NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Industrial research for a technology for still images quality improvement and video stream stabilization in GSM devices equipped with inertial sensor system, a R&D project in the frames of OP "Competitiveness of Bulgarian Economics 2007-2013", Project No. BG161 POO03-11.06-0037-C0001 / 07.12.2012 of MIE with MMSolutions AD, IICT partnership (2012-2015).
Experimental development of software libraries for still images quality improvement and video stream stabilization in GSM devices equipped with inertial sensor system, a R&D project in the frames of OP "Competitiveness of Bulgarian Economics 2007-2013", Project No. BG161 POO03-11.06-0038-C0001 / 07.12.2012 of MIE with MMSolutions AD, IICT partnership (2012-2015).

The two projects are closely related thematically. Industrial research (the 1st contract) and experimental development (the 2nd contract) are focused on relatively inexpensive cameras that are embedded recently in mobile phone devices (GSM) of middle and higher class, and in particular to improve the quality of images and videos obtained by them.

Three main tasks are defined:

- Video Stabilization: i.e. suppression and/or compensation of flicker caused by shooting without a tripod (the hand holding the camera, walking , etc.), as well as the rolling shutter phenomenon, typical for inexpensive cameras of CMOS technology.
- Images blurring correction: Those twitches/shakes of the camera, when producing single photos, create image blur, particularly during prolonged exposure (i.e. at low snapping speed).
- For a realistic (or artificial) representation of images with a large dynamic range: The dynamic range of a natural scene, i.e. the ratio between the darkest and the brightest parts often reaches over 100 000. The human eye perceives a dynamic range up to 10 000. Most cameras reproduce dynamic range to 255 that should be reallocated optimally to achieve wanted visual effects.

Mathematical algorithms for video stabilization and noise filtering through inertial sensors, IICT contract with MM Solutions AD, Sofia, 2012.

The aim of the project was to verify experimentally the ability to effectively combine video stream data and data from inertial sensors for on-line stabilization of the video from the camera in a modern GSM handset. Surveys and developed algorithms for video stabilization and noise filtering by motion sensors, conversion and comparison of results and documentation confirmed the goal.

ASTROINFORMATICS (2009-2012): Signal Processing and Analysis of Digitized Astronomical Data and WEB-Based Implementation. Research project DO-02-275/2009, funded by the National Science Fund of Bulgaria, Consortium of 4 institutes of BAS (IMI, IA, IICT, and CLVG), http://www.wfpdb.org

The basic context of the project is establishing the foundations of a new interdisciplinary area called Astroinformatics which risen from the need of ICT methods for preservation and exploitation of the scientific, cultural and historic heritage of astronomical wide-field-plate observations. The main project objective is the usage of ICT methods and instruments for processing, representation and storage of astro-images in specialized database for efficient data retrieval. A web-based system should be developed in view of its future inclusion into the Euro-VO.

Support the creative development of graduate students, post-doctoral students and young scientists in the field of computer science, Contract BG 051 PO 001-3.3.04/13, funded by the European Social Fund, Operational Programme "Human Resources" by Ministry of Education, Youth and Science. Participants: 7 universities and 2 institutes of BAS with the coordinator of Veliko Tarnovo University "St. Cyril and Methodius" (28.08.2009 - 08.28.2011) http://phd-support.org

Main objective of the project is to support graduate students, post-doctoral students and young scientists with research interests in computer systems and technologies, informatics and computer science, densification and improve the quality of research and increase their contribution to building an economy based on knowledge. Specific Objective: Convergence of science and business through guidance of young scientists to innovation and research needs of companies in the industry. All planned activities of the project are implemented, all targets are achieved.

ISSSE: (2006-2009): Intelligent sensor systems for security enhancement. Research project VU-MI-204/2006, funded by the National Science Fund of Bulgaria, coordinated by FMI of the Sofia-University, IIT-BAS partnership.

The project aims the approbation of the new methods and means for the processing of sensor information, and the establishment of a simplified prototype of a system, targeting the problems of security and the war with terrorism. Some of the specific projects tasks are: sensor calibration, 3D reconstruction, object recognition, support of a database of the objects of interest, etc.

Fast Access Methods by Content to Multimedia Databases. IIT-BAS research project I-1306/ 2003, funded by the National Science Fund of Bulgaria, (2003-2006).

The project objective was the improvement of the indexing techniques for effective CBIR (Content Based Image Retrieval), so that they are both fast and noise resistant. The project was targeted to meet the needs of the Bulgarian Patent Office, with their large image database of trade marks and service marks.

Development of method, algorithm and software for efficient retrieval of graphical content from large DB-s of images. R&D project of IIT-BAS, contract ИД-6/ 14.05.2004 with the (former) National Agency for ICT, (2004-2005).

Project objectives: (1) analysis of the abroad experience in the area of CBIR (Content Based Image Retrieval), in the aspect of effectiveness (processing complexity and noise tolerancing) of the access methods into multimedia DB-s (images and/or video), and (2) an algorithm for efficient CBIR from large DB-s of images.

STEMB: Software System for Replicas Verification of the State Emblem of Bulgaria, two IIT-BAS R&D Projects, funded by the National Committee of Standards and Metrology (1998-1999), (2000-2001).

The purpose of the system STEMB is to verify replicas of the State Emblem, i.e. to compare between the State Emblem's standard and its replica, in order to detect possible inaccuracies and divergences, to estimate them objectively both qualitatively and quantitatively and finally to document them.

Written and Printed Text Recognition - Methods and Information Technology for Cyrillic. IIT-BAS research project I-524/1995, funded by National Science Fund of Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, (1996-1998).

The system development problems for an effective recognition of text images, representing handwritten and/or printed text in Cyrillic, and more especially in Bulgarian are considered. An argumentation has been proposed for information technology predominantly oriented towards possible transfer of the methods, algorithms and tools, which are already approved in the case of Latin recognition.

Biometric Parameters Based Identification, IIT-BAS research project I-1302/2003, funded by National Science Fund of Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, (2003-2005).

The goal of the project is to investigate the possibility for reliable authentication of individuals using biometric parameters. Attention is paid to the following modalities: face, signature, voice and moving hand.

Neural Networks for Classification: Theoretical Researches and Application Aspects. IIT-BAS research project I-611/1996 funded by National Science Fund of Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, (1996-2000).

The project develops new methods for description, learning and minimization of neural networks (NN) topology. The study of NN is based on modern and fast algorithms for classification, optimization and identification. The results are implemented in pattern recognition and dynamic system identification and simulation.

Computer System for CD's Identification, IIT-BAS R&D project funded by the Audio-Accoustic Federation (1998-1999).

The aim of the project was to identity the machines producing illegal compact disks. For this a microscope and image processing techniques are used. The system is implemented in the Institute for Forensic Science and Criminology in Sofia.

CAPI: Computer-Aided Portrait Investigation, IIT-BAS R&D project, funded by the Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology in Sofia, (1996-1997).

The goal is to assist the expert to identity photographs on the basis of anthropometric points, thus increasing the objectivity of the conclusion on the one hand, and diminishing the expertise expenses. Implemented in the Institute for Forensic Science and Criminology in Sofia.