Pervasive Computing Research (PCR)

Pervasive Computing Research aims to seamlessly integrate computing intelligence into everyday life. Computers have moved from large rooms to our desktops and now to almost every modern convenience, from cars, mobile phones, kitchen appliances, etc. To be useful, computers need to be able to gather information from the physical world. Sensors bridge this gap between the physical world and computers. The research has multidisciplinary foundations, including distributed computing, sensor networks, human-computer interaction and artificial intelligence. Our research focuses on developing the next generation of pervasive computing environments with information and communication technology everywhere, for everyone, at all times. Our research activities include distributed computing, embedded systems, sensors, wireless technologies and applications for society such as for assistive technology and educational systems

Embedded Visual Processing in Wireless Sensor Network

This research focuses on the integration of low-cost image sensors with embedded processing to perform processing at the node or sensor level. It also includes research into distributed processing within the network. The research focuses on visual processing in such areas as compression, segmentation, fusion and intelligent processing techniques.

Applications of Wireless Sensor Networks for Society and Environment

This research focuses on the application of wireless sensor networks into daily lives. One aspect of this is habitat monitoring whereby sensors are used to monitor the environment and its inhabitants to intelligently adjust living conditions such as heating, cooling and lighting. Another project is a speech assistance and guidance for the visually impaired. This would be used in public places where the user may have no prior knowledge of the environment (i.e. locations of objects and people) such as at airports, train stations, bus stations, etc.

FPGA Embedded Systems Design

This research focuses on efficient computing through embedded processing. This is mainly done using hardware embedded FPGAs and realized using hardware descriptive languages such as VHDL or higher level C-like syntax such as Handel-C. Depending on the application, the hardware can consist of application specific processors, general microprocessors (such as the MicroBlaze or the Nios), DSPs, custom MIPS, different IPs and memory blocks.

Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive radio is the next generation wireless communication system that enables unlicensed users to use underutilised licensed spectrum conditional on the interference to the licensed users being below an acceptable level. There are two prominent intrinsic features of cognitive radio that, for simplicity, we call context awareness and intelligence. This research addresses recent issues brought about by these intrinsic features using artificial intelligence techniques. Various aspects are investigated, particularly routing and security, to ensure successful deployment.

Distributed Haptic Virtual Environments (DHVEs)

In DHVEs, the collaborative network, user is expecting to have sense of touch and provide real time feedback when working with multi-users. In particular, the integration of haptics with virtual environment has opened up a new research area for network communication. Haptic Virtual Environments (HVEs) support interfaces between a haptic device and a virtual environment. HVE uses include military and space exploration; the sense of touch will also enable blind people to interact with each other within a virtual environment.

Radio Wave Propagation

Wireless mobile communications, which rely on radio waves to transport messages, has been widely perceived as one rapid growing segment within the communications industry. The ultimate goal of cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS) is to provide instant communications between individuals located anywhere in the world at any time. To successfully design reliable wireless communication systems calls for a thorough understanding of the complex wave propagation phenomenon.

Team Members:

• Dr Grace Lim Soo Yong
  (Communication & Computing - Coordinator)
  Research areas: Electromagnetic waves, Radio propagation theory and measurement, Ray tracing simulation.
• Yeong Lee Seng (waiting for PhD award)
  (Sensors & Computing – Coordinator)
  Research areas: Wireless Sensor Networks, Embedded Computing, Hardware Implementations on FPGA.
• Professor Dr Jasmine Seng K.P
  Research areas: Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), Wireless Visual Sensor Networking, Hardware implementations on DSP, FPGA and WSN computing platforms.
• Dr Pu Chuan Chin
  Research areas: Wireless Sensor Network, Indoor Positioning and Navigation.
• Dr Yap Kian Meng
  Research areas: Distributed Haptics, Virtual Engineering, Tele-communications, Advanced Networks.
• Dr Yau Kok Lim
  Research areas: Wireless Networks (cognitive radio networks, Wireless Sensor Networks, mobile ad hoc networks, wireless mesh networks), Network Security, Applied Artificial Intelligence.
• Chia Wai Chong (waiting for PhD award)
  Research areas: Wireless Sensor Networks, Embedded Computing, Hardware Implementations on FPGA.
• Ling Mee Hong
  Research areas: Cognitive Radio, Network Security.
• Thinaharan Ramachandran
  Research areas: Medical image analysis, medical instrumentation system development and ultrasound imaging.
• Mr Nyeche Hakwumeru Prince (Postgraduate Student)
• Mr Liew Yi Hong (Postgraduate Student)
• Mr Ng Ming Ann (Postgraduate Student)
• Mr Hassan A. A. Al-Rawi (Postgraduate Student)
• Mr Kelvyn Law Yeong Hui (Postgraduate Student)
• Ms Chit Su Mon (Postgraduate Student)