NSF award for research on Collaborative Virtual Observation in Dynamic Environments
($336,817 for 3 years)
Aug. 15, 2008
Dr. Yonghe Liu Dr. Mohan Kumar
Congratulations to Professors Dr. Mohan Kumar (PI) and Dr. Yonghe Liu (co-PI) who
are awarded with NSF award for research in Collaborative Virtual Observation in Dynamic Environments by NSF Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS) Division
The amount is $336,817 and the duration is 3 years starting form August 15, 2008
Abstract
The objective of this project is to develop a framework for anytime anywhere collaborative virtual observation of events occurring in dynamic environments. The approach of this work is to enhance recently developed virtual observation concept by adapting seamless software service composition mechanisms developed for pervasive systems. The observations made at different points in time and space will be stitched together based on location, query, device and other variables. Protocols for soft-real time delivery of data packets in heterogeneous networks comprising a combination of continuous and disruption tolerant communication channels, will be developed. Middleware tools will be created to perform reactive and proactive query processing, matching and synthesis of integrative panoramic views.
The novelty of the proposed work lies in the launching of the virtual observers, in retrospect, but in soft real-time, on any device in a mobile environment and the concatenation of successive virtual observers to create virtual tours. Development of an integrated framework for video acquisition, stream processing, video synthesis, opportunistic networking and integrated pervasive services in dynamic and heterogeneous environments are original contributions of this project..
The research will lead to new insights in the areas of video surveillance and security of public places. In general, outcomes of this project have broad applicability in such areas as, manufacturing, education, military, and entertainment. The international collaboration will enable our graduate students, including those from minority groups, to interact with students and researchers in Australia to broaden each others' knowledge and skills.
* Co-funding from OISE (Office of International Science and Engineering) for collaboration with Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia.