| Pulsed Neural Networks:Temporal Signal Processing Using Artificial Neural Networks with Dynamic Synapses |
| 1999-2000 |
This project involved a study of pulsed neural networks using dynamic synapses and the development of software to simulate these networks. They are similar to traditional spiking neural networks except that synaptic facilitation and depletion are also modeled. By adjusting the coefficients of facilitation and depletion of individual neurons, some unique behavior emerges. Temporal patterns can be encoded in the spike patterns of neurons giving them much more flexibility than neurons connected with a very un-biological "weight." Based on this research, some interesting applications in audio processing are presented.
Project Report: PDF
Summary: PDF
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| 3-D GPR Visualisation and Interpretation |
| 1998-1999 |
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I set out with the goal to do neat things with 3-d computer graphics, particularly volume rendering. This lead me to investigate ground penetrating radar (GPR) as a scanning technology that could be used for 3-d imaging. In developing the project I realized that there was a lot of unexplored territory in GPR technology. The algorithms for dealing with GPR data in 3-d and automatically recognizing objects was simply non-existent. I was able to work out some algorithms and combinations thereof that lead to easy to understand 3-d visualizations of GPR data as well as artificial intelligence techniques for object extraction.
For more info check out Kymatix Research Inc. or email me.
CBC Radio Interview: RealAudio
A Channel TV Interview: RealVideo
CFCN TV Interview: RealVideo
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| Robust Ocular Based Object Tracking System (ROBOTS) |
| 1997-1998 with Oleg Lavrovsky |
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This project had multiple primary objectives. First: to develop the robust ocular-based object tracking system (ROBOTS) software which can locate moving objects. The second objective was to implement the software along with a custom built Motor Control System and actuator to track mobile specimens under a microscope.
We were successful in tracking paramecia and other microorganisms using our system. There was some interest in using the tracking system for particle tracking, aircraft tracking and bubble measurement. However, the simple tracking protocol would probably breakdown in situations with too many moving objects and too much occlusion.
Project report: HTML
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| Fractal Image Compression |
| 1996-1997 with Oleg Lavrovsky |
Fractal image compression reduces the byte-size of image files by finding and encoding self-affine relationships. The image is then reconstructed using an iterated function system (IFS). By developing applications and comparing fractal compression with other compression algorithms, our research suggests that fractal image compression is superior when compressing natural colour photographs, while other methods outperformed it on synthetic images.
Project report: HTML
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| Railguns and Coilguns |
| 1996-1997 |
In this project I aimed to build a railgun or coilgun that could accelerate a small metal projectile to a speed of several m/s. I did a fair bit of research and built a few prototypes but never had any really great successes. Nevertheless it was interesting work and there are several links to other people's sites available here.
Project report: HTML
Web Links: HTML
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