{"id":1287,"date":"2017-11-13T17:49:27","date_gmt":"2017-11-13T16:49:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/imac-project\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T15:46:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T13:46:52","slug":"imac-project","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/ca\/imac-project\/","title":{"rendered":"ImAc Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_0 et_pb_image et_animated et_pb_module et_block_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/LOGO-IMAC-UAB-amb-text.png\" width=\"5000\" height=\"1049\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/LOGO-IMAC-UAB-amb-text.png 5000w, https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/LOGO-IMAC-UAB-amb-text-300x63.png 300w, https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/LOGO-IMAC-UAB-amb-text-768x161.png 768w, https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/LOGO-IMAC-UAB-amb-text-1024x215.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/LOGO-IMAC-UAB-amb-text-1080x227.png 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 5000px) 100vw, 5000px\" class=\"wp-image-1311 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 5000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 5000\/1049;\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span style=\"color: #4669a6; font-weight: bold;\">Anglat\u00e8cnic<\/span> is a partner of the <span style=\"color: #e05512; font-weight: bold;\">Immersive<\/span> <span style=\"color: #4669a6; font-weight: bold;\">Accessibility<\/span> <strong>project<\/strong> (ImAc) financed by the European Union Research and Innovation programme Horizon 2020.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_tabs_0 et_pb_tabs et_pb_module\"><ul class=\"et_pb_tabs_controls clearfix\"><li class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_0 et_pb_tab_nav_item et_pb_tab_0 et_pb_tab_active\"><a class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_link\" href=\"#\">Abstract<\/a><\/li><li class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_1 et_pb_tab_nav_item et_pb_tab_1\"><a class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_link\" href=\"#\">Motivation<\/a><\/li><li class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_2 et_pb_tab_nav_item et_pb_tab_2\"><a class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_link\" href=\"#\">Immersive Platform<\/a><\/li><li class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_3 et_pb_tab_nav_item et_pb_tab_3\"><a class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_link\" href=\"#\">Objectives<\/a><\/li><li class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_4 et_pb_tab_nav_item et_pb_tab_4\"><a class=\"et_pb_tab_nav_item_link\" href=\"#\">Poster<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"et_pb_all_tabs\"><div class=\"et_pb_tab_0 et_pb_tab clearfix et_pb_active_content et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_tab_content\"><p>Advances in technology have led to the availability of consumer Head Mounted Displays and the availability of 360\u00b0 cameras for capturing\u00a0immersive content. This has enabled broadcasters to explore new experiences, where narrative and content can be delivered with a heightened\u00a0sense of presence and engagement, regardless of whether the user is fully immersed, using multiple screens, or via traditional television.\u00a0Exploitation of these technologies is still in its infancy and innovators are producing ground-breaking content for early adopters.<\/p>\n<p>With any new\u00a0technology it is essential to consider accessibility especially in Europe, where e-inclusion is a priority of the EC and the Single Digital Market. Doing\u00a0so ensures that the narrative is coherent across languages, ages and abilities, and ensures compliance with regulatory guidelines.<\/p>\n<p>The goal of\u00a0Immersive Accessibility (ImAc) is to explore how accessibility services can be integrated with immersive media. It is not acceptable that\u00a0accessibility is regarded as an afterthought: rather it should be considered throughout the design, production and delivery process.<\/p>\n<p>ImAc will\u00a0explore new deployment methods for these services (Subtitles, Audio Description, Audio Subtitling, Sign Language) in immersive environments.\u00a0We will move away from the constraints of the current technology, into a Hyper-Personalized environment where the consumer can fully customize\u00a0the experience to meet his personal needs. For example, it may be more appropriate for subtitles to be read out-loud or the Audio Description\u00a0presented as text. The key action in ImAc will be to ensure immersive experiences are inclusive across different languages, addressing the needs\u00a0of those with hearing and low vision problems, learning difficulties and the aged. We also foresee these services consumed by a wider audience,\u00a0for personal convenience, learning language and language therapy - accessible content can add significant value to these related areas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_tab_1 et_pb_tab clearfix et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_tab_content\"><p>Technology transforms the way we work, live, and entertain ourselves. A Eurobarometer survey1 (European Commision, 2014) found that 86% of Europeans consume a Television service almost every day (on either a TV set or online) and more than 96% watch it at least once a week. As the TV environment becomes increasingly connected with the development of HbbTV, AndroidTV or AppleTV, it brings opportunities for new experiences, but also creates new challenges for accessibility. There is an emerging market for consumer level Virtual Reality technology which is increasing demand for immersive content. This is driven by the availability of new display devices (Head Mounted Displays, Mobile phones), better production equipment (omnidirectional cameras, high-end graphic cards and CPUs). VR is now widely present in our market and it is expected to keep growing, taking a strong position in both the media and entertainment market.23<\/p>\n<p>Accessibility is generally only considered after a technology has matured to meet the demand of the mass market. This results in a significant barrier to 25% of the EU population with disabilities or age related disabilities. This number is increasing as the ageing process is a shifting demographic trend within Europe. Within the EU the number of people aged 65 or over has increased by 2.3% in the last 10 years4 and also it is estimated that there are currently around 80M citizens with disabilities.<\/p>\n<p>In order to achieve an inclusive society we must consider all people as potential consumers and the incorporation of accessible solutions into new technologies from the start allows their full deployment and exploitation. \u201cDesign for users with users\u201d will ensure we meet end-users\u2019 expectations and should lead to a robust and meaningful environment where immersive and pervasive solutions, for an increasingly personalised user experience, are achieved. Providing standards early on will also avoid duplication of work and ensure compatibility between frameworks. The motivation behind ImAc is to design and test the behaviour and possibilities of media access services in the new immersive environments from a user-centric methodology.<\/p>\n<p>Providing cutting-edge technology to all people is essential and promotes inclusion - an important social policy in Europe where \u201cunited in diversity\u201d is the official motto. This project will exploit the immersive technology which lends itself to a hyper-personalisation, increasing the participation of old and new EU citizens and residents in the new media landscape. By bringing together: technologies, content creators and distributors, along with end-users will result in new business models and opportunities. Offering the creative industries tested services and new ways of interaction should pave the way to a stronger EU media sector reaching to new and wider audiences. Using and exploiting technology to its best, and considering EU diversity, should provide robust solutions which can later be exploited worldwide, positioning Europe as one of the world leaders in Media Accessibility. Innovations in this project will work towards a connected Digital Single Market where individuals and businesses can seamlessly access and experience media content under the same conditions of fair competition irrespective of their nationality, disability or age.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_tab_2 et_pb_tab clearfix et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_tab_content\"><p>The ImAc proposal targets all consumers (including those with impairments), the broadcasting and content creation industry, and its value chain by providing an end-to-end system to create, distribute and display accessible content over omnidirectional video and virtual reality. ImAc will provide new immersive tools for sign language, enhanced audio and subtitling for the content industry.<\/p>\n<p>ImAc will be a prototyping platform where end-users with special needs will be able to define from the start what services they need and how they want it, following a user-centric design. The project will match these expectations to what is possible with current and future technologies and having an open dialogue between end-user and technology developers is crucial for a meaningful development and technology deployment.<\/p>\n<p>The immersive technology opens the door for many people, who may benefit from the services developed from this work which goes beyond consuming traditional television. Empowering disabled users by enabling them to directly control immersive media and interact with the environment themselves, can boost user confidence and lead to greater autonomy. For all those users with special needs, an accessible platform will be created that will facilitate navigation and consumption of all immersive content, and selection and operation of inclusive services (such as subtitling and enhanced audio) in a user-friendly way. This platform opens the door for the development of future services which will no doubt improve quality of life for those with mobility or communication restrictions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Opening immersive worlds to EU industry<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>ImAc will demonstrate that there is a place in the market for accessible immersive content, for both industry and society. In order to demonstrate feasibility, accessibility must be considered from the beginning of the design process in order to provide a high-quality service, which really answers the needs of users and ensures a maximum level of QoE.<\/p>\n<p>New job opportunities are being created by the immersive technology industry, where immersive content is at the heart of the training, production and monetisation for many EU media industries.<\/p>\n<p>Immersive content can deliver significant benefits in education where primary\/secondary schools across countries can join in collaborative learning and follow a joint curriculum, which can be developed and consumed across borders. This can lead to seamlessly triggered language learning beyond Google Yuriana, or as shown in the EU funded project IMARECULTURE. These collaborative, accessible, and multilingual learning environments can change EU education promoting cohesion and establishing links. School exchanges under ERASMUS programmes will also benefit, complementing existing exchange programmes and accelerating integration. Existing education environments where immersive technology has been shown to be successful include the car industry, e-Health training (such as the EU funded project AUGGMED), and dancing (WhoLoDance).<\/p>\n<p>ImAc will also offer a response to the creative media industry within in the broadcast sector, creating new and innovative ways to engage and empower audiences. Demonstrating quality-tested techniques for adding accessible content into these immersive environments helps move towards the Digital Single Market. ImAc will guarantee one of the \u201cfour freedoms\u201d since immersive services will be multi-language and accessible across borders. Helping to overcome communication barriers will also promote the development of common policies on product regulation and freedom of movement for production, something very much at the heart of ImAc and the interest in standardisation. ImAc shares the vision of \"A Connected Digital Single Market\" avoiding duplication of effort, promoting quality interaction and with end-users at the heart, allowing for new innovative solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_tab_3 et_pb_tab clearfix et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_tab_content\"><p>The objectives of the project are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Create accessible and fully personalised services for all citizens<\/li>\n<li>Deliver novel resources for the broadcasting industry to provide adapted content ensuring accessibility in immersive environments<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate the tools and platform in open pilots<\/li>\n<li>Work towards standardisation of accessibility data in an immersive content environment<\/li>\n<li>Maximize impact on society delivering real and useful solutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_tab_4 et_pb_tab clearfix et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_tab_content\"><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1291 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ImAc_Poster3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"3311\" height=\"4682\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 3311px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 3311\/4682;\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h1>Partners<\/h1>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>i2CAT Foundation<\/strong> (Spain)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg<\/strong> (Germany)<\/li>\n<li><strong>University of Salford<\/strong> (UK)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Corporaci\u00f3 Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals, S.A.<\/strong> (Spain)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Motion Spell<\/strong> (France)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Universitat Aut\u00f2noma de Barcelona<\/strong> (Spain)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Anglat\u00e8cnic<\/strong> (Spain)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Institut f\u00fcr Rundfunktechnik GmbH<\/strong> (Germany)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Royal National Institute of the Blind<\/strong> (UK)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p><strong><u><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imacproject.eu\/2020\/05\/07\/imac-platform-installed-for-corporacio-valenciana-de-mitjans-de-comunicacio-cvmc-and-television-autonomica-de-aragon-tvaa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><\/a><\/span><\/u><\/strong><strong style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><u><span style=\"color: #0066cc;\"><\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module et_pb_text_align_center\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>-<\/p>\n<p>This project has received funding from the European Union\u2019s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 761974<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1249 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/logo_eu.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"129\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 193px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 193\/129;\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1287","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1287","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1287"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1287\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18608,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1287\/revisions\/18608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anglatecnic.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}