4.  Research, Scholarship & Other Creative Activity

4.1- Research Experience and Achievements

My latest research interests and experience are related to the areas of "image processing and computer vision”. I worked with a) static 2D images; b) stereo pairs of images for stereo matching; c) sequences of images to estimate the motion of a moving object using Time-Frequency Signal Analysis (TFSA) techniques; d) Image obtained from laser range finders for 3D surface reconstruction, and the estimation of sensor errors and their propagation during the process of reconstruction; e) and lately on the processing of Volume Images (CT, MRI images). More specific details are given below regarding my previous research.

1. Vision System and Neural Networks:
 Part of my past research activities were devoted to the design and implementation of a Structural-based Vision System for Automatic Target Recognition.  The different blocks of this system are:
 

  • A phase-based technique for motion estimation to separate moving targets from non-moving objects.  The global velocities of the different targets allow the user to select a particular one.  This specified target is then used as an input to the rest of the vision system whose role is to identify the object (see publication J4).  The theoretical relation of this technique to the Time-Frequency Signal Analysis (T.F.S.A) techniques appeared in few publications.
  • Edge Detection: To reduce the amount of information for a faster recognition.  I have developed a novel edge detector based on the theory of "distributed detection problems" to relax a compromise, which appears in most of the classical edge detectors, between an accurate localization of the edges and a good immunity to noise (see publications J5 and In4).
  • Part-segmentation: I have developed a novel algorithm to extract the Convex Dominant Points (CDPs) of an object described by its contour based on an idea similar to the edge detection algorithm mentioned above.  These extracted CDPs are then used to decompose the object into parts (see publications).
  •  Identification of the parameters of the parts (obtained from the part segmentation block) modeled by superquadrics.  This is done using the Multi-Layer Perceptron, which is a popular neural network.  This stage is performed after the extraction of the invariant moments of each part (see publications J5 and I49).
  •  The structural description of the object: The parameters of each part and the spatial relationship between them allow us to recognize the object.  This vision system has been successfully implemented and tested.  A recognition rate close to 100% has been obtained independently of the orientation, size or position of the target.  Among the advantages of this suggested vision system is its modularity, which makes it open to a continual improvement, and the possibility to generalize the system to the multi-dimensional case (see publications J2 and I47).


2. Control Theory:
 My research during the Masters degree was in Control theory, in particular:

  • Derivation of an Algorithm to compute the Interactor Matrix, which is used extensively in the control of Multivariable Systems.
  • Adaptive Decoupling of Multivariable Systems. The control of multivariable systems has applications in many practical areas, such as Aerospace and Avionics, Robotics and the control of Chemical plants.

3. Other Past Research Topics:
My other past research topics were in Obstacle Avoidance (This work was appeared in Bennamoun et al., “Avoidance of Unknown Obstacles Using Proximity Fields”, IEEE/RSJ International Workshop on Intelligent Robots and Systems '91, Osaka, Japan, 1991. not listed) and Robotics.  I also initiated research on Arabic and Japanese word recognition in the Signal Processing Research Centre, QUT (see publication: R. F. Walker, M. Bennamoun and B. Boashash, "Comparative Results on Arabic Character Recognition Using Artificial Neural Networks”, not listed.). This research has a large number of applications. Another Master by Research student (Mr. A. Cheung) pursued this topic under my supervision in the SCSN to develop a fully functional OCR with theoretical contribution which appeared in few refereed conferences and a journal paper (see publications J9 and I18 for example).

4. Current Research:
My current research interests are related to the activities of the Image Processing Group in the Space Centre for Satellite Navigation. They include: 1) the development of novel Stereo Matching techniques and the reliability of the disparity maps (Ms. Jasmine Banks, Ph.D. graduate worked on this topic in collaboration with the CSIRO Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies, and the CRC for Mining Technology and Equipment). See list of publications related to this topic.  2) The use of Texture Analysis techniques to localize flaws in textile fabrics (A Ph.D. graduate worked on this topic). We were successful in obtaining a large national competitive research grant in collaboration with an industrial partner, and a QUT research grant (see list of grants in section 6.2). Many publications resulted from this work. 3) 3D Surface Reconstruction (Mr. John Williams, Ph.D. student is currently working on this topic). We were successful in obtaining a QUT research grant on this topic and many publications resulted from this work. Recently, 4) Recognition of 3D free form objects, and 4) Volume Image Processing. In addition, I still have interest in few past topics of research, such as motion estimation and vision systems for object recognition. This work was cited in Rosenfeld’s survey, and as a result I was invited to write a book on the subject.


4.2- Research Grants (Accepted)

 

  1.   J. Hu, M. Bennamoun, I. Petersen and F. Han, “A Theoretical Framework for Practical Partial Fingerprint Identification”, ARC Linkage Project. Amount awarded: $50,000.00 (2012), $45,000.00 (2013), and $50,000.00 (2014). Partner Organisation: Telemetry Instruments.

  2. M. Goonewardene, S. Islam, and M. Bennamoun, “Identification and Quantification of Facial Asymmetry to Facilitate Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning using Three-Dimensional Computer Vision and Virtual Reality Based Techniques”, Australian Society of Orthodontists Foundation for Research and Education (ASOFRE), 2012. Amount awarded: $28,317.

  3. S. Islam, M. Bennamoun, M. Goonewardene, and A. Smith, “Computer Aided Integrated Maxillofacial Surgery for Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea”, UWA Research Collaborative Awards (RCA) 2012 with University of Otago. Amount awarded: $10,000

  4. M. Bennamoun, M. Millward, F. Sohel, and A. El-Sallam, and A. Seghouane, “Hyper-spectral Imaging for Early Detection of Human Skin Precancerous lesions”, UWA Research Collaborative Awards (RCA) 2012 with NICTA/ANU. Amount awarded: $12,000.

  5. C. Lind, J. Alderson, M. Bennamoun, and A. El-Sallam, “Automatic Markerless 3D Motion Analysis System to Study Patients with Tremor after Deep Brain Stimulation”, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) Research Advisory Grants, 2011-2012. Amount received: $29,473.00.

  6. J. Abduo, and M. Bennamoun, “Development of Virtual Diagnostic Model for Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation”, Raine Medical Research Foundation. Amount Received: $1500 (2012) and $1500 (2013).

  7. M. Bennamoun, “A three dimensional video-based vision system for future robots”, ARC Discovery. Amount received: $105,000 (2011), $105,000 (2012), and $100,000 (2013).
  8. M. Bennamoun, and R. Togneri, “Development of a three dimensional audio-visual next generation speech recognition system”. ARC Discovery. Amount received: $105,000 (2011), $87,000 (2012), and $87,000 (2013).
  9. M. Bennamoun, J. Alderson, and A. Lyttle, “An Automatic markerless three dimensional (3D) motion analysis system for aquatic environments”, ARC Linkage Project in collaboration with Swimming Australia, Western Australian Institute of Sport, and the Australian Swimming Coaches & Teachers Association. Amount received $74,329 (2011), $90,000 (2012), and $90,000 (2013).
  10. M. Bennamoun, and J. Alderson, “Land and water based visual hull reconstruction technique protocol development- Part 2”, Western Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Institute of Sport, 2010. Amount received: $18,429.
  11. M. Bennamoun, and J. Alderson, “Land and water based visual hull reconstruction technique protocol development- Part 1”, Western Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Institute of Sport, 2010. Amount received: $52,500.
  12. D. Burnham, et al. “Comprehensive Australian Speech Science Infrastructure: An Audio-Video Speech Corpus of Australian English”, Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF 2010). Amount received from ARC $650,000
  13. M. Bennamoun, F. Sohel, F. Flitti and M. Hahn, “Thermal city inventory by means of Gyrocopter TIR image flights” DAAD-Go8 Australia-Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme. Amount received: $20,765.
  14. J. Wang, and M. Bennamoun, “Optimal Integration of Multi-Sensors with Three Dimensional Map for Robust Navigation”, The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Goldstar 2009 Award (ARC Discovery Near Miss grant), 2009.Amount received: $40,000.
  15. M. Bennamoun, D. Huynh, and R. Owens, “Markerless 3D pose recovery of humans from video”, ARC Discovery grant application 2007-2009 (submitted in March 2006). Amount received: $257,000.
  16. M. Bennamoun et al. (14 investigators in total), “3D Scanning and Printing Facilities (3DSPF)”, ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) grant. ARC amount received: $150,000. Total amount received including contribution from UWA and partner institutions: $430,000.
  17. M. Bennamoun and R. Owens, “Unified Representations of Multimodal Biometrics for Robust Authentication and Identification”, ARC Discovery Grant, 2006-2008. Amount received: $356,000.
  18. D. Roberts, M. Bennamoun, “Automated Frog Call Identification System for Australia”, Australian Biological Resources Survey (ABRS) grant, 2005, Australian Department of Environment & Heritage. Amount received: $40,000.
  19. Chief Investigator on the application for the Centre of E-Medecine (A Western-Australian Centre of Excellence) launched in 2005. I was able through this initiative to secure one postdoctoral fellow and one postgraduate scholarship that I offered to three colleagues from the Computer Vision Group in the School of CSSE, UWA.
  20. Participant in the ARC Network in Imaging Science & Technology (NIST) bid in 2003. The network received a Seed funding of $10,000.
  21. M. Bennamoun “Segmentation and Modelling of the Hippocampus from MRI Images” The University of Western Australia Research Grant (UWARG) Scheme. Amount received $19,000.
  22. M. Bennamoun, “An Automated 3D model-based Object Recognition Sytem”, ARC Discovery Grant, 2003. Total amount $242,040.
  23. M. Bennamoun, "Automatic 3D Scene Reconstruction from 2D Stereo Image Sequences", The University of Western Australia (UWA) Startup grant, 2003. Total amount: $29,754.
  24. K. Kubik, M. Bennamoun and J. Williams, "Automated Vector Extraction from Airborne Laser Scan Data", ARC Linkage with AAM GeoScan, 2002-2003. Amount received: $45,000.
  25. M. Bennamoun, "Stereo Vision System for Automatic 3D Scene Reconstruction from 2D Stereo Image Sequences", Faculty funding of “near miss” ATN Small Grant applications, 2002. Amount received: $7,000.
  26. M. Bennamoun, "A 3D Vision System for Automatic Object Recognition", QUT ATN Small Research grants, 2001. Amount received: $9,500.
  27. N. Bergmann, and M. Bennamoun, "Geometric Validation of Manufactured Objects for Quality Control in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Environments", QUT ATN Small Research grants, 2001: Amount received: $8,000.
  28. M. Bennamoun, "Virtual Reconstruction of 3 Dimensional (3D) Objects", QUT, BEE Special Projects for Staff, 2000, $4970.
  29. M. Bennamoun, “Development of 3D Modeling and Recognition Techniques for Use in a Visualization System Designed for Persons suffering from Severe Visual Impairment”, ARC Small Grant Scheme, 2000, $14,000.
  30. M. Bennamoun, “Development of Novel Deformable/Non-Rigid Registration Methods Capable of Aligning 3D Multi-Modal Medical Images for Computer Integrated Surgery and Therapy Applications”, QUT Pilot, $10,000.
  31. A. Maeder, and M. Bennamoun, “Development of a Novel Hybrid Stereo Matching Algorithm for use in Automated Navigation Systems”, ARC Small Grant Scheme, 2000, $12,000.
  32. D. Iskander, M. Collins, and M. Bennamoun, “Modeling the Directionality of Photoreceptors from the Human Retina as a Function of Monchromatic Aberrations. QUT Research Development Grant 2000, $9,000.
  33. N. Bergmann, M. Bennamoun, “An Automated System for Visual Inspection and Flaw Detection in Textiles”, ARC SPIRT grant scheme, Collaborative Research Project with a local textile company, 1999-2000. Amount received: $116, 000.
  34. M. Bennamoun, N. Bergmann, “Real Time Implementation of a Vision System for Quality Control”. Australian Research Council (ARC) small grant scheme, 1999, $15,000.
  35. N. Bergmann, M. Bennamoun, “Surveying and 3D Modeling of Mining Environments Using Laser Range Data”, QUT Researcher Development Grant, 1999, $8,978.
  36. M. Bennamoun, B. Boashash, and M. Deriche, “Motion Estimation using TFSA”, Dean Research Encouragement Grant for Academics (DREGA), 1998, $11,000.
  37. M. Bennamoun, “Texture Analysis for Automatic Visual Inspection and Flaw Detection in Textiles”, QUT New Researcher Grant Scheme (NRGS), 1998, $8911.
  38. M. Bennamoun, B. Boashash and A.M. Zoubir, "A Vision System for Automatic Object Recognition", QUT Meritorious Projects Grants Scheme (MPGS), 1994, $17,000.


4.3- Research Grants (Pending)

NIL.


4.4 – Patents

 J. Williams and M. Bennamoun, “A Method for the Simultaneous Rigid Alignment of Multiple Point Sets”. Provisional Patent Application PQ3985. Submitted on 12 November 1999. Final patent application submitted on 12 November 2000.

 A. Bodnarova, M. Bennamoun and S. Latham, "A Constrained Minimization Approach to Optimize Gabor Filters for Detecting Flaws in Woven Textiles". Provisional Patent Application. Submitted on 5 June 2000.


4.5- Centres Membership and Responsibilities

  1. Director, Research Concentration in Computer Vision and Automation, (RCCVA), QUT, March 2001-Present.
  2. Director, Space Centre for Satellite Navigation (SCSN), QUT, Jan. 98-March 2001.
  3. Member of the Research Concentration in Computer Vision and Automation, QUT, March 2001-Present.
  4. Member of the Space Centre for Satellite Navigation, QUT, Jan.97-March 2001. Appointed as Director of the Centre on the 1st of January 1998.
  5. Member of the Signal Processing Research Centre, QUT. Worked in the Image Processing & Computer Vision Laboratory, and the Robotics Laboratory.
  6. Robotics Laboratory, Queen’s University, Canada, from Jan. 1986-Dec. 1992.

4.6- Publications and Invited Talks

  • I hold publications in several areas of engineering, including Robotics, Image Processing, Computer Vision, Artificial Neural Networks, and Control Theory. I am the author of one book, one book chapter, over 10 journal papers, 6 invited papers, one keynote paper and more than 50 internationally refereed conference papers. Few of my publications were cited in the famous and popular Rosenfeld’s survey. I usually co-author with my Ph.D., Masters, or Final Year Project Students. My work was cited in refereed conference and journal papers more than 20 times in the last 5 years (Science Citation Index).
  • “Invited Speaker” at the CORESA’2001 Conference held in Dijon, France on the 12 and 13 of November 2001.

4.7 - Staff Student Supervision

See Teaching Performance & Leadership in Sections 6.7, and 6.8. In addition to students, I also successfully supervised three post-doctoral fellows for one year in 2000-2001 (Dr. John Williams, Dr. Bruce Sloss, and Dr. Adriana. Bodnarova) and many research assistants. Examples of Senior Research assistants include Mr. Shane Latham (for more than a year), Mr. Andrew Parker (Feb.98-July98), and Mr. A. Bower (for one year) to cite a few.

Last updated 27 October 2010
M. Bennamoun
CRICOS No 00126G