AHCI RESEARCH GROUP
Publications
Papers published in international journals,
proceedings of conferences, workshops and books.
OUR RESEARCH
Scientific Publications
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You can use the tag cloud to select only the papers dealing with specific research topics.
You can expand the Abstract, Links and BibTex record for each paper.
2025
Liu, G.; Du, H.; Wang, J.; Niyato, D.; Kim, D. I.
Contract-Inspired Contest Theory for Controllable Image Generation in Mobile Edge Metaverse Journal Article
In: IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, 2025, ISSN: 15361233 (ISSN).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Contest Theory, Deep learning, Deep reinforcement learning, Diffusion Model, Generative adversarial networks, Generative AI, High quality, Image generation, Image generations, Immersive technologies, Metaverses, Mobile edge computing, Reinforcement Learning, Reinforcement learnings, Resource allocation, Resources allocation, Semantic data, Virtual addresses, Virtual environments, Virtual Reality
@article{liu_contract-inspired_2025,
title = {Contract-Inspired Contest Theory for Controllable Image Generation in Mobile Edge Metaverse},
author = {G. Liu and H. Du and J. Wang and D. Niyato and D. I. Kim},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105000066834&doi=10.1109%2fTMC.2025.3550815&partnerID=40&md5=3cb5a2143b9ce4ca7f931a60f1bf239c},
doi = {10.1109/TMC.2025.3550815},
issn = {15361233 (ISSN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
journal = {IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing},
abstract = {The rapid advancement of immersive technologies has propelled the development of the Metaverse, where the convergence of virtual and physical realities necessitates the generation of high-quality, photorealistic images to enhance user experience. However, generating these images, especially through Generative Diffusion Models (GDMs), in mobile edge computing environments presents significant challenges due to the limited computing resources of edge devices and the dynamic nature of wireless networks. This paper proposes a novel framework that integrates contract-inspired contest theory, Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), and GDMs to optimize image generation in these resource-constrained environments. The framework addresses the critical challenges of resource allocation and semantic data transmission quality by incentivizing edge devices to efficiently transmit high-quality semantic data, which is essential for creating realistic and immersive images. The use of contest and contract theory ensures that edge devices are motivated to allocate resources effectively, while DRL dynamically adjusts to network conditions, optimizing the overall image generation process. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach not only improves the quality of generated images but also achieves superior convergence speed and stability compared to traditional methods. This makes the framework particularly effective for optimizing complex resource allocation tasks in mobile edge Metaverse applications, offering enhanced performance and efficiency in creating immersive virtual environments. © 2002-2012 IEEE.},
keywords = {Contest Theory, Deep learning, Deep reinforcement learning, Diffusion Model, Generative adversarial networks, Generative AI, High quality, Image generation, Image generations, Immersive technologies, Metaverses, Mobile edge computing, Reinforcement Learning, Reinforcement learnings, Resource allocation, Resources allocation, Semantic data, Virtual addresses, Virtual environments, Virtual Reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The rapid advancement of immersive technologies has propelled the development of the Metaverse, where the convergence of virtual and physical realities necessitates the generation of high-quality, photorealistic images to enhance user experience. However, generating these images, especially through Generative Diffusion Models (GDMs), in mobile edge computing environments presents significant challenges due to the limited computing resources of edge devices and the dynamic nature of wireless networks. This paper proposes a novel framework that integrates contract-inspired contest theory, Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), and GDMs to optimize image generation in these resource-constrained environments. The framework addresses the critical challenges of resource allocation and semantic data transmission quality by incentivizing edge devices to efficiently transmit high-quality semantic data, which is essential for creating realistic and immersive images. The use of contest and contract theory ensures that edge devices are motivated to allocate resources effectively, while DRL dynamically adjusts to network conditions, optimizing the overall image generation process. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach not only improves the quality of generated images but also achieves superior convergence speed and stability compared to traditional methods. This makes the framework particularly effective for optimizing complex resource allocation tasks in mobile edge Metaverse applications, offering enhanced performance and efficiency in creating immersive virtual environments. © 2002-2012 IEEE.
Pielage, L.; Schmidle, P.; Marschall, B.; Risse, B.
Interactive High-Quality Skin Lesion Generation using Diffusion Models for VR-based Dermatological Education Proceedings Article
In: Int Conf Intell User Interfaces Proc IUI, pp. 878–897, Association for Computing Machinery, 2025, ISBN: 979-840071306-4 (ISBN).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Deep learning, Dermatology, Diffusion Model, diffusion models, Digital elevation model, Generative AI, Graphical user interfaces, Guidance Strategies, Guidance strategy, Image generation, Image generations, Inpainting, Interactive Generation, Medical education, Medical Imaging, Simulation training, Skin lesion, Upsampling, Virtual environments, Virtual Reality
@inproceedings{pielage_interactive_2025,
title = {Interactive High-Quality Skin Lesion Generation using Diffusion Models for VR-based Dermatological Education},
author = {L. Pielage and P. Schmidle and B. Marschall and B. Risse},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105001923208&doi=10.1145%2f3708359.3712101&partnerID=40&md5=639eec55b08a54ce813f7c1016c621e7},
doi = {10.1145/3708359.3712101},
isbn = {979-840071306-4 (ISBN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Int Conf Intell User Interfaces Proc IUI},
pages = {878–897},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
abstract = {Malignant melanoma is one of the most lethal forms of cancer when not detected early. As a result, cancer screening programs have been implemented internationally, all of which require visual inspection of skin lesions. Early melanoma detection is a crucial competence in medical and dermatological education, and it is primarily trained using 2D imagery. However, given the intrinsic 3D nature of skin lesions and the importance of incorporating additional contextual information about the patient (e.g., skin type, nearby lesions, etc.), this approach falls short of providing a comprehensive and scalable learning experience. A potential solution is the use of Virtual Reality (VR) scenarios, which can offer an effective strategy to train skin cancer screenings in a realistic 3D setting, thereby enhancing medical students' awareness of early melanoma detection. In this paper, we present a comprehensive pipeline and models for generating malignant melanomas and benign nevi, which can be utilized in VR-based medical training. We use diffusion models for the generation of skin lesions, which we have enhanced with various guiding strategies to give educators maximum flexibility in designing scenarios and seamlessly placing lesions on virtual agents. Additionally, we have developed a tool which comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) enabling the generation of new lesions and adapting existing ones using an intuitive and interactive inpainting strategy. The tool also offers a novel custom upsampling strategy to achieve a sufficient resolution required for diagnostic purposes. The generated skin lesions have been validated in a user study with trained dermatologists, confirming the overall high quality of the generated lesions and the utility for educational purposes. © 2025 Copyright held by the owner/author(s).},
keywords = {Deep learning, Dermatology, Diffusion Model, diffusion models, Digital elevation model, Generative AI, Graphical user interfaces, Guidance Strategies, Guidance strategy, Image generation, Image generations, Inpainting, Interactive Generation, Medical education, Medical Imaging, Simulation training, Skin lesion, Upsampling, Virtual environments, Virtual Reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Malignant melanoma is one of the most lethal forms of cancer when not detected early. As a result, cancer screening programs have been implemented internationally, all of which require visual inspection of skin lesions. Early melanoma detection is a crucial competence in medical and dermatological education, and it is primarily trained using 2D imagery. However, given the intrinsic 3D nature of skin lesions and the importance of incorporating additional contextual information about the patient (e.g., skin type, nearby lesions, etc.), this approach falls short of providing a comprehensive and scalable learning experience. A potential solution is the use of Virtual Reality (VR) scenarios, which can offer an effective strategy to train skin cancer screenings in a realistic 3D setting, thereby enhancing medical students' awareness of early melanoma detection. In this paper, we present a comprehensive pipeline and models for generating malignant melanomas and benign nevi, which can be utilized in VR-based medical training. We use diffusion models for the generation of skin lesions, which we have enhanced with various guiding strategies to give educators maximum flexibility in designing scenarios and seamlessly placing lesions on virtual agents. Additionally, we have developed a tool which comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) enabling the generation of new lesions and adapting existing ones using an intuitive and interactive inpainting strategy. The tool also offers a novel custom upsampling strategy to achieve a sufficient resolution required for diagnostic purposes. The generated skin lesions have been validated in a user study with trained dermatologists, confirming the overall high quality of the generated lesions and the utility for educational purposes. © 2025 Copyright held by the owner/author(s).
2023
Le, M. -H.; Chu, C. -B.; Le, K. -D.; Nguyen, T. V.; Tran, M. -T.; Le, T. -N.
VIDES: Virtual Interior Design via Natural Language and Visual Guidance Proceedings Article
In: G., Bruder; A.H., Olivier; A., Cunningham; E.Y., Peng; J., Grubert; I., Williams (Ed.): Proc. - IEEE Int. Symp. Mixed Augment. Real. Adjunct, ISMAR-Adjunct, pp. 689–694, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2023, ISBN: 979-835032891-2 (ISBN).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Architectural design, Customisation, Cutting edge technology, Design concept, Design systems, Image editing, Image generation, Image generations, Indoor space, Interior Design, Interior designs, Interiors (building), Natural languages, Virtual Reality, Visual guidance, Visual languages
@inproceedings{le_vides_2023,
title = {VIDES: Virtual Interior Design via Natural Language and Visual Guidance},
author = {M. -H. Le and C. -B. Chu and K. -D. Le and T. V. Nguyen and M. -T. Tran and T. -N. Le},
editor = {Bruder G. and Olivier A.H. and Cunningham A. and Peng E.Y. and Grubert J. and Williams I.},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85180376943&doi=10.1109%2fISMAR-Adjunct60411.2023.00148&partnerID=40&md5=5ce45d9e97fc5a9fdc31eb7514b3def3},
doi = {10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct60411.2023.00148},
isbn = {979-835032891-2 (ISBN)},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
booktitle = {Proc. - IEEE Int. Symp. Mixed Augment. Real. Adjunct, ISMAR-Adjunct},
pages = {689–694},
publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.},
abstract = {Interior design is crucial in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional indoor spaces. However, developing and editing interior design concepts requires significant time and expertise. We propose Virtual Interior DESign (VIDES) system in response to this challenge. Leveraging cutting-edge technology in generative AI, our system can assist users in generating and editing indoor scene concepts quickly, given user text description and visual guidance. Using both visual guidance and language as the conditional inputs significantly enhances the accuracy and coherence of the generated scenes, resulting in visually appealing designs. Through extensive experimentation, we demonstrate the effectiveness of VIDES in developing new indoor concepts, changing indoor styles, and replacing and removing interior objects. The system successfully captures the essence of users' descriptions while providing flexibility for customization. Consequently, this system can potentially reduce the entry barrier for indoor design, making it more accessible to users with limited technical skills and reducing the time required to create high-quality images. Individuals who have a background in design can now easily communicate their ideas visually and effectively present their design concepts. © 2023 IEEE.},
keywords = {Architectural design, Customisation, Cutting edge technology, Design concept, Design systems, Image editing, Image generation, Image generations, Indoor space, Interior Design, Interior designs, Interiors (building), Natural languages, Virtual Reality, Visual guidance, Visual languages},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Interior design is crucial in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional indoor spaces. However, developing and editing interior design concepts requires significant time and expertise. We propose Virtual Interior DESign (VIDES) system in response to this challenge. Leveraging cutting-edge technology in generative AI, our system can assist users in generating and editing indoor scene concepts quickly, given user text description and visual guidance. Using both visual guidance and language as the conditional inputs significantly enhances the accuracy and coherence of the generated scenes, resulting in visually appealing designs. Through extensive experimentation, we demonstrate the effectiveness of VIDES in developing new indoor concepts, changing indoor styles, and replacing and removing interior objects. The system successfully captures the essence of users' descriptions while providing flexibility for customization. Consequently, this system can potentially reduce the entry barrier for indoor design, making it more accessible to users with limited technical skills and reducing the time required to create high-quality images. Individuals who have a background in design can now easily communicate their ideas visually and effectively present their design concepts. © 2023 IEEE.