AR merges the concept of real and virtual. Our virtual world and the associated virtual objects are synthesized by a computer or digital device, such as a smart phone (Milgram. 1994). Those virtual objects exist in essence and in order to experience them, they must be simulated. Real objects, on the other hand, have an actual presence. Hence, virtual is the illusion in which there are no real objects present (Porter. 1997).
AR works on the basis that we use a digital device, which is complemented with associated technology (e.g. RFID, computer vision and object recognition). In other words, the digital device must be able to read or recognize the associated technology. By the same token AR uses elements in our surroundings, such as billboards, postings, shop discount coupons, games scores in pubs, and so on to convert the information in our surroundings to digital information and in doing so allows the information to be communicated/broadcasted to a nearby device. It can then return new information to our digital device. This process has been known as cellspace technology, which delivers data to the mobile space dwellers (Manovich. 2002).
Below is an example used in logistics.
Another example of AR was recently set up by the city Washington DC that now provides its commuters with real-time, up-to-date bus information.
All bus stops in the area are provided with a 2D barcode, and anyone with a smart phone can scan the barcode to retrieve up-to-date bus traffic reports on their device.
The above example shows how AR has been used in conjunction with geo-spatial targeting, which could very well be used for retrieving the 2D barcode information.
Hence, scan the 2D barcode, and have the information sent back to your device.
I contemplate that AR will become a ubiquitous part of our world, and will make a greater significance on our lives by adding more convenience and efficiency in accomplishing our daily tasks.
It is projected that this market will rise to a $732 million by 2014, an increase of $2 million compared with 2010 (Juniper Research 2010). However, this may impact our privacy and security of personal data. It is no longer the video surveillance intrusion into our lives, but rather the Net- or wireless enabled device that continuously monitors our lives (Manovich 2002). The Australian Communications and Media Authority and other critics have also been vigilant about the imposing nature of AR, and the threat of unwanted public exposure of people’s information (e.g., political and personal preferences out in the open) (Sun. 2010).
The threat of privacy and security invasion is a concern that should be explored more. There is an apparent need for regulation, which might be difficult and tedious, because this involves cross-industry and discipline adherence to new policies (from technology companies, handheld device manufacturers, internet providers and so on).
I believe that AR will emerge as the next step towards our definition of reality, rather than that it appears to become a detriment in our society.
References:
Kirkpatrick, M. (2010), ‘Augmented Reality Coming to DC Bus Stops Today’, The New York Times, September 3, 2010, viewed from augmented reality
Knight, W (2005), Augmented reality brings maps to life, News Scientist, 19 July 2005, accessed on 5 September 2010, viewed from News Scientist
Manovich, L (2002), The Poetics of Augmented Space: Learning from Prada, London: MIT Press
Milgram, P. and A. F. Kishino, Taxonomy of Mixed Reality Visual Displays, IEICE Transactions on Information and Systems, E77-D(12), pp. 1321-1329, 1994.
Porter, D. (1997), Internet Culture, New York: Routledge
Ramesh R., Welch, G. Fuchs, H. (1996), ‘Spatially Augmented Reality’, paper presented to the Department of Computer Science, Chapel Hill: NC, Sept 1998
Think Plank (2010), ‘Internet of Things & Augmented Reality: Conversation Starters’, Convergence conversations, 24 April 2010.
Sun, M (2010). ‘Tracking your life’, MX News, September 2, 2010
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