Stimulation of the Senses

Augmented Reality Research

What is augmented reality

augmented reality

noun

noun: augmented reality

1. a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.

Augmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. 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. Augmentation is conventionally in real-time and in semantic context with environmental elements, such as sports scores on TV during a match. With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulable. Artificial information about the environment and its objects can be overlaid on the real world.

Sight

This video is from a fictional future but it is a good example of augmented reality and how we can interact with it in the world we live in.

Augmented Reality Cards / Codes

Augmented Reality Code

Augmented reality can use codes that are viewed with the camera of a device, they are then interpreted by a app and shown on screen. The code shows objects in 3D space and can be viewed from any angle it can be seen from. Still images, animated pieces and even games can be shown and played on the appropriate device.

Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality

The difference between augmented reality and virtual reality is the level of immersion. Virtual reality is based upon a complete simulation of a real world environment which the user can explore and interact with by means of a head mounted display (HMD) and input device, e.g. data glove. The user loses or immerses themselves in this environment.
But with augmented reality the user sees the real world but with the addition of computer generated images which are overlaid on various objects within the real world. They are still aware that they are in the real world as compared to the full immersion in a virtual world. They use a device such as a smartphone or a wearable device - complete with a webcam - which contains software that recognises an image and helps displays this onto an object.
Virtual reality replaces the real with the artificial whereas augmented reality enhances real life with artificial images.

Augmented Reality Examples

Nintendo

Nintendo uses augmented reality cards and a 3DS to bring their characters to life right in your home. Once the card has been placed and the camera is pointed at it, the character pops up and the player can interact with the character. Multiple cards can be used to have many 3D characters running around on your tabletop or any other surface. This brings fans of Nintendo closer to their favorite characters and in turn builds a better bong with Nintendo.

Nintendo AR Cards

Nintendo also has augmented reality games, once the card is placed on the surface a little yellow bow appears.Once the box is clicked it opens into a menu of boxes and games can be selected. When the game is selected the box expands and the game is playable in 3D space.

Nintendo Augmented Reality Game

Google Translate App

The Google Translate app, formally known as Word Lens, is a augmented reality app that translates languages to English on the screen of your device, it can be used with printed text, handwriting, the human voice and translates 90 languages. This app would be helpful in many situation, someone could be on holiday and need a menu reading, lost in a foreign land and needing to read sign posts, be in a dangerous area and read the warnings or even to look at what a takeaway says on its sign.

 

The interface is simple with a main page, this holds the language options and the buttons to get to each feature of the app. The photo screen shows the language selected on the main screen and gives the user the option to scan something with the camera or upload a picture from there device. The microphone screen has a button at the bottom and the user can talk to instantly translate it into the selected language, the text is ten read back to the user in said language, It is brilliant! The layout is simple and the buttons have clear icons, it has simple colours (white background and blue header bar for the main page and a white background with red buttons for the voice function). This subtle change in colour gives the user a clear indication to what part of the app they are currently using.

Google Ingress

Google Ingress is Google's entry into AR gaming. It is a MMO (massive multiplayer online game) that splits players into two factions to fight in a kill of the hill scenario over virtual territories. As players walk around they gain XM or exotic matter which in turn will take over virtual portals. Once 3 virtual portals are captured the faction takes control of the area between them. Google Ingress is a strategy game with social elements and promotes exercise, as it encourages the players to move about and be outside, it could promote exercise and interaction between players that would normally stay at home.

The layout is simple with bright, high contrast colours on black with glow and bloom effects that are all very pleasing to the eye. It would appeal to children, teenagers and sci-fi fans alike. With the growing trend of youngsters spending a lot of time on the internet and indoors gaming, this is a breath of fresh air.

ColAR Mix

Colar Mix is a app designed for children that everyone can enjoy, it is a app that brings your 2D drawings to life in beautiful 3D. Users are required to download and print out a image from one of the many free colour packs, colour it in however they see fit and show it to the camera of their device. The image then comes to life as a animated 3D model accompanied by music for viewers to enjoy.

Augment

Augment is a that lets customers view product in augmented reality, the models are shown in real time scaled correctly. Custom tackers and models can be added to added to show just about anything a person can think of if they have access to 3D modeling software or a company that does 3D modeling. 

This app is great for consumers, being able to see how items would work with the space they have or how they would be integrated into their lives. Imagine looking through the IKEA catalog and being able to see if that new table you have had your eye on fits in the gap int he corner of the kitchen, comparing a pairs of alloy wheels on your car without the aid of Photoshop or how the colour of a sofa fits with your living room decor.

ARMedia Plugin 3DS Max

ARMedia have released a plugin that allows users to print AR cards of their 3D models and animations from 3DS Max. This plugin would be particularly useful to someone like myself that would be able to show their work. I hope to be using this plugin for future projects to give the people i am presenting to a more immersive experience of my work.

Deafness Vs Hearing Loss

Hearing loss refers to a diminished ability to hear sounds like other people do, while deafness refers to the inability to understand speech through hearing even when sound is amplified. Profound deafness means the person cannot hear anything at all; they are unable to detect sound, even at the highest volume possible.

Sign Language

Sign language (also signed language or simply signing) is a language which uses manual communication and body language to convey meaning, as opposed to acoustically conveyed sound patterns. This can involve simultaneously combining hand shapes, orientation and movement of the hands, arms or body, and facial expressions to fluidly express a speaker's thoughts. They share many similarities with spoken languages (sometimes called "oral languages", which depend primarily on sound), which is why linguists consider both to be natural languages, but there are also some significant differences between signed and spoken languages

Wherever communities of deaf people exist, sign languages have been developed. Signing is not only used by the deaf, it is also used by people who can hear, but cannot physically speak. While they use space for grammar in a way that spoken languages do not, sign languages show the same linguistic properties and use the same language faculty as do spoken languages. Hundreds of sign languages are in use around the world and are at the cores of local deaf cultures. Some sign languages have obtained some form of legal recognition, while others have no status at all.

A common misconception is that all sign languages are the same worldwide or that sign language is international. Aside from the pidgin International Sign, each country generally has its own, native sign language, and some have more than one, though sign languages may share similarities to each other, whether in the same country or another one.

Sign Language Signs

The British Alphabet

The American Alphabet

Sign language contains words as well as letters but i will not list them all here.

Braille

Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. Teachers, parents, and others who are not visually impaired ordinarily read braille with their eyes. Braille is not a language. Rather, it is a code by which many languages—such as English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and dozens of others—may be written and read. Braille is used by thousands of people all over the world in their native languages, and provides a means of literacy for all.

Braille Alphabet

Trigger Image For Simulation