Today, all areas of technology use signal processing. The applications range from adaptive coding of speech signals, to analysis of medical images, to echo- canceling in cellular telephones. The successful implementation of signal processing algorithms in both software and hardware is a result of research into various aspects of signal processing, including analysis, modeling, synthesis, algorithm development, tool development, and implementation. This workshop in intended to bring together a distinguished group of research scientists and educators to explore the expanding role of signal processing within applications that include the telecommunications infrastructure and the expanding information highway. The workshop will meet for 3 1/2 days to assess and document recent advances and current and future research directions in signal processing. During this time we expect to prepare recommendations for research activities and to initiate a debate on the future directions of the field from among the research community. Participants will be drawn from academia, industry, and companies whose products include significant signal processing components. The goal of the meeting will be to develop a vision statement for the field and determine areas which have the potential for high payoff in terms of application areas. The participants will also discuss ways of integrating signal processing research results and applications into the undergraduate engineering curricula - "the integration of research and education." Another important topic will be the discussion of ways to promote public awareness of the pervasive role of signal processing.
