In partnership with TELUS, and the University of Calgary, this project focused on designing and prototyping an end-to-end XR platform where extended reality (XR) components such as video processing and XR rendering are deployed as microservices across core and edge clouds. The aim was to enhance Wi-Fi throughput visualization and optimization in indoor environments using Digital Twin (DT) technology, and remote support solution to place motion sensor.

The project introduces a user-friendly XR solution where a Digital Twin of a home can be generated using LiDAR and ARKit, throughput can be measured at specific points, and performance mapped in 3D. This approach not only improves technical accuracy but also provides a direct benefit to TELUS customers: helping them identify optimal Wi-Fi router placements, reducing negative feedback, and enhancing brand loyalty.

Project Objectives

Objective 1: Digital Twin Creation

  • Scan indoor environments using LiDAR and ARKit (Apple RoomPlan).

  • Generate 3D floor plans with dimensions and furniture recognition.

  • Export DTs in USD/USDZ formats for compatibility with design tools.

Objective 2: Throughput Measurement & Visualization

  • Shift focus from traditional signal strength to throughput-based assessment, mitigating environmental and device variability.

  • Measure download, upload, and latency via APIs (e.g., SpeedOf.Me) and Unity assets.

  • Visualize results using an innovative bubble-based method:

    • Green = High (>100 Mbps)

    • Yellow = Medium (50–100 Mbps)

    • Red = Low (<50 Mbps)

  • Provide intuitive, real-time visual feedback in immersive environments.

Objective 3: Enhancing User Experience

  • Develop interactive interfaces for selecting test locations.

  • Implement dollhouse and overlaid DT visualizations for better context.

  • Improve usability via color-coding and simple UI cues.

  • Conduct pilot and user studies to evaluate interpretation and effectiveness.

Objective 4: Collaboration & Industry Relevance

  • Deliver economic benefits by reducing customer complaints and optimizing service adoption for TELUS.

  • Create scalable XR microservices deployable over 5G networks.

  • Provide research insights into HCI, immersive analytics, AR/VR, and AI integration.

Objective 5: Motion Sensor Placement with HMD Integration

  • Enable users to scan their home environments using an iPad equipped with LiDAR.

  • Recreate the scanned environment inside a head-mounted display (HMD) for immersive visualization.

  • Provide real-time guidance for optimal motion sensor placement across different rooms.

  • Allow users to preview coverage areas, blind spots, and sensor effectiveness before installation.

  • Improve home automation and security workflows by combining Digital Twin modeling with immersive XR simulations.

Methodology & Implementation

  • Phase 1: Focused on DT creation using Apple LiDAR, throughput measurement via third-party APIs, and dollhouse-style visualization.

  • Phase 2: Integrated Unity assets for streamlined scanning, throughput testing, and AR overlays with enhanced UI design.

  • Phase 3 : Extend DT workflows into HMD-based immersive environments, supporting interactive sensor-placement planning.

University of Calgary – SEER Lab and Ethereal Lab

    • Parisa Daeijavad (Ph.D. studen)

    • Naman Bhoj (MSc student)

    • Nami Modarressi (MSc student)

    • Ali Shahidi (MSc student)
    • Farhan Aslam (MSc Student)

    • Supervisors: Dr. Frank Maurer , Dr. Richard Zhao,  Dr. Diwakar Krishnamurthy