Performance Engineering Lab @ NUI Galway

NUI Galway PEL - people

Dr. Hugh Melvin
Email: hugh.melvin@nuigalway.ie
Telephone: +353 (0)91 493716

BACKGROUND

I am at heart an engineer and the path to NUI Galway reads as follows :

Mechanical Engineering degree from University College Dublin, 1988.
Engineering business with the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), the main Power Company in Ireland. Held a variety of positions within the company before moving to Moneypoint Power Station, Kilrush, Co.Clare as Maintenance Manager (Electrical/Instrumentation). Moneypoint is a 1000MW station, employing advanced microprocessor-based distributed control and information systems.
Degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Limerick 1997.
Based at the Discipline of IT, NUI Galway since 1997

Post-graduate Diploma in Software Design/Development in 1998.
Research Masters Degree (M.Sc. Applied Computing & IT) in Internet-based Information Systems in May 2000.
My PhD (2004) examined the potential of synchronised time to enhance VoIP (Voice over IP) Quality of Service (QoS).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Research interests include Quality of Service/Quality of Experience (QoS/QoE) of Internet Multimedia along with supporting protocols and technologies, Distributed Synchronised Time & Timing, SmartGrid, Energy & Environmental Informatics and Cybersecurity for Safety Critical Systems.

My PhD focused on the potential for enhanced VoIP (Voice over IP) Quality of Service (QoS) through use of synchronised time. This research was carried out in conjunction with the Performance Engineering Laboratory (PEL) at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin. My industrial background is in Power Engineering Systems and this expertise and interest is reflected in my research within the broadly based Ryan Institute with particular focus on the Energy Research Centre at NUI Galway.

In the context of Distributed Synchronised Time, I am involved in two US-based projects. The first is Time Aware Applications, Computers & Communication Systems (TAACCS) whereby Time Awareness can bring significant benefits to a wide range of application domains. See www.taaccs.org for more details. Secondly, US NIST have launched a Cyber Physical Systems Public Working Group where I serve as Academic co-chair on the timing strand. See www.cps-pwg.org for details. In context of QoS and QoE, I represent Ireland in two related EU COST projects. See http://www.cost-across.nl and http://www.qualinet.eu .

See also www.osna-solutions.com for details of research into Cybersecurity for ICS.

PUBLICATIONS

Conference Papers
1. O' Flaithearta, P., Melvin, H., Schukat, M., A QoS Enabled WiFi AP, IEEE/IFIP QoE Centric Management (QCMan 2014), Krakow, Poland, May 2014

2. White, M., Melvin, H., Schukat, M., The Impact of Dynamic Monitoring Interval Adjustment on Power Consumption in Virtualized Data Centers, IT&T, DCU, May 2014

3. Hines, A., Pocta, P., Melvin, H., Detailed Comparative Analysis of PESQ AND VISQOL Behaviour in the context of playout delay adjustments introduced by VOIP Jitter Buffer Algorithms, QoMex, Klagenfurt, Jul 2013.

4. O' Flaithearta, P., Melvin, H. , Optimising QoS of VoIP over Wireless LAN via Synchronized Time, IEEE World of Wireless Mobile and Multimedia Networks (WOWMoM), Madrid, Jun 2013

5. O' Flaithearta, P., Melvin, H., Schukat, M., Improving VoIP over Synchronized WLANs, Digital Technologies, Zilina, Jun. 2013.

6. Melvin, H., O' Flaithearta, P., Shannon, J., Beloqui Yuste, L., Time Synchronization within Multimedia Applications: Opportunities & Challenges, Digital Technologies, Zilina, Jun. 2013.

7. Shannon, J., Melvin, H., Ruzzelli, A., Dynamic Flooding Time Synchronisation Protocol for WSNs, Globecomm, Anaheim, Calif. US , Dec 2012

8. Beloqui Yuste, L. , Melvin, H. , Interactive Multi-source Media Synchronisation for HbbTV, International Conference on Intelligence in Next Generation Networks (ICIN) - MediaSync Workshop , Berlin, Oct. 2012.

9. Beloqui Yuste, L. , Melvin, H. , Client-side Multisource Media Streams Multiplexing for HbbTV, ICCE, Berlin , Sept. 2012

10. Curry, E., Hasan, S., White, M., Melvin, H., An Environmental Chargeback for Data Center and Cloud Computing Consumers, In First International Workshop on Energy-Efficient Data Centers, Springer, Madrid, Spain, pp. 117-128, May 2012.

11. Beloqui Yuste, L. , Majeed, S.,Melvin, H. , Fleury, M., Effective synchronisation of Hybrid Broadcast and Broadband TV, ICCE, Las Vegas, Jan 2012

12. Stapleton, O., Melvin, H., Pocta, P., Quantifying the effectiveness of PESQ (Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality), in coping with frequent time shifting, Proceedings of MESAQIN (Measurement of Speech, Audio and Video Quality in Networks), Prague, Jun. 2011.

13. Corcoran, P.,Melvin,H., Synchronisation Issues for Smartgrid,, IARIA ENERGY 2011, Venice, May 2011

14. Shannon, J., Melvin, H., O hOgartaigh, R., Ruzzelli, A., Synchronisation Challenges within Future Smart Grid Infrastructure, IARIA ENERGY 2011, Venice, May 2011.

15. Melvin,H., Synchronisation Challenges for SmartGrid, (ITSF) Intl. Telecom Synchronisation Forum http://www.telecom-sync.com/, (Co-presented with Ronan O HOgartaigh, ESB Networks), Dublin, Nov. 2010.

16. Shannon, J., Melvin, H. , Synchronisation Challenges within Future Smart Grid Infrastructure, submitted Oct 2010.

17. O' Flaithearta, P., Melvin, H. A Dynamic Delay Equalization VoIP over Wireless Module for NS-2, Digital Technologies, Zilina, Nov. 2010.

18. Beloqui Yuste, L. , Melvin, H., Enhanced IPTV Services through Time Synchronisation, International Symposium on Consumer Electronics, Braunschweig Jun. 2010.

19. O' Flaithearta, P., Melvin, H., NS-2 Extension for Dynamic Optimization within Multiple VoIP Sessions over Wireless Networks, Digital Technologies, Zilina, Nov. 2009.

20. Beloqui Yuste, L., Melvin, H., Inter-media synchronization for IPTV: A case study for VLC, Digital Technologies, Zilina, Nov. 2009.

21. Shannon, J., Melvin, H., Synchronisation Challenges for Wireless Networks, Digital Technologies, Zilina, Nov. 2009.

22. O' Flaithearta, P., Melvin, H., NS-2 Extension for Dynamic Optimization within Multiple VoIP Sessions over Wireless Networks, Digital Technologies, Zilina, Nov. 2009.

23. Melvin, H., O' Flaithearta, P., Shannon, J., Beloqui Yuste, L., Time Synchronisation at Application Level: Potential Benefits, Challenges and Solutions, (ITSF) Intl. Telecom Synchronisation Forum http://www.telecom-sync.com/, Rome, Nov. 2009.

24. O' Flaithearta, P., Melvin, H., 802.11e EDCA Parameter Optimization Based on Synchronized Time, Proceedings of MESAQIN (Measurement of Speech, Audio and Video Quality in Networks), Prague, Jun. 2009.

25. Sofiene Jelassi, Habib Youssef, Melvin, H., A Self-tuned Quality-Aware De-jittering Buffer Scheme of Packetized Voice Conversations, (MESAQIN) Measurement of Speech, Audio and Video Quality in Networks, Prague, June 2009.

26. Melvin, H., O' Flaithearta, P., Shannon, J., Benefits and Challenges of Delivering Synchronisation across Wireless Networks, International Telecoms Synchronisation Forum, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Munich, Nov. 2008.

27. Kivlehan, D., Melvin, H., Development of a Web-Based Technology Engine for ABA Delivery, Irish Learning Technology Association, EDTECH 2008, Dundalk, May 2008.

28. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., Corcoran, P., Time & Timing Issues within the Wireless Home Environment, Invited Speaker, International Telecoms Synchronisation Forum, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), London, Nov. 2007.

29. Corcoran, P., Melvin, H., Playback Synchronisation Techniques for Networked Home Appliances, International Conference on Consumer Electronics (www.icce.org), Las Vegas, Jan. 2007.

30. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., Synchronisation Issues for IP-Based Multimedia Terminals, Invited Speaker, International Telecoms Synchronisation Forum, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Prague, Nov. 2006.

31. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., Synchronisation of Internet Multimedia Streams: Some Issues and Solutions, Work In Progress Proceedings of the Real Time Systems Symposium, RTSS 2005, Miami, Dec. 2005.

32. Varley, M., Melvin, H., An Evaluation of Mouth-to-Ear (M2E) Delays Caused by VoIP Endpoints, IT & T Conference, Cork, Oct. 2005.

33. Lynch, J., Melvin, H., An Evaluation through Emulation of the DiffServ Architecture, IT & T Conference, Cork, Oct. 2005.

34. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., A study of the relative extent of playout adjustments within VoIP applications and their impact on the MOS scale, (accepted paper) IASTED International Conference on Web Technologies, Applications, and Services (WTAS 2005), Calgary, Jul. 2005.

35. McCarthy, P, Melvin, H., A Supply Chain Framework to Secure the Future of the Irish Beef Farming Sector, The 5th Conference of the European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food and Environment/ The 3rd World Congress on Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources, EFITA/WCCA2005, Portugal, Jul. 2005.

36. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., Exploring the Extent and Impact of Playout Adjustments within VoIP Applications on MOS Scores, Proceedings of MESAQIN (Measurement of Speech and Audio Quality in Networks), Prague, Jun. 2005.

37. Lynch, J., Melvin, H., An Architecture for Network Analysis and Emulation, The Irish Signals and Systems Conference (ISSC) 2004, IEE Conference proceedings p134-139, Belfast, Jun. 2004.

38. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., An Assessment of the Applicability of Delay-Aware VoIP Applications in the Current Internet, Proceedings of 3rd International IFIP-TC6 Networking Conference, Networking 2004, Athens, May. 2004.

39. Quinn, P., Melvin, H., Lyons, G., and Duggan, J., Implementing time synchronisation within a multi-agent based system in an e-commerce environment, IT&T Conference 2003, Letterkenny, Ireland, Oct. 2003.

40. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., An Integrated NTP-RTCP Solution to Audio Skew Detection and Compensation for VoIP Applications, IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo (ICME), Baltimore, Maryland, Jul. 2003.

41. Melvin, H., Murphy, An Evaluation of the Potential of Synchronised Time to Improve Voice Over IP Quality, IEEE International Conference on Communications, Anchorage, Alaska, May 2003.

42. Quinn, P., Melvin, H., Lyons, G., and Duggan, J., An evaluation of the performance of the Network Time Protocol (NTP) in Ireland, IEI/IEEE Telecommunications Systems Research Symposium 2003, Dublin, May 2003.

43. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., An investigation into the use of synchronised time to improve VoIP service, 1st Joint IEI/IEE Symposium on Telecommunications Systems Research, Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 27th 2001.

44. Melvin, H., Shearer, A., Globally Synchronised Information Systems via Global Positioning System (GPS) and RealTime Operating Systems Technologies (RTOS), Institute of Navigation GPS Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, Sep. 2000.

45. Melvin, H., Shearer, A., Delivery of Cost-effective Global Information Systems over non-deterministic networks, International Conference on Information Systems Analysis and Synthesis (ISAS 2000), Orlando, Jul. 2000.

International Journals
1. Beloqui Yuste, L. , Melvin, H., A Protocol Review for IPTV and WebTV Multimedia Delivery Systems, Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina, vol 14, 2012

2. Jelassi, S., Rubino, G., Melvin, H., Youssef, H. , Pujolle,G., Quality of Experience of VoIP Service: A Survey of Assessment Approaches and Open Issues, IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials. 2012.

3. Melvin, H., Murphy, L Synchronisation of Multimedia Streams: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions, Recent Patents on Computer Science, 2010, Vol. 3, No. 3, 2010

4. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., An Assessment of the Applicability of Delay-Aware VoIP Applications in the Current Internet, Lecture Notes in Computer Science LCNS Vol. 3042, Springer-Verlag , May 2004, pp. 320-331.

5. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., Time Synchronization for VoIP Quality of Service, IEEE Internet Computing, Internet Telephony Special Edition, May-Jun. 2002, pp. 57-63.

Department of IT Journal Publications
1. Furey, B., Melvin, H., An Evaluation and Simulation of VoIP Testbed Conditions Resulting in Additional Mouth-to-Ear Delays, Dept. of Information Technology Academic Journal, NUI, Galway, Ireland (NUIG-IT-231104), 2004.

2. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., Internet Telephony: Performance gains through use of Synchronized Time, Dept. of Information Technology Academic Journal, NUI, Galway, Ireland (NUIG-IT-291103), 2003.

3. O'Neill, T., Melvin, H., An Evaluation of the Level of Support for Voice provided by the Operational DCF Mode within the 802.11b Specification, Dept. of Information Technology Academic Journal, NUI, Galway, Ireland (NUIG-IT-281103), 2003.

4. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., An investigation into the use of synchronous time to improve VoIP service, Dept. of Information Technology Academic Journal, NUI, Galway, Ireland (NUIG-IT-240901), 2001.

5. Melvin, H., Shearer, A., Globally Synchronised Information Systems via Global Positioning System (GPS) and RealTime Operating Systems Technologies (RTOS), Dept. of Information Technology Journal, NUI, Galway, Ireland, Dec. 2000.

International & National Seminars/Workshop Publications
1. Melvin, H., O' Flaithearta, P., Shannon, J., Benefits and Challenges of Delivering Synchronisation across Wireless Networks, Performance Engineering Laboratory Seminar Series, UCD , Dublin, Nov. 2008.

2. Melvin, H, Murphy, L., Corcoran, P., Time & Timing: Past, Present and Future, Department of Information Technology Seminar, Nov. 2007.

3. Melvin, H. Time & Timing Issues for IP based Multimedia, Invited Speaker, Time & Frequency Club/Location and Timing KTN Meeting , National Physical Laboratory, London, Nov 2007

4. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., Synchronisation Issues for Internet Multimedia Terminals: Invited Speaker, European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), Speech and Transmission Quality (STQ) Group, Galway (Hosted at NUI,G) , Apr. 2006.

5. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., Internet Telephony: Benefits and Issues relating to use of Synchronised Time, Invited Speaker, European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), Speech and Transmission Quality (STQ) Group. No. 15, Dusseldorf, Dec. 2003.

6. Melvin, H., Quinn, P., Lyons, G., and Duggan, J., Network Synchronisation using the Network Time Protocol (NTP), Invited Speaker, HEAnet National Networking Conference 2003, Kilkenny, Ireland, Nov. 2003.

7. Melvin, H., Murphy, L., Internet Telephony: Benefits and Issues relating to the use of Synchronised Time, Invited Speaker, ITU-T Workshop on End-to-End Quality of Service.What is it? How do we get it? Geneva, Oct. 2003.

8. Melvin, H., Internet Media Testbed, Dept. of Comp. Science Seminar Series Seminar Series, UCD, Dublin, Dec. 2002.

9. Melvin, H., Enhancing Voice over IP Quality through use of Synchronised Time, University College London, Dept. of Electronic Eng. Seminar Series, UCL, Nov. 2002.

10. Melvin ,H., Voice over IP: QoS Issues, Dept. of Comp. Science Seminar Series, UCD, Dublin, Mar. 2002.

11. Melvin, H., Enhanced VoIP Services, Growth Opportunities through Advanced IT Applications (in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland), NUI,G, Dec. 2001.

Patent
Melvin, H., Murphy, L., System and Method for Determining Clock Skew in a Packet Based Telephone Session, US Filing S2003/0505, Granted 2009.

Other Publications
1. Melvin, H., GPS and SCADA: Taking Care of Business in Internet Time, GPSWorld, Vol.11, No.11, Nov. 2000.

2. Melvin, H., Focusing on GPS, FORMA 21, Volume 2, Issue No.2, Dublin, Ireland, Aug. 2000.

3. Melvin, H., Internet-based Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA), The Engineers Journal, Institute of Engineers of Ireland, Dublin, Jun. 2000.