[US]PhD position at the Georgia Institute of Technology

We are interested in PhD students, Post-doc researchers, and visiting scholars who are self-motivated in learning new knowledge and technology and seeking creative idea and solution, and have strong backgrounds in the following areas:
1) Development of intelligent sensing systems using digital camera, 3D Laser, LIght 2) Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and other technologies.
3) Development of computer vision system using images and LiDAR.
4) Solid knowledge and experience on signal (image) processing, machine learning, and data mining.
5) Solid knowledge and experience on developing optimization algorithms and probabilistic models

Our research includes Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and intelligent sensing-based infrastructure system management. The research focuses include:
a) development of sensing-based intelligent roadway asset inventory and management system
-.developing intelligent roadway sign asset inventory and management systems using image and LiDAR processing and recognition.
-.developing automatic pavement condition evaluation system by processing downward pavement images and LiDAR data.
b) developing an intelligent workzone intrusion vehicle detection and warning system using image-based object detection, recognition, and tracking algorithms.
c) developing spatial optimization and stochastic models and algorithms to facilitate large-scale pavement maintenance and rehabilitation decision making process;
d) developing logistics models for large-scale port management.


Research projects are described below:
current research project sponsored by the National Academy of Science (NAS) NCHRP IDEA program on “Development of Sensing System for Highway Workzone Hazard Awareness.” Computer vision, along with other innovative sensors, will be developed to track moving vehicles and pedestrians. In addition, to develop a reliable hazard warning system, a probabilistic model will be developed to quantify the estimation and prediction uncertainties caused by sensing technology.

current research project sponsored by Georgia Logistics Innovation Center to develop a maritime awareness system for automatically detecting and recognizing waterway activities (e.g. containers, vessels, dolphins, environmental problems, etc.) through Savannah Port.

upcoming research project sponsored by the US DOT for developing a Remote-Sensing and GIS-enabled Asset Management System (RS-GAMS). Different state of the art scanning laser technology will be equipped on a van to collect 3D LiDAR data along with image data that is collected using cameras and infrared ray cameras. Intelligent signal processing and object recognition algorithms will be developed to automatically detect and recognize roadway assets, including signs, guardrails, pavement markings, cross slopes, etc.. In addition, 0.5 mm resolution high-performance downward LiDAR will be used to automatically detect pavement surface macro-texture and construction defects, such as segregation, as well as pavement distresses, including cracks, rutting, raveling, etc. Spatial data integration using GPS, IMU, GPS, DMI, etc. will be applied to integrate different data sources. And spatial data fusion methods will be developed to extract features of interest, such as pavement distresses, abnormal maco-texture. It is expected we will analyze pavement texture characteristics at macro level and then extend to micro and nano levels in the future for developing safe, quiet, smooth, and long-life pavements.

Please contact Professor James Tsai at James.Tsai@ce.gatech.edu if you are interested in the position. For Professor James Tsai’s research, please refer to the following web site.
http://www.ce.gatech.edu/Faculty-Staff/faculty-listing/research-interests/?active_id=yt7

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is one of the top four engineering schools in the US (http://www.coe.gatech.edu/about/rankings.php).