Kasun Karunanayaka

Command Center: Authoring tool to supervise augmented reality session

We describe a real time authoring tool that is useful to supervise group of users in an augmented reality environment. The overall system is composed of a server; the Command Center (CC) and several clients; Wearable Systems (WS). The server is used to visualize the virtual representation of the real environment, 3d features map where augmentation are to occur, augmented content that will be rendered and users avatar that evolves on the field. The users WS is equipped of a Head Mounted Display (HMD) along with sensors (GPS/DRM/Compass) to provide constant pose estimation (position and orientation) to the CC and a vision based tracking that uses natural features and pose estimation allgorithms to render virtual content accordingly. Alternatively a sensor based renderer is used to display AR guidance on the HMD based on the path defined and sent from the CC. The natural features system handles a large number of small 3D features maps. The overall system offers a complete system to train and supervise remote users through an AR environment.

Connected online and offline safe social networking for children

Children today are more connected and active on the Internet. Their extensive use of online social networks, which ultimately could have perplexing effects on the recognition of their identity and personality, has caused grave social concerns. In addition there is a lack of actual physical communication among children due to their preoccupation with the online self. To address these issues, an interactive robotic toy called Petimo was developed. We believe this introduction of new physical dimension improves safety and enjoyment of children in the social networking arena. As a proof-of-concept, a 3D virtual world called Petimo World is developed. It incorporates basic features of traditional online social networks to provide childern collaborative interaction and enjoyment with their friends. The concept of Petimo could be extended to any social network to create childerns applications to promote physical interaction and enhance enjoyment and safety issues in social networks.