Research Areas
Our research focuses on service computing, semantic web and semantic data management, sensor information management, information retrieval and tailored information delivery, and human interaction and collaboration.
Service Computing
We are developing novel service-oriented delivery systems applicable to a wide range of sectors, including government, e-commerce, industry, and IT, to name a few.
We are building a solid foundation for next-generation, end-to-end management of web services focusing on introducing innovations and efficiencies that will improve service:
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discovery, selection, and optimization
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composition
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change management
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granularity
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trust
We aim to replace the myriad of usually conflicting and not always technically grounded standards with one foundational framework: a Web Services Management System.
Semantic Web and Semantic Data Management
We have core capabilities in research and development of computational theories, methods and tools that enable rapid information integration and interoperability across organizations, disciplines and IT systems.
We are developing tools for semantic modeling, data integration and semantic queries across multiple heterogeneous repositories and information services.
Our environment has been used by our partners to address integration and interoperability issues in specific domains like:
- Water Resource Management
- Ocean Observing Systems
- Maritime Domain Awareness
Sensor Information Management
We are developing information management solutions for large sensor networks with the aim of decreasing the cost and effort of deployment of the network and to increase the reusability of the data collected. We use semantic descriptions of the sensor network node, sensor capabilities and of the domain of interest, and use semantic query techniques as tools to interact with the sensor network.
Our research directions include:
- semantic sensor queries from the edge of the network
- sensor data stream processing
- query optimization
- actuator control
- semantic enrichment of sensor network interfaces
- standards development for semantic sensor networks
Information Retrieval and Tailored Information Delivery
We are researching technologies, tools and interfaces that improve the retrieval of information, making it easier for people to find what they need. Specifically we are developing technologies for:
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efficiently finding relevant information wherever it is
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delivering relevant information effectively
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browsing through large information spaces, including email
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the creation of collaborative information environments to engage people and motivate them to change their behaviour.
Because a lot of the data people are searching are held as text, rather than in databases, many of our researchers are working on technologies to find and process textual information. Our information services solutions are designed to address people’s needs and gain the trust of end-users.
Human Interaction and Collaboration
Advanced user interfaces and telecollaboration
In this research area we are developing a scientific understanding of how users interact, collaborate and operate in advanced collaborative environments using novel forms of user interfaces. These interfaces include interactive tabletop settings, large, high resolution displays, augmented reality, as well as virtual and immersive environments. The investigation of human factors in these emerging settings is one of the most crucial area of research that would affect the speed of adoption of these technologies by industry ( mining, health, education). More specifically our research explores :
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the use of 3D interactions techniques and their effect on user's collaborative effort. In this work we investigate 3D User interfaces for supporting remote operations of mining equipments,
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the role of advanced workspace and application sharing technologies for distributed collaboration . In this work we explore the use of gestures for supporting remote collaboration in settings beyond traditional work environments, and
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the application of mixed reality technologies and the extent to which it supports awareness and coordination for remote collaboration. In this work we explore collaborative mixed reality interfaces for supporting remote operations in mining.
