Output details

My WebCam

This research was conducted in conjunction with EyeSpyFX.com, a University of Ulster spin out company founded by Hutton in June 2002 with a focus on commercialising research involving control of robotic devices via the web and mobile telephones.

My Webcam (2008) resulted from research to overcome technical challenges such as domestic routers and firewalls, alongside investigating how users interact with privacy and security through mobile devices. My WebCam is a safe place to put private live webcam content in a public space. Hutton likens it to a virtual net curtain.

My Webcam is multimodal multimedia software where users set up home webcams for 'peace-of-mind' monitoring and view via the web, Facebook and mobile devices. To do this users download an application for their PC or Mac called My Webcam – Broadcaster. Users are able to view their webcam from a remote location using the web via EyeSpyFX website, via an EyeSpyFX Facebook app or via a mobile app (available for purchase on Nokia.ovi, Sony Ericsson Play Now Arena, Orange World (end 2011), Blackberry App world (end 2013), iPhone/iPad App store, Android Market). Over 100,000 people have purchased the app. There are multiple reviews for the app. A promotional video helps to explain the functionality of the app on the EyeSpyFX YouTube channel.

Several grants were secured to assist in the research and development of My Webcam: UK Technology Strategy Board (£15,000 – 2008). InvestNI, the Regional development agency, Research and Development Grant (2008 - £33,000). E-Synergy (£10,000 – 2010).

My Webcam has been publicly displayed at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona 2010 on the InvestNI booth and a Java phone version (named PhoneStreamFX) been recognised by Orange in 2008 as “best of Utility” app in Cape Canaveral, Florida.