Ryerson University researchers are experimenting with extending AccessGrid to enable HD visualization and remote desktop control - the next generation of videoconferencing. The purpose is to allow geographically-dispersed colleagues to jointly manipulate images and data in real-time.

Known as AccessFabrik Lab, the researchers have been testing the limits of remote conferencing through their project, New Tools for Collaborative Design and Communication. So far the lab has focused on HD shared visualization and remote desktop control, real-time captioning and translation, and enhancing local and international business-to-business collaboration.

The researchers at AccessFabrik Lab are working with industrial partner Magna Closures Inc. and research partner Fraunhofer IAO of Germany, and have experimented successfully with new levels of shared desktop environments in virtual spaces, blending technological and creative forces. This type of researcher / private sector collaboration is becoming more and more common, so more advanced tools to simplify the process are being developed. In this case, manufacturers of auto parts are helping in the design and engineering of the products they produce and supply.

In addition to remote desktop control in virtual space, the lab is looking at automated captioning on the screen using voice recognition and automatic translation: so Canadian engineers can talk to German designers, and vice versa.

The lab is using the Ryerson AccessGrid node to collaborate with their colleagues. AccessGrid provides high quality transmission of voice, video and computational content produced at any of the participating sites. As well, it uses multiple cameras and large projection or plasma displays, so the experience is immersive for participants.

Although these experiments are being conducted in the field of automotive engineering and manufacturing, this technology could certainly be of use to a wide diversity of industries, from film post-production to fashion design.