Research areas
The department’s teaching and research aim to facilitate cross-field integration through computer and information technology to broaden the scope of applications of information technologies. Here is an overview of our research areas:
1. Cloud Computing & Big Data Processing
Cloud computing is a kind of internet-based, on-demand computing where information and computing resources are provided as highly elastic and scalable services. Ever since Eric Schmidt of Google popularized the concept, cloud computing has been listed as top 10 strategic technology trends almost every year. All kinds of cloud services such as infrastructure-as-a-service(IaaS), platform-as-a-service(PaaS) and software-as-a-service(SaaS) are quickly becoming the service of choice by in industry. Big data is a broad term for data sets so large, complex, generated in high speed and variety such that traditional data processing technologies can no longer acquire, manage, process and analyze in reasonable time into human understandable form. Well known marketing research companies such as Gartner and IDC, as well as traditional mass media such as New York Times, all pointed out that the Big Data Era is here. Critical decisions in all areas will rely more and more on data analytics rather than experience an instinct. Our department has solid background and rich research results on related areas such as networking, database, parallel & distributed processing, and artificial intelligence. Cloud computing and big data processing will no doubt be on the front list of our research agenda, especially in areas such as mobile cloud computing, cloud-based IoT, mobile crowd sensing & computing and big data analytics.
2. Multimedia Systems
Multimedia integrates various types of information, text, still images, figures, animation, video, and audio, and brings the content to life for users. Our Media Lab provides perspective projection equipment and various immersive virtual reality devices. In addition to exploring multimedia’s applications for education and the sciences, we have a solid research and development team for interactive games. In 2006, our team was awarded the first prize Game Creation in 4C Digital Design Award. We also periodically invite excellent domestic or international scholars to open related short-term training programs to broaden our students’ horizons.
3. Computer Communication Networks and Mobile Computing
Because of the popularization of broadband and personal communication devices, the dreams of unrestricted communication and digital home via the internet are already made possible through mobiles or pin-sized trackers. This research field focuses on practical techniques in developing all sorts of networks and mobile multimedia applications to make our lives more convenient.
4. Data and Knowledge Base Systems
The continuous development of the internet has enabled many online databases to replace traditional physical libraries. Also, with the growing maturity of multimedia technologies, these data bases are now offering us much more diversified experiences. Data and Knowledge Base Systems are the core technology of intellectual information services.
5. VLSI Circuit and Embedded Systems Design
The research direction of the VLSI circuit is to develop technologies that place a bigger and more complicated integrated circuit (IC) construction into a smaller space while increasing the efficiency of the system. Currently Taiwan ranks number two worldwide in VLSI design, which is critical to the industrial advances of Taiwan. Embedded systems are the core for various microcomputer controls, digital homes, and mobile and ubiquitous computing devices. In this area, our research focuses on SOC, NOC, and embedded computing.
6. Parallel and Distributed Computing
The computing capabilities of one computer may be minor. However, we can use multi-core CPUs, link multiple computers or CPUs together to form clusters, or combine with networks to form grids, and increase processing efficiency through parallel and distributed computing. Do you remember the impressive match between Deep Blue, the chess computer, and the world chess champion Garry Kasparov? That was all accomplished by parallel and distributed computing.
7. Software Engineering
No matter how advanced the computer hardware and networks are, without the control and processing of software, it is impossible for the whole system to perform well. There is almost no limit to software design with humans’ imagination and creativity. Software engineering is the core of the research on software design, and the related knowledge and skills are essential to those who plan to take software development as a career path.
8. Cryptography and Information Security
Have you ever become stressed and annoyed with a computer virus? While electronic commerce is becoming more and more prevalent, how can we really ensure the safety of online transactions? How can we ensure that an important document of national security is only read by a certain group of people? How can we fight against hackers’ malicious invasions? Our courses and research on cryptology and information security can teach you how a network environment free of such worries is constructed.
9. Computing Theories and Algorithms
All modern scientific developments have solid theoretical bases, and computer science is no exception. Our courses and research are designed not only to bring cutting-edge technologies and research results to you, but equip you with a strong theoretical basis for the development of these technologies,promoting you from a “computer entusiast” to a true “computer scientist”.
10. Human-Machine Interaction Systems
Would it not be wonderful if one day all the computers, home electronics, and other machines (automobiles, elevators…) that are 100% loyal to you, are able to watch, listen, speak and present multimedia information to you in a more interesting and lively way? As long as we add intelligent sensors on them and grant them the capacity to present multimedia information, and design a “smart, intuitive, and friendly” human-machine interface, we humans and machines can efficiently work together towards an e-society defined by advanced technologies and a high quality of life.
11. Programming Languages and Compiler Systems
In this age of information explosion, as new generation computers keep replacing the old ones, programming languages in use also change and get updated constantly. We endeavor to delve deeper into the research on both theory and practice of next generation programming languages, and to broaden the application fields of compiling techniques to program optimization, embedded system design, and event processing etc.
12. Digital Board Game Researches
Human-Computer chess matches have been a popular topic regarding artificial intelligence research, and the computer chess program is one of the best milestones for human intelligence simulation. Our research now covers the topics of computer GO/Chinese chess game and chess game programming, intelligent computer-assisted skill-learning system, and online board game program. Our online board game programs are regularly brought to world-level contests every year and have been enjoying great success.
13. Bio-information
The Human Genome Project had a huge impact on the scientific community and society. Therefore, bio-technology is now the rising star among industries. As biotechnological data is rapidly accumulating over time, information scientists have become essential in this field. To welcome these bio-information waves, we, with other related departments of the College of Science and Engineering, are conducting joint research projects, and have prepared a bio-information program for you to explore this fascinating field.