Notes

All of the projects proposed below are related to computer vision and pattern recognition. However, they also include important components related to algorithm design, database design, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, software engineering, graph theory, user interfaces, mathematics, statistics, etc.
I am not expecting you to have a computer vision or pattern recognition background but you should be motivated and enthusiastic about learning new topics.
Specifically, these projects require strong background in C++ programming and interest in computer vision, pattern recognition, machine learning, database design and user interfaces.
I expect the students to work consistently throughout two semesters and to have periodic meetings with me to discuss their progress.
These projects can be extended to M.S./Ph.D. research in the future.
Please contact me if you are interested in any of the projects below or would like to propose your own project.

Projects

Image information mining
We are interested in performing content-based classification and retrieval in large archives of satellite images. New generation high-resolution satellite sensors send several terabytes of data to Earth continuously every day. However, current systems allow queries only on metadata such as geographical coordinates, time of acquisition, sensor type, etc. (Have you tried Google Earth?) New techniques and efficient tools are required to perform automatic semantic classification and retrieval based on image content (such as finding satellite scenes with similar land development, analyzing effects of a natural disaster, finding buildings and tracking urbanization patterns, etc.).
Object recognition
Manually annotating objects in large image databases is a very tedious, time consuming and subjective process. New algorithms for automating this process are needed to make the information stored in these databases available and useful. This project involves the design and implementation of new algorithms that use color, shape and context information for large scale object recognition. If successful, the outcomes of both projects can contribute to our existing collaboration with NASA and European Commission researchers.

TBD

Please check the list of important deadlines for the 2008-2009 Academic Year.