Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Based Communications
Radio Resource Management in Future Mobile Communication Systems
Machine Learning
Robot-Assisted Reminiscence Therapy for Patients with Dementia (PwDs)
Channel Coding (Polar Coding) Design
Vehicular Cyber-Physical Systems
Smart Grid
[J1] R. Zhang, B. Li, L. Zhang, J. Xie, and M. Wang, "Learning with Dynamics: Autonomous Regulation of UAV Based Communication Networks with Dynamic UAV Crew", IEEE Communications Magazine, to appear, 2025
[J2] B. Li, S. Tripathi, S. Hosain, R. Zhang, J. Xie, and M. Wang, "When Learning Meets Dynamics: Distributed User Connectivity Maximization in UAV-Based Communication Networks", IEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking (Early Access), 2025
[J3] F Yuan, N Hasnaeen, R Zhang, B Bible, JR Taylor, H Qi, F Yao, X Zhao, "Integrating Reinforcement Learning and AI Agents for Adaptive Robotic Interaction and Assistance in Dementia Care", arXiv preprint arXiv:2501.17206, 2025
[C1] B. Li, Y. Xu, R. Zhang, L. Xie, and M. Wang, "Maximizing User Connectivity in AI-Enabled Multi-UAV Networks: A Distributed Strategy Generalized to Arbitrary User Distributions," Accepted by IEEE ICC 2025, Montreal, Canada, June 2025.
[J1] R. Zhang, B. Li, L. Zhang, J. Xie, and M. Wang, "Learning with Dynamics: Autonomous Regulation of UAV Based Communication Networks with Dynamic UAV Crew", https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.17139, 2024
[J2] B. Li, S. Tripathi, S. Hosain, R. Zhang, J. Xie, and M. Wang, "When Learning Meets Dynamics: Distributed User Connectivity Maximization in UAV-Based Communication Networks", https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.06010, 2024
[J3] X. Han, B. Lin, Z. Na, B. Li, C. Zhang, and R.Zhang, "Spatial Crowdsourcing-based Task Allocation for UAV-Assisted Maritime Data Collection", IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 3375-3388, Oct. 2024.
[C1] B. Li, Y. Xu, R. Zhang, L. Xie, and M. Wang, "Maximizing User Connectivity in AI-Enabled Multi-UAV Networks: A Distributed Strategy Generalized to Arbitrary User Distributions," http://arxiv.org/abs/2411.05205, 2024
[C2] M. Wang, R. Zhang, and T. Zang, "Spatio-temporal Coordinated Mobile Electric Vehicle Charging in Integrated Transportation and Distribution Systems", Accepted by IEEE VTC2024 Spring, March 2024
[C1] S. Tripathi, R. Zhang, and M. Wang, "Distributed User Connectivity Maximization in UAV-Based Communication Networks," Proceedings of IEEE Globecom 2023, Kuala Lumper, Malaysia, Dec 04 - Dec 8th, 2023.
[C2] L. Wang, S. Tripathi, R. Zhang, N. Cheng, and M. Wang, "Optimal Charging Profile Design for Solar-Powered Sustainable UAV Communication Networks," Proceedings of IEEE ICC 2023, Italy, Rome, May 28 - June 01, 2023.
[B1] R. Zhang, D. M. Nguyen, Miao Wang, Lin X. Cai and X. Shen, "Responsive Regulation of Dynamic UAV Communication Networks Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning," Broadband Communications, Computing and Control for Ubiquitous Intelligence, Wireless Network Book Series, Springer, pp. 35-63, 2022
[J1] R. Sun, N. Cheng, R. Zhang, Y. Wang, and C. Li, "Sum Rate Maximization in IRS-Assisted Wireless Powered Multiuser MIMO Networks with Practical Phase Shift", IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 4292-4306, 2022.
[J2] F. Yuan, A. Sadovnik, R. Zhang, D. Casenhiser, E. J. Paek, and X. Zhao, "A Simulated Experiment to Explore Robotic Dialogue Strategies for People with Dementia", Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering (JRATE), vol. 9, doi:10.1177/20556683221105768, 2022
[J3] T. Gao, C. Liu, Y. Song, N. Cheng, M. Qian, and R. Zhang, "Domain Selective Two-Stage Beamforming in 3D Massive MIMO", Digital Signal Processing, Elsevier, vol. 130, pp. 103705, 2022.
[J4] T. Yang, S. Gao, J. Li, M. Qin, X. Sun, R. Zhang, M. Wang, and X. Li, "Multi-Armed Bandits Learning for Task Offloading in Maritime Edge Intelligence Networks," IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 71, no.4, pp. 4212-4224, 2022.
[C1] X. Su, F. Yuan, R. Zhang, J. Liu, M. Boltz, and X. Zhao, "Deploying a Human Robot Interaction Model for Dementia Care in Federated Learning," Proc. of The International Conference on Connected Health: Applications, Systems, and Engineering Technologies (IEEE/ACM CHASE 2022), 2022.
[C2] M. Parish, M. Wang, and R. Zhang, "Digital-Twin Enabled Range Modulation Strategy for V2V Safety Messaging Considering Human Reaction Time", IEEE VTC-2022 Spring Workshop, 2022.
[C3] L. Liu, B. Lin, R. Zhang, Y. Che, and C. Zhang, "Joint Beamforming and Deployment Optimization for UAV-Assisted Maritime Monitoring Networks", International Conference on Wireless Algorithms, Systems, and Applications (WASA), 2022 (Best Paper Award).
[C4] S. Tripathi, R. Zhang, M. Wang, Z. Ye, and A. Pitkar, “Understanding the corrosion and wear at nanoscale interface using machine learning technique”, Proc. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, Orlando, USA, May 15-19. 2022.
[C5] Z. Chen, R. Zhang, L. X. Cai, Y. Chen, and Y. Liu, "A Deep Reinforcement Learning based Approach for NOMA-based Random Access Network with Truncated Channel Inversion Power Control", IEEE ICC 2022, Seoul, Lorea, May 16-20, 2022.
[J1] Z. Chen, R. Zhang, Y. Liu, L. X. Cai, and Q. Chen, "Performance Study of Cybertwin-assisted Random Access NOMA," IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 8, no. 22, pp. 16279-16289, 2021
[J2] R. Zhang, M. Wang, L. X. Cai, and X. Shen, "Learning to be Proactive: Self-Regulation of UAV Based Networks with UAV and User Dynamics", IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, vol. 20, no. 7, pp. 4406-4419, 2021.
[J3] Y. Liu, X. Chen, L. X. Cai, Q. Chen, and R. Zhang, "Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access for Wireless Powered IoT Networks", IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 112-128, 2021.
[C1] F. Yuan, Ran Zhang*, D. Bilal, and X. Zhao, "Learning-Based Strategy Design for Robot-Assisted Reminiscence Therapy Based on a Developed Model for People with Dementia,", ICSR 2021 (Finalist for the Best Student Paper Award, 3.876%).
[C2] Z. Chen, Y. Liu, L. X. Cai, Y. Cheng, R. Zhang, and M. Han, "Performance study of random access noma with truncated channel inversion power control " IEEE ICC 2021.
[J1] M. Qin, W. Wu, Q. Yang, R. Zhang, N. Cheng, H. Zhou, RR Rao, and X. Shen, “Green-Oriented Dynamic Resource-on-Demand Strategy for Multi-RAT Wireless Networks Powered by Heterogeneous Energy Sources,” IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, vol. 19, no. 8, pp. 5547-5560, 2020.
[J2] M. Han, S. Khairy, L. X. Cai, Y. Cheng, and R. Zhang, “Reinforcement Learning for Efficient and Fair Coexistence between LTE-LAA and Wi-Fi,” IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Communication (Early Access), 2020.
[C1] R. Zhang, M. Wang, and L. X. Cai, "SREC: Proactive Self-REmedy of Energy-Constrained UAV-Based Networks via Deep Reinforcement Learning," IEEE GlobeCom 2020.
[C2] Z. Chen, Y. Liu, S. Khary, L. X. Cai, Y. Cheng, and R. Zhang, "Optimizing Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access in Random Access Networks," IEEE VTC 2020 Spring, 2020.
Book and Book Chapters:
R. Zhang, M. Wang, L. X. Cai, Y. Cheng, X. Shen, and L. Xie, "Resource Management in Sustainable Green HetNets with Renewable Energy Sources," 5G Mobile Communications, Springer, pp. 503-529, 2017.
M. Wang, R. Zhang, and X. Shen, Mobile Electric Vehicles: Online Charging and Discharging, SpringerBriefs in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Springer Verlag, 2015. (ISBN-10: 3319251287, ISBN-13: 978-3319251288)
Journals:
Z. Li, Y. Zhao, N. Cheng, B. Hao, J. Shi, R. Zhang, and X. Shen, “Multiobjective Optimization Based Sensor Selection for TDOA Tracking in Wireless Sensor Network”, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 68, no. 12, pp. 12360-12374, 2019.
M. Wang, M. Ismail, R. Zhang, X. Shen, E. Serpedin, and K. Qaraqe “Spatio-temporal coordination V2V fast charging strategy for mobile GEVs via price control,” IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 1566-1579, 2018.
R. Zhang, M. Wang, X. Shen, L. Xie, "Probabilistic Analysis on QoS Provisioning for Internet of Things in LTE-A Heterogeneous Networks with Partial Spectrum Usage," IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 354-365, 2016.
R. Zhang, M. Wang, L. X. Cai, Z. Zheng, X. Shen, and L. Xie, "LTE-Unlicensed: The Future of Spectrum Aggregation for Cellular Networks," IEEE Wireless Communications Magazine, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 150-159, June 2015.
M. Wang, H. Shan, R. Lu, R. Zhang, X. Shen, and F. Bai, “Real-Time Path Planning Exploiting Hybrid-VANET-Enhanced Transportation System for Traffic Congestion Avoidance,” IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 64, no. 5, pp. 1664-1678, 2015.
M. Wang, H. Shan, T. H. Luan, N. Lu, R. Zhang, X. Shen, and F. Bai, “Asymptotic Throughput Capacity Analysis of VANETs Exploiting Mobility Diversity,” IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 64, no. 9, 2015.
R. Zhang, Z. Zheng, M. Wang, X. Shen, and L. L. Xie, “Equivalent Capacity in Carrier Aggregation-Based LTE-A Systems: A Probabilistic Analysis,” IEEE Trans. on Wireless Communications, vol. 13, no. 11, pp. 6444-6460, Nov. 2014.
M. Wang, H. Liang, R. Zhang, R. Deng, and X. Shen, “Mobility-Aware Coordinated Charging for Electric Vehicles in VANET-Enhanced Smart Grid,” IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, vol. 32, no. 7, pp. 1344-1360, July 2014.
M. Wang, Q. Shen, R. Zhang, H. Liang, X. Shen, "Vehicle-Density Based Adaptive MAC for High Throughput in Drive-Thru Networks," IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 1, no. 6, pp. 533-543, Dec. 2014.
A. T. Gamage, H. Liang, R. Zhang, and X. Shen, “Device-to-Device Communication Underlaying Converged Heterogeneous Networks,” IEEE Wireless Communications, vol. 21, no. 6, pp. 98-107, Dec. 2014.
Z. Zheng, X. Zhang, L. X. Cai, R. Zhang, and X. Shen, “Sustainable Communication and Networking in Two-tier Green Cellular Networks,” IEEE Wireless Communications, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 47-53, Aug. 2014.
Z. Zheng, L.X. Cai, R. Zhang, and X. Shen, "RNP-SA: Joint Relay Placement and Sub-carrier Allocation in Wireless Communication Networks with Sustainable Energy," IEEE Trans. on Wireless Communications, vol. 11, no. 10, pp. 3818-3828, 2012.
Conferences:
Y. Zhao, Z. Li, N. Cheng, R. Zhang, B. Hao, and X. Shen, "UAV Deployment Strategy for Range-Based Space-Air Integrated Localization Network," IEEE Globecom'19, Kona, Hawaii, USA, 2019.
R. Zhang, Y. Ge, W. Shi, and Q. Zhang, “Enhanced Bit-flipping Successive Cancellation Decoding for Convolutional Polar Codes,” IEEE WCSP’18, Hangzhou, China, 2018
R. Zhang, H. Saber, Y. Ge, and W. Shi, “Rate Matching and Piecewise Sequence Adaptation for Polar Codes with Reed-Solomon Kernels,” IEEE WCSP’18, Hangzhou, China, 2018
R. Zhang, Y. Ge, H. Saber, W. Shi, and X. Shen, “Localization-based Polar Code Construction with Sublinear Complexity,” IEEE ICC’18, 2018.
H. Saber, Y. Ge, R. Zhang, W. Shi, and W. Tong, “Convolutional Polar Codes: LLR-based Successive Cancellation Decoder and List Decoding Performance,” IEEE ISIT’18, 2018.
G. He, J.-C. Belfiore, X. Liu, Y. Ge, R. Zhang, I. Land, Y. Chen, R. Li, J. Wang, G. Yang, and W. Tong, “β-expansion: A Theoretical Framework for Fast and Recursive Construction of Polar Codes.” IEEE Globecom’17, 2017.
N. Cheng, R. Zhang, Y. Ge, W. Shi, Q. Zhang, and X. Shen, “Encoder and List Decoder of Reed-Solomon Kernel based Polar Codes.” IEEE WCSP’16, 2016.
R. Zhang, M. Wang, L. X. Cai, X. Shen, L. Xie, and Y. Cheng, "Modeling and Analysis of MAC Protocol for LTE-U Co-existing with Wi-Fi," IEEE Globecom 2015.
Y. Chen, Y. Wang, R. Zhang, and X. Shen, “Optimization on Power Splitting Ratio Design for K-tier HCNs with Opportunistic Energy Harvesting,” Proc. IEEE ICC'15, London, UK, 2015.
Z. Zheng, L. X. Cai, N. Zhang, R. Zhang, and X. Shen, “A Game Theoretical Approach for Energy Trading in Wireless Networks Powered by Green Energy,” IEEE Globecom'14, 2014.
M. Wang, M. Ismail, R. Zhang, X. Shen, E. Serpedin, and K. A. Qaraqe, “A Semi-distributed V2V Fast Charging Strategy based on Price Control,” IEEE Globecom'14, 2014 (Best Paper Award).
R. Zhang, M. Wang, Z. Zheng, X. Shen, and L. Xie, “Stochastic Geometric Performance Analysis for Carrier Aggregation in LTE-A Systems,” Proc. IEEE ICC'14, Sydney, Australia, June 10-14, 2014.
R. Zhang, M. Wang, Z. Zheng, X. Shen, and L. Xie, “Cross-Layer Carrier Selection and Power Control for LTE-A Uplink with Carrier Aggregation,” Proc. IEEE Globecom'13, Atlanta, GA, USA, Dec. 9-13, 2013.
M. Wang, H. Liang, R. Deng, R. Zhang and X. Shen, “VANET Based Online Charging Strategy for Electric Vehicles," IEEE Globecom'13, Atlanta, GA, USA, Dec. 9-13, 2013.
R. Zhang, Z. Zheng, M. Wang, X. Shen, and L. Xie, “Equivalent Capacity Analysis of LTE-Advanced Systems with Carrier Aggregation,” IEEE ICC'13, Budapest, Hungary, June 9-13, 2013.
Y. Ge, W. Shi, R. Zhang, and N. Cheng, “Apparatus and Methods of Specifying Ordered Sequences of Coding Sub-Channels,” Mar. 31, 2020, US Patent 10,608,786.
W. Shi, Y. Ge, N. Cheng, and R. Zhang, “Systems and Methods for Rate Matching via a Heterogeneous Kernel When Using General Polar Codes,” Mar. 3 2020, US Patent 10,579,452.
R. Zhang, W. Shi, N. Cheng, and Y. Ge, “Systems and Methods for Piece-Wise Rate Matching When Using Polar Codes,” Feb. 18 2020, US Patent 10,567,011.
Y. Ge, R. Zhang, N. Cheng, and W. Shi, “Apparatus and Methods for Error Detection Coding,” Jul. 23, 2019, US Patent 10,361,717.
Y. Ge, R. Zhang, N. Cheng, and W. Shi, “Apparatus and methods for error detection coding,” Jan. 9 2020, US Patent App. 16/511,180.
H. Saber, Y. Ge, W. Tong, and R. Zhang, “Methods and Apparatus for Encoding and Decoding based on Layered Polar Code,” Dec. 10 2019, US Patent 10,505,566.
W. Shi, R. Zhang, N. Cheng, and Y. Ge, “Multiple-Symbol Combination Based Decoding for General Polar Codes,” Jul. 23, 2019, US Patent 10,361,728.
R. Zhang, W. Shi, N. Cheng, and Y. Ge, “Systems and Methods for Rate Matching When Using General Polar Codes,” May 14, 2019, US Patent 10,291,264.
L.-P. Hamelin, Y. Ge, W. Shi, R. Zhang, and N. Cheng, “Methods and Apparatus for Coding Sub-Channel Selection,” Sep. 27, 2018, US Patent App. 15/901,238.
J.-C. Belfiore, Y. Ge, G. He, R. Zhang, L. Ingmar, W. Shi, and W. Tong, “Method to Generate Ordered Sequence for Polar Codes,” Aug. 30 2018, US Patent App. 15/875,766.
Ran Zhang, Learning Based Self-Regulation of UAV Based Communication Networks, Advisory Board Meeeting, Dept. ECE, UNC Charlotte, Dec. 15, 2023.
Ran Zhang, Learning Based Autonomous Regulation of UAV Based Communication Networks, Xidian Unviersity, Xi'an, Shanxi, China, July 10th, 2023.
Ran Zhang, Learning Based Self-Regulation of UAV Based Communication Networks, IEEE Cincinnati Section Meeting, October 27th, 2022.
Ran Zhang, Autonomous Self-Regulation of UAV Communication Networks with Dynamic UAV Crew, Mini-Workshop on Intelligent Computing for Future Networks, @ BBCR lab, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada, August 2nd, 2022
Ran Zhang, Learning Based Self-Regulation of UAV Based Communication Networks, Dalian Maritime University, June 18th, 2021.
Ran Zhang, Proactive Regulation of UAV-based Communication Networks with Deep Reinforcement Learning, CEC Faculty Research Seminar Series: Advanced Communications and Networks, Feb. 24, 2021,
Ran Zhang, SREC: Proactive Self-Remedy of Energy-Constrained UAV-Based Networks via Deep Reinforcement Learning, IEEE GlobeCom, Dec. 2020.
Ran Zhang, Generations of Wireless Communications and the Artificial Intelligence Enhancements, ECE/MME Graduate Seminar, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA, Sept. 2019
, ECE/MME Graduate Seminar, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA,
Ran Zhang, The Path to the Standardization of Polar Codes, Shenyang Institute of Automation, China, July 2019
Ran Zhang, Generations of Wireless Communications and the Artificial Intelligence Enhancements, ECE/MME Graduate Seminar, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA, April 2019
Ran Zhang, Radio Resource Management in Wireless Communications and the Artificial Intelligence Enhancements, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Oxford, OH, USA, Feb. 2019
