Augmented Reality in Sri Lanka
AUGMENTED REALITY
Shafeek MACM
1. Augmented Reality
The first true mention of augmented reality is in L. Frank Baum’s novel The Master Key. Printed in 1901, the book mentions a “character marker” set of electronic spectacles that when view someone through them would show a letter on that person’s forehead regarding their character. “I give you the Character Marker. It consists of this pair of spectacles. While you wear them every one you meet will be marked upon the forehead with a letter indicating his or her character. The good will bear the letter 'G, ' the evil the letter 'E. ' The wise will be marked with a 'W ' and the foolish with an 'F. ' The kind will show a 'K ' upon their foreheads and the cruel a letter 'C. ' Thus you may determine by a single look the true natures of all those you encounter.” [1] Augmented reality (AR) is a live view of a real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data [2]. In augmented reality in which a view of reality is modified by a computer and as a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality. Augmentation is conventionally in real-time with environmental elements, such as Cricket Decision Review systems on TV during a match. With the help of advanced AR technology the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally usable. As technology has advanced and become focused on mobile development, augmented reality has become closer to practical use than ever before. The introduction of smart phones with GPS and cameras such as the iPhone and Android phones is giving rise to an array of AR applications. Generally, these applications show the world as seen through the phone’s camera, but in addition to functioning as a viewfinder. With help from the GPS and on-board compass, it can place information or graphics on top of buildings or objects seen through the
Shafeek MACM
1. Augmented Reality
The first true mention of augmented reality is in L. Frank Baum’s novel The Master Key. Printed in 1901, the book mentions a “character marker” set of electronic spectacles that when view someone through them would show a letter on that person’s forehead regarding their character. “I give you the Character Marker. It consists of this pair of spectacles. While you wear them every one you meet will be marked upon the forehead with a letter indicating his or her character. The good will bear the letter 'G, ' the evil the letter 'E. ' The wise will be marked with a 'W ' and the foolish with an 'F. ' The kind will show a 'K ' upon their foreheads and the cruel a letter 'C. ' Thus you may determine by a single look the true natures of all those you encounter.” [1] Augmented reality (AR) is a live view of a real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data [2]. In augmented reality in which a view of reality is modified by a computer and as a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality. Augmentation is conventionally in real-time with environmental elements, such as Cricket Decision Review systems on TV during a match. With the help of advanced AR technology the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally usable. As technology has advanced and become focused on mobile development, augmented reality has become closer to practical use than ever before. The introduction of smart phones with GPS and cameras such as the iPhone and Android phones is giving rise to an array of AR applications. Generally, these applications show the world as seen through the phone’s camera, but in addition to functioning as a viewfinder. With help from the GPS and on-board compass, it can place information or graphics on top of buildings or objects seen through the
References: [1] L. Frank Baum, The Master Key, MesaView, Inc., Nashua, NH, 1901. [2] Graham M., Zook M., Boulton A., (2012), Augmented reality in urban places: contested content and the duplicity of code. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, [Online], Available: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1475-5661.2012.00539.x/full. [3] Soha Maad, Samir Garbaya, Saida Bouakaz, (2008), From virtual to augmented reality in financial trading, Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 21 iss: 1 pp. 71 – 80 [4] Google Trends Analytics, (2013, 02, 20), [Online], Available: http://www.google.com/trends/explore?hl=en#q=augmented+reality%2C+virtual+ reality&cmpt=q [5] http://www.arlab.nl, [Online], Available: http://www.arlab.com/blog/wpcontent/uploads/2012/05/Blog_Image001c-1024x682.jpg [6] College of Engineering, University of Illinois, (2013, 01, 23), Augmented reality system useful for construction and beyond , [Online], Available: http://readwrite.com/files/styles/800_450sc/public/restaurant.png [7] Dialog launches Sri Lanka’s first ever location based mobile deal App, Daily FT, (Sri Lanka), [Online], Available: http://www.ft.lk/2012/07/06/dialog-launches-srilankas-first-ever-location-based-mobile-deal-app/, July 6, 2012 [8] Jetwing lead reality campaign with Aurasma, Sunday Times (Sri Lanka), [Online]. Available: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/121111/magazine/jetwing-lead-realitycampaign-with-aurasma-19604.html, November 11, 2012