Doha, Qatar: Qatar University (QU) is leading the way in cultivating a culture of innovation and making significant contributions through cutting-edge research. As part of Qatar’s mission to transition into a knowledge-based economy, QU’s research activities play a crucial role in driving societal development.
One noteworthy researcher at QU, Prof. Sumaya Al Maadeed, specializes in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and its application to images within the realms of security and medicine. Her groundbreaking work involves analyzing facial and fingerprint images for forensic identification purposes, as well as employing advanced crowd management techniques using drones.
Prof. Al Maadeed and her team have submitted numerous patents supported by QU and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC). Collaborating closely with the Security Committee of the SC, they have embarked on research projects, both locally and globally, that involve video surveillance systems utilizing deep learning. These systems have proven effective in crowd counting, detecting abnormal events, and recognizing human movements, among other tasks.
Automated video surveillance systems have become increasingly vital for ensuring public safety during large-scale events like sports competitions. According to Prof. Al Maadeed, AI is revolutionizing computer capabilities, with machine learning and deep learning further enhancing their abilities through training and learning mechanisms.
The algorithms utilized in these systems rely on accurate data tagging and high-performance computers to analyze and interpret surveillance data captured by fixed or portable cameras. Nevertheless, challenges arise when the algorithms fail to perform optimally or require extensive training or insufficient input data for accurate generalization. To address these limitations, Prof. Al Maadeed’s research team has proposed deep transfer learning (DTL) and deep domain adaptation (DDA) as effective solutions.
DTL and DDA hold promise in mitigating problems related to deep learning algorithms. These approaches have facilitated automatic image recognition and accurate crowd counting, thereby contributing to effective crowd management. Additionally, Prof. Al Maadeed’s team has successfully harnessed drones and smart gates to develop innovative crowd management devices.
In a separate exciting endeavor, Prof. Al Maadeed’s team has filed a patent for a “smart hat” designed to aid individuals with visual impairments. This intelligent assistant device assists the visually impaired in navigation by capturing real-time images and providing navigation guidance based on image processing.
Moreover, Prof. Sumaya’s research extends to the field of AI in medicine. Her initial focus lies in cancer detection utilizing microscopic images with multiple optical spectra. Collaborating with Al Ahli Hospital in Qatar and Hamad Medical Corporation, her team has recorded various inventions and systems that they plan to market in the future. Notably, they have also developed several programs to analyze medical images and voices of patients to aid in understanding COVID-19 infections and stages.
Furthermore, Prof. Al Maadeed’s team has explored the application of smart methods in education. With the support of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, they have implemented these methods in several schools in Qatar. Currently, Prof. Sumaya supervises graduate students researching methods and programs to identify dysgraphia and dysphasia in writing from an early age, specifically for Arabic speakers and others.
Prof. Sumaya expressed her gratitude to QU and the College of Engineering for their unwavering support in providing a conducive research environment. Their continuous assistance includes access to laboratories, equipment, technical support, research funding, and patent registrations. Acting as a professor at the university, she encourages students to pursue innovative research and collaborate with industry and local institutions. Witnessing the impactful outcomes of their efforts and their contributions to the community fills her with immense pride.
FAQs
Q: What does QU specialize in?
QU specializes in research activities that drive societal advancement and contribute to Qatar’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy.
Q: What is Prof. Sumaya Al Maadeed’s area of expertise?
Prof. Sumaya Al Maadeed focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and its application to images in the fields of security and medicine.
Q: How do automated video surveillance systems contribute to public safety?
Automated video surveillance systems enhance public safety by efficiently monitoring large crowds during events, helping detect abnormal events, and assisting in crowd management.
Q: What innovative device did Prof. Sumaya Al Maadeed’s team patent?
Prof. Sumaya Al Maadeed’s team patented a “smart hat” that aids individuals with visual impairments by providing navigation assistance based on real-time image processing.
Q: How is Prof. Sumaya Al Maadeed contributing to the medical field?
Prof. Sumaya Al Maadeed is involved in cancer detection research, analysis of COVID-19 medical images and patient voices, and developing methods to identify dysgraphia and dysphasia in writing from a young age.
Q: How does Qatar University support research and innovation?
Qatar University supports research and innovation by providing a conducive research environment, access to laboratories and equipment, technical support, funding opportunities, and assistance with patent registrations.