Irene Cheng, PhD
Contact
Professor, Faculty of Science - MSc Multimedia
- locheng@ualberta.ca
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
Remote sensed data analysis Human perception and intelligence in multimedia computing Multimedia data science Healthcare Signal analysis Adaptive learning
About
Education
- Post Doc, Computer and Information Science (CIS), University of Pennsylvania, 2007
- Ph.D., Computing Science, University of Alberta, 2005
- M.Sc., Computing Science, University of Alberta, 1999
- B.Sc., Computing Science, University of Alberta, 1996
Additional Positions
- Scientific Director, Multimedia Research Centre https://mrc.science.ualberta.ca/
- Director, Masters with Specialization in Multimedia Program website: http://mmgrad.org/
- Research Affiliate, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
- NSERC Computer Science Evaluation Group committee member
Research
Multimedia Research Group: http://crome.cs.ualberta.ca/mrc/
Areas
Remote Sensing Data Science
Human Perception in Data Science
Multimedia Graphics & Visualization
Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition and Multimedia Communications
Interests
My research interests include multimedia data transmission and Quality of Experience (QoE), mesh simplification and Levels-of-Detail, 3DTV, 3D textured mesh visualization, image processing and adaptive learning/assessment. I introduced the concept of Just-Noticeable-Difference (JND) and Relative Change on 3D TexMesh in the scale-space domain - validated following psychophysical two-alternative-choice methodology.
Summary
My research focus is on the analysis of multimedia patterns and their human perceptual impacts on real-world applications, e.g., animation, education, surveillance and healthcare. My techniques are built upon mathematical formulations like Random-Walks, Set Partitioning in Hierarchical Tree (SPIHT), Conditional Random Field (CRF), Scale-Space Filtering and Just-Noticeable-Difference (JND). Projects include: Improved automatic multi-exposure image fusion and correspondence; introduced perceptually enhanced techniques for automatic segmentation using visual cues and for enhancing medical or photographic image quality; motion capture data compression and transmission; multi-object tracking. The Computer Reinforced Online Multimedia Education (CROME) framework, which focused on adaptive learning/assessment, was designed and prototyped during the period from 2006-2012. More recent research is focused on Intelligent Analysis of Signal Decomposition and Aggregation in different application domains, which include satellite signal (InSAR) filtering and coherence estimation, LiDAR point cloud modelling, Parkinson's Disease progress tracking, vital sign pattern recognition and pressure injury monitoring.
Announcements
The MSc with Specialization in Multimedia Program provides students opportunities to work on practical applied projects with industries, and provides companies with skillful & knowledgeable students to participate in company projects. Visit http://www.mmgrad.org for detail.
Courses
CMPUT 605 - Topics in Computing Science
MM 807 - Multimedia Project I
Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
Scholarly Activities
Other - Advisory Board Member
Started: 2019
Alberta Artificial Intelligence Association (Alberta AI)
Research - Associate Editor
2015 to 2018
IEEE SMC Transactions on Human-Machine Systems
Research - Chair
2009 to 2011
IEEE Northern Canada Section, Engineering in Medicine and Biological Science (EMBS) Chapter
Research - Committee Member
2011 to 2019
IEEE ICME Steering Committee
Research - Committee Member
2020 to 2023
NSERC DG Computer Science Evaluation Group
Research - Director of the Review Editorial Board/ Chair of the Interest Group on Quality of Experience
2010 to 2014
IEEE Communication Society, Multimedia Communication Technical Committee (MMTC)
Research - General Chair (2011)/ Technical Chair (2013)
IEEE International Conference on Multimedia (ICME)
Research - IEEE SMC 2017 Technical Program Chair
Research - Mitacs College of Reviewers
Started: 2010
Mathematics of Info Tech & Complex Systems, Accelerate Program
Admin - VP, Board of Directors
2017 to 2020
Norwood Chinese Education Association