Background to the Programme

The University was approached late in 2003 by the McManus Galleries, operated by Dundee City Council, to ask us to develop a flexible electronic information system for use in the reconstructed galleries – and, moreover, a system that would showcase modern technologies in this information-rich environment. Work was carried out with Campbell & Co, Edinburgh, the design consultants, to develop an experimental wireless LAN-based location-dependent system using personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smart phones.

One of our particular interests is in wireless-connected and wearable systems, and we work on hardware and software supporting information provision on mobile devices. This is a natural outgrowth of our activities with OLED microdisplays, head-mounted displays and wearable systems, which has been supported by an EPSRC/DTI LINK research grant. The applications for such systems are very diverse, and include:

• Location-dependent information provision in galleries, exhibitions and conferences, hospitals, oil rigs and any other large, complex structures
• Medical Applications, in the hospital operating room and in telemedicine & telehealth, ambulances and paramedics
• Computer games applications: virtual reality games, games-based educational activities
• Education & Training: university pan-campus activities, practical training
• Industrial maintenance: assembly and repair in the field, hazardous environments, complex assembly tasks
• Communication/collaboration/co-operation: dialogues between remote users e.g. long-distance expert advice and consultation
• Measurement and data logging: transmission of real-time data from remote locations to an expert hub
• Documentation: provision of detailed information through access to specifications, blueprints, technical drawings, service handbooks, instruction manuals, etc.