Current Projects
Emotion-based personalised digital media experience in Co-Spaces (EmoDEx Project)
Grant: NRF2008IDM-IDM004-020 (3 years, 2008-2011)
Role: Principal Investigator
Traditionally, EEG-based technology has been applied in medical applications. Now, new wireless headsets that meet consumer criteria for wearability, price, portability and ease-of-use are coming to the market. It makes possible to spread technology to applications in other areas such as entertainment, e-learning, virtual worlds, cyberworlds, etc. In this project, we proposed to develop novel mathematical model and algorithms to quantify the user's basic emotions and levels of engagement. The result of our research will contribute to development and implementation of human-centric and human-driven interfaces in Co-Spaces.
Visual and Force Feedback Simulation in Nanoengineering and Application to Docking of Transmembrane α- Helices
Grant: ARF (RG10/06) (3 years, 2006-2010)
Role: Principal Investigator
The aim of the project is to employ manual docking in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment to predict favourable TM helix interaction without the need to perform heavy calculations. Feedback will be provided as attraction or repulsion forces felt by the user through the VR haptic device, which will be generated after calculating bonding and nonbonding interactions. Thus, we propose to employ human visual and tactile perception and researcher's previous experience, knowledge, and creativity when he/she is experimenting in our virtual lab.
Visual Haptic-based Molecular Docking
Grant: RGM25/07 Manpower fund (1 year, 2007-2009)
Role: Principal Investigator
Simulation with Haptic devices the "touch feeling" of shapes and molecular systems, and the feeling of "attraction" and "repulsion" in molecular systems.
Visual and haptic rendering in Co-Space
Grant: NRF2008IDM-IDM004-002 (3 years, 2008-2011)
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
In this proposal we set a goal to define an interoperable model of geometry, appearance and physical properties of the objects in Co-Space in terms of mathematical functions and/or algorithmic procedures. The object definitions must be small in size while providing any required precision of rendering. The object definitions must be invariant to the rendering platform used in Co-Space. This goal includes development of the methods providing for interactive modeling and visualization of objects defined by implicit and explicit functions as well as using parametric functions based on partial differential equations. We propose to consistently include physical properties into the models of objects in Co-Space. Both the definition and implementation of the physical properties feedbacks will be done using mathematical functions and/or algorithmic procedures.
Investigation, Modeling and Quantification of Brain Response to External Stimuli
Grant: ARF (RG27/06) (3 years, 2006-2010)
Role: Collaborator, Key Person
To develop novel mathematical models of psychosomatic interactions in humans. Based on such a model, some practical recommendations on improving the psychological state in humans and /or interactive/VR software systems are to be developed to improve the general health conditions in different groups of humans. The final deliverable of the project will be psycho-feedback methodology and algorithms that are to be tested on real patients. The proposed mathematical model is a breakthrough achievement in brain function quantification and was presented on local media. The results of this project were recently published as well as publicized by Singapore Media. The model can be also used for ICP monitoring in emergency room. Now, we are discussing a new project proposal with NNI.
Other Projects
Surgical training in shared virtual spaces
In collaboration with NUH, SCE.
Role: Principal Investigator
Haptic collaboration is a pioneering research in IDM for education. Minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery requires special motor skills as surgery is done with limited visualization of the structures and reliance on equipment for remote visualisation of relevant organs and structures. This is where training in shared haptic virtual spaces can help a great deal. It saves the cost of training and also allows for working with any bones, even those for which synthetic models might not be available. We will develop a shared 3D virtual haptic orthopaedic laboratory accessible from any Internet connected computer. The students will be able to concurrently access a virtual operation theatre from any personal computer connected to the Internet, fix 3D fractured bones, and discuss the surgical procedures by communicating with other students.
Spatial Data Mining
In collaboration with Moscow State University, Russia.
Role: Principal Investigator
This project is on spatial data mining. The aim of the project is to develop novel 2D-3D spatial clustering algorithms for geographical applications. The research has potential to enhance NTU Earth Observatory project.
Visual Querying for Molecular Dynamics
In collaboration with SBS
Role: Principal Investigator
In this project, in collaboration with SBS. We are developing and applying spatio-temporal querying in molecular dynamics. We just completed first version of Molecular Dynamics Visual Query System (MDVQS) with my partner from SBS. We hope that the software will allow the biologists to get a breakthrough in study of chromatin and other molecular systems. This project has a great potential for attracting grants in the bioinformatics and in visual 3D interfaces in IDM.
Dynamic Fractal Dimension Analysis for Neurocritical Care
In collaboration with MAE, NNI
Role: Principal Investigator
The objectives are to design and implement prognostic modelling algorithms to help guide clinical management and also predict the clinical outcome of patients using fractal analysis. This is a potentially valuable tool to quantify the heterogeneity of physiological time-series data such as heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiographic data and intracranial pressure. Our approach applies fractal analysis to these neurophysiologic data. Our hypothesis is that changes in these fractal dimensions can then potentially guide clinical management. In this exploratory study, we select the protocol-driven management of severe head injury in the intensive care unit, as fractal analysis of physiologic signals may then be correlated with progressive stepwise clinical interventions during the course of patient care.
Neurofeedback for Pain Management
In collaboration with Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)
Role: Principal Investigator
The objectives are to propose and implement experiments to validate hypothesis: "pain has spatio-temporal location in the brain", to design and implement prognostic modelling algorithms to help guide clinical management and then, propose and implement neurofedback games to treat patients with so-called central pain syndrome. This is a potentially valuable tool to quantify the heterogeneity of physiological time-series data such as EEG. Our approach applies fractal analysis to these neurophysiologic data. The results of NRF2008IDM-IDM004-020 will be used.
Under-review Projects
EEG-based Immersion and 3D Interaction: E-learning, Art, and Medical Application
Grant: MOE AcRF Tier1 (1 years, 2010-2011)
Role: Principle Investigator
In this project, we propose R&D of novel tools of brain state quantification that could be integrated in IMI Triple I System (Interaction, Immersion &Innovation) and used in e-learning, art and medical applications. The algorithms are implemented with blobby visualization tools for EEG analysis and are integrated in EEG-based "serious" games. The "serious" games will be proposed for e-learning and medical applications including the games based on concentration/attention recognition for e-learning and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) therapy and pain management games. Such games could be used by the user/patient even at home convenience.
Emotional Robot
Grant: MOE AcRF Tier2(3 years, 2011-2013)
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
We aim to create a unique composition of a real similarly equal functionality and behavior human-like emotional robot. The targeted operations of this robot are to undertake the role of a helper, companion and assistant for all networked media of a real-human. In this project, I develop EEG-based methods for measuring the subjective/objective Sense of Mutual Presence. The methods of brain state quantification and emotion recognition could be coupled with structured questionnaires. The EEG recording would be quantified with spatio-temporal fractal-based approach.
Completed Projects
Automating Integration of Manufacturing Service Systems.
A*STAR funded joint pilot project with SIMTech (2 years, 2004 - 2005)
Role: Collaborator
I proposed a new concept of Virtual Active Data Warehouse for ontology-based integration of unstructured, semi-structured and structured data. The results of my research are the basis for automatic data integration of manufacturing service systems.
Biomedical Characterization Techniques and Analysis
Grant: RGM18/07 (1 year, 2007-2008)
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Nanoscale modelling of biological systems is an emerging topic in nanotechnology and nanoengineering. Visual and force feedback simulation could be a very important and sometimes the only tool used in nanoengineering for virtual and even real experiments at nanoscale level. In this project, different biomolecular docking techniques are assessed and novel biomolecular docking method is proposed.