Positioning & Wireless Technology Centre

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Ph.D. Research Topic
Advanced Image Processing For Remote Sensing Applications

Synopsis
Remote sensing using optical and radar sensors are widely used in both the civilian and military arena. One very important application is to derive high quality 3-dimensional images of the Earth terrain, man-made objects such as buildings and vehicles, and forest. Such high quality images are highly desired in both the commercial and military sector. In the civilian industry, such images are useful to monitor the health of the environment while in the defence industry, they are useful in providing critical information of the hostile forces and hence defeat them.

In this research, the candidate will develop advanced image processing techniques that will produce high quality 3-dimensional images from remote sensors such as radars. This technology has dual use, as besides being used in remote sensing applications, the techniques developed are likely to be applicable in 3D bio-medical imaging such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

The potential candidate can look forward to an exciting research journey where he will develop advanced image processing algorithms, verify them using simulations as well as real data collected from actual sensors. He/she would also be attached to DSO National Laboratories to work with researchers working in this area of active research.

Requirements :
He/she must be a Singapore citizen. He/she should have at least a 2nd Upper Honours with an aptitude for research work. He/she must also be strong in the field of digital signal processing. Ability to use Matlab software will be very advantageous.

Stipend :
The stipend can be up to maximum $3100 per month commensurate with the quality of the qualifications of the student, plus full tuition and all compulsory fees, or

A top-up of $800 per month can be given for those awarded the Nanyang President Graduate Scholarship to bring the total stipend to $4000 per month.

Ph.D. Supervisors
A/Prof Erry Gunawan and Dr Ang Wee Peng will be the supervisors for this research. Prof Erry is from the School of EEE’s Communications Division while Dr Ang is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the same division. He is also Principal Member of Technical Staff in DSO National Laboratories which is Singapore's national defence R&D organisation. In DSO, the scientists and engineers develop technological surprises that multiply the combat capabilities of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and render potential threats irrelevant. Dr Ang main research focus is in developing advanced signal processing techniques for remote sensing applications and he has more than 10 years of research experience in this field.

Contact:
Interested candidate can contact either supervisor via the following email address:

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With the recent growth of sensor applications, there is a growing need for solutions to energy-efficient detection and estimation. This project will involve considering such problems in the context of sensor arrays based on RF and ultrasound. In particular, the project will involve (i) developing an understanding of the underlying signal processing issues in sensor arrays for presence detection and positioning, (ii) developing detection and estimation algorithms, and (iii) validating proposed algorithms via simulations and demonstrators. The contributions will lead to the realization of smart control systems.

Signal processing and Controls
Statistical signal processing (Detection theory, Estimation techniques)
Array processing
Experience with implementing algorithms on Matlab/Simulink
Strong communication (written and verbal) skills in English

To apply, send a detailed curriculum vita with list of 2-3 references, preferred joining date and period of availability, details of graduate courses and research projects, along with technical reports/publications if applicable.

Project duration: 9-12 months (leading to a thesis, in case of Masters’ thesis students)

Project location: Philips Research, High Tech Campus, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

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***NOTE : We are now looking for 10 more student helpers for this project. Please kindly contact Ms Than Thida thida@ntu.edu.sg
You are to start work from 20th July till 15th Aug 2009.

1. Purpose
1.1 The student helpers are needed to help MediaCorp gather technical data on reception of digital TV signals within the living environment of the HDB households.

2. Number of students required
2.1 The total number of students required is 20.
2.2 The students will be divided into 10 teams, each team comprising 2 members.
2.3 For safety reasons, it is preferable to have at least one male student in each team.

3. Working Hours
3.1 By default, all students shall be required to work normal hours from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
3.2 Students must be prepared to work on weekends under special circumstances where the household is not able to accommodate a visit during normal hours.
3.3 Permission shall be given by MediaCorp when the students need to work under these special circumstances as dictated by 3.2.

4. Scope of Work
4.1 Each team of students is expected to visit HDB households to conduct the reception survey in one or more zones of the HDB estate.
4.2 Every team is expected to complete at least 140 household surveys within 2 to 3 months. On the average, that would translate to about 3 to 4 household surveys to be completed daily.
4.3 Appointments with the assigned households will be made by coordinators from the respective RC zones engaged by MediaCorp for the exercise.
4.4 A standard set of receiving and measuring equipment will be issued to each team of students for the reception survey.
4.5 In each household, the students will carry out digital TV reception checks and signal measurements using the receiving and measuring equipment at the living room as well as all the bedrooms.
4.6 The students are expected to also record down important and relevant observations made during the survey.
4.7 The students will have ample time to furnish comprehensive data entry for the surveys made each day. The collected data shall be submitted on a daily basis for compilation.

5. Training
5.1 Sufficient training will be provided to the students before the exercise. However, students must have the interest to work with RF and TV broadcasting.

6. Benefits
6.1 Through this reception survey exercise, the students can expect to benefit by acquiring useful RF knowledge pertaining to DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting –Terrestrial) broadcasting and planning aspects.

Please provide the following information if interested:
1. Full Name
2. Home Address
3. NRIC no
4. Student ID
5. Contact No
6. Photo (Scan will do)

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Apointments and Vacancies