Ahead in 3D Recent advances include reconstruction algorithms and systems, developed together with his research team, to address the challenge of missing detail that arises with present mapping technology. Current techniques use unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-level cars to collect image data, with areas that escape attention needing to be filled in manually. Through Prof Quan’s breakthrough, manual inputting can be replaced by automated reconstruction of buildings and landmarks, based on the images collected. This can take the technology to fresh heights of accuracy. Unsurprisingly, Prof Quan’s work has attracted attention from other academics and a wide range of companies, including Google, Nokia, Microsoft, Airbus, Thales, and Mainland China industries. He has over 6,700 citations and an H-index (a recognized measure of productivity and citation impact) of 43, according to Google Scholar. In addition, he has served as an editor and chair in all major computer vision journals and conferences respectively, and in 2011 was a General Chair of the IEEE International Conference on Computer Vision, the premier biennial event in this field globally. “I have been very fortunate to be able to contribute to computer vision and serve this young and dynamic community,” he said. Prof Quan believes his on-going enthusiasm is driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire to see the knowledge he uncovers put to use. Along with applications, such uses encompass teaching and sharing his expertise and passion for discovery with students. He is a devoted educator and has twice been elected a HKUST Best Ten Lecturer in an independent student-organized poll. He is also a dedicated supervisor of graduate students, including Peter Sturm, the first awardee of the Best French PhD Dissertation of the Year in Computer Science (Le Prix de Thèse SPECIF 1998, now known as Le Prix de Thèse Gilles Kahn) and Maxime Lhuillier, who received the ICPR Piero Zamperoni Best Student Paper Award in 2000. His graduate students now hold faculty positions in world-renowned institutions and universities, such as CNRS, INRIA, Peking University, National University of Singapore, and Princeton University. Prof Quan is now driving advances through the further development of algorithms and systems for 3D mapping. Such work has attracted a constant stream of six-figure funding under various Hong Kong Research Grants Council schemes and from industry grants. Several patents have been awarded and others are pending. In addition, a related HKUST start-up has been launched. The search is continuous for ways to advance through greater accuracy, higher resolution, and faster speed, he noted. One key project is to map the whole of Hong Kong in 3D. “This is our dream,” Prof Quan said. “We have started to undertake the work. However, data capture is expensive. I am now applying for funding through different channels to enable us to reach our goal.” Such a survey would assist various industries, including logistics and navigation companies. Urban planners could also benefit. “Computer vision is different from other computer science areas as you see concrete objects, not only abstract numbers,” Prof Quan said. “To me, the fascination of the 3D shape is endless. Its construction, which involves both visual artistic form and geometry, is of constant interest. We still have a great deal to explore in terms of applications but we are moving forward.” · BS in Telecommunication, Northern Jiaotong University, Beijing, 1984 · MS (D.E.A.) in Computer Science, Université Henri PoincaréCNRS-INRIA, France, 1986 · PhD in Computer Science, INPL-CNRS-INRIA, France, 1989 · CNRS Researcher at INRIA, France, 1990-2001 · Associate Professor, Computer Science, HKUST, 2001-05 · Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, HKUST, 2005-now A Visionary Career Prof Long Quan’s pathway to pioneering insights: In Focus 4
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