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Anglian Coastal Programme of Events

 

Introduction

Welcome to our second half programme card for the 2007-2008 session. We hope you have enjoyed the events we have organised and run so far this year. We also thank you for the many responses and feedback we received to our recent survey on the annual dinner they have helped form the event described later in this booklet that you have asked for. Over the next few pages we present over 19 more events or visits organised for the coming months. We have also plans for a few more visits and events which haven’t been finalised yet. So for the latest event list please visit the Anglian Coastal Network Website at: http://www.theiet.org/anglian

Also ensuring your email address is up to date and registered with the IET for mailings will ensure you get updates direct to your email address.

Programme

Please click on the meeting title to view the poster with full details of the event.
Energy Alternatives? (Chairmans Address)
Date: 17th January 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Trevor Branton
Venue: Burrage Centre, James Paget Hospital,Gorleston.
Trevor will explore a number of alternative energy sources, looking from a perspective of realism not just idealism to examine their feasibility in the future.

Police Communications from Z to A
Date: 24th January 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Myles Hansen
Venue: Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock. Ipswich.

The speaker will review the development and application of telecommunications in the policing world, charting the close relationships between the changes in service demand, police operations and available technology. We will start with the early beginnings of mobile radio as depicted in the early 1960s TV series "Z Cars", moving forward through the decades to the latest "Airwave" digital technology. The focus will be on the application, and sometimes the limitations, of technology in human situations.

An Overview of Current EEG based Brain- Computer Interfaces
Date: 5th February 2008
Time: 6 for 6:30pm
Speaker: Dr Palaniappan
Venue: University of Essex, Wivenhoe. Nr Colchester.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is the electrical activity of the brain recorded by electrodes placed on the scalp. EEG signals are generally investigated for the diagnosis of mental conditions such as epilepsy, memory impairments and sleep disorders. In recent years there has been another application using EEG: for Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) designs. EEG based BCI designs are very useful for hands-off device control and communication as they use the electrical activity of the brain to interface with the external environment, therefore circumventing the use of peripheral muscles and limbs.

Some current applications of BCIs in communication system are for paralysed individuals to communicate with their surroundings through character/menu selection and in device control such as wheel chair movement, prosthetics control, flight and rehabilitative (assistive) technologies. For the general public, some of the possible applications are hands-off menu selection, flight/space control and virtual reality (entertainment). BCI has also been applied in biometrics. This research area is extremely exciting, and in recent times, there has been an explosive growth of interest in this revolutionary new area of science which would enable computers (and therefore any other reactive device) to be controlled by thought alone - the benefits for the severely disabled would be truly astonishing.

This talk will give an overview of the general elements in a BCI system and existing BCI methodologies; discuss the current applications of BCI devices in communication system and device control and describe the current challenges and future trends in BCI technology.

For a full abstract visit the Anglian Coastal website. http://www.theiet.org/anglian" after the lecture.

Lifeskills Course: Meeting Skills (3 hours).
Date: 7th February 2008
Time: 5:30 for 6pm
Venue: BT Adastral Park, Martlesham Heath. Nr Ipswich.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Click here to download a booking form for this event.
Understanding the skills required of controlling and leading meetings and of active participation in committees.
  • Step 1 - Attending Meetings
  • Step 2 - The Roles, Chair, Member etc.
  • Step 3 - Effective Participation
  • Step 4 - Responsibilities
  • Step 5 - Questioning Techniques
  • Step 6 - Taking Minutes
A good meeting is a group of people gathered together to discuss, debate and decide.
FREE for IET and IMechE Members and Students.
Book online at: http://www2.theiet.org/link.cfm?link=23214 or request a booking form from the honorary secretary.

Eurostar
Date: 11th February 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Alan Scott
Venue: Pinebanks, Harvey Lane, Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich.
Please note change from programme card

Construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, or High Speed 1 as it is now known, and the new international terminal at St Pancras was the biggest main line rail project in the UK for over one hundred years. The Eurostar service, which utilises HS1 for its high speed connections between London and the continent is now in its 13th year of operation and is still being developed. In September 2003 a class 373 Eurostar train set the UK rail speed record when it reached 208 mph on High Speed 1; this record is unlikely to be beaten in the foreseeable future. Eurostar trains now travel at 186 mph in passenger service every day on HS1.

This presentation will give a unique insight into some of the challenges and the solutions adopted during this project by two engineers who were involved throughout the project. One speaker will concentrate on the building and commissioning of the line while the second speaker will describe the unique features of the class 373 Eurostar rolling stock that allows high speed operations on the line while providing unrivalled comfort and safety to the passenger.

Present Around the World – Prize Presentation Competition (Northern)
Date: 20th February 2008
Time: 6 for 6:30pm
Venue: University of East Anglian, Norwich.
First Prize £150
Second Prize £75 if 4 or more entries.

This represents your opportunity to win some hard cash courtesy of the Institution. Just talk for 10 mins on an Engineering or Technology subject of your choice and be prepared to answer questions for a further five minutes! You can cover a subject studied for your degree or a project you’re involved in at work. The judging is split 25% Technical Content, 75% presentation skills enabling Younger Members of Varying levels of their studies or career to participate. Either enter or come and watch.

For more information see full rules and details on the Anglian Coastal website http://local.iee.org/anglian/meetings/briefing-20feb08.pdf or contact Mark Fisher at mhf (at) uea.ac.uk

Energy Alternatives? (Chairmans Address)
Date: 21st February 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Trevor Branton
Venue: Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, Nr Ipswich.

Trevor will explore a number of alternative energy sources, looking from a perspective of realism not just idealism to examine their feasibility in the future.

Network Security
Date: 27th February 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Iain Moffat
Venue: University of East Anglia, Norwich.

Iain Moffat has almost 20 years experience with networked computer systems including major security upgrade projects. In this talk he will describe the dangers that face home and small office computer systems in the 21st century and explain how to assess the risks and implement technical and procedural countermeasures. Iain will also demonstrate a range of free and online tools for audit, investigation, and repair.

Sir Eric Eastwood Commemorative Lecture "Harnessing Power from the Seas"
Presented by IET Eastern Regional Forum:
Date: 5th March 2008
Time: 6:30 for 7pm followed by hot buffet (optional)
Speaker: Hugh Peter Kelly
Venue: Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford.

Trident Energy Ltd is a UK marine renewables company that has developed a patented, new and uncomplicated technology for converting the energy of sea waves to electricity. Supported by private equity and government grants, Trident Energy has taken the idea from initial concept right through to the building and testing of the first full scale sea trial system off the Harwich coast. The lecture will trace the history of the development, illustrated by films and photographs, and touch on the true opportunity for marine renewable energy and its potential contribution towards reducing global warming.

All are welcome – you don’t need to be a member of the IET. The lecture is free but registration is essential as accommodation is limited. Register either: Cut of date for registration is 1st. February 2008.

RAF Bomber Command and Bletchley Park – The Combined Bombing Offensive.
Date: 6th March 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Wg Cdr John Stubbington
Venue: Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, Ipswich.

What was the operational connection between Signals Intelligence and the Combined Bombing Offensive against Germany during 1943-45? And where did Radio Countermeasures fit into this picture? The major units involved were Bletchley Park and the YService, the latter doing the signals intercept; RAF Bomber Command and the US Army Air Forces; and No.100 (Bomber Support) Group of the RAF based in East Anglia.

The operational connection between them has been obscure and now presents a fascinating story that has had little cohesive visibility. It covers significant developments and achievements within the operational application of Electrical and Electronic technologies, which were in their infancy during 1943-45 but which remain a corner stone of Military Operations today. The Speaker, Wing Commander John Stubbington RAF (Retired) served in Military Intelligence and has specialised in Radio Counter Measures

Boomerangs, Frisbees & Helicopters.
Date: 12th March 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Dr Richard Aldridge.
Venue: UEA, Norwich.
Please note change from programme card

More details coming soon !

Present around the World – Briefing Session
Date: 19th March 2008
Time: 6 for 6:30pm
Venue: University of Essex, Wivenhoe, Nr Colchester.

An opportunity to find out more about the competition on the 22nd April 2008 which offers a First Prize of £150 and a Runner-up prize £75 (subject to 4 or more entries).

Also get advice on presenting, what the judges will mark based on, an opportunity to practice a quick presentation in a friendly environment and to ask questions.

Machine Based Lip-Reading
Date: 16th April 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Dr Richard Harvey
Venue: University of East Anglia, Norwich.

If you have ever tried to chat someone up in a noisy bar or nightclub you will realise that everyone lipreads to some extent. However, as the Italian footballer Marco Materazzi discovered, not everyone lip-reads with the same skill. In this talk we will examine human lip reading and see how the skill might be implemented on a computer. We shall see that lip-reading is not just another kind of speech recognition and, because of this, lip-reading is turning out to be a problem of considerable scientific challenge.

Eurostar.
Date: 17th April 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Alan Scott
Venue: Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, Ipswich.

For Synopsis see event on 11th Feb.

Annual Dinner
Date: 18th April 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Venue: Churches Restaurant, Ipswich.

By popular demand we have arranged a relaxing evening for IET Members, Guests and Friends in a Bistro style restaurant.

Come and join other members of the IET and friends for a relaxed meal and chance to meet new people at the excellent Church’s Restaurant in Central Ipswich. Church’s Restaurant and Wine Bar is situated in a quiet, picturesque part of the busy Ipswich town centre. Church’s Restaurant and Wine Bar is situated in a quiet, picturesque part of the busy Ipswich town centre.

Church’s is housed in a building which is ‘Grade II’ listed and is over 400 years old. The wonderful oak beams and layout helps visitors to appreciate it’s historic charm. Whilst the décor blends ‘old’ and ‘new’ in a tasteful way. As soon as you enter the front door you will feel relaxed in the warmth of the surroundings. The staff are friendly and will make you feel at home.

Views from the windows in the first floor restaurant during an evening meal you will overlook the illuminated gardens and church spire, a truly enchanting experience!

More details on the menu and price will be published in January 2008 but this event is certainly not to be missed so stick it in the diary now. More details or advance bookings can be gained from John Ames john.r.ames (at) btinternet.com We look forwards to seeing you there. More Details soon at this web site!

Present around the World – Prize Presentation Competition (Southern)
Date: 22nd April 2008
Time: 6 for 6:30pm
Venue: University of Essex, Wivenhoe, Nr Colchester.
First Prize £150
Second Prize £75 if 4 or more entries.
Either enter or come and watch. See details for Northern Event for more information or contact David Higgins at djhiggins (at) theiet.org

From Biological Systems to Intelligent Robots
Date: 8th May 2008
Time: 6 for 6:30pm
Speaker: Prof. Huosheng Hu
Venue: University of Essex, Wivenhoe, Nr Colchester.

After recent advancement of computing and robotics technologies, intelligent robots are soon ready to serve us in our home, hospital, office and everywhere. They are mobile, autonomous and interactive, inspired from behaviour demonstration of biological systems. A number of new application areas have currently received significant interests in the robotics community, including medical robots, service robots, education robots and entertainment robots, etc. However, these robots face a number of challenges. Firstly, they have to deal with uncertainty within the systems, such as sensor noise, actuator inaccuracy, and components failure. Secondly, they have to handle a huge uncertainty in the real world, which is dynamically changing over time. To catch up these changes in real time is very difficult since no sensor is able to work in all the situation and circumstances. Thirdly, inspiration from biological systems is an important issue to be addressed in the design of intelligent robots since it could provide some guidance to solve the problem. Finally, human-robot interaction is a key for success, including communicating with and navigation around humans.

This seminar talk presents our current research work toward the development of advanced theory and technologies for intelligent robots, based on inspiration from biological systems. More specifically, biomimetic system modelling, head gesture based control of a wheelchair, and human motion tracking are discussed respectively, and some preliminary results are demonstrated.

A full abstract will be posted at a later date.

Visit to SAR operations at RAF Wattisham
Date: 10th May 2008
Time: 10:15 am
Venue: RAF Wattisham, Nr Ipswich.

The IET Anglian Coastal Network has arranged a summer visit to RAF Wattisham to visit the SAR (Search and Rescue) Flight. Due to space and security constraints this is a ticket only visit and limited to 15 places to be allocated on a first come first served basis. Entrance to the airfield requires attendees to have a current British Passport. Warning this event will be very popular and with limited spaces will fill up quickly. If you are interested in joining the trip please contact Ray Barrett at ray.t.barrett (at) btinternet.com

Linux – The other PC operating system.
Date: 15th May 2008
Time: 6 for 6:30pm
Speaker: Iain Moffat
Venue: BT Adastral Park, Martlesham Heath, Nr Ipswich.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Although modern personal computers are mostly associated with Microsoft(R) operating systems it has never been the only choice. Linux, developed originally by Linus Torvalds in Finland during the early 1990s has become the most successful other operating system for Intel Pentium based PCs. Historically more used for servers than desktop or home computers, the increasing standardisation of document and graphics formats means that a range of office, graphics and internet applications able to exchange documents with Microsoft(R) counterparts is now available. Linux is attractive because it is free (being developed mostly in the academic world and by volunteer contributors), requires a lower minimum hardware specification for a viable system, and because it inherits the design of the UNIX(R) operating system which is inherently modular and secure.

This lecture will aim to demonstrate the capabilities of Linux and describe the basics of installing, using and maintaining a Linux PC

To book a space for this event please send an email to David Higgins djhiggins (at) theiet.org

Maintaining the V-Force Response Time.
Date: 22nd May 2008
Time: 7 for 7:30pm
Speaker: Ray Barrett
Venue: Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, Ipswich.

The RAF V-bomber deterrent maintained the peace throughout the Cold War with 3 different types of Vbomber. The talk will cover the magic that produced a bomber deterrent in such a short time. It will also cover some of the roles the aircraft undertook to ensure the deterrent was flexible.

The speaker will reveal some of the advanced techniques that provided as large a deterrent as possible for every day of the year whilst providing professionalism unequalled by any other air force.

Coming Soon

Keep an eye on the website for more lectures and visits and a preview of events coming up including:
  • Futurology
  • Summer Visit to Shuttleworth Collection
  • Wiring Regulations
  • and more….



For further information please contact the Hon. Secretary:

David J. Higgins MIET
25 Tennyson Road
Saxmundham
Suffolk
IP17 1WU




























Version 2007/005b IGM 21-JAN-08