HPEC 2008

The conference is over, and my talk completed. It went well.

Still no Erdos Number. Need to think more.

GPU VSIPL

I've released GPU VSIPL: http://gpu-vsipl.gtri.gatech.edu.

After HPEC 2008, I'll upload slides and the extended abstract we will present at the conference. Additionally, we plan to include our own test suite, extended coverage of VISPL Core Profile [matrices, linear algebra, and signal processing functions in 1- and 2-D], and a document on writing high-performance VSIPL applications with GPU VSIPL.

Exciting times.

Cluster Names

In a meeting today, we got onto the topic of project names and then computer naming schemes. Any new cluster needs unique and memorable identifiers for each machine. Numbers are too sterile, so clever administrators strive to select a theme capable of generating thirty or more unique names that still convey membership of the group.

Ada suggested the "vogue" cluster with nodes named after designers. We then sat around tossing out ideas for the GPU cluster being proposed. Here were several of the more amusing ideas

* dead comedians (already in use by CoC)
* high-end automobiles
* Disney characters
* 3rd world dictators

Here are a few more to have on hand in case I ever need them:

* coffee terms (already in use by emma+andy)
* classic video games
* characters in Les Miserables (spelling might be prohibitive, and eponine can be expected to crash before your simulation ends...)
* characters in practically any classic novel (Catch22, Whuthering Heights..)

Audience participation: add to the list.

Wireframe

I spent some time tinkering with the HTML canvas tag and got this working in not too much time: wireframe cube. Reminds me of high school.

That said, it's odd it took the web this long to include a 2D rendering target that's less sophisticated than GDI+.

Backx0r

As many of you know, I bike from this apartment to school. It's a fun ride that has just enough hills to make each commute a workout. Consequence: I get roughly two 15-minute periods of vigorous exercise every weekday whether I want it or not. With showers in the CRC and a change of clothes on hand, it's fairly convenient.

Several things that aren't, though, are the gates at this apartment complex. They are triggered by induction loops, coils of wire embedded in the pavement that detect vehicles by measuring the change in inductance of the loop when an electrical conductor passes near by. The rear gate is especially challenging since repaving has hidden the coils, and I believe it is not particularly sensitive.

However, a bit of online research and a brief experiment have changed all that. I can open it with impunity now. No need for bizarre aluminum blocks taped to my feet.

--

School and research are going well. I'm involved with a new lab doing research into heterogeneous multicore systems. Additionally, I'm taking GPU VSIPL to dizzying new heights with support for matrices and various linear algebra solvers all getting more than 20x speedups from your trusty GPU. Additionally, in 20 short days, I'll be presenting an awards paper at HPEC 2008. This makes me nervous.

Coolest class ever: Dynamic Compilation. Our semester project will be CUDA=>IBM Cell/BE translator. Stop laughing.

--

I'm taking some time to organize all the code I've written in the past that may be effectively reused. Stand by for libkerr and kerrutils.