Pertinent technology
The Communications and Information Systems project of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Engineering comprises various research activities that will lead to the development of devices and ways to improve people’s lives.
Prof Willie Perold, the project leader, says that this initiative reflect the University’s vision of hope in action. “We want to do hope instead of passively waiting for others to make in a difference.”
The following projects are being undertaken:
Computer access for the disabled
Research is being done in a number of areas, including computer interfaces for the physically disabled. The aim is to develop aids that are affordable in the South African context and which will allow persons with insufficient limb control to operate a computer.
Road safety
Road safety is being tackled by researchers with the aim of decreasing traffic congestion. By improving the collection and utilisation of accident data, drivers can be assisted to make better road safety decisions.
Researchers are looking at intelligent information systems that can tell drivers where an accident has occurred and which alternative route to use.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine can increase access to quality healthcare for Africa’s remote rural populations that sometimes have to travel days on end to receive medical services. Medical and healthcare expertise is delivered through long-distance consultations, enabling expertise to be disseminated efficiently.
Computer speech technology
Speech technology for indigenous African languages combines expertise in information systems and linguistics to create speech recognition technologies that accommodate a variety of dialects and speech patterns, as well as different languages. This is used to develop speech and language technology systems, especially for underrepresented languages perceived to have poor commercial viability.
Remote sensing
The ability to monitor such aspects as crop growth, water quality and urban development remotely makes more efficient resource management possible. The Faculty is developing remote sensing and communication technologies to this end. This includes low-cost sensor networks for environmental monitoring and a wide area VHF/UHF ad-hoc network for food quality control.
Radio technologies
To extend the reach of telecommunication networks in Africa, researchers are looking at the development of radio technologies. This includes routing techniques for more universal broadband access, prediction techniques for improved data throughput, as well as data security through the detection of network and service denial attacks.
Better satellite link technology is being developed to improve electronic communication reliability and bandwidth.
Superconducting technology
The use of low-and high temperature superconducting technology to be used in superfast routers for next generation mobile communications and software-defined radio systems are being investigated.
Electronic interaction
Electronic devices and networks have introduced new ways for humans to interact with each other. Novel technologies are being pursued to enhance such interaction. Prototype applications are being developed in the fields of social networking, enhanced audio telephony and information retrieval using natural language, sounds and images.
Intelligent decision support
For the process industries, researchers are focusing on the development and application of intelligent decision support systems. This will include process monitoring and fault diagnostic systems, as well as advanced process control.
Construction communication
To help civil engineers execute large engineering projects like building a new sport stadium, construction communication methods are being developed. The goal is a computer-based system that will generate a consistent sequence of activities during large projects.