MaRS

Last week the Computer Science department at the University of Toronto hosted their third annual Research in Action showcase, an event that highlights applied research within the department and builds ties with Toronto’s tech industry.

More than 30 projects were featured this year, exploring everything from using your cell phone for remembering people’s names to building an open source programming tool for parallel computing to generating qualitative ratings summaries for user-generated review sites like TripAdvisor.

If you missed the event, here are a few highlights:

Derek Nowrouzezahrai demonstrates video browsing technology

Video Browsing by Direct Manipulation:

This method for browsing videos allows users to drag content along its visual trajectory. You can click and drag a car, for example, to follow its path through traffic, or click and drag John Smoltz’s arm to study his pitching technique.

For more information:

• Video Browsing by Direct Manipulation (pdf)
• Video example (You Tube)

Tina Yee and the granular dynamics solver

Granular Dynamics Solver:

This technology models the dynamics of granular objects, allowing computer animators to render things like sand and dust clouds realistically. In an example of academic-industry collaboration, the technology is already in use at Toronto-based special effects software company Side Effects.

See the model in action here.

Cognovision's Haroon Mirza

Audience Measurement Using Computer Vision Techniques:

CognoVision, a start-up company and MaRS client founded by U of T alums, has developed an automated audience measurement system that provides digital signage network operators with metrics to assess the effectiveness of their signs.

For a demo and explanation, check out the video here.

For more information on the Research in Action showcase, click here to listen to a podcast from CIUT.