The Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS) is an interdepartmental laboratory for research and education in systems, communication, and control. LIDS is staffed by faculty, research scientists, and graduate students from the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Aeronautics and Astronautics, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as the Sloan School of Management. Research at LIDS falls into four main areas.
Research in Communication and Networks includes fundamental work on networks, information theory, and communication theory. The work extends to applications in satellite, wireless and optical communications, and data networks. The objective is to develop the scientific base needed to design efficient, robust, and architecturally clean data communication networks. Topics of current interest include network architectures at all layers; power control; multiple antenna techniques; network coding; media access control protocols; routing in optical, wireless, and satellite networks; quality of service control; failure recovery; topological design; and the use of pricing as a mechanism for efficient resource allocation.
The Statistical Signal Processing group analyzes complex systems, phenomena, and data subject to uncertainty and statistical variability. Research ranges from basic theory, methodologies, and algorithms to challenging applications in a broad array of fields. Applications for this research include multi-sensor data assimilation for oceanography, hydrology, and meteorology; biomedical image analysis; object recognition and computer vision; and coordinated sensing and processing of large, distributed arrays of micro-sensors.
Work in Optimization looks at analytical and computational methods for solving optimization problems arising in engineering and operations research. It has applications in communication networks, control theory, power systems, and computer-aided manufacturing. In addition to linear, nonlinear, dynamic, convex, and network programming, the solution of large-scale problems, including the application of neuro-dynamic programming methods, are also emphasized.
Control and System Theory group deals with problems related to complete systems analysis design, including learning and system identification, controller design and optimization, and basic analysis of distributed systems involving the interaction of information and control. Theoretical research quantifies the fundamental limitations and capabilities of learning and feedback control for various classes of systems in the presence of dynamic uncertainty. Application-oriented work includes control architectures for single and multiple unmanned aerial vehicles and controllers for piloting epitaxy in semiconductor manufacturing. Modeling aspects of the nervous system, conducted in collaboration with other laboratories are also a focus.
For further information about LIDS, contact the director, Professor Vincent W. S. Chan, Room 32-D608, 617-253-2142.