Cakes 2008
Why is it called 'Cakes'?
Maybe it stands for Computing's Advanced Knowledge Extension Seminars... Maybe it's because we bribe people to attend with a selection of free cakes and drinks? You decide.
Cakes is the group that brings students from Lancaster University Computing Department together for presentations, discussions and social events.
Next 2008 Event
21/11/2008, Infolab C60a (small atrium meeting room) 10.00-11.00am: Exploring the Design of Pay-Per-Use Objects in the Construction Domain - Dr. Dan Fitton
Equipment used in the construction domain is often hired in order to reduce cost and maintenance overhead. The cost of hire is dependent on the time period involved and does not take into account the actual use equipment has received. This paper presents our initial investigation into how physical objects augmented with sensing and communication technologies can measure use in order to enable new pay-per-use payment models for equipment hire. We also explore user interaction with pay-per-use objects via mobile devices. The user interactions that take place within our prototype scenario range from simple information access to transactions involving multiple users. This paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a prototype pay-per-use system motivated by a real world equipment hire scenario. We also provide insights into the various challenges introduced by supporting a pay-per-use model, including data storage and data security in addition to user interaction issues.
Presentations and Discussions
For more information see here.
These are held throughout the year and announced at least one week before. Typically, presentations by students and researchers are made on projects close to completion, or material about to be presented at conferences and workshops. Periodically, guests speakers from outside the university may also present material. Where no presentations are available, discussions will be offered.
This is a good opportunity to practise your demonstration and gain valuable feedback from a friendly group of your peers.
The PhD Away-Day
The Cakes presentations, discussions and socials all lead up to the PhD away day. The away-day is part presentation based, part social; it allows us to get an overview of other work going on in the department and escape from the confines of Infolab for a few days.
About 30 people attended the away-day in July, staying in a castle, participating in activities and visiting some caves.
Some photos, slides and some music from the trip are online
Social Events
Cakes is also responsible for organising the Computing Department's social events. We hope to get people together once (or more!) each term so that people can get to know each other in a setting outside of work.
Other talks in the department
The department provides a number of reading groups, but no one seems to know who runs what. If anyone wishs to contribute information, please let us know.
Help needed!
The Cakes team is the group of volunteers (normally students from the Computing Department) responsible for organising all of the above. You can help by:
- volunteering for and suggesting presentations, discussions and socials (the department may pay some expenses for external speakers);
- volunteering to help organise the away day in 2007, and provide any ideas on where to go;
- providing any comments;
- attending the events (keep Wednesday 2pm free)!
This is for you run by you, so your assistance is crucial to its success!