Projects / Programmes
Metrology and biometric systems
January 1, 2013
- December 31, 2017
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.15.03 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Metrology |
Processing and evaluation |
| 2.06.06 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Systems and cybernetics |
Related areas |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T120 |
Technological sciences |
Systems engineering, computer technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.02 |
Engineering and Technology |
Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering |
Researchers (19)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
As part of the proposed research programme, the project team from two universities and one RTD-performing SME will carry out basic and applied research on selected topics in areas that include measurement on the one hand and analysis and modelling problems connected with measurement and sensor data on the other. Special focus will be placed on magnetic measurements, environmental and biometric measurements and modelling, and acoustic modelling of speech.
For magnetic measurements, we will primarily focus on developing an optical alkali metal vapour magnetometer, whose operation will be expanded through gradiometric configuration in the same sensor cell. We will optimize the optical magnetometer and gradiometer for operation in a laboratory environment with magnetic gradients, which impede and even prevent the operation of standard optical magnetometers. We will also make improvements to the optical magnetometer such that it will be possible to measure individual components of the magnetic field.
For environmental measurements and modelling, we will focus on developing models for analysing and predicting key environmental parameters that are used to evaluate atmospheric quality, as well as on developing regression models for the most reliable prediction of these parameters possible, whereby statistical models will also be augmented with suitable physical models. The suitability of these models will be evaluated against actual environmental measurements, in which attention will primarily be directed to the Port of Koper and the broader coastal region.
For biometric measurements and modelling, we will dedicate ourselves to selected biometric modalities such as 2D and 3D facial images, fingerprints, palm shape and prints, and speech. We will resolve open issues that primarily relate to deterioration in the reliability of biometric recognition of individuals due to the impact of environmental and human factors on biometric data capture such as changes in the illumination of body parts observed, changes due to posture differences and varied forms of body parts, and changes due to ageing.
In acoustic modelling of speech we will rely on our rich experience in developing speech technologies. We plan to primarily focus on developing acoustic models that will enable not only speech recognition and synthesis, but also biometric recognition of speakers and their psycho-physiological or emotional state. While developing acoustic models, we will adapt these to all key characteristics of spoken Slovenian, which will also enable the effective use of these technologies in the Slovenian-speaking area.
The proposed research programme will enable synergy among the participating researchers and their rich research experience in all of the areas cited above. The programme results will contribute to better protection from undesired magnetic fields, better monitoring of and response to atmospheric quality, better reliability of the operation of biometric security systems, and better use of various types of speech technologies for the Slovenian language.
Significance for science
According to our experience, we expect that the planned development and research work will lead to significant new ideas and findings in all the areas under consideration. The work that is planned to be conducted within the proposed research programme is a continuation of the research work carried out by the collaborating researchers, who are already included in international research streams. This engagement is, for instance, being reflected by successful technology transfers into practice, granted patents, and publications at international professional and scientific conferences and in journals.
In the field of magnetic measurements, the described research programme will provide theoretical and research support for measurements of DC and low-frequency magnetic flux density. The results of the studies will enhance the current knowledge about measurements of magnetic fields. By performing the planned research work we will actively pursue the development of magnetometers that are being used around the world.
The research work in the field of environmental measurements and acoustics will have a strong impact on the wider area of environmental studies, because the application of the state-of-the-art methods known from automatic pattern recognition and machine learning on environmental measurements and sensor environmental data as well as their combination with physical models in this field is still relatively undeveloped. We thus expect important results and original scientific publications that will significantly contribute to the development of the field.
The collaborating researchers are involved into several interdisciplinary international projects that address technological, legal, and sociological questions about the use of intelligent control technologies. A very important segment of these projects are biometric control systems that are addressed in the proposed research programme. The knowledge acquired within the proposed research is expected to have a great impact on these international projects.
Research in speech technologies as part of human language technologies (HLT) represents an important part of the research on information-communication technologies (ICT) supported by the EU. The preservation of multilingualism is one of the key principles within EU activities. Therefore, procedures that enable the use of these technologies in the development of multilingual information-communication systems and spoken biometric security systems are one of the research and development priorities in the EU. Many research groups from all EU member states are broadly involved in this kind of research.
The expected results will have an impact on other related or wider areas of research and development, such as intelligent computer analysis of various kinds of sensor signals, automatic pattern recognition, machine learning, data mining, intelligent surveillance systems, and ambient intelligent systems.
Significance for the country
The participating researchers from both universities are involved in the implementation of various university and higher education study programmes in which they disseminate and transfer their extensive knowledge in the fields of metrology, signal processing, pattern recognition, machine learning, and artificial intelligent systems to a new generation of students and graduates, who are being trained to become future engineers and technologist in these areas. Research work within the proposed research programme represents a considerable support to their efforts, especially to refresh and acquire new knowledge that will enable to maintain the contact of the Slovenian research community with the latest development and research activities in the addressed research areas.
The knowledge and technology that will result from the proposed research programme can be directly used in the Slovenian industry to develop new products in the field of magnetic measurements, environmental monitoring and control, biometric security and surveillance systems and speech technologies adapted to the Slovenian spoken language. Several Slovenian companies have recently expressed interest in participating in the development of such products. For example, the participating researchers already cooperate with the Port of Koper in the implementation of environmental measurements and modelling of the environment. These technologies are among the highly specialized technologies, which have high added value and therefore constitute important export goods, which can greatly contribute to economic success as well as recognition and promotion of our country abroad. The research work in the area of speech technologies that is adapted to the Slovenian spoken language became particularly important after joining the EU. Our language is one of the fundamentals of our national identity, and the research work in this area will allow the competitiveness of our language in comparison with other European languages.
The participating researchers are involved in several European and other international projects related to the proposed research areas. These projects promote Slovenian knowledge and hence the Slovenian state and this certainly contributes to the socio-economic and cultural reputation and development of our country. With the research work and experience gained under the proposed research programme, researchers will further refine their scientific skills and thereby raise the promotion of their expertise and Slovenia to an even higher level.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
