GRK 1773:  Heterogeneous Image Systems

• Subject Area: Computer Science
• Term: from 2012 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 191337822

Image systems are systems for processing, generating and transmitting digital images. Typical examples are medical image processing, video games and video compression. The heterogeneity of the image systems is twofold: Firstly, the computation is spread over several components within a system. Secondly, there are numerous heterogeneous sets of architecture on which different image applications are executed. Both types of heterogeneity lead to interesting topics that are examined in the programme’s Research Training Group: novel hardware architectures for image systems, methods and tools for the development of heterogeneous image systems and applications and algorithms for heterogeneous image systems. In area A of the programme, novel dedicated hardware for capturing and encoding image and video data is explored and developed. In area B, methods and tools for the efficient development and testing of applications on different platforms, as well as practical techniques for self-configuration depending on the underlying hardware are all examined. In area C, four typical image applications are selected that can include dedicated hardware in very different ways, or that should be adapted for a wide range of target architectures. The core of the Research Training Group is to capture the entire image system’s spectrum from hardware to software. For this reason, knowledge across the different fields of hardware and software, methodology and tool design and also development of algorithms is essential. To this end, emphasis is placed on an extensive and structured programme of study for the members of the Research Training Group, which also facilitates direct student involvement in the research programme. An intensive supervision concept and regular exchange of different research topics systematically promote the establishment of a close network among the members of the involved research groups. Visiting scientists guarantee the ongoing international character of the programme, which is also reflected through this programme’s obligatory research opportunities abroad for its participating members. Further aims of the Research Training Group are to promote equal opportunity for men and women and to strengthen students’ core competencies. This is achieved in cooperation with the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr.-Ing. Marc Stamminger
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Fey; Professor Dr.-Ing. Reinhard German; Professor Dr. Günther Greiner; Privatdozent Dr.-Ing. Frank Hannig; Professor Dr.-Ing. Joachim Hornegger; Professor Dr.-Ing. André Kaup; Professor Dr.-Ing. Daniel Lohmann; Professor Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Schröder-Preikschat; Professor Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Teich; Professor Dr.-Ing. Robert Weigel