1. Exploratory Computer Vision Group © 2007 IBM Corporation Jonathan H. Connell Exploratory Computer Vision Group IBM T. J. Watson Research Center Hawthorne, NY 10532 UBIQ – Low Bandwidth Visual Communication

2. Exploratory Computer Vision Group © 2007 IBM Corporation UBIQ = The expert can be everywhere  Hybrid solution –Send out medium-skilled person for quick fix in most cases –Call back to main office for more difficult problems  “Beaming in” the expert –Sometimes verbal communications is insufficient –Pictures can be sent but take a long time to transmit –Person in the field might take picture of wrong aspect  Provide a real-time “viewfinder” mode to allow expert to quickly snap the right picture on a remote mobile phone  Field service dilemma (e.g. repair): –Most problems have simple solutions –Some field-service problems require experts –Experts are expensive, want to utilize effectively –Medium-skilled labor can fix many problems

3. Exploratory Computer Vision Group © 2007 IBM Corporation Scenario: fixing a copier  Local maintenance guy shows up promptly –Checks for correct paper & toner level  Expert asks for view of “fuser roller” –“What’s that?” –Local person uses video mode to get to correct location  Customer calls in problem = streaks on paper  Calls back to home office for advice –Shows paper markings  Expert snaps image and examines –Fix problem by using alcohol wipe on this component (marked) … there. Open the side … … closer …

4. Exploratory Computer Vision Group © 2007 IBM Corporation Value Proposition End Users  Lower cost of operations –No expense for cars, plane trips, lodging …  Right brain at the right place quickly –Can easily change experts if needed –No delays due to flights, visa approval … –Increases customer satisfaction  Better leverage existing expertise –No time lost on travel (or getting lost)  Bigger expert recruitment pool –No onerous travel or relocation –Social skills less important Telcos  Differentiated offering –No one else has this cool capability –New Value-Added-Service application to increase stickiness  Focus on (more lucrative) enterprise customer base  Optimized use of data network  Supports higher usage data traffic –Offset by increased (worker) productivity

5. Exploratory Computer Vision Group © 2007 IBM Corporation Deployment Model (Telco OEM) Build software PC client Mobile server customize implementation for Telco IBM Telco Offers application to enterprise customers Samsung Hospital Ricoh … … …

6. Exploratory Computer Vision Group © 2007 IBM Corporation Summary Looking for  Deployment model  Customers (telco and/or end user)  Catcher or partner for technology transfer Current status  Research project (unfunded)  Working on more specialized codecs –Hybrid lines + blobs –Spatially varying resolution –Camera tracking partial stills –Quick remote zoom refinement  Single platform implementation –Windows XP (PC client) –Windows Mobile 5.0 (Smartphone server)  Covered under US patent 7,219,364  Demo possible (see wiki)

7. Exploratory Computer Vision Group © 2007 IBM Corporation Demo – click here to playhere