Augmented Reality

‘Augmented reality’ is the name given to technology that combines the real and virtual worlds, by superimposing virtual graphics, audio or information over a real-world environment. You may have seen a video posted on NCC Education’s Facebook page featuring Pranav Mistry demonstrating Sixth Sense technology (if not you can see it here). In the video, Mistry showed how an interactive computer display can be projected onto any surface, and controlled with coloured detectors worn on the fingertips.

This advanced example of augmented reality is unlikely to become commercially available for some time; however there are examples of the technology available today. The technology has been used in sports coverage for a while, such as when analysts draw tactical markings on a video or still. It has also been used in video games, most famously in Playstation’s EyePet, in which, through the use of a webcam, the player’s location was shown on screen inhabited by a small computer-animated animal. The animal ‘moved’ about the room, and the player could interact with it on-screen through real life movements.

The first examples of mobile augmented reality software have recently begun appearing as mobile phone apps. Several programs are available, such as Layar, Monacle and Wikitude. The software uses the phone’s camera to view the world around the user, and overlays information onto the screen, such as restaurant reviews, information on landmarks, or business information. The software finds the user’s position and direction through GPS tracking and an in-built compass, and gathers information about the location from the internet.

A variation of this is Google Goggles, an app which effectively performs a Google search by taking a picture. For example, by taking a picture of a landmark with the phone, the app returns search results related to that landmark. Similarly, by taking a picture of a book in a shop, a Google search could return reviews of the book, as well as price comparisons. The software can also be used as an instant translator. Currently, the app is only available on Android mobiles, but is due to be released on the iPhone soon.

While the use of augmented reality on phones represents a massive step towards an entirely more digital world, for the time being the information is still contained within the phone’s screen. In the future, however, the signs are that the information will no longer be shown on screens, but either projected through glasses or contact lenses, or projected straight onto the real world, such as in Pranav Mistry’s Sixth Sense device.

Several questions regarding privacy have been raised in response to certain aspects of the technology. Software exists which would allow augmented reality programs not only to identify buildings and landmarks, but also people, linking to their Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc. pages, providing the user with the person’s name, and any information stored about them on the above sites. Critics claim this is a breach of privacy, and would allow strangers too much access to personal information.

Augmented reality technology has already begun to be used in advertising. A code or image can be scanned with a webcam, taking the user to exclusive video or media content, and allowing advertisers to give higher quantities of information in a more interactive, engaging format.

As Pranav Mistry mentions in his demonstration of Sixth Sense, information will soon no longer be restricted to a device in our hands – instead, it will be fully integrated into the real world around us.

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