Lau Siong Hoe

Graphical password: Pass-images Edge detection

In this paper, we proposed and evaluated a new algorithm (EdgePass) to extract the edges of pass-images for a graphical password system. The EdgePass algorithm is based on an estimated technique for calculating the area in a plane bounded by a graph. This proposed scheme is the first stage of our graphical password system. The system framework is based on Edge detection, Image fusion and high spatial frequency component extraction. The idea of the proposed algorithm is to find whether the process pixel I(x, y) is dark or light. If it is light then the corresponding target pixel I(x, y) is an edge, else it is a background. The experiment results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method. The new method can be stabilized more quickly.

Design and implementation of a contactless palm vein recognition system

This paper presents an innovative contactless palm vein recognition system. We design a hand sensor that could capture the palm vein image using low-resolution web camera. The design of the sensor is simple and low-cost, and we do not need to install specialized infrared sensor. We allow subjects to position their hands freely above the sensor and they can move their hands during the acquisition process. In order to obtain clear image of the palm vascular pattern, we propose a novel image processing technique called local-ridge-enhancement (LRE). The proposed method removes illumination error while keeping good contrast between the vein and the surrounding tissue. Apart from that, we present a new way to evaluate the image quality. Sometimes, the vein image does not appear clear due to the medical condition of the skin (like thick fatty tissue obstructing the subcutaneous blood vessels) and other environmental factor. These types of images are not suitable to be used for processing in our system. Therefore, we introduce the image quality checking procedure to evaluate the quality of the image before accepting it into our system. The proposed methodology improves the overall performance of the palm vein recognition system.

Locating geometrical descriptors for hand biometrics in a contactless environment

This paper proposes an innovative contactless hand geometry recognition system. We present a novel hand tracking approach to automatically detect and capture the geometrical features of the hand from low resolution video stream. No constraint is imposed and the subject can place his/her hand naturally on top of the sensor without touching any device. Conventional hand geometry systems require fairly precise positioning of the hand in order to obtain accurate measures of the hand. However, the proposed contactless approach does not fix any guidance pegs to help placing the hand at the right position when the image is acquired. As a result, the hand image may appear larger when the hand is placed near the sensor, and vice versa. Besides, the hand can be positioned at different angles. In other words, there is no way to obtain standard and constant hand measurements from this contactless setting. This research aims to deal with this complication when we have to get accurate measurements of the hand from images with varying sizes and directed at different orientations. Experiments show that our proposed method offers promising result for hand geometry recognition in a real-time contactless environment.

A novel robust camera mouse for disabled people (RCMDP)

Some individuals who have the disability of the limbs cannot use the computer with their limbs. This paper is aimed to propose a new robust method for the implementation of the camera mouse for such disabled people. This method consists of the face recognition and extraction of user eyes location. The experiment is conducted to verify the results that were more accurate than the current solution to camera mouse which is described in the Experiment and result section of this paper. It aims to introduce how this system operates and analyze its advantages of the device. It also identifies the problems associated with past developments of systems. However the main purpose of this paper is to put forward a modified version of the system.

Contactless Palm Vein ROI Extraction using Convex Hull Algorithm

In recent years, increased social concern towards hygienic biometric technology has led to a high demand for contactless palm vein biometric. Nonetheless, there are a number of challenges to be addressed in this technology. Among the most important challenges in the hand rotation issue that is caused inadvertently by unrestricted hand posture. In spite of the existing palm ROI region methods, the inadequacies of handling large rotations have never been accounted. In this paper, a rotation-invariant palm ROI detection method is proposed to handle a hand rotation of up to 360o and thus, providing a high flexibility for hand placement on the sensor. Experiments on the benchmark database validate the effectiveness of the proposed contactless palm vein approach.

The effect of culture and belief systems on students’ academic buoyancy

Increasingly, learner motivation is implicated in student failure at universities. This has led to intense research into internal or external variables that might buoy resilience to failure. This research investigates the impact of strong cultural connectedness and strong belief systems on the academic buoyancy of international students studying at an Australian University. For this purpose, we surveyed 102 tertiary students at a Sydney university. Results demonstrate that, in the event of academic failure, students’ academic buoyancy remains high if they have support through strong cultural connections and from their belief systems. We further endeavored to identify if academic buoyancy was fed by intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. This research contributes to the understanding of the sources of strengths available to international students from primarily collective cultures studying overseas. There are implications for educational practice in terms of identifying students ‘at high risk’ if they are unable to draw strengths from cultural connections and belief systems.

Unfamiliar technology: Reaction of international students to blended learning

Abstract This study enquires into learners’ behavioural intentions towards the use of a blended learning program designed for post-graduate international IT students. The aim of this research is to develop a testing mechanism to measure the extent to which international students have built up digital capital. We use the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as a framework for this investigation, built around social influence (behavioural intention) performance and effort expectancy (attitude), and facilitating conditions (ease and usefulness), using a critical theoretical approach. We further attempt to understand whether motivation for engagement with blended learning comes from intrinsic or extrinsic sources. For this study, 95 Project Management students were introduced to a blended learning approach using Blackboard, a Learning Management System. Following an introductory session, data on attitude, social influence and facilitating conditions was gathered. Hierarchical multiple regressions were used to assess the influence of each variable in determining first behavioural intentions and latter attitude towards blended learning. This study contributes to the body of knowledge through identifying that social influence has a strong impact on both performance and effort expectation as well as behavioural intentions. This suggests that, overall, the social environments from which the cohort originated provided sufficient economic, social and cultural capital to also develop some digital capital.

Cloud-based learning: A study on rapid learning content development with an Agile method

Cloud-based Learning has increased the quality of learning; it has also increased demand of quantity and quality of learning contents. The existing methods for developing learning content which are based on using Analysis - Design - Development - Implementation - Evaluation (ADDIE) process has been proven the effects of creating qualified learning, however, existing ADDIE process has shown the issues with slow reacting against fast changing and productivity of the development process. This paper aims to find out a new method that can be used to increase the productivity in developing learning contents. The key point of new learning contents is the interaction between learners with the learning contents which change the learning contents into a form of software. Thus, the proposed method will keep the advantages from the existing ADDIE process and improve it with Agile method which is well-known method used for managing software development. The results have revealed an agile environment to boost up the development process and help to create better learning contents.

Sequential graphical password framework for mobile devices

Nowadays, computer systems are very essential for human daily life for its ability to store and retrieve data in a more meaningful way. Thus, the data stored in computer system contains a very critical and important information and therefore, theres a critical needs to put more effort in handling of such data. Based on the traditional method, the most popular authentication way for computer security is using alphanumeric password. However, this type of authentication method come with few drawbacks. In recent years, many new methods have been developed by researchers to overcome the limitation of the password authentication, and one of the most popular method is known as graphical password, which utilizes picture as password instead of the alphanumeric string. Hence, this paper propose a new graphical password framework and method to be used in mobile-platform. Finally, the experiments results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed solution.

Evaluate children learning experience of multitouch flash memory game

Flash memory game based on multitouch technology is designed with richness of artistic effects which enhances children learning experience. It offers an opportunity for children to learn more effectively in a fun and enjoyable environment which improve their thinking, memorization and social skills. The objective of this paper is to provide an evaluation of children learning experience of multitouch flash memory game. An active learning experience offered by this game may contribute to the right brain functions development, thus unlocked childrens innate intelligence. This preliminary study was conducted with four preschool children. Our results shown that the children had an average learning experience with the game. They had exhibited strong interest at playing the game but the excitement wore off gradually over time. This study had shown that the children exposure to such game in their education setting remains a challenge today.