Summary of proposals for public release:
Data visualization for the MGH Railcar cloud-based platform
The Canadian railway system is currently beset by a train track "fog of war" due to
a lack of available information on the location of other companies’ railcars. Without
such intel, it is difficult for companies to determine which sidetracks (called sidings)
are vacant and available to use for parking, and it also hinders the process of renting
or purchasing railcars from each other. To solve this problem, DICE and MGH Railcar
Services Limited collaborates on the research and development of a system that will
use sensors, Computer Vision technology, and a Convolutional Neural Network to autonomously
gather railcar data.
The team will design machine learning algorithms using a CNN to extract and process information from digital images or video in order to determine the identity of a railcar. The system will include hardware health monitoring data analysis and user interface. Finally, this project looks to investigate the creation of a Distributed Ledger Technology framework specifically for railcar data use. The railway industry will benefit since locating railcars and available storage areas will become more coordinated and efficient.
Partner organization
MGH Railcar Services Limited (Engage)
Funding sources
MGH Railcar Services Limited (Engage)
The team will design machine learning algorithms using a CNN to extract and process information from digital images or video in order to determine the identity of a railcar. The system will include hardware health monitoring data analysis and user interface. Finally, this project looks to investigate the creation of a Distributed Ledger Technology framework specifically for railcar data use. The railway industry will benefit since locating railcars and available storage areas will become more coordinated and efficient.
Partner organization
MGH Railcar Services Limited (Engage)
Funding sources
MGH Railcar Services Limited (Engage)
Data visualization of GIS data at scale
Access to private or leased land is currently not a simple problem. Landowners would
like to know who is on their land, when and for what purpose. Getting permissions
from landowners is often not a straightforward task, which often leads to obtaining
permission being bypassed. Some landowners do not want hunters, but do not mind artists
or photographers accessing their land. Western Heritage is building the SaskLander
Platform that provides an easy-to-use interface for landowners and those who would
seek permission to access that land. DICE will be working with Western Heritage to
provide a scalable visualization of GIS data that offers high level detail that can
be drilled down to every piece of land across multiple provinces.
Partner organization
Western Heritage
Funding sources
Western Heritage
Partner organization
Western Heritage
Funding sources
Western Heritage
Enhancing temporary agriculture clusters: Augmented reality at agricultural trade shows
The agriculture and agri-food system (AAFS) is an important component of the Canadian
economy. Outdoor agricultural shows have left their simple marketplace roots and have
become places that facilitate increased productivity, innovation and business formation
in the AAFS. Central to these functions is the geographic concentration of stakeholders.
With large growth in the size of agricultural shows, supporting effective communication
and information exchange is challenging but also critical for maximizing the potential
of a show to facilitate its broader mandate. This project will identify and address
the challenges facing a large outdoor venue, testing the effectiveness of a beacon-based
augmented reality application for mobile devices in supporting knowledge transfer,
participant interaction, and user analytics.
Partner organization
Glacier FarmMedia (Engage Plus)
Funding sources
Glacier FarmMedia (Engage Plus)
Partner organization
Glacier FarmMedia (Engage Plus)
Funding sources
Glacier FarmMedia (Engage Plus)
Krate Platform: Prove anything, solve everything, disclose nothing part 2
DICE and Krate Distributed Information Systems are developing the Krate Cloud, a decentralized
storage and computer network powered by user devices that strives to solve the current
epidemic of data breaches (DBs). Currently, data is protected but unusable while encrypted,
so it must be temporarily decrypted to use. The Krate Cloud will solve this vulnerability
with a system able to compute encrypted data by combining blockchain and cloud technology
with lattice-based encryption—the first cloud with cryptographic privacy. This project
will benefit Krate by manifesting its theoretical work and establishing the base network
necessary for later project phases, while DICE will benefit from knowledge exchange
with Krate. Also, it will transform data management and cybersecurity by returning
to users full control of their data, and by developing Fully Homomorphic Encryption
(FHE), a technique believed to be quantum-proof.
Partner organization
Krate Distributed Information Systems (Engage)
Funding sources
Krate Distributed Information Systems (Engage)
Partner organization
Krate Distributed Information Systems (Engage)
Funding sources
Krate Distributed Information Systems (Engage)
Personal fit accurate sizing platform
In partnership with Xesto, DICE is developing a system for the online clothing retail
industry that will interface through a mobile app/micro-app, using 3D scans obtained
from software originally developed for facial recognition. The system infrastructure
will collect scan data and other data to support the user online purchase of clothing
and apparel from different brands that fits properly, thus reducing the need for returning
purchases. In addition, support for custom interfacing with brand websites for analysis
of fitting data requirements, in partnership with member brands, will produce a more
accurate system for size determination based on the product chosen for purchase. This
sets the foundation for a reduction in return of missized purchases which are often
disposed of, as well as potential custom product creation and purchase from brands
that support customization. The application will benefit anyone who has special needs
for such items as shoes, clothing or jewellery as well as those limited to online
purchasing due to personal circumstances.
Partner organization
Xesto (Engage)
Funding sources
Xesto (Engage)
Partner organization
Xesto (Engage)
Funding sources
Xesto (Engage)
Using virtual reality in cognitive skills training
DICE will collaborate with Invictus VR on a new virtual reality (VR) application aimed
at providing cognitive training on across multiple approaches. Invictus provides consulting
support for sporting professionals, sales professionals and executives. Invictus helps
their clients to achieve personal as well as business goals through training, coaching
and private consultations. The COVID crisis has highlighted the need to be able to
help continue this coaching remotely. Invictus is currently investigating if VR might
provide a suitable environment to allow for the continuation of coaching and training,
using professional sports as a starting point. By simulating real world situations
in VR, cognitive skills training can be practiced and reinforced in home and work
environments while reducing the chances of physical injury that can occur during training.
Partner organization
Buzzy VR (Engage)
Funding sources
Buzzy VR (Engage)
Partner organization
Buzzy VR (Engage)
Funding sources
Buzzy VR (Engage)