Geometric algebra is a mathematical framework that extends vectors to include other geometric objects such as planes and volumes. It is being applied in engineering, specifically in a drone project at Cambridge University, to analyze the built environment using drones composed of lines. Geometric algebra simplifies space-time physics and has applications in various fields such as space-time physics, quantum physics, and relativity. It is particularly useful for dealing with rotations, such as using quaternions for smooth and non-singular rotations. Geometric algebra has revolutionized computer vision, allowing for advancements in drone research and machine learning applications. Joan Lasenby and her students are applying geometric algebra, along with machine learning techniques, in various engineering applications. Geometric algebra is a unifying language that simplifies engineering and mathematical concepts, enabling easier problem-solving in fields like computer vision. It has the potential to be applied in artificial intelligence and new physics. However, it is not widely taught in academic settings, and there is limited progress in creating ports for traditional equations. Geometric algebra has the potential to make significant advancements in various fields of engineering and can serve as a unifying language for writing equations.
What's a tangible example of geometric algebra?
Geometric algebra is being applied in engineering, specifically in a drone project at Cambridge University. The project aims to analyze the built environment using drones, which are composed of lines. Geometric algebra is used as a mathematical framework to process and analyze these lines, with the goal of developing a vision processing system that accurately reconstructs the environment.
What is geometric algebra?
Geometric algebra is a mathematical framework that extends vectors to include other geometric objects such as planes and volumes. It was developed by Grassman and Clifford, with Clifford algebra as the underlying structure. In geometric algebra, vectors represent objects with magnitude and direction, planes have position, magnitude, and handedness, and volumes are formed by combining vectors. This abstract concept combines scalars, vectors, bi-vectors, and tri-vectors in a higher-dimensional space, allowing for operations like addition, multiplication, and differentiation. Despite its age, there is a growing interest in implementing geometric algebra in hardware and exploring its applications in engineering.
What resparked interest in geometric algebra?
Geometric algebra in engineering was resparked by David Hestenes' book "Space-Time Algebra" in the 80s.
- David Hestenes' book "Space-Time Algebra" resparked interest in geometric algebra in engineering.
- Hestenes had been working on Clifford algebra since the 60s.
- Hestenes' realization that geometric algebra simplified space-time physics generated interest in the field.
Why is it important?
Geometric algebra is important in engineering and has applications in various fields such as space-time physics, quantum physics, and relativity. It provides a unifying language for mathematics, allowing for the interpretation and manipulation of geometric objects without the need for additional mathematical systems. However, it is not widely used due to the dominance of vector algebra and cross-products in traditional mathematics education.
When did Joan start working on it?
Joan Lasenby started working on geometric algebra when her husband became obsessed with it. She saw its potential in engineering, particularly in rotations.
- Joan Lasenby began working on geometric algebra due to her husband's interest in it.
- She was pursuing a math PhD and was pregnant at the time.
- Joan recognized the usefulness of geometric algebra in engineering, specifically in relation to rotations.
Rotations
Geometric algebra, specifically the use of quaternions, is a preferred method for dealing with rotations due to their minimal parametrization, smoothness, and lack of singularity problems. Developed by Hamilton, quaternions extend complex numbers to three dimensions and are widely used in graphics and satellite motion. They represent rotations about unit planes in three dimensions, allowing for generalizations in any direction. In engineering, geometric algebra, including quaternions, has applications in fields such as computer vision.
Computer vision in the early 90s
Computer vision in the early 90s relied on geometry and Bayesian statistics, with a focus on 3D reconstruction and object tracking. The Royal Society provided a postdoc opportunity for Joan Lasenby to explore geometric algebra in engineering.
Joan's fellowship at the Royal Society
Joan Lasenby's fellowship at the Royal Society focused on the application of geometric algebra in engineering.
Key points:
- Translating projective geometry computer vision into geometric algebra simplified coordinate systems and made measurements in images less confusing.
- Collaboration with Phase Space, a motion capture company, involved using geometric algebra to calibrate cameras.
- Geometric algebra allowed for writing coordinate-free expressions and easy differentiation, which is challenging with conventional methods.
Geometric algebra is a useful tool in engineering, enabling faster rendering and easier programming. It involves an algebra of a higher dimension than three-dimensional space, allowing for more computation at a higher level.
What's changed in computer vision since the 90s to allow for Joan's drone research?
Computer vision has progressed significantly since the 90s, allowing for advancements in drone research. One key development is the use of conformal geometric algebra, a five-dimensional space that incorporates points, lines, planes, circles, and spheres as objects in the algebra. This algebraic framework enables easy manipulation and comparison of these geometric entities, making it a powerful tool for graphics and vision projects. The use of geometric algebra has revolutionized computer vision and made drone research possible.
Machine learning in computer vision
Geometric algebra in engineering, particularly in machine learning for computer vision, addresses geometric problems in tasks like image segmentation and object recognition. It complements conventional methods and offers effective solutions, especially for moving cameras. Machine learning is actively applied in research, with PhD students working on related projects.
- Geometric algebra tackles geometric problems in machine learning for computer vision
- It enhances tasks like image segmentation and object recognition
- It complements conventional methods and offers effective solutions
- Particularly useful for dealing with moving cameras
- Machine learning is actively applied in day-to-day research
How Joan and her students are applying machine learning
Joan Lasenby and her students are applying machine learning techniques, specifically geometric algebra, in various engineering applications. They use conventional machine learning techniques for tasks such as medical time series data analysis and image segmentation. However, when it comes to tasks involving moving cameras, drones, and multiple streams of images, geometric algebra is the preferred method. They are also exploring the possibility of parameterizing and learning geometric objects in the algebra.
Unifying qualities of geometric algebra
Geometric algebra is a unifying language that simplifies engineering and mathematical concepts, allowing for easier problem-solving in fields like computer vision and thin shell elasticity. It has the potential to be applied in artificial intelligence and new physics, unifying different theories. Despite challenges in porting traditional equations, geometric algebra enables efficient numerical computations and visualization. However, it is not widely taught in academic settings and there is limited progress in creating ports for traditional equations.
Joan's paper ending up on Hacker News
Joan Lasenby's paper on the applications of geometric algebra in engineering gained attention after being posted on Hacker News. The paper sparked interest in the geometric algebra community, with both supporters and skeptics. In a video, Joan discusses the use of geometric algebra as a tool that requires unlearning traditional algebraic concepts and may be easier for younger people to adopt. She addresses skepticism towards geometric algebra, emphasizing that it is a different tool compared to matrices. The video concludes with a discussion on the potential future applications of geometric algebra in practical fields such as entrepreneurship and engineering.
- Joan Lasenby's paper on geometric algebra in engineering gained attention on Hacker News
- Geometric algebra is a tool that requires unlearning traditional algebraic concepts
- Younger people may find it easier to adopt geometric algebra
- There are both supporters and skeptics of geometric algebra
- Geometric algebra is a different tool compared to matrices
- Potential future applications of geometric algebra in entrepreneurship and engineering.
Where could geometric algebra take hold?
- Geometric algebra has the potential to make significant advancements in various fields of engineering.
- It provides engineers with a new way of thinking and problem-solving.
- It can be a valuable tool for those with geometric insight but lacking mathematical sophistication.
- Geometric algebra can serve as a unifying language for writing equations in engineering.
Running and mobility
- Running and mobility are crucial for maintaining a healthy body, especially as we age.
- Keeping the muscles moving independently is essential for overall health and mobility.
- Prioritizing overall health and mobility is key to staying active and taking care of our bodies.
Where to learn more about geometric algebra
Geometric algebra is a topic that can be explored through various resources, including books, articles, conference proceedings, and code. Here are some key points to consider:
- Recommended books for learning about geometric algebra include "Space-Time Algebra" by David Hestenes, "New Foundations of Classical Mechanics and Geometric Algebra" by David Hestenes, "Geometric Algebra for Physicists" by Anthony Lasenby and Chris Doran, and "Geometric Relative of a Computer Scientist" by Leo Dorst, Steven Mann, and Daniel Fontaine.
- Code packages like the Clifford package by Alex Olsonovitch are available for integrating geometric algebra into software such as MATLAB, C, or Python.
- A web version of the Clifford package is being developed by Hugo and Alex, making it more accessible for users to try out geometric algebra.
- Feedback on the package is encouraged to enhance its functionality.
Explore these resources to delve deeper into the world of geometric algebra.