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Enhancing a trip to the Zoo

5 December 2011

NextGen11 AIYP resentation
Researchers at the Centre for Communications Research are working on a new range of wireless and video technologies that will radically enhance future trips to the zoo. 

Professor Andrew Nix and Mr Paul Appleby spoke at NextGen 11, the UK's showcase event on Next Generation Broadband.  Together they gave an overview of Arkive In Your Pocket (AIYP), a new Technology Strategy Board funded research project that brings together wireless video technologists, wildlife film makers and digital media experts. AIYP builds on the previously successfully VISUALISE project, which enhanced spectator experiences at the 2007 World Rally Championships.

Paul Appleby explained how the project will take the vast array of wildlife films and photos on the ARKive website ‘from the desktop to the pocket’.  The project will provide an immersive and educational experience through interactive applications on next generation handsets.

The AIYP mobile phone and tablet application will offer a scaleable personalised media-rich experience that exploits the core features of WiFi and 4G cellular.

Professor Andrew Nix

AIYP plans to utilise the latest in wireless and video technology to reliably multicast media rich information into the hands of visitors. AIYP will deliver enhanced user experiences through:

  • Video search, retrieval and delivery to mobile platforms
  • Location-based serves including live video feeds
  • Augmented reality and alerts
  • Links to the ARKive desktop experience

The project is due to start in the New Year with trials planned at Bristol Zoo and Slimbridge Wildlife Park. Partners include the BBC, Mubaloo, ProVision, Toshiba, University of Bristol, VID and Wildscreen (ARKive).