Applied Mathematics and Computing Group
Digital Image Processing
The Applied Mathematics and Computing Group (AMAC) is part of the School of Engineering at Cranfield University. It specialises in the application of mathematical and computational techniques to engineering problems - including the domain of applied image and signal processing. Additionally it offers provides postgraduate training, at MSc and PhD level, to software engineers in this and related computational fields.
AMAC has been involved in image processing activities for ~18 years. Prior projects include realtime night-vision systems for major automotive manufacturers, pan-European driver monitoring/awareness projects (Framework 6) and NHS medical vision work. Recent work in 3D vision includes object recognition and inspection, realistic surface completion as well as 3D texture synthesis and detail transfer for computer graphics and virtual reality use. We are currently involved in diverse research programmes with the UK MoD (robotics, MOD Grand Challenge), UK Home Office (airport security), Birmingham University (medical cell identification) and automotive supplier TRW (on vehicle obstacle detection) all concerns with the development of bespoke approaches for the effective extraction of visual information from images.
AMAC employs ~20 full-time staff, ~15 PhD research students and annually supports an MSc cohort of ~80 students as part of the larger School of Engineering (~200 staff). Digital image and signal processing is an active research group focusing on industrial requirements and has strong links to system suppliers and end-user industrial partners within the sector. Current specialisms include vibro-acoustic monitoring, 3D capture and modelling, real-time vision systems and security surveillance applications. AMAC sister group MAG (Microprocessor Applications Group) provides professional military software engineering with several major products deployed in the field.
AMAC maintains both image processing and signal processing lab facilities to support ongoing research projects. Specific to our work in 3D imaging we maintain a Virtual Reality (VR) suite for experimental visualisation and 3D development work. Additional access to super-computer facilities are available via the Cambridge-Cranfield High Performance Computing Facility and Cranfield maintains a specific pool of staff expertise in the military domain through the Defence Academy campus at Shrivenham. The research group maintains close links with industry through its industrial seminar series and active membership of the UK industrial vision association (UK IVA) and UK Sensors KTN.
