The Alexandra Institute

Data Science and Engineering Lab
Based on our strong relation to computer science research in Denmark and abroad we are at the forefront of most of the prevailing software technologies on the market and we are first-movers on bringing new technologies from research into use in specific cases.

We have extensive experience with programming languages like Java, C + + and C #. Our experience lies both withiin the design and implementation of programming languages. We work primarily on a research-related level in areas such as the longstanding effort in the distribution of the object-oriented programming paradigm. With a far more industrial focus we have worked with the development of Variance in the Java programming language for Sun Microsystems as well as collaborative projects with Microsoft about the early versions of the .NET technologies.

We work with the development of various specific software architectures for pervasive computing, including Palcom http://www.ist-palcom.org/ which is used in the underlying software infrastructure in the @ aGlance project. Based on our extensive experience with software architecture in general, we have built a number of methods for analysis and improvement of existing software systems’ architecture. Including unique methods, such as the use of ethnographic studies of how software architecture is handled in companies.

In the Cloud Computing field we work with all levels of the "Cloud stack": Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IAAS). This work includes both the use of a number of programming languages and development tools as some of these Cloud service providers often require use of specific tools. Moreover Cloud computing presents new challenges to the conventional programming paradigms - the challenges we take up and find solutions. We have close contacts with Azure group in Microsoft Denmark.

In web technologies, our expertise comprises all the new technologies progressing concurrently with the growing use of the Internet. Technologies such as HTML5, XML, CSS, AJAX, JavaScript, GWT and many others, and specific frameworks such as Facebook, OpenSocial,. NET webforms and Azure webroles.

With regard to smartphone development, we have particularly strong competences within the IOS (iPhone platform) and Android, but we have also wide experience with older technologies such as J2ME and Symbian.

Within data networks, we work with a wide range of the existing technologies and protocols. Including wireless networks, sensor networks, ad-hoc networks, VoIP and media streaming, Bluetooth, home automation (ZigBee, Z-Wave, IO-home control) and most recently 6lowpan.

Health IT Lab
One of the key issues in our projects is user-driven innovation, also known as participatory design. We work with field studies, workshops with users and experiments in realistic environments as a central and integral part of our design work. Our field studies are often designed, conducted and analyzed by ethnographers in collaboration with e.g. computer scientists, engineers and industrial designers. We emphasize an interdisciplinary collaboration between different professions, as we believe that we in this way receive the greatest benefit from the resources deployed.

We use a wide range of technologies to meet the needs arising from our projects.

The technologies and methodologies include:

Methodologies: Future Workshops, Wizard of Oz, prototype evaluations, Home Health Tours, ethnographic analysis, cultural probes, mobile probes, Scrum, XP
Hardware platforms: Mobile devices, embedded devices, servers
Network infrastructure: Mobile, IP, xDSL, fiber
Sensor networks: Medical sensor networks, sensor networks for the body, user interfaces and security for low-energy sensors IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee, low power wireless networks, 6LoWPAN
Operating systems: TinyOS, Apple, Symbian, Contiki, Linux
Software development platforms: Eclipse, Java, Python
Application solutions: Telemedicine, online communities
Web technologies: Web Services, SOAP, XML
Databases: MySql, Oracle
iPhone, iPAD, ANDROID development
Health Standards: HL7

Interactive Spaces Lab
It is essential to us that the integration of it in the physical surroundings takes place in the context of the users. Experiments with software prototypes and spatial installations are therefore widely used working methods. With regard to research we work with technologies and concepts within a number of pervasive computing research areas as for example interaction design, augmented reality, ubiquitous hypermedia, mobile computing and context awareness. The areas cover a wide field as for example schools, libraries, homes, museums, attractions and public spaces.

The projects are based on a user-driven innovation model where the users are involved actively in the design process through workshops, scenario development, evaluation of prototypes etc. We work cross-disciplinarily and in cooperation with researchers from computer science, architecture/design, information and media science, and engineering. Furthermore, developers from the involved companies participate in cooperation with the user in the development of new concepts and technologies.

Our technological expertise comprise:

Architectures for interaction in JAVA, .NET, Python, FLASH etc.
Multitouch interaction: iPods, MultiTouch OY, Interactive floors
Visual Tag technologies: SemaCodes, QR-tags, ARToolKit Tags, SpotCodes, Amoebe Tags.
RFID tags, NFC technology
Sensor-actuator technologies: Phidgets, Arduino, Accelerometres, touch, bend and PIR-sensors.
Camera-based interaction: EyesWeb, Retina, OpenCV etc.
iPhone development
Development of mobile technology: JAVA, Python, etc.
Web technology: Web services, SOAP, XML, CMS,…
Positioning technologies: GPS, Galileo, WiFi, Bluetooth.
Bluetooth development: Stack development, proximity services based on BlipSystems

People, Technology and Business Lab

Security Lab
Together with Aarhus University, Security Lab is a world leader in implementing Secure Multiparty Computation – a unique cryptographic technique that enables computation on encrypted values.

SMC can be used for confidential data processing and exchange of data. In the research project Confidential Benchmarking (COBE), we have contributed to the development of an SMC-based solution that enables integration of confidential data, which would otherwise be problematic seen from a security perspective.

SMC makes it possible for several parties to input data in encrypted form and compute on the data while still encrypted. The only thing that is ever revealed is the result, which all parties agree to decrypt, and which cannot be abused.

We also work with applied cryptography for mobile platforms and PETs (Privacy Enhancing Technologies). These activities are primarily based on Java and Python.

Another focus area is threat and risk analysis. Here, we use methods inspired by OCTAVE.

We have applied these methods in different areas, such as healthcare IT, wireless communication in industrial environments, and pervasive computing in general.

Another example is Attribute-Based-Credentials (ABC), which is a technology that supports secure identification and privacy – for example in connection with electronic ID cards. We have participated in the EU project ABC4Trust that develops digital privacy-enhancing solutions.

Visual Computing Lab
Software technologies - our core competence is within the following technological areas:
• Real time rendering
• OpenGL
• Shaders
• Numerical calculations
• Cuda/OpenCL
• Parallel calculations
• Many-core/multi-core
• Simulation of physical properties
• 3D Studio Max and Unity 3D

Alternative displays - we work with 3D technologies, including Panorama and mobile 3D stereo displays, through our collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Visualisation and Interaction (CAVI). We have access to CAVI’s virtual studio, where it is possible to produce video consisting of digital 3D models and physical objects and persons. We also work with large LED displays for the use of integration in building facades and other forms of architecture.

Innovation methods and processes - across technologies we work methodically with support of innovation processes and user involvement in design processes. The methodological basis is based on e.g. ethnographic studies of use context, design workshops, visualisation of design concepts and prototyping.
An example of design workshops is "Inspiration Card Workshops", a workshop technique where a number of design concepts is developed through a combination of knowledge gathered from domain studies and technological options.
Another of our design techniques uses CAVI’s virtual studio to visualise a design solution within pervasive computing. This is a design technique that is particularly useful when IT integrates with large or larger displays in our physical surroundings.