Bedford Hub of Computing at School. She helps local school teachers to deliver the Computing Curriculum and a crucial member of the local school team of the BCS BedfordSchool Coding Competition. In the meeting, Jackie shall take us through a coding example and help us know how we can best support our school children. The professionals can learn about the newer generation of coding languages. Scratch runs through an online browser, bring your own laptop, tablet or even try using your phone.

Register online at: https://events.bcs.org/book/2685/

Agenda

6.30pm                         Registration, refreshments and networking

6:45pm                         Scratch Tutorial – Jackie Samosa, 

7.45pm                         AGM

8.00pm                         Opportunity to network and talk to the speaker

If you would like to the join the BCS Bedford Branch or would like additional informational, please send an email tosabongo@gmail.com

All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Miniproject: Infographics on Tweetchats

I have been playing with the different presentation tools for teaching and assessment. One of the tools I came across is Piktochart (https://piktochart.com/) an interesting tool for producing infographics. 


To give it some meaning I looked at how I would produced infographics for two Tweetchats #lthechat and #caschat with the data coming from the social network analysis tool SocioViz (socioviz.net).

The two infographs are shown below. Please let me know, through the comments what you think.







All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon