Software & E-business Technology Transfer & Licensing Opportunities
Perceptually Optimised Video Compression >>Perceptually Optimised Video Compression (VClear) is a novel technology designed by The Robert Gordon University to improve the visual quality of video communication systems such as broadcast video, video calling and internet video.
Combilex - a keyword-based pronunciation lexicon >>Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a high-quality keyword-based pronunciation lexicon, which is easily adaptable for use in text-to-speech synthesis (voice-building or run-time synthesis) and in speech recognition systems.
Reconfigurable Instruction Cell Architecture >>Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a software programmable, reconfigurable core, for integration into custom processing engines capable of converging data, cellular and multimedia processing functionality in a single device for mobile applications.
The technology is a new type of Reconfigurable Processor (Reconfigurable Instruction Cell Architecture, or RICA) composed of a number of computer-like instruction cells on a programmable interconnection network.
The core RICA architecture provides heterogeneous coarse-grain functional units that match one-to-one with existing assembly language software representation to allow the flexible creation of reconfigurable processing units.
Case-Based Reasoning - learning through experience >>Researchers in the Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute at the University of Edinburgh have developed a Case-Based Reasoning Shell that can be applied to large and complex databases.
High performance Monte-Carlo based Option Pricing on FPGA >>Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed an FPGA Monte-Carlo simulation engine which runs complex financial analytics with significantly increased speed of execution simultaneously reducing power consumption and total cost of ownership of conventional processors.
Generic FPGA core for Pairwise Sequence Alignment >>Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a highly parameterised FPGA core for pairwise biological sequence alignment that provides researchers with the ability to analyse large biological data in a reasonable timeframe.
Interactive Language Learning using speech recognition >>The University of Edinburgh has developed an interactive software learning tool (SPELL) that combines automatic speech recognition, with 3D virtual reality teachers to create an immersive environment for language learning for beginners in French, Italian, Japanese and English for Mandarin speakers.
Information Retrieval & Computer Use Classification System >>Monitoring and analysis of computer content and use has many widespread applications. On-tap, accurate business information on the usage of computer systems is of particular advantage to companies wishing to uphold an acceptable usage policy or indeed who simply wish to monitor the use of systems in general for performance appraisal and analysis. A new development from the University of Strathclyde offers a novel solution to these needs through an innovative content analysis and classification system.
Infrastructure for Application Web-Enabling and Advanced Collaboration Support (IAWACS) >>Reliable, usable and speedy teleconferencing and sharing of applications and files over landline or wireless networks is a notable business priority in a digitised, connected age. A number of software packages aim to facilitate this, however most are restricted to specific operating systems or devices and have limited functionality. Some existing solutions also require every user to have their own copy of the shared application on their computer.
The Pyrrho Database Management System >>Pyrrho from the University of the West of Scotland is a compact and efficient relational database management system for the .NET framework. It supports the SQL2003 standard including advanced OLAP functions, and the free edition works for database files up to 8MB in size. The server has a 500KB footprint, so will run successfully on .NET enabled PDAs and mobile phones. Despite its small size it is scalable and efficient. It has been tested on high-volume scenarios, where it significantly outperforms existing commercial products, and the DataCenter edition is designed for supercomputing clusters.
Game Localisation System Software (GLoSS) >>Researchers at the University of Abertay Dundee have designed a localisation management system with computer game developers and publishers in mind that reduces localisation costs and improves turn-around time. The GLoSS solution integrates localisation into existing development processes enabling faster and more efficient localisations and improved management and quality of translations, in turn lightening the localisation load on developers and publishers.
Terrier - Terabyte Retriever >>The University of Glasgow’s Department of Computing Science have developed a state-of-the-art information retrieval platform called ‘Terrier’. The ‘Terrier’ software enables the rapid development of Web, intranet and desktop search engines. More generally, it is a modular platform for the rapid development of large-scale Information Retrieval applications, providing indexing and retrieval functionalities.
The University is currently seeking industrial partners to collaborate on the development of this project.
Automatic Detection of Video and Film Copies Distributed on the Internet >>AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF VIDEO AND FILM COPIES DISTRIBUTED ON THE INTERNET:
A novel digital fingerprinting technique which can automatically detect copyright infringing video files on peer-to-peer networks via the Internet and other media. This technique relies only on information already present within the video. The identification of the video is robust and able to withstand common re-encoding techniques. Positive identification of video copies has been made with bit rates as low as 25 kbps.
Bipedal Character Animation Engine >>The Bipedal Character Animation Engine, developed by researchers at the University of Abertay Dundee, will support the development of computer games with much more realistic characters and authentic game play. It can take a player-controlled, bipedal creature running across an open landscape realistically reflecting the changing terrain the creature is negotiating.
Generic A&E resource planning model >>A Generic Visual Interactive Simulation Model for Accident and Emergency Departments capable of re-configuring resources, such as the number of cubicles, x-ray facilities and resuscitation rooms as well as staffing levels, and analysing the resulting data has been invented by Glasgow Caledonian University. The model allows A&E consultants/managers to assess, with respect to patient waiting times, the current resource allocation within the department and to re-deploy the resources where necessary to reduce the waiting time of the patients. This will allow resource allocation “what if” questions to be asked and answered within a life or death environment without endangering lives.
Interview training software package >>Researchers based in Glasgow Caledonian University have developed an innovative “shell” programme to deliver case study material interactively in question-and-answer format via the Web. The shell has been designed to be a sustainable resource, can be used in any domain area and is particularly suited to the development of interpersonal skills such as conducting interviews. The “shell” can be used in various training scenarios and disciplines such as accountancy or nursing. The system has a user-friendly format and tracks the student’s progress in order to provide feedback on their interview skills.
Caledonian Heritage Futures >>Cultural Heritage is a sector vital to Scotland’s social and economic development, which has been recognized in Scottish Enterprise’s cluster priorities, and by the Scottish Executive’s promotion of the National Cultural Strategy for Scotland. Tourism accounts for spending of nearly £4.5 billion and 193,000 jobs in the Scottish Economy.
Cultural heritage provides the context and setting for social activity, involving the maintenance of community identity, and transmission of history in a tangible form. This makes it a bedrock for tourism development.
Vectorising Photographic Images >>Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a novel codec which creates a revolutionary new image format from photographs whilst eliminating the problems of artefacts. A demonstrator has been developed and the technology is available for licence. This technology may be the basis for a video codec to generate an independent video image format - this would require a research phase, the University seeks partners interested in collaborating in such a project.
Clinical Assessment Software Tools for 3D Surface Anatomy Imaging >>The University of Glasgow has developed practical clinical assessment tools that utilise 3D images of the surface anatomy of a patient and which are also compatible with conventional 3D volumetric medical imaging data sources such as CT and MRI. Surface anatomy analysis algorithms, developed as part of an ongoing research programme, have been integrated with advanced statistical algorithms and packaged into a suite of intuitive, easy-to-use software tools that give the clinician significantly enhanced capabilities and can also be used to extend the capability of existing 3D volumetric data analysis techniques. Algorithms have also been devised to support statistical analysis of the true 3D shape of the imaged anatomy based on comparison of reference statistics derived from 3D images of a control group. The University is keen to begin the commercial exploitation of this technology and seeks a suitable commercial partne
Developing Practice In The Workplace : Gerontological Nursing Demonstration Project >>A pioneering initiative to improve and sustain better care for older people. A geographically dispersed network of gerontological nurses form a learning community connected by a virtual Practice Development College. Using collaborative, solution focussed, developmental eLearning the collective knowledge of the network is harnessed and strengthened. Led by a Professorial team, they craft and demonstrate implementation of evidence based guidance, building learning resources for others. At a group and individual level eFacilitation supports members to champion change and life long learning at work. The model has been identified by the European Commission as a showcase with high transferability potential for single organisations or across organisations.
