In this paper we describe a novel methodology for performing real-time analysis of localization data streams produced by sensors embedded in ambient intelligence (AmI) environments. The methodology aims to handle different types of real-time events, detect interesting behavior in sequences of such events, and calculate statistical information using a scalable stream-processing engine (SPE) that executes continuous queries expressed in a stream-oriented query language. Key contributions of our approach are the integration of the Borealis SPE into a large-scale interactive museum exhibit system that tracks visitor positions through a number of cameras; the extension and customization of Borealis to support the types of real-time analysis useful in the context of the museum exhibit as well as in other AmI applications; and the integration with a visualization component responsible for rendering events received by the SPE in a variety of human readable forms.

Taking into account the potential of ICT in education and recognizing the need for smart environments and artifacts, this paper presents Study-Buddy, a context aware system aiming to augment the learning process. The system is constituted of an intelligent reading lamp that monitors students’ interaction with reading material and provides appropriate information through any near computational device (e.g., tablet, notebook, etc.). Study-Buddy is accompanied by LexiMedia, an educational software targeted to language learning.

In this paper, the design and implementation of a hardware/ software platform for parallel and distributed multiview vision processing is presented. The platform is focused at supporting the monitoring of human presence in indoor environments. Its architecture is focused at increased throughput through process pipelining as well as at reducing communication costs and hardware requirements. Using this platform, we present efficient implementations of basic visual processes such as person tracking, textured visual hull computation and head pose estimation. Using the proposed platform multiview visual operations can be combined and third-party ones integrated, to ultimately facilitate the development of interactive applications that employ visual input. Computational performance is benchmarked comparatively to state of the art and the efficacy of the approach is qualitatively assessed in the context of already developed applications related to interactive environments.

This paper discusses the opportunities and challenges of Ambient Intelligence (AmI) technologies in the context of classroom education, and presents the methodology and preliminary results of the development of an augmented school desk which integrates various AmI educational applications. The overall objective is to assess how AmI technologies can contribute to support common learning activities and enhance the learner’s experience in the classroom. Young learners were involved from the first phases of the design of the desk and its applications using scenario-based techniques.

This paper presents a system that supports the exploration of digital representations of large-scale museum artifacts in through non-instrumented, location-based interaction. The system employs a state-of-the-art computer vision system, which localizes and tracks multiple visitors. The artifact is presented in a wall-sized projection screen and it is visually annotated with text and images according to the location as well as walkthrough trajectories of the tracked visitors. The system is evaluated in terms of computational performance, localization accuracy, tracking robustness and usability.

This paper introduces booTable, an interactive coffee table prototype constructed by recycled paper aiming to build upon the paradigm of surface computing, but endeavoring to overcome a number of identified limitations of current design practice. In this respect, the paper first runs through the design requirements, decisions and rationale towards creating a first version of the prototype. Then, the outcomes of the prototyping process are described, along with the results of an informal assessment session and related critique. Following that, the revisions made towards the development of a second version of the prototype are laid out and the final result is presented.

In this paper, the application of computer vision techniques to the localization of multiple persons in a relatively wide gaming terrain is presented. Multiple views are employed both for terrain coverage, but most importantly, for treatment of occlusions. Through the appropriate selection of lightweight operations and acceleration strategies, an adequate frame rate is achieved despite the large volume of input data. The resulting system is employed in the development of multiplayer entertainment applications, which are demonstrated and evaluated.

We present the development of a multi-touch display based on computer vision techniques. The developed system is built upon low cost, off-the-shelf hardware components and a careful selection of computer vision techniques. The resulting system is capable of detecting and tracking several objects that may move freely on the surface of a wide projection screen. It also provides additional information regarding the detected and tracked objects, such as their orientation, their full contour, etc. All of the above are achieved robustly, in real time and regardless of the visual appearance of what may be independently projected on the projection screen. We also present indicative results from the exploitation of the developed system in three application scenarios and discuss directions for further research.

This paper introduces the horizontal, interdisciplinary, crossthematic RTD Programme in the field of Ambient Intelligence which has recently been initiated by the Institute of Computer Science of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, aiming to contribute towards the creation and provision of pioneering human-centric AmI technologies and smart environments.