Computer Science Unites with ImageSoft Technologies

A world leader in document imaging solutions, ImageSoft Technologies has teamed with a research group of 11 computer science Ph.D. students led by Principle Investigator Professor Kien A. Hua. ImageSoft, a division of Fiserv, Inc., selected the team to develop an Advanced Distributed Image Management System and to leverage Dr. Hua's expertise in multimedia technologies and his extensive experience working with the industry. Dr. Hua, with his students, is widely published in multimedia databases, video communications and Internet computing.
    Collaboration and research on the project began in 2000 and has been supplemented by matching funds from Florida's High Technology Corridor Program (the "I-4 Matching" program). ImageSoft provided $100,000 in initial funding for 2000, and the team received an additional $55,000 from the I-4 Matching program.
    From the work Dr. Hua's team did in 2000, a distributed archive system product was developed, prototyped and demonstrated. The team then assisted ImageSoft in implementing a commercial version of the software. The product, known as Titan, has been tested extensively and is already in use at Union Bank of California.
    Titan scans documents and automatically extracts data to facilitate information retrieval and data analysis. In the case of ImageSoft's Union Bank customer, account numbers, check numbers, dates, names, addresses, etc. are extracted from check images and maintained in a relational database system to capitalize on its efficient search mechanism. Titan stores the document images in a hierarchical storage system, and manages them separately for optimal performance and cost effectiveness. The user accesses Titan through a Distributed Archive module. This software operates atop one or more local Titans. The user sees a single logical archival system, although the data sets are physically stored at many locations.
    ImageSoft funded the UCF team for 2001 and 2002 as well, providing an additional $114,478 each year for continued research, for a total (to date) of $328,956. For 2001, the I-4 Matching program contributed $100,000, for a total of $155,000 to date. It is not known yet if matching funds will be grated for 2002.
    Mr. David Hodge, Vice President Titan Product Management for ImageSoft, says, "Our partnership with UCF and SEECS has been a real success story. SEECS brings lots to the table in terms of ability to use leading edge technology to provide practical solutions to business. When we try to develop a new, unique and competitive advantage in the marketplace, and want to employ the latest in technology, we know that Dr. Hua and his students will get the work done. They've succeeded over and over again for us."
    Hodge adds, "Through Dr. Hua's efforts, we not only have the features and functionality we are looking for, but we also have the performance. He and his students have a very keen appreciation for business systems and provide us with practical solutions. I fully expect this to be an ongoing relationship."
    ImageSoft is extremely pleased with the partnership. "We have a very positive return on our investment in research with Dr. Hua," concludes Hodge. "And we've received definite benefits from the I-4 matching program. It would have been nearly impossible to have achieved this magnitude of success without the matching program."
    "ImageSoft is a great example of a company that has benefited from the Corridor's research program," said Randy Berridge, President of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. "Including $25.2 million in Corridor funds and $55 million in matching funds, this $80 million initiative has partnered UCF and the University of South Florida with 145 corporations and institutions in more than 290 projects."

    

seecs network - issue 4 - fall 2002

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