Automatic face recognition of video sequences using self-eigenfaces

The objective of this work is to provide an efficient face recognition scheme useful for video indexing applications. In particular we are addressing the following problem: given a set of known images and given a video sequence to be indexed, find where the corresponding persons appear in the sequence. Conventional face detection schemes are not well suited for this application and alternate and more efficient schemes have to be developed. In this paper we have modified our original generic eigenface-based recognition scheme presented in [1] by introducing the concept of selfeigenfaces. The resulting scheme is very efficient to find specific face images and to cope with the different face conditions present in a video sequence. The main and final objective is to develop a tool to be used in the MPEG-7 standardization effort to help video indexing activities. Good results have been obtained using the video test sequences used in the MPEG-7 evaluation group.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Image sequence analysis for emerging interactive multimedia services - The European COST 211 framework

Cataloged from PDF version of article.Flexibility and efficiency of coding, content extraction, and content-based search are key research topics in the field of interactive multimedia. Ongoing ISO MPEG-4 and MPEG-7 activities are targeting standardization to facilitate such services. European COST Telecommunications activities provide a framework for research collaboration. COST 211bis and COST 211ter activities have been instrumental in the definition and development of the ITU-T H.261 and H.263 standards for videoconferencing over ISDN and videophony over regular phone lines, respectively. The group has also contributed significantly to the ISO MPEG-4 activities. At present a significant effort of the COST 211ter group activities is dedicated toward image and video sequence analysis and segmentation—an important technological aspect for the success of emerging object-based MPEG-4 and MPEG-7 multimedia applications. The current work of COST 211 is centered around the test model, called the Analysis Model (AM). The essential feature of the AM is its ability to fuse information from different sources to achieve a high-quality object segmentation. The current information sources are the intermediate results from frame-based (still) color segmentation, motion vector based segmentation, and changedetection-based segmentation. Motion vectors, which form the basis for the motion vector based intermediate segmentation, are estimated from consecutive frames. A recursive shortest spanning tree (RSST) algorithm is used to obtain intermediate color and motion vector based segmentation results. A rule-based region processor fuses the intermediate results; a postprocessor further refines the final segmentation output. The results of the current AM are satisfactory; it is expected that there will be further improvements of the AM within the COST 211 project

Knowledge web: realising the semantic web... all the way to knowledge-enhanced multimedia documents

The semantic web and semantic web services are major efforts in order to spread and to integrate knowledge technology to the whole web. The Knowledge Web network of excellence aims at supporting their developments at the best and largest European level and supporting industry in adopting them. It especially investigates the solution of scalability, heterogeneity and dynamics obstacles to the full development of the semantic web. We explain how Knowledge Web results should benefit knowledge-enhanced multimedia applications

Essential patents in pools: Is value intrinsinc or induced ?

This paper analyzes empirically the value - as measured by patent citations - of a set of 1363 essential patents belonging to 9 different patent pools. We find that pooled patents receive more cites than control patents having the same characteristics but not included in a pool. This difference stems only partly from the pools' ability to select the most cited patents. Indeed we show that being included in a pool also tends to increase the value of patents. This induced effect reflects the incentive for patent owners to join a pool. We analyze it in details in order to better understand the drivers of enhanced patent value.

A morphological approach for segmentation and tracking of human faces

A new technique for segmenting and tracking human faces in video sequences is presented. The technique relies on morphological tools such as using connected operators to extract the connected component that more likely belongs to a face, and partition projection to track this component through the sequence. A binary partition tree (BPT) is used to implement the connected operator. The BPT is constructed based on the chrominance criteria and its nodes are analyzed so that the selected node maximizes an estimation of the likelihood of being part of a face. The tracking is performed using a partition projection approach. Images are divided into face and non-face parts, which are tracked through the sequence. The technique has been successfully assessed using several test sequences from the MPEG-4 (raw format) and the MPEG-7 databases (MPEG-1 format).Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Learning objects and learning designs: an integrated system for reusable, adaptive and shareable learning content

This paper proposes a system, the Smart Learning Design Framework, designed to support the development of pedagogically sound learning material within an integrated, platform-independent data structure. The system supports sharing, reuse and adaptation of learning material via a metadata-driven philosophy that enables the technicalities of the system to be imperceptible to the author and consumer. The system proposes the use of pedagogically focused metadata to support and guide the author and to adapt and deliver the content to the targeted consumer. A prototype of the proposed system, which provides proof of concept for the novel processes involved, has been developed. The paper describes the Smart Learning Design Framework and places it within the context of alternative learning object models and frameworks to highlight similarities, differences and advantages of the proposed system