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Research

The Centre’s current areas of investigation are as follows:

Geometric interpretation of video

Computer Vision Group, DSTO

The statistical analysis of video based on an understanding of the imaging geometry has facilitated the development of a number of techniques now commonly used in the digital media industries.  The most notable example of this is the point tracking and bundle adjustment processes now commonly used in the process of embedding CG characters in live video.  This project aims to apply this technology to develop the next generation of tools, and to develop tools for other industry sectors.

The group's work on interactive 3D modelling from video falls within this area. This work has led to a number of publications, including that covering VideoTrace at Siggraph '07.

This project builds on recent research collaboration with Coastwatch and DSTO.

Visual surveillance

Computer vision Group, High Performance Computing Group

The Visual Surveillance Project researches surveillance of video image streams for security purposes. This includes the automated detection of sensitive objects; reduction of false positive detections; tracking of entities through multiple cameras; construction of video repositories, intelligent searching through video repositories for recorded events of interest; and cooperative utilisation of networks of cameras. 

A significant commercial research project has recently been completed by the Video Surveillance and Analysis Group for a major commercial imaging technology provider. This interaction builds on a strong history of collaborative research between the researchers involved, and particularly on the success of the group as members of teh CRC for Sensor Siglan and Information Processing before its funding cycle ended.

Interactive Simulation and Visualisation

School of Architecture, SAPAC, High Performance Computing Group, Skymatrix Pty Ltd

The benefits of simulation and visualisation are becoming apparent across a range of industries.  The use of games in education, for instance, is a growth area within military, medical, and occupational health and safety programs. The virtual reality facilities of the Australian School of Petroleum and of the South Australian Partnership for Advanced Computing form a key component of this research program.

The air warfare destroyer contract offers a number of opportunities for collaborative research in simulation and visualisation.  These avenues will be explored in negotiations with ASC Shipbuilder and DSTO.

Three-dimensional data processing

iSite3D, Maptek, Computer Vision Group

Laser range finders are capable of generating a detailed and accurate depth map of a scene in a short period of time.  The data generated are, however, unsuitable for many applications because they consist only of a series of point samples.  Processing these depth maps to estimate a surface mesh, to fill in holes, and to join multiple reconstructions are crucial research problems.

iSite3D and Maptek have shown great enthusiasm for the concept of a Centre for Visual Technologies and Digital Design, both in terms of the education program, and the opportunity it provides for developing linkages between industry and the University.  Interest has particularly been shown in creating a research group investigating the next generation of laser range finder applications.