Dr. R. Zoughi
Applied Microwave Nondestructive Testing Laboratory (amntl)
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Missouri University

Evolution of Microwave and Millimeter Wave Imaging for NDE Applications

Co-sponsored by IEEE IMS TC-36

Time & Date: 9:40 am—11:00 am, Friday, March 17th, 2017
Location: ADM 026, UBC, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/44113
and
Time & Date: 4:00 pm—5:00 pm, Friday, March 17th, 2017 (CANCELLED)
Location: E 103, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/44505

Talk Abstract: Millimeter-wave signals span the frequency range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz, corresponding to a wavelength range of 10 mm to 1 mm. Signals at these frequencies can easily penetrate inside dielectric materials and composites and interact with their inner structures. The relatively small wavelengths and wide bandwidths associated with these signals enable the production of high spatial-resolution images of materials and structures. Incorporating imaging techniques such as lens-focused and near-field techniques, synthetic aperture focusing, holographical methods based on robust back-propagation algorithms with more advanced and unique millimeter wave imaging systems have brought upon a flurry of activities in this area and in particular for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) applications. These imaging systems and techniques have been successfully applied for a wide range of critical NDE-related applications.

Although, near-field techniques have also been prominently used for these applications in the past, undesired issues related to changing standoff distance have resulted in several innovative and automatic standoff distance variation removal techniques. Ultimately, imaging techniques must produce high-resolution 3D images, become real-time, and be implemented using portable systems. To this end and to expedite the imaging process while providing a high-resolution images, the design and demonstration of a 6″ by 6″ one-shot, rapid and portable imaging system (Microwave Camera), consisting of 576 resonant slot elements, was completed in 2011. Subsequently, efforts were expended to design and implement several different variations of this imaging system to accommodate one-sided and mono-static imaging, while enabling 3D image production using non-uniform rapid scanning of an object, as well as increasing the operating frequency into higher millimeter wave frequencies. These efforts have led to the development of a real-time, portable, high-resolution and 3D imaging microwave camera operating in the 20-30 GHz frequency range which was recently completed. This presentation provides an overview of these techniques, along with illustration of several typical examples where these imaging techniques have effectively provided viable solutions to many critical NDE problems.

Speaker Biography: R. Zoughi received his B.S.E.E, M.S.E.E, and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering (radar remote sensing, radar systems, and microwaves) from the University of Kansas where from 1981 until 1987 he was at the Radar Systems and Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL). Subsequently, in 1987 he joined the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU), where he established the Applied Microwave Nondestructive Testing Laboratory (amntl). He held the position of Business Challenge Endowed Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering from 1995 to 1997 while at CSU. In 2001 he joined the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T), formerly University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR), as the Schlumberger Distinguished Professor. His current areas of research include developing new nondestructive techniques for microwave and millimeter wave testing and evaluation of materials (NDT&E), developing new electromagnetic probes and sensors to measure characteristic properties of material at microwave frequencies, developing embedded modulated scattering techniques for NDT&E purposes and real-time high resolution imaging system development. He is the author of a book entitled “Microwave Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation Principles”, and the co-author of a chapter on Microwave Techniques in an undergraduate introductory textbook entitled “Nondestructive Evaluation: Theory, Techniques, and Applications”. He has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards both at CSU and Missouri S&T. He is the co-author of over 585 journal papers, conference proceedings and presentations and technical reports. He has eighteen patents to his credit all in the field of microwave nondestructive testing and evaluation. He was the recipient of the 2007 IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society Distinguished Service Award, the 2009 American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Research Award for Sustained Excellence, and the 2011 IEEE Joseph F. Keithley Award in Instrumentation & Measurement. In 2013 he and his co-authors received the H. A.

Wheeler Prize Paper Award of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (APS) related to the design of 24 GHz real-time microwave camera. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a Fellow of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement (2007-2011) and the President of the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society (2014-2015).

For further information please contact: Dr. Zheng Liu <zheng.liu@ubc.ca> and
Youry Khmelevsky (email: youry@ieee.org)
Refreshments will be provided

Md Shahrear Iqbal
School of Computing,
Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada

Secure Context Detection in Smartphones

Time & Date: 5:30 pm–6:30 pm, Thursday, February 16th, 2017
Location: EME 1151, UBC, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC

Talk Abstract: The availability of powerful smartphones and the necessity of security in mobile devices have made researchers propose multiple security modes (e.g., home, office, outdoor, and financial) for such devices. In each mode, a user can install a different set of apps. However, in most of the cases, the user has to select the mode manually. If we can sense the smartphone’s security context accurately, then it is possible to switch between different security modes automatically. Also, smartphone operating systems are becoming ubiquitous. As a result, mobile apps need to behave differently based on the security context (e.g., not sending the data if the network is insecure). In this talk, we focus on sensing different security parameters (e.g., location, is-network-encrypted) and calculating the security context from the parameters. We also talk about a security context management framework that maintains a cache of security contexts and parameters to be used by the operating system and third-party applications. As detecting contexts requires the use of power-hungry smartphone sensors, a comprehensive framework for sharing security parameters among various applications can be beneficial in terms of energy and other resource expenses.

Speaker Biography: Md Shahrear Iqbal is a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Computing, Queen’s University,Canada, where he is a member of the Queen’s Reliable Software Technology (QRST) research group. He also holds a faculty position in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) in Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh. He is currently doing research on the security of smart devices. He is also interested in future internet and cyber-security of smart cities. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in CSE from BUET. More information about his research and publications can be found at http://www.cs.queensu.ca/~iqbal.

For further information please contact: Dr. Md. Jahangir Hossain (jahangir.hossain@ubc.ca) and
Youry Khmelevsky (email: youry@ieee.org)
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/43547
Refreshments will be provided

Paige Tyler and Tim Sayler
Computer Science, Okanagan College

Machine Learning Workshop

Time & Date: 1:30 pm–4 pm, Thursday, February 2nd, 2017
and
Time & Date: 4:30 pm–7 pm, Thursday, February 2nd, 2017 (evening session)
Location: E107, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8

Talk Abstract: Machine learning is a category of computer science that involves the prediction of data based on the observation of patterns in previously gathered data. Microsoft has recently released Azure, a cloud computing service that makes machine learning algorithms available building, deploying and managing applications through Microsoft data centers. This workshop will start off with an overview of machine learning and its algorithms. We will then guide you on the basics of building and deploying some simple experiments and then break you off into groups to attempt your own experiments.

A representative from Microsoft Vancouver will participate in workshop.

What to Bring: a laptop

Speaker Biographies:
Paige Tyler is a second year student in the Computer Information Systems degree at the Okanagan College with an interest in machine learning. She has spent some time exploring Microsoft’s Azure Machine Learning service as a research assistant.

Tim Sayler is a third-year student studying in the degree program of Computer Information Systems at Okanagan College. His primary focus is software engineering, as well as machine learning and collaborating in an agile team environment. He has over 10 years of previous industry experience and works as a research assistant while attending Okanagan College.

Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/42254
Pizza will be provided after the talk. For further information please contact:
Youry Khmelevsky (email: youryNOSPAM@ieee.org)

McCall Milligan, Jim Nastos and
Jan O’Brien
Department of Institutional Research, Okanagan College

Data Analytics in Educational Institutions:
Building a Predictive Model for Student Enrolment

 Time & Date: 4pm–5pm, Wednesday, December 7th, 2016
Location: E103, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8

Talk Abstract: Now more than ever, planning and decision-making is data, rather than gut, driven. While there are many existing models for regression, prediction and learning, choosing an appropriate model involves understanding the associated data deeply. Often, choosing a standard model is still insufficient if the analyst is not customizing their model to handle the intricacies of their data.

We describe our development process of a Markov chain and Dynamic Markov Chain-based model for predicting college enrolments. The model is compared and contrasted against previously-attempted models. We include a demo of using our interface into the model, which allows for roughly 600 configurations of parameters, and many additional override value options.

The ideas presented here are applicable to many dynamical systems involving population migration in a discrete-time process.

Speaker Biography: Jim Nastos earned his PhD from UBC Okanagan in Interdisciplinary Studies. He is currently a College Professor of Computer Science at Okanagan College, and previously worked as an Institutional Research Data Analyst at Okanagan College, a math and computer science lecturer at the UBCO and a math lecturer at the UAlberta. His academic research has been published in mathematics, computer science, physics, social networks, bioinformatics and marketing venues.

McCall Milligan earned his bachelor of Applied Mathematics at UBC Okanagan. He will be entering an MSc program in financial modeling and risk analysis in 2017. McCall is currently working as an Analyst at Okanagan College in the Institutional Research and Planning office.

Jan O’Brien is Manager of Institutional Research and Planning at Okanagan College. She has been in higher education for over 20 years, in Faculty, co-op education and administration. The department works with data to support planning and evaluation of college programming. Jan earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Leicester and a bachelor of business administration degree from Simon Fraser University. Before working in higher education, Jan worked in technology marketing in Vancouver.

Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/42254
Pizza will be provided after the talk. For further information please contact:
Youry Khmelevsky (email: youryNOSPAM@ieee.org)

Keith MacIntyre, P.Eng.
President, Big Bear Software Inc.

Real World Software, Entrepreneurship & Community

Time & Date: 5pm–6pm, Monday, December 5^th, 2016
Location: E105, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8

Talk Abstract: Software Development can seem abstract at times when learning concepts, theories and algorithms. I will take you through my 18-year journey of writing and deploying large software applications, leading teams, working for start-ups and starting my own company. I will share with you my successes, and more importantly the lessons learned from my failures. I will talk about the importance of mentorship, choosing a company to work for and my approach to building teams. Lastly, I will demonstrate the importance of community within a company, and being an active member of the community you live in.

Speaker Biography: Keith MacIntyre graduated from the University of Alberta with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1998. He started writing software with some of the first home PC’s in the 1980’s. He quickly became a key software developer at General Dynamics Canada redeveloping election preparation and tabulation software for touch-screen voting systems used in numerous US elections. He has twice been the first employee for two start-ups that grew into successful 30+ person companies. He has personally written military tactical simulators used for training in the Middle East, chemical and nuclear disaster simulators used by the US Army, a pandemic flu simulator used by the Center for Disease Control, and many other products and systems. He has been running Big Bear Software Inc. for 13 years, 6 of those from Penticton. He is an active member of the community have been an executive member of JCI Penticton, a Director on the Chamber of Commerce, and ran in a municipal election for School Trustee, finding a balance between, work, community and raising his two sons.

Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/42253
Refreshments (& Pizza) will be provided. For further information please contact:
Youry Khmelevsky (email: youry@ieee.org)

Lee Vishloff PEng, IEEE WCP

Your First Wireless Product: Essential Things You Need to know.

Time & Date: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Tuesday, June 21st, 2016.
Location: E103, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd, Kelowna, BC V1Y4X8 (parking info).

Talk Abstract: That all-in-one radio IC data sheet says , “No RF experience required”. But is it true?
There are a host of things that one needs to understand when designing a wireless product.
The most important of these is making (or keeping) the product legal to sell. Then comes
performance. Poor wireless performance results in product support calls which will destroy
your profit margin and/or create many unhappy customers. In these days of high competition
and social media poorly performing products are a sure way to a quick product death.

What is Covered:
This seminar will cover the essential things you need to address in order to create a high quality
wireless product including:
1. Factors affecting radio performance
2. Regulatory requirements
3. Radio transmission basics
4. Making your product testable
5. RF issues you need to address
6. Ways to improve system availability and performance
7. Things to watch out for when using approved wireless modules.

Who Should Attend:
This seminar is relevant to:
* Designers new to wireless product development
* R&D team leaders and managers
* Product managers looking to add wireless capability to a product line
* Investors and budget managers in a company starting in wireless

Answer to the question:
Yes, but only if you don’t care about transmit power, receive performance and regulatory
approval.

Speaker Biography:  Mr. Vishloff is a wireless consultant working in the areas of cellular-based IoT solutions, short-range wireless products and EMC Consulting. He is a regular contributor to the IEEE Communications Society training program teaching several courses in Wireless Technology. He is the current chair of the IEEE Vancouver Section.

He has over 30 years of experience in wireless systems and product design. During his career he has designed a wide range of wireless products including satellite systems, terrestrial radio systems, short-range video, rural communications, aeronautical and others. Lee brings a wide range of practical experience with hands-on and management experience in wireless telecommunication systems, modem, RF, analog, digital, embedded firmware and mechanical design technologies.

Refreshments will be provided. For further information please contact:
Youry Khmelevsky (email: youry at ieee.org).
Registration Page: https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/40091