Artificial Intelligence research at XJTLU: Intelligent scene understanding

LONDON, April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr Kaizhu Huang, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, has developed a research project into Intelligent Scene Understanding (ISU), a technology that allows computer systems to recognise objects.

"The project depends on 'deep learning', which is one aspect of machine learning algorithms. These algorithms allow performance that is even higher than human beings in many learning and vision scenarios," said Kaizhu.

Kaizhu's ISU project utilises multiple sensors to detect various subjects (humans, vehicles, and objects) within real-world scenes. Pattern recognition and state-of-the art deep learning models are employed to create a system able to recognise, analyse, and understand objects more accurately and efficiently.

Typical applications of ISU include supermarkets such as Amazon-Go that have no need for employees, queues, or checkouts, and 'intelligent suspect-hunting systems', where public video cameras might be used to automatically identify suspected criminals or their vehicles.

One application of the technology could be to create an automated photographic service at tourist sites, as Kaizhu explained:

"The key technology here is object recognition - the system recognises individual tourists as they enter a site, and cameras take photos of them as they go around," he said.

"At the end of the visit tourists can be presented with multiple photos to take away as souvenirs. This eliminates the need for people to take their own photos and will improve efficiency and mobility, especially at crowded tourist sites," Kaizhu added.

Kaizhu is setting up a demonstration version of this system at XJTLU and hopes to perform a real-world trial in one of Suzhou's famous gardens.

AI education at XJTLU
Cheng Lyu, alumnus of XJTLU, whose start-up Raven Technology created a popular AI-based music application, was recently appointed to an important role at technology company Baidu.

Cheng's appointment exemplifies how XJTLU is helping to train the next generation of AI experts through its academic programmes in the departments of Computer Science and Software Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering. 

The XJTLU FabLab, 'a place where anybody can make virtually anything', gives students a space to try out their digital fabrication ideas, and organises guest talks by AI experts to inspire the next generation of digital entrepreneurs.

Additionally, there are many internship and work placement opportunities for XJTLU students at tech companies in Suzhou Industrial Park, China's Silicon Valley.