Augmented Reality:An Introduction

Stan Bogdanov, Chris Grunert, Kristin Hart

Augmented Reality merges visual perception of the “real world” with computer-generated content.

• On the simplest level, graphics displayed onscreen over televised sporting events, barcodes and QR codes could all be considered augmented reality.

“Real” Augmented Reality is a hybrid technology that requires 4 basic components

• a display

• a tracker

• a graphics computer

• a piece of software

• four components that have all merged beautifully onto the object we are all carrying in our pockets right now, our smartphones, but which remain essentially unchanged since AR’s conception 45 years ago.

The “Sword of Damacles,” from MIT in 1968, projected 3D vector graphics inside a helmet and conveyed it to

the user’s eyes through lenses and half-silvered mirrors. It tracks the user’s gaze through sensors in

the helmet.

(image: CNET)

Other highlights in AR development

This legendary device from 1989 was actually called the “Eyephone” (image: CNET)

Steve Mann’s Wear Comp 1 was apparently held together with duct tape.

By 1984 (the year of the first Apple computer), it looked a little better.(images: Wikipeda)

The most widespread use of augmented reality in everyday life can actually be found on something most

of us have - mobile phones

(images: Layar)

The screen is a window through which we view an augmented world.

(images: Layar, Wikitude, and WordLens)

Microsoft Surface

(image: Wikimedia Commons)

SixthSense Technology

(image: Wikimedia Commons)

Vuzix is a headpiece that has an eye mounted display screen

• Features an Android-based computer in the headpiece

• It will be sold for under $500

• Equipped with gyroscope, GPS, a digital compass, a 720p HD camera, 4GB of onboard storage, and an 8GB memory card.

• One downside is battery life. It only lasts about 8 hours until it needs to be recharged.

• Another downside is having to only use one eye. (image: Vuzix)

Microsoft’s Version of Google Glass

• Tracks the direction in which the wearer is looking, and adjusts its on-screen graphics accordingly

• Camera for videos and pictures.

• Used like a smartphone, users don’t need to use their phones to check social networking and media.

• Two eyepieces instead of one.

(image: Google Patents)

ORA-S Digital Eyewear Platform• Hands-free mobile computing.

• Geo-localization, sports, messaging, situation awareness, etc.

• Connects wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet.

• Has a flip view which allows for full augmented reality view.

• It also has a built in camera.

(images: Ora-s)

The Future of AR

(images: Wikimedia Commons and YouTube)