As an organisation working on emerging technologies, we have ongoing research investments to develop applications that add value to business operations or to individuals, depending on the focus of our business units or business verticals. For example some of our mobile applications are built to technology enable the common man who is not so tech savy. Likewise our engineering applications are aimed at simplifying a complex environment and giving the benefits of new technology to overcome issues previously impossible. Thus our R&D initiatives and the applications that emerged have been based on analysis of engineering problems, human factors and social issues and is the prime mover for our growth.

Here are a few of our current R&D initiatives pending market release:

License plate recognition tool

This is a yet to be named application based on our image processing competence. Currently, we are working on the algorithms to simplify the detection of number plates – irrespective of the automobile shape and size and then to decode the registration number to assist the police, revenue authorities and fleet managers who may need to track vehicles. We have succeeded to a very high degree in the picking up of the number plates under controlled conditions but yet to be accurate on reading the numbers in poor light or weather - a challenge we are pursuing and are getting close.

Virtual showrooms on Deepzoom and 3D

Today high value product shops invest a lot of money to show case their products as best as they can. The web presence for this industry is still very much in its infancy, differentiated just by artwork or designs. Our R&D efforts in this field is directed towards giving a web experience that matches that of viewing a real showroom. This is technically possible with Deepzoom technology. The challenge here is to present excellent virtual realism to web showrooms, in order to promote product sales. We are close to realising the fusion of 3D technologies and Deepzoom on the web that can be used by retailers such as furniture shops, garment boutiques etc., that can help customers to take a close look at the quality of fabric and its design. The advantage is that e-commerce can be promoted, as customers are able to view the products on the web at a close range.