29 Jul 2024

Faster devices, smarter phones? UH project aims to boost computing efficiency

A project aiming to revolutionize how computers organize and process data, potentially leading to faster, more efficient devices for consumers, has received a three-year, $600,000 National Science Foundation grant.

Led by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Department of Information and Computer Sciences Professor Nodari Sitchinava and his research group called Algorithms and Parallel Computing Group, the project will tackle two main challenges in modern computing: maximizing the use of multiple processors and improving memory utilization. Sitchinava seeks to develop new data structures that address both issues simultaneously.

person headshot
Nodari Sitchinava

The research could significantly impact everyday technology. Consumers might see smartphones running apps faster while using less battery power. The project’s outcomes could benefit various sectors, from streaming services to scientific simulations.

“Users might experience faster scientific computations, more responsive gaming and better performance in resource-intensive applications,” Sitchinava said. “Additionally, the research may contribute to energy savings in data centers, potentially reducing the environmental impact of digital services.”

The research will explore four main areas:

  • combining existing techniques for faster information retrieval,
  • developing systems for simultaneous data access and modification,
  • improving efficiency of repeated actions, and
  • determining the limits of these new methods.

Through these investigations, Sitchinava aims to create new data structures that optimize both parallel processing and memory utilization, potentially revolutionizing how computers handle information.

The project offers paid research opportunities for college students, fostering the next generation of computer scientists. Interested students can visit the Algorithms and Parallel Computing Group website or email Sitchinava at nodari@hawaii.edu.

While the technical aspects of the research involve complex concepts, the end goal is simple: to create more efficient software that improves user experience across all digital platforms.

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in the UH Mānoa College of Natural Sciences.