1 July 2006
University of Bristol
Mobile Bristol Centre
The Mobile Bristol Centre is a programme investigating how mobile devices and pervasive information technology can be used to enhance the ways in which people experience and interact with their environment and with each other.
As we walk around this environment, we can tap into the digital sounds, sights and interactions that are activated by our presence.
The project has created a toolkit, which provides a digital canvas over the physical landscape onto which digital experiences can be painted and new commercial opportunities can be explored.
Benefits
- The project explored potential of enriched DAB technology through a series of user trials
- Investigated uses for broadcasting additional information through location-based sensors
- Formed part of a successful larger digital city project
- Technology transferred to digital equipment manufacturers, computer manufacturers and broadcasters
- New interactive services offered to listeners, with information at a glance
- Direct commercial benefits for radio stations - allowing them to charge for services and extend their brand
A research collaboration between Hewlett-Packard Research Labs, GWR-Bristol, Bristol University, the Appliance Studio and Panasonic Semiconductor explored the potential of augmented DAB through a series of user trials. The collaboration explored the possibility of interactivity between audience and broadcaster. They could receive local weather information, news and the latest movie listings. This data could be linked to the GPS location of a user - for example sensors on advertisement hoardings could trigger the appearance of additional information.
"The research project explored how enabling interaction could further emphasise this sense of community and protect, consolidate or even increase the share of listeners, with consequent potential for increased markets for service providers."
Erik Geelhoed, Hewlett-Packard
