2011 International Conference on Signal and Image Processing Applications (ICSIPA 2011)
ICSIPA 2011 has come and gone. It was again a successful conference with more than 100 participants. The quality of the invited speeches and presented talks was great. We, the organizers, would like to thank all the attendees who helped us make this year’s ICSIPA a very special conference. We will see you all in 2013, the specific date and venue to be announced later. Photos captured during the conference can be found under the Photos Section on the left.

The International Conference on Signal and Image Processing Applications (ICSIPA), organized by the IEEE Signal Processing Society of Malaysia Section provides a forum for the researchers and engineers from academia and industry to discuss and present the latest technological advances and research results in the fields of theoretical multiplication, experimental, and application of signal, image and video processing. ICSIPA 2011 is the second in the series and will again be held in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. The conference aims to bring together engineers and scientists in signal, image and video processing locally and internationally for a better cohesion and collaboration in the fields of mutual interest. The first ICSIPA conference, held in 2009 at the Cititel Hotel MidValley in Kuala Lumpur, was a major success with over 50% international participants.
Proceedings of ICSIPA2011 will be indexed by IEEExplore
The finalized conference program is now available HERE.
A detailed list of the accepted papers can be found HERE.
Title: Significant Progress of Analysis of ColorImage Sequences
Speaker: Prof. Ayoub K. Al-Hamadi
Synopsis: The analysis of color image sequences has an essential influence on the current research in the area ofintelligent surveillance, environment perception, driver assistance systems and human computer interaction.In the context of detecting and tracking moving objects in color image sequences, four essentialresearch aspects will be treated in this presentation, which describe the contributions and innovationsfor solving the correspondence problem in complex image measuring situations. To address the problemsof the fluctuation detection and object interactions a data association step is suggested whichincludes data exclusion, data allocation and data administration. Moreover, the reduction of complexityis also an important aspect which we addressed in our work. Based on these aspects and contributions,the work is establishing a fundament for the analysis of image sequences under the influence of noncooperativemeasuring situations and opens the new possibilities for the future research.
Title: Sensor Networking for Detection: FromDistributed Detection to Energy Savings andMIMO Radar
Speaker: Prof. Rick S. Blum
Synopsis: The focus of the talk is on sensor networking for signal detection. We give a brief review of distributed signal detection which describes some very early work on sensor networking for signal detection. We discuss the important result that sensor likelihood ratio tests are optimum under independence from sensor to sensor. We discuss the more difficult cases of statistically dependent observations and show that some progress can be made in these cases. Next we describe some new work on energy savings for signal detection that shows traditional approaches can be significantly outperformed by ordering the sensor transmissions to send the most informative data first. Finally we discuss a new paradigm called MIMO radar where widely separated multiple transmitters and receivers are employed using either coherent or noncoherent processing. The noncoherent processing allows diversity gains similar to those obtained in communications. The coherent processing allows very high resolution estimation of the position and velocity of objects of interest.
Title: Extending Image and Signal Processing to New Application Areas with Real-Time High Performance Computing
Speaker: Dr. Dinesh Nair
Synopsis: Science and industry continue to push the limits on the resources and computing power of single processors available today. Image and signal processing techniques are being used in new applications such as signal Intelligence in the telecom industry; Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and DNA sequencing in the medical / life sciences area; precision process control in the semiconductor industry and x-ray based inspection in the electronics industry. These applications are characterized by huge amounts of data to be processed in real-time and stringent demands on processing power. These engineering challenges, from image and signal processing to advanced modeling and simulation, continue to require more and more processing ability.
Traditional high performance computing (HPC) models, where the data is collected first and then calculations are performed off-line using a computer cluster cannot be used to address these applications. Traditional HPC is useful when data is processed a small number of times and real-time feedback is not needed. These new applications require the processing to be done in-line with acquisition of data from real world I/O. For example in an image-guided laser surgery application, the medical treatment system needs to process multi-model images such as CT, PET and MRI, with multi-resolution requirements in real-time. The system uses a model-based predictive control system that involves adaptive feedback for real-time control of a laser probe and online simulations of complex thermal environments that evolve during surgery. This requires a visualization module that allows users to visualize the bioheat transfer process all the way from the tissue level to blood vessels and nanoscale levels. High resolution images of tumors, surrounding tissue, and evolving temperature fields must be digitized, transmitted to a visualization arena, rendered with three-dimensional geometric representations, dynamically meshed, and used to calibrate the bio-heat transfer models in near real-time.
To successfully address the requirements for these applications and to enable continued growth in these areas, we need to fully harness the performance potential of specialized processors such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), General Purpose Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and multicore CPUs and address challenges in parallel programming on these and other targets. Real-time high performance computing (RTHPC) combines off-the-shelf technologies to enable the use of massive processing power directly with real-world I/O. In this talk we will take a look at how a real-time high performance computing approach can be used to address some of the emerging engineering challenges. We will look at the challenges in developing image and signal processing algorithms that fully utilize the heterogeneous computing platform that is available today.
Through several examples spanning from signal intelligence, OCT, DNA sequencing to target (laser) tracking, this talk will take your through the various considerations that need to be addressed to map these applications to a single heterogeneous computing platform comprising of FPGAs, multi-core CPUs and GPUs. Although the talk will focus on image and signal processing applications, RTHPC can be used as a building block to solve some of the largest science and engineering challenges in areas such as plasma physics, distributed robotics, smart grids and extremely large telescope control.This talk will also highlight the work being done towards a graphical system design approach that allows a domain expert to work on a single platform an
Authors who have their paper accepted may start preparing for the conference. Below is a simple checklist and guideline for reference:
Sample of a brief biography: “Shahrul Anuar received the BEng. degree in electronic engineering from University of Nottingham, UK in 2005, and the Ph.D. degree in computer vision from University of Manchester, UK in 2009. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at University of Malaya, Malaysia. His main research interests are in the area of signal processing, pattern recognition and computer vision.”
ICSIPA2011 is seeking original high quality submissions addressing the innovative researches in the broad field of signal, image and video processing. Papers are solicited on, but not limited to, the following topics:
Image Acquisition and Display: imaging sensors and acquisition systems; sampling, scanning and quantization; color reproduction; image rendering; display and printing systems; evaluation of image quality.
Image and Video Processing: image filtering; enhancement and restoration; image and video segmentation; image registration; stereoscopic and 3-D processing; video and image sequence processing; morphological processing.
Image and Video Analysis: low-level feature extraction – color, texture and shape; high-level semantics; pattern recognition and classification; motion analysis and object tracking; object, event and scene recognition.
Storage and Retrieval: Image, audio and video databases; multidimensional indexing; content-based retrieval; semantics retrieval; automatic image and video annotation.
Coding and Transmission: still image coding; video coding; audio and speech coding; stereoscopic and 3-D coding; compression standards; image and video transmission over wireless networks.
Signal Processing in Communications: baseband communications; coding theory; digital communications; information theory; software radio; wireless communications.
Applied Signal Processing: signal processing for life sciences data; forensic signal analysis; radar and array processing; seismic signal processing; speech and music processing, smart grid applications.
Emerging Technologies in DSP: chaos theory and fractals; higher-order statistical techniques; multi-resolution and wavelet analysis; nonlinear signal processing.
General Chair:
Mohammad Faizal Ahmad Fauzi
Multimedia University (MMU), Malaysia
General Co-Chair:
Mahendra V. Chilukuri
Multimedia University (MMU), Malaysia
Finance Chair:
R. Logeswaran
Multimedia University (MMU), Malaysia
Technical Chair:
Vijanth Asirvadam
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Malaysia
Program Chair:
Syed Abdul Rahman Syed Abu Bakar
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia
Publication Chair:
Norliza Mohd Noor
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia
Publicity & Website Chair:
Ahmad Ihsan Mohd Yassin
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Malaysia
Local Arrangements Chair:
M. Iqbal Saripan
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
Secretariat Chair:
Yasmin Hanum Md Thayoob
Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Malaysia
Maria Petrou
Informatics and Telematics Institute, Greece
Nicu Sebe
University of Trento , Italy
Mohan Kankanhalli
National University of Singapore
Petar M. Djurić
Stony Brook University, USA
Paul H. Lewis
University of Southampton, UK
Sergios Theodoridis
University of Athens, Greece
Kar-Ann Toh
Yonsei University, Korea
Sei-ichiro Kamata
Waseda University, Japan
Rama Chellappa
University of Maryland, USA
Kuala Lumpur is served by the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The airport is located in Sepang district, about 50km from the Kuala Lumpur city center. The Los Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) is a separate terminal within KLIA that caters for low cost airlines such as Air Asia, Tiger Airways, Cebu Pacific Air and FireFly. It is located on the opposite side of the apron from the Main Terminal Building. By road, LCCT is about 20 km from the Main Terminal Building.
From KLIA Main Terminal, take the KLIA Express (non-stop train) or KLIA Transit (rapid train stopping at several stations) to KL Sentral station, followed by the Putra Line LRT to KLCC station. The fare for both the KLIA Express and KLIA transit trains is RM35 one way. Details for the KLIA Express and the KLIA Transit train services can be found HERE.
From LCCT, take the KLIA Transit train (via a shuttle bus to Salak Tinggi station) to KL Sentral station, followed by the Putra Line LRT to KLCC station. The fare for the KLIA Transit service (including the shuttle bus) from LCCT to KL Sentral station is RM12.50 one way. Details for the KL Transit-to-LCCT service can be found HERE.
The fare for the Putra Line LRT from KL Sentral to KLCC station is RM1.60 one way. Details for the Putra Line LRT service can be found HERE. Hotel Maya is about 10 minutes walking distance from the KLCC station.
transitnetwork
Airport Limo offers taxi and limo services from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to selected areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Coupons for taxis and limos can be obtained at the Airport Limo counters. A single journey from KLIA Main Terminal/LCCT to Hotel Maya on a budget taxi costs around RM75. Details of Airport Taxi services can be found HERE (KLIA Main Terminal) and HERE (LCCT).
Express coach from KLIA Main Terminal to KL Sentral station is available at RM10 one way. SkyBus coach from LCCT to KL Sentral station is RM9 one way. Then from KL Sentral, take the Putra Line LRT to KLCC station. Details of the bus service can be found HERE (KLIA Main Terminal) and HERE (LCCT).
Car rental booths are available at KLIA. They offer a wide range of modern and excellent fleet of vehicles to suit your travel plans. Details of the car rental companies can be found HERE. From the airport, take the North South Expressway E6 towards Kuala Lumpur. The expressway feeds directly into the city via Jalan Tun Razak. Turn left into Jalan Ampang at the first traffic light crossroad junction. Head straight and pass the 88-storey high Petronas Twin Towers on your left. Continue to head straight past the next traffic light junction for another 100 meter. The hotel is on the right side of the road. The estimated journey time is 50 minutes.
There are many local attractions in Kuala Lumpur city center and Klang valley (greater Kuala Lumpur). Among the top attractions are the Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL Tower, Merdeka Square, Chinatown, Kampung Baru, Little India (Brickfields), Central Market and Batu Caves. More information can be found HERE.
Putrajaya is Malaysia’s third and latest Federal Territory. Built on an expansive marshland and former oil palm estate in Selangor, the city spans an area of almost 5,000 hectares and lies 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur. Putrajaya takes over the administrative functions of the capital city Kuala Lumpur and is part of the Multimedia Super Corridor project of the Malaysian government. More information can be found HERE.
An excellent day trip possibility, Genting Highlands is a cool hill station set amidst the cool mountain air and a majestic 100 million-year-old rainforest. Dubbed the ‘City of Entertainment’, it offers indoor and outdoor theme parks, hotels, an 18-hole golf course and a casino. This wildlife haven is perfect for those seeking to escape the hurly-burly of city life. More information can be found HERE.
A good place to cool off after you’ve explored Malaysia’s forests, beaches and lowlands, Cameron Highlands is a salubrious and cool hill station located along the Pahang borders. It’s not as glamorous and glitzy as Genting Highlands – the ‘City of Entertainment’ – yet the town manages to attract its fair share of visitors. More information can be found HERE.
Port Dickson, the playground resort in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, is 34km from the state capital of Seremban and about one and a half hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. It offers 18km of fine sandy beaches fringed by casuarinas, coconut palms and the spreading branches of the Banyan tree. The road practically hugs the coastline - you can just stop wherever it suits your fancy and just plunge into the cool waters. Vendors along the road offer thirst quenching drinks of coconut water and sugar-cane juice. More information can be found HERE.
Melaka is a fascinating city which is rich in its history. A blend of many cultures, from all over the world, is seen in their architecture, traditions, music, and cuisine. Melaka is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. Melaka offers a wide range of attractions for travelers. For all those interested in history and art, it is a place worthwhile to spend a holiday. Melaka is easily accessible from all over Malaysia through the North-South Expressway. It is about 2 hours away from Kuala Lumpur. More information can be found HERE.
Below are some good reading for tourists to Malaysia:
Malaysia Tourist Information
Malaysia Travel Guide
Malaysia Custome & Etiquette
The following are a few suggestions on the available tour packages. Kindly contact the company directly if you are interested.
Putrajaya Tour (Prime Minister Office, Putra Mosque, Pink Mosque)
KL City, Batu Caves, KL Tower, Petronas Twin Tower, Royal Selangor Pewter & Malaysia Cultural Show with Dinner Tour
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM), Batu Caves, Selangor Pewter, Silver Leaf Monkeys & Firefly Tour
Genting Highlands & Bukit Tinggi Colmar Tropicale ‘French Village’ Tour