Abstract
We present a distributed optimization algorithm for estimating a continuous function such
as temperature or pollution over a geographic region, e.g., a road network. The estimate is
generated from samples taken by sensors placed alongside roads or in cars driving along them.
We employ piecewise estimation, that is, we divide the region into sectors and find an estimate
for each sector, e.g., a polynomial or a line, so that their union is a continuous function that
minimizes some global error function. The computation is distributed by designating a node
(either virtual or physical) that is responsible for estimating the function in each sector. The
estimate is then computed based on the samples taken in the sector and information from
adjacent nodes.
The algorithm works in networks with bounded, yet unknown, latencies. It accommodates
dynamic inputs (samples) and node arrivals and departures. Our algorithm converges to the
global optimum with only local communication, using a novel, distributed implementation of
coordinate ascent optimization.
as temperature or pollution over a geographic region, e.g., a road network. The estimate is
generated from samples taken by sensors placed alongside roads or in cars driving along them.
We employ piecewise estimation, that is, we divide the region into sectors and find an estimate
for each sector, e.g., a polynomial or a line, so that their union is a continuous function that
minimizes some global error function. The computation is distributed by designating a node
(either virtual or physical) that is responsible for estimating the function in each sector. The
estimate is then computed based on the samples taken in the sector and information from
adjacent nodes.
The algorithm works in networks with bounded, yet unknown, latencies. It accommodates
dynamic inputs (samples) and node arrivals and departures. Our algorithm converges to the
global optimum with only local communication, using a novel, distributed implementation of
coordinate ascent optimization.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 5th Annual International Systems and Storage Conference |
| Subtitle of host publication | SYSTOR '12 |
| State | Published - 2012 |