As a start, with advances in tracking and increased computing power, researchers are now going for mobile augmented reality systems, specially the iPhone which we are all familiar of. As the iPhone had engaged in adopting augmented reality – a combination of real-world and computer generated data, where computer graphics objects are blended into real footage in real time (GDC 2009). This may actually help consumers to have a whole load of entertainment no matter where they are at. Take for example, the Augmented Reality Virtual Pet Application where the iPhone can actually overlays an animated image of a dog on the real time video input from the iPhone’s Camera.
Besides that, from our research we also found that augmented reality when work together with iPhone, it actually brings a lot more, which is also convenience. AR is one of the most exciting technologies around. It can bring convenience to users let say for example the “Panoramascope”, which is also an augmented reality application that can give information about the user’s surroundings, which is great for those who are into outdoors, camping and beyond.
As for those who always have difficulties trying to remember where they parked their car, they can use the “augmented car finder” to show where their car is located. It is pretty much useful for those who are forgetful and always have difficulty in searching their car especially in a huge parking area. There is also another application called the “wikitude” that allows users to explore their surroundings effectively on their phone. This is actually very useful for traveller as they can provide information to users as users walk on the street. They can give users information on what is the building next to you, which area are they at and also how long does it takes for them to reach a particular destination. The use of “wikitude” can be illustrated in the video below:
However, there is one theory that we would like to open for discussion to all of you is regarding the entertainment with augmented reality. This is because from our research, MacIntyre had actually claimed reports that his research has found that those playing these Augmented Reality games with others were more social and interactive as compared to those playing more traditional games against each other. What do you people think? Can the change in technology bring impact to the society?
References:
Impressive Augmented Reality Game Possibilities on the iPhone, Touch Arcade 2009, last viewed 9 October 2010, http://toucharcade.com/2009/03/26/impressive-augmented-reality-game-possibilities-on-the-iphone/
30 Best Augmented Reality iPhone Applications, iPhoneNess 2010, Last viewed 2010, http://www.iphoneness.com/iphone-apps/best-augmented-reality-iphone-applications/
Hi Hui Tze and Kelvin,
ReplyDeleteThis blog is great! I've learned something new! You can say i'm out-dated but at least now i knew what is augmented reality and its usefulness!
Well, let me share some information that goes beyond the AR application in Mobile. Instead, the future of AR, which is AR application in contact lenses!
The one who in charge in developing this AR application in contact lenses is Prof. Babak A. Parviz from University of Washington.
From what i knew, if one day in future the AR contact lenses is successfully developed and become increasingly common, then we need not to own a device like smart phone for now to facilitate in our daily activity.
As AR contact lenses (is wireless) can:
1. Give bionic eyesight, become 'cyborg'.
2. Displaying text, translating speech into captions in real time. Mean, in future we have no obstacle to communicate with someone who speaks foreign language.
3. Offering visual cues from a navigation system. For example, like the video in this post, Wikitude, in future we need not to rely on this smart phone.
4. Diabetic wearer can keep tabs on blood-sugar levels without needing to prick a finger. Other medical purposes also available such as to monitor cholesterol, sodium, and potassium levels. Other than that, with coupled of wireless transmitter, the lens could relay information to medics or nurse instantly.
From your question above, i agree that those playing these Augmented Reality games with others were more social and interactive as compared to those playing more traditional games against each other. BUT, currently it is still very difficult to achieve whereby divert those gamers attention from traditional games such as MMORPG to Augmented Reality games. Because, the Augmented Reality games are just too simple to play (even though with new advance technology), and therefore it is not challenging enough compare to the computer games.
Every technology brings positive impact to the society unless misused. Think about it, how if one day pornography industry adopt Augmented Reality technology?
References:
ReplyDeleteBabak A. Parviz 2009, 'Augmented Reality in Contact Lenses', IEEE Spectrum, viewed 10 Oct 2010.
http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/augmented-reality-in-a-contact-lens/1
Saenz, A. 2009, 'Augmented Reality Could Be Coming to Your Contact Lenses', Singularity Hub, viewed 10 Oct 2010.
http://singularityhub.com/2009/10/15/augmented-reality-could-be-coming-to-your-contact-lens/
Wow! Thanks for your reply! It is a great piece of information you’ve got here! Yes, perhaps we all become like Robocop in the future. Future generations would work at ease and learn things easily, as long as they have the AR contact lenses!
ReplyDeleteHowever, although this is one piece of superb technology, but we should not ignore the side effects of it where it may actually cause damage to our eyes. This is actually very dangerous because the eye of a human being is important! Don’t you think so? It would have its side effect as I believe such technology would bring some sort of radioactive effect on human beings, such as cell phones.
AR games would be super cool. If you have ever seen the older Star Trek series they show what an AR game would look like. They called it a Holodeck. Google it or look it up on Youtube.
ReplyDelete