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CPA 2006 Fringe Programme

Fringe sessions takes place during the Sunday and Monday evening (8:00 - 10:00 PM). A typical presentation might be just 10-20 minutes, though this may expand to allow for interrupts from, and discussion with, the audience.

The arrangements are very informal. The ideas floated are un-refereed and represent recently completed work, work-in-progress, kite flying and outright provocation. We aim for a maximum of interaction between presenters and audience - a workshop. There are no written proceedings to go with this fringe - the work and ideas reported will be too new.

Below are details of the presentations offered so far. There is still space for further offers (email: cpa2006@wotug.org), so this is only a provisional timetable. Session allocation and ordering may differ from the following list.

Sunday, 17th. September, 2006 (20:00 - 22:00)

A New Class Loader and Networked Mobile Channel Models for JCSP.
Kevin Chalmers, School of Computing, Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland.
 
Abstract. At last year's conference, we introduced the jcsp.mobile package.  Unfortunately, observations on the behaviour of the class loading and connection mobility constructs have brought to light several issues with JCSP's existing approaches to these problems.  This presentation discusses new models for both the class loader and mobile channel constructs.  The class loader model allows code namespaces based on the origin of the received class, whereas the mobile channel model borrows from that of Mobile IP.
Exploring Processes in Real-Time.
Christian Jacobsen, Computing Laboratory, University of Kent, England.
 
Abstract. Recent discussions on the occam-com mailing list have centred around the usefulness of providing interactive interfaces to process oriented programing. Both REPLs and graphical environments were mentioned. This talk will demonstrate how the Transterpreter can be used to drive a graphical environment in which occam-pi processes can be created, connected and destroyed ... while the system is executing!
A Dynamic Parallel Pattern with Mobile Processes and Channels.
Kevin Chalmers, School of Computing, Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland.
 
Abstract. The Farmer-Harvester-Worker model has been used for a number of years. In this presentation, we discuss how applying mobility to the processes and channels involved can lead to a model that is dynamic in nature, allowing Farmers to join and leave the system, and Workers to do likewise.  The model has been applied in part on a Beowulf Cluster, and initial experimentation results are presented.
Making Music with occam-pi.
Adam Sampson, Computing Laboratory, University of Kent, England.
 
Abstract. In the last twenty years of electronic music, the boundaries between programming and composition have become increasingly blurred. This talk will show how musicians can make use of process-oriented techniques during live performance.
The UASSS Meeting Organiser System.
Jon Kerridge, School of Computing, Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland.
 
Abstract. Using PDA devices, a live demonstration of the Ubiquitous Access to Site Specific Services system shall be given.  This will involve a meeting organiser system that shall allow devices to access a centralised server and either book meetings, or be given the location of a meeting already taking place.

Monday, 18th. September, 2006 (20:00 - 22:00)
A Process-Oriented Biological Simulation in occam-pi (20 million processes and counting ...)
Carl Ritson and Peter Welch, Computing Laboratory, University of Kent, England.
 
Abstract. A fine-grained massively-parallel process-oriented model of platelets (potentially artificial) within a blood vessel is presented.  This is a CSP design, expressed and implemented using the occam-pi language. It is part of the TUNA pilot study at York/Surrey/Kent. The aim is to engineer emergent behaviour from the platelets, such that they respond to a wound in the blood vessel wall in a way similar to that found in the human body - i.e. the formation of clots to stem blood flow from the wound and facilitate healing. The architecture for the three dimensional model (relying strongly on the dynamic and mobile capabilities of occam-pi) is given, along with mechanisms for visualisation and interaction.  A live demonstration will be attempted. If time, an initial approach to distributing the simulation across a cluster of nodes will be described.  This allows finer resolution (and accuracy) in the model or improved performance - or both.  The biological accuracy of the current model is very approximate.  However, its process-oriented nature enables continuing refinement (through the addition of processes modelling different stimulants/inhibitors of the clotting reaction, different platelet types and other participating organelles) to greater and greater realism.
LibCSP2 for the Xilinx Microkernel demonstration.
Bernhard Sputh and Oliver Faust, Department of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
 
Abstract. In this fringe presentation we demonstrate how to do concurrent system designs based on the libCSP2-XMK library.  This library provides CSP style channels for the Xilinx Microkernel (XMK).  The libCSP2-XMK library is a port of Richard Beton's libCSP library for PCs to the embedded environment of the Xilinx Microkernel.  This library solves a number of problems in embedded concurrent systems.  Embedded concurrent systems exhibit a variety of concurrent entities such as: threads, processors, and logic implementations.  Designs based on libCSP2-XMK are more reliable compared to designs using a bare XMK because the library abstracts all communication such that CSP paradigms can be applied.  Furthermore, libCSP2-XMK simplifies design and implementation.  This simplification reduces of the number of bugs in the embedded system.
A New occam-pi Compiler.
Fred Barnes, Computing Laboratory, University of Kent, England.
 
Abstract. This talk will take a look at a new occam-pi compiler (NoCC) currently under development at the University of Kent.  The ultimate aim is to have this compiler replace the existing occam-pi compiler (originally from Inmos) within KRoC.  Like the existing compiler, NoCC is written in C, but in a style not entirely unlike aspect-orientation.  The principle aims are maintainability (both of the compiler and input languages), portability (producing code for different architecture) and flexibility (to allow easy experimentation of new language features).  In addition to a limited but working subset of occam-pi, the compiler supports MCSP (covered in the main presentation "Compiling CSP") and parts of a BASIC-like language.