James Tsai

Associate Professor

Pavement/infrastructure/asset system engineering and management, pavement technology, information and sensor technology applications, image processing and recognition applications, geospatial analysis and GPS/GIS applications, emergency response and roadway safety, logistics and optimization.

Savannah website: http://www.gtsav.gatech.edu/go/faculty/tsai

Bio

Dr. James Tsai is a faculty member at the GT Savannah campus. All students who work with Dr. Tsai are admitted to the GT-Savannah campus. Before joining the faculty at Georgia Tech, Dr. Tsai worked as a senior research scientist in the GIS center at Georgia Tech. Since 1997, he has led a research team and worked with GDOT pavement engineers, successfully implementing a large-scale Oracle GIS-based pavement preservation and management system for GDOT to effectively preserve and manage its 18,000-centerline miles of highway. The research includes pavement condition assessment, pavement rehabilitation technology, deterioration/forecasting models, long-term system performance simulation, and resource optimization/management. He also developed and successfully implemented an IT-based asset management system using GPS/GIS technology for local transportation agencies, including Fulton County's (Atlanta, Georgia). He is extending his research results to manage other assets, including, traffic signs, bridges, and railroads. He is also a PI for a project sponsored by the State Road and Tollway Authority (STRA) for License Plate Recognition and a research project sponsored by the National Academy of Science (NAS) NCHRP IDEA program that is developing video image recognition algorithms to enhance roadway infrastructure data collection. He also worked with United Parcel Service (UPS) to evaluate its performance on logistics routing and scheduling. Recently, he has been developing advanced sensor technologies, and video image recognition algorithms, and GPS/GIS technologies for accelerated pavement testing, roadway data collection, roadway safety assessment, and maritime security and asset utilization. He is also developing innovative license plate recognition technologies and vehicle motion detection technologies for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and real-time traffic flow monitoring to improve road safety and mobility.

Recent Publications

JOURNAL ARTICLES ACCEPTED OR IN PRESS

  • Kaul, V, Tsai, Y., Mersereau, R. M. (2010) "A Quantitative Performance Evaluation of Pavement Distress Segmentation Algorithms", Journal of The Transportation Research Record, in press.
  • Tsai, Y., Huang, Y. (2010) "Automatic Detection of Deficient Video Log Images Using a Histogram Equity Index and an Adaptive GMM" Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Vol. 25 (2010):479-493.
  • Tsai, Y., Wu, Y., Guo, D. (2010) "Enhanced Pavement Preservation Using A Lane-based, Image-Tracking, GIS-enabled, and Life-cycle Activity Integrated Chuning PMS", Int. Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, in press.
  • Hu, Z. and Tsai, Y. (2010) "Image Recognition Model for Developing a Sign Inventory" ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, in press.
  • Ai, C. and Tsai, Y. (2010), "A Hybrid, Active Contour Incorporated Sign Detection Algorithm", ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering. (accepted for publication with minor modification)
  • Chung, Y. and Tsai, Y. (2010), "Non-parametric Lens Debris Detection of Video Log Images Using Hysteresis updating" ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering. (accepted for publication with minor modification)
  • Tsai, Y., Hu, Z., Alberti, C. (2010) "Roadway Sign Change Detection Algorithm Using Multi-Scale Sign Image Matching (M-SIM)", Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing (PE&RS) Journal, Vol. 76(4):391-405.
  • Tsai, Y., Kaul, V., Mersereau, R. M. (2010) "A Critical Assessment of Pavement Distress Segmentation Methods Performance Evaluation of Pavement Distress Segmentation Methods" ASCE Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 136 (1):11-19.
  • Tsai, Y., Hu, Z., Wang, Z. (2010) "Vision-based Roadway Geometry Computation" ASCE Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 136(3):223-233.
  • Tsai, Y., Kim, P., Wang, Z. (2009) "A Generalized Image Detection Model for Developing a Sign Inventory", ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, Vol. 23(5):266 - 276.
  • Yang, C., Tsai, Y., Wang Z. (2009) "Algorithm for Spatial Clustering of Pavement Segments", Journal of Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Vol. 24 (2):93-108.
  • Hu, Z., Tsai, Y. (2009) "A Vision-Based Homography Algorithm for Traffic Sign Attribute Computation", Journal of Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Vol. 24 (6):385 - 400.
  • Tsai, Y., Wu, J., Wang, Z., Hu, Z. (2009) "Horizontal Roadway Curvature Computation Algorithm Using Vision Technology", Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Vol. 25 (2010):78 - 88.
  • Wang, Z., Tsai, Y., Pitts, E. (2009) "Impact of Escalating Construction Cost on Long-term Pavement Performance Loss", Journal of The Transportation Research Record, No. 2093, pp. 84-92, National Academy of Sciences; Washington, DC.
  • Tsai, Y., Chung, Y., Shen, C., Cressman, N (2009) "A Poisson-Based Wavelet Shrinkage Site Selection (WASSS) Method", Journal of The Transportation Research Record, No. 2136, pp. 20-27, National Academy of Sciences; Washington, DC.

SUBMITTED

  • Wang, I., Tsai, Y., and Feng, L. (2010) "A Network Flow Model for Clustering Segments and Minimizing Total Maintenance and Rehabilitation Cost" Computers & Industrial Engineering (submitted).
  • Tsai, Y., Feng, L., Purcell, R., and Rabun J. (2010) "A Reliable Statewide Pavement Performance Study Using a Confidence Evaluation System", ASCE Journal of Transportation Engineering.
  • Kaul, V., Yezzi, A., Tsai, Y. (2010) "Detecting Curves with Unknown Endpoints and Arbitrary Topology Using Minimal Paths", IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence.
  • Tsai, Y., Dusanter, T., Wu, Y., Ai, C. (2010) "Automatic Truck Processing Time Extraction at Maritime Terminal Gate Using Low Frame-Rate Images", Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems.
  • Tsai, Y., Huang Y., Dusanter T (2010) "Fast Sign Detection of Video log Images Using Statistical Color Model and Connected Component Analysis", Machine Vision and Applications Journal.
  • Lettsome C., Tsai, Y. Kaul, V. (2010) "Automated Pavement Crack Detection and Segmentation System Using Enhanced Adaptive Filter Bank", Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
  • Huang, Y., Tsai, Y (2010) "Enhanced pavement distress segmentation algorithm using dynamic programming and connected component analysis", Journal of The Transportation Research Record (recommended for publication)
  • Tsai, Y., Wang, Z., Feng, L. (2010) "Assessment of Rut Depth Measurement Using Emerging 3D Continuous Laser Profiling Technology", Journal of The Transportation Research Record (recommended for publication)
  • Tsai, Y., Wu, Y., Ai, C. (2010) "Feasibility Study of Measuring Concrete Joint Faulting Using 3D Continuous Pavement Profile Data,"Journal of The Transportation Research Record (recommended for publication)
  • Tsai, Y., Kaul, V., Yezzi, A (2010) "Automating the Crack Map Detection Process for Machine Operated Crack Sealer", Journal of The Transportation Research Record (recommended for publication)
  • Wang, Z., Tsai, Y., Pitts, E. (2010) "Study of Budget Shortfall Impact on Long-term Pavement Preservation", Journal of The Transportation Research Record (recommended for publication)
  • Tsai, Y., Yang, Q., Wu, Y. (2010) Identifying and Quantifying Intersection Obstruction and Its Severity Using LiDAR Technology and GIS Spatial Analysis, Journal of The Transportation Research Record (recommended for publication)

PEER REVIEWED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

  • Tsai, Y., Li, F.., Kaul, V., Wang, Z. (2010) "Characterizing pavement rut measurement errors with point-based lasers using emerging 3D Continuous Profile-based Laser Technology" NDE/NDT for Highways and Bridges: Structural Materials Technology (SMT) Conference, August 16-20, 2010, New York, U.S.
  • Kaul, V., Tsai, Y., Yezzi, A. (2010) "Detection of Curves with Unknown Endpoints using Minimal Path Techniques" Proceeding of British Machine Vision Conference (BMVC) 2010, Aberystwyth, UK
  • Tsai, Y., Ai, C., Wu, Y., and Siplon, P. (2010) "Simulating Port Logistics Operations Using 3D Visualization Technology", accepted for the proceedings of the International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (ICCCBE), June 30 - July 2, 2010, Nottingham, UK.
  • Tsai, Y. (2010) "Developing an Intelligent Sign Inventory Using Image Processing", accepted for the proceedings of the International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (ICCCBE), June 30 - July 2, 2010, Nottingham, UK.
  • Tsai, Y. and Umare, K. (2010) "A parallelized image polygon detection algorithm for road sign inventory", accepted for the proceedings of the International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (ICCCBE), June 30 - July 2, 2010, Nottingham, UK.
  • Wang, Z., Tsai, Y., Pitts, E. (2010) "Pavement Preservation: Pay Now or Pay Big Later", Proceedings of the 1st International Conf. of Pavement Preservation, Newport Beach, California, April 13-15, 2010.
  • Tsai, Y., Purcell, R., Li, F., Rabun, J.T. (2010) "How Long Will Asphalt Pavement Last?", Proceedings of the 1st International Conf. of Pavement Preservation, Newport Beach, California, April 13-15, 2010.
  • Tsai, Y., Wu, Y., Guo, D. (2010) "A Web-based Chuning Highway Pavement Management System", Proceedings of the 1st International Conf. of Pavement Preservation, Newport Beach, California, April 13-15, 2010.
  • Tsai, Y., Hu, Z, Siplon, P. (2009) "GIS-enabled Maritime Awareness System (GMAS)" Proceedings of the 2009 IEEE International Conference on Technologies for Homeland Security, May 11-12, 2009, Waltham, MA, USA.
  • Tsai, Y. and Wang, Z. (2008) " Image Processing Algorithms for An Enhanced Roadway Sign Data Collection", Proceedings of the 7th international conference on managing pavement assets, June, 2008, Galgary, Canada.
  • Tsai, Y., Wu, Y., Pitts, E. (2008) "Improving GDOT's Annual Preventive Maintenance Using A Collaborative Decision Support System", Proceedings of the 7th international conference on managing pavement assets, June, 2008, Calgary, Canada.

Recent Presentations

  • Tsai, Y., Wang, Z., Pitts, E. (2009) "Evaluation of Funding Balance Policy Impact on Long-term Pavement Performance Using A Multi-year Network-level Long-term M&R Programming Model", Annual TRB conference, Washington, D.C., January 11-14, 2010.
  • Tsai, Y., Purcell, R., Li, F., Rabun, J.T. (2010) "Systematic Quantification and Analysis of Roadway Preservation Performance: Using 22 Years of Data" Annual TRB conference, Washington, D.C., January 11-14, 2010.
  • Kaul, V., Tsai, Y., Mersereau, R. M. (2010) "A Quantitative Performance Evaluation of Pavement Distress Segmentation Algorithms" Annual TRB conference, Washington, D.C., January 11-14, 2010.
  • Ai, C and Tsai, Y. (2009) "Partial Differential Equation (PDE) Incorporated Multi-Feature Traffic Sign Detection", The Fifth Annual Interuniversity Symposium on Infrastructure Management (AISIM), Iowa City, Iowa, June 19-20, 2009 (selected as the best papers to be presented in 2010 TRB conference)
  • Tsai, Y., Kaul, V., Mersereau, R. M. (2009) "Comparative Study of Pavement Distress Segmentation Methods", Annual TRB conference, Washington, D.C., January 11-14, 2010.