Video and Image Processing

RESEARCH AREAS

Cultural heritage and AI

VIP contributed to arts and heritage by developing a virtual kulintang using computer vision techniques and creating an AI model to automatically binarize historical architectural drawings. Other notable works include digitally restoring a Fernando Amorsolo painting and analyzing artistic influences among painters from various art movements.

Publications

• Narag, M. J. G., Lico, G. R., & Soriano, M. (2025). Binarizing historical architectural drawings with shallow convolutional autoencoders. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 148, 110400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2025.110400

• Narag, M. J. G., & Soriano, M. (2021). Discovering artistic influences of painters from expressionism, impressionism, and surrealism art movements using convolutional neural network. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 51, 182-193.

• Palomero, C. M. T., & Soriano, M. N. (2011). Digital cleaning and “dirt” layer visualization of an oil painting. Optics Express, 19(21), 21011-21017.

Sports & Video Biomechanics 

We use computer vision to analyze football, basketball, and esports matches. Our work aims to help teams and competitors elevate their game through data and analytics.

Publications

• Balista, J. A. F., Soriano, M. N., & Saloma, C. A. (2010). Compact time-independent pattern representation of entire human gait cycle for tracking of gait irregularities. Pattern Recognition Letters, 31(1), 20-27.

• Soriano, M., Araullo, A., & Saloma, C. (2004). Curve spreads-a biometric from front-view gait video. Pattern Recognition Letters, 25(14), 1595-1602.

Optics and Computational Imaging

We take advantage of algorithms and indirect measurements to obtain images of various objects and samples. This imaging approach allows us to overcome hardware and optic limitations of the imaging system. 

Our research includes Fourier ptychography to enhance the resolution of optical microscopy and phase-shift profilometry for 3D imaging. We also explore single-pixel imaging (ghost imaging), which enables non-line-of-sight imaging capabilities.

Publications

• Aguilar, R. A., Hermosa, N., & Soriano, M. (2022). 3D Fourier ghost imaging via semi-calibrated photometric stereo. Applied Optics, 61(1), 253-261.

• Aguilar, R. A., Hermosa, N., & Soriano, M. N. (2019). Low-cost Fourier ghost imaging using a light-dependent resistor. American Journal of Physics, 87(12), 976-981

Wave Dynamics and Resonance

We study the behavior of waves in different physical systems. Our research explores how the interactions of waves form various patterns and how these principles can be applied to physical systems. One of our notable projects involves controlling a particle on a square aluminum Chladni plate.

Publications

• Abella, A. P., & Soriano, M. N. (2020). Measurement of Eulerian vorticity beneath rotating surface waves. Physica Scripta, 95(8), 085007.

• Abella, A. P., & Soriano, M. N. (2019). Detection and visualization of water surface three-wave resonance via a synthetic schlieren method. Physica Scripta, 94(3), 034006.

Marine Imaging

We create techniques and technologies that help map out coastal environments such as shallow coral reefs and mangrove forests. We go on field works to collect sidescan sonar images, video data, and kite aerial photographs, which we process to create bathymetric maps and high resolution georeferenced mosaics.

Publications

• Dagum, L. J., Corpuz, F. J., Soriano, M., Jauod, J., Capili, E., & Judilla, R. J. (2014, September). Stitching algorithm applied to camera array images for the visualization of Tubbataha reef grounding scars. In 2014 Oceans-St. John's (pp. 1-7). IEEE.

• [CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS] Litimco, C. E. O., Villanueva, M. G. A., Yecla, N. G., Soriano, M. N.,& Naval, P. C. (2013). Coral identification information system. Paper presented at the 2013 IEEE International Underwater Technology Symposium, UT 2013. 

• Judilla, R. J., Jauod, J., Capili, E., & Soriano, M. (2012, September). Teardrop-a rapid reef mosaicing tool for coastal communities. In Proceedings of the 12th International Coral Reef Symposium. Cairns (Australia) (pp. 254-258).

• [CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS] Francis James Corpuz, Prospero Naval, Eusebio Capili, Jaylord Jauod, Roel John Judilla, and Maricor Soriano, Rapid shallow coastal coral reef mapping using the teardrop system, Oceans, 2012, 1-6 (14-19 Oct. 2012). [DOI:10.1109/OCEANS.2012.6405113]. 

• [CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS] Roel John Judilla, Jaylord Jauod, Eusebio Capili Jr., and Maricor Soriano, Teardrop - a rapid reef mosaicing tool for coastal communities, Proceedings of the 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, Cairns, Australia (9-13 July 2012). 

• [CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS] Francis James Corpuz, Prospero Naval, Eusebio Capili, Jaylord Jauod, Roel John Judilla, and Maricor Soriano, Coral reef mosaicking using Teardrop and Fast Image Labeling, OCEANS, 2012 - Yeosu, 1-6 (21-24 May 2012). [DOI:10.1109/OCEANS-Yeosu.2012.6263575].

Geo-Physics

We use machine learning and computer vision algorithms and techniques in the analysis of the petrophysical properties of rocks such as porosity and textures as well as automated detection of minerals. By integrating physics-based principles, geology, and AI, rock analysis is enhanced through reduction of bias and subjectivity, improvement in the rock characterization workflows, and creation of databases for improved stratigraphic logging and correlation. 

Publications

• Padrique, M. G. C., Narag, M. J. G., Fernando, A. G. S., & Soriano, M. N. (2025). Enhancing geothermal petrography with convolutional neural networks. Geothermics, 127, 103221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2024.103221

Mapping

We utilize remotely sensed data, such as nighttime lights, to track and assess socio-economic patterns, including power disruptions, post-disaster resettlement, and urbanization. We also apply these data to public health and safety through risk mapping.

Medical Imaging

We develop optics-based, non-contact methods for advanced wound monitoring, including mapping oxygen saturation on the skin for diabetic foot ulcers. Our research also explores 3D reconstruction of intra-cavity objects using a catadioptric imaging system and wound area measurement through stereometry and mesh analysis.