Cool on-going projects [part 1]

Believe it or not, this is useful data!

As usual at the SEM programme, a lot of the studying takes place in project courses, and possibly culminates in the bachelor thesis. In this, and a following post, I will highlight a few projects which in my opinion is really cool and fun.

Finger-tracking interaction device
Imagine using your fingers to steer, maneuver, or in some way interact (this is the keyword) with a device. This is what Ludvig and Gustav are working on in their thesis currently named “Pushing Towards Embodied Interactions.” On a practical note they are using low-tech image capturing devices (read: two off-the-shelf web cameras) and then, with real-time constraints, filtering the images to outline the contours (see image to the left). With this information isolated they can bind certain movements to events and thus you are able to control your computer.

What is the applicability of this you ask? Well, a lot of research is currently being done in human computer interaction, in which this project also can be categorized. One possible scenario is found in their introductory text: “As an example, the BMW research and technology group has implemented a head- and gesture system for controlling infotainment systems [in cars] and mention that in contrast to speech recognition, it can be used in noisy situations.”

Modeling complex software models in 3D
Jonatan and Joacim are working together with Ericsson AB on an implementation of a previous thesis conducted by one of this blog’s co-authors, Linda. In essence, they are testing if it is easier to understand a complex UML software model if it is visualised in three dimensions. By using the programming language python and the 3D library Panda they have successfully built a functional prototype. Watch the video below for an introduction.

Their research falls into a category called Model Driven Development which means that applications and systems are no longer developed in pure code, but rather with the use of sophisticated modeling tools in which you express a system’s behaviour through, for example, state charts.

Stay tuned for more projects!

Jellyfish skin exposed: Take cover!

When spending too much time indoors, your skin gradually decreases its defense against the sun. Have anyone heard of passionate programmers coding in sunlight? No?

Well, DIDN’T THINK SO

According to what a lot of people claim; letting your body absorb some light is utterly healthy. You should expose yourself at least a couple of minutes every day! But computer fantasts stay inside and no wonder their skin is getting white… although mine is transparent.

Personally I love working indoors, as long as the lamps are off and the room is dimly lit by natural light. Isn’t it wonderful when everything just bathes in soft shadows with no contrasts or reflections? At the university, I arrive early and take pleasure in the pleasant lightning …until someone switches the horrible fluorescents on again. Oh, I hate it! However, pure open-air sunlight is different. Even though it’s impossible to bring your laptop, as you won’t be able to see what you’re doing, it’s worth taking some time off, relaxing under a bare sky. Drinking chilled Jolt. Now is the time! Summer is here, whooaaAAA!

But take cover!

A while ago I was trying to convince all my friends that I’m not a vampire and am fully capable of exposing myself in sunlight for more than five minutes… But you can sort of figure out how that went. My skin has become very fragile.

For all you guys out there who share my life-style (studying in the dark), don’t forget sun lotion, lol.

The art of achieving programming skills

Learning to program is tricky if you lack the passion or interest for it. People who like it have no difficulty at all to focus for hours, since they don’t actually notice that they’re making an effort. Being able to just play around and find it fascinating is a great way of learning. But others might not feel this way. Subsequently, the effort needed to actually master programming is insurmountable.

Many students say that the only way to learn programming is by doing it, without minding books. Trial and error, learning by doing… you name it! Phrases like that have constantly been echoing in the corners of the university as well as in my brain. But being a newbie, it is frightening to stare at a blank page in Eclipse. The anxious feeling not knowing how or where to start just overwhelms you.

Personally I think many beginners think it’s more complicated than it is. One reason might be the endless books with an endless number of pages that are just too serious. Although there is one book that I’ve found totally amazing. Head First Java -the funniest programming book on the market so far.

This is from the section Life and Death of an object:

…then he said “I can’t feel my legs!” and I said “Joe! Stay with me Joe!” But it was… too late. The garbage collector came and… he was gone. Best object I ever had.

Suddenly life seems a bit brighter. With this book I get the feeling that everyone can program. The weight of a little humor bends your brain into submission. Trust me.