Time for my 5 cents on Augmented Reality. I got interested in AR thanks to my Android phone and the applications Layar and Wikitude. They both have a high "show off" factor but the practical usage differs (at least in my case) from the "I am going to impress you" mode.
The wikipedia definition of AR is "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."
In my humble opinion this definition is not broad enough. It requires mixing live information with other elements. Looking at the way I am using for example Layar, I see two important modes:
The first mode is (indeed) mixing a live camera feed with other elements. Standing at a point I hold up my phone and see the Wikipedia entries positioned in the live footage. Using this for the mountain peaks in Switzerland (one of the layers) is a very good use. The peak information is located near the real mountain.
The second mode is the map mode. Searching for an ATM is performed in this mode. I feel kind of stupid in the middle of the street rotating around my axis. I have to make a total 360 degree sweep to be sure which ATM is the closest. The map mode (or even the list mode) is the better way to provide this information.
Both modes give different context to the information. In certain cases the visual context is the most important (eg the mountain tops) and the exact distance to the subject is not that important. The location context is more important in other cases. I want to know if the nearest ATM is on the other side of a river with no bridge in sight. If there is an object obstructing my direct view on this ATM, I will not see this problem in the camera view.
I prefer the way that Robert Rice (Chairman of Augmented Reality Consortium) defines AR in a broader context: “When I talk about AR, I try to expand the definition a little bit. Usually, when you talk to someone about augmented reality, the first thing that comes to mind is overlaying 3D graphics on a video stream. I think though, that it should more properly be any media that is specific to your location and the context of what you are doing (or want to do) …augmenting or enhancing your specific reality.” [link].
I cannot imagine the future of AR. My latest thought occured today during my trip home: The weather outside is rainy and cloudy. What if a head up display would always show me the world as if the sun is shining (or not depending on my mood)? What if we could use AR for more senses? Not feeling the rain but feeling the warm sunbeams?
A major step for AR will be the introduction of see-through displays. Several companies are working on this bu they are not expected within a year. But I cannot wait for the moment that detailed information on a cetain object is shown in the corner of my eye. No more travel guides when you are walking through a town but all information displayed real-time. The planned walking route through the city is displayed as arrows on the street. The only problem to solve: how to handle the overflow of information?
Some interesting links:
Interation Design for Augmented Reality
Delicious bookmarks on AR
The AR consortium
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