Title
Beyond Deep Learning – the next big thing in Artificial Intelligence for Document Analysis Research
Name
Michael BlumensteinAbstract
The phenomenon of Deep Learning has swept through the Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition community, including Document Analysis Research (DAR). The adoption of Deep Learning, a sub-set of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been widespread, to the point that some academic conferences in the area tout that almost 50% of papers presented relate to Deep Learning techniques/applications. This new and successful instantiation of the Neural Network phenomenon (essentially connectionist-based Machine Learning), has arisen due to the confluence of the rise of ‘Big Data’ availability, increase in processing power and advances in algorithm development.
The main challenge that is faced at present, is that Deep Learning, as in the case of previous connectionist fads, is set to fizzle out after it reaches peak popularity and fails to meet the expectations of researchers who believe it is a panacea for most problems. At its inception, the Document Analysis community was involved in breakthrough research, the discovery of new techniques, algorithms and technologies which were at the forefront, and that could be later applied to other research areas who would follow the lead of the DAR flagship. However, in recent times, some have argued that DAR has become an early adopter of existing research, a promoter of applied innovation, but not as prominent in the advancement and promotion of cutting-edge technology.
The question becomes what is around the corner beyond Deep Learning, and what will the future of AI (and technology more generally) bring for advancing DAR? This presentation examines some areas where the DAR community could lead again, potentially via the co-creation of novel techniques and technology such as Neuromorphic AI and Quantum Software; it will also discuss novel application areas, which may broaden the remit of Document Analysis Research into the future.
Short Bio
Michael Blumenstein is currently a Professor and the Associate Dean (Research Strategy & Management) as well as the Head of the School of Software at the University of Technology Sydney. He formerly served as the Head of the School of Information and Communication Technology at Griffith University, and earlier as the Dean (Research) in the Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology Group.
Michael is a nationally and internationally recognised expert in the areas of automated Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence, and his current research interests include Document Analysis, Video-based/multi-lingual Text Detection and Signature Verification. He has published over 180 papers in refereed books, conferences and journals. His research also spans various projects applying Artificial Intelligence to the fields of Engineering, Environmental Science, Neurobiology and Coastal Management. Michael has secured internal/nationally competitive research grants to undertake these projects with funds exceeding AUD$4.5 Million. Components of his research into the predictive assessment of beach conditions have been commercialised for use by local government agencies, coastal management authorities and in commercial applications.
Following his work in applying Artificial Intelligence to the area of bridge engineering (where he has published widely and has been awarded federal funding), he was invited to serve on the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering’s Working Commission 6 to advise on matters pertaining to Information Technology. Michael was the first Australian to be elected onto this committee. In addition, Michael is currently an elected member of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) NSW Council and is also Director of the Australian Computer Society’s Technical Advisory Board. He was previously the Chair of the Queensland Branch of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Computational Intelligence Society. He was also the Gold Coast Chapter Convener and a Board Member of the Australian Computer Society's Queensland Branch Executive Committee. He is a past Chairman of the IT Forum Gold Coast and a former Board Member of IT Queensland. Michael has served on the Australian Research Council's (ARC) College of Experts on the Engineering, Mathematics and Informatics (EMI) panel. In addition, he previously served on the Executive of the Australian Council of Deans of Information and Communication Technology (ACDICT). Michael currently serves on a number of Journal Editorial Boards and has been invited to act as General Chair, Organising Chair, Program Chair and/or Committee member for numerous national/international conferences in his areas of expertise.
In 2009 Michael was named as one of Australia’s Top 10 Emerging Leaders in Innovation in the Australian’s Top 100 Emerging Leaders Series supported by Microsoft. Michael is a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society and a Senior Member of the IEEE.