Augmented+Reality


 * Augmented Reality**

Description | Purpose | Strengths | Weaknesses | Considerations | Leading Tools | Open Source Options Examples

= Description =


 * Augmented reality** (AR) is a term for a live direct or an indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are //augmented// by computer-generated sensory input, such as sound or graphics. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is modified (possibly even diminished rather than augmented) by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality. By contrast, virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one.

= Purpose =

Augmented reality provides another way for consumers and students to interact with objects in their environment through the use of their smart phone, tablet or computer. These enhanced interactions provide a new way to experience the world around them. Through augmented reality consumers can learn more and interact with products like they've never been able to before. Augmented reality brings a new experience to the classroom that can excite and interest students about topics they may have thought was boring before. History can come to life, science can be looked at from many different angles and a book review available from your peers, the possibilities are endless.

= Strengths =

Augmented reality is a technology that is being used now in industries such as automobile assembly/repair, video gaming, as well as making reading a book more interesting. Some of the strengths are: = Weaknesses =
 * Information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulable. Such as installing a part into a car engine. The car and the part are "real" and with AR, the mechanic is able to visually see 3D instructions on how to properly install or remove.
 * Many of the applications can be used simply by accessing a program on a smart phone.
 * Simply stated, Augmented Reality enhances the user's performance in and perception of the world

Augmented reality requires cumbersome technology to function. In some cases it must be downloaded each time it is to be used on a smart phone device. Even then, due to the large data transfer that takes place, the technology will freeze often. Many of the brands are also not compatible. For each tag card you may have, a different download may be needed. While this is the case, there still are not many options in terms of choice. Augmented reality is still a newborn technology and so there any still several unanswered questions as its true effects. Will it hinder learning? The technology may kill any need for imagination and with imagination linked to memory, what will the effect truly be in years to come?

= Considerations =

Going forward with augmented reality, let’s consider:
 * Security: AR is a gateway to knowledge and information, but does tagging open the door for theft of property or identity?
 * Trust: How will privacy be protected? What are the effects of anonymity?
 * Reliability: What happens if someone is counting on augmented reality to complete an important task? Will the developer be liable for the malfunction of the AR capability?
 * Technical issues: Is the camera’s view of the real-world object unobstructed? How is size of display, depth of field of vision and balance of graphics vs. text considered?
 * Risk: Will AR distract users from reality, increasing vehicle and other types of accidents? Will spam be an issue as AR becomes more universal?

= Leading Tools/Companies =

SportVision - @http://www.sportvision.com/ SportsMEDIA - @http://www.sportsmedia.com/ Total Immersion - @http://www.t-immersion.com/

= Open Source Options =

Goblin XNA - @http://goblinxna.codeplex.com/ ARToolKit - @http://www.hitl.washington.edu/artoolkit/ Mixare - @http://www.mixare.org/

**Examples**
Here is YouYube's 360° Video Channel. An example of a roller coaster ride is posted below. Add a pair of Google Goggles, and you get quite the experience. [|YouTube 360 Video Channel]

media type="youtube" key="8lsB-P8nGSM" height="288" width="510" align="center" [Extreme] 360° RollerCoaster at Seoul Grand Park

media type="youtube" key="PGu0N3eL2D0" height="294" width="468" align="center" Lego Augmented Reality - Youtube

media type="youtube" key="NxQZuo6pFUw" height="294" width="468" align="center" Zugara's Augmented Reality & Motion Capture Shopping App - Youtube

media type="youtube" key="1_7NW_u3VFo" height="294" width="468" align="center" Toyota - iQ Augmented Reality - Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzuqhhs6NWbgTzMuM09WKDQ