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28 April 2004
Student Innovations at University of Dundee
Photo opportunity: 12:00 noon, Thursday 29th April, Jam Factory, Applied Computing Division, University
of Dundee. Projects available for photographs.
Over thirty students in the University of Dundee's Applied Computing Division will be demonstrating their
software solutions on Thursday 29 April, including an entertainment system for people with dementia. The
projects are the culmination of the students' four-year degree studies, and in several cases are directly
related to their first career choices in industry and commerce.
Graham Wallace, originally from Peebles has developed a prototype system named the Swallow to enable older
people with dementia to have an enjoyable interactive experience based on the idea of world travel.
The system, developed with the participation of staff and attendees at an Alzheimer Scotland day centre in
Dundee is based on a large touch screen with easy to use on screen buttons and a simple method of navigating
round the world map it displays. Users are treated to a video clip about each location, complete with a
voice over in the local accent.
Dementia sufferers who tried out the system found it easy and enjoyable to use. Project supervisor, Dr
Norman Alm said, "This very interesting work was part of an overall effort here to find ways that technology
can assist people with dementia to lead more independent and enriching lives, despite their problems with
their short-term memory".
Hannah Howson has designed software to facilitate improved communication between young people with Autism and
their carers. This novel communication aid runs on a small handheld device (for example, a Personal Digital
Assistant) and is designed to be used by young people with Autism in primary schools. It allows the young
person to make notes about their experiences using a visual interface which utilises built-in prompting. The
user then uses the system to 'tell' their stories to their teacher or parent.
Hannah attended the High School of Dundee.
Alan McCulloch has designed a smart house simulator that demonstrates how computers can be used to design,
simulate and control living environments. The system can be controlled from the internet, mobile phone or
personal assistant devices. An example of smart house control could include switching on your central heating
using the web before you leave work or checking your home is secure from your mobile phone while on holiday.
Systems like this are expected to become more commonplace in future and even standard in new houses.
Alan attended Monifieth High School, Dundee
Other projects include an electronic news wall for public interaction with the news, an artificial
intelligence system, an electronic flashcard builder for autism sufferers and automated multi-agent system
for buying plane tickets.
For further information, please contact: Janet Hughes, Applied Computing Division, University of Dundee.
(01382) 345195, Fax: (01382) 345509, Email: jhughes@computing.dundee.ac.uk
By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk
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