Augmented Reality can be a Lot More Than Superimposing a View Over a Map
Posted on | February 13, 2010
- Image by tomazstolfa via Flickr
First of all we should look at the definition of what augmented reality really is and what do I (we) expect from it in the long run.
Wikipedia defines Augmented Reality as:
Augmented reality (AR) is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with (or augmented by) virtual computer-generated imagery - creating a mixed reality. The augmentation is conventionally in real-time and in semantic context with environmental elements.
The key part being “semantic context with environmental elements”.
Current situation
In 2009 and 2010 we already saw several implementations of augmented reality applications for various purposes, the most publicly known being Layar and Wikitude which try to become globally recognized augmented reality enablers for other applications. Layar has been extremely successful so far in generating a lot of buzz in the high-tech community and in getting a lot of brands on the AR bandwagon. However the “context” that current AR platforms understand is very limited as they all rely on a limited number of sensors:
- geolocation info (via GPS)
- compass for direction
- gyroscope for the angle of view
Current AR applications just superimpose linked information to the data they acquire from these sensors, making it impossible to understand the whole context of the surrounding reality and limits the number of possible use cases.
Near future
In the future we can expect the number of sensors to increase drastically. We can easily imagine that surrounding sound data will be used to better understand the context, image recognition tools will be used to recognize and tag elements directly in the context. Context will not be linked just to location but to a much broader set of environmental elements, therefor enabling a set of new applications.
A classic example would be a computer vision aided AR application that recognizes a billboard and provides you some super imposed information connected to the billboard content.
Imagine walking down the street and hearing a familiar song. When sound sensors will be good enough (and they probably already are - Shazam) you could easily take out your AR device (no, not your mobile phone) and see the band playing live, superimposed over the image of reality you are just looking at.
Conclusion
From my point of view the AR frenzy has just started and there are many opportunities for developing new sensors first, and a new breed of applications using these sensors.
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