Project Almanac

Project Almanac is the result of the dedication of two SLTC Research University undergraduates in completing their final year project in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. Fueled by the desire to innovate, they harnessed technologies such as High-Performance Computing (HPC), Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cluster Computing to transform timetable scheduling into new heights. This venture stands as a testament to their commitment to efficiency and optimized problem-solving, offering a solution that optimizes timetable scheduling while impacting the industries to evolve with the new technology.

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Origin

From an idea to a final year project

Project Almanac starts with the question 'Can we use the power of machine learning to create an optimized timetable scheduling algorithm and optimize it using high-performance computing?' This led the two students on a journey to create a hardware, and software implementation that does exactly that. The journey took place on the premises of the SLTC Research University, Meepe, Sri Lanka. By first starting the research through tireless visits to the library and research online through a lot of research articles, the initial conceptual understanding was met. Then it was a matter of development of the architecture and the system itself. This journey has been a learning experience like no other, creating a result that is new and innovative.

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Publication

With international recognition and promising results

The highest recognition for Project Almanac so far came when it was featured in the 8th International Conference on Information Technology Research held on the 7th and 8th of December, 2023 at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. The conference was aimed at promoting research in ICT and scientific exchange among researchers and scholars. The research paper titled 'Enhanced Timetable Scheduling: A High- Performance Computational Approach' was published in the IEEE Xplore digital library on the 10th of January, 2024. This recognition will be a strong driving factor to propel the project even further into newer heights.

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Literature Review

Looking back at what others have done

Since the early '90s, researchers have tried to use technologies such as Operational Methods, Human-Machine Interaction and Artificial Intelligence for optimizing timetable scheduling. Most of this research revolves around Particle Swarm Optimization, Genetic Algorithm, Tabu Search, etc. However, it was evident that most of this research didn't take a modular approach to timetable scheduling while focusing towards an optimum solution rather than a good one. This the project felt, was a research gap that must be addressed. Along these lines, research was carried on further which led to countless research that dealt with the same subject of timetable optimization.

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Project Partners

A successful project needs like-minded partners who can take the project from start to end. It requires dedication and hard work that can elevate the project to new heights. Project Almanac was no different. The good combination of Asanka Sovis and Chathuni Patikirige along with the guidance of Mr. Yohan Pandigama made the project a success. From tireless nights in the research lab to frequent travels to the campus for development, this is a tribute to that phenomenal partnership.

Asanka Sovis

Chathuni Patikirige

Testimonials

The feedback from the involved parties had been positive. The testimonials by Mr Yohan Pandigama, Mr Manu Satharasinghe and Mr Charith Jayanetti had been encouraging for the project to continue. The partners are grateful for their feedback in making the project a success. These encouragements have been a reason for the eventual success of the project both within SLTC as well as outside of academia.

Yohan Pandigama

Former Senior Lecturer, SLTC

"This project attempts to combine the power of algorithmics together with distributed computing architectures to optimize solutions to scheduling problems with complex criteria. The project was given birth as the second phase of a final year telecommunication engineering undergraduate project titled Project Almanac. The team is making clear progress, slowly but steadily, dealing with its own unique set of acceptances and challenges. As the academic advisor of it, I'm sure that the team is full of capacity and capability to turn Almanac into a more viable and diverse scheduling platform."

Manu Satharasinghe

Head of IT, SLTC

"I'm thrilled to share my testimonial for Project Almanac's exceptional work on Timetable Scheduling. This innovative solution, powered by Cluster Computing, HPC, AI, and ML, has revolutionized scheduling, making it faster, more efficient, and adaptable. The AI and ML components ensure tailored timetables, satisfying diverse requirements. Project Almanac's seamless software architecture delivers a user-friendly experience, leaving a positive impact beyond academia. Overall, it's an accurate, time-saving, and indispensable asset for any institution, paving the way for a dynamic future."

Charith Jayanetti

Former Head of IT, SLTC

"Having worked with the team and looking at Project Almanac, I see a lot of potential. It used cluster computing for processing and has been focusing on a different approach to address the time table allocation process. I was very happy to learn of how it is done and i look forward to seeing it being fine tuned to the point it could be the timetabling, time allocating system I know one day it could be. I wish all the very best with the continuity of the ongoing research and hope the team excells in the research field as they follow their vision and findings in Project Almanac to it's best and finest potentials."

Special Thanks

The partners would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following people for their great support. Mr. Yohan Pandigama had been the biggest driving force behind this endeavour. As the supervisor of the project, without his guidance and support, it wouldn't have flourished into a full-fledged product. A huge gratitude also extends to Mr. Manu Satharasinghe who was involved with equipment as well as networking support. Another important person has been Mr. Charith Jayanetti whose insights into the future academic possibilities as well as business aspects have given them a lot of guidance so far. The thanks can't end without mentioning the staff of the SLTC IT Division who shared their office space with the partners for their research and development. All the time spent with them had been fun, insightful and unforgettable.

Yohan Pandigama

Former Senior Lecturer, SLTC Research University

Manu Satharasinghe

Head of IT, SLTC Research University

Charith Jayanetti

Former Head of IT, SLTC Research University

Staff of SLTC IT Division

Project Almanac

Project Almanac aims to revolutionize timetable scheduling using High-Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Cluster Computing.