Project Title: European Researchers’ Night in Latvia 2018–2019

Acronym: NIGHTLV-2018-2019

Identification No.: H2020-MSCA-NIGHT-2018

Grant Agreement No.: 819129

Implementation Period: 01.05.2018 – 31.12.2019

Funding: EUR 12,775

75% – European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions project funding – EUR 9 581.25
25% – State funding – EUR 3 193.75

Project Partners:

• State Education Development Agency
• University of Latvia
• Riga Stradins University
• Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
• Daugavpils University
• Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
• Rezekne Academy of Technologies
• Liepaja University
• Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis
• Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
• Institute of Electronics and Computer Science
• Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre
• Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”

Project Objective:
To promote public interest and awareness, especially among young people, about science and the profession of scientists, to introduce the public to the impact of various scientific fields on daily life, and to provide the opportunity to get to know scientists' work and working environments in person. As part of the project, a series of interactive and educational activities will be organized in Riga and several other cities in Latvia, including Ventspils. The following exhibition stands will be developed in Ventspils.

Tissue Segmentation of Heart Valves
Research of biological samples requires equipment that allows the sample to be placed, illuminated from below, and observed from above to identify damaged tissue areas. VTPC has developed algorithms that can automatically determine the ratio of healthy and damaged tissues. This allows the acquisition of high-resolution (4K) images with minimal resources, making it possible to analyze and visually assess various properties of the sample.

User Interface Using RealSense™ Camera (Medical Application)
VTPC is developing a system to assist doctors with the implantation of deep electrodes for epilepsy patients during the pre-operative phase. As the electrodes must be positioned in three-dimensional space, traditional interfaces (keyboard and mouse) are not optimal. A RealSense™ camera is used for control, recognizing hand gestures and coordinates in 3D space, linking them to a virtual head model. At the stand, visitors can take on the role of a doctor and position the electrode needle in the head model.

Processing Methods of 3D Scanning Results of Human Limbs for Orthosis Creation
3D printing technology has advanced to the level of producing industrial-quality objects in terms of both precision and strength. In cooperation with WIDE software (Baltic3D), VTPC is developing an automated system to support the work of orthopedists. Creating such 3D models requires medical knowledge, modeling skills, and mesh processing algorithms. The phases of mesh quality assessment and basic processing can be automated, allowing professionals to focus on tasks with higher added value.

Human Limb Recognition Technology
This stand demonstrates human body and limb recognition technology, widely used in the computer vision industry (video games, security, telecare). Visitors can interactively observe the operation of the algorithms in real time using the installed camera.

Robot Dog
Using kits available online, it is possible to easily build exciting artificial intelligence projects. Visitors will see how, by combining multiple ready-made solutions, one can create a toy for children based on the latest computer vision and robotics technologies.

LoRa Sensor Stand
LoRaWAN is a new and rapidly growing technology used in IoT solutions for collecting data from various sensors. By creating a data collection system, it is possible to interactively track changes and events in the surrounding environment, providing an understanding of the principles of smart monitoring solutions. VTPC’s scientific staff, in cooperation with Ventspils Digital Centre, is developing and testing various sensors for telecare. Learn about the principles of smart monitoring solutions and the development and testing of various sensors for telecare.

Artificial Intelligence Painter
Computers are capable not only of performing technical and repetitive tasks, but also of creating paintings. In this interactive stand, visitors can use a touchscreen to prompt an AI algorithm to generate artistic elements that resemble realistic paintings. The stand will also showcase how modern AI algorithms can generate realistic photos from sketches. Learn how AI algorithms can be used to create artistic elements that look like real paintings.