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 expand the Abstract, Links and BibTex record for each paper.
2025
Zhang, Z.; Wang, J.; Chen, J.; Fu, H.; Tong, Z.; Jiang, C.
Diffusion-Based Reinforcement Learning for Cooperative Offloading and Resource Allocation in Multi-UAV Assisted Edge-Enabled Metaverse Journal Article
In: IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 2025, ISSN: 00189545 (ISSN).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Aerial vehicle, Content creation, Content services, Contrastive Learning, Decision making, Deep learning, Deep reinforcement learning, Diffusion Model, Global industry, Helicopter services, Markov processes, Metaverse, Metaverses, Reinforcement Learning, Reinforcement learnings, Resource allocation, Resources allocation, Typical application, Unmanned aerial vehicle, Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
@article{zhang_diffusion-based_2025,
title = {Diffusion-Based Reinforcement Learning for Cooperative Offloading and Resource Allocation in Multi-UAV Assisted Edge-Enabled Metaverse},
author = {Z. Zhang and J. Wang and J. Chen and H. Fu and Z. Tong and C. Jiang},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85219108203&doi=10.1109%2fTVT.2025.3544879&partnerID=40&md5=fdbe1554f6cf7d47d4bbbb73b4b0d487},
doi = {10.1109/TVT.2025.3544879},
issn = {00189545 (ISSN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
journal = {IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology},
abstract = {As one of the typical applications of 6G, the metaverse, with its superior immersion and diversified services, has garnered widespread attention from both the global industry and academia. Simultaneously, the emergence of AI-generated content (AIGC), exemplified by ChatGPT, has revolutionized the mean of content creation in the metaverse. Providing meataverse users with diversified AIGC services anytime and anywhere to meet the demand for immersive and blended virtual-real experiences in the physical world has become a major challenge in the development of the metaverse. Considering the flexibility and mobility of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), we innovatively incorporate multiple UAVs as one of the AIGC service providers and construct a multi-UAV assisted edge-enabled metaverse system in the context of AIGC-as-a-Service (AaaS) scenario. To solve the complex resource management and allocation problem in the aforementioned system, we formulate it as a Markov decision process (MDP) and propose utilizing the generative capabilities of the diffusion model in combination with the robust decision-making abilities of reinforcement learning to tackle these issues. In order to substantiate the efficacy of the proposed diffusion-based reinforcement learning framework, we propose a novel diffusion-based soft actor-critic algorithm for metaverse (Meta-DSAC). Subsequently, a series of experiments are executed and the simulation results empirically validate the proposed algorithm's comparative advantages of the ability to provide stable and substantial long-term rewards, as well as the enhanced capacity to model complex environment. © 2025 IEEE.},
keywords = {Aerial vehicle, Content creation, Content services, Contrastive Learning, Decision making, Deep learning, Deep reinforcement learning, Diffusion Model, Global industry, Helicopter services, Markov processes, Metaverse, Metaverses, Reinforcement Learning, Reinforcement learnings, Resource allocation, Resources allocation, Typical application, Unmanned aerial vehicle, Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
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As one of the typical applications of 6G, the metaverse, with its superior immersion and diversified services, has garnered widespread attention from both the global industry and academia. Simultaneously, the emergence of AI-generated content (AIGC), exemplified by ChatGPT, has revolutionized the mean of content creation in the metaverse. Providing meataverse users with diversified AIGC services anytime and anywhere to meet the demand for immersive and blended virtual-real experiences in the physical world has become a major challenge in the development of the metaverse. Considering the flexibility and mobility of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), we innovatively incorporate multiple UAVs as one of the AIGC service providers and construct a multi-UAV assisted edge-enabled metaverse system in the context of AIGC-as-a-Service (AaaS) scenario. To solve the complex resource management and allocation problem in the aforementioned system, we formulate it as a Markov decision process (MDP) and propose utilizing the generative capabilities of the diffusion model in combination with the robust decision-making abilities of reinforcement learning to tackle these issues. In order to substantiate the efficacy of the proposed diffusion-based reinforcement learning framework, we propose a novel diffusion-based soft actor-critic algorithm for metaverse (Meta-DSAC). Subsequently, a series of experiments are executed and the simulation results empirically validate the proposed algorithm's comparative advantages of the ability to provide stable and substantial long-term rewards, as well as the enhanced capacity to model complex environment. © 2025 IEEE.
2020
Scianna, Andrea; Gaglio, Giuseppe Fulvio; Guardia, Marcello La
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY, TLS SURVEY and 3D MODELLING for VR and AR APPLICATIONS in CH Proceedings Article
In: N., Lafarge F. Mallet C. Paparoditis (Ed.): International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences - ISPRS Archives, pp. 901–909, International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 2020, (Issue: B2).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: 3D model reconstruction, 3D modeling, 3D Modelling, Antennas, Augmented Reality, Digital Photogrammetry, Geometric information, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Global positioning system, Ground control points, Image Reconstruction, Mini unmanned aerial vehicles, Photogrammetry, Rock mechanics, Surveying instruments, Surveys, Terrestrial Laser Scanners, Three dimensional computer graphics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), Virtual Reality, Virtual representations
@inproceedings{scianna_digital_2020,
title = {DIGITAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY, TLS SURVEY and 3D MODELLING for VR and AR APPLICATIONS in CH},
author = {Andrea Scianna and Giuseppe Fulvio Gaglio and Marcello La Guardia},
editor = {Lafarge F. Mallet C. Paparoditis N.},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85091094351&doi=10.5194%2fisprs-archives-XLIII-B2-2020-901-2020&partnerID=40&md5=02cb4e9119a689d19125360cf3c388de},
doi = {10.5194/isprs-archives-XLIII-B2-2020-901-2020},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
booktitle = {International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences - ISPRS Archives},
volume = {43},
pages = {901–909},
publisher = {International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing},
abstract = {The world of valorization of Cultural Heritage is even more focused on the virtual representation and reconstructions of digital 3D models of monuments and archaeological sites. In this scenario the quality and the performances offered by the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) navigation take primary importance, improving the accessibility of cultural sites where the real access is not allowed for natural conditions or human possibilities. The creation of a virtual environment useful for these purposes requires a specific workflow to follow, combining different strategies in the fields of survey, 3D modelling and virtual navigation. In this work a specific case of study has been analyzed as a practical example, the church of ĝ€ San Giorgio dei Genovesi', settled in the Historic Centre of Palermo (Italy). The acquisition of geometric information has been obtained with the integration of Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) technologies and the photogrammetric reconstruction from mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipment. The obtained point cloud has been georeferred considering a network of Ground Control Points (GCP) acquired by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. The final point cloud has been processed and properly simplified through 3D modelling procedures, to obtain a realistic and light 3D model reconstruction. The model has hence employed into a VR WEB navigation system and will be used for AR outdoor application in the future, allowing to obtain different solutions for empowering the accessibility of the cultural good. The strategy of 3D CH model reconstruction, followed in this work, could be considered a reference methodology for the development of VR gaming applications finalized to CH valorization and AR applications, applied to museums or touristic paths in historical centres. © 2020 International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences - ISPRS Archives.},
note = {Issue: B2},
keywords = {3D model reconstruction, 3D modeling, 3D Modelling, Antennas, Augmented Reality, Digital Photogrammetry, Geometric information, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Global positioning system, Ground control points, Image Reconstruction, Mini unmanned aerial vehicles, Photogrammetry, Rock mechanics, Surveying instruments, Surveys, Terrestrial Laser Scanners, Three dimensional computer graphics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), Virtual Reality, Virtual representations},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
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The world of valorization of Cultural Heritage is even more focused on the virtual representation and reconstructions of digital 3D models of monuments and archaeological sites. In this scenario the quality and the performances offered by the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) navigation take primary importance, improving the accessibility of cultural sites where the real access is not allowed for natural conditions or human possibilities. The creation of a virtual environment useful for these purposes requires a specific workflow to follow, combining different strategies in the fields of survey, 3D modelling and virtual navigation. In this work a specific case of study has been analyzed as a practical example, the church of ĝ€ San Giorgio dei Genovesi', settled in the Historic Centre of Palermo (Italy). The acquisition of geometric information has been obtained with the integration of Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) technologies and the photogrammetric reconstruction from mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipment. The obtained point cloud has been georeferred considering a network of Ground Control Points (GCP) acquired by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. The final point cloud has been processed and properly simplified through 3D modelling procedures, to obtain a realistic and light 3D model reconstruction. The model has hence employed into a VR WEB navigation system and will be used for AR outdoor application in the future, allowing to obtain different solutions for empowering the accessibility of the cultural good. The strategy of 3D CH model reconstruction, followed in this work, could be considered a reference methodology for the development of VR gaming applications finalized to CH valorization and AR applications, applied to museums or touristic paths in historical centres. © 2020 International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences - ISPRS Archives.
2018
Scianna, Andrea; Guardia, Marcello La
3D virtual CH interactive information systems for a smart web browsing experience for desktop PCs and mobile devices Proceedings Article
In: F., Fuse T. Toschi I. Remondino (Ed.): International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences - ISPRS Archives, pp. 1053–1059, International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 2018, (Issue: 2).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: 3-d modeling, 3D Modelling, Antennas, Cameras, Cultural heritage, Cultural heritages, Diffusion, Diffusion of knowledge, HTML, HTML5, Image Reconstruction, Information Systems, Information use, Interactive informations, Internet connection, Libraries, Navigation systems, Open-source technology, Photogrammetry, Surveys, Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), Virtual Reality, WebGL
@inproceedings{scianna_3d_2018,
title = {3D virtual CH interactive information systems for a smart web browsing experience for desktop PCs and mobile devices},
author = {Andrea Scianna and Marcello La Guardia},
editor = {Fuse T. Toschi I. Remondino F.},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85048377074&doi=10.5194%2fisprs-archives-XLII-2-1053-2018&partnerID=40&md5=1c2badcf13bc32fcc40282085af9a980},
doi = {10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-1053-2018},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
booktitle = {International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences - ISPRS Archives},
volume = {42},
pages = {1053–1059},
publisher = {International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing},
abstract = {Recently, the diffusion of knowledge on Cultural Heritage (CH) has become an element of primary importance for its valorization. At the same time, the diffusion of surveys based on U AV Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technologies and new methods of photogrammetric reconstruction have opened new possibilities for 3D CH representation. Furthermore the recent development of faster and more stable internet connections leads people to increase the use of mobile devices. In the light of all this, the importance of the development of Virtual Reality (VR) environments applied to CH is strategic for the diffusion of knowledge in a smart solution. In particular, the present work shows how, starting from a basic survey and the further photogrammetric reconstruction of a cultural good, is possible to built a 3D CH interactive information system useful for desktop and mobile devices. For this experimentation the Arab-Norman church of the Trinity of Delia (in Castelvetrano-Sicily-Italy) has been adopted as case study. The survey operations have been carried out considering different rapid methods of acquisition (UAV camera, SLR camera and smartphone camera). The web platform to publish the 3D information has been built using HTML5 markup language and WebGL JavaScript libraries (Three.js libraries). This work presents the construction of a 3D navigation system for a web-browsing of a virtual CH environment, with the integration of first person controls and 3D popup links. This contribution adds a further step to enrich the possibilities of open-source technologies applied to the world of CH valorization on web. © Authors 2018. CC BY 4.0 License.},
note = {Issue: 2},
keywords = {3-d modeling, 3D Modelling, Antennas, Cameras, Cultural heritage, Cultural heritages, Diffusion, Diffusion of knowledge, HTML, HTML5, Image Reconstruction, Information Systems, Information use, Interactive informations, Internet connection, Libraries, Navigation systems, Open-source technology, Photogrammetry, Surveys, Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), Virtual Reality, WebGL},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Recently, the diffusion of knowledge on Cultural Heritage (CH) has become an element of primary importance for its valorization. At the same time, the diffusion of surveys based on U AV Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technologies and new methods of photogrammetric reconstruction have opened new possibilities for 3D CH representation. Furthermore the recent development of faster and more stable internet connections leads people to increase the use of mobile devices. In the light of all this, the importance of the development of Virtual Reality (VR) environments applied to CH is strategic for the diffusion of knowledge in a smart solution. In particular, the present work shows how, starting from a basic survey and the further photogrammetric reconstruction of a cultural good, is possible to built a 3D CH interactive information system useful for desktop and mobile devices. For this experimentation the Arab-Norman church of the Trinity of Delia (in Castelvetrano-Sicily-Italy) has been adopted as case study. The survey operations have been carried out considering different rapid methods of acquisition (UAV camera, SLR camera and smartphone camera). The web platform to publish the 3D information has been built using HTML5 markup language and WebGL JavaScript libraries (Three.js libraries). This work presents the construction of a 3D navigation system for a web-browsing of a virtual CH environment, with the integration of first person controls and 3D popup links. This contribution adds a further step to enrich the possibilities of open-source technologies applied to the world of CH valorization on web. © Authors 2018. CC BY 4.0 License.