Daily Archives: July 30, 2017

Mike Glennon and Kevin White high-fived as they jogged back to the Bears' huddle early on the first day of training camp, satisfied they had just taken a baby step forward in the offense's evolution.

Glennon had zipped a pass smoothly over the middle. White was open and caught it in stride, just as the coaches drew it up. It was the type of play the Bears need to make more often to pull the parachute cord on their NFL plummet.

And they now have a new tool in that quest.

Ten yards behind the line of scrimmage for that play and most others this summer, there's a 360-degree video camera perched atop a skinny, 8-foot pole.

That addition to Bears practices this year marks their entry into the realm of virtual reality. As the latest NFL team to invest in the burgeoning video technology, it could help thrust them upward as they start a chapter defined by their quarterback overhaul.

The Bears mainly hope it will help them overcome the shortage of practice repetitions for Glennon, second-overall pick Mitch Trubisky and veteran Mark Sanchez. There's also an evaluative component that's different from conventional overhead video.

Trubisky, for example, can strap on a VR headset in the comfort of a classroom and see and hear exactly what Glennon did as he dropped back on that crisp completion Thursday.

"I'm really surprised what that technology has allowed us to do," Trubisky said. "Especially calling plays in the huddle I call the play, go out and practice it, and Coach can see on the screen where my eyes are going. So it has helped me with progression and timing without actually going onto the field and having to do it."

General manager Ryan Pace began exploring the use of VR in 2016 as part of his priority to push the Bears into fledgling areas of sports science and technology. The clarity and processing time in VR technology has continued to improve, and the Bears' quarterback changes this offseason increased its value to the franchise.

After a tryout period in the spring with STRIVR Labs, a Silicon Valley-based company with roots in Stanford's football program, the Bears finalized their deal before training camp. They're the seventh NFL team to partner with STRIVR, joining the Cowboys, Cardinals, 49ers, Vikings, Bills and Jets.

"I'm excited about it," Glennon said. "It gives a unique perspective on how you see things. Sometimes you may see something on the field, and that's not exactly how it looks on the (All-22 overhead) film. But when you watch it on the virtual reality, you're like, 'OK, I was right.'"

Here's how it works:

The 360-degree cameras are placed around the field during practice. For the quarterbacks' sake, they're in the backfield.

After practice, memory cards are plugged into a computer, and the footage is uploaded in about 45 minutes. STRIVR software then divides the video into individual plays and classifies it per team specifications.

Then it's ready for the Bears' quarterback meetings with offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and position coach Dave Ragone. One quarterback puts on the VR headset over his head and eyes and holds a small controller, actually an Apple TV remote, Glennon said. He runs through plays that either he or one of the other quarterbacks actually ran in practice.

What the player sees inside the helmet is displayed simultaneously on a laptop or big screen for the others in the room. From there, collaborative evaluations begin.

Said Sanchez: "If I'm looking left and I'm supposed to look right, Dowell can pause it and say, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa. That's not what we want. Remember, on this concept versus this specific look, see the corner, see the leverage boom we want to look right.'

Sanchez finds VR particularly helpful for throws over the middle or throws affected by something flashing directly in front of him, like a cornerback's angle defending it. Factors that the overhead video doesn't show clearly. And it helps for quarterback coaches to see through the passer's eyes.

"When you're (watching) the big eye in the sky, All-22 film, it's easy to say, 'Throw it to that guy,'" Sanchez said. "Well, in the pocket you can see a little more if a guy is breathing down your neck. That's why I dumped it down to the back or that's why I threw it away."

STRIVR has evolved quickly since CEO Derek Belch was a graduate assistant on Stanford's coaching staff in 2014. The former Stanford kicker developed the technology as part of his master's thesis, then left coaching to build the company full-time on the advice of head coach David Shaw. In addition to expanding in the NFL, they have branched out to help companies such as Wal-Mart train employees.

"The Bears are very, very much on the leading edge, even though we're in Year 3 as a company," Belch said. "This is still something that scares people. It's still something that's going to take time to permeate every part of the NFL. Chicago is one of the teams diving in. It's a perfect storm with the quarterback situation, but it's going to be so much bigger there."

Indeed, the Bears are starting out slowly with the technology. Although VR can serve other decision-making positions like safety and linebacker, the Bears are applying it only to their quarterbacks for now. If all goes well, they eventually will expand it and apply the data analysis component Belch's company continues to advance.

In the meantime, the quarterbacks are using it daily in training camp. It doesn't replace conventional film study, but it augments it in a way that has quelled any skepticism among them and energized the entire group.

"Experience is worth its weight in gold, right?" Sanchez said. "That's the ultimate idea, and this is trying to get you close to that."

rcampbell@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Rich_Campbell

Excerpt from:

VR technology for new Bears QBs? It's a virtual hit - Chicago Tribune

Computers, smartphones, and other gadgets have become a necessity in our work and personal lives. But they dont have to be used so seriously! Technology can also bring us some fun, laughter, and enjoyment.

Im reminded of this often from my kids. I have to spend most days typing, talking on the phone and fixing computers and networks, while they have time to have fun with technology. So like me, consider spending more time just enjoying technology.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Be goofy with Snapchat: This is one of the most popular smartphone apps with the younger generations. You can send photos or videos to your friends and family members who have the app and the photo or video disappears from their device after so many seconds of viewing it. So you can be goofy! The best part: the app has photo filters and effects that you can apply. Maybe swap faces with someone, give yourself or someone else bunny ears and a nose, change your voice into a mouse squeak, or picture yourself as a dancing hot dog. Some are totally weird, but they are funny. My 13-year-old daughter is always on Snapchat.

Talk to your devices: Most devices these days you can talk to and they respond with some sort of action, like displaying search results, answering your question, or performing a task. Windows 10 computers now have the talking assistant Cortana, Android phones and tablets have Google Assistant, and Apple iPhones and iPads have Siri. These can be useful, but they can also be fun to play with. Siri on Apple devices seems to be the best and most intelligent digital assistant. Whatever device you have, maybe ask it some real questions, and also some silly ones. My 6-year-old son can talk to Siri for hours and be giggling the whole time.

Video chat with others: Though talking on the phone lets you communicate with family and friends, video chatting is on another level. You can see and hear them, and they feel more present. Its great for talking with people you cant physically meet often. If you have a computer with a webcam or an Android phone or tablet, maybe use Skype. Or if you have an Apple iPhone or iPad, use the FaceTime app. When my daughter is home and has nothing to do, shes usually on video chat with a friend.

Watch YouTube Videos: The TV can be boring. Youre pretty limited to what type of content and shows you can watch. But video sharing sites like YouTube.com allow you to search for and watch videos on pretty much any topic imaginable. Maybe search for videos on gardening, classic cars, cooking, or even funny topics like jokes, pranks or standup comedy. This is another technology my kids, and many others these days, use on a daily basis.

Play games on your phone or computer: Windows comes with some card games installed and ready to play, but there are many more games you can download. And smartphones and tablets dont usually come with any games installed. So, consider installing some. Maybe try cross-word puzzles, trivia games, or even the popular Pokemon Go game if youre really adventurous.

Play active games on a TV: You dont have to be a couch-potato to play games. There are some active video game systems, like the Nintendo Wii, Xbox Kinect, and the PlayStation Move. These all have a special sensor controller or camera that tracks your movements, so you can physically interact with the games. Perhaps play some table tennis, try boxing, dancing, Zumba, and much more. These allow you to utilize technology while moving and being active.

If you need help get started with any of these, grab someone who has used them before, usually someone from the younger generation. Or call a computer and IT services company like mine for assistance.

Continued here:

6 ways to have fun with technology - MyDaytonDailyNews

SF Express, one of Chinas largest logistics service providers, wants to transform into a technology-driven courier and adopt home grown Chinese technology to boost its business internationally.

One of our primary objectives is to understand how we use technology to differentiate ourselves [from our rivals], David Adams, chief executive officer of the international business unit of SF Express, told the South China Morning Post. China already has tremendous technologies and we will primarily use Chinese technology as a foundation to expand our business.

For example, the Shenzhen-based SF Express has already started commercial drone deliveries after receiving Chinas first drone airspace license. Drones are really useful in special delivery situations such as emergencies and remote areas, Adams said. But right now, from my understanding, there are no plans to use drones outside China.

SF Express chief Wang Wei unseats Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing as third-richest Chinese

To expand the international business, SF Express will adopt two different models depending on the region.

In some Asian countries such as Singapore and Korea, which are closer to China, we will invest directly in infrastructure and service development, Adams said. In Singapore, SF Express offers domestic delivery services and will introduce the same in Malaysia later this year.

For countries further away, such as the United States and in Europe, SF Express will use an asset light model.

[In these countries], we will find partners to help us with our service, he said.

We do not generally offer domestic service outside China. Within Europe, we do not offer delivery service from one country to anotherbut only connect Europe and China or Asian countries.

Adams said the company will primarily invest in technology, expertise, human resources and equipment when it comes to markets further away from China.

Consequently, SF Express isnt worried that its international business expansion will be caught up in Chinas tightening rules on outbound capital as the asset light investment model doesnt involve large capital outflows.

Cross-border business between the US and China, the largest two economies in the world, is a priority for the companys international business expansion, but initially the courier will focus on US exports to China.

We primarily focus on B2C cross-border business, [mainly helping] US e-commerce merchants enter the Chinese market and sell their products in China, Adams said.

In Hong Kong, where SF Express founder Wang Wei originally started his business, Adams said the company is already quite large and ubiquitous but wont shy away from expanding its presence even more in the city.

Cainiao and SF Express to resume data sharing after Chinas State Post Bureau intervenes

In March this year SF Express officially completed its so-called backdoor listing on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, with the resulting surge in share price temporarily making Wang Wei the countrys third-richest man. But the stock price has since slipped on a disagreement with Cainiao, the logistics affiliate of Alibaba Group, over the sharing of data. However, the two firms have since resumed data sharing. Alibaba is the owner of the Post.

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China's SF Express eyes home-grown technology as means to expand globally - South China Morning Post

Pilot Dan Hesselius holds a fixed-wing SuperSwift drone. (University of Colorado / Courtesy photo)

University of Colorado Boulder students and faculty make the claim that they have likely flown more research drones in more places in the world than any university in the country.

Their next destination is the skies over Yuma farm country.

CU announced Friday that in coming weeks, its scientists, engineers and students are teaming up with Boulder's Black Swift Technologies to use unmanned aircraft to measure water moisture at a Yuma test irrigation farm.

Project Drought, as it's known, is one of five different research initiatives under CU's Integrated Remote and In Situ Sensing project, under the direction of Professor Brian Argrow at CU's Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences department.

CU considers IRISS to be a pillar of the university's Grand Challenge initiative efforts to harness science, technology and innovation to solve important national or global problems.

Argrow said Friday that work starting soon at the Irrigation Research Foundation research and demonstration farm in northeast Colorado is a continuation of a project that is ongoing.

"This project has been going on for a couple of years and one of the issues for this iteration of the sensor and the aircraft is to make sure the sensor and aircraft work together as a system, and that the flight system in the aircraft doesn't interfere with making those precision measurements," he said. "Those are the types of issues being worked on right now."

Black Swift Technologies, which was spun out of CU by aerospace doctoral graduates Jack Elston, Maciej Stachura and Cory Dixon aided by a NASA Small Business Innovative Research Grant developed the fixed-wing SuperSwift drone equipped with a removable nose cone that will fly over the test farm.

The drone's sensor was developed by a team led by CU Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering Professor Al Gasiewski.

The research team will pair high-precision drone readings of soil moisture with measurements from NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive Satellite, launched in 2015. The satellite's primary radar instrument has failed, but scientists can still use its passive radiometer instrument to produce surface maps. Each pixel represents an area about 225 miles across, according to Argrow.

The IRF facility in Yuma is equipped with sensors in the soil to chart moisture, and that data will be compared with data gathered from the air by the SuperSwift drone. According to Dixon, each team will include a pilot on the ground, a staff member and two students.

"This is part of a project with Black Swift Technologies, so we are talking about a potential for commercialization of this capability," Argrow said. "You can envision that ultimately, this soil moisture mapping can be provided as a service.

"The emphasis is not on county scale drought measurement, like you get from NASA mapping, but farm scale. You can imagine farmers wanting to use this service to improve their water management, by informing them on the soil moisture distributions."

Dixon, in a news release, said, "While some farmers don't have the ability to adequately assess their soil moisture, we can fly over an entire crop field with high enough resolution to give them data that will eventually allow for more efficient water use in particular areas."

Argrow hedged only slightly on CU's claim to drone supremacy at the university level in the U.S.

"That's quite a claim," he conceded. "We're throwing down the gauntlet, so I guess I'll let somebody tell us we're wrong."

Charlie Brennan: 303-473-1327, brennanc@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/chasbrennan

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CU Boulder researchers lead team using drone technology to map soil moisture - Boulder Daily Camera