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Motorola Solutions announced that Ryerson University’s Flybits, a research and development group specialized in context-aware computing and activity recognition and Appear, a specialized vendor of mobile enterprise application platforms, have received a Golden-idea Award for an advanced security solution using mobile technologies and head-mounted computers. 

The Golden-idea contest rewards the most innovative solutions based on Golden-i, the world’s first hands-free and wireless headset computer developed in collaboration between Motorola Solutions and Kopin.

The solution revolutionizes the way a security agent or a police officer can interface with computers and intuitively interact with his virtually enhanced surroundings. For example, the agent can automatically and hands- free, directly on his Golden-i device, receive maps with specific points of interests related to his current location, display alerts from motion sensors, call video feeds from nearby surveillance cameras and even remotely trigger lights or sirens in specific parts of a building.

“This is another example of our proven successful relationships with active and innovative companies in Europe. Ryerson University and Appear worked together under multiple research programs since 2007 to analyze and develop a series of novel context-aware mobile solutions. We are especially proud of this achievement, which prefigures existing technologies that will be used by public safety and law enforcement agencies in the coming years,” said Dr. Hossein Rahnama, Research Director of the Ryerson Digital Media Zone.

Tom Bianculli, Senior Director, Emerging Business, Chief Technology Office, Motorola Solutions, says: "We have seen user interfaces migrate from textual to graphical and now to natural utilizing gestures, speech recognition and a blending of the digital and physical worlds by leveraging augmented reality to quickly and simply provide end users with the right information at the right time. We believe that this solution, combined with the Golden-i headset,  is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this confluence of technology trends in a way that will revolutionize how field service and public safety workers get access to better, faster situational awareness."

Xavier Aubry, CEO Appear, adds: "This distinction rewards two years of collaborative research between Sweden and Canada. The project was co-funded by the national Swedish innovation agency, Vinnova and Ryerson University in Canada. We are convinced that there is an enormous potential for this solution in the private security and law enforcement markets.”

Full movie at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT4KnC77pt4

Ryerson University’s Flybits group focuses on research and development in ubiquitous and pervasive computing.  The research group has a global track record, in which computing devices are, user friendly, anticipatory to individual requirements, personalized, and responsive to individual presence.

Opened in April 2010, Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone (DMZ) is a multidisciplinary workspace for young entrepreneurs infused with the energy and resources of downtown Toronto. Set atop Yonge-Dundas Square, this hub of digital media innovation, collaboration and commercialization is home to both entrepreneurial startups and industry solution-providers. With access to overhead and business services, students and alumni can fast-track their product launches, stimulating Canada’s emerging digital economy through spending and job creation. Since its launch the DMZ has helped more than 200 innovators to incubate and accelerate 34 startups and to launch over 60 projects. For more information on the DMZ, please visit www.ryerson.ca/dmz

Ryerson University is Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to 28,000 students, including 2,000 master’s and PhD students, nearly 2,700 faculty and staff, and more than 130,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past four years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada’s leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Johanna VanderMaas
Public Affairs
Ryerson University
416-979-5000 x 4630
johanna.vandermaas@ryerson.ca