Computing Infrastructure and Remote, Parallel Data Mining Engine for Virtual Observatories

SciberQuest, Inc. proposes to develop a state-of-the-art data mining engine that extends the functionality of Virtual Observatories (VO) from data portal to science analysis resource. Our solution consists of two integrated products, IDDat and RemoteMiner: (1) IDDat is an advanced grid-based computing infrastructure which acts as an add-on to VOs and supports processing and remote data analysis of widely distributed data in space sciences. IDDat middleware design is such as to reduce undue network traffic on the VO. (2) RemoteMiner is a novel data mining engine that connects to the VO via the IDDat. It supports multi-users, has autonomous operation for automated systematic identification while enabling the advanced users to do their own mining and can be used by data centers for pre-mining. In addition, our data mining algorithms have reverse engineering capabilities which enable analytical derivation of models from time series data. These innovations will significantly enhance the science return from NASA missions by providing data centers and individual researchers alike an unprecedented capability to mine vast quantities of data. Phase II work will encompass the building of a full commercial product with associated production quality technical and user documentation.