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Research
Featured Research Topics
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Advanced Nano Composites
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Dr. Sharmila Mukhopadhyay
Sponsors: AFRL (ML & PR), P&G, OBR, NSF
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The X-Ray spectrometer is used to accomplish surface chemistry. X-Ray
generated photo electrons allow exact chemical compositions of the
surface of a material to be determined.
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This research effort deals with the structure chemistry and properties
of material bonds at the atomic level. Dr. Sharmila Mukhopadhyay is
looking at the interface (or seam) of solids to better understand the
forces that hold them together. One focus of her research involves
developing multifunctional aerospace coatings that can be used across a
broad spectrum of applications–from providing wearable fabrics
with an effective shield against dangerous chemicals, to protecting
components in microelectronic circuits, and developing corrosion
resistant, lightweight airframes. Dr. Mukhopadhyay is also involved
with high temperature superconductors. One goal is to develop
superconducting wires that can make space-based electrical generators
lighter and more efficient. Another goal is to investigate the use of
superconductor-based antigravity and levitation in space systems.
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Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing
Artificial intelligence is an area of computer science focused on the
development of computer systems that exhibit intelligent behavior in
decision making, object recognition, planning, learning, and other
applications that require intelligent assessment of complex information.
Many AI systems incorporate learning systems such as simulated neural
networks or evolutionary algorithms to improve performance with
experience. One of the difficulties encountered in many of the domains
considered in artificial intelligence is the need for decision making in
the presence of uncertain and/or incomplete information. Soft computing
refers to a number of formal systems that have been developed to
represent and reason with uncertain information. These systems include
fuzzy logic, rough set theory, Bayesian networks, and hidden Markov
models. Current areas of research include:
- Intelligent agents
- Natural language understanding
- Evolutionary algorithms and evolvable hardware
- Autonomous robotic systems
- Machine learning
- Fuzzy and neural systems
- Intelligent control systems
Faculty
Relevant Courses
CS: 609, 714, 767, 771, 772, 865; CEG: 619, 756, 757, 759
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Assistive Technologies
"Disabilities can be very traumatic, leading to frustration and
depression," according to the American Foundation for the Blind. The
rate of unemployment among legally blind individuals of working age
residing in the United States greatly exceeds the unemployment rate for
individuals with no functional limitations. Clever devices and
information technology engineering strategies can be developed to help
people overcome barriers to pursue educational and professional
opportunities that will allow them to become productive members of the
society. Some of the ongoing research projects are:
- Reading devices for the blind and visually impaired
- Navigation devices for the blind
- Multimodal forms of representation for virtual learning environments
Faculty
Relevant Courses
CS: 609, 670, 712, 714; CEG: 656, 756, 757
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Automatic Target Recognition and Tracking
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Dr. Fred Garber
Sponsors: AFRL, DARPA
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Pattern recognition is used to identify a military target
vehicle (lower right).
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In the realm of high technology, rapidly evolving military operations, one of
the greatest challenges is achieving visibility over the battlefield and the
location of enemy resources. This research effort deals with the military
requirement to identify, evaluate, and track enemy targets on the battlefield
and provide computer assessments of their disposition during and after attack.
The focus is on achieving rapid and accurate pattern recognition of targets
using machine processed tactical sensor data, then using the recognized pattern,
identifying and tracking targets and their location.
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Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics advances fundamental concepts in molecular biology,
biochemistry, and computer science to help further understanding of
basic DNA, genes, and protein structures it relates to mechanisms for
drug development and treatment of diseases. Current research projects
are:
- Metabolomics and toxicology
- Trends in molecular evolution
- Automation of forensic DNA analysis
- Indexing genomic databases
- Stochastic reaction modeling
- Search optimization
- National model for bioinformatics education
- Disease analysis
Faculty
Relevant Courses
CS: 671; BMS: 925, 765
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Biomedical Imaging and Visualization
Biomedical imaging and visualization research has become a very active
research field during the last two decades, offering unique solutions
for a great variety of biological and biomedical problems. Analysis and
visualization of medical images facilitates diagnosis and treatment
planning. Visualization systems used as surgical navigation systems
enable precise and minimally invasive surgery. Some of the research
projects are:
- Image registration in surgical navigation
- Segmentation of MR and CT images for spinal surgery
- Design of a surgical robot assistance for biopsy
- Detection and visualization of brain shift during brain surgery
- Automated endoscopic imaging
- Bio-signatures of in-vivo cells
Faculty
Relevant Courses
CEG: 616, 658, 676, 677, 679, 724, 725, 726, 739, 777
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| Biometrics |
- 2D and 3D biometrics
- Facial imaging
- Finger prints
- Iris and Retina scans
- Gait and motion data
- 2D and 3D feature extraction and analysis
- Matching algorithms for comparison of features
- Multimodal information fusion
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- Faculty: Goshtasby, Bourbakis
- Funding sources: Pending
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Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a major step toward organizing all aspects of
computation as a public utility service. It embraces concepts such as
software as a service and platform as a service, including services for
workflow facilities, application design and development, deployment and
hosting services, data integration, and management of software. The
cloud platform increases in importance as our industry makes the phase
change from in-house data management to cloud-hosted data management to
improve efficiency and focus on core businesses. However, like any new
technology, there are formidable problems, from performance issues to
security and privacy, from metadata management to massively parallel
execution. Some of the active research projects are:
- Cloud infrastructure for data management
- Privacy and security in cloud data management
- Cloud-based mining and learning algorithms
- Cloud support for text mining and web search
- Large-scale natural language modeling and translation
- Parallel and distributed algorithms for bioinformatics
- Performance evaluation and benchmarking
Faculty
Relevant Courses
CS: 619, 771, 772, 774; CEG: 505, 629, 759
For more information, visit the Cloud Collaboratory.
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Command and Control of Remotely Piloted Vehicles
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Dr. S. Narayanan and Dr. Jennie Gallimore
Sponsors: AFRL, AFIT, DAGSI, ITRI, Industry
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The multimodal control system provides
an effective control interface for a remotely piloted vehicle.
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The use of remotely piloted vehicles is increasing dramatically for
applications involving reconnaissance, supression of enemy air defenses, and
hazardous search and rescue missions. As the mission profiles of these vehicles
become more sophisticated and demanding, the need for supervisory interfaces
between human and machine increases. Drs. Narayanan and Gallimore are currently
researching more effective ways to enhance human-system interaction involving
remotely piloted vehicles. Their approach is to develop multimodal interfaces
that can exploit graphical, auditory, and visual channels.
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Communication theory encompasses the processes of modifying, transmitting and
receiving signals over distance. Research in the communication area includes the
development of an all digital radar receiver, investigations in theoretical work
on estimating the angle of arrival of single and multiple radar signals, the
development of algorithms and theoretical bases for automatic target recognition
and real-time spectral analysis. (Dr. F. Garber, Dr. A. Shaw)
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(image info)
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Computational Nonlinear Aeroelasticity for
Multidisciplinary Analysis and Design
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Dr. Ramana Grandhi
Sponsors: AFRL, DAGSI, ITRI
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Ensuring airframe structural integrity requires sophisticated
analysis and design for flutter and limit cycle oscillation.
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One of the key elements in building airframes is developing materials that
provide the needed structural integrity. This research focuses on dealing with
the problem of airframe integrity by optimizing structural design. The goal is
to maximize performance while minimizing weight. This research specifically
looks at hypersonic vehicle design using multi-physics modeling of flow-behavior
with high fidelity simulations. It integrates aerodynamics, structures, and
controls with reduced-order systems for computationally efficient preliminary
designs.
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Control theory involves the modeling of electrical circuits that use the
difference between nominal and sensed data to control a mechanical device or
process. Current research includes the study of more efficient algorithms for
designing robust multivariable control systems. Research also is being done in
the areas of fuzzy logic with biomedical applications. (Dr. L. Hong, Dr. P.
Misra, Dr. K. Rattan)
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Databases and Data Mining
Data mining is the process of extracting useful knowledge from a
database. Data mining facilitates the characterization, classification,
clustering, and searching of different databases, including text data,
image and video data, and bioinformatics data for various applications.
Text, multimedia, and bioinformatics databases are very large and so
parallel/distributed data mining is essential for scalable performance.
Active projects in this area are:
- Parallel/distributed data mining
- Text/image clustering and categorization
- Metadata for timelining events
- XML database
- Data warehousing
- Biological/medical data mining
Faculty
Relevant Courses
CS: 605, 701, 705, 707, 711, 801, 805
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One of several of WSU's parallel data mining systems |
(image info)
Digital signal processing involves the application of digital technology to
the processing of analog signals. This process enables programming flexibility
and the use of sophisticated programming algorithms, improves accuracy, and
stores and transports data. Investigations include developing algorithms to
acquire 3-D representations of objects through optical scanning and processing
images for designing and fitting prosthetic devices. Other research topics
include the conversion of low resolution imaging sources such as video,
graphical data, and still images into high resolution data for use in color and
graphics printers, and large screen displays; the application of color image and
video compression techniques to efficiently code color images and video data;
and new approaches to real-time multidimensional/multiresolutional estimation.
(Dr.
K. Xue)
| The study of electromagnetic fields is concerned with the effects of forces
created by an electric charge moving from one position to another. Research in
the electromagnetics area includes the development of computer models for the
analysis of electromagnetic fields created in microwave and millimeter wave
integrated circuits, the analysis of conformal antennas on curved surfaces, and
computational methods for the prediction and control of electromagnetic
interference in electronic products. (Dr. P. Misra) |
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Enhanced Use of Medical Images
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Dr. Ardeshir Goshtasby
Sponsors: ITRI, Kettering Medical Center
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Sophisticated pattern recognition techniques are being developed to help in the
diagnosis of tomographic images, and even assist in treatment.
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The use and scope of medical diagnostic imaging has progressed to the point
where more effective ways are needed to fully exploit the value of advanced
imaging products. Dr. Goshtasby is developing a method for registering
multimodal volume images. The method is currently optimized to register brain
images, but it can be adjusted to register whole-body images. In fact, it has
been tested with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and
positron emission tomographic (PET) images with very encouraging results, and is
being used now in the operating room. The ultimate goal is to provide more
effective machine assisted diagnostics and, in some cases, treatment.
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High Cycle Fatigue for Turbine Engine Blades
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Dr. Mitch Wolff and Dr. Joseph Slater
Sponsors: AFRL, DAGSI
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A Shock Tube generates a supersonic shock waves to calibrate the pressure
sensors required for advanced jet engine research.
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This research focuses on one of the leading causes of engine failure in USAF
aircraft. Given the cost and time of development of new weapon systems, the Air
Force has long been a leader in extending the service life of existing airframes
through various programs that deal with structural integrity, propulsion, and
avionics. This particular experimental and computational research looks at
engine failure in high performance aircraft with the goal of understanding
specific failure modes.
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Human Performance in Aviation
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Dr. Jennie Gallimore
Sponsors: AFRL, NAMRL, DAGSI
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A special head-mounted camera tracks eye movements (lower center display) during
flight simulation.
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A significant number of aircraft accidents today are caused by pilot error. In
fact, every day five accidents occur, and in Commercial Aviation, 75% are caused
by human error. In General Aviation, the numbers are much higher. Unfortunately,
accident investigations often do not determine specifically why the pilot made
the error that caused the accident, but only that the error occurred. Dr.
Gallimore, in her Aerospace and Virtual Environments Lab, is focusing on pilot
error in aviation in terms of the specific human factors deficiencies that lead
to aircraft accidents. Her research deals with such things as spacial awareness
and disorientation, and visual and vestibular illusions.
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| Intelligent Agents and Robotics |
- Distance learning engineering practica with autonomous robots
- Locomotion control of legged and winged robots
- Autonomous Negotiating Teams
- Space Map Generation
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| Medical Imaging |
- Image registration for colorectal cancer surgery
- Segmentation and registration of MR and CT images for spinal surgery
- Design of a surgical robot assistance for biopsy
- Detection and visualization of
- brain shift during surgery
- blood vessels
- Endoscopic Imaging
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Multimedia Systems and Applications
Multimedia systems offer synergistic and integrated solutions to a great
variety of applications related to multi-modality data, such as
automatic target recognition, surveillance, tracking human behavior,
etc. Some of the current projects are:
- Object recognition in digital images and video
- Multimedia content classification and indexing
- Integrated search and retrieval in multimedia repositories
- Background elimination in live video
- Modeling and visualization
- Biometrics and cyber security
- Network and security visualization
Faculty
Relevant Courses
CS: 607, 707; CEG: 724, 725, 726
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SCAN: Multimodal Information Accessing and Processing
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Dr. Nikolaos G. Bourbakis
Sponsors: AIIS, AFRL, ITRI
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Information can be encrypted and hidden in many ways. Above, the woman's image
is hidden in the noise field (upper right).
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As society becomes more critically reliant on computing systems and networks to
store, process and transfer information, the risk for security compromise and
the destruction and modification of data increases. This research responds to
this increased risk. Dr. Bourbakis is now focusing on the need to protect data
in today's digital world using the SCAN methodology, and at the same time,
detecting hidden messages in suspicious information using his Pixel Flow
Functions developed in 1987. Valuable information is now transferred
electronically by very large volumes in various forms and is vulnerable to
undesirable attacks. SCAN is a tool-methodology developed in 1986 that provides
security and assurance for information processing tasks. SCAN does this by using
lossless compression, encryption, and information hiding on still images and
video. For still images, SCAN has had an equivalent performance with JPEG-2000,
while its encryption part provides a complexity of 10 75000 in years for a
parallel computing machine. SCAN also provides undetectable infofor information
processing tasks. SCAN does this by Information can be encrypted and hidden in
many ways.
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| Networking & Mobile Computing |
- Ultra high-speed optical networking, WDM, OBS
- Network protection, restoration, availability assurance
- Wireless sensor actuator networks for detection, measurement, monitoring, tracking, visualization
- Music tele-presence
- Cross-layer design for QoS and high quality multimedia service in mobile wireless networks
- Composable simulation design for biological network discovery and application
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(Image by David Perreault.)
The study of power electronics includes the use of solid state devices to
replace traditional transformers and tubes in power supplies. Research is
currently being conducted on the comparative merits of high frequency dc/dc
converters. The goals are to find systems with high energy conversion
efficiencies that are compatible with existing inverters and rectifiers.
Investigations include the characterization and modeling of the static and
dynamic operating conditions of a new composite power device called a
MOS-controlled thyristor. Additionally, research is being conducted to design
and prototype a backup power system for aircraft for the U. S. Air Force. (Dr. M.
Kazimierczuk)
| RFID Applications |
- Interface RFID, user inputs, and databases
- Incorporate RFID in Wireless sensor networks
- Develop target and reader localization algorithms
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The field of robotics involves the study of multifunctional manipulators
designed to move material, parts, tools or specialized devices for the
performance of a variety of tasks. Current research in robotics involves
developing sensor-based intelligent robotic systems. This includes such diverse
topics as planning the assembly of optimally manufactured parts, developing a
flexible robot arm, modeling profiles of manufactured objects using the spline
function, recognizing patterns through monocular and binocular vision systems
and integrating data from multiple sensor sources.(Dr. K. Rattan,Dr. L.
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Semantic Web
Today the World Wide Web contains tremendous information in the form of
HTML files that are accessible only by interactive means. The Semantic
Web initiative, a standards-based web of data and inference rules that
enables machine processing, aims to make web pages understandable to
machines. Current research projects include:
- Computer assisted document interpretation tools
- Information extraction from semi-structured documents
- Metadata for timelining events
- Semantic Web knowledge representation
- Semantic sensor web
Faculty
Relevant Courses
CS: 707, 790, 875
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Sensor Fusion
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Dr. Lang Hong
Sponsors: AFRL, DARPA
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To provide adequate visibility of a complex battlefield, inputs from multiple
sensor platforms must be effectively integrated to compensate for potential
degredation of any single sensor.
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Doing automatic target recognition and tracking (see above) on the battlefield
often involves dealing with multiple targets in various locations. Variables
such as foliage, weather, range, and terrain can often degrade a particular
sensor. In this research, Dr. Hong is focusing on fusing together multiple
sensors from a variety of sources in a coherent and integrated way. The goal is
to provide enhanced target identification and assessment in situations where
individual sensors may be degraded. The use of sensor fusion can substantially
reduce the impact of many variables on our ability to identify, track, and
assess targets.
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Severe Plastic Deformation of Aluminum
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Dr. Raghavan Srinivasan
Sponsor: DOE
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The transmission electron microscope allows detailed imaging of the molecular
structures of plastically deformed aluminum.
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This project focuses on developing a new process to accomplish severe plastic
deformation of aluminum. The goal is to create microstructures that make
aluminum much stronger, easier to produce, and less expensive to forge. Dr.
Raghavan Srinivasan's focus is on using this new process to create nano
structures that can result in applications such as lighter, stronger, and less
expensive airframes. This particular process, which is being developed for the
Department of Energy under its Aluminum Initiative, will have much broader
applications. Not only will it enable the production of millions of pounds of
aluminum each year, it will also be applicable to the processing of other
materials.
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Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits are microelectronic chips that
contain tens to hundreds of thousands of transistors. These chips are used in a
variety of applications including computers, automobiles, airplanes, and
communication and robotic systems to perform signal and data processing
functions. Current research in this area includes new design techniques and
computer-aided design tools for incorporating a built-in self-test feature into
VLSI circuits. In addition, custom VLSI circuits are being designed, fabricated,
and tested for specific signal and data processing applications, such as
oversampled analog-to-digital converters, parallel processors using residue
arithmetic, and adaptive filters. (Dr. H. Chen, Dr. M. Emmert, Dr. S. Ren, Dr. R.
Siferd)
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Wireless and Internet Security |
- Security Enhanced Protocols (RFCs)
- Retrofitting Security into Implementations
- Security Analysis of FreeRADIUS
- Hardening the Firewalls
- Lightweight secure communication protocols
- Wireless sensor actuator networks
- SCAN encryption-compression-hiding
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Wireless, Networking, and Security
Wireless communication and networking have revolutionized the way people
communicate. Currently, there are more than two billion cellular
telephone subscribers worldwide. Wireless local area networks have
become a necessity in many parts of the globe. With new wireless enabled
applications being proposed every day, such as wireless sensor networks,
telemedicine, music telepresence, and intelligent web, the potential of
this discipline is just being unleashed. Recent research projects are:
- Ultra-high speed optical network
- Wireless sensor network
- Music telepresence
- Cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access
- Secure protocol and secure processors authentication
- Cyber-physical systems
- Network coding
Faculty
Relevant Courses
CEG: 602, 603, 604, 636, 802
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