National Knowledge Network (NKN): A Gateway to Global Classroom

Project Title: NKN – A Gateway to a Global Classroom

Project Timeline:  2012-2014

Total funding:  2.00 Crores

Funding Agency: National Knowledge Network

Patent

   “System And Method For Synthesizing And Preserving Consistent Relative Neighborhood Position In Multi-Perspective Multi-Point Tele-Immersive Environments”, (Patent Filed)

This proposal seeks to Architect, Design, Develop and deploy a Cross-functional, Multi-Media, Multi-Channel, High Definition, Interactive, Immersive,  Adaptive Classroom experience– a University without walls and borders, that effectively uses the high bandwidth, low latency worldwide network provided by the NKN to enable students attend classes of higher education at eminent national and international universities. The remote classroom solutions today do not provide a really immersive environment to captivate and motivate the students. The students tend to get tired after short sessions. By providing a really interactive and immersive experience, we hope to open up a totally new paradigm in remote classrooms and discussion rooms.

 Features

• HD Video Panorama

Developed and tested algorithms to produces HD video mosaic views inside classrooms, along with mixing and synchronizing various multimedia channels.

• Multi-perspective classroom design

A multi-perspective multimedia classroom design was developed and tested for a 3 classroom Scenario.

•  Object identification and tracking

Professor identification, tracking and hand gesture analysis completed. A proof-of-concept student interaction identification system was also developed.

• Dynamic perspective switching

Dynamic switching of videos for synthesizing correct perspectives for all the participants.

• Framework model for knowledge environment

Designed and developed a knowledge object model which can accommodate various knowledge objects. Synchronization of videos and presentation across different classrooms was tested using a proof-of-concept model.

•  A state-of-the-art lab for testing and deploying seamless remote teaching technologies was build.

Publications:

• Gesture Recognition using Kinect in Virtual Classroom Environment
  Prof. Balaji Hariharan, Padmini.S, Uma Gopalakrishnan
  The Fourth International Conference on Digital Information and Communication Technology and its Applications
  Bangkok, Thailand, 2014

• Multimedia: Video Sharing For E-Classroom
  ;Balaji Hariharan, Neethu Joy, Sreedevi A. G.
  22nd Wireless and Optical Communication Conference (WOCC),China, Chongqing, 2013

•  Multi Speaker Detection and Tracking using Audio and Video Sensors with Gesture Analysis
  Balaji Hariharan, Hari S., Uma Gopalakrishnan
  Tenth International Conference on Wireless and Optical Communications Networks WOCN2013 Next Generation Internet,TIT College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA, 2013

• Echo cancellation in a virtual classroom environment, Shilpa B.; Balaji Hariharan; Uma G, Multimedia and Broadcasting (APMediaCast), 2015 Asia Pacific Conference on, 2015

Team Members:

• Mr. Ram kumar
• Mr.  Ramesh Gunta
• Ms. Uma.G