All posts by RIVRT

Ir. Dr. YM Tang and Our Research Team to Presented at DSD R&D Forum 2023

by RIVRT Activity
Ir. Dr. Tang presenting on the project at the DSD R&D Forum 2023
Ir. Dr. Tang presenting on the project at the DSD R&D Forum 2023
Ir. Dr. Tang presenting on the project at the DSD R&D Forum 2023
Ir. Dr. Tang as the speaker in DSD R&D Forum 2023
Ir. Prof. Yung, Associate Head and Chair Professor (ISE), as the speaker in DSD R&D Forum 2023

We are delighted to report that our research team, spearheaded by Principal Investigator Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang, had an impactful presence at the DSD Research & Development Forum 2023. Organised by the Drainage Services Department (DSD), the event took place on November 14, 2023, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Dr. Tang shared insightful findings on the topic “Intelligent Non-invasive Structural Health Inspection System for Multi-part Covers.” This presentation perfectly aligned with the forum’s theme, “Thinking Outside the Pipes: Exploring Alternative Approaches to Stormwater and Wastewater Management.”

The forum presentation revolved around a critical issue in Hong Kong: the costly and disruptive process of inspecting multi-part covers installed on large drains, chambers, and box culverts across main roads. Conventional inspection methods, including the use of robots, face limitations due to the variable configurations and distances of piping/channels from entry ports.

The project proposed a non-invasive inspection method that leverages state-of-the-art AI technologies to identify acoustic emissions from problematic multi-part covers against environmental and traffic noises. The result is a cost-effective, low-disruption solution for inspecting structures beneath multi-part covers, reducing the impact on traffic flow.

(From the left) Dr. Noman, Dr. Zhong, Dr. Chen, Ir. Dr. Tang, Mr. Lam, Mr. Tang
(From the left) Dr. Zhong, Ir. Dr. Tang, Dr. Chen, Dr. Noman

In addition to Ir. Dr. Tang, the team’s postdoctoral researchers, Dr. Junping ZHONG, Dr. Lerui CHEN, and Dr. Abdullah Al Noman, other project researchers, Mr. Sam Lam, Mr. Kelvin Tang, Ruby CHAN, also presented at the forum. They made significant contributions to the project and played integral parts in its success.

We are thrilled to have shared this innovative research at the DSD R&D Forum 2023 and look forward to providing more updates on our progress and reflections on our team’s contributions.

Shaping the Future: Dr. YM Tang’s Team Guides High School Students in Developing a Metaverse Virtual Environment

by RIVRT Press Media

▲ A group photo featuring the Vice President of PolyU, Prof. Ben Young (center), RIVRT’s principle investigator Dr. YM Tang (2nd from the right) and his team member Mr. Hadyn Ng (right).

Junior Researchers Shine at PolyU’s Mentoring Programme

The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in the next generation. Led by Dr. Yuk Ming Tang, a team of mentors has guided two students in an exciting journey into the metaverse as part of the 2023 “Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme” (JRMP).

Embarking on a Metaverse Adventure

Two Form 6 students, Sarah Zeng from Christian and Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Secondary School and Vanessa Chan from Diocesan Girls’ School, embarked on a research project titled “Development of a Metaverse Virtual Environment”. Under the mentorship of Dr. YM Tang and Mr. Hadyn Ng, the students explored the intriguing concept of the metaverse and its vast potential for development.

Mr. Hadyn Ng, Sarah Zeng, Vanessa Chan, Dr. YM Tang (from Left to Right)

Creating a Virtual World

The students, with guidance from Dr. Tang’s team, were tasked with creating an interactive metaverse environment, complete with avatars and virtual characters for user interaction. The project aimed to go beyond mere entertainment, incorporating game elements into applications that promote healthy physical activity.

The endeavor required the students to apply their 3D modeling skills and game design sensibilities, and they rose to the challenge, successfully creating a back-to-school game within the metaverse environment.

The game avatar designed using the metaverse platform
Game interactions and graphics designed using Unity Engine
Avatars can interacts with different game objects
Players need to interact and avoid hitting the obstacles
“School Runner” game designed with the concept of going back to school
Game over when hitting the obstacles

Learning Beyond Theory

This project allowed the students to gain invaluable hands-on experience, from designing the virtual environment to interacting with a diverse user base within the metaverse. They also conducted research and analysis to evaluate the project’s outcomes and determine their feasibility. The experience has provided them with a solid foundation for future studies and research.

Dr. Tang’s team has been instrumental in guiding the students through this process, ensuring they not only develop practical skills but also foster logical thinking and analytical abilities. The success of this project serves as a testament to the value of mentorship and the potential of young minds when given the right guidance and opportunities.

For more insights into the project and the JRMP 2023, refer to the media coverage from Oriental Daily News, Sing Tao Daily, Headline Daily, Wen Wei Po, and HK01.

Metaverse Virtual Environment – “School Runner”

Dr. Tang invited to exhibit latest research on VR-based myopia therapy at TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo

by RIVRT Activity

We are pleased to announce that our esteemed Principle Investigator, Dr. YM Tang, exhibited our latest research at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo. The event was held from 19-21 June, 2023 at Washington, DC, and was renowned for connecting top applied research and early-stage innovations from universities, labs, and startups with industry end-users and prospectors.

The conference comprised several programs, including the annual SBIR/STTR Innovation Conference, AI TechConnect, the TechConnect Technical Program, and the Nanotech Conference Series. The exhibition was the largest and longest-running nanotechnology event in the world, offering a platform for researchers and innovators to showcase their latest findings to a global audience.

Dr. Tang’s exhibit focused on our latest research project, titled “Accommodation Myopia Therapy Training Using Virtual Reality (VR) Head Mounted Device for Adolescents and Children.” The project, which had garnered significant attention in the scientific community, aimed at developing a novel VR-based training program for the treatment of myopia in children and adolescents.

The innovative therapy leveraged the immersive capabilities of VR technology to simulate real-world scenarios that require the eyes to focus and work in tandem, thus helping to improve visual acuity and reduce the onset of myopia. The program had shown great promise in early-stage trials, and Dr. Tang was excited to share our latest findings with the wider scientific community at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo.

Over the years, TechConnect had published over 10,000 technical papers, connected over 20,000 innovations with industry partners, provided prospecting to most all Fortune 500 technology companies, and supported most every U.S. Science and Technology agency, including the National Nanotechnology Initiative since its inception. We were honored to have been part of this prestigious event and to have had the opportunity to exhibit our research to fellow innovators, industry leaders, and potential partners.

Interview on a RTHK TV Programme About Metaverse – 香港故事:創科夢工場

by RIVRT Press Media

鄧育明博士最近與音樂和技術平台的創始人鄒健宏合作,在RTHK電視節目中接受了有關元宇宙的採訪。在節目中，鄧博士分享了他在以往研究及製作虛擬現實技術的經驗，並模擬了人類與元宇宙虛擬環境互動的未來。

鄧博士表示，隨著5G網絡和更先進的技術的興起，虛擬和擴增現實將會融入我們的日常生活。人們不僅可以在元宇宙中工作和娛樂，甚至進行線上教育和醫療諮詢。他相信這些技術的突破有助於提高生產力，收窄數碼鴻溝，改善生活質素。

總的來說，鄧博士對元宇宙未來持樂觀態度。他相信只要科技的發展適度並謹慎地引入，虛擬和現實的融合將使生活更加便捷和多姿多彩。人工智能和擴增實境等新技術不應被視為威脅，而是提高生產力和創新的潛在工具。在元宇宙新世界，人類將能夠突破身體限制,實現無限可能。新的科技環境將為人類帶來前所未有的體驗，豐富我們的生活與交流。

鄧博士相信元宇宙將真正實現人類理想中的啟迪與自由。它代表著人類文明的進步，將打開通往更廣闊世界的大門。在這個新世界，人們可以自由穿梭於不同的空間與時空，相隔千里的人都能彼此見面。元宇宙不僅滿足人類對虛幻的嚮往，也滿足人類追求知識和探索未知的渴望。它象徵著人類意識和潛能的提升，將為人類帶來新時代。鄧博士期待著元宇宙美好的未來，以及它為人類社會帶來的革命性改變。

— 香港電台電視節目 — 香港故事:創科夢工場 — 活在元宇宙: 鄒健宏

Workshop for the Research and Applications of virtual reality and Metaverse

by RIVRT Activity

Ir. Dr. YM Tang and his research team (RIVRT) hosted a workshop on March 9, 2023, for academic staff and doctorate students from the City University of Macau, focused on the research and applications of virtual reality and Metaverse.

The workshop featured a range of engaging presentations and interactive sessions designed to showcase the latest advances in virtual reality technology and explore the potential applications of the Metaverse in various fields.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with experts in the field, including Ir. Dr. YM Tang, and gained valuable insights into the development and applications of virtual reality and Metaverse technologies.

Development and Application of Metaverse – RTHK Interview

by RIVRT Press Media
metaverse

On March 9, 2023, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) interviewed Ir. Dr. YM Tang, a renowned expert in virtual reality and immersive technology, to discuss the development and applications of Metaverse.

During the interview, Ir. Dr. Tang shared his insights on the potential of the Metaverse and its impact on various industries, including entertainment, e-commerce, and education. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among different sectors to fully realize the potential of the Metaverse and create engaging and immersive experiences for users.

Ir. Dr. Tang also discussed another important factor in Metaverse development is the growth of online communities and social networks. As more people spend time online and engage with each other through social media and other digital platforms, the demand for richer, more engaging virtual experiences is increasing.

Applications of the Metaverse are already beginning to emerge in a variety of fields. One of the most promising areas of application is in the entertainment industry. Virtual reality concerts, games, and other experiences are already gaining popularity, and as the Metaverse continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more immersive and engaging entertainment experiences.

In the education and training sector, the Metaverse has the potential to transform the way we teach and learn. Virtual reality simulations and interactive environments can provide hands-on learning experiences that are not possible in traditional classroom settings.

The interview with Ir. Dr. Tang provides a valuable perspective on the current state and future prospects of the Metaverse, and highlights the growing interest in this technology among the media and general public. As the Metaverse continues to evolve and mature, it is likely to have a profound impact on the way we interact with the digital world, and on the way we live, work, and play.

Mixed Reality混合實境教師體驗日 探索應用科技教學

by RIVRT Activity

香港理工大學工業及系統工程系於12月12日邀請了聖母無玷聖心書院(Immaculate Heart of Mary College)約60名教職員參加混合實境教師體驗日，到訪綜合產品設計實驗室及伍達倫數碼實驗室參觀VR/AR等教學設備。

鄧博士及其研究團隊介紹虛擬實境、擴充實境、混合實境於教學上的多元應用，以及讓教師親身體驗VR/AR和製作全息投影模型，探索如何將這些科技應用於日常教學。

體驗內容包括沉浸式虛擬實境洞穴系統、頭戴式VR系統、Hololens AR裝置等，渴望透過科技提升學生的興趣。

教師體驗了訓練程序教學(Procedural Learning)及沉浸式學習(Immersive Learning)探索混合實境的教學應用。他們亦透過親身體驗製作全息影像(Hologram)，思考對於3D圖像學習的教學應用。教師體驗了訓練程序教學(Procedural Learning)及沉浸式學習(Immersive Learning)探索混合實境的教學應用。他們亦透過親身體驗製作全息影像(Hologram)，思考對於3D圖像學習的教學應用。

教師可在課堂中加入混合實境的沉浸式體驗、無地域限制、互動化等特性，必定能讓學生提升學習興趣，並在課堂內外獲益良多。

PolyU Undergraduate Info Day 2022

by RIVRT Activity

On 8 October 2022, the PolyU Undergraduate Info Day 2022 (Info Day) was successfully held that a broad range of face-to-face/online activities were provided first-hand information on undergraduate studies to the participants. As the first local tertiary institute holding face-to-face event this year, about 26,000 participants participated the event.

RIVRT is appreciative of the opportunity to share our most recent technology advancements with young adults. We hope they will eventually enroll at PolyU in the future.