Title: Parallel sorting

Class: CA4

Persons: 1

Skills: Strong programming skills, especially knowledge of parallelism

Outputs: Working algorithms, timing analysis.

Difficulty: Technically difficult.

The primary task is to implement a multiway parallel sorting algorithm with maximum efficiency. The technical difficulty lies in discovering how to merge n sorted sequences in parallel using O(n) processors, where n can be arbitrarily large. The performance of the solution should be measured against other parallel sorting algorithms (to be supplied). There is also the opportunity to invent or suggest other algorithms for sorting in parallel.

Title: Mobile alert management

Class: CA4

Persons: 1 (possibly 2)

Skills: Good programming skills, especially knowledge of programming Android or iOS mobile devices.

Outputs: Mobile app for either Android or iOS or both.

Difficulty: Technically difficult.

Write an app that allows the user to manage how they are alerted when their mobile device receives a call, an SMS text message, or an e-mail. It must allow fine control, including recognising the sender, the nature of the incoming information, and the location of the receiver. The app can be developed for either Android or iOS. If two persons take on the project, then additional functionality and/or deployment on both platforms will be required.

Title: Stolen car detection

Class: CA4

Persons: 2

Skills: Good programming skills, especially knowledge of programming Android or iOS mobile devices.

Outputs: Mobile app for either Android or iOS or both.

Difficulty: Challenging

Assume a mobile phone with a location detection facility is secured in a car. How can it be used (i) to detect the theft of the car, and (ii) to aid in its recovery. There are many different approaches to theft detection, some of which will be suggested. The most appropriate one should be selected and implemented. Additionally, once a theft has been detected, how might the in-car mobile phone be used to help in recovering it. Again, there are many different approaches to this, so some selection will need to be made. As an optional extra, and if there is the necessary appropriate technical knowledge, additional functionality can be added by interfacing the in-car mobile with the car engine. Practical considerations must be taken into account, such as powering the phone. The development team could be 3 persons if significant additional functionality is added. Output of the project is working demonstrable software.

Title: Stolen car tracking

Class: EC4

Persons: 2

Skills: Good knowledge of internet, database, and mobile technologies. Good analytic and writing skills. People-facing skills.

Outputs: Report with recommendations on service for tracking stolen cars, and accompanying presentation.

Difficulty: Average

Design and do a technical and business feasibility study for a service that helps track stolen cars. Car users who have their car stolen would register with the service. The service will have negotiated agreements with operators of ANPR equipment to report sightings of stolen vehicles in real-time. ANPR stands for automatic number plate recognition and is commonly deployed by operators of car parks, speed cameras, tolling, etc. The issues to be addressed are not simply technical but legal (esp. data protection) and commercial. The commercial aspect involves finding out and negotiating with at least two ANPR operators, and funding the service. What other uses might the application serve? Could the system be linked to police services? The outputs will be a report, and an accompanying demonstrator which can consist of screen mock-ups and/or a smart 5- to 10-minute online presentation. The success of the project relies on the participants having the people-facing skills to seek out and conduct interviews with providers of ANPR equipment.

Title: An innovative application

Class: CA3/CA4/EC4

Persons: 1 or 2

Skills: As appropriate

Outputs: Working demonstrable software, or a design proposal, technical outline, and mock-ups for a large-scale complex application

Difficulty: Appropriate to level and number of participants

Propose your own project that has some innovative quality to it, such as a new app, a new on-line service etc. For applications of modest scale, working software must be produced. For a large-scale complex application, it may suffice to propose a design, make mock-ups, and establish the technical feasibility.